bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Ti6Al7Nb Alloy for the Manufacture of Biomechanical Functional Structures (BFS) for Custom-Made Bone Implants
Authors: Szymczyk Patrycja , Ziółkowski Grzegorz , Junka Adam , Chlebus Edward
Published: June 2018

Unlike conventional manufacturing techniques, additive manufacturing (AM) can form objects of complex shape and geometry in an almost unrestricted manner. AM’s advantages include higher control of local process parameters and a possibility to use two or more various materials during manufacture. In this work, we applied one of AM technologies, selective laser melting, using Ti6Al7Nb alloy to produce biomedical functional structures (BFS) in the form of bone implants. Five types of BFS structures (A1, A2, A3, B, C) were manufactured for the research. The aim of this study was to investigate such technological aspects as architecture, manufacturing methods, process parameters, surface modification, and to compare them with such functional properties such as accuracy, mechanical, and biological in manufactured implants. Initial in vitro studies were performed using osteoblast cell line hFOB 1.19 (ATCC CRL-11372) (American Type Culture Collection). The results of the presented study confirm high applicative potential of AM to produce bone implants of high accuracy and geometric complexity, displaying desired mechanical properties. The experimental tests, as well as geometrical accuracy analysis, showed that the square shaped (A3) BFS structures were characterized by the lowest deviation range and smallestanisotropy of mechanical properties. Moreover, cell culture experiments performed in this study proved that the designed and obtained implant’s internal porosity (A3) enhances the growth of bone cells (osteoblasts) and can obtain predesigned biomechanical characteristics comparable to those of the bone tissue.
Monitoring the Oil of Wind-Turbine Gearboxes: Main Degradation Indicators and Detection Methods
Authors: Coronado Diego , Wenske Jan
Published: June 2018

Oil condition monitoring is a common practice in the wind industry. However, the published research about oil degradation in wind turbine gearboxes is limited. This paper aims at providing new information on the oil degradation process by analyzing wind turbine gearbox oils aged in the laboratory and in the field. Oil samples were analyzed in the laboratory and two sensors were used to determine the oil condition by means of dielectric constant and conductivity measurements. Additionally, micropitting tests were carried out for three oils with different base stocks. The results of this study show that viscosity changes of the oils from the field were not significant.Extreme pressure additives depletion and the increase of the iron content are among the most relevant degradation indicators. The oil sensors used in this study provided limited information on the oil degradation process. The accuracy of the sensors was affected by the oil type and its measurement range. The results of the micropitting tests showed that even aged oils exhibited a high micropitting resistance.
Stability of λ-Harmonic Maps
Authors: Pirbodaghi Zahra , Mirmohammad Rezaii Morteza , Kazemi Torbaghan Seyed Mehdi
Published: June 2018

In this paper, λ -harmonic maps from a Finsler manifold to a Riemannian manifold are studied. Then, some properties of this kind of harmonic maps are presented and some examples are given. Finally, the stability of the λ -harmonic maps from a Finsler manifold to the standard unit sphere S n ( n > 2 ) is investigated.
Albisporachelin, a New Hydroxamate Type Siderophore from the Deep Ocean Sediment-Derived Actinomycete Amycolatopsis albispora WP1T
Authors: Wu Qihao , Deering Robert W. , Zhang Gaiyun , Wang Bixia , Li Xin , Sun Jiadong , Chen Jianwei , Zhang Huawei , Rowley David C. , Wang Hong
Published: June 2018

Marine actinobacteria continue to be a rich source for the discovery of structurally diverse secondary metabolites. Here we present a new hydroxymate siderophore produced by Amycolatopsis albispora, a recently described species of this less explored actinomycete genus. Strain WP1T was isolated from sediments collected at −2945 m in the Indian Ocean. The new siderophore, designated albisporachelin, was isolated from iron depleted culture broths and the structure was established by 1D and 2D NMR and MS/MS experiments, and application of a modified Marfey’s method. Albisporachelin is composed of one N-methylated-formylated/hydroxylated l-ornithine (N-Me-fh-l-Orn), one l-serine (l-Ser), one formylated/hydroxylated l-ornithine (fh-l-Orn) and a cyclo-N-methylated-hydroxylated l-ornithine (cyclo-N-Me-h-l-Orn).
Butyrolactone-I from Coral-Derived Fungus Aspergillus terreus Attenuates Neuro-Inflammatory Response via Suppression of NF-κB Pathway in BV-2 Cells
Authors: Zhang Yuan Yuan , Zhang Yi , Yao Yuan-Bei , Lei Xiao-Ling , Qian Zhong-Ji
Published: June 2018

Butyrolactone-I (ZB5-1) from the coral-derived fungus Aspergillus terreus was investigated in this study to estimate its anti-neuroinflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 microglia cells. MTT assay indicated that ZB5-1 in tested concentrations had no cytotoxicity on BV-2 cells, and significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), measured using Griess reagent, and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ZB5-1 also down-regulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in a dose-dependent manner by Western blot analysis. Moreover, the effect of ZB5-1 on the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway was studied via the expression of phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB), and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 respectively. The results showed that ZB5-1 could inhibit the phosphorylation of p65 and IκB. Furthermore, molecular docking study suggested that ZB5-1 bound at the active sites of NF-κB to prevent its translocation to the nucleus. Therefore, we suggest ZB5-1 has a potential to reduce the anti-inflammatory response in LPS-induced BV-2 cells.
Anaphylaxis of small arteries: putative role of nitric oxide and prostanoids
Authors: Laukevičienė Alė , Uginčius Paulius , Korotkich Igor , Lažauskas Robertas , Kėvelaitis Egidijus
Published: June 2018

This study investigated possible implication of nitric oxide and prostanoids in anaphylactic reaction in small mesenteric and coronary arteries. Material and methods. Isolated arteries from guinea pigs, sensitized with 0.5 mL of horse serum or sham-sensitized, were challenged with 1% of horse serum in vitro. Contractile responses of arteries (normalized diameter, 350–450 μm) were recorded by a small blood vessel wire myograph. For inhibition of the release of NO or prostanoids, vessels were pretreated with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (30 μM) or indomethacin (10 μM), respectively. Results. Antigen challenge was followed by contraction of both coronary and mesenteric vessels. Two patterns of contraction were observed: 1) peak contraction – an immediate transient contraction of relatively high amplitude; this was the most common pattern; 2) biphasic: the initial peak contraction was followed by a slow growing contraction with low amplitude. Biphasic pattern was observed in 60% of the mesenteric vessels and 40% of the coronary vessels. Inhibition of NO synthase significantly increased the peak contraction in the coronary vessels and the second-phase contraction in the mesenteric vessels. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase caused a decrease in the peak and second-phase contraction of both the coronary and mesenteric vessels. Conclusions. Despite anaphylactic contraction, nitric oxide seems to be released from the endothelium following antigen challenge in the small coronary and mesenteric arteries. This may contribute to the development of hypotension during anaphylaxis. Prostanoids are playing a different role – the contracting products of cyclooxygenase pathway are important for the development of anaphylactic contraction of the small isolated arteries.
The level of endotoxins in hemodialysis water and dialysate in Lithuanian hemodialysis centers
Authors: Skarupskienė Inga , Bumblytė Inga , Tamošaitis Donatas , Venterienė Jūratė , Kuzminskis Vytautas
Published: June 2018

The composition and quality of the dialysis fluid play an important role in the modulation of dialysis-related complications. During hemodialysis, patient’s blood has a contact with dialysate through a semipermeable membrane. Bacterial endotoxins can pass through the membrane pores into the patient’s blood and cause a silent chronic microinflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the level of endotoxins in hemodialysis water and dialysate in Lithuanian hemodialysis centers. Dialysis water (n=50) and dialysate (n=50) were collected from 91% (n=50) of all hemodialysis centers. The presence of bacterial endotoxins was evaluated using a sensitive Limulus amebocyte lysate test, which detects intact lipopolysaccharides. The level of endotoxins was lower than 0.25 EU/mL in 43 (86%) dialysis water samples and in 46 (92%) dialysate samples, and complied with the recommendations of the European Pharmacopoeia and the European Best Practice Guidelines for pure dialysis fluid. The dialysate of 39 (78%) Lithuanian hemodialysis centers complied with the definition of an ultrapure dialysis fluid. The water and dialysate were of insufficient quality in 14% and in 8% of Lithuanian hemodialysis centers, respectively, and this could be improved by the establishment of routine investigation of endotoxins.
Voluntary performance
Authors: Van Orden Guy
Published: June 2018

Will, purpose, and volition have long been viewed as either causes of behavior or of no direct consequence to behavior. In this essay, volition affects a flexible direct coupling of participant to task, modulating the degrees of freedom for kinematics in action, a point of view first introduced in theories of motor coordination. The consequence is an explanation consistent with present knowledge about involuntary and voluntary sources of control in human performance, and also the changes of the body expressed in aging and dynamical disease. Specifically, this view explains how tradeoffs between sources of overly regular versus overly random dynamics change the structure of variability in repeated measurements of voluntary performance.
CO2 Separation in Nanocomposite Membranes by the Addition of Amidine and Lactamide Functionalized POSS® Nanoparticles into a PVA Layer
Authors: Guerrero Gabriel , Hägg May-Britt , Simon Christian , Peters Thijs , Rival Nicolas , Denonville Christelle
Published: June 2018

In this article, we studied two different types of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS®) functionalized nanoparticles as additives for nanocomposite membranes for CO2 separation. One with amidine functionalization (Amidino POSS®) and the second with amine and lactamide groups functionalization (Lactamide POSS®). Composite membranes were produced by casting a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer, containing either amidine or lactamide functionalized POSS® nanoparticles, on a polysulfone (PSf) porous support. FTIR characterization shows a good compatibility between the nanoparticles and the polymer. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) show an increment of the crystalline regions. Both the degree of crystallinity (Xc) and the alpha star transition, associated with the slippage between crystallites, increase with the content of nanoparticles in the PVA selective layer. These crystalline regions were affected by the conformation of the polymer chains, decreasing the gas separation performance. Moreover, lactamide POSS® shows a higher interaction with PVA, inducing lower values in the CO2 flux. We have concluded that the interaction of the POSS® nanoparticles increased the crystallinity of the composite membranes, thereby playing an important role in the gas separation performance. Moreover, these nanocomposite membranes did not show separation according to a facilitated transport mechanism as expected, based on their functionalized amino-groups, thus, solution-diffusion was the main mechanism responsible for the transport phenomena.
Processing of Magnesium-Based Metal Matrix Nanocomposites by Ultrasound-Assisted Particle Dispersion: A Review
Authors: Dieringa Hajo
Published: June 2018

Magnesium-based metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) are an important topic in the development of lightweight structural materials, because their optimized properties are of great interest to the automotive and aerospace industries. Moreover, components with functional properties will also be manufactured from Mg-MMNCs in the future. With a large surface to volume ratio, nanoparticles in the magnesium matrix have an immense effect on mechanical properties, even at low concentrations. The mechanical properties of these materials can be tailored using ceramic nanoparticles, which have been available at a very low cost for a number of years. However, the particle concentration, chemical composition, particle size, and process parameters must be attuned to the respective alloy, in order to influence the resulting properties. When using very small particles, a major problem is to homogeneously distribute the particles in the melt. Due to their large surface area, strong van der Waals forces act to hold the particles together in clusters. At the same time, wettability of the particles with a magnesium melt is very poor. Ultrasonic stirring processes have proven their effectiveness in the de-agglomeration and dispersion of nanoparticles. This review presents ultrasound-assisted processes for the production of these materials and describes some properties of the resulting Mg-MMNCs.
The Impact of Strain Heterogeneity and Transformation of Metastable Austenite on Springback Behavior in Quenching and Partitioning Steel
Authors: Yang Yonggang , Mi Zhenli , Liu Siyang , Li Hui , Li Jun , Jiang Haitao
Published: June 2018

Multiple strengthening methods, such as high dislocation density, high twin density, small grain size, and metastable austenite phase can give high strength to ultra-high strength steels (UHSSs). However, the high strength of UHSSs often results in a greater tendency for springback when applied in manufacturing vehicle components. In the present study, two types of UHSSs, dual-phase (DP) steel and quenching and partitioning (QP) steel are investigated to study the springback behavior during the bending process. Results indicated that both the strain heterogeneity and the transformation of retained austenite impacted the springback behavior. The springback angle of the DP steel increased with the increase in bending angle, which was caused by the increasing degree of strain heterogeneity. However, the springback angle of the QP steel decreased to a 14.75° when QP specimens were strained at a 104° bending angle due to the inhibiting effect of the phase transformation. This indicated that there was preferential phase transformation in the thickness direction in the retained austenite of the outer and inner zones. The phase transformation caused low strain heterogeneity, which resulted in a lower tendency for springback. The results suggested that QP steel could possess lower springback at a proper bending angle.
Temperature-Time Superposition Effect on Compressive Properties of AZ31B Magnesium Composite Foams
Authors: Xia Xingchuan , Wang Jing , Peng Yuanyi , Wang Nannan , He Xin , Qiu Chuanrong , Ding Jian , Chen Xueguang
Published: June 2018

Magnesium composite foams with 10 vol. % of hollow ceramic microspheres (CMs) were prepared by modified melt foaming method. Specimens with homogeneous pore structures were subjected to various heating temperature (150, 250, 320, 400, and 500 °C, respectively) and enduring times (1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h, respectively). Evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of the samples, before and after the heating processes were examined by applying X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and quasi-static uniaxial compression test. The results showed that as heating temperature and enduring time increasing, β-Mg17Al12 phases gradually dissolved, resulting in a solid-solution strengthening effect. Meanwhile, internal stress relaxation in the matrix leads to the decrease of yield strength and micro hardness of the specimens. When compared with the unheated foams, the treated specimens possessed lower micro-hardness, yield strength, and energy absorption capacity due to the dissolution of β-Mg17Al12 phases and the release of internal stress. However, higher strain hardening exponents for almost all of the treated composite foams were observed and the reasons were discussed. It is proposed that more factors should be taken into account when using heated composite foams in practical applications.
Selective Liberation of High-Phosphorous Oolitic Hematite Assisted by Microwave Processing and Acid Leaching
Authors: Cai Xianyan , Qian Gongming , Zhang Bo , Chen Qiushi , Hu Chenqiang
Published: June 2018

The release of valuable minerals from the associated gangues is called liberation. Good liberation is essential to the subsequent separation stage. Selective liberation is advantageous to improve the degree of liberation. Oolitic hematite is one of the typical refractory iron ores in China, and its resources are abundant. However, owing to its fine dissemination and complex mineralogical texture, the conventional grinding processes are inefficient in improving the selective liberation of oolitic hematite. In this study, microwave processing and acid leaching were used to assist the liberation of oolitic hematite. The assisted liberation of the oolitic hematite mechanisms of microwave processing and acid leaching were studied by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET specific surface area detection method (BET) and the transflective microscope method. The results indicated that microwave processing can reduce the mechanical strength of oolitic hematite and improve the liberation of hematite, and acid leaching can improve the microwave-assisted liberation efficiency and reduce the content of phosphorus in the grinding product. Compared to direct grinding, the liberation of hematite increased by 54.80% in the grinding product, and especially, the fractions of −0.038-mm and 0.05–0.074 mm increased significantly; however, there was no obvious change in other grain sizes, and the dephosphorization ratio reached 47.20% after microwave processing and acid leaching. After the two stages, the iron grade and recovery of the magnetic separation product increased by 14.26% and 34.62%, respectively, and the dephosphorization ratio reached 88.59%. It is demonstrated that microwave processing and acid leaching comprise an efficient method to improve the liberation of hematite and the dephosphorization ratio of oolitic hematite. The two-stage treatment can achieve selective liberation of oolitic hematite, which is beneficial to the following magnetic separation.
Structure-Activity Relationship of Dialkoxychalcones to Combat Fish Pathogen Saprolegnia australis
Authors: Montenegro Iván , Muñoz Ociel , Villena Joan , Werner Enrique , Mellado Marco , Ramírez Ingrid , Caro Nelson , Flores Susana , Madrid Alejandro
Published: June 2018

To investigate the anti-Saprolegnia activities of chalconic compounds, nine dialkoxychalcones 2–10, along with their key building block 2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone 1, were evaluated for their potential oomycide activities against Saprolegnia australis strains. The synthesis afforded a series of O-alkylated derivatives with typical chalcone skeletons. Compounds 4–10 were reported for the first time. Interestingly, analogue 8 with the new scaffold demonstrated remarkable in vitro growth-inhibitory activities against Saprolegnia strains, displaying greater anti-oomycete potency than the standard drugs used in the assay, namely fluconazole and bronopol. In contrast, a dramatic loss of activity was observed for O-alkylated derivatives 2, 3, 6, and 7. These findings have highlighted the therapeutic potential of the natural compound 1 scaffold to be exploitable as a drug lead with specific activity against various Saprolegnia strains.
An Overview of Biotransformation and Toxicity of Diterpenes
Authors: De Sousa Ingrid P. , Sousa Teixeira Maria V. , Jacometti Cardoso Furtado Niege A.
Published: June 2018

Diterpenes have been identified as active compounds in several medicinal plants showing remarkable biological activities, and some isolated diterpenes are produced at commercial scale to be used as medicines, food additives, in the synthesis of fragrances, or in agriculture. There is great interest in developing methods to obtain derivatives of these compounds, and biotransformation processes are interesting tools for the structural modification of natural products with complex chemical structures. Biotransformation processes also have a crucial role in drug development and/or optimization. The understanding of the metabolic pathways for both phase I and II biotransformation of new drug candidates is mandatory for toxicity and efficacy evaluation and part of preclinical studies. This review presents an overview of biotransformation processes of diterpenes carried out by microorganisms, plant cell cultures, animal and human liver microsomes, and rats, chickens, and swine in vivo and highlights the main enzymatic reactions involved in these processes and the role of diterpenes that may be effectively exploited by other fields.
Cytotoxic, Anti-Proliferative and Apoptosis Activity of l-Amino Acid Oxidase from Malaysian Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus (CP-LAAO) Venom on Human Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Zainal Abidin Syafiq Asnawi , Rajadurai Pathmanathan , Hoque Chowdhury Md. Ezharul , Othman Iekhsan , Naidu Rakesh
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential anti-cancer activity of l-amino acid oxidase (CP-LAAO) purified from the venom of Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus on SW480 and SW620 human colon cancer cells. Mass spectrometry guided purification was able to identify and purify CP-LAAO. Amino acid variations identified from the partial protein sequence of CP-LAAO may suggest novel variants of these proteins. The activity of the purified CP-LAAO was confirmed with o-phenyldiamine (OPD)-based spectrophotometric assay. CP-LAAO demonstrated time- and dose-dependent cytotoxic activity and the EC50 value was determined at 13 µg/mL for both SW480 and SW620 cells. Significant increase of caspase-3 activity, reduction of Bcl-2 levels, as well as morphological changes consistent with apoptosis were demonstrated by CP-LAAO. Overall, these data provide evidence on the potential anti-cancer activity of CP-LAAO from the venom of Malaysian C. purpureomaculatus for therapeutic intervention of human colon cancer.
Quantification of Glutamate and Aspartate by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Agius Carlos , Von Tucher Sabine , Poppenberger Brigitte , Rozhon Wilfried
Published: June 2018

Glutamic and aspartic acid fulfil numerous functions in organisms. They are proteinogenic amino acids, they function as neurotransmitters, and glutamic acid links the citrate cycle with amino acid metabolism. In addition, glutamic acid is a precursor for many bioactive molecules like γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In tomatoes, glutamic acid accumulates in ripening fruits. Here we present a simple and rapid method for quantification of glutamate and aspartate in tomatoes. A cleared extract is prepared and 2-aminoadipic acid added as internal standard. Subsequently, the amino acids are derivatised with 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene under alkaline conditions. The derivatives are separated by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography using a phenyl-hexyl column and 50 mM N-methylmorpholine/acetate buffer pH 7.4 containing 12% acetonitrile as eluent and detected by UV absorption at 363 nm. The whole analysis time including separation and column equilibration takes less than 2.8 min with a flow rate of 1 mL/min and less than 1.6 min with a flow rate of 2 mL/min, making this method suitable for high-throughput applications. The method shows excellent reproducibility with intra- and inter-day SDs of approximately 4% for both aspartic and glutamic acid. Using this method we show that the glutamate/aspartate ratio changes significantly during fruit ripening.
In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Phenols and Oleanolic Acid from Mango Peel and Their Cytotoxic Effect on A549 Cell Line
Authors: Bai Xuelian , Lai Tongfei , Zhou Ting , Li Yicong , Li Xiuting , Zhang Huawei
Published: June 2018

Mango peel, the main by-product of juice processing, possesses appreciable quantities of bioactive phenolic compounds and is worthy of further utilization. The present work reports for the first time the HPLC analysis and in vitro antioxidant evaluation of mango peel phenols (MPPs) and their cytotoxic effect on the A549 lung cancer cell line. These results indicated that mango peel has the total phenolic content of 723.2 ± 0.93 mg·kg−1 dry mango peel (DMP), which consisted mainly of vanillic aldehyde, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, procyanidin B2 and oleanolic acid. Antioxidant assays showed that MPPs had strong antioxidant activities, with 92 ± 4.2% of DPPH radical scavenging rate, 79 ± 2.5% of ABTS radical inhibition rate and 4.7 ± 0.5 μM Trolox equivalents per kg−1 DMP of ferric reducing power. Gallic acid possess a stronger antioxidant capacity than other phenols. In vitro cytotoxic tests suggested that mango peel extract (MPE) had an IC50 value of 15 mg·mL−1 and MPPs had a stronger inhibitory effect on the A549 cell line. Oleanolic acid exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity, with an IC50 value of 4.7 μM, which was similar with that of the positive control 5-fluorouracil.
A Highly Sensitive Resistive Pressure Sensor Based on a Carbon Nanotube-Liquid Crystal-PDMS Composite
Authors: Pan Jin , Liu Shiyu , Yang Yicheng , Lu Jiangang
Published: June 2018

Resistive pressure sensors generally employ microstructures such as pores and pyramids in the active layer or on the electrodes to reduce the Young’s modulus and improve the sensitivity. However, such pressure sensors always exhibit complex fabrication process and have difficulties in controlling the uniformity of microstructures. In this paper, we demonstrated a highly sensitive resistive pressure sensor based on a composite comprising of low-polarity liquid crystal (LPLC), multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer. The LPLC in the PDMS forms a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) structure which can not only reduce the Young’s modulus but also contribute to the construction of conductive paths in the active layer. By optimizing the concentration of LC in PDMS elastomer, the resistive pressure sensor shows a high sensitivity of 5.35 kPa−1, fast response (<150 ms), and great durability. Fabrication process is also facile and the uniformity of the microstructures can be readily controlled. The pressure sensor offers great potential for applications in emerging wearable devices and electronic skins.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride via a CdS-TiO2 Heterostructure Composite under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Li Wei , Ding Hao , Ji Hua , Dai Wenbin , Guo Jianping , Du Gaoxiang
Published: June 2018

A photocatalytic active CdS-TiO2 heterostructure composite was prepared by hydrothermal method and its morphology and properties were characterized. Results indicate that the CdS nanoparticles deposited on the surface of a TiO2 nanoparticles, which was in anatase phase. The particle scale of both of the components reached approximately 15 nm. In comparison to pure TiO2 (410 nm), the light absorption edge of the heterostructure composite was 550 nm, which could extend the light response from UV to the visible region. Under visible light irradiation, the degradation efficiency of tetracycline hydrochloride by the CdS-TiO2 composite achieved 87.06%, significantly enhancing photocatalytic activity than the as-prepared pure TiO2 and commercial TiO2 (Degussa P25). This character is attributed to the synergetic effect of these two components in the absorption of visible light.
Iodine Status Assessment in South African Adults According to Spot Urinary Iodine Concentrations, Prediction Equations, and Measured 24-h Iodine Excretion
Authors: Charlton Karen E. , Ware Lisa J. , Baumgartner Jeannine , Cockeran Marike , Schutte Aletta E. , Naidoo Nirmala , Kowal Paul
Published: June 2018

The iodine status of populations is conventionally assessed using spot urinary samples to obtain a median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) value, which is assessed against standard reference cut-offs. The assumption that spot UIC reflects daily iodine intake may be flawed because of high day-to-day variability and variable urinary volume outputs. This study aimed to compare iodine status in a sample of South African adults when determined by different approaches using a spot urine sample (median UIC (MUIC), predicted 24 h urinary iodine excretion (PrUIE) using different prediction equations) against measured 24 h urinary iodine excretion (mUIE). Both 24 h and spot urine samples were collected in a subsample of participants (n = 457; median age 55 year; range 18–90 year) in the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 2 in South Africa, in 2015. Kawasaki, Tanaka, and Mage equations were applied to assess PrUIE from predicted urinary creatinine (PrCr) and spot UIC values. Adequacy of iodine intake was assessed by comparing PrUIE and mUIE to the Estimated Average Requirement of 95 µg/day, while the MUIC cut-off was <100 µg/L. Bland Altman plots assessed the level of agreement between measured and predicted UIE. Median UIC (130 µg/L) indicated iodine sufficiency. The prediction equations had unacceptable bias for PrUIE compared to measured UIE. In a sample of adult South Africans, the use of spot UIC, presented as a group median value (MUIC) provided similar estimates of inadequate iodine status, overall, when compared to EAR assessed using measured 24 h iodine excretion (mUIE). Continued use of MUIC as a biomarker to assess the adequacy of population iodine intake appears warranted.
Comparative Analysis of the Classification of Food Products in the Mexican Market According to Seven Different Nutrient Profiling Systems
Authors: Contreras-Manzano Alejandra , Jáuregui Alejandra , Velasco-Bernal Anabel , Vargas-Meza Jorge , Rivera Juan A , Tolentino-Mayo Lizbeth , Barquera Simón
Published: June 2018

Nutrient profiling systems (NPS) are used around the world. In some countries, the food industry participates in the design of these systems. We aimed to compare the ability of various NPS to identify processed and ultra-processed Mexican products containing excessive amounts of critical nutrients. A sample of 2544 foods and beverages available in the Mexican market were classified as compliant and non-compliant according to seven NPS: the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) model, which served as our reference, the Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (NPSC), the Mexican Committee of Nutrition Experts (MCNE), the Health Star Rating (HSR), the Mexican Nutritional Seal (MNS), the Chilean Warning Octagons (CWO) 2016, 2018 and 2019 criteria, and Ecuador’s Multiple Traffic Light (MTL). Overall, the proportion of foods classified as compliant by the HSR, MTL and MCNE models was similar to the PAHO model. In contrast, the NPSC, the MNS and the CWO-2016 classified a higher amount of foods as compliant. Larger differences between NPS classification were observed across food categories. Results support the notion that models developed with the involvement of food manufacturers are more permissive than those based on scientific evidence. Results highlight the importance of thoroughly evaluating the underlying criteria of a model.
Effects of Glutamine on Gastric Emptying of Low- and High-Nutrient Drinks in Healthy Young Subjects—Impact on Glycaemia
Authors: Du Yang T. , Piscitelli Diana , Ahmad Saima , Trahair Laurence G. , Greenfield Jerry R. , Samocha-Bonet Dorit , Rayner Christopher K. , Horowitz Michael , Jones Karen L.
Published: June 2018

Glutamine is a potent stimulus for the release of glucagon-like peptide-1, which increases postprandial insulin and slows gastric emptying (GE). We determined the effects of glutamine on GE of, and glycaemic responses to, low- and high-nutrient drinks in eight healthy males (mean age 21.6 ± 0.7 years and BMI 22.9 ± 0.7 kg/m2). Participants were studied on four occasions on which they consumed either a low-nutrient (beef soup; 18 kcal) or high-nutrient (75 g dextrose; 255 kcal) drink, each with or without 30 g of glutamine (120 kcal), in a randomised, crossover design. GE (2D ultrasound), blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations were measured concurrently. Glutamine slowed GE (half emptying time (T50)) of both low- (45 ± 3 min vs. 26 ± 2 min, p < 0.001), and high-nutrient, (100 ± 5 min vs. 77 ± 5 min, p = 0.03) drinks, however, there was no effect on GE of the high nutrient drinks when expressed as kcal/min (3.39 ± 0.21 kcal/min vs. 3.81 ± 0.20 kcal/min, p = 0.25). There was no change in blood glucose after the low-nutrient drinks with or without glutamine, despite a slight increase in plasma insulin with glutamine (p = 0.007). The rise in blood glucose following the high-nutrient drink (p = 0.0001) was attenuated during the first 60 min by glutamine (p = 0.007). We conclude that in healthy subjects, glutamine slows GE of both low- and high-nutrient drinks comparably and attenuates the rise in blood glucose after the high-nutrient glucose drink.
A Functional Food Mixture “Protector” Reinforces the Protective Immune Parameters against Viral Flu Infection in Mice
Authors: Mansoor Kenza A. , Qadan Fadi , Schmidt Mathias , Qinna Nidal A. , Badr Mujtaba , Matalka Khalid Z.
Published: June 2018

Background: Viral influenza infection causes serious health issues especially when an outbreak occurs. Although influenza virus vaccines are available and each year manufactures modify the vaccine depending on the expected mutated strain, it is still far from satisfactory, mainly in young children and older adults. Therefore, a product that can support and shape the immune system to protect against viral flu infections is highly essential. Methods: A functional food water-soluble mixture of pomegranate, red grape, dates, olive fruit, figs, and ginger extracts, termed herein “Protector”, was prepared and tested in stimulating/modulating the production of specific cytokines, and hemagglutinin inhibition (HAI) antibodies following viral flu vaccination in mice. Results: A single intraperitoneal or multiple oral administration for 1–7 days of “Protector” significantly increased the production of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-12 in blood, spleen, and lungs of mice. When “Protector” was orally administered for one week following a single vaccine injection (primary immunization) or for two weeks (one week apart) following double vaccine injections (secondary immunization), mice significantly produced higher titers of HAI antibodies. This increase in HAI antibodies was associated with Pillow-inducing significant and different changes in vaccine-induced IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-6 and IL-22 following primary and secondary immunizations. Conclusions: “Protector” administration reinforces the protective immune parameters against viral flu infection. Therefore, after performing preclinical toxicology studies and ensuring its safety, “Protector” should be considered a potential product to be tested in clinical trials to conclude its efficacy in reducing the devastating effects of flu infection in humans and its outbreaks.
Improved Information and Educational Messages on Outer Packaging of Micronutrient Powders Distributed in Indonesia Increase Caregiver Knowledge and Adherence to Recommended Use
Authors: Sutrisna Aang , Vossenaar Marieke , Poonawala Alia , Mallipu Agnes , Izwardy Doddy , Menon Ravi , Tumilowicz Alison
Published: June 2018

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of improved information and educational messages on outer packaging of a micronutrient powder (MNP), locally known as “Taburia”, on knowledge and adherence to recommended use. A community-based cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among 1149 caregivers and their children aged 6–36 months. Caregiver–child dyads were randomized by their villages to receive 30 sachets of Taburia with the: (i) original outer packaging; (ii) improved outer packaging; or (iii) improved outer packaging combined with cooking demonstrations. Adherence to Taburia use was assessed through caregiver interviews and observation of unused sachets during home visits; “high” adherence was defined as consuming 13–17 sachets in the previous month. Data collection included surveys and focus groups discussions. The majority of caregivers (>80%) preferred the improved packaging because it was more attractive and contained more comprehensive information. Caregivers who received the improved packaging had better knowledge regarding the recommended use of Taburia (p < 0.001) and higher adherence with the prescribed use of Taburia (43% with “high” adherence) (p < 0.001) than those who received the original packaging (29% with “high” adherence). Caregivers who participated in cooking demonstrations generally had better knowledge regarding the benefits of Taburia and recommended use, but this did not lead to higher adherence to recommended use. “Underconsumption” of Taburia (≤7 sachets) was much less prevalent than “overconsumption” (≥23 sachets), and original packaging users were more likely to consume Taburia daily instead of every two days as recommended. We conclude that the design of the outer packaging and comprehensiveness of information provided are important influencers of recommended MNP use by caregivers.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Drug Consumption among Adults Living in Germany: Results from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults 2008–2011 (DEGS1)
Authors: Barrenberg Eva , Knopf Hildtraud , Garbe Edeltraut
Published: June 2018

In order to assess the effects of prescription-only (Rx) to over-the-counter (OTC) drug switches and related policies, it is imperative to distinguish self-medication from OTC drug use. The objective of this study was to estimate the OTC drug use in the adult population in Germany, to identify its predictors and to highlight methodological differences when compared to the study of a self-medication prevalence. Seven-day prevalence of OTC drug use was calculated on the basis of information provided by 7091 participants of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1) conducted between 2008 to 2011. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of OTC drug use. Seven-day prevalence of OTC drug use was higher in women (47.16%) than in men (33.17%). Female gender, an age of more than 60 years, reduced health status, Rx drug use, and multi-morbidity were identified as predictors of OTC drug use. The levels of OTC drug use were higher than the self-medication prevalence found in the same data set probably because some OTC drugs are commonly prescribed by physicians. Drug utilization studies should, therefore, make a methodological distinction between self-medication and OTC drug use depending on whether the focus is on drug safety or the impact of regulatory decisions on the trade status.
Green Modification of Corn Stalk Lignin and Preparation of Environmentally Friendly Lignin-Based Wood Adhesive
Authors: Wang Sen , Yu Yalan , Di Mingwei
Published: June 2018

In this study, corn stalk lignin was used to react with non-volatile and non-toxic glyoxal under the catalysis of a sodium hydroxide solution, and a wood adhesive based on glyoxalated corn stalk lignin was prepared. The effect of the hydroxylation reaction on the structure and properties of lignin were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet spectrophotometry (UV), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), titration tests, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Compared with unmodified lignin, the glyoxalated corn stalk lignin had a significant improvement in hydroxyl content, activation, and thermal stability. At the same time, results from the GPC showed that the molecular weight increased compared with original corn stalk, possibly due to the secondary polycondensation reaction between lignin and glyoxal. Lignin-based environmental wood adhesives were prepared by mixing modified lignin and epichlorohydrin (ECH), and the dry strength of plywood reached 1.58 MPa. The mechanical strength and water resistance of plywood was improved significantly by mixing some aqueous emulsion into lignin-based adhesives, e.g., polyacrylic ester (AE) emulsion and aqueous polyurethane (PU) emulsion.
Chemical and Electrochemical Synthesis of Polypyrrole Using Carrageenan as a Dopant: Polypyrrole/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites
Authors: Rahaman Mostafizur , Aldalbahi Ali , Almoiqli Mohammed , Alzahly Shaykha
Published: June 2018

In this article, iota-carrageenan (IC) and kappa-carrageenan (KC) are used as dopants for the chemical and electrochemical synthesis of polypyrrole (PPy). The composites of chemically synthesized PPy with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared using an in situ technique. Both the dialyzed and non-dialyzed IC and KC were used as dopants for electrochemical polymerization of pyrrole. Chemically synthesized PPy and PPy/MWNTs composites were studied by ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra to investigate the effect of the concentration and the incorporation of MWNTs. In addition, the electrical, thermal, mechanical, and microscopic characterizations of these films were performed to examine the effect of the dopants and MWNTs on these properties, along with their surface morphology. The films of electrochemically polymerized PPy were characterized using UV-vis absorption spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The results were then compared with the chemical polymerized PPy.
A Cellulose/Laponite Interpenetrated Polymer Network (IPN) Hydrogel: Controllable Double-Network Structure with High Modulus
Authors: Xie Fan , Boyer Cécile , Gaborit Victor , Rouillon Thierry , Guicheux Jérôme , Tassin Jean-François , Geoffroy Valérie , Réthoré Gildas , Weiss Pierre
Published: June 2018

Laponite XLS™, which is a synthetic clay of nanometric dimensions containing a peptizing agent, has been associated with silanized hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) to form, after crosslinking, a novel composite hydrogel. Different protocols of sample preparation were used, leading to different morphologies. A key result was that the storage modulus of Si-HPMC/XLS composite hydrogel could be increased ten times when compared to that of pure Si-HPMC hydrogel using 2 wt % of Laponite. The viscoelastic properties of the composite formulations indicated that chemical and physical network structures co-existed in the Si-HPMC/XLS composite hydrogel. Images that were obtained from confocal laser scanning microscopy using labelled Laponite XLS in the composite hydrogels show two co-continuous areas: red light area and dark area. The tracking of fluorescent microspheres motions in the composite formulations revealed that the red-light area was a dense structure, whereas the dark area was rather loose without aggregated Laponite. This novel special double-network structure facilitates the composite hydrogel to be an adapted biomaterial for specific tissue engineering. Unfortunately, cytotoxicity’s assays suggested that XLS Laponites are cytotoxic at low concentration. This study validates that the hybrid interpenetrated network IPN hydrogel has a high modulus that has adapted for tissue engineering, but the cell’s internalization of Laponites has to be controlled.
Inhalable Fucoidan Microparticles Combining Two Antitubercular Drugs with Potential Application in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Therapy
Authors: Cunha Ludmylla , Rodrigues Susana , Rosa da Costa Ana M. , Faleiro M Leonor , Buttini Francesca , Grenha Ana
Published: June 2018

The pulmonary delivery of antitubercular drugs is a promising approach to treat lung tuberculosis. This strategy not only allows targeting the infected organ instantly, it can also reduce the systemic adverse effects of the antibiotics. In light of that, this work aimed at producing fucoidan-based inhalable microparticles that are able to associate a combination of two first-line antitubercular drugs in a single formulation. Fucoidan is a polysaccharide composed of chemical units that have been reported to be specifically recognised by alveolar macrophages (the hosts of Mycobacterium). Inhalable fucoidan microparticles were successfully produced, effectively associating isoniazid (97%) and rifabutin (95%) simultaneously. Furthermore, the produced microparticles presented adequate aerodynamic properties for pulmonary delivery with potential to reach the respiratory zone, with a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) between 3.6–3.9 µm. The formulation evidenced no cytotoxic effects on lung epithelial cells (A549), although mild toxicity was observed on macrophage-differentiated THP-1 cells at the highest tested concentration (1 mg/mL). Fucoidan microparticles also exhibited a propensity to be captured by macrophages in a dose-dependent manner, as well as an ability to activate the target cells. Furthermore, drug-loaded microparticles effectively inhibited mycobacterial growth in vitro. Thus, the produced fucoidan microparticles are considered to hold potential as pulmonary delivery systems for the treatment of tuberculosis.
Post Self-Crosslinking of Phthalonitrile-Terminated Polyarylene Ether Nitrile Crystals
Authors: Tong Lifen , Wei Renbo , You Yong , Liu Xiaobo
Published: June 2018

A novel phthalonitrile-terminated polyaryl ether nitrile (PEN-Ph) was synthesized and characterized. The crystallization behavior coexisting with the crosslinking behavior in the PEN-Ph system was confirmed by rheological measurements. DSC was applied to study the crystallization kinetics and crosslinking reaction kinetics. Through the Avrami equation modified by Jeziorny, the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics were analyzed, and the Avrami exponent of about 2.2 was obtained. The analysis results of more intuitive polaring optical microscopy (POM) and SEM indicated that the shape of the crystals is similar to spherical. Moreover, the activation energy of the crystallization behavior and crosslinking behavior were obtained by the Kissinger method, and the values were about 152.7 kJ·mol−1 and 174.8 kJ·mol−1, respectively. This suggests that the activation energy of the crystallization behavior is lower than that of the crosslinking behavior, indicating that the crystallization behavior is more likely to occur than the crosslinking behavior and the crystals of PEN-Ph can be self-crosslinked to form single-polymer composites.
A Brief Note on the Presence of the Common Hamster during the Late Glacial Period in Southwestern France
Authors: Royer Aurélien , Sécher Anthony , Langlais Mathieu
Published: June 2018

The Late Glacial period is characterized by slow warming, punctuated by short, cold episodes, such as the Younger Dryas (i.e., GS1). The impact of this climatic event on the mammal community is still poorly documented in southwestern France. Here, a new radiocarbon date obtained directly on fossil remains of common hamster, Cricetus cricetus, confirms its presence in southwestern France during the Younger Dryas (GS1). This observation currently suggests that C. cricetus could be an accurate chronological indicator of this event in southwestern France. In this particular case, it also demonstrates an attritional death, polluting the deposit, these remains having been found in the Combe-Cullier layer, attributed to an earlier period.