bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut metabolites and inflammation factors in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pan Xiongfeng , Wen Shi Wu , Kaminga Atipatsa C. , Liu Aizhong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe interaction of gut microbiota, related metabolites and inflammation factors with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclearly defined. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize previous study findings to better understand this interaction. Relevant research articles published not later than September, 2019 were searched in the following databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The search strategy and inclusion criteria for this study yielded a total of 47 studies, of which only 11 were eligible for meta-analysis. The narrative analysis of these articles found that there is interplay between the key gut microbiota, related metabolites and inflammation factors, which modulate the development and progression of NAFLD. In addition, the results of meta-analysis showed that probiotic supplementation significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in NAFLD patients (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.52, confidence interval (CI): −0.86 to −0.18, andp = 0.003) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD = −0.62, CI: −0.80 to −0.43, andp < 0.001). However, whether therapies can target TNF-α and CRP in order treat NAFLD still needs further investigation. Therefore, these results suggest that the interaction of the key gut microbiota, related metabolites and inflammation factors with NAFLD may provide a novel therapeutic target for the clinical and pharmacological treatment of NAFLD.
Green analytical method for the simultaneous analysis of cytochrome P450 probe substrates by poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based temperature-responsive chromatography
Authors: Maekawa Yutaro , Okamoto Naoya , Okada Yuji , Nagase Kenichi , Kanazawa Hideko 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHigh-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the most common analytical method practiced in various fields and used for analysis of almost all drug compounds in the pharmaceutical industries. During drug development, an evaluation of potential drug interaction with cytochrome P450 (CYP) is essential. A “cocktail” approach is often used in drug development to evaluate the effect of a drug candidate on multiple CYP enzymes in a single experiment. So far, simultaneous analysis of multiple CYP substrates, which have greatly different structure and physicochemical properties, has required organic solvents and mobile phase gradient methods. However, despite the recent emphasis on environmental protection, analytical methods that use only aqueous solvents without the use of organic solvents for separation have not been studied well. This study sought to develop the simultaneous analysis of multiple CYP substrates by using poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)-based temperature-responsive chromatography with only aqueous solvents and isocratic methods. Good separation of multiple CYP substrates was achieved without using organic solvents and any gradient methods by temperature-responsive chromatography utilizing a P(NIPAAm-co-n-butyl methacrylate (BMA))- and P(NIPAAm-co-N-acryloyl L-tryptophan methyl ester (L-Trp-OMe))-grafted silica column. Overall, PNIPAAm-based temperature-responsive chromatography represents a remarkably simple, versatile, and environmentally friendly bioanalytical method for CYP substrates and their metabolites.
Multi-frequency radiation of dissipative solitons in optical fiber cavities
Authors: Melchert Oliver , Demircan Ayhan , Yulin Alexey 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNew resonant emission of dispersive waves by oscillating solitary structures in optical fiber cavities is considered analytically and numerically. The pulse propagation is described in the framework of the Lugiato-Lefever equation when a Hopf-bifurcation can result in the formation of oscillating dissipative solitons. The resonance condition for the radiation of the dissipative oscillating solitons is derived and it is demonstrated that the predicted resonances match the spectral lines observed in numerical simulations perfectly. The complex recoil of the radiation on the soliton dynamics is discussed. The reported effect can have importance for the generation of frequency combs in nonlinear microring resonators.
In-vitro bioaccessibility and bioavailability of heavy metals in mineral clay complex used in natural health products
Authors: Chen Xiumin , Singh Anika , Kitts David D. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCommercial mineral clays that claim to have healing properties are also known to contain trace amounts of heavy metals, albeit the risk of consuming many of them is not entirely known. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro bioaccessibility and bioavailability of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) in mineral clay samples collected from the Sierra Mountains (USA) using the Unified Bioaccessibility Research Group of Europe (UBM) method and the Caco-2 permeability assay, respectively. After UMB-gastric (UBM-G) digestion, As and Pb bioaccessibility were lower compared to Cd and decreased further in the UMB-gastrointestinal (UBM-GI) assay. Bioavailability estimates using the Caco-2 cell showed very low to non-detectable permeability for all 3 heavy metals. Thus, while initial heavy metal ranged from 3.8–17 ppm, 0.024–0.061ppm, and 5.8–20 ppm for As, Cd, and Pb, respectively, the bioavailability for these metals was reduced to very low levels that followed: non-detectable values of As, <0.007ppm of Cd, and <0.1ppm of Pb. Using UBM-digestion to mimic bioaccessibility, followed by Caco-2 cell bioavailability enabled us to conclude that in vitro assessment of heavy metal exposure associated with mineral clay-based natural health products does not pose a potential hazard to consumers.
Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted image radiomics of brain metastases may predict EGFR mutation status in primary lung cancer
Authors: Ahn Sung Jun , Kwon Hyeokjin , Yang Jin-Ju , Park Mina , Cha Yoon Jin , Suh Sang Hyun , Lee Jong-Min 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIdentification ofEGFRmutations is critical to the treatment of primary lung cancer and brain metastases (BMs). Here, we explored whether radiomic features of contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (T1WIs) of BMs predictEGFRmutation status in primary lung cancer cases. In total, 1209 features were extracted from the contrast-enhanced T1WIs of 61 patients with 210 measurable BMs. Feature selection and classification were optimized using several machine learning algorithms. Ten-fold cross-validation was applied to the T1WI BM dataset (189 BMs for training and 21 BMs for the test set). Area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Subgroup analyses were also performed according to metastasis size. For all measurable BMs, random forest (RF) classification with RF selection demonstrated the highest diagnostic performance for identifyingEGFRmutation (AUC: 86.81). Support vector machine and AdaBoost were comparable to RF classification. Subgroup analyses revealed that small BMs had the highest AUC (89.09). The diagnostic performance for large BMs was lower than that for small BMs (the highest AUC: 78.22). Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted image radiomics of brain metastases predicted theEGFRmutation status of lung cancer BMs with good diagnostic performance. However, further study is necessary to apply this algorithm more widely and to larger BMs.
Photocatalytic degradation of oily waste and phenol from a local South Africa oil refinery wastewater using response methodology
Authors: Tetteh E. K. , Rathilal S. , Naidoo D. B. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe photocatalytic degradation of a local South Africa oil refinery wastewater was conducted under UV radiation using an aqueous catalyst of titanium dioxide (TiO2), Degussa P25 (80% anatase, 20% rutile) in suspension. The experiment was carried out in a batch aerated photocatalytic reactor based on a central composite design (CCD) and analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of three operational variables viz. TiO2 dosage (2–8 g/L), runtime (30–90 minutes), and airflow rate (0.768–1.48 L/min) were examined for the removal of phenol and soap oil and grease (SOG). The data derived from the CCD, and the successive analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed the TiO2 dosage to be the most influential factor, while the other factors were also significant (P < 0.0001). Also, the ANOVA test revealed the second-order of TiO2 dosage and runtime as the main interaction factors on the removal efficiency. To maximize the pollutant removal, the optimum conditions were found at runtime of 90 minutes, TiO2 dosage of 8 g/L, and an aeration flow rate of 1.225 L/min. Under the conditions stated, the percentage removal of phenol (300 ± 7) and SOG (4000 ± 23) were 76% and 88% respectively. At 95% confidence level, the predicted models developed results were in reasonable agreement with that of the experimental data, which confirms the adaptability of the models. The first-order kinetic constants were estimated as 0.136 min−1 and 0.083 min−1 for SOG and phenol respectively.
In vitro cultured human endometrial cells release extracellular vesicles that can be uptaken by spermatozoa
Authors: Murdica Valentina , Giacomini Elisa , Makieva Sofia , Zarovni Natasa , Candiani Massimo , Salonia Andrea , Vago Riccardo , Viganò Paola 
Published: June 2020

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from different parts of the male reproductive tract can be internalized by human spermatozoa affecting their maturation and regulating their functions. Here we demonstrate that EVs derived from the female tract can be uptaken by sperm and affect their competence. Primary endometrial cells release EVs with a diameter between 50 and 350 nm and bear the standard vesicle and exosome marker proteins CD63, CD9, TSG101 and ALIX. The uptake of dye-labelled endometrial cell-derived EVs by spermatozoa, quantified as fluorescence intensity, was significantly higher when EVs were derived from cells in the proliferative phase. Vital, motile fluorescent sperm could be appreciated after a 48-hour co-incubation with endometrial cells previously labelled with the Vybrant™ DiO dye. EV internalization by sperm was blocked at 4 °C and by incubation with filipin, suggesting an energy-dependent process probably attributable to the lipid-raft domain mediated-endocytosis. Sperm ability to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction was stimulated by endometrial cell-derived EVs as manifested by the increased protein tyrosine phosphorylation and evident reactivity when stimulated with a calcium ionophore. Based on these findings, EVs exchange may be suggested as an emerging way through which female reproductive tract cells can interact with the passing spermatozoa.
Environmental and dynamic effects explain how nisin captures membrane-bound lipid II
Authors: Panina Irina , Krylov Nikolay , Nolde Dmitry , Efremov Roman , Chugunov Anton 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAntibiotics (AB) resistance is a major threat to global health, thus the development of novel AB classes is urgently needed. Lantibiotics (i.e. nisin) are natural compounds that effectively control bacterial populations, yet their clinical potential is very limited. Nisin targets membrane-embedded cell wall precursor — lipid II — via capturing its pyrophosphate group (PPi), which is unlikely to evolve, and thus represents a promising pharmaceutical target. Understanding of exact molecular mechanism of initial stages of membrane-bound lipid II recognition by water-soluble nisin is indispensable. Here, using molecular simulations, we demonstrate that the structure of lipid II is determined to a large extent by the surrounding water-lipid milieu. In contrast to the bulk solvent, in the bilayer only two conformational states remain capable of nisin binding. In these states PPi manifests a unique arrangement of hydrogen bond acceptors on the bilayer surface. Such a “pyrophosphate pharmacophore” cannot be formed by phospholipids, which explains high selectivity of nisin/lipid II recognition. Similarly, the “recognition module” of nisin, being rather flexible in water, adopts the only stable conformation in the presence of PPi analogue (which mimics the lipid II molecule). We establish the “energy of the pyrophosphate pharmacophore” approach, which effectively distinguishes nisin conformations that can form a complex with PPi. Finally, we propose a molecular model of nisin recognition module/lipid II complex in the bacterial membrane. These results will be employed for further study of lipid II targeting by antimicrobial (poly)cyclic peptides and for design of novel AB prototypes.
Comparison of divergent breeding management strategies in two species of semi-captive eland in Senegal
Authors: Kubátová Anna , Štochlová Kateřina , Brandlová Karolína , Jůnková Vymyslická Pavla , Černá Bolfíková Barbora 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBreeding management of small populations may have a critical influence on the development of population characteristics in terms of levels of genetic diversity and inbreeding. Two populations of antelope sister species – Critically Endangered Western Derby eland (Tauroragus derbianus derbianus) and non-native Least Concern Cape eland (Taurotragus oryx oryx) bred under different management strategies were studied in Senegal, Western Africa. The aims of the study were to compare the population genetic parameters of the two species and to test for the presence of interspecific hybrids. In total, blood and tissue samples from 76 Western Derby elands and 26 Cape elands were investigated, using 12 microsatellite markers. No hybrid individuals were detected in the sampled animals within the multispecies enclosure in Bandia Reserve, Senegal. The parameters of genetic polymorphism indicated much lower genetic diversity in Western Derby elands compared to Cape elands. On the other hand, the coefficient of inbreeding was low in both species. It is hypothesized that this could be a positive effect of strict population management of Western Derby elands, which, despite the loss of genetic diversity, minimizes inbreeding.
Anesthetic propofol epigenetically regulates breast cancer trastuzumab resistance through IL-6/miR-149-5p axis
Authors: Tian Dan , Tian Miao , Ma Zhi-ming , Zhang Lei-lei , Cui Yun-feng , Li Jin-long 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPropofol, a common intravenous anesthetic, has been found to exert anti-cancer effects with inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. We tested its possible action against HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells that developed resistance against trastuzumab. Cell viability assay, ELISA for cytokines, mammosphere formation, quantitative RT-PCR for EMT/IL-6-targeting miRNAs and the in vivo experimental pulmonary metastasis model were performed to understand the epigenetic action of propofol. Propofol sensitized HER2 overexpressing cells to trastuzumab but such action was even more pronounced in resistant cells. Increased cytokines IL-6 as well as IL-8 were released by resistant cells, along with increased mammospheres and induction of EMT, all of which was inhibited by propofol. IL-6 targeting tumor suppressor miR-149-5p was found to be the novel miRNA that was up-regulated by propofol, resulting in the observed effects on cell viability, IL-6 production, mammospheres generation as well as EMT induction. Further, antagonizing miR-149-5p attenuated the propofol effects confirming the epigenetic activity of propofol through miR-149-5p regulation. Finally, in vivo validation in an experimental metastasis model conformed an inhibitory action of propofol against experimental lung metastasis and the essential mechanistic role of miR-149-5p/IL-6 loop. These results present a novel role of general anesthetic propofol against resistant breast cancer cells and the underlying epigenetic regulation of a tumor suppressor miRNA.
Remediation of diesel-contaminated soil enhanced with firefighting foam application
Authors: Rakowska Joanna 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDuring rescue operations related to the elimination of the effects of industrial accidents or natural disasters, extinguishing agents are used that affect the migration and transformation of contamination in the environment. Firefighting foam sprayed onto an oil spill slowly drains to an aqueous solution and penetrates the soil. The role of surfactants in the removal of petroleum derivatives is well known, but such extinguishing agents also contain solvents, preservatives, corrosion inhibitors and other ingredients that can reduce the beneficial effect of surfactants on soil remediation. The article presents the results of research on the remediation of soil contaminated with diesel fuel and enhanced with firefighting agents used to extinguish fires or remove oil spills on the road. The obtained results of biodegradation and leaching studies indicate differences in the efficiency of diesel fuel removal from soils. It was also found that Wet 1% reduces the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soil compared to oily samples not wetted with extinguishing solutions. Chromatographic analyses have shown both the hydrocarbons degradation and the possibility of their transformation into more hazardous compounds. The effectiveness of soil remediation depends on the chemical composition of the extinguishing agent used on the contaminated soil.
Effects of Glucose Deprivation on ATP and Proteoglycan Production of Intervertebral Disc Cells under Hypoxia
Authors: Yin Xue , Motorwala Aarif , Vesvoranan Oraya , Levene Howard B. , Gu Weiyong , Huang Chun-Yuh 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAs the most common cause of low back pain, the cascade of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is initiated by the disappearance of notochordal cells and progressive loss of proteoglycan (PG). Limited nutrient supply in the avascular disc environment restricts the production of ATP which is an essential energy source for cell survival and function such as PG biosynthesis. The objective of this study was to examine ATP level and PG production of porcine IVD cells under prolonged exposure to hypoxia with physiological glucose concentrations. The results showed notochordal NP and AF cells responded differently to changes of oxygen and glucose. Metabolic activities (including PG production) of IVD cells are restricted under the in-vivo nutrient conditions while NP notochordal cells are likely to be more vulnerable to reduced nutrition supply. Moreover, provision of energy, together or not with genetic regulation, may govern PG production in the IVD under restricted nutrient supply. Therefore, maintaining essential levels of nutrients may reduce the loss of notochordal cells and PG in the IVD. This study provides a new insight into the metabolism of IVD cells under nutrient deprivation and the information for developing treatment strategies for disc degeneration.
The influence of anticipated monetary incentives on visual working memory performance in healthy younger and older adults
Authors: Manga Annamária , Vakli Pál , Vidnyánszky Zoltán 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMotivation exerts substantial control over cognitive functions, including working memory. Although it is well known that both motivational control and working memory processes undergo a progressive decline with ageing, whether and to what extent their interaction is altered in old age remain unexplored. Here we aimed at uncovering the effect of reward anticipation on visual working memory performance in a large cohort of younger and older adults using a delayed-estimation task. We applied a three-component probabilistic model to dissociate the reward effects on three possible sources of error corrupting working memory performance: variability in recall, misbinding of object features and random guessing. The results showed that monetary incentives have a significant beneficial effect on overall working memory recall precision only in the group of younger adults. However, our model-based analysis resulted in significant reward effects on all three working memory component processes, which did not differ between the age groups, suggesting that model-based analysis is more sensitive to small reward-induced modulations in the case of older participants. These findings revealed that monetary incentives have a global boosting effect on working memory performance, which is deteriorated to some extent but still present in healthy older adults.
Toward personalized synchrotron microbeam radiation therapy
Authors: Engels Elette , Li Nan , Davis Jeremy , Paino Jason , Cameron Matthew , Dipuglia Andrew , Vogel Sarah , Valceski Michael , Khochaiche Abass , O’Keefe Alice , Barnes Micah , Cullen Ashley , Stevenson Andrew , Guatelli Susanna , Rosenfeld Anatoly , Lerch Michael , Corde Stéphanie , Tehei Moeava 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSynchrotron facilities produce ultra-high dose rate X-rays that can be used for selective cancer treatment when combined with micron-sized beams. Synchrotron microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) has been shown to inhibit cancer growth in small animals, whilst preserving healthy tissue function. However, the underlying mechanisms that produce successful MRT outcomes are not well understood, either in vitro or in vivo. This study provides new insights into the relationships between dosimetry, radiation transport simulations, in vitro cell response, and pre-clinical brain cancer survival using intracerebral gliosarcoma (9LGS) bearing rats. As part of this ground-breaking research, a new image-guided MRT technique was implemented for accurate tumor targeting combined with a pioneering assessment of tumor dose-coverage; an essential parameter for clinical radiotherapy. Based on the results of our study, we can now (for the first time) present clear and reproducible relationships between the in vitro cell response, tumor dose-volume coverage and survival post MRT irradiation of an aggressive and radioresistant brain cancer in a rodent model. Our innovative and interdisciplinary approach is illustrated by the results of the first long-term MRT pre-clinical trial in Australia. Implementing personalized synchrotron MRT for brain cancer treatment will advance this international research effort towards clinical trials.
Repetitive sequences and structural chromosome alterations promote intraspecific variations in Zea mays L. karyotype
Authors: Silva Jéssica Coutinho , Soares Fernanda Aparecida Ferrari , Sattler Mariana Cansian , Clarindo Wellington Ronildo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLTR-retrotransposons, knobs and structural chromosome alterations contribute to shape the structure and organization of the Zea mays karyotype. Our initial nuclear DNA content data of Z. mays accessions revealed an intraspecific variation (2 C = 2.00 pg to 2 C = 6.10 pg), suggesting differences in their karyotypes. We aimed to compare the karyotypes of three Z. mays accessions in search of the differences and similarities among them. Karyotype divergences were demonstrated among the accessions, despite their common chromosome number (2n = 20) and ancestral origin. Cytogenomic analyses showed that repetitive sequences and structural chromosome alterations play a significant role in promoting intraspecific nuclear DNA content variation. In addition, heterozygous terminal deletion in chromosome 3 was pointed out as a cause of lower nuclear 2 C value. Besides this, translocation was also observed in the short arm of chromosome 1. Differently, higher 2 C value was associated with the more abundant distribution of LTR-retrotransposons from the family Grande in the karyotype. Moreover, heteromorphism involving the number and position of the 180-bp knob sequence was found among the accessions. Taken together, we provide insights on the pivotal role played by repetitive sequences and structural chromosome alterations in shaping the karyotype of Z. mays.