bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of an Environmental Transport Medium for Legionella pneumophila Recovery
Authors: Martinelli Marianna , Calaresu Enrico , Musumeci Rosario , Giubbi Chiara , Perdoni Federica , Frugoni Sergio , Castriciano Santina , Scaturro Maria , Ricci Maria Luisa , Cocuzza Clementina E.
Published: August 2021

The collection and storage of water-related matrices such as biofilm from collection to processing are critical for the detection of Legionella pneumophila by cultural and molecular tests. SRK™ is a liquid medium that acts both as an antimicrobial neutralizing agent and a transport medium for bacterial culture enumeration and is useful to maintain the stability of the sample from collection to analysis. The aims of this study were to evaluate Legionella pneumophila viability and bacterial nucleic acids’ stability in SRK™ medium over time at different storage conditions. Artificial bacterial inoculates with an approximate concentration of 104, 103 and 102 CFU/mL were made using Legionella pneumophila certified reference material suspended in SRK™ medium. Bacteria recovery was analyzed by cultural and molecular methods at time 0, 24 and 48 h at room temperature and at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h at 2–8 °C, respectively. SRK™ medium supported Legionella pneumophila culture viability with CFU counts within the expected range. The recovery after 72 h at 2–8 °C was 83–100% and 75–95% after 48 h at room temperature. Real-time PCR appropriately detected Legionella pneumophila DNA at each temperature condition, dilution and time point. Results demonstrated a good performance of SRK™ medium for the reliable recovery of environmental Legionella.
Prevalence of Evidence-Based School Meal Practices and Associations with Reported Food Waste across a National Sample of U.S. Elementary Schools
Authors: Calvert Hannah G. , Ohri-Vachaspati Punam , McQuilkin Michaela , Boedeker Peter , Turner Lindsey
Published: August 2021

Providing meals at school is an important part of the hunger safety net for children in the United States and worldwide; however, many children do not receive school meals even when they qualify for federally-subsidized free or reduced-priced meals. This study investigates the prevalence of several evidence-based practices that have previously been shown to increase the reach and impact of school meals. A survey was sent to a national sample of US elementary schools, with items examining practices regarding school breakfast, school lunch, recess, the promotion of meals, nutrition standards, and food waste, during the 2019–20 school year. Almost all schools that offered lunch also offered breakfast. More than 50% used a breakfast service strategy other than cafeteria service, such as grab-and-go breakfast meals. Providing at least 30 min for lunch periods and providing recess before lunch were reported by less than half of schools. About 50% of schools reported using only one or fewer meal promotional strategies (such as taste tests) throughout the school year. Use of more promotional strategies was associated with less reported food waste in a multivariable regression model accounting for school demographic characteristics. Findings show that some evidence-based practices for school meals are being implemented, but many recommendations are not being widely adopted.
Deontological or Utilitarian? An Eternal Ethical Dilemma in Outbreak
Authors: Tseng Po-En , Wang Ya-Huei
Published: August 2021

Both deontological ethics and utilitarian ethics are important theories that affect decision making in medical and health care. However, it has been challenging to reach a balance between these two ethical theories. When there is a conflict between these two ethical principles in the medical context, the conflict must be addressed in order to reach an appropriate solution for patients and others involved. To demonstrate decisions made in terms of deontological ethics and utilitarian ethics, the study will use the film Outbreak as example to further understand these two ethics in relation to epidemiology and public health. The paper will also analyze film scenarios to examine how deontological ethics and utilitarian ethics are involved and strike a balance with different pearspectives to reach an appropriate public health solution. To reach more just solutions, it is essential to determine how to make wise decisions by balancing deontological ethics and utilitarian ethics. However, the decision-making process is complicated because any solution must consider not only medical ethics but also political, environmental, and military issues. In order to reach an appropriate public health decision, those involved should be inclined toward empathy and contemplate things from different ethical perspectives to deal with ethical/moral dilemmas and create greater beneficence and justice for patients and humanity at large.
Olfactory Learning Supports an Adaptive Sugar-Aversion Gustatory Phenotype in the German Cockroach
Authors: Wada-Katsumata Ayako , Schal Coby
Published: August 2021

An association of food sources with odors prominently guides foraging behavior in animals. To understand the interaction of olfactory memory and food preferences, we used glucose-averse (GA) German cockroaches. Multiple populations of cockroaches evolved a gustatory polymorphism where glucose is perceived as a deterrent and enables GA cockroaches to avoid eating glucose-containing toxic baits. Comparative behavioral analysis using an operant conditioning paradigm revealed that learning and memory guide foraging decisions. Cockroaches learned to associate specific food odors with fructose (phagostimulant, reward) within only a 1 h conditioning session, and with caffeine (deterrent, punishment) after only three 1 h conditioning sessions. Glucose acted as reward in wild type (WT) cockroaches, but GA cockroaches learned to avoid an innately attractive odor that was associated with glucose. Olfactory memory was retained for at least 3 days after three 1 h conditioning sessions. Our results reveal that specific tastants can serve as potent reward or punishment in olfactory associative learning, which reinforces gustatory food preferences. Olfactory learning, therefore, reinforces behavioral resistance of GA cockroaches to sugar-containing toxic baits. Cockroaches may also generalize their olfactory learning to baits that contain the same or similar attractive odors even if they do not contain glucose.
Diagnostic Performance of Serial High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Measurements in the Emergency Setting
Authors: Kavsak Peter A. , Hewitt Mark K. , Mondoux Shawn E. , Cerasuolo Joshua O. , Ma Jinhui , Clayton Natasha , McQueen Matthew , Griffith Lauren E. , Perez Richard , Seow Hsien , Ainsworth Craig , Ko Dennis T. , Worster Andrew
Published: August 2021

Serial high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hsTn) testing in the emergency department (ED) and the intensive cardiac care unit may assist physicians in ruling out or ruling in acute myocardial infarction (MI). There are three major algorithms proposed for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hsTnI) using serial measurements while incorporating absolute concentration changes for MI or death following ED presentation. We sought to determine the diagnostic estimates of these three algorithms and if one was superior in two different Canadian ED patient cohorts with serial hsTnI measurements. An undifferentiated ED population (Cohort-1) and an ED population with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS; Cohort-2) were clinically managed with non-hsTn testing with the hsTnI testing performed in real-time with physicians blinded to these results (i.e., hsTnI not reported). The three algorithms evaluated were the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the High-STEACS pathway, and the COMPASS-MI algorithm. The diagnostic estimates were derived for each algorithm for the 30-day MI/death outcome for the rule-out and rule-in arm in each cohort and compared to proposed diagnostic benchmarks (i.e., sensitivity ≥ 99.0% and specificity ≥ 90.0%) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In Cohort-1 (n = 2966 patients, 15.3% had outcome) and Cohort-2 (n = 935 patients, 15.6% had outcome), the algorithm that obtained the highest sensitivity (97.8%; 95% CI: 96.0–98.9 and 98.6%; 95% CI: 95.1–99.8, respectively) in both cohorts was COMPASS-MI. Only Cohort-2 with both the ESC and COMPASS-MI algorithms exceeded the specificity benchmark (97.0%; 95% CI: 95.5–98.0 and 96.7%; 95% CI: 95.2–97.8, respectively). Patient selection for serial hsTnI testing will affect specificity estimates, with no algorithm achieving a sensitivity ≥ 99% for 30-day MI or death.
Ultrasound in Inflammatory and Obstructive Salivary Gland Diseases: Own Experiences and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Koch Michael , Sievert Matti , Iro Heinrich , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Schapher Mirco
Published: August 2021

Background: Ultrasound is established as a diagnostic tool in salivary glands for obstructive diseases such as sialolithiasis and tumors. Concerning inflammatory diseases and in non-sialolithiasis-caused obstruction, much fewer data are available. In recent years, technical development has allowed a better assessment of the gland parenchyma, and knowledge about intraductal pathologies has increased considerably, which has provided new insights and a new interpretation of ultrasound findings. Objectives: To provide a comprehensive review of the literature that includes our own experiences and to point out the state of the art in ultrasound in the diagnostics of inflammatory and obstructive salivary gland diseases, taking adequate techniques and recent technical developments into consideration. Data sources and study eligibility criteria: A systematic literature search was performed in Pubmed using various specific key words. Results: According to the literature results, including our own experiences, ultrasound is of value in up to >90% of cases presenting with inflammatory and/or obstructive diseases. Technical developments (e.g., elastography) and the application of modified ultrasound techniques (e.g., transoral ultrasound) have contributed to these results. Today, ultrasound is considered a first-line diagnostic tool in these diseases. However, in some inflammatory diseases, the final diagnosis can be made only after inclusion of the anamnesis, clinical symptoms, serologic blood tests, or histopathologic investigation. Conclusions: Ultrasound can be considered as a first-line diagnostic tool in obstructive and inflammatory salivary gland diseases. In obstructive diseases, it may be sufficient for diagnostics in >90% of cases. In inflammatory diseases, ultrasound is at least an excellent screening method and can be used to establish the diagnosis in cases of an early suspicion. In all diseases ultrasound can contribute to better management and can be used for monitoring during follow-up.
The Role of Antioxidants on Wound Healing: A Review of the Current Evidence
Authors: Comino-Sanz Inés María , López-Franco María Dolores , Castro Begoña , Pancorbo-Hidalgo Pedro Luis
Published: August 2021

(1) Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in the preparation of the normal wound healing response. Therefore, a correct balance between low or high levels of ROS is essential. Antioxidant dressings that regulate this balance are a target for new therapies. The purpose of this review is to identify the compounds with antioxidant properties that have been tested for wound healing and to summarize the available evidence on their effects. (2) Methods: A literature search was conducted and included any study that evaluated the effects or mechanisms of antioxidants in the healing process (in vitro, animal models or human studies). (3) Results: Seven compounds with antioxidant activity were identified (Curcumin, N-acetyl cysteine, Chitosan, Gallic Acid, Edaravone, Crocin, Safranal and Quercetin) and 46 studies reporting the effects on the healing process of these antioxidants compounds were included. (4) Conclusions: this review offers a map of the research on some of the antioxidant compounds with potential for use as wound therapies and basic research on redox balance and oxidative stress in the healing process. Curcumin, NAC, quercetin and chitosan are the antioxidant compounds that shown some initial evidence of efficacy, but more research in human is needed.
Comparison of Histological Sample Volumes among Various Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Needles
Authors: Takahashi Kosuke , Yasuda Ichiro , Hanaoka Tatsuyuki , Hayashi Yuka , Motoo Iori , Kajiura Shinya , Ando Takayuki , Fujinami Haruka , Tajiri Kazuto , Imura Johji , Ozawa Eisuke , Miuma Satoshi , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: August 2021

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) enables easy and accurate pathological assessment. Here, we compared and assessed the area of samples on glass slides for three needle types: a 19-gauge Franseen needle (Acquire, Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA), a 22-gauge Franseen needle, and a 19-gauge fine-needle aspiration (FNA) needle (EZ Shot 3 Plus; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan). Among patients with suspected pancreatic cancer, with a ≥20 mm tumor located in the pancreatic body and tail, and who underwent EUS-FNA or FNB between June 2018 and March 2020, 10 were randomly selected to test each needle. The areas of histological tissue and blood clot samples were measured using the BZ-X800 imaging software (Keyence Corporation, Osaka, Japan). Baseline patient characteristics and pathological sample data showed no significant differences among the needles. The 19-gauge Franseen needle obtained significantly more histological tissue samples than the 19-gauge conventional needle (p = 0.010) and 22-gauge Franseen needle (p = 0.008). Conversely, there was no significant difference between the 19-gauge conventional needle and 22-gauge Franseen needle (p = 0.838) in this regard. The 19-gauge Franseen needle could collect more samples than the other needles, contributing to giving a more precise pathological diagnosis and more information, including genomic profiling.
Substantiation of Improvements for the Bearing Structure of an Open Car to Provide a Higher Security during Rail/Sea Transportation
Authors: Fomin Oleksij , Lovska Alyona , Kučera Pavel , Píštěk Václav
Published: August 2021

This article presents the most frequent damage in the bearing structure of a rail car during rail/sea transportation. The study includes load modes for the bearing structure of an open car such as unloading with a grab and transportation by a train ferry. It was found that the most vulnerable element of the bearing structure of an open car during unloading with a grab is the top cord. The authors suggest applying a viscous material (an elastomer) to reinforce the top cord. This solution was confirmed by means of a strength calculation, whose results showed the efficiency of the solution. The bearing structure of an open car during the train ferry transportation can be protected by mounting special fixation units on the bolster beams. The geometry of such units was chosen according to that of a chain binder. The results of the strength calculation demonstrated that the strength of the bearing structure of an open car was provided with the application of the fixation units suggested. The article also presents the results of the experimental determination of the strength of the improved bearing structure of an open car based on the finite element method and full-scale bench testing. The research conducted might be used by those who are interested in higher operational efficiency of rail cars during rail/sea transportation.
Oil Market Factors as a Source of Commonality in Liquidity in International Equity Markets
Authors: Alhassan Abdulrahman , Naka Atsuyuki , Noman Abdullah
Published: August 2021

When stock markets are less liquid or illiquid, investors are expected to require compensation for taking the risk of not being able to sell quickly. Many studies have documented the existence of the co-movements (commonality) of market liquidity in equity markets as a priced factor. The primary objective of this paper is to introduce the oil market as a potential source of commonality in liquidity. We hypothesize that conditions specific to the oil market can contribute to commonality in liquidity affecting both supply-side and demand-side factors because of its importance to the global economy in general. To this aim, a sample of firms is drawn from 50 countries spanning the period from January 1995 to December 2015. We examine two channels that transmit the effect of oil market movements to the liquidity commonality in international equity markets, namely, oil price returns and oil price volatility. Seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) are utilized to estimate the effect of oil factors on commonality in liquidity. We find that the returns and volatility of oil prices explain the commonality in liquidity in countries with higher integration with oil markets. In addition, we show that the effect of oil volatility is more pronounced for net oil exporters as opposed to net oil importers after controlling for oil sensitivity. These results are robust to controlling for possible sources of commonality in liquidity as found in the literature and alternative estimation specifications.
Nahuatl and Spanish in Contact: Language Practices in Mexico
Authors: Gomashie Grace A.
Published: August 2021

The study reports on adults’ linguistic use of Nahuatl in the bilingual community of Santiago Tlaxco, Mexico. Using a survey approach, adults were asked to indicate their language choices (i.e., Spanish, Nahuatl or both languages) when interacting with people in various linguistic domains including personal, public, occupational, and educational. Findings showed that Nahuatl was used predominately with family members, with the exception of children aged 12 and younger with whom bilingual use was the norm. Similarly, in the public domain, bilingual language use was preferred for interactions with young people (less than 18 years), indicating a trend toward a gradual displacement of Nahuatl. However, Nahuatl was still the preferred language for interactions in the occupational domain, in places of worship and within social circles. Spanish was preferred for the educational domain, at the clinic, and in unfamiliar settings, such as with strangers. While adult use of Nahuatl facilitates language maintenance, there is a need for increased intergenerational transmission. Results are discussed in the context of language planning.
On the Integration of Dative Adjuncts into Event Structures in Yapa Languages
Authors: Browne Mitchell
Published: August 2021

Warlpiri and Warlmanpa (Ngumpin-Yapa languages of Australia) exhibit a complex predicate construction in which a class of preverbs introduces a single argument that is not shared by the argument structure of the inflecting verb, nor is there necessarily any shared event structure. This is problematic for many theories of linking structures of complex predicates, since no arguments or events are shared between the predicative elements of the complex predicate. The same grammatical relation is instantiated by a beneficiary adjunct. In light of new research in event and argument structure, I propose a lexical rule which introduces an applicative argument to account for the beneficiary construction; and that the preverbs take another predicate as one of their arguments to account for the complex predicates. The applicative rule and the preverbs both introduce an argument of the same grammatical relation, leading to interesting interactions, given that two grammatical relations of the same type are not expected to co-occur within a single clause.
Biological Evaluation of a New Sodium-Potassium Silico-Phosphate Glass for Bone Regeneration: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Fiume Elisa , Tulyaganov Dilshat U. , Akbarov Avzal , Ziyadullaeva Nigora , Cochis Andrea , Scalia Alessandro C. , Rimondini Lia , Verné Enrica , Baino Francesco
Published: August 2021

In vitro and in vivo studies are fundamental steps in the characterization of new implantable materials to preliminarily assess their biological response. The present study reports the in vitro and in vivo characterizations of a novel experimental silicate bioactive glass (BG) (47.5B, 47.5SiO2-10Na2O-10K2O-10MgO-20CaO-2.5P2O5 mol.%). Cytocompatibility tests were performed using human mature osteoblasts (U2OS), human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human endothelial cells (EA.hy926). The release of the early osteogenic alkaline phosphatase (ALP) marker suggested strong pro-osteogenic properties, as the amount was comparable between hMSCs cultivated onto BG surface and cells cultivated onto polystyrene control. Similarly, real-time PCR revealed that the osteogenic collagen I gene was overexpressed in cells cultivated onto BG surface without biochemical induction. Acute toxicity tests for the determination of the median lethal dose (LD50) allowed classifying the analyzed material as a slightly toxic substance with LD50 = 4522 ± 248 mg/kg. A statistically significant difference in bone formation was observed in vivo through comparing the control (untreated) group and the experimental one, proving a clear osteogenic effect induced by the implantation at the defect site. Complete resorption of 47.5B powder was observed after only 3 months in favor of newly formed tissue, thus confirming the high osteostimulatory potential of 47.5B glass.
Wasted Biomaterials from Crustaceans as a Compliant Natural Product Regarding Microbiological, Antibacterial Properties and Heavy Metal Content for Reuse in Blue Bioeconomy: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Nekvapil Fran , Ganea Iolanda-Veronica , Ciorîță Alexandra , Hirian Razvan , Ogresta Lovro , Glamuzina Branko , Roba Carmen , Cintă Pinzaru Simona
Published: August 2021

The compliance of crab shells traditionally used as a complex natural product for agricultural soil amendment with modern biofertilizers’ quality and safety requirements was investigated. Shells waste from the Blue crab, Callinectes sapidus and the Green crab, Carcinus aestuarii were tested for macronutrients, heavy metals, bacteria content, and antimicrobial properties. Such information is crucial for further utilization of the biogenic powders for any composite formulation in added-value by-products. The calcium carbonate-rich hard tissue yield was 52.13% ± 0.015 (mean ± S.D.) and 64.71% ± 0.144 from the blue and green crabs, respectively. The contents of Pb, Ni, Zn, Cr (VI), and Cu were several orders of magnitude below the prescribed limit by EU biofertilizer legislation, with Fe, Mn (not prescribed), and As being the most abundant. The content of As and Cd from the material considered here was within limits. The shells contain no colony-forming units of Salmonella spp. and compliant levels of Escherichia coli; moreover, the shell micro-powder showed dose-dependent growth inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In summary, the waste crab shells present a complex natural product as plant biofertilizer following the circular economy concepts.
Relationships between the Chicken McNugget Problem, Mutations of Brauer Configuration Algebras and the Advanced Encryption Standard
Authors: Cañadas Agustín Moreno , Gaviria Isaías David Marín , Vega Juan David Camacho
Published: August 2021

Mutations on Brauer configurations are introduced and associated with some suitable automata to solve generalizations of the Chicken McNugget problem. Additionally, based on marked order polytopes, the new Diophantine equations called Gelfand–Tsetlin equations are also solved. The approach allows algebraic descriptions of some properties of the AES key schedule via some Brauer configuration algebras and suitable non-deterministic finite automata (NFA).
Quality of Life of Complete Denture Wearers—A Comparative Study between Conventional Dentures and Acrylic Dentures with Vitamin B12 Incorporated
Authors: Budală Dana Gabriela , Baciu Elena Raluca , Virvescu Dragoș Ioan , Armencia Adina , Scutariu Mihaela Monica , Surlari Zinovia , Balcoș Carina
Published: August 2021

Background and objectives: This paper is a sequel to the studies that focused on the optimization of the structure of classical acrylates with vitamin B12 as a template and their impact on patients’ general and local health. In this context, we aim to investigate the relationships between attitudes and behavior regarding oral health, oral health status, and quality of life related to oral health in the case of patients with conventional dentures and those with dentures improved with vitamin B12. Material and Methods: The sample size was estimated from previous studies, and 252 participants were enrolled and divided into two groups, one of which received as a treatment complete dentures with B12, and the other group was represented by complete edentulous patients treated with conventional complete dentures. The impact of oral health in general on patient satisfaction and quality of life was assessed using Oral Health Impact Profile OHIP-14 questionnaires. The descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Differences registered between the two groups were statistically significant in all evaluated dimensions. The largest differences were recorded for physical, psychological, and social disability as well as for the level of disability, all in favor of denture B12 wearers. Conclusions: The materials used in the treatment of complete edentation can be a future research direction that can not only improve their mechanical strength but can contribute to maintaining the superior health of the oral mucosa and can also be a way of transporting substances necessary for the normal development of the metabolism of the whole body, such as vitamin B12 in our case.
Innovation of Biomass Crusher by Application of Hardfacing Layers
Authors: Viňáš Ján , Brezinová Janette , Brezina Jakub , Hermel Peter
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the innovation possibilities of the crushers functional parts and the results of layers’ renovation analyses of the surfaces worn by biomass crusher hammers. The worn functional surfaces of hammers made of Hardox 400 material were renovated by manual arc welding method (welded with a filled wire electrode with its own protection). As an additive material, Lincore 60-O tubular wire from Lincoln Electric was used. The quality of weld layers was assessed on the metallographic sections, where the presence of internal defects was monitored, and the microstructures of welds were identified. In addition to the metallographic analysis, the microhardness in terms of EN ISO 9015-2 was assessed. Based on the performed experiments, it is suitable for the crusher innovation to recommend the chain replacement with a shaped weldment made of Hardox 400 material, the weldability of which is very good, and to make at least one hardfacing layer on its functional surfaces. With this innovation, the service life of the crushing segment could be extended by more than ten-fold.
Design, Synthesis, and Anticancer Activity Studies of Novel Quinoline-Chalcone Derivatives
Authors: Guan Yong-Feng , Liu Xiu-Juan , Yuan Xin-Ying , Liu Wen-Bo , Li Yin-Ru , Yu Guang-Xi , Tian Xin-Yi , Zhang Yan-Bing , Song Jian , Li Wen , Zhang Sai-Yang
Published: August 2021

The chalcone and quinoline scaffolds are frequently utilized to design novel anticancer agents. As the continuation of our work on effective anticancer agents, we assumed that linking chalcone fragment to the quinoline scaffold through the principle of molecular hybridization strategy could produce novel compounds with potential anticancer activity. Therefore, quinoline-chalcone derivatives were designed and synthesized, and we explored their antiproliferative activity against MGC-803, HCT-116, and MCF-7 cells. Among these compounds, compound 12e exhibited a most excellent inhibitory potency against MGC-803, HCT-116, and MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 1.38, 5.34, and 5.21 µM, respectively. The structure–activity relationship of quinoline-chalcone derivatives was preliminarily explored in this report. Further mechanism studies suggested that compound 12e inhibited MGC-803 cells in a dose-dependent manner and the cell colony formation activity of MGC-803 cells, arrested MGC-803 cells at the G2/M phase and significantly upregulated the levels of apoptosis-related proteins (Caspase3/9 and cleaved-PARP) in MGC-803 cells. In addition, compound 12e could significantly induce ROS generation, and was dependent on ROS production to exert inhibitory effects on gastric cancer cells. Taken together, all the results suggested that directly linking chalcone fragment to the quinoline scaffold could produce novel anticancer molecules, and compound 12e might be a valuable lead compound for the development of anticancer agents.
Curcumin and Resveratrol Improve Muscle Function and Structure through Attenuation of Proteolytic Markers in Experimental Cancer-Induced Cachexia
Authors: Penedo-Vázquez Antonio , Duran Xavier , Mateu Javier , López-Postigo Adrián , Barreiro Esther
Published: August 2021

Muscle wasting and cachexia are prominent comorbidities in cancer. Treatment with polyphenolic compounds may partly revert muscle wasting. We hypothesized that treatment with curcumin or resveratrol in cancer cachectic mice may improve muscle phenotype and total body weight through attenuation of several proteolytic and signaling mechanisms in limb muscles. In gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of cancer cachectic mice (LP07 adenocarcinoma cells, N = 10/group): (1) LC-induced cachexia, (2) LC-cachexia+curcumin, and (3) LC-cachexia + resveratrol, muscle structure and damage (including blood troponin I), sirtuin-1, proteolytic markers, and signaling pathways (NF-κB and FoxO3) were explored (immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting). Compared to nontreated cachectic mice, in LC-cachexia + curcumin and LC-cachexia + resveratrol groups, body and muscle weights (gastrocnemius), limb muscle strength, muscle damage, and myofiber cross-sectional area improved, and in both muscles, sirtuin-1 increased, while proteolysis (troponin I), proteolytic markers, and signaling pathways were attenuated. Curcumin and resveratrol elicited beneficial effects on fast- and slow-twitch limb muscle phenotypes in cachectic mice through sirtuin-1 activation, attenuation of atrophy signaling pathways, and proteolysis in cancer cachectic mice. These findings have future therapeutic implications as these natural compounds, separately or in combination, may be used in clinical settings of muscle mass loss and dysfunction including cancer cachexia.
Recent Advances in BTK Inhibitors for the Treatment of Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Zhang Datong , Gong He , Meng Fancui
Published: August 2021

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) plays a crucial role in B-cell receptor and Fc receptor signaling pathways. BTK is also involved in the regulation of Toll-like receptors and chemokine receptors. Given the central role of BTK in immunity, BTK inhibition represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Great efforts have been made in developing BTK inhibitors for potential clinical applications in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This review covers the recent development of BTK inhibitors at preclinical and clinical stages in treating these diseases. Individual examples of three types of inhibitors, namely covalent irreversible inhibitors, covalent reversible inhibitors, and non-covalent reversible inhibitors, are discussed with a focus on their structure, bioactivity and selectivity. Contrary to expectations, reversible BTK inhibitors have not yielded a significant breakthrough so far. The development of covalent, irreversible BTK inhibitors has progressed more rapidly. Many candidates entered different stages of clinical trials; tolebrutinib and evobrutinib are undergoing phase 3 clinical evaluation. Rilzabrutinib, a covalent reversible BTK inhibitor, is now in phase 3 clinical trials and also offers a promising future. An analysis of the protein–inhibitor interactions based on published co-crystal structures provides useful clues for the rational design of safe and effective small-molecule BTK inhibitors.
Metabolite Profile and In Vitro Beneficial Effects of Black Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Polar Extract
Authors: Bontempo Paola , Stiuso Paola , Lama Stefania , Napolitano Assunta , Piacente Sonia , Altucci Lucia , Molinari Anna , De Masi Luigi , Rigano Daniela
Published: August 2021

Over the centuries, humans have traditionally used garlic (Allium sativum L.) as a food ingredient (spice) and remedy for many diseases. To confirm this, many extensive studies recognized the therapeutic effects of garlic bulbs. More recently, black garlic (BG), made by heat-ageing white garlic bulbs, has increased its popularity in cuisine and traditional medicine around the world, but there is still limited information on its composition and potential beneficial effects. In this study, the metabolite profile of methanol extract of BG (BGE) was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry in high-resolution mode. Results allowed to establish that BGE major components were sulfur derivatives, saccharides, peptides, organic acids, a phenylpropanoid derivative, saponins, and compounds typical of glycerophospholipid metabolism. Characterization of the BGE action in cancer cells revealed that antioxidant, metabolic, and hepatoprotective effects occur upon treatment as well as induction of maturation of acute myeloid leukemia cells. These results are interesting from the impact point of view of BG consumption as a functional food for potential prevention of metabolic and tumor diseases.
Caregiver Feeding Practices as Predictors for Child Dietary Intake in Low-Income, Appalachian Communities
Authors: McIver Mikaela B. , Colby Sarah , Hansen-Petrik Melissa , Anderson Steeves Elizabeth T.
Published: August 2021

The Appalachian region of the U.S. is disproportionately impacted by poverty, obesity, and nutrition-related chronic diseases. Evidence suggests that caregiver feeding practices may promote healthful eating behaviors among children; however, this has not been examined in low-income, rural, Appalachian populations. This study examines caregiver feeding practices as predictors for child diet in low-income Appalachian families, using a cross-sectional analysis of 178 caregivers of young children (ages 2–10 years old), that were recruited from low-income, rural communities in East Tennessee, from November 2017 to June 2018. Caregivers self-reported measures of demographics, feeding practices, and child dietary intake. Multiple linear regression analyses were run, and found that higher use of caregiver modeling positively predicted child vegetable consumption (Beta = 1.02; p = 0.04). Higher caregiver intake of fruits and vegetables positively predicted child fruit consumption (Beta = 0.29; p = 0.02) and vegetable consumption (Beta = 1.56; p < 0.001), respectively. Higher home availability of healthier foods positively predicted child fruit consumption (Beta = 0.06; p = 0.002) and vegetable consumption (Beta = 0.09; p = 0.05). Higher home availability of less healthy foods positively predicted child consumption of high-sugar/high-fat snack foods (Beta = 0.59; p = 0.003). The findings of this study indicate that caregiver modeling, healthy caregiver dietary intake, and healthful home food availability are associated with healthier child dietary intake among young children in low-income, rural, Appalachian areas. Promoting these practices among caregivers may be an important strategy to enhancing dietary intake of children in this hard-to-reach, underserved population.
Sex Differences in Supplement Intake in Recreational Endurance Runners—Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2)
Authors: Wirnitzer Katharina , Motevalli Mohamad , Tanous Derrick R. , Gregori Martina , Wirnitzer Gerold , Leitzmann Claus , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: August 2021

It has been well-documented that female and male athletes differ in many physiological and psychological characteristics related to endurance performance. This sex-based difference appears to be associated with their nutritional demands including the patterns of supplement intake. However, there is a paucity of research addressing the sex differences in supplement intake amongst distance runners. The present study aimed to investigate and compare supplement intake between female and male distance runners (10 km, half-marathon, (ultra-)marathon) and the potential associations with diet type and race distance. A total of 317 runners participated in an online survey, and 220 distance runners (127 females and 93 males) made up the final sample after a multi-stage data clearance. Participants were also assigned to dietary (omnivorous, vegetarian, vegan) and race distance (10-km, half-marathon, marathon/ultra-marathon) subgroups. Sociodemographic characteristics and the patterns of supplement intake including type, frequency, dosage, and brands were collected using a questionnaire. One-way ANOVA and logistic regression were used for data analysis. A total of 54.3% of female runners and 47.3% male runners reported consuming supplements regularly. The frequency of supplement intake was similar between females and males (generally or across dietary and distance subgroups). There was no significant relationship for sex alone or sex interactions with diet type and race distance on supplement intake (p < 0.05). However, a non-significant higher intake of vitamin and mineral (but not CHO/protein) supplements was reported by vegan and vegetarian (but not by omnivorous) females compared to their male counterparts. In summary, despite the reported findings, sex could not be considered as a strong modulator of supplement intake among different groups of endurance runners.
A Systematic Review of Worldwide Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods: Findings and Criticisms
Authors: Marino Mirko , Puppo Federica , Del Bo’ Cristian , Vinelli Valentina , Riso Patrizia , Porrini Marisa , Martini Daniela
Published: August 2021

A debate is ongoing on the significance and appropriateness of the NOVA classification as a tool for categorizing foods based on their degree of processing. As such, the role of ultra-processed food (UPF) on human health is still not completely understood. With this review, we aimed to investigate the actual level of consumption of UPF across countries and target populations to determine the impact in real contexts. Suitable articles published up to March 2021 were sourced through the PubMed and SCOPUS databases. Overall, 99 studies providing data on the level of UPF consumption expressed as the percentage of total energy intake were identified, for a total of 1,378,454 participants. Most of them were published in Brazil (n = 38) and the United States (n = 15), and the 24 h recall was the most-used tool (n = 63). Analysis of the results revealed that the United States and the United Kingdom were the countries with the highest percent energy intake from UPF (generally >50%), whereas Italy had the lowest levels (about 10%); the latter was inversely associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. High variability was also observed based on sex, age, and body mass index, with men, young people, and overweight/obese subjects generally having higher levels of consumption compared to older subjects. Overall, our findings underline the large differences in UPF intake. Since most of the observations derived from studies conducted with food questionnaires are not specifically validated for UPF, further efforts are essential to confirm the results previously obtained and to investigate further the association between UPF consumption and health status, also considering the actual contribution within different dietary patterns, which has been less investigated to date.
Interactions between Parasitic Infections and Reproductive Efficiency in Horses
Authors: Tyrnenopoulou Panagiota , Boufis Petros T. , Fthenakis George C. , Papadopoulos Elias
Published: August 2021

Parasites remain a significant threat to horses’ health and welfare. The present paper reviews and discusses interactions between parasitic infections and reproductive efficiency in horses. The manuscript describes the interactions in a structured way, presenting the infecting parasites and the respective effects in the reproductive activity of horses. The following stages of the reproductive cycle are covered: ovarian activity and relevant body condition, breeding management (including effects in mares and stallions), pregnancy and neonatal period. A separate section covers the topic of transmission of pathogens to horses through parasites. Finally, parasite control strategies in relation to reproductive activity (strategies for breeding mares and foals) are discussed. Understanding the causality of impaired reproductive performance is essential in terms of maintaining productivity and efficient stud breeding strategies. Further collaboration of parasitologists, stud managers and veterinarians is necessary in order to implement novel control strategies with a greater emphasis on the emerging challenges.
The GPR18 Agonist PSB-KD-107 Exerts Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxant Effects
Authors: Kotańska Magdalena , Kubacka Monika , Bednarski Marek , Nicosia Noemi , Szafarz Małgorzata , Jawień Wojciech , Müller Christa E. , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna
Published: August 2021

GPR18 is an orphan GPCR that is activated by the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Emerging evidence indicates its involvement in the control of cardiovascular functions, including heart rate, contractility, vascular tone, as well as blood pressure. Therefore, we investigated the effects of selective GPR18 receptor ligands, namely PSB-KD-107 (agonist) and PSB-CB-92 (antagonist), on blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and vascular dilatation in vitro and in vivo, as well as their anti-oxidative potential in in vitro ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate free radical (DPPH) assays. Our results clearly show that PSB-KD-107 dilates blood vessels. This effect is related to its activation of GPR18 as it can be blocked by the GPR18 antagonist PSB-CB-92. Moreover, our finding confirms the presence of GPR18 in blood vessels. The mechanism of the vasorelaxant activity of PSB-KD-107 is mainly related to endothelial nitric oxide generation; however, we cannot exclude additional nitric oxide-independent mechanisms or a direct influence on K+ channels. PSB-KD-107 may affect blood pressure and heart function after a single administration; however, this effect was no longer observed after repeated administrations once daily for eight days. PSB-KD-107 does not affect platelet aggregation—an important feature considering the safety of its administration. PSB-KD-107 also shows a significant anti-oxidant effect and further studies of its antioxidant activity in vivo are justified.
Multivalent Calixarene-Based Liposomes as Platforms for Gene and Drug Delivery
Authors: Lebrón José Antonio , López-López Manuel , García-Calderón Clara B. , V. Rosado Ivan , Balestra Fernando R. , Huertas Pablo , Rodik Roman V. , Kalchenko Vitaly I. , Bernal Eva , Moyá María Luisa , López-Cornejo Pilar , Ostos Francisco J.
Published: August 2021

The formation of calixarene-based liposomes was investigated, and the characterization of these nanostructures was carried out using several techniques. Four amphiphilic calixarenes were used. The length of the hydrophobic chains attached to the lower rim as well as the nature of the polar group present in the upper rim of the calixarenes were varied. The lipid bilayer was formed with one calixarene and with the phospholipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, DOPE. The cytotoxicity of the liposomes for various cell lines was also studied. From the results obtained, the liposomes formed with the least cytotoxic calixarene, (TEAC12)4, were used as nanocarriers of both nucleic acids and the antineoplastic drug doxorubicin, DOX. Results showed that (TEAC12)4/DOPE/p-EGFP-C1 lipoplexes, of a given composition, can transfect the genetic material, although the transfection efficiency substantially increases in the presence of an additional amount of DOPE as coadjuvant. On the other hand, the (TEAC12)4/DOPE liposomes present a high doxorubicin encapsulation efficiency, and a slow controlled release, which could diminish the side effects of the drug.
Spectroscopic Approach to Correction and Visualisation of Bright-Field Light Transmission Microscopy Biological Data
Authors: Platonova Ganna , Štys Dalibor , Souček Pavel , Lonhus Kirill , Valenta Jan , Rychtáriková Renata
Published: August 2021

The most realistic information about a transparent sample such as a live cell can be obtained using bright-field light microscopy. Under high-intensity pulsing LED illumination, we captured a primary 12-bit-per-channel (bpc) response from an observed sample using a bright-field microscope equipped with a high-resolution (4872 × 3248) image sensor. In order to suppress data distortions originating from the light interactions with elements in the optical path, poor sensor reproduction (geometrical defects of the camera sensor and some peculiarities of sensor sensitivity), we propose a spectroscopic approach for the correction of these uncompressed 12 bpc data by simultaneous calibration of all parts of the experimental arrangement. Moreover, the final intensities of the corrected images are proportional to the photon fluxes detected by a camera sensor. It can be visualized in 8 bpc intensity depth after the Least Information Loss compression.
Micromorphological Traits of Balcanic Micromeria and Closely Related Clinopodium Species (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Kremer Dario , Stabentheiner Edith , Bogunić Faruk , Ballian Dalibor , Eleftheriadou Eleni , Stešević Danijela , Matevski Vlado , Ranđelović Vladimir , Ivanova Daniella , Ruščić Mirko , Dunkić Valerija
Published: August 2021

A study of the trichomes types and distribution and pollen morphology was carried out in nine Micromeria taxa (M. cristata ssp. cristata, M. cristata ssp. kosaninii, M. croatica, M. graeca ssp. graeca, M. graeca ssp. fruticulosa, M. juliana, M. kerneri, M. longipedunculata and M. microphylla) and five closely related Clinopodium species (C. dalmaticum, C. frivaldszkyanum, C. pulegium, C. serpyllifolium and C. thymifolium) from the Lamiaceae family of the Balkan Peninsula. By scanning electron microscope, non-glandular trichomes, peltate and capitate trichomes were observed on the calyx, leaves and stem of the studied species. Two subtypes of capitate trichomes were observed in Micromeria species: subtype 1 (consisting of a basal epidermal cell and an elliptically shaped head cell) and subtype 2 (consisting of a basal epidermal cell, two to three stalk cells and a round head cell). In Clinopodium species, three types of capitate trichomes were observed: subtype 1, subtype 3 (consisting of a basal epidermal cell, a short peduncle cell, and a single round head cell), and subtype 4 (consisting of a basal epidermal cell, a stalk cell, and an elongated head cell). These results support the recent transfer of Micromeria species from the section Pseudomelissa to the genus Clinopodium.