bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Turning date palm fronds into biocompatible mesoporous fluorescent carbon dots
Authors: Kavitha T. , Kumar S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHere, we demonstrate the synthesis of mesoporous carbon dots (Cdot) from date palm fronds and their excellent excitation wavelength-independent photoluminescence (PL), with high photo- and storage-stability, superior biocompatibility and thermal and electrical conductivity for the first-time by a simple, green, one-step carbonization method. Interestingly, the as-obtained Cdot manifest the spherical shape of about 50 nm average diameter having surface mesopores of size less than 10 nm with sp2 hybridized carbon. The as-synthesised mesoporous Cdot, first of its kind, evince yellow-green PL (preferred over blue PL for biological applications) around 450 nm under excitation wavelength range of 320–420 nm with absolute quantum yield of 33.7% exhibiting high photo- and storage-stability. The thermal and electrical conductivity of Cdot/water nanofluids without any surfactants is illustrated. Application of Cdot as interfacial material in organic photovoltaic cell is manifested. The Cdot exhib visible sunlight driven photocatalytic and antibacterial activity. Mesoporous Cdot further reveal excellent biocompatibility with fibroblast cell (greater than 95% viability). The novelty of this study in the formation of multifunctional mesoporous Cdot from date palm fronds could inspire both research and industrial interests in the synthesis of biomass-derived Cdot and their application in a wide array of fields.
Effects of metformin on congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A disease progression in mice: a gender impact study
Authors: Fontes-Oliveira Cibely C. , M. Soares Oliveira Bernardo , Körner Zandra , M. Harandi Vahid , Durbeej Madeleine 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCongenital muscular dystrophy with laminin α2 chain-deficiency (LAMA2-CMD) is a severe muscle disorder with complex underlying pathogenesis. We have previously employed profiling techniques to elucidate molecular patterns and demonstrated significant metabolic impairment in skeletal muscle from LAMA2-CMD patients and mouse models. Thus, we hypothesize that skeletal muscle metabolism may be a promising pharmacological target to improve muscle function in LAMA2-CMD. Here, we have investigated whether the multifunctional medication metformin could be used to reduce disease in the dy2J/dy2J mouse model of LAMA2-CMD. First, we show gender disparity for several pathological hallmarks of LAMA2-CMD. Second, we demonstrate that metformin treatment significantly increases weight gain and energy efficiency, enhances muscle function and improves skeletal muscle histology in female dy2J/dy2J mice (and to a lesser extent in dy2J/dy2J males). Thus, our current data suggest that metformin may be a potential future supportive treatment that improves many of the pathological characteristics of LAMA2-CMD.
Previously unknown quasicrystal periodic approximant found in space
Authors: Bindi Luca , Pham Joyce , Steinhardt Paul J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe report the discovery of Al34Ni9Fe2, the first natural known periodic crystalline approximant to decagonite (Al71Ni24Fe5), a natural quasicrystal composed of a periodic stack of planes with quasiperiodic atomic order and ten-fold symmetry. The new mineral has been approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA 2018-038) and officially named proxidecagonite, which derives from its identity to periodic approximant of decagonite. Both decagonite and proxidecagonite were found in fragments from the Khatyrka meteorite. Proxidecagonite is the first natural quasicrystal approximant to be found in the Al-Ni-Fe system. Within this system, the decagonal quasicrystal phase has been reported to transform at ~940 °C to Al13(Fe,Ni)4, Al3(Fe,Ni)2 and the liquid phase, and between 800 and 850 °C to Al13(Fe,Ni)4, Al3(Fe,Ni) and Al3(Fe,Ni)2. The fact that proxidecagonite has not been observed in the laboratory before and formed in a meteorite exposed to high pressures and temperatures during impact-induced shocks suggests that it might be a thermodynamically stable compound at high pressure. The most prominent structural motifs are pseudo-pentagonal symmetry subunits, such as pentagonal bipyramids, that share edges and corners with trigonal bipyramids and which maximize shortest Ni–Al over Ni–Ni contacts.
Fast confocal fluorescence imaging in freely behaving mice
Authors: Dussaux Clara , Szabo Vivien , Chastagnier Yan , Fodor Jozsua , Léger Jean-François , Bourdieu Laurent , Perroy Julie , Ventalon Cathie 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFluorescence imaging in the brain of freely behaving mice is challenging due to severe miniaturization constraints. In particular, the ability to image a large field of view at high temporal resolution and with efficient out-of-focus background rejection still raises technical difficulties. Here, we present a novel fiberscope system that provides fast (up to 200 Hz) background-free fluorescence imaging in freely behaving mice over a field of view of diameter 230 μm. The fiberscope is composed of a custom-made multipoint-scanning confocal microscope coupled to the animal with an image guide and a micro-objective. By simultaneously registering a multipoint-scanning confocal image and a conventional widefield image, we subtracted the residual out-of-focus background and provided a background-free confocal image. Illumination and detection pinholes were created using a digital micromirror device, providing high adaptability to the sample structure and imaging conditions. Using this novel imaging tool, we demonstrated fast fluorescence imaging of microvasculature up to 120 μm deep in the mouse cortex, with an out-of-focus background reduced by two orders of magnitude compared with widefield microscopy. Taking advantage of the high acquisition rate (200 Hz), we measured red blood cell velocity in the cortical microvasculature and showed an increase in awake, unrestrained mice compared with anaesthetized animals.
Obesity-induced pancreatopathy in rats is reversible after bariatric surgery
Authors: Rebours Vinciane , Garteiser Philippe , Ribeiro-Parenti Lara , Cavin Jean-Baptiste , Doblas Sabrina , Pagé Gwenaël , Bado André , Couvineau Alain , Ruszniewski Philippe , Paradis Valérie , Le Gall Maude , Van Beers Bernard E. , Couvelard Anne 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObesity is a risk factor for pancreatic diseases. Bariatric surgery is one of the most efficient treatments of morbid obesity. The aims were to assess pancreatic endocrine and exocrine lesions in obese rats, to analyze effects of bariatric surgery. Sixty-three male Wistar rats were included in five groups: 2 fed with high fat diet (HFD) or normal diet for 3 months, 2 fed with HFD or normal diet for 6 months; 1 group fed with HFD and undergoing bariatric surgery (n = 30). Quantitative MR imaging was performed in HFD6, ND6 and HFD3-BS. Pancreas specimens were analyzed after sacrifice for adipocyte infiltration, fibrosis, acinar-ductal metaplasia, abnormality of Langerhans islets (HHF: hypertrophy, hypervascularisation, fibrosis), and hemosiderin deposits in acinar or endocrine locations. We found that HFD6 rats had more fibro-inflammatory islets (P = 0.0139) and acinar-ducal metaplasia (P = 0.0843) than HFD3 rats. Rats with HFD3+6 had more fibro-inflammatory islets (P < 0.0001), hemosiderin deposits (p < 0.0001), fat infiltration (P = 0.0008) and acinar-ductal metaplasia lesions (P = 0.0424). Weight increase was associated with glycoregulation abnormalities (r = 0.44, P = 0.08) and adipocyte infiltrations (P = 0.009). After surgery, less fibro-inflammatory islets (P = 0.0004), fat and iron infiltrates (P = 0.005 and P = 0.06), and acino-ductal metaplasia (P = 0.05) were observed compared to HFD6 rats. MR image quantifications revealed increased elasticity, fat fraction, and R2 and a decreased elasticity wave dispersion coefficient in the high fat groups that reversed after surgery. MRI parameters were in strong correlation with respective histological counterparts. In conclusion, obese rats develop pancreatic inflammatory lesions with acinar-ductal metaplasia in acinar location and the endocrine-exocrine interface. These changes can be prevented by bariatric surgery. Quantitative MR imaging is accurate in identifying early pancreatic lesions.
Fast Optical Sectioning for Widefield Fluorescence Mesoscopy with the Mesolens based on HiLo Microscopy
Authors: Schniete Jan , Franssen Aimee , Dempster John , Bushell Trevor J , Amos William Bradshaw , McConnell Gail 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe present here a fast optical sectioning method for mesoscopy based on HiLo microscopy, which makes possible imaging of specimens of up to 4.4 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm in volume in under 17 hours (estimated for a z-stack comprising 1000 images excluding computation time) with subcellular resolution throughout. Widefield epifluorescence imaging is performed with the Mesolens using a high pixel-number camera capable of sensor-shifting to generate a 259.5 Megapixel image, and we have developed custom software to perform HiLo processing of the very large datasets. Using this method, we obtain comparable sectioning strength to confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), with sections as thin as 6.8 ± 0.2 μm and raw acquisition speed of 1 minute per slice which is up to 30 times faster than CLSM on the full field of view (FOV) of the Mesolens of 4.4 mm with lateral resolution of 0.7 μm and axial resolution of 7 μm. We have applied this HiLo mesoscopy method to image fixed and fluorescently stained hippocampal neuronal specimens and a 5-day old zebrafish larva.
Human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells protect axotomized rat retinal ganglion cells via secretion of anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic factors
Authors: Millán-Rivero Jose E. , Nadal-Nicolás Francisco M. , García-Bernal David , Sobrado-Calvo Paloma , Blanquer Miguel , Moraleda Jose M. , Vidal-Sanz Manuel , Agudo-Barriuso Marta 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is emerging as an ideal tool to restore the wounded central nervous system (CNS). MSCs isolated from extra-embryonic tissues have some advantages compared to MSCs derived from adult ones, such as an improved proliferative capacity, life span, differentiation potential and immunomodulatory properties. In addition, they are more immunoprivileged, reducing the probability of being rejected by the recipient. Umbilical cords (UCs) are a good source of MSCs because they are abundant, safe, non-invasively harvested after birth and, importantly, they are not encumbered with ethical problems. Here we show that the intravitreal transplant of Wharton´s jelly mesenchymal stem cells isolated from three different human UCs (hWJMSCs) delays axotomy-induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. In vivo, hWJMSCs secrete anti-inflammatory molecules and trophic factors, the latter alone may account for the elicited neuroprotection. Interestingly, this expression profile differs between naive and injured retinas, suggesting that the environment in which the hWJMSCs are modulates their secretome. Finally, even though the transplant itself is not toxic for RGCs, it is not innocuous as it triggers a transient but massive infiltration of Iba1+cells from the choroid to the retina that alters the retinal structure.
Antimicrobial Activities and Mechanisms of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles (nMgO) against Pathogenic Bacteria, Yeasts, and Biofilms
Authors: Nguyen Nhu-Y Thi , Grelling Nathaniel , Wetteland Cheyann Lee , Rosario Romeo , Liu Huinan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMagnesium oxide nanoparticle (nMgO) is a light metal based antimicrobial nanoparticle that can be metabolized and fully resorbed in the body. To take advantage of the antimicrobial properties of nMgO for medical use, it is necessary to determine the minimal inhibitory, bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations (MIC, MBC and MFC) of nMgO against prevalent infectious bacteria and yeasts. The objective of this study was to use consistent methods and conditions to reveal and directly compare the efficacy of nMgO against nine prevalent pathogenic microorganisms, including two gram-negative bacteria, three gram-positive bacteria with drug-resistant strains, and four yeasts with drug-resistant strains. The MIC of nMgO varied from 0.5 mg/mL to 1.2 mg/mL and the minimal lethal concentration (MLC) of nMgO at 90% killing varied from 0.7 mg/mL to 1.4 mg/mL against different pathogenic bacteria and yeasts. The most potent concentrations (MPC) of nMgO were 1.4 and/or 1.6 mg/mL, depending on the type of bacteria and yeasts tested. As the concentration of nMgO increased, the adhesion of bacteria and yeasts decreased. Moreover, S. epidermidis biofilm was disrupted at 1.6 mg/mL of nMgO. E. coli and some yeasts showed membrane damage after cultured with ≥0.5 mg/mL nMgO. Overall, nMgO killed both planktonic bacteria and disrupted nascent biofilms, suggesting new antimicrobial mechanisms of nMgO. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Ca2+ ion concentrations, and quorum sensing likely contribute to the action mechanisms of nMgO against planktonic bacteria, but transient alkaline pH of 7 to 10 or increased Mg2+ ion concentrations from 1 to 50 mM showed no inhibitory or killing effects on bacteria such as S. epidermidis. Further studies are needed to determine if specific concentrations of nMgO at MIC, MLC or MPC level can be integrated into medical devices to evoke desired antimicrobial responses without harming host cells.
Flow cytometric analysis of Xenopus laevis and X. tropicalis blood cells using acridine orange
Authors: Sato Kei , Uehara Azusa , Kinoshita Sayaka , Nomura Ikki , Yagi Minami , Tanizaki Yuta , Matsuda-shoji Yu , Matsubayashi Atsushi , Endo Nobuyasu , Nagai Yutaka , Kato Takashi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAutomated blood cell counters can distinguish cells based on their size and the presence or absence of a nucleus. However, most vertebrates have nucleated blood cells that cannot be counted automatically. We established an alternative automatic method for counting peripheral blood cells by staining cells with the fluorescent dye acridine orange (AO) and analysing cell populations using flow cytometry (FCM). As promising new animal models, we chose Xenopus laevis and three inbred strains of X. tropicalis. We compared the haematological phenotypes, including blood cell types, cell sizes, cellular structure, and erythrocyte lifespans/turnover rate among X. laevis and the three inbred strains of X. tropicalis. Each cell type from X. laevis was sorted according to six parameters: forward- and side-scattered light emission, AO red and green fluorescence intensity, and cellular red and green fluorescence. Remarkably, the erythrocyte count was the highest in the Golden line, suggesting that genetic factors were associated with the blood cells. Furthermore, immature erythrocytes in anaemic X. laevis could be separated from normal blood cells based on red fluorescence intensity. These results show that FCM with AO staining allows for an accurate analysis of peripheral blood cells from various species.
Metabolic profiling of adherence to diet, physical activity and body size recommendations for cancer prevention
Authors: Gu Qianqian , Spinelli John J. , Dummer Trevor B. J. , McDonald Treena E. , Moore Steven C. , Murphy Rachel A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMaintaining a healthy body weight, eating well and being physically active lowers cancer risk by 30%. However, the biology underlying these relationships is not well understood. We examined cross-sectional associations between metabolites and cancer preventive behaviors as well as the relevance to cancer-related pathways among 120 participants (50% men, mean BMI 26.6 kg/m2, mean age 54 years) with no history of smoking or cancer. Participants completed questionnaires, physical measurements and provided blood samples. Non-targeted nuclear magnetic resonance captured 223 metabolite measures. Factor analysis was performed separately for amino acid, fatty acid and lipoprotein groups. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression was used to evaluate associations between cancer preventive recommendations and metabolite-containing factors (p-value < 0.05, false discovery rate <0.20). An inflammation-related metabolite (glycoprotein acetylation) loaded strongly on a factor that was associated with excess adiposity (body fat ≥25% (men) or ≥30% (women) ß (SE) = 0.74 (0.18)) and not meeting physical activity recommendations (ß (SE) = 0.40 (0.20)). Insulin sensitivity-related metabolites including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats were lower among participants not meeting recommendations for adiposity, fruits and vegetables and physical activity while branched chain amino acids were higher. Cancer preventive behaviors were associated with complex metabolic signatures, including alterations in pathways known to be involved in cancer pathogenesis.
Selective detections of single-viruses using solid-state nanopores
Authors: Arima Akihide , Tsutsui Makusu , Harlisa Ilva Hanun , Yoshida Takeshi , Tanaka Masayoshi , Yokota Kazumichi , Tonomura Wataru , Taniguchi Masateru , Okochi Mina , Washio Takashi , Kawai Tomoji 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRapid diagnosis of flu before symptom onsets can revolutionize our health through diminishing a risk for serious complication as well as preventing infectious disease outbreak. Sensor sensitivity and selectivity are key to accomplish this goal as the number of virus is quite small at the early stage of infection. Here we report on label-free electrical diagnostics of influenza based on nanopore analytics that distinguishes individual virions by their distinct physical features. We accomplish selective resistive-pulse sensing of single flu virus having negative surface charges in a physiological media by exploiting electroosmotic flow to filter contaminants at the Si3N4 pore orifice. We demonstrate identifications of allotypes with 68% accuracy at the single-virus level via pattern classifications of the ionic current signatures. We also show that this discriminability becomes >95% under a binomial distribution theorem by ensembling the pulse data of >20 virions. This simple mechanism is versatile for point-of-care tests of a wide range of flu types.
Fabrication and photoluminescent properties of Tb3+ doped carbon nanodots
Authors: Vostrikova Anna M. , Kokorina Alina A. , Demina Polina A. , German Sergei V. , Novoselova Marina V. , Tarakina Nadezda V. , Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Goryacheva Irina Y. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCarbon nanodots (CNDs) doped with Tb ions were synthesized using different synthetic routes: hydrothermal treatment of a solution containing carbon source (sodium dextran sulfate) and TbCl3; mixing of CNDs and TbCl3 solutions; freezing-induced loading of Tb and carbon-containing source into pores of CaCO3 microparticles followed by hydrothermal treatment. Binding of Tb ions to CNDs (Tb-CND coupling) was confirmed using size-exclusion chromatography and manifested itself through a decrease of the Tb photoluminescence lifetime signal. The shortest Tb photoluminescence lifetime was observed for samples obtained by hydrothermal synthesis of CaCO3 microparticles where Tb and carbon source were loaded into pores via the freezing-induced process. The same system displays an increase of Tb photoluminescence via energy transfer with excitation at 320–340 nm. Based on the obtained results, freezing-induced loading of cations into CNDs using porous CaCO3 microparticles as reactors is proposed to be a versatile route for the introduction of active components into CNDs. The obtained CNDs with long-lived emission may be used for time-resolved imaging and visualization in living biological samples where time-resolved and long-lived luminescence microscopy is required.
Design of a novel cell-permeable chimeric peptide to promote wound healing
Authors: Horn Mareike , Neundorf Ines 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBiological membranes are impermeable to almost all compounds having a molecular weight greater than 500 Da. Recently, cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) as delivery vehicles have attracted great interest in the medical sector for the development of novel therapeutic agents or cosmetic products. Herein, a wound healing promoting sequence, namely Tylotoin, was covalently coupled with a cell penetrating peptide to improve the delivery of Tylotoin across cellular membranes. Indeed, internalization studies indicated that the cellular uptake of these novel peptide conjugates into keratinocytes was significantly improved accompanied by good tolerability. In a scratch wound closure assay used to investigate the wound healing capability, the most promising novel peptide chimera (Tylotoin-sC18*) was found to promote the migration of keratinocytes indicating that the fusion to Tylotoin did not cause any loss in its activity. Even more, proliferative effects on keratinocytes were observed, an important step during the wound healing process. Still more encouraging is the capability of Tylotoin-sC18* to exhibit strong antimicrobial activities since the process of wound healing is often affected by bacterial infections. Owing to their multiple functions, the novel peptide chimera may have potential as future agents for the treatment of infected wounds.
High performance and low temperature coal mine gas sensor activated by UV-irradiation
Authors: kimiagar Salimeh , Najafi Vahid , Witkowski Bartlomiej , Pietruszka Rafal , Godlewski Marek 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this work, well-aligned vertical ZnO nanorod (ZnO NRs) on p-type Si substrate was fabricated by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal reactor to study the coal mine methane (CMM) gas sensing properties. The XRD diffraction peaks and Raman spectra of the ZnO NRs confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure with strong preferential orientation along the c axis and well crystal quality. SEM analysis showed NRs with 100 nm average diameter and ~600 nm length. The variations of the sensor electrical resistance in the presence of CMM were investigated at different gas concentrations and various temperatures in the dark and under UV light. The selectivity and response time of the sensor to CMM gas were improved under UV irradiation. The optimal operating temperatures were 225 °C and 100 °C in dark and exposing UV-irradiation, respectively. Also the response of ZnO NRs sensor under UV excitation in humid condition was higher. The sensor was more selective to CMM than CO2. The sensor stability was considered by repeating CMM detection for 90 days.
Potassium usnate, a water-soluble usnic acid salt, shows enhanced bioavailability and inhibits invasion and metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yang Yi , Bae Woo Kyun , Lee Ji-Yoon , Choi Yong Jae , Lee Kyung Hwa , Park Myong-Suk , Yu Young Hyun , Park So-Yeon , Zhou Rui , Taş İsa , Gamage Chathurika , Paik Man-Jeong , Lee Jae Hyuk , Chung Ik Joo , Kim Kyung Keun , Hur Jae-Seoun , Kim Sang Kyum , Ha Hyung-Ho , Kim Hangun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractUsnic acid (UA), a lichen secondary substance, has considerable anticancer activity in vitro, whereas its effect in vivo is limited. Here, potassium usnate (KU) was prepared by the salinization of UA to enhance its water solubility. KU showed increased bioavailability compared with UA in the tumor, liver, and plasma of a CT26 syngeneic mouse tumor xenograft model after oral administration, as determined by LC-MS/MS analysis. KU exhibited potent anticancer effects on colorectal cancer cells and inhibited liver metastasis in an orthotopic murine colorectal cancer model. KU treatment downregulated the epithelial-mesenchymal markers Twist, Snail, and Slug and the metastasis-related genes CAPN1, CDC42, CFL1, IGF1, WASF1, and WASL in cells and tumor tissues. The present results suggest the potential application of the water-soluble form of UA, KU, in anticancer therapy.