bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Detection and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Velican Alexandra Mihaela , Măruţescu Luminiţa , Kamerzan Crina , Cristea Violeta Corina , Banu Otilia , Borcan Elvira , Chifiriuc Mariana-Carmen
Published: August 2020

Background: Early preliminary data on antibiotic resistance patterns available before starting the empiric therapy of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients with risk factors for acquiring antibiotic resistance could improve both clinical and epidemiological outcomes. The aim of the present study was two-fold: (i) to assess the antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates, exhibiting different antibiotic resistance phenotypes, directly in artificially contaminated urine samples using a flow cytometry (FC) based protocol; (ii) to optimize the protocol on urine samples deliberately contaminated with bacterial suspensions prepared from uropathogenic E. coli strains. Results: The results of the FC based antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) protocol were compared with the reference AST methods results (disk diffusion and broth microdilution) for establishing the sensitivity and specificity. The proposed FC protocol allowed the detection and quantification of uropathogenic E. coli strains susceptibility to nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone within 4 h after the inoculation of urine specimens. The early availability of preliminary antibiotic susceptibility results provided by direct analysis of clinical specimens could essentially contribute to a more targeted emergency therapy of UTIs in the anticipation of AST results obtained by reference methodology. Conclusions: This method will increase the therapeutic success rate and help to prevent the emergence and dissemination of drug resistant pathogens.
The Sample, the Spectra and the Maths—The Critical Pillars in the Development of Robust and Sound Applications of Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Cozzolino Daniel
Published: August 2020

The last two decades have witnessed an increasing interest in the use of the so-called rapid analytical methods or high throughput techniques. Most of these applications reported the use of vibrational spectroscopy methods (near infrared (NIR), mid infrared (MIR), and Raman) in a wide range of samples (e.g., food ingredients and natural products). In these applications, the analytical method is integrated with a wide range of multivariate data analysis (MVA) techniques (e.g., pattern recognition, modelling techniques, calibration, etc.) to develop the target application. The availability of modern and inexpensive instrumentation together with the access to easy to use software is determining a steady growth in the number of uses of these technologies. This paper underlines and briefly discusses the three critical pillars—the sample (e.g., sampling, variability, etc.), the spectra and the mathematics (e.g., algorithms, pre-processing, data interpretation, etc.)—that support the development and implementation of vibrational spectroscopy applications.
C7-Prenylation of Tryptophan-Containing Cyclic Dipeptides by 7-Dimethylallyl Tryptophan Synthase Significantly Increases the Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhang Hongchi , Wu Weiqiang , Li Hui , An Zhipeng , Zhou Feng
Published: August 2020

Prenylated natural products have interesting pharmacological properties and prenylation reactions play crucial roles in controlling the activities of biomolecules. They are difficult to synthesize chemically, but enzymatic synthesis production is a desirable pathway. Cyclic dipeptide prenyltransferase catalyzes the regioselective Friedel–Crafts alkylation of tryptophan-containing cyclic dipeptides. This class of enzymes, which belongs to the dimethylallyl tryptophan synthase superfamily, is known to be flexible to aromatic prenyl receptors, while mostly retaining its typical regioselectivity. In this study, seven tryptophan-containing cyclic dipeptides 1a–7a were converted to their C7-regularly prenylated derivatives 1b–7b in the presence of dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) by using the purified 7-dimethylallyl tryptophan synthase (7-DMATS) as catalyst. The HPLC analysis of the incubation mixture and the NMR analysis of the separated products showed that the stereochemical structure of the substrate had a great influence on their acceptance by 7-DMATS. Determination of the kinetic parameters proved that cyclo-l-Trp–Gly (1a) consisting of a tryptophanyl and glycine was accepted as the best substrate with a KM value of 169.7 μM and a turnover number of 0.1307 s−1. Furthermore, docking studies simulated the prenyl transfer reaction of 7-DMATS and it could be concluded that the highest affinity between 7-DMATS and 1a. Preliminary results have been clearly shown that prenylation at C7 led to a significant increase of the anticancer and antimicrobial activities of the prenylated derivatives 1b–7b in all the activity test experiment, especially the prenylated product 4b.
Triplexed CEA-NSE-PSA Immunoassay Using Time-Gated Terbium-to-Quantum Dot FRET
Authors: Bhuckory Shashi , Wegner K. David , Qiu Xue , Wu Yu-Tang , Jennings Travis L. , Incamps Anne , Hildebrandt Niko
Published: August 2020

Time-gated Förster resonance energy transfer (TG-FRET) between Tb complexes and luminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) provides highly advantageous photophysical properties for multiplexed biosensing. Multiplexed Tb-to-QD FRET immunoassays possess a large potential for in vitro diagnostics, but their performance is often insufficient for their application under clinical conditions. Here, we developed a homogeneous TG-FRET immunoassay for the quantification of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) from a single serum sample by multiplexed Tb-to-QD FRET. Tb–IgG antibody donor conjugates were combined with compact QD-F(ab’)2 antibody acceptor conjugates with three different QDs emitting at 605, 650, and 705 nm. Upon antibody–antigen–antibody sandwich complex formation, the QD acceptors were sensitized via FRET from Tb, and the FRET ratios of QD and Tb TG luminescence intensities increased specifically with increasing antigen concentrations. Although limits of detection (LoDs: 3.6 ng/mL CEA, 3.5 ng/mL NSE, and 0.3 ng/mL PSA) for the triplexed assay were slightly higher compared to the single-antigen assays, they were still in a clinically relevant concentration range and could be quantified in 50 µL serum samples on a B·R·A·H·M·S KRYPTOR Compact PLUS clinical immunoassay plate reader. The simultaneous quantification of CEA, NSE, and PSA at different concentrations from the same serum sample demonstrated actual multiplexing Tb-to-QD FRET immunoassays and the potential of this technology for translation into clinical diagnostics.
Lauryl Gallate Activity and Streptococcus mutans: Its Effects on Biofilm Formation, Acidogenicity and Gene Expression
Authors: Gabe Vika , Zeidan Mouhammad , Kacergius Tomas , Bratchikov Maksim , Falah Mizied , Rayan Anwar
Published: August 2020

Streptococcus mutans bacterium is implicated in the pathogenesis of dental caries due to the production of biofilm and organic acids from dietary sucrose. Despite the availability of various means of prophylaxis, caries still has a high worldwide prevalence. Therefore, it is important to find new pharmaceuticals to inhibit S. mutans biofilm formation and acidogenicity. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the activity of lauryl gallate (dodecyl gallate) against S. mutans acidogenicity, the expression of biofilm-associated genes, and biofilm development on solid surfaces (polystyrene, glass). The biofilm quantities produced by S. mutans bacteria were assessed using colorimetric and optical profilometry techniques. Acidogenicity was evaluated by measuring the pH of the biofilm growth medium with microelectrode. Assessment of the expression of gene coding for glucan-binding protein B (gbpB), glucosyltranferases B, -C, -D (gtfB, -C, -D), and the F-ATPase β subunit of F1 protein (atpD) was carried out using a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results demonstrate the capacity of lauryl gallate to significantly inhibit S. mutans acidogenicity and biofilm development on solid surfaces, in a dose-dependent manner, compared to untreated bacteria (p < 0.05). The highest activity of lauryl gallate occurred at a concentration of 98.98 µM, at which it suppressed biofilm formation by 100% and lowered pH levels by 98%. The effect of lauryl gallate treatment on gene expression changes, as demonstrated by our RT-qPCR data, was limited to the gtfD gene only, was a significant (48%) decrease in gene expression, obtained for the biofilm-producing bacteria, while a 300% increase in fold change for the same gene occurred in the planktonic cells. It is important to note that in previous studies we showed a broader effect of related derivatives. However, a similar magnitude of difference in effects between biofilm and planktonic cells for the atpD gene was obtained after treatment with octyl gallate and reverse magnitude for the same gene after treatment with ethyl gallate. Therefore, to ascertain the possible direct or indirect effects of lauryl gallate, as well as octyl gallate and ethyl gallate, more research is needed to examine the effects on the amount of enzymes and on the enzymatic activity of the products of the affected genes that are involved in the production and maintenance of biofilm by S. mutans.
Mutual Relations between Substituent Effect, Hydrogen Bonding, and Aromaticity in Adenine-Uracil and Adenine-Adenine Base Pairs
Authors: Wieczorkiewicz Paweł A. , Szatylowicz Halina , Krygowski Tadeusz M.
Published: August 2020

The electronic structure of substituted molecules is governed, to a significant extent, by the substituent effect (SE). In this paper, SEs in selected nucleic acid base pairs (Watson-Crick, Hoogsteen, adenine-adenine) are analyzed, with special emphasis on their influence on intramolecular interactions, aromaticity, and base pair hydrogen bonding. Quantum chemistry methods—DFT calculations, the natural bond orbital (NBO) approach, the Harmonic Oscillator Model of Aromaticity (HOMA) index, the charge of the substituent active region (cSAR) model, and the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM)—are used to compare SEs acting on adenine moiety and H-bonds from various substitution positions. Comparisons of classical SEs in adenine with those observed in para- and meta-substituted benzenes allow for the better interpretation of the obtained results. Hydrogen bond stability and its other characteristics (e.g., covalency) can be significantly changed as a result of the SE, and its consequences are dependent on the substitution position. These changes allow us to investigate specific relations between H-bond parameters, leading to conclusions concerning the nature of hydrogen bonding in adenine dimers—e.g., H-bonds formed by five-membered ring nitrogen acceptor atoms have an inferior, less pronounced covalent nature as compared to those formed by six-membered ring nitrogen. The energies of individual H-bonds (obtained by the NBO method) are analyzed and compared to those predicted by the Espinosa-Molins-Lecomte (EML) model. Moreover, both SE and H-bonds can significantly affect the aromaticity of adenine rings; long-distance SEs on π-electron delocalization are also documented.
NIR Absorbing AzaBODIPY Dyes for pH Sensing
Authors: Kubheka Gugu , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello , Shen Zhen
Published: August 2020

Two near-infrared (NIR) absorbing di(thien-2-nyl)-di(dimethylanilino)azaBODIPY dyes 2a and 2b were synthesized and characterized that differ depending on whether the dimethylaniline substituents are introduced at the 3,5- or 1,7-positions of the azaBODIPY core. The main spectral bands lie at 824 and 790 nm, respectively, in CH2Cl2. The effect of substituent position on the photophysical and pH sensing properties was analyzed through a comparison of the optical properties with the results of time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations. Protonation of the dimethylamino nitrogen atoms eliminates the intramolecular charge transfer properties of these compounds, and this results in a marked blue-shift of the main absorption bands to 696 and 730 nm, respectively, in CH2Cl2, and a fluorescence “turn-on” effect in the NIR region. The pH dependence studies reveal that the pKa values of the non-protonated 2a and 2b molecules are ca. 6.9 (±0.05) and 7.3 (±0.05), respectively, while that of the monoprotonated species for both dyes is ca. 1.4 (±0.05) making them potentially suitable for use as colorimetric pH indicators under highly acidic conditions.
Partition Coefficients (logP) of Hydrolysable Tannins
Authors: Virtanen Valtteri , Karonen Maarit
Published: August 2020

The partition coefficients (logP) between n-octanol and water of 47 purified and characterized hydrolysable tannins were measured with the shake flask method utilizing UPLC and HPLC with UV detection. Results show that galloyl glucoses and gallotannins are clearly more hydrophobic than ellagitannins but the differences in hydrophobicity within ellagitannins are more varied than within galloyl glucoses or gallotannins. Most notable structural features that were found to influence the hydrophobicity of ellagitannins were the number of free galloyl groups, acyclic versus cyclic polyol, substitution of the anomeric position of glucose and 4C1 versus 1C4 conformation of the glucopyranose core.
The Structural Characteristics and Biological Activities of Intracellular Polysaccharide Derived from Mutagenic Sanghuangporous sanghuang Strain
Authors: Li Tingting , Chen Linjun , Wu Di , Dong Guochao , Chen Wanchao , Zhang Henan , Yang Yan , Wu Wenhui
Published: August 2020

Sanghuangporous sanghuang is a rare medicinal fungus which contains polysaccharide as the main active substance and was used to treat gynecological diseases in ancient China. The intracellular polysaccharide yield of S. sanghuang was enhanced by the strain A130 which was screened from mutant strains via atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of ARTP mutagenesis on structural characteristics and biological activities of intracellular polysaccharides from S. sanghuang. Six intracellular polysaccharide components were obtained from S. sanghuang mycelia cultivated by the mutagenic strain (A130) and original strain (SH1), respectively. The results revealed that the yields of polysaccharide fractions A130-20, A130-50 and A130-70 isolated from the mutagenic strain fermentation mycelia were significantly higher than those of the original ones by 1.5-, 1.3- and 1.2-fold, and the clear physicochemical differences were found in polysaccharide fractions precipitated by 20% ethanol. A130-20 showed a relatively expanded branching chain with higher molecular weight and better in vitro macrophage activation activities and the IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α production activities of macrophages were improved by stimulation of A130-20 from the mutagenic strain. This study demonstrates that ARTP is a novel and powerful tool to breed a high polysaccharide yield strain of S. sanghuang and may, therefore, contribute to the large-scale utilization of rare medicinal fungi.
Systematic Review: Effect of Health Education Intervention on Improving Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Adolescents on Malnutrition
Authors: Charles Shapu Ruth , Ismail Suriani , Ahmad Norliza , Lim Poh Ying , Abubakar Njodi Ibrahim
Published: August 2020

Adolescence is a phase in the life cycle of human beings. Adequate knowledge, attitudes and practices towards malnutrition are necessary for proper growth and development and for their future children. This systematic review aimed to determine the effect of health education intervention to improve the knowledge, attitudes and practices of adolescents on malnutrition. PubMed, Scopus, clinical trials, CINAHL, SAGE, Science Direct and Medline were searched according to Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meat-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to identified published studies from January 2013 to December 2019 based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of eight studies were included in this review. Data extraction was done based on randomized controlled trial only. Three out of the eight studies had low risk of bias, the overall evidence of the study was moderate. Findings from this study suggest that health education intervention among adolescents have significantly improved their knowledge, attitudes and practices. More specific interventions should be conducted in low and middle income countries since they bear more of the burden of malnutrition globally.
The Absence of Adiponectin Alters Niacin’s Effects on Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Graff Emily C. , Fang Han , Wanders Desiree , Judd Robert L.
Published: August 2020

Obesity is an immunometabolic disease associated with chronic inflammation and the dysregulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. One hallmark of obesity is reduced concentrations of the anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin. Pharmacologic doses of niacin produce multiple metabolic benefits, including attenuating high-fat diet (HFD)-induced adipose tissue inflammation and increasing adiponectin concentrations. To determine if adiponectin mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of niacin, male C57BL/6J (WT) and adiponectin null (Adipoq-/-) mice were maintained on a low-fat diet (LFD) or HFD for 6 weeks, before being administered either vehicle or niacin (360 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks. HFD-fed mice had increased expression of genes associated with macrophage recruitment (Ccl2) and number (Cd68), and increased crown-like structure (CLS) number in adipose tissue. While niacin attenuated Ccl2 expression, there were no effects on Cd68 or CLS number. The absence of adiponectin did not hinder the ability of niacin to reduce Ccl2 expression. HFD feeding increased gene expression of inflammatory markers in the adipose tissue of WT and Adipoq-/- mice. While niacin tended to decrease the expression of inflammatory markers in WT mice, niacin increased their expression in HFD-fed Adipoq-/- mice. Therefore, our results indicate that the absence of adiponectin alters the effects of niacin on markers of adipose tissue inflammation in HFD-fed mice, suggesting that the effects of niacin on tissue cytokines may involve adiponectin.
Diet, Stress and Mental Health
Authors: Bremner J. , Moazzami Kasra , Wittbrodt Matthew , Nye Jonathon , Lima Bruno , Gillespie Charles , Rapaport Mark , Pearce Bradley , Shah Amit , Vaccarino Viola
Published: August 2020

Introduction: There has long been an interest in the effects of diet on mental health, and the interaction of the two with stress; however, the nature of these relationships is not well understood. Although associations between diet, obesity and the related metabolic syndrome (MetS), stress, and mental disorders exist, causal pathways have not been established. Methods: We reviewed the literature on the relationship between diet, stress, obesity and psychiatric disorders related to stress. Results: Diet and obesity can affect mood through direct effects, or stress-related mental disorders could lead to changes in diet habits that affect weight. Alternatively, common factors such as stress or predisposition could lead to both obesity and stress-related mental disorders, such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specific aspects of diet can lead to acute changes in mood as well as stimulate inflammation, which has led to efforts to assess polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) as a treatment for depression. Bidirectional relationships between these different factors are also likely. Finally, there has been increased attention recently on the relationship between the gut and the brain, with the realization that the gut microbiome has an influence on brain function and probably also mood and behavior, introducing another way diet can influence mental health and disorders. Brain areas and neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that are involved in both mood and appetite likely play a role in mediating this relationship. Conclusions: Understanding the relationship between diet, stress and mood and behavior could have important implications for the treatment of both stress-related mental disorders and obesity.
Prevalence of Malnutrition and Depression in Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes in Mexico City
Authors: Velázquez-Alva María Consuelo , Irigoyen-Camacho María Esther , Cabrer-Rosales María Fernanda , Lazarevich Irina , Arrieta-Cruz Isabel , Gutiérrez-Juárez Roger , Zepeda-Zepeda Marco Antonio
Published: August 2020

This study evaluated the association between nutritional status, depressive symptoms, and the number of prescription drugs taken by older adults living in nursing homes in Mexico City. In a cross-sectional study, 262 participants were subjected to anthropometric and nutritional (Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)) evaluations; additionally, their depression (Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)) and functional status were assessed. Multiple logistic regression was used for identifying factors associated with the risk of malnutrition/malnourishment. The mean age of participants was 83.1 ± 8.6 years. A total of 59.9% and 21.1% were at risk of malnutrition and malnourished, respectively. With respect to depression, 27.9% of the participants had mild depression, while 11.4% showed severe depression. An inverse correlation between MNA evaluations and depression scores was found (Spearman’s ρ = −0.4624, p < 0.001); residents with a better nutritional status had lower depression scores. Individuals with depressive symptoms were approximately five times more likely to be at risk of malnutrition or malnourished (OR = 5.82, 95% CI = 2.27–14.89) than individuals without depression. Residents taking three or more prescription drugs daily (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.27–2.63, p < 0.001) were more likely to be at risk of malnutrition or malnourished. In summary, poor nutritional status was associated with depression, while the intake of numerous prescription drugs was associated with being at risk of malnutrition or malnourished.
Displacing Sedentary Behaviour with Light Intensity Physical Activity Spontaneously Alters Habitual Macronutrient Intake and Enhances Dietary Quality in Older Females
Authors: Grant Dale , Tomlinson David , Tsintzas Kostas , Kolic Petra , Onambele-Pearson Gladys
Published: August 2020

Displacing Sedentary Behaviour (SB) with light intensity physical activity (LIPA) is increasingly viewed as a viable means of health enhancement. It is, however, unclear whether any behavioural compensations accompany such an intervention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify any dietary changes that accompany SB displacement. We hypothesised that SB displacement would improve dietary quality. Thirty-five elderly females (73 ± 5 years) were randomly allocated to one of three groups: (1) sedentary behaviour fragmentation (SBF) (n = 14), (2) continuous LIPA (n = 14), or (3) control (n = 7). Habitual diet (four-day food diary) and physical behaviour (accelerometery) were assessed at weeks 0 and 8. Out of 45 nutrients examined, only glucose exhibited a group × time interaction (p = 0.03), mediated by an exclusive reduction following SBF (−31%). SBF was also the sole experimental group to increase nutrients promoting bone health (SBF: 17%, LIPA: −34%. control: 21%), whereas both experimental groups consumed more nutrients promoting anabolism (SBF: 13%, LIPA: 4%, control: −34%) (z-scores). New ambulators (n = 8) also consumed more nutrients promoting bone health (16%)/anabolism (2%) (z-scores), including significantly increased Zinc intake (p = 0.05, 29%). Displacing SB with LIPA improves dietary quality in older females. Furthermore, SB fragmentation appears advantageous for various dietary outcomes.
Multiple Micronutrients and Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Massari Maddalena , Novielli Chiara , Mandò Chiara , Di Francesco Stefania , Della Porta Matteo , Cazzola Roberta , Panteghini Mauro , Savasi Valeria , Maggini Silvia , Schaefer Ella , Cetin Irene
Published: August 2020

Maternal dietary intake during pregnancy needs to meet increased nutritional demands to maintain metabolism and to support fetal development. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for fetal neuro-/visual development and in immunomodulation, accumulating rapidly within the developing brain and central nervous system. Levels available to the fetus are governed by the maternal diet. In this multicenter, parallel, randomized controlled trial, we evaluated once-daily supplementation with multiple micronutrients and DHA (i.e., multiple micronutrient supplementation, MMS) on maternal biomarkers and infant anthropometric parameters during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy compared with no supplementation. Primary efficacy endpoint: change in maternal red blood cell (RBC) DHA (wt% total fatty acids) during the study. Secondary variables: other biomarkers of fatty acid and oxidative status, vitamin D, and infant anthropometric parameters at delivery. Supplementation significantly increased RBC DHA levels, the omega-3 index, and vitamin D levels. Subscapular skinfold thickness was significantly greater with MMS in infants. Safety outcomes were comparable between groups. This first randomized controlled trial of supplementation with multiple micronutrients and DHA in pregnant women indicated that MMS significantly improved maternal DHA and vitamin D status in an industrialized setting—an important finding considering the essential roles of DHA and vitamin D.
The Potential Role of Fish-Derived Protein Hydrolysates on Metabolic Health, Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function in Ageing
Authors: Lees Matthew , Carson Brian
Published: August 2020

Fish protein represents one of the most widely consumed dietary protein sources by humans. The processing of material from the fishing industry generates substantial unexploited waste products, many of which possess high biological value. Protein hydrolysates, such as fish protein hydrolysates (FPH), containing predominantly di- and tripeptides, are more readily absorbed than free amino acids and intact protein. Furthermore, in animal models, FPH have been shown to possess numerous beneficial properties for cardiovascular, neurological, intestinal, renal, and immune health. Ageing is associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, as well as increased oxidative stress, compromised vascularisation, neurological derangements, and immunosenescence. Thus, there appears to be a potential application for FPH in older persons as a high-quality protein source that may also confer additional health benefits. Despite this, there remains a dearth of information concerning the impact of FPH on health outcomes in humans. The limited evidence from human interventional trials suggests that FPH may hold promise for supporting optimal body composition and maintaining gut integrity. FPH also provide a high-quality source of dietary protein without negatively impacting on subjective appetite perceptions or regulatory hormones. Further studies are needed to assess the impact and utility of FPH on skeletal muscle health in older persons, ideally comparing FPH to ‘established’ protein sources or a non-bioactive, nitrogen-matched control. In particular, the effects of acute and chronic FPH consumption on post-exercise aminoacidaemia, skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and intramyocellular anabolic signalling in older adults are worthy of investigation. FPH may represent beneficial and sustainable alternative sources of high-quality protein to support skeletal muscle health and anabolism in ageing, without compromising appetite and subsequent energy intake.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Caffeine Implications on the Eukaryotic Cell
Authors: Ruta Lavinia Liliana , Farcasanu Ileana Cornelia
Published: August 2020

Caffeine–a methylxanthine analogue of the purine bases adenine and guanine–is by far the most consumed neuro-stimulant, being the active principle of widely consumed beverages such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and cola. While the best-known action of caffeine is to prevent sleepiness by blocking the adenosine receptors, caffeine exerts a pleiotropic effect on cells, which lead to the activation or inhibition of various cell integrity pathways. The aim of this review is to present the main studies set to investigate the effects of caffeine on cells using the model eukaryotic microorganism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, highlighting the caffeine synergy with external cell stressors, such as irradiation or exposure to various chemical hazards, including cigarette smoke or chemical carcinogens. The review also focuses on the importance of caffeine-related yeast phenotypes used to resolve molecular mechanisms involved in cell signaling through conserved pathways, such as target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling, Pkc1-Mpk1 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, or Ras/cAMP protein kinase A (PKA) pathway.
Gold Nanoparticles: A New Golden Era in Oncology?
Authors: Gerosa Clara , Crisponi Guido , Nurchi Valeria Marina , Saba Luca , Cappai Rosita , Cau Flaviana , Faa Gavino , Van Eyken Peter , Scartozzi Mario , Floris Giuseppe , Fanni Daniela
Published: August 2020

In recent years, the spectrum of possible applications of gold in diagnostics and therapeutic approaches in clinical practice has changed significantly, becoming surprisingly broad. Nowadays, gold-based therapeutic agents are used in the therapy of multiple human diseases, ranging from degenerative to infectious diseases and, in particular, to cancer. At the basis of these performances of gold, there is the development of new gold-based nanoparticles, characterized by a promising risk/benefit ratio that favors their introduction in clinical trials. Gold nanoparticles appear as attractive elements in nanomedicine, a branch of modern clinical medicine, which combines high selectivity in targeting tumor cells and low toxicity. Thanks to these peculiar characteristics, gold nanoparticles appear as the starting point for the development of new gold-based therapeutic strategies in oncology. Here, the new gold-based therapeutic agents developed in recent years are described, with particular emphasis on the possible applications in clinical practice as anticancer agents, with the aim that their application will give rise to a new golden age in oncology and a breakthrough in the fight against cancer.
The Effect of Particle Size and Surface Roughness of Spray-Dried Bosentan Microparticles on Aerodynamic Performance for Dry Powder Inhalation
Authors: Kwon Yong-Bin , Kang Ji-Hyun , Han Chang-Soo , Kim Dong-Wook , Park Chun-Woong
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to prepare spray dried bosentan microparticles for dry powder inhaler and to characterize its physicochemical and aerodynamic properties. The microparticles were prepared from ethanol/water solutions containing bosentan using spray dryer. Three types of formulations (SD60, SD80, and SD100) depending on the various ethanol concentrations (60%, 80%, and 100%, respectively) were used. Bosentan microparticle formulations were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, laser diffraction particle sizing, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, dissolution test, and in vitro aerodynamic performance using Andersen cascade impactor™ (ACI) system. In addition, particle image velocimetry (PIV) system was used for directly confirming the actual movement of the aerosolized particles. Bosentan microparticles resulted in formulations with various shapes, surface morphology, and particle size distributions. SD100 was a smooth surface with spherical morphology, SD80 was a rough surfaced with spherical morphology and SD60 was a rough surfaced with corrugated morphology. SD100, SD80, and SD60 showed significantly high drug release up to 1 h compared with raw bosentan. The aerodynamic size of SD80 and SD60 was 1.27 µm and SD100 was 6.95 µm. The microparticles with smaller particle size and a rough surface aerosolized better (%FPF: 63.07 ± 2.39 and 68.27 ± 8.99 for SD60 and SD80, respectively) than larger particle size and smooth surface microparticle (%FPF: 22.64 ± 11.50 for SD100).
Application of Artificial Neural Networks to Predict the Catalytic Pyrolysis of HDPE Using Non-Isothermal TGA Data
Authors: Al-Yaari Mohammed , Dubdub Ibrahim
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a comprehensive kinetic study of the catalytic pyrolysis of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) utilizing thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data. Nine runs with different catalyst (HZSM-5) to polymer mass ratios (0.5, 0.77, and 1.0) were performed at different heating rates (5, 10, and 15 K/min) under nitrogen over the temperature range 303–973 K. Thermograms showed clearly that there was only one main reaction region for the catalytic cracking of HDPE. In addition, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data were shifted towards higher temperatures as the heating rate increased, they were shifted towards lower temperatures and polymer started to degrade at lower temperatures when the catalyst was used. Furthermore, the activation energy of the catalytic pyrolysis of HDPE was obtained using three isoconversional (model-free) models and two non-isoconversional (model-fitting) models. Moreover, a set of 900 input-output experimental TGA data has been predicted by a highly efficient developed artificial neural network (ANN) model. Results showed a very good agreement between the ANN-predicted and experimental values (R2 > 0.999). Besides, A highly-efficient performance of the developed model has been reported for new input data as well.
Epoxy Nanocomposites Reinforced with Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Mostovoy Anton , Yakovlev Andrey , Tseluikin Vitaly , Lopukhova Marina
Published: August 2020

In this article, amino functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by chemical modification of the surface of a MWCNTs using γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and dispersed into the epoxy composition. The modifying agent (APTES) was directly deposited on the MWCNTs surfaces. For the functionalization of MWCNTs, was used not the APTES concentrate, as it had been described in previous works, but its freshly prepared aqueous solution. Properties of APTES-treated MWCNTs were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and FT-IR. The results showed that the functionalization and chemical compatibility of APTES-treated MWCNTs with epoxy composition provides their best dispersion in the epoxy composition, had important influence on curing behavior, structure and physicochemical properties of the epoxy composites plasticized with trichloroethyl phosphate. The results showed that the functionalization and chemical compatibility of APTES-treated MWCNTs with epoxy composition provides increased of physicomechanical properties of epoxy composites: bending stress increases by 194% and bending modulus increases by 137%, the tensile strength increases by 108% and the tensile elastic modulus increases by 52%, impact strength increases by 300%, in comparison with plasticized epoxy composite that does not contain MWCNTs.
Biopolymer-Waste Fiber Reinforcement for Earthen Materials: Capillary, Mechanical, Impact, and Abrasion Performance
Authors: Gonzalez-Calderon Héctor , Araya-Letelier Gerardo , Kunze Sabine , Burbano-Garcia Claudia , Reidel Úrsula , Sandoval Cristián , Astroza Rodrigo , Bas Fernando
Published: August 2020

The poultry industry, highly prevalent worldwide, generates approximately 7.7 × 106 metric tons of chicken feathers (CFs), which become a major environmental challenge due to their disposal when considered waste or due to their energy transformation consumption when considered by-products. CFs are mainly composed of keratin (approximately 90%), which is one of the most important biopolymers whose inherent characteristics make CFs suitable as biopolymer fibers (BPFs). This paper first assesses the morphological and chemical characteristics of these BPFs, through scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and then evaluates the waste valorization of these BPFs as a sustainable alternative for fiber-reinforcement of earthen mixes intended for earthen construction, such as adobe masonry, rammed earth, and earthen plasters. In particular, four earthen mixes with increasing doses of BPFs (i.e., 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% of BPFs by weight of soil) were developed to evaluate the impact of BPF-reinforcement on the capillary, mechanical, impact, and abrasion performance of these earthen mixes. The addition of BPFs did not significantly affect the mechanical performance of earthen mixes, and their incorporation had a statistically significant positive effect on the impact performance and abrasion resistance of earthen mixes as the BPF dose increased. On the other hand, the addition of BPFs increased the capillary water absorption rate, possibly due to a detected increment in porosity, which might reduce the durability of water-exposed BPF-reinforced earthen mixes, but a statistically significant increment only occurred when the highest BPF dose was used (1%).
Analysis of Three-Phase Structure of Epoxy Resin/CNT/Graphene by Molecular Simulation
Authors: Naito Shun , Koyanagi Jun , Komukai Takuji , Uno Toshikazu
Published: August 2020

In this study, the three-phase structure consisting of epoxy resin, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene, which is assumed to be the surface of carbon fiber, was simulated using molecular dynamics. Models in which the CNT number and initial position of CNT are varied were prepared in this study. Relaxation calculation for each three-phase model was implemented, and the movement of molecules was investigated. When CNTs are located between the graphene and epoxy at initial, how the epoxy approaches to graphene was discussed. Besides, interaction energies between CNT/graphene, CNT/epoxy, and graphene/epoxy were evaluated after relaxations. The value of the interaction energy between two individual molecules (epoxy resin and graphene, CNTs and graphene, epoxy resin and CNTs) among three-phase structure were obtained, respectively, and those mechanisms were discussed in this study.
Study on Clearance-Rubbing Dynamic Behavior of 2-DOF Supporting System of Magnetic-Liquid Double Suspension Bearing
Authors: Zhao Jianhua , Yan Weidong , Wang Ziqi , Gao Dianrong , Du Guojun
Published: August 2020

As a new type of suspension bearing, Magnetic-Liquid Double Suspension Bearing (MLDSB) is mainly supported by electromagnetic suspension and supplemented by hydrostatic supporting. Its bearing capacity and stiffness can be greatly improved. Because of the small liquid film thickness (it is smaller 10 times than air gap), the eccentricity, crack, bending of the rotor, and the assembly error, it is easy to cause a clearance-rubbing fault between the rotor and stator. The coating can be worn and peeled, the operating stability can be reduced, and then it is one of the key problems of restricting the development and application of MLDSB. Therefore, the clearance-rubbing dynamic equation of 2-DOF system of MLDSB is established and converted into Taylor Series form and the nonlinear components are retained. Dimensionless treatment is carried out by dimensional normalization method. Finally, the rotor displacement response under different rotor eccentricity ratio and rotating speeds is numerically simulated. The studies show that the trajectory of the rotor is periodic elliptic without clearance-rubbing phenomenon when the eccentricity ratio is less than 0.2, while the rotor is greatly affected by the rotation speed and a variety of motions, such as single-period, quasi-period, double-period and chaos, are presented when greater than 0.3. Within the largest range of rotating speed and eccentricity ratio, the rotor presents the single-period trajectory, and then the number of Poincare mapping point is 1, without a clearance-rubbing fault. When the rotational speed is in the scope of (9, 13) krpm and the eccentricity ratio is in the scope of (0.27, 0.4), the number of Poincare mapping point is more than one, the maximum dimensionless rubbing force is −5.7, and then clearance-rubbing fault occurs. The research can provide a theoretical basis for the safe and stable operation of MLDSB.
The Feminization of Love and the Indwelling of God: Theological Investigations Across Indic Contexts
Authors: Barua Ankur , Khalid Hina
Published: August 2020

Our essay is a thematic exploration of the malleability of idioms, imageries, and affectivities of Hindu bhakti across the borderlines of certain Indic worldviews. We highlight the theological motif of the feminine-feminised quest of the seeker (virahiṇī) for her divine beloved in some Hindu expressions shaped by the paradigmatic scriptural text Bhāgavata-purāṇa and in some Punjabi Sufi articulations of the transcendent God’s innermost presence to the pilgrim self. The leitmotif that the divine reality is the “intimate stranger” who cannot be humanly grasped and who is yet already present in the recesses of the virahiṇī’s self is expressed with distinctive inflections both in bhakti-based Vedānta and in some Indo-Muslim spiritual universes. This study is also an exploration of some of the common conceptual currencies of devotional subjectivities that cannot be straightforwardly cast into the monolithic moulds of “Hindu” or “Muslim” in pre-modern South Asia. Thus, we highlight the essentially contested nature of the categories of “Hinduism” and “Indian Islam” by indicating that they should be regarded as dynamic clusters of constellated concepts whose contours have been often reshaped through concrete socio-historical contestations, borrowings, and adaptations on the fissured lands of al-Hind.
Religious Values and Young People: Analysis of the Perception of Students from Secular and Religious Schools (Salesian Pedagogical Model)
Authors: Cívico Ariza Andrea , Colomo Magaña Ernesto , González García Erika
Published: August 2020

In a secularised and postmodernist social context, young people are increasingly distanced from religious beliefs. Nevertheless, in schools with a religious character, the main contents of the faith continue to be transmitted through the ideology and the pedagogical model. The objective of this study is to analyse the influence of the type of school on the perception of religious values. The “Adaptive Values Test” instrument was used on a sample of 456 students from secular and religious schools (Salesian) in the province of Seville during the 2018–2019 academic year. The consideration of religious values in Salesian students is also specifically analysed. The results obtained show that young people studying in schools with religious pedagogical models have a more positive view of faith than the students from secular schools. However, the rejection of the ecclesial institution occurs in students from secular schools and, to a lesser extent, in students from religious schools, becoming a common factor of distancing from religion. Young people studying in religious Salesian schools reflect significant gender differences in the perception of religious values. In these students, the exploratory factor analysis reflects three main factors, the key aspects of faith being valued more than the ecclesiastical hierarchy.
Hinduism, Ecological Conservation, and Public Health: What Are the Health Hazards for Religious Tourists at Hindu Temples?
Authors: Apollo Michal , Wengel Yana , Schänzel Heike , Musa Ghazali
Published: August 2020

This exploratory ethnographic study aims to understand the visitation experience and to identify health hazards at pilgrimage sites in India. Specifically, this research aims to assess the tourism potential of holy Hindu temple sites located along well-known pilgrimage routes. During our fieldwork, we visited several of the most significant Hindu temples in India. Framed by a critical ethnography lens, our study used unstructured interviews with local stakeholders, as well as observations and reflexive notes. The findings revealed that most of the temples have serious safety, hygiene, accessibility, and environmental issues. A lack of action could lead to serious consequences for locals and tourists. For example, important for tourism, warnings of pandemics have been sounded over the years, and disease pandemics originating in India may only be a matter of time. We propose some immediate solutions and areas for future research.
The Overview Effect and the Ultraview Effect: How Extreme Experiences in/of Outer Space Influence Religious Beliefs in Astronauts
Authors: Weibel Deana L.
Published: August 2020

This paper, based mainly on astronauts’ first-person writings, historical documents, and my own ethnographic interviews with nine astronauts conducted between 2004 and 2020, explores how encountering the earth and other celestial objects in ways never before experienced by human beings has influenced some astronauts’ cosmological understandings. Following the work of Timothy Morton, the earth and other heavenly bodies can be understood as “hyperobjects”, entities that are distributed across time and space in ways that make them difficult for human beings to accurately understand, but whose existence is becoming increasingly detectable to us. Astronauts in outer space are able to perceive celestial objects from vantages literally unavailable on earth, which has often (but not always) had a profound influence on their understandings of humanity, life, and the universe itself. Frank Wright’s term, the “overview effect”, describes a cognitive shift resulting from seeing the Earth from space that increases some astronauts’ sense of connection to humanity, God, or other powerful forces. Following NASA convention (NASA Style Guide, 2012), I will capitalize both Earth and Moon, but will leave all quotations in their original style. The “ultraview effect” is a term I introduce here to describe the parallel experience of viewing the Milky Way galaxy from the Moon’s orbit (a view described reverently by one respondent as a “something I was not ready for”) that can result in strong convictions about the prevalence of life in the universe or even unorthodox beliefs about the origins of humanity. I will compare Morton’s ideas about humanity’s increased awareness of hyperobjects with Joye and Verpooten’s work on awe in response to “bigness”, tying both to astronauts’ lived experiences in order to demonstrate the usefulness of ethnographic data in this context, discuss how human experiences in outer space might influence religious practices and beliefs, and suggest that encounters with hyperobjects hold the potential to be socially beneficial.
How Does Split Announcement Affect Stock Liquidity? Evidence from Bursa Malaysia
Authors: Tabibian S. Amir , Zhang Zhaoyong , Jafarian Mohsen
Published: August 2020

This study examines the impact of stock splits on stock liquidity in Bursa Malaysia from 2004–2018. The study uses event study methodology and investigates liquidity changes, the role of liquidity, and the relationship between abnormal returns and liquidity as well. We found a significant liquidity improvement on the splits announcement, announcement of book closing date and split execution date (Ex-date), while it declined after the split Ex-date. The findings also indicate that firms with a low-level liquidity prior to split announcements experienced an increase in liquidity after Ex-date. Using panel data analysis, we find that the fixed effect model is more appropriate than the pooled OLS, and the abnormal announcement returns are driven by stock liquidity.