bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five New Meroterpenoids from the Fruiting Bodies of the Basidiomycete Clitocybe clavipes with Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Sun Zhaocui , Xu Xudong , Liang Hanqiao , Xia Xinyi , Ma Guoxu , Shi Leiling
Published: November 2019

Five new meroterpenoids, clavipols A–B (1–2) with a 12-membered ether ring and clavilactones G–I (3–5) having a 10-membered carbocycle connected to a hydroquinone and an α,β-epoxy/unsaturated lactone, were obtained from the fruiting bodies of the basidiomycete Clitocybe clavipes. Their structures were determined by comprehensive analysis of their spectroscopic data, and the absolute configuration of 1 was established by quantum chemical calculations of electronic circular dichroism (ECD). All the isolated compounds (1–5) were tested for their cytotoxic activity against three human tumor cell lines (Hela, SGC-7901, and SHG-44) in vitro after treatment for 48 h. Compound 4 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against Hela and SGC-7901 tumor cell lines, with IC50 values of 23.5 and 14.5 µM, respectively.
Development of an Oriental Medicine Discrimination Method through Analysis of Steroidal Saponins in Dioscorea nipponica Makino and Their Anti-Osteosarcoma Effects
Authors: Hwang Joo Tae , Park Ki-Sun , Ryuk Jin Ah , Kim Hye Jin , Ko Byoung Seob
Published: November 2019

To prevent confusing Dioscorea nipponica (DN), an Oriental medicine, with Dioscorea quinquelobata (DQ) and Dioscorea septemloba (DS), a simple and accurate quantitative analysis method using HPLC combined with ultraviolet (UV) detection was developed and verified with UPLC-QTOF/MS through identification of five saponin glycosides: protodioscin (1), protogracillin (2), pseudoprotodioscin (3), dioscin (4), and gracillin (5). The newly developed analysis method showed sufficient reproducibility (<1.91%) and accuracy (92.1%–102.6%) and was able to identify DN based on the presence of compound 3 (13.821 ± 0.037 mg/mL) and the absence of 5. Compound 1, which is present in DN at a relatively high level (159.983 ± 0.064 mg/mL), was also an important marker for identification. Among the three species, DN showed the strongest activation of apoptotic signaling in osteosarcoma cells, while the four compounds detected in DN showed IC50 values of 6.43 (1), 10.61 (2), 10.48 (3), and 6.90 (4). In conclusion, the strong inhibitory effect of DN against osteosarcoma was confirmed to be associated with 1 and 4, which is also related to the quantitative results. Therefore, the results of this study might provide important information for quality control related to Oriental medicine.
Injection Molded Novel Biocomposites from Polypropylene and Sustainable Biocarbon
Authors: Abdelwahab Mohamed A. , Rodriguez-Uribe Arturo , Misra Manjusri , K. Mohanty Amar
Published: November 2019

Achieving sustainability in composite materials for high-performance applications is a key issue in modern processing technologies. In this work, the structure-property relationships of injection molded polypropylene (PP)/biocarbon composites were investigated with a focus on the thermal properties and specific emphasis on the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE). Biocomposites were produced using 30 wt.% biocarbon in a PP matrix, and two different sources of biocarbon produced at ~650 and 900 °C were used. The overall results were compared with 30 wt.% glass- and talc-filled PP composites. Due to the lamellar morphology of the talc developed during the extrusion-injection molding processing, talc-filled composites showed an increase in the CLTE in the normal direction (ND), and a reduction in the flow direction (FD) with respect to the neat polymer. Glass fiber composites also showed an improvement in the CLTE with respect to the neat polymer. However, the biocarbon-based composites showed the best properties in the ND, with improved values in biocarbon produced at higher temperature. The FD values for both biocarbon composites were improved with respect to the matrix, while biocarbon created at lower temperature showed slightly lower expansion values. A comprehensive explanation of these overall phenomena is supported by a series of morphological, thermal, mechanical and rheological tests.
Hybridization of Particulate Methane Monooxygenase by Methanobactin-Modified AuNPs
Authors: Xin Jia-Ying , Sun Li-Rui , Lin Hui-Ying , Zhang Shuai , Xia Chun-Gu
Published: November 2019

Particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) is a characteristic membrane-bound metalloenzyme of methane-oxidizing bacteria that can catalyze the bioconversion of methane to methanol. However, in order to achieve pMMO-based continuous methane-to-methanol bioconversion, the problems of reducing power in vitro regeneration and pMMO stability need to be overcome. Methanobactin (Mb) is a small copper-chelating molecule that functions not only as electron carrier for pMMO catalysis and pMMO protector against oxygen radicals, but also as an agent for copper acquisition and uptake. In order to improve the activity and stability of pMMO, methanobactin–Cu (Mb–Cu)-modified gold nanoparticle (AuNP)–pMMO nanobiohybrids were straightforwardly synthesized via in situ reduction of HAuCl4 to AuNPs in a membrane fraction before further association with Mb–Cu. Mb–Cu modification can greatly improve the activity and stability of pMMO in the AuNP–pMMO nanobiohybrids. It is shown that the Mb–Cu-modified AuNP–pMMO nanobiohybrids can persistently catalyze the conversion of methane to methanol with hydroquinone as electron donor. The artificial heterogeneous nanobiohybrids exhibited excellent reusability and reproducibility in three cycles of catalysis, and they provide a model for achieving hydroquinone-driven conversion of methane to methanol.
The Effect of Curcumin on the Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Mesodermal Lineage
Authors: Gorabi Armita Mahdavi , Kiaie Nasim , Hajighasemi Saeideh , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Majeed Muhammed , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: November 2019

Curcumin has been placed at the forefront of the researcher’s attention due to its pleiotropic pharmacological effects and health benefits. A considerable volume of articles has pointed out curcumin’s effects on the fate of stem cell differentiation. In this review, a descriptive mechanism of how curcumin affects the outcome of the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the mesodermal lineage—i.e., adipocyte, osteocyte, and chondrocyte differentiation—is compiled from the literature. The sections include the mechanism of inhibition or induction of MSCs differentiation to each lineage, their governing molecular mechanisms, and their signal transduction pathways. The effect of different curcumin doses and its structural modifications on the MSCs differentiation is also discussed.
Evaluation of the Anti-Diabetic Activity of Some Common Herbs and Spices: Providing New Insights with Inverse Virtual Screening
Authors: Pereira Andreia S.P. , Banegas-Luna Antonio J. , Peña-García Jorge , Pérez-Sánchez Horacio , Apostolides Zeno
Published: November 2019

Culinary herbs and spices are widely used as a traditional medicine in the treatment of diabetes and its complications, and there are several scientific studies in the literature supporting the use of these medicinal plants. However, there is often a lack of knowledge on the bioactive compounds of these herbs and spices and their mechanisms of action. The aim of this study was to use inverse virtual screening to provide insights into the bioactive compounds of common herbs and spices, and their potential molecular mechanisms of action in the treatment of diabetes. In this study, a library of over 2300 compounds derived from 30 common herbs and spices were screened in silico with the DIA-DB web server against 18 known diabetes drug targets. Over 900 compounds from the herbs and spices library were observed to have potential anti-diabetic activity and liquorice, hops, fennel, rosemary, and fenugreek were observed to be particularly enriched with potential anti-diabetic compounds. A large percentage of the compounds were observed to be potential polypharmacological agents regulating three or more anti-diabetic drug targets and included compounds such as achillin B from yarrow, asparasaponin I from fenugreek, bisdemethoxycurcumin from turmeric, carlinoside from lemongrass, cinnamtannin B1 from cinnamon, crocin from saffron and glabridin from liquorice. The major targets identified for the herbs and spices compounds were dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), intestinal maltase-glucoamylase (MGAM), liver receptor homolog-1 (NR5A2), pancreatic alpha-amylase (AM2A), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA), protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 9 (PTPN9), and retinol binding protein-4 (RBP4) with over 250 compounds observed to be potential inhibitors of these particular protein targets. Only bay leaves, liquorice and thyme were found to contain compounds that could potentially regulate all 18 protein targets followed by black pepper, cumin, dill, hops and marjoram with 17 protein targets. In most cases more than one compound within a given plant could potentially regulate a particular protein target. It was observed that through this multi-compound-multi target regulation of these specific protein targets that the major anti-diabetic effects of reduced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia of the herbs and spices could be explained. The results of this study, taken together with the known scientific literature, indicated that the anti-diabetic potential of common culinary herbs and spices was the result of the collective action of more than one bioactive compound regulating and restoring several dysregulated and interconnected diabetic biological processes.
Design, Synthesis and Preliminary Biological Evaluation of Benzylsulfone Coumarin Derivatives as Anti-Cancer Agents
Authors: Wang Tao , Peng Tao , Wen Xiaoxue , Wang Gang , Sun Yunbo , Liu Shuchen , Zhang Shouguo , Wang Lin
Published: November 2019

In this work, a series of benzylsulfone coumarin derivatives 5a–5o were synthesized and characterized. Kinase inhibitory activity assay indicated that most of the compounds showed considerable activity against PI3K. Anti-tumor activity studies of the active compounds were also carried out in vitro on the Hela, HepG2, H1299, HCT-116, and MCF-7 tumor cell lines by MTS assay. The structure–activity relationships (SARs) of these compounds were analyzed in detail. Compound 5h exhibited the most potent activities against the mentioned cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 18.12 to 32.60 μM, followed by 5m with IC50 values of 29.30–42.14 μM. Furthermore, 5h and 5m clearly retarded the migration of Hela cells in vitro. Next, an in silico molecular docking study was conducted to evaluate the binding models of 5h and 5m towards PI3Kα and PI3Kβ. Collectively, the above findings suggested that compounds 5h and 5m might be promising PI3K inhibitors deserving further investigation for cancer treatment.
Magnetic Solid-Phase Extraction of Pyrethroid Pesticides from Environmental Water Samples Using Deep Eutectic Solvent-type Surfactant Modified Magnetic Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8
Authors: Liu Huifang , Jiang Lihua , Lu Meng , Liu Guangyang , Li Tengfei , Xu Xiaomin , Li Lingyun , Lin Huan , Lv Jun , Huang Xiaodong , Xu Donghui
Published: November 2019

A simple, sensitive and effective magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) technique was developed for the extraction of pyrethroid pesticides from environmental water samples, followed by gas chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry determination. An adsorbent of magnetic zeolitic imidazolate framework-8@deep eutectic solvent (M-ZIF-8@DES) was prepared using deep eutectic solvent coated on the surface of M-ZIF-8. The features of M-ZIF-8@DES were confirmed by material characterizations, and the results indicated that M-ZIF-8@DES has a good magnetism (61.3 emu g−1), a decent surface area (96.83 m2 g−1) and pore volume (0.292 mL g−1). Single factor experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of different conditions on the performance of MSPE. Under the optimal conditions, the developed method performs good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9916) in the concentration range of 1–500 μg L−1. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.05–0.21 μg L−1 (signal/noise = 3/1). The intraday relative standard deviation (RSD) and interday RSD were less than 9.40%. Finally, the proposed technique was applied for the determination of pyrethroid pesticides in environmental water samples. This work shows the potential of DES-modified metal-organic frameworks for different sample pretreatment techniques.
Applied Trace Alkali Metal Elements for Semiconductor Property Modulation of Perovskite Thin Films
Authors: Chang Chuangchuang , Zou Xiaoping , Cheng Jin , Ling Tao , Yao Yujun , Chen Dan
Published: November 2019

With the rapid consumption of energy, clean solar energy has become a key study and development subject, especially the when new renewable energy perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are involved. The doping method is a common means to modulate the properties of perovskite film. The main work of this paper is to incorporate trace amounts of alkali metal elements into the perovskite layer and observe the effects on the properties of the perovskite device and the majority carrier type of the perovskite film. Comparative analysis was performed by doping with Na+, K+, and Rb+ or using undoped devices in the perovskite layer. The results show that the incorporation of alkali metal ions into the perovskite layer has an important effect on the majority carrier type of the perovskite film. The majority carrier type of the undoped perovskite layer is N-type, and the majority carrier type of the perovskite layer doped with the alkali metal element is P-type. The carrier concentration of perovskite films is increased by at least two orders of magnitude after doping. That is to say, we can control the majority of the carrier type of the perovskite layer by controlling the doping subjectively. This will provide strong support for the development of future homojunction perovskite solar cells. This is of great help to improve the performance of PSC devices.
Methyl Ether-Derivatized Sterols and Coprostanol Produced via Thermochemolysis Using Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide (TMAH)
Authors: Nakakuni Masatoshi , Yamasaki Yoshimi , Yoshitake Nonoka , Takehara Keiko , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: November 2019

Sterols are widely distributed in nature from lipids in organisms to sediments. As a conventional method, extraction and derivatization with TMS have been applied for sterol analysis, requiring a long preparation time for gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. In this study, for sterol analysis, thermochemolysis using tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) was applied. This method performs hydrolysis and methylation simultaneously; thus, free and ether-bonding sterols can be analyzed as sterol methyl ethers in a relatively short time period. A sediment sample from a tideland (the Yatsu tideland, Japan) was analyzed using the TMAH method, and we detected more than 10 sterols, which include cholest-5-en-3β-ol (cholesterol), 24-ethylcholest-5-en-3β-ol (sitosterol), 24-methylcholesta-5,22E-3β-ol (brassicasterol), 24-ethylcholesta-5,24(28)Z-dien-3β-ol (isofucosterol), 4α,23,24-trimethyl-5α(H)-cholest-22E-en-3β- ol (dinosterol), and 5β(H)-cholestan-3β-ol (coprostanol). The detection of the various sterols can be attributed to multiple natural and artificial sources around the Yatsu tideland. In this paper, the mass spectra of these sterols are provided together with an interpretation of their fragmentation patterns. Additionally, the fecal pollution in the Yatsu tideland is discussed in the context of the detection of coprostanol.
1-Carbomethoxy-β-Carboline, Derived from Portulaca oleracea L., Ameliorates LPS-Mediated Inflammatory Response Associated with MAPK Signaling and Nuclear Translocation of NF-κB
Authors: Kim Kang-Hoon , Park Eun-Jae , Jang Hyun-Jae , Lee Seung-Jae , Park Chan Sun , Yun Bong-Sik , Lee Seung Woong , Rho Mun-Chual
Published: November 2019

Portulaca oleracea is as a medicinal plant known for its neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiulcerogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the specific active compounds responsible for the individual pharmacological effects of P. oleracea extract (95% EtOH) remain unknown. Here, we hypothesized that alkaloids, the most abundant constituents in P. oleracea extract, are responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity. We investigated the phytochemical substituents (compounds 1–22) using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and screened their effects on NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages. Compound 20, 1-carbomethoxy-β-carboline, as an alkaloid structure, ameliorated nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and proinflammatory cytokines associated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Subsequently, we observed that compound 20 suppressed nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) using immunocytochemistry. Moreover, we recently reported that compound 8, trans-N-feruloyl-3’, 7’-dimethoxytyramine, was originally purified from P. oleracea extracts. Our results suggest that 1-carbomethoxy-β-carboline, the most effective anti-inflammatory agent among alkaloids in the 95% EtOH extract of P. oleracea, was suppressing the MAPK pathway and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Therefore, P. oleracea extracts and specifically 1-carbomethoxy-β-carboline may be novel therapeutic candidates for the treatment of inflammatory diseases associated with the activation of MAPKs and NF-κB.
Durability of the Exterior Transparent Coatings on Nano-Photostabilized English Oak Wood and Possibility of Its Prediction before Artificial Accelerated Weathering
Authors: Pánek Miloš , Hýsek Štěpán , Dvořák Ondřej , Zeidler Aleš , Oberhofnerová Eliška , Šimůnková Kristýna , Šedivka Přemysl
Published: November 2019

Changes in surface material characteristics can significantly affect the adhesion and overall life of coatings on wood. In order to increase the durability of transparent exterior coatings, it is possible to use the surface modification of wood with UV-stabilizing substances. In this work, selected types of surface modifications using benzotriazoles, HALS, ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles, and their combinations were applied to oak wood (Quercus robur, L.). On such modified surfaces, the surface free energy, roughness, and contact wetting angle with three selected types of exterior transparent coatings were subsequently determined. An oil-based coating, waterborne acrylic thick layer coating, and thin-layer synthetic coating were tested and interaction with the aforementioned surface modifications was investigated after 6 weeks of accelerated artificial weathering. The results of changes in the initially measured surface characteristics of the modified oak wood were compared to the real results of degradation of coatings after artificial accelerated weathering. The positive effect of surface modification, in particular the mixture of benzotriazoles, HALS, and ZnO nanoparticles on all kinds of coatings was proven, and the best results were observed in thick-film waterborne acrylic coating. The changes in the measured surface characteristics corresponded to the observed durability of the coatings only when measured by wetting using drops of the tested coatings.
Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Applications in Bone Regeneration
Authors: Levingstone Tanya J. , Herbaj Simona , Dunne Nicholas J.
Published: November 2019

Bone injuries and diseases constitute a burden both socially and economically, as the consequences of a lack of effective treatments affect both the patients’ quality of life and the costs on the health systems. This impended need has led the research community’s efforts to establish efficacious bone tissue engineering solutions. There has been a recent focus on the use of biomaterial-based nanoparticles for the delivery of therapeutic factors. Among the biomaterials being considered to date, calcium phosphates have emerged as one of the most promising materials for bone repair applications due to their osteoconductivity, osteoinductivity and their ability to be resorbed in the body. Calcium phosphate nanoparticles have received particular attention as non-viral vectors for gene therapy, as factors such as plasmid DNAs, microRNAs (miRNA) and silencing RNA (siRNAs) can be easily incorporated on their surface. Calcium phosphate nanoparticles loaded with therapeutic factors have also been delivered to the site of bone injury using scaffolds and hydrogels. This review provides an extensive overview of the current state-of-the-art relating to the design and synthesis of calcium phosphate nanoparticles as carriers for therapeutic factors, the mechanisms of therapeutic factors’ loading and release, and their application in bone tissue engineering.
Facile Fabrication of Flower-Like BiOI/BiOCOOH p–n Heterojunctions for Highly Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Removal of Harmful Antibiotics
Authors: Li Shijie , Xue Bing , Wang Chunchun , Jiang Wei , Hu Shiwei , Liu Yanping , Wang Hengwei , Liu Jianshe
Published: November 2019

Novel heterojunction photocatalysts with remarkable photocatalytic capabilities and durability for degrading recalcitrant contaminants are extremely desired; however, their development still remains quite challenging. In this study, a series of flower-like BiOI/BiOCOOH p–n heterojunctions were fabricated via a controlled in situ anion-exchange process. During the process, BiOI formation and even deposition on BiOCOOH microspheres with tight interfacial contact were realized. As expected, BiOI/BiOCOOH heterojunctions revealed remarkable enhancements in photocatalytic antibiotic degradation capacities under visible light irradiation compared with pristine BiOI and BiOCOOH. The best-performing BiOI/BiOCOOH heterojunction (i.e., IBOCH-2) showed much improved photocatalytic CIP degradation efficiency of approximately 81- and 3.9-fold greater than those of bare BiOI and BiOCOOH, respectively. The eminent photocatalytic performances were due not only to the enhanced capability in harvesting photon energies in visible light regions, but also the accelerated separation of electrons and holes boosted by the p–n heterojunction. Active species trapping tests demonstrated that superoxide free radicals (•O2−) and photo-generated holes (h+) were major active species for CIP degradation. Recycling experiments verified the good durability of BIBO-2 over four runs. The facile in situ synthesis route and excellent performance endow flower-like BiOI/BiOCOOH heterojunctions with a promising potential for actual environmental remediation.
Label-Free MicroRNA Optical Biosensors
Authors: Lai Meimei , Slaughter Gymama
Published: November 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating gene expression. Many studies show that miRNAs have been linked to almost all kinds of disease. In addition, miRNAs are well preserved in a variety of specimens, thereby making them ideal biomarkers for biosensing applications when compared to traditional protein biomarkers. Conventional biosensors for miRNA require fluorescent labeling, which is complicated, time-consuming, laborious, costly, and exhibits low sensitivity. The detection of miRNA remains a big challenge due to their intrinsic properties such as small sizes, low abundance, and high sequence similarity. A label-free biosensor can simplify the assay and enable the direct detection of miRNA. The optical approach for a label-free miRNA sensor is very promising and many assays have demonstrated ultra-sensitivity (aM) with a fast response time. Here, we review the most relevant label-free microRNA optical biosensors and the nanomaterials used to enhance the performance of the optical biosensors.
MOF-Derived Co3O4 Polyhedrons as Efficient Polysulfides Barrier on Polyimide Separators for High Temperature Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhou Zhenfang , Li Yue , Fang Tingting , Zhao Yufeng , Wang Qingjie , Zhang Jiujun , Zhou Zhongfu
Published: November 2019

The incorporation of highly polarized inorganic compounds in functional separators is expected to alleviate the high temperature safety- and performance-related issues for promising lithium–sulfur batteries. In this work, a unique Co3O4 polyhedral coating on thermal-stable polyimide (PI) separators was developed by a simple one-step low-temperature calcination method utilizing metal-organic framework (MOF) of Co-based zeolitic-imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-Co) precursors. The unique Co3O4 polyhedral structures possess several structural merits including small primary particle size, large pore size, rich grain boundary, and high ionic conductivity, which endow the ability to adequately adsorb dissolved polysulfides. The flexible-rigid lithium-lanthanum-zirconium oxide-poly(ethylene oxide) (LLZO-PEO) coating has been designed on another side of the polyimide non-woven membranes to inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites. As a result, the as-fabricated Co3O4/polyimide/LLZO-PEO (Co3O4/PI/LLZO) composite separators displayed fair dimensional stability, good mechanical strength, flame retardant properties, and excellent ionic conductivity. More encouragingly, the separator coating of Co3O4 polyhedrons endows Li–S cells with unprecedented high temperature properties (tested at 80 °C), including rate performance 620 mAh g−1 at 4.0 C and cycling stability of 800 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles—much better than the state-of-the-art results. This work will encourage more research on the separator engineering for high temperature operation.
The Influence of Initiator Concentration on Selected Properties on Poly-N-Vinylcaprolactam Nanoparticles
Authors: Gola Agnieszka , Niżniowska Aleksandra , Musiał Witold
Published: November 2019

The thermosensitive polymers of N-vinylcaprolactam P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 were synthesized via the surfactant free precipitation polymerization (SFPP) at 70 °C in the presence of cationic initiator 2,2’-azobis[2-methylpropionamidine] dihydrochloride (AMPA). The influence of various concentrations of initiator AMPA on particle size, aggregation and lower critical temperature solution (LCST) was investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement. The conductivity was measured in the course of the synthesis and during temperature decrease of the reaction mixtures. The polymers were characterized by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), 1H NMR, and thermogravimetric analysis. Thermal parameters of the degradations process were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA) under non-isothermal conditions in N2 atmosphere. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD).The hydrodynamic diameter (HD), polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential (ZP) were measured in aqueous dispersions of the synthesized polymers in temperature 18–45 °C. HD and PDI values at 18 °C were 137.23 ± 67.65 nm (PDI = 0.53 ± 0.18), 83.40 ± 74.46 nm (PDI = 0.35 ± 0.08), 22.11 ± 0.29 nm (PDI = 0.45 ± 0.05), 29.27 ± 0.50 nm (PDI = 0.41 ± 0.04), 39.18 ± 0.57 nm (PDI = 0.38 ± 0.01) for P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5, respectively. The aqueous solutions of the obtained polymers at 18–45 °C had a positive charge. ZP’s for P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 polymers at 18 °C were 11.64 ± 4.27 mV, 12.71 ± 3.56 mV, 3.24 ± 0.10 mV, 0.77 ± 0.28 mV, 1.78 ± 0.56 mV respectively. The LCST range was between 32 and 38 °C. We conclude that the concentration of initiator affects the size of obtained polymeric spheres and theirs LCST.
Applicability of Goethite/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites to Remove Lead from Wastewater
Authors: Gordon-Nuñez Franklin , Vaca-Escobar Katherine , Villacís-García Milton , Fernández Lenys , Debut Alexis , Aldás-Sandoval María Belén , Espinoza-Montero Patricio J.
Published: November 2019

Lead ion in drinking water is one of the most dangerous metals. It affects several systems, such as the nervous, gastrointestinal, reproductive, renal, and cardiovascular systems. Adsorption process is used as a technology that can solve this problem through suitable composites. The adsorption of lead (Pb(II)) on graphene oxide (GO) and on two goethite (α-FeOOH)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites (composite 1: 0.10 g GO: 22.22 g α-FeOOH and composite 2: 0.10 g GO: 5.56 g α-FeOOH), in aqueous medium, was studied. The GO was synthesized from a commercial pencil lead. Composites 1 and 2 were prepared from GO and ferrous sulfate. The GO and both composites were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The adsorption capacity of Pb(II) on the GO and both composites was evaluated through adsorption isotherms. Composite 1 presented a significant agglomeration of α-FeOOH nanorods on the reduced graphene oxide layers. Meanwhile, composite 2 exhibited a more uniform distribution of nanorods. The adsorption of Pb(II) on the three adsorbents fits the Langmuir isotherm, with an adsorption capacity of 277.78 mg/g for composite 2200 mg/g for GO and 138.89 mg/g for composite 1. Composite 2 emerged as a highly efficient alternative to purify water contaminated with Pb(II).
Preparation of Highly Porous PAN-LATP Membranes as Separators for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Mohanta Jagdeep , Kwon O Hyeon , Choi Jong Hyeok , Yun Yeo-Myeong , Kim Jae-Kwang , Jeong Sang Mun
Published: November 2019

Separators are a vital component to ensure the safety of lithium-ion batteries. However, the commercial separators employed in lithium ion batteries are inefficient due to their low porosity. In the present study, a simple electrospinning technique is adopted to prepare highly porous polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based membranes with a higher concentration of lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP) ceramic particles, as a viable alternative to the commercialized separators used in lithium ion batteries. The effect of the LATP particles on the morphology of the porous membranes is demonstrated through Field emission scattering electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectra studies suitably demonstrate the mixing of PAN and LATP particles in the polymer matrix. PAN with 30 wt% LATP (P-L30) exhibits an enhanced porosity of 90% and is more thermally stable, with the highest electrolyte uptake among all the prepared membranes. Due to better electrolyte uptake, the P-L30 membrane demonstrates an improved ionic conductivity of 1.7 mS/cm. A coin cell prepared with a P-L30 membrane and a LiFePO4 cathode demonstrates the highest discharge capacity of 158 mAh/g at 0.5C rate. The coin cell with the P-L30 membrane also displays good cycling stability by retaining 87% of the initial discharge capacity after 200 cycles of charging and discharging at 0.5C rate.
Protective Effects of Probiotic Consumption in Cardiovascular Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: de la Visitación Néstor , Robles-Vera Iñaki , Toral Marta , Duarte Juan
Published: November 2019

The prevalence of renal and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is higher than in general populations. Recently, a causal role of gut microbiota on the development of immune responses in SLE has been described. Probiotic consumption changes the composition of gut microbiota, preventing SLE progression. The aim of this review is to explore the role of the gut microbiota in the development of renal and cardiovascular disease in SLE and how probiotics could be a therapeutic option. Despite strong evidence on the beneficial effects of probiotics in the development of autoimmunity and nephritis in SLE, only a few studies described the protective effects of Lactobacillus in important risk factors for CVD, such as endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in mice. The preventive effects of probiotics in renal and CVD in humans have not been established yet.
5-(Hydroxyphenyl)-γ-Valerolactone-Sulfate, a Key Microbial Metabolite of Flavan-3-ols, Is Able to Reach the Brain: Evidence from Different in Silico, In Vitro and In Vivo Experimental Models
Authors: Angelino Donato , Carregosa Diogo , Domenech-Coca Cristina , Savi Monia , Figueira Inês , Brindani Nicoletta , Jang Saebyeol , Lakshman Sukla , Molokin Aleksey , Urban Joseph F. , Davis Cindy D. , Brito Maria Alexandra , Kim Kwang Sik , Brighenti Furio , Curti Claudio , Bladé Cinta , del Bas Josep M. , Stilli Donatella , Solano-Aguilar Gloria I. , Santos Claudia Nunes dos , del Rio Daniele , Mena Pedro
Published: November 2019

Phenolic compounds have been recognized as promising compounds for the prevention of chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative ones. However, phenolics like flavan-3-ols (F3O) are poorly absorbed along the gastrointestinal tract and structurally rearranged by gut microbiota, yielding smaller and more polar metabolites like phenyl-γ-valerolactones, phenylvaleric acids and their conjugates. The present work investigated the ability of F3O-derived metabolites to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), by linking five experimental models with increasing realism. First, an in silico study examined the physical-chemical characteristics of F3O metabolites to predict those most likely to cross the BBB. Some of these metabolites were then tested at physiological concentrations to cross the luminal and abluminal membranes of brain microvascular endothelial cells, cultured in vitro. Finally, three different in vivo studies in rats injected with pure 5-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone, and rats and pigs fed grapes or a F3O-rich cocoa extract, respectively, confirmed the presence of 5-(hydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone-sulfate (3′,4′ isomer) in the brain. This work highlighted, with different experimental models, the BBB permeability of one of the main F3O-derived metabolites. It may support the neuroprotective effects of phenolic-rich foods in the frame of the “gut-brain axis”.
A Calorie-Restricted Ketogenic Diet Reduces Cerebral Cortex Vascularization in Prepubertal Rats
Authors: Viggiano Andrea , Meccariello Rosaria , Santoro Antonietta , Secondulfo Carmine , Operto Francesca Felicia , Monda Marcellino , Coppola Giangennaro
Published: November 2019

The antiepileptic effect of ketogenic diets is acknowledged but its mechanism of action is poorly understood. The present work aimed to evaluate possible effects of a calorie-restricted ketogenic diet (CRKD) on brain growth and angiogenesis in normal prepubertal rats. Two groups of prepubertal rats were fed with a standard diet (group 1) or a CRKD (group 2) for ten weeks. Then, rats were sacrificed and the thickness for the following structures was evaluated by histology: (1) cerebral cortex, (2) deep cerebral white matter, and (3) substantia nigra. The capillary density was also evaluated within: (1) cerebral cortex, (2) dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, (3) periaqueductal grey matter, and (4) substantia nigra. The results showed a smaller thickness of all the areas examined and a reduced capillary density within the cerebral cortex in the CRKD-treated group compared to the control group. These findings suggest an association between reduced angiogenesis within the cerebral cortex and the antiepileptic effects of CRKD.
Current Sodium Intakes in the United States and the Modeled Effects of Glutamate Incorporation into Select Savory Products
Authors: Wallace Taylor C. , Cowan Alexandra E. , Bailey Regan L.
Published: November 2019

Most Americans have dietary sodium intakes that far exceed recommendations. Given the association of high sodium with hypertension, strategies to reduce sodium intakes are an important public health target. Glutamates, such as monosodium glutamate, represent a potential strategy to reduce overall intakes while preserving product palatability; therefore, this project aimed to model sodium replacement with glutamates. The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate current sodium intakes, and intakes resulting from glutamate substitution (25%–45%) in a limited set of food groups for which substitution is possible. Data sets for individuals aged ≥1 year enrolled in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2016 (n = 16,183) were used in the analyses. Glutamate substitution in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food codes was modeled by conservatively altering estimates of sodium intake reductions derived from the published, peer-reviewed literature. The addition of glutamates to certain food categories has the potential to reduce the population’s sodium intake by approximately 3% overall and by 7%–8% among consumers of ≥1 product category in which glutamates were substituted for sodium chloride. Although using glutamates to substitute the amount of sodium among certain food groups may show modest effects on intakes across the population, it is likely to have a more substantial effect on individuals who consume specific products.
Association between Hydration Status and Body Composition in Healthy Adolescents from Spain
Authors: Laja García Ana , Moráis-Moreno Carmen , Samaniego-Vaesken Mª , Puga Ana , Varela-Moreiras Gregorio , Partearroyo Teresa
Published: November 2019

At present, obesity and overweight are major public health concerns. Their classical determinants do not sufficiently explain the current situation and it is urgent to investigate other possible causes. In recent years, it has been suggested that water intake could have important implications for weight management. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of hydration status on body weight and composition in healthy adolescents from Spain. The study involved 372 subjects, aged 12–18 years. Water intake was assessed through the validated “hydration status questionnaire adolescent young”. Anthropometric measurements were performed according to the recommendations of the International Standards for Anthropometric Assessment (ISAK) and body composition was estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Water intake normalized by body weight was positively correlated with body water content (boys (B): r = 0.316, p = 0.000; girls (G): r = 0.245, p = 0.000) and inversely with body mass index (BMI) (B: r = −0.515, p = 0.000; G: r = −0.385, p =0.000) and fat body mass (B: r = −0.306, p = 0.000; G: r = −0.250, p = 0.001). Moreover, according to BMI, overweight/obese individuals consumed less water than normal weight ones. In conclusion, higher water balance and intake seems to be related with a healthier body composition.
Effects of Duodenal Infusion of Lauric Acid and L-Tryptophan, Alone and Combined, on Fasting Glucose, Insulin and Glucagon in Healthy Men
Authors: McVeay Christina , Fitzgerald Penelope C. E. , Horowitz Michael , Feinle-Bisset Christine
Published: November 2019

The fatty acid, lauric acid (‘C12’), and the amino acid, tryptophan (‘Trp’), when given intraduodenally at loads that individually do not affect energy intake, have recently been shown to stimulate plasma cholecystokinin, suppress ghrelin and reduce energy intake much more markedly when combined. Both fatty acids and amino acids stimulate insulin secretion by distinct mechanisms; fatty acids enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, while amino acids may have a direct effect on pancreatic β cells. Therefore, it is possible that, by combining these nutrients, their effects to lower blood glucose may be enhanced. We have investigated the potential for the combination of C12 and Trp to have additive effects to reduce blood glucose. To address this question, plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and glucagon were measured in 16 healthy, lean males during duodenal infusions of saline (control), C12 (0.3 kcal/min), Trp (0.1 kcal/min), or C12+Trp (0.4 kcal/min), for 90 min. Both C12 and C12+Trp moderately reduced plasma glucose compared with control (p < 0.05). C12+Trp, but not C12 or Trp, stimulated insulin and increased the insulin-to-glucose ratio (p < 0.05). There was no effect on plasma glucagon. In conclusion, combined intraduodenal administration of C12 and Trp reduced fasting glucose in healthy men, and this decrease was driven primarily by C12. The effects of these nutrients on postprandial blood glucose and elevated fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes warrant evaluation.
Non-Specific Lipid Transfer Proteins in Triticum kiharae Dorof. et Migush.: Identification, Characterization and Expression Profiling in Response to Pathogens and Resistance Inducers
Authors: Odintsova Tatyana I. , Slezina Marina P. , Istomina Ekaterina A. , Korostyleva Tatyana V. , Kovtun Alexey S. , Kasianov Artem S. , Shcherbakova Larisa A. , Kudryavtsev Alexander M.
Published: November 2019

Non-specific lipid-transfer proteins (nsLTPs) represent a family of plant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) implicated in diverse physiological processes. However, their role in induced resistance (IR) triggered by non-pathogenic fungal strains and their metabolites is poorly understood. In this work, using RNA-seq data and our AMP search pipeline, we analyzed the repertoire of nsLTP genes in the wheat Triticum kiharae and studied their expression in response to Fusarium oxysporum infection and treatment with the intracellular metabolites of Fusarium sambucinum FS-94. A total of 243 putative nsLTPs were identified, which were classified into five structural types and characterized. Expression analysis showed that 121 TkLTPs including sets of paralogs with identical mature peptides displayed specific expression patters in response to different treatments pointing to their diverse roles in resistance development. We speculate that upregulated nsLTP genes are involved in protection due to their antimicrobial activity or signaling functions. Furthermore, we discovered that in IR-displaying plants, a vast majority of nsLTP genes were downregulated, suggesting their role as negative regulators of immune mechanisms activated by the FS-94 elicitors. The results obtained add to our knowledge of the role of nsLTPs in IR and provide candidate molecules for genetic engineering of crops to enhance disease resistance.
Virulence and Pathogenicity Properties of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Belibasakis Georgios N. , Maula Terhi , Bao Kai , Lindholm Mark , Bostanci Nagihan , Oscarsson Jan , Ihalin Riikka , Johansson Anders
Published: November 2019

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a periodontal pathogen colonizing the oral cavity of a large proportion of the human population. It is equipped with several potent virulence factors that can cause cell death and induce or evade inflammation. Because of the large genetic diversity within the species, both harmless and highly virulent genotypes of the bacterium have emerged. The oral condition and age, as well as the geographic origin of the individual, influence the risk to be colonized by a virulent genotype of the bacterium. In the present review, the virulence and pathogenicity properties of A. actinomycetemcomitans will be addressed.
Renal Injury in DENV-4 Fatal Cases: Viremia, Immune Response and Cytokine Profile
Authors: Nunes Priscila Conrado Guerra , Rioja Lilimar da Silveira , Coelho Janice Mery Chicarino de Oliveira , Salomão Natália Gedeão , Rabelo Kíssila , José Carollina Ceia , Rodrigues Francisco das Chagas de Carvalho , de Azeredo Elzinandes Leal , Basílio-de-Oliveira Carlos Alberto , Basílio-de-Oliveira Rodrigo , Nogueira Rita Maria Ribeiro , Sánchez-Arcila Juan Camilo , dos Santos Flávia Barreto , Paes Marciano Viana
Published: November 2019

Dengue virus (DENV) infections may result in asymptomatic cases or evolve into a severe disease, which involves multiple organ failure. Renal involvement in dengue can be potentially related to an increased mortality. Aiming to better understand the role of DENV in renal injury observed in human fatal cases, post-mortem investigations were performed in four DENV-4 renal autopsies during dengue epidemics in Brazil. Tissues were submitted to histopathology, immunohistochemistry, viral quantification, and characterization of cytokines and inflammatory mediators. Probably due the high viral load, several lesions were observed in the renal tissue, such as diffuse mononuclear infiltration around the glomerulus in the cortical region and in the medullary vessels, hyalinosis arteriolar, lymphocytic infiltrate, increased capsular fibrosis, proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) damage, edema, PCT debris formation, and thickening of the basal vessel membrane. These changes were associated with DENV-4 infection, as confirmed by the presence of DENV-specific NS3 protein, indicative of viral replication. The exacerbated presence of mononuclear cells at several renal tissue sites culminated in the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Moreover, it can be suggested that the renal tissue injury observed here may have been due to the combination of both high viral load and exacerbated host immune response.
Fabrication of Ion-Crosslinking Aminochitosan Nanoparticles for Encapsulation and Slow Release of Curcumin
Authors: Sun Xiaoxiao , Yu Dongyan , Ying Zhuoyang , Pan Chuqiao , Wang Nan , Huang Fangfang , Ling Junhong , Ouyang Xiao-kun
Published: November 2019

Curcumin (Cur) has anticancer activities but has poor stability, which can be improved using carrier materials. In this study, chitosan was aminated to increase the number of amino groups on its surface, modified with folic acid (FA), and then made into nanoparticles by ionic crosslinking. Owing to ion interaction, the negatively charged, non-toxic tripolyphosphate (TPP) interacted with the positively charged amino group on the aminated chitosan (AmCS) surface, producing FA-AmCS-TPP nanoparticles, which were then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Their small particle size (175.2 ± 0.99 nm) and good surface positive potential (+42.4 mV) are beneficial for carrying antitumor drugs. We subsequently investigated whether coating of Cur by AmCS allows slow drug release by FA-AmCS-TPP nanoparticles in different pH environments, and estimated the Cur loading efficiency (EE-Cur). Our results showed that the cumulative release rate of Cur at 48 h was 56.2%, and that the EE-Cur reached 94.26 ± 0.91% with nanoparticles composed of 0.10 g AmCS, 10.0 mg FA, 10.0 mg TPP, and 15.0 mg Cur. Additionally, cytotoxicity experiments showed that the Cur/FA-AmCS-TPP nanoparticles had good targeting ability for tumor cells. Therefore, the non-toxic targeted composite nanoparticles had potential as a new antitumor agent that can overcome the limitations of Cur.
Optical Image Encryption Using a Nonlinear Joint Transform Correlator and the Collins Diffraction Transform
Authors: Vilardy O. Juan M. , Perez Ronal A. , Torres M. Cesar O.
Published: November 2019

The Collins diffraction transform (CDT) describes the optical wave diffraction from the generic paraxial optical system. The CDT has as special cases the diffraction domains given by the Fourier, Fresnel and fractional Fourier transforms. In this paper, we propose to describe the optical double random phase encoding (DRPE) using a nonlinear joint transform correlator (JTC) and the CDT. This new description of the nonlinear JTC-based encryption system using the CDT covers several optical processing domains, such as Fourier, Fresnel, fractional Fourier, extended fractional Fourier and Gyrator domains, among others. The maximum number of independent design parameters or new security keys of the proposed encryption system using the CDT increases three times in comparison with the same encryption system that uses the Fourier transform. The proposed encryption system using the CDT preserves the shift-invariance property of the JTC-based encryption system in the Fourier domain, with respect to the lateral displacement of both the key random mask in the decryption process and the retrieval of the primary image. The viability of this encryption system is verified and analysed by numerical simulations.