bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long noncoding RNA MEG3 suppresses podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy by inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Che Xiajing , Deng Xin , Xie Kewei , Wang Qin , Yan Jiayi , Shao Xinghua , Ni Zhaohui , Ying Liang 
Published: November 2019

Background
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the principal complications of diabetes and podocyte injury plays an important role in the DN pathogenesis. Wnt/β-catenin signaling overactivation confers podocyte injury and promotes multiple types of renal disease. However, the underlying mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation in DN progression has not been fully elucidated. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a large class of endogenous RNA molecules lacking functional code capacity and which participates in the pathogenesis of human disease, including DN.

Method
A diabetes model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin in rats. The MPC5 cells were used to create the in vitro model. Western blot and Quantitative reverse-transcriptase-PCR were used to examine the expression of protein and mRNA. The migrated capacity was analyzed by Transwell migration assay. The cell viability was detected by CCK8.

Results
In the present study, we revealed the association of lncRNA Maternally Expressed Gene 3 (MEG3) with aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and the role of MEG3/Wnt axis in podocyte injury. We found that high glucose (HG) treatment suppressed MEG3 expression in cultured podocytes, activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling and caused podocyte injury as indicated by the downregulation of podocyte-specific markers (podocin and synaptopodin) and the upregulation of snail1 and α-smooth muscle actin. Overexpression of MEG3 attenuated HG-induced podocyte injury by reducing Wnt/β-catenin activity, repressing cell migration, reactive oxygen species production and increasing the viability of podocytes. Furthermore, we provided evidences that restoration of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by specific agonist impeded the protective effect of MEG3 on podocyte injury. Current results demonstrated that MEG3/Wnt axis plays an important role in fostering podocyte injury and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of DN.

Conclusion
lncRNA MEG3 ameliorates podocyte injury in DN via inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Types and Classification of Pesticides Used on Tomatoes Grown in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kirinyaga County, Kenya
Authors: Nakhungu Momanyi, Violet , Margaret N. Keraka, , Deborah A. Abong’o, , Peterson N. Warutere, 
Published: November 2019

This study evaluated 403 farmers from the open field and greenhouse farms in Mwea Irrigation Scheme on the types and classification of pesticides used to control pests and diseases on tomatoes, in July 2017 to June 2018. Five greenhouse tomato farmers were purposively selected while sample size of 196 open field farmers, calculated using Fisher’s formula. Cross-Sectional design using a structured questionnaire, face to face interviews and focus group discussions with 201 farmers in the eight wards, Gathingiri, Tebere, Kangai, Wamumu, Murinduko, Nyangati, Mutithi and Thiba. Accuracy of the data was ensured by pre-testing the questionnaire on tomato farmers from a neighbouring Maragua sub-county, errors were corrected, and omissions added to the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was carried out for frequencies, percentages, means, standard errors, variance and data subjected to T-test at 95% Confidence Interval to determine significant differences between variables. Results from the interviews revealed that farmers applied 57 and 12 pesticides under different trade names on tomatoes in the open field and greenhouse farms respectively. Pyrethroids, carbamates, nicotinoids, organophosphates, and organochlorines were applied on tomatoes among others. The 20 and 12 pesticides mainly used in open field and greenhouse farms were WHO Class II (60%) and WHO Class III (42%), respectively. Farmers heavily relied on different types of pesticides to control a wide range of major pests and diseases as Tuta absoluta and blight respectively. Chlorantraniliprole and mancozeb are the main pesticides used in tomatoes. Most pesticides, WHO toxic class II including pyrethroids and carbamates should be used following manufacturers’ recommendations to prevent human health risks. Training and awareness by the Ministry of agriculture, Kirinyanga County government are needed on use of less toxic pesticides equally effective in controlling pests and diseases, such as WHO classes III and IV and bio-pesticides with minimal negative effects on human health.
Phytochemical Compositions and Antimicrobial Activities of Citrus sinensis and Citrus aurantifolia Peels on Selected Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Jollof Rice
Authors: Asowata-Ayodele Mojisola Abiola , Dabesor Peter Anani , Afolabi Bolaji 
Published: November 2019

Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the antimicrobial activities of aqueous and ethanolic (EtOH) extracts of orange (C. sinensis Pers.) and lime (C.aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle) peels on some selected pathogenic bacteria isolated from jollof rice.
Study Design: Antimicrobial analysis, phytochemical analysis
Place and Duration of Study: Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Wesley University Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria, between June and July 2017.
Methodology: Antimicrobial analysis of aqueous and EtOH extracts prepared from orange and lime peels were done by using the agar well diffusion method against the selected pathogenic bacteria. The extracts were screened for anti-nutrients such as alkaloids, tannins, oxalate, phytate and glycosides.
Results: The EtOH extracts of orange peel showed a remarkable zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli (23.5 ± 0.1 mm) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (11.4 ± 0.0 mm) and Bacillus cereus (9.8 ± 0.0 mm). Whereas, the aqueous extracts of orange showed no zone of inhibition against the tested pathogenic bacteria. In addition the EtOH peel extract of lime showed maximum zone of inhibition against S. aureus (15.5 ± 0.0 mm) followed by E. coli (14.3 ± 0.1 mm) and B. cereus (12.1 ± 0.2 mm), whereas its aqueous peel extract showed no zone of inhibition against K. pneumonia, S. aureus, E. coli and B. cereus. Both EtOH extracts of orange and lime peels showed no zone of inhibition against K. pneumonia. Streptomycin, the reference antibiotic, had no zone of inhibition against B. cereus and S. aureus whereas it recorded maximum zone of inhibition against E. coli (24.0 ± 0.0 mm) and K. pneumonia (25.1 ± 0.1 mm). The phytochemical analysis showed presence of oxalate, alkaloids, phytate, tannins and glycoside in the aqueous and EtOH extracts of lime and orange peels. The antimicrobial activities of EtOH extracts of both lime and orange peels demonstrated inhibitory effect against the targeted organisms such as B. cereus, S. aureus and E. coli.
Conclusion: The exploration of novel antimicrobial agents from natural resources such as plant like Lime and sweet orange as food preservative is due to the presence of various secondary metabolites.
Molecular Diversity and Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase Resistance of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli from Patients Attending Selected Health Care Facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Abimiku R. H. , Ngwai Y. B. , Nkene I. H. , Bassey B. E. , Tsaku P. A. , Ibrahim T. , Tama S. C. , Ishaleku D. , Pennap G. R. I. 
Published: November 2019

Aims: This study investigated the molecular diversity and extended spectrum beta-lactamase resistance of diarrheagenic E. coli isolated from patients attending selected healthcare facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B 1022, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; between December 2017 and June, 2019.
Methodology: A total of 207 confirmed E. coli isolates (using standard microbiological methods) from loose stool samples of patients with suspected cases of diarrhea (69 from Federal Medical Centre Keffi [MCK] 69 from General Hospital Akwanga [GHA] and 69 from Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Lafia [DASHL]) were included in this study.
Results: Phenotypic detection of ESBL production by β-lactam resistant isolates was done using double disc synergy test. Molecular detection of ESBL genes in phenotypically confirmed ESBL producers was done using Polymerase Chain Reaction. Out of 56 isolates jointly resistant to cefotaxime and/or ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin from DASHL, FMCK and GHA, 53.6% (30/56) were ESBL producers, distributed in relation to the hospitals as follows: blaCTX-M in DASHL was 6(66.7%), FMCK was 11(100.0%), and GHA was 10(100.0%); blaSHV in DASHL was 8(88.9%), FMCK was 7(63.6%), and GHA was 10(100.0%), and blaTEM in DASHL was 9(100.0%), FMCK was 10(90.9%), and GHA was 10(100.0%). Also, the occurrence of blaSHV was 100.0% in GHA but 88.9% in DASHL. The detection DEC was high in DASHL (88.9%) but low inGHA (58.8%). The occurrence of ETEC was high in GHA (60.0%) while EAEC was also high in FMCK (81.8%) and GHA (70.0%). The isolates were distributed into strain A – J based on RFLP pattern and the occurrence of strain A was high in GHA (70.0%) but low in DASHL (33.3%).
Conclusion: Most of the isolates were both diarrheagenic and ESBL resistant, and the predominant ESBL and pathotypes genes were blaCTX-M, blaTEM and EAEC. Further studies on molecular detection of sub-types of ESBL and sequencing of diarrheagenic pathotypes genes should be carried out.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Bacteria Isolated from Sachet-packaged Water Sold in Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Umoessien Uduak S. , Antia Ukponobong E. , Christopher Mary , Owowo Etanguno E. 
Published: November 2019

Aims: This study was aimed at determining the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacteria isolated from sachet water sold in Uyo metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Study Design: Sachet water was randomly sampled in Uyo Metropolis.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria, between June and November 2018.
Methodology: Six different brands of sachets water sold and consumed in Uyo metropolis were studied for their physical and microbiological qualities. Thirty (30) sachets water from the six (6) different brands respectively, were serially diluted and cultured on Nutrient agar, Eosin Methylene Blue agar, MacConkey agar and Salmonella-Shigella agar, while Muller Hinton agar was used for sensitivity test. Suspensions of purified isolates were standardized with 0.5 McFarland turbidity standard and were subjected to antibiotics susceptibility testing using Agar Diffusion method.
Results: The bacterial counts obtained ranged from 2.0 x 101 cfu/ml to 1.34 x 102 cfu/ml. Species isolated from the samples analysed included: Klebsiella sp., Escherichia sp., Staphylococcus sp., Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas sp., Citrobacter sp., Bacillus sp. Bacillus sp. Was susceptible to all the antibiotics tested against it except streptomycin while Staphylococcus sp was resistant to gentamicine and ampiclox but susceptible to other antibiotics. All the gram negative isolates were susceptible to tarivia and peflacine but completely resistant to nalidixic acid. Klebsiella sp. was most resistant (70%) of all the isolates, these was closely followed bt Escherichia sp. and Salmonella sp. at 60% resistance. Some of the sachet water brands from bacteriological standpoints did not meet the World Health Organization Standard for portable water.
Conclusion: This study indicted sub-standard packaged waters as a vehicle for the spread of antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens, and this poses a high risk to public health. Hence, routine monitoring of producers of sachet water should been enforced.
A New Opportunity for 2D van der Waals Heterostructures: Making Steep‐Slope Transistors
Authors: Lyu Juan , Pei Jing , Guo Yuzheng , Gong Jian , Li Huanglong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe use of a foreign metallic cold source (CS) has recently been proposed as a promising approach toward the steep‐slope field‐effect‐transistor (FET). In addition to the selection of source material with desired density of states–energy relation (D(E)), engineering the source:channel interface for gate‐tunable channel‐barrier is crucial to CS‐FETs. However, conventional metal:semiconductor (MS) interfaces generally suffer from strong Fermi‐level pinning due to the inevitable chemical disorder and defect‐induced gap states, precluding the gate tunability of the barriers. By comprehensive materials and device modeling at the atomic scale, it is reported that 2D van der Waals (vdW) MS interfaces, with their atomic sharpness and cleanness, can be considered as general ingredients for CS‐FETs. As test cases, InSe‐based n‐type FETs are studied. It is found that graphene can be spontaneously p‐type doped along with slightly opened bandgap around the Dirac‐point by interfacing with InSe, resulting in superexponentially decaying hot carrier density with increasing n‐type channel‐barrier. Moreover, the D(E) relations suggest that 2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides and 2D transition‐metal carbides are a rich library of CS materials. Graphene, Cd3C2, T‐VTe2, H‐VTe2, and H‐TaTe2 CSs lead to subthreshold swing below 60 mV dec−1. This work broadens the application potentials of 2D vdW MS heterostructures and serves as a springboard for more studies on low‐power electronics based on 2D materials.
2D Metal‐Organic Framework Materials for Membrane‐Based Separation
Authors: Peng Yuan , Yang Weishen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMetal‐organic framework (MOF) nanosheets are promising membrane building blocks for ultimate and efficient separation because of the diversified structures, ultrathin thickness, and tunable chemical functionalities. Targeting at membrane‐based separation, representative developments of top‐down and bottom‐up methods to produce high‐quality MOF nanosheets are introduced, and the merits and demerits of each method are carefully elucidated. A summary of fabrication approaches of MOF nanosheet‐based membranes is also put forward to establish a comprehension on the relationship between membrane structure and the eventual separation performance. Moreover, classical characterization techniques to get an insight into these 2D materials are addressed. Last but not least, concerns on the challenges and opportunities for these novel membranes are demonstrated in order to provide some guidelines for the development in the future.
Recent Advances in Smart Contact Lenses
Authors: Kim Joohee , Cha Eunkyung , Park Jang‐Ung 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe eyes can provide rich physiological information and offer broad diagnostic potential as a sensing site, making the use of contact lens sensors viable for noninvasive monitoring of many diseases and conditions. Therefore, extensive research efforts recently are devoted to the development of smart contact lenses for healthcare monitoring. Herein, physical biomarkers, which can be obtained from the eyes, and chemical biomarkers, which can be obtained from tears are discussed. Then, the latest advances in smart contact lenses with biosensors that diagnose diseases are reviewed. The subsequent content summarizes and classifies the techniques that can be used for the transmission of data based on the methods to deliver physiological information. In addition, representative examples of other devices for drug delivery energy storage are provided, and the challenges that should be overcome to develop smart contact lenses are discussed.
Self‐Moisturizing Smart Contact Lens Employing Electroosmosis
Authors: Kusama Shinya , Sato Kaito , Yoshida Shotaro , Nishizawa Matsuhiko 
Published: November 2019

AbstractContact lenses (CLs) can be a cause of “dry eye syndrome” that can lead to corneal wounds and inflammation as well as a feeling of discomfort. To prevent the dry eye, it is important to keep the lens moist and maintain tears between the CL and the ocular surface. Here, the use of electroosmotic flow (EOF) in a CL is reported as a novel mechanism for antidehydration. A CL made from a charged hydrogel has served as the fluid conduit for EOF generation. The charge density of the gel is optimized by varying the composition ratio of anionic monomer having carboxyl group, by taking into account the efficiency of EOF generation and the mechanical strength of the hydrogels. By in situ monitoring of conductance and by microscope observations, it is successfully demonstrated that the upward EOF within CL is effective to maintain a moist lens. Biocompatible batteries (Mg/O2 battery and fructose/O2 enzymatic battery) are mounted on the CL to demonstrate the feasibility of a smart CL with a built‐in power source for EOF‐based self‐moisturization.
Amino Acids: Nontoxic and Cheap Alternatives for Amines for the Synthesis of Benzoxazoles through the Oxidative Functionalization of Catechols
Authors: Sharghi Hashem , Aboonajmi Jasem , Aberi Mahdi , Shekouhy Mohsen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe nano magnetic Fe3O4 (NM−Fe3O4) was applied for the synthesis of benzoxazoles via a C(aryl)−OH functionalization of catechol derivatives and amines in ethanol at room temperature. In the next step, amino acids have been applied as nontoxic and cheap alternatives for amines. The obtained products were similar with the regular amines case. This is the first report about the application of amino acids as alternatives for primary amines in organic synthesis. Furthermore, the presented method was successfully applied toward the synthesis of desired products in large scales.magnified image
Intrinsically Stretchable Fuel Cell Based on Enokitake‐Like Standing Gold Nanowires
Authors: Zhai Qingfeng , Liu Yiyi , Wang Ren , Wang Yan , Lyu Quanxia , Gong Shu , Wang Joseph , Simon George P. , Cheng Wenlong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractConventional fuel cells are based on rigid electrodes, limiting their applications in wearable and implantable electronics. Here, it is demonstrated that enokitake‐like vertically‐aligned standing gold nanowires (v‐AuNWs) can also serve as powerful platform for stretchable fuel cells by using ethanol as model system. Unlike traditional fuel cell electrodes, the v‐AuNWs have “Janus Morphology” on both sides of the film and also are highly stretchable. The comparative studies demonstrate that tail side exposed v‐AuNWs based stretchable electrodes outperform the head‐side exposed v‐AuNWs toward the electro‐oxidation of ethanol due to the direct exposure of high‐surface‐area nanowires to the fuels. Therefore, a stretchable fuel cell is fabricated utilizing tail side based interdigitated electrodes, where v‐AuNWs and Pt black modified v‐AuNWs serve as the anode and cathode, respectively. The as‐prepared stretchable fuel cell exhibits good overall performance, including high power density, current density, open‐circuit voltage, stretchability, and durability. Most importantly, a wearable fuel cell is also achieved by integrating tattoo‐like interdigitated electrodes with a thin layer of sponge as a fuel container, exhibiting good performance under various deformations (compression, stretching, and twisting). Such attractive performance in conjunction with skin‐like in‐plane design indicates its great potential to power the next‐generation of wearable and implantable devices.
How the Human Brain Sleeps: Direct Cortical Recordings of Normal Brain Activity
Authors: von Ellenrieder Nicolás , Gotman Jean , Zelmann Rina , Rogers Christine , Nguyen Dang Khoa , Kahane Philippe , Dubeau François , Frauscher Birgit 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveRegional variations in oscillatory activity during human sleep remain unknown. Using the unique ability of intracranial electroencephalography to study in situ brain physiology, this study assesses regional variations of electroencephalographic sleep activity and creates the first atlas of human sleep using recordings from the first sleep cycle.MethodsIntracerebral electroencephalographic recordings with channels displaying physiological activity from nonlesional tissue were selected from 91 patients of 3 tertiary epilepsy centers. Sections during non–rapid eye movement sleep (stages N2 and N3) and rapid eye movement sleep (stage R) were selected from the first sleep cycle for oscillatory and nonoscillatory signal analysis. Results of 1,468 channels were grouped into 38 regions covering all cortical areas.ResultsWe found regional differences in the distribution of sleep transients and spectral content during all sleep stages. There was a caudorostral gradient, with more slow frequencies and fewer spindles in temporoparieto‐occipital than in frontal cortex. Moreover, deep‐seated structures showed spectral peaks differing from the baseline electroencephalogram. The regions with >60% of channels presenting significant rhythmic activity were either mesial or temporal basal structures that contribute minimally to the scalp electroencephalogram. Finally, during deeper sleep stages, electroencephalographic analysis revealed a more homogeneous spatial distribution, with increased coupling between high and low frequencies.InterpretationThis study provides a better understanding of the regional variability of sleep, and establishes a baseline for human sleep in all cortical regions during the first sleep cycle. Furthermore, the open‐access atlas will be a unique resource for research (https://mni-open-ieegatlas.research.mcgill.ca). ANN NEUROL 2020;87:289–301
The contribution of new geophysical measurements at the previously excavated neolithic rondel area near Bylany, central Bohemia
Authors: Křivánek Roman 
Published: November 2019

AbstractGeophysical prospection at the site of a Neolithic rondel near Bylany has been carried out in three different stages of archaeological study of the area. The first two stages of measurements with different magnetometers were initiated as a result of previous archaeological investigation. The last survey by five‐channel fluxgate magnetometer brought more complex results of the whole area revealing three different Neolithic rondels. The results of wide area prospection helped also to identify changes in landscape and subsurface state of preservation of the archaeological site.
Natural Product‐Based Fungicides Discovery: Design, Synthesis and Antifungal Activities of Some Sarisan Analogs Containing 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole Moieties
Authors: Xu Hongyu , Jia Ao , Hou Enhua , Liu Zhiyan , Yang Rui , Yang Ruige , Guo Yong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA series of sarisan analogs containing 1,3,4‐oxadiazole moieties were synthesized by iodine‐mediated oxidative cyclization and screened in vitro for their antifungal activities at 50 μg/mL against five phytopathogenic fungi such as Valsa mali, Curvularia lunata, Alternaria alternate, Fusarium solani and Fusarium graminearum. 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole derivatives 7e, 7p, 7r, 7t and 7u exhibited potent and a broad spectrum of antifungal activities against at least three phytopathogenic fungi at the concentration of 50 μg/mL. Especially, compound 7r displayed more potent antifungal activities against five phytopathogenic fungi than the positive control hymexazol. The EC50 of 7r against V. mali, C. lunata and A. alternate were 12.6, 14.5 and 17.0 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, some interesting results of structure‐activity relationships (SARs) were also observed.