bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caffeoyl-Prolyl-Histidine Amide Inhibits Fyn and Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Phenotypes via Suppression of NF-κB Activation
Authors: Jeong Hayan , Shin Jee Youn , Lee Kwanghyun , Lee Su-Jin , Chong Hyo-Jin , Jeong Hyeri , Jeon Young-Eun , Shin Dong-Sik , Jang Sunhyae , Kim Kyu Han , Kim Seok-In , Lee Yoon-Sik , Ju Bong-Gun
Published: September 2020

Caffeic acid (CA) is produced from a variety of plants and has diverse biological functions, including anti-inflammation activity. It has been recently demonstrated that caffeoyl-prolyl-histidine amide (CA-PH), which is CA conjugated with proline-histidine dipeptide, relieves atopic dermatitis (AD)-like phenotypes in mouse. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying CA-PH-mediated alleviation of AD-like phenotypes using cell line and AD mouse models. We confirmed that CA-PH suppresses AD-like phenotypes, such as increased epidermal thickening, infiltration of mast cells, and dysregulated gene expression of cytokines. CA-PH suppressed up-regulation of cytokine expression through inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Using a CA-PH affinity pull-down assay, we found that CA-PH binds to Fyn. In silico molecular docking and enzyme kinetic studies revealed that CA-PH binds to the ATP binding site and inhibits Fyn competitively with ATP. CA-PH further suppressed spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK)/inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase (IKK)/inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (IκB) signaling, which is required for nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation. In addition, chronic application of CA-PH, in contrast with that of glucocorticoids, did not induce up-regulation of regulated in development and DNA damage response 1 (REDD1), reduction of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, or skin atrophy. Thus, our study suggests that CA-PH treatment may help to reduce skin inflammation via down-regulation of NF-κB activation, and Fyn may be a new therapeutic target of inflammatory skin diseases, such as AD.
MKP-5 Relieves Lipotoxicity-Induced Islet β-Cell Dysfunction and Apoptosis via Regulation of Autophagy
Authors: Zhao Tongjian , Ma Jie , Li Lulu , Teng Wenjing , Tian Yafei , Ma Yongjun , Wang Wei , Yan Weiqun , Jiao Ping
Published: September 2020

Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-5 (MKP-5) is a regulator of extracellular signaling that is known to regulate lipid metabolism. In this study, we found that obesity caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) decreased the expression of MKP-5 in the pancreas and primary islet cells derived from mice. Then, we further investigated the role of MKP-5 in the protection of islet cells from lipotoxicity by modulating MKP-5 expression. As a critical inducer of lipotoxicity, palmitic acid (PA) was used to treat islet β-cells. We found that MKP-5 overexpression restored PA-mediated autophagy inhibition in Rin-m5f cells and protected these cells from PA-induced apoptosis and dysfunction. Consistently, a lack of MKP-5 aggravated the adverse effects of lipotoxicity. Islet cells from HFD-fed mice were infected using recombinant adenovirus expressing MKP-5 (Ad-MKP-5), and we found that Ad-MKP-5 was able to alleviate HFD-induced apoptotic protein activation and relieve the HFD-mediated inhibition of functional proteins. Notably, HFD-mediated impairments in autophagic flux were restored by Ad-MKP-5 transduction. Furthermore, the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was used to treat Rin-m5f cells, confirming that the MKP-5 overexpression suppressed apoptosis, dysfunction, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress induced by PA via improving autophagic signaling. Lastly, employing c-Jun amino-terminal kinas (JNK), P38, or extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitors, we established that the JNK and P38 MAPK pathways were involved in the MKP-5-mediated apoptosis, dysfunction, and autophagic inhibition observed in islet β cells in response to lipotoxicity.
The Impact of BASEL Accords on the Management of Vietnamese Commercial Banks
Authors: Pham Hai Long , Daly Kevin James
Published: September 2020

This paper is an attempt to empirically examine the impact of Basel Accord regulatory guidelines on the risk-based capital adequacy regulation and bank risk management of Vietnamese commercial banks. Our research aims to assess how Vietnamese commercial banks manage their capital ratio and bank risk under the latest Basel Accord capital adequacy ratio requirements. Building on previous studies, this research uses a simultaneous equation modeling (SiEM) with three-stage least squares regression (3SLS) to analyze the endogenous relationship between risk-based capital adequacy standards and bank risk management. A year dummy variable (dy2013) is included in the model to take account of changes in the regulation of the Vietnamese banking system. Furthermore, we add a value-at-risk variable developed by as an independent variable into equations of the empirical models. The results reveal a significant impact of Basel capital adequacy regulatory pressure on the risk-based capital adequacy standards and bank risk management of Vietnamese commercial banks. Moreover, banks under the latest Basel capital adequacy regulations are induced to reduce risks and increase banks’ financial performance.
The Study on the Whole Stress–Strain Curves of Coral Fly Ash-Slag Alkali-Activated Concrete under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Wang Huailiang , Wang Lang , Li Lei , Cheng Baoquan , Zhang Yonggang , Wei Yuhu
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to research the whole stress–strain curves of coral Fly Ash-Slag Alkali-Activated Concrete (CAAC) in different strength grades. Fly ash-slag alkali-activated concrete was used as cementing materials to produce coral aggregate concrete. A monotonic loading test was conducted on the prismatic specimens to obtain elastic modulus (Ec), Poisson’s ratio (μ) and the constitutive relationship of CAAC under uniaxial compression. When the strain of CAAC reached the maximum value, the specimen was split and damaged rapidly. As the strength grade increased, the ratio of residual stress (σri) to peak stress (σ0i) decreased in the range of 0.17–0.28. The Ec of CAAC increased gradually, and μ increased to the peak value and then decreased. According to the test results, the constitutive equation of CAAC can be expressed by piecewise expression, which can better reflect all the experimental characteristics. It was also found that CAAC has many similar characteristics with coral concrete and lightweight aggregate concrete. To improve the strength and toughness of CAAC, some fibers, such as organic fiber, can be added to expand the application of CAAC in engineering projects.
Cu-Doped KCl Unfolded Band Structure and Optical Properties Studied by DFT Calculations
Authors: Castillo-Quevedo César , Cabellos Jose Luis , Aceves Raul , Núñez-González Roberto , Posada-Amarillas Alvaro
Published: September 2020

The unfolded band structure and optical properties of Cu-doped KCl crystals were computed by first principles within the framework of density functional theory, implemented in the ABINIT software program, utilizing pseudopotential approximation and a plane-wave basis set. From a theoretical point of view, Cu substitution into pristine KCl crystals requires calculation by the supercell (SC) method. This procedure shrinks the Brillouin zone, resulting in a folded band structure that is difficult to interpret. To solve this problem and gain insight into the effect of copper ions (Cu+) on electronic properties, the band structure of SC KCl:Cu was unfolded to make a direct comparison with the band structure of the primitive cell (PC) of pristine KCl. To understand the effect of Cu substitution on optical absorption, we calculated the imaginary part of the dielectric function of KCl:Cu through a sum-over-states formalism and broke it down into different band contributions by partially making an iterated cumulative sum (ICS) of selected valence and conduction bands. Consequently, we identified those interband transitions that give rise to the absorption peaks due to the Cu+ ion. These transitions involve valence and conduction bands formed by the Cu-3d and Cu-4s electronic states.
Using of Radial-Shear Rolling to Improve the Structure and Radiation Resistance of Zirconium-Based Alloys
Authors: Arbuz Alexandr , Kawalek Anna , Ozhmegov Kirill , Dyja Henryk , Panin Evgeniy , Lepsibayev Anuar , Sultanbekov Sanzhar , Shamenova Rakhima
Published: September 2020

An overview of the prospects for the development of nuclear technologies and the conclusion of the relevant requirements for advanced structural materials, their classification and features were performed. In order to obtain a bar with a modified radiation-resistant outer layer, an experiment of radial-shear rolling under the most stringent conditions was carried out. For the same conditions, a FEM-simulation of sequential rolling in eight passes with a total compression of 70.7% (from a diameter of 37 mm to 20 mm) was conducted. For adequate simulation results a new material database for Zr-1%Nb alloy using plastometry investigations was generated. An experimental obtaining of a gradient-modified structure with an ultrafine-grained (UFG) periphery and an elongated rolling texture in the center of the bar was performed.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Thermal Properties of Carbon Nanotube Buckypapers/Epoxy Nanocomposites Produced by Oxidized and Epoxidized Nanotubes
Authors: Trakakis George , Tomara Georgia , Datsyuk Vitaliy , Sygellou Labrini , Bakolas Asterios , Tasis Dimitrios , Parthenios John , Krontiras Christoforos , Georga Stavroula , Galiotis Costas , Papagelis Kostas
Published: September 2020

High volume fraction carbon nanotube (CNT) composites (7.5–16% vol.) were fabricated by the impregnation of CNT buckypapers into epoxy resin. To enhance the interfacial reaction with the epoxy resin, the CNTs were modified by two different treatments, namely, an epoxidation treatment and a chemical oxidation. The chemical treatment was found to result in CNT length severance and to affect the porosity of the buckypapers, having an important impact on the physico-mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Overall, the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of the impregnated buckypapers were found to be superior of the neat epoxy resin, offering an attractive combination of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties for multifunctional composites.
Experimental and Numerical Study of the Thermo-Viscoplastic Behavior of NICRO 12.1 for Perforation Tests
Authors: Alonso-Elías Eva , Rusinek Alexis , Rubio-Díaz Ignacio , Bernier Richard , Rodríguez-Millán Marcos , Miguelez María Henar
Published: September 2020

Dynamic impact tests using thin metal plates for ballistic characterization have received significant attention in recent years. The Johnson–Cook (J–C) model is extensively used in numerical modeling of impact and penetration in metals. The AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute) 301 steel family presents good impact behavior, excellent formability, and high corrosion resistance. Thus, NICRO (Nickel and Hard Chrome Plated Steel) 12.1 (part of the AISI 301 steel family) was chosen in this work, although parameters of the J–C model or impact results were not found in the literature. In this work, NICRO 12.1 steel plates, were characterized in ballistics with an initial impact velocity up to 200 m/s and three shape nose projectiles. The Johnson–Cook parameters for the NICRO 12.1 steel were calculated for a large range of temperatures and strain rates. Impact tests were carried out using three projectiles: conical, hemispherical, and blunt. The ballistic curves, failure mode, and maximum deformation obtained with each projectile, experimentally and numerically, were compared, and a good correlation was obtained.
Modeling Tensile Damage and Fracture Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Ceramic-Matrix Minicomposites
Authors: Zhang Zhongwei , Liu Yufeng , Li Longbiao , Fang Daining
Published: September 2020

Evolution of damage and fracture behavior of fiber-reinforced mini ceramic-matrix composites (mini-CMCs) under tensile load are related to internal multiple damage mechanisms, i.e., fragmentation of the brittle matrix, crack defection, and fibers fracture and pullout. In this paper, considering multiple micro internal damage mechanisms and related models, a micromechanical constitutive stress–strain relationship model is developed to predict the nonlinear mechanical behavior of mini-CMCs under tensile load corresponding to different damage domains. Relationships between multiple micro internal damage mechanisms mentioned above and tensile micromechanical multiple damage parameters are established. Experimental tensile nonlinear behavior, internal damage evolution, and micromechanical tensile damage parameters corresponding to different damage domains of two different types of mini-CMCs are predicted. The effects of constitutive properties and damage-related parameters on nonlinear behavior of mini-CMCs are discussed.
Perfect Topological Metal CrB2: A One-Dimensional (1D) Nodal Line, a Zero-Dimensional (0D) Triply Degenerate Point, and a Large Linear Energy Range
Authors: Li Yang , Xia Jihong , Khenata Rabah , Kuang Minquan
Published: September 2020

Topological materials with band-crossing points exhibit interesting electronic characteristics and have special applications in electronic devices. However, to further facilitate the experimental detection of the signatures of these band crossings, topological materials with a large linear energy range around the band-crossing points need to be found, which is challenging. Here, via first-principle approaches, we report that the previously prepared P6/mmm-type CrB2 material is a topological metal with one pair of 1D band-crossing points, that is, nodal lines, in the kz= 0 plane, and one pair of 0D band-crossing points, that is, triple points, along the A–Γ–A’ paths. Remarkably, around these band-crossing points, a large linear energy range (larger than 1 eV) was found and the value was much larger than that found in previously studied materials with a similar linear crossing. The pair of nodal lines showed obvious surface states, which show promise for experimental detection. The effect of the spin–orbit coupling on the band-crossing points was examined and the gaps induced by spin–orbit coupling were found to be up to 69 meV. This material was shown to be phase stable in theory and was synthesized in experiments, and is therefore a potential material for use in investigating nodal lines and triple points.
Paramagnetic NMR Spectroscopy Is a Tool to Address Reactivity, Structure, and Protein–Protein Interactions of Metalloproteins: The Case of Iron–Sulfur Proteins
Authors: Piccioli Mario
Published: September 2020

The study of cellular machineries responsible for the iron–sulfur (Fe–S) cluster biogenesis has led to the identification of a large number of proteins, whose importance for life is documented by an increasing number of diseases linked to them. The labile nature of Fe–S clusters and the transient protein–protein interactions, occurring during the various steps of the maturation process, make their structural characterization in solution particularly difficult. Paramagnetic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been used for decades to characterize chemical composition, magnetic coupling, and the electronic structure of Fe–S clusters in proteins; it represents, therefore, a powerful tool to study the protein–protein interaction networks of proteins involving into iron–sulfur cluster biogenesis. The optimization of the various NMR experiments with respect to the hyperfine interaction will be summarized here in the form of a protocol; recently developed experiments for measuring longitudinal and transverse nuclear relaxation rates in highly paramagnetic systems will be also reviewed. Finally, we will address the use of extrinsic paramagnetic centers covalently bound to diamagnetic proteins, which contributed over the last twenty years to promote the applications of paramagnetic NMR well beyond the structural biology of metalloproteins.
Antioxidant Peptides from Sepia esculenta Hydrolyzate Attenuate Oxidative Stress and Fat Accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Yu Xuesong , Su Qina , Shen Tianqi , Chen Qiong , Wang Ying , Jia Weizhang
Published: September 2020

The hydrolysate of golden cuttlefish (Sepia esculenta) was prepared by using papain, and then, it was further separated by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The peptide components of the active fraction were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and then two novel peptides, SeP2 (DVEDLEAGLAK, 1159.27 Da) and SeP5 (EITSLAPSTM, 1049.22 Da), were obtained and displayed significant alleviation effects on oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans. Studies indicated that S. esculenta antioxidant peptides (SePs) increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity but reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levelsin oxidation-damaged nematodes. Using transgenic CF1553 nematodes, the sod-3p::GFP expression in the worms treated with SePs was significantly higher than that of the control nematodes. Real-time PCR also demonstrated that the expression of stress-related genes such as sod-3 is up-regulated by SePs. Furthermore, studies showed that SePs could obviously decrease fat accumulation as well as reduce the elevated ROS and MDA levels in high-fat nematodes. Taken together, these results indicated that SePs are capable of the activation of antioxidant defense and the inhibition of free radicals and lipid peroxidation, play important roles in attenuating oxidative stress and fat accumulation in C. elegans, and might have the potential to be used in nutraceutical and functional foods.
Preparation and Characterization of Microemulsions Based on Antarctic Krill Oil
Authors: Zhao Jiawen , Jiang Kening , Chen Yixuan , Chen Juan , Zheng Yangfan , Yu Huilin , Zhu Jiajin
Published: September 2020

Antarctic krill oil is high in nutritional value and has biological functions like anti-inflammation and hypolipidemic effects. But it has and unpleasant smell, and unsaturated fatty acids are prone to oxidative deterioration. Its high viscosity and low solubility in water make it difficult for processing. Microemulsion can be a new promising route for development of krill oil product. We determined a formula of krill oil-in-water microemulsion with krill oil: isopropyl myristate = 1:3 as oil phase, Tween 80:Span 80 = 8:2 as surfactant, ethanol as co-surfactant and the mass ratio of surfactant to co-surfactant of 3:1. After screening the formula, we researched several characteristics of the prepared oil-in-water microemulsion, including electrical conductivity, microstructure by transmission electron microscope and cryogenic transmission electron microscope, droplet size analysis, rheological properties, thermal behavior by differential scanning calorimeter and stability against pH, salinity, and storage time.
Chemically Diverse and Biologically Active Secondary Metabolites from Marine Phylum chlorophyta
Authors: Shah Sayed Asmat Ali , Hassan Syed Shams ul , Bungau Simona , Si Yongsheng , Xu Haiwei , Rahman Md. Habibur , Behl Tapan , Gitea Daniela , Pavel Flavia-Maria , Corb Aron Raluca Anca , Pasca Bianca , Nemeth Sebastian
Published: September 2020

For a long time, algal chemistry from terrestrial to marine or freshwater bodies, especially chlorophytes, has fascinated numerous investigators to develop new drugs in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. As such, chlorophytes comprise a diverse structural class of secondary metabolites, having functional groups that are specific to a particular source. All bioactive compounds of chlorophyte are of great interest due to their supplemental/nutritional/pharmacological activities. In this review, a detailed description of the chemical diversity of compounds encompassing alkaloids, terpenes, steroids, fatty acids and glycerides, their subclasses and their structures are discussed. These promising natural products have efficiency in developing new drugs necessary in the treatment of various deadly pathologies (cancer, HIV, SARS-CoV-2, several inflammations, etc.). Marine chlorophyte, therefore, is portrayed as a pivotal treasure in the case of drugs having marine provenience. It is a domain of research expected to probe novel pharmaceutically or nutraceutically important secondary metabolites resulting from marine Chlorophyta. In this regard, our review aims to compile the isolated secondary metabolites having diverse chemical structures from chlorophytes (like Caulerpa ssp., Ulva ssp., Tydemania ssp., Penicillus ssp., Codium ssp., Capsosiphon ssp., Avrainvillea ssp.), their biological properties, applications and possible mode of action.
Preclinical Considerations about Affective Disorders and Pain: A Broadly Intertwined, yet Often Under-Explored, Relationship Having Major Clinical Implications
Authors: Antioch Iulia , Ilie Ovidiu-Dumitru , Ciobica Alin , Doroftei Bogdan , Fornaro Michele
Published: September 2020

Background: Pain, a distinctive undesirable experience, encompasses several different and fluctuating presentations across varying mood disorders. Therefore, the present narrative review aimed to shed further light on the matter, accounting for both experimental animal models and clinical observations about major depressive disorder (MDD) pathology. Method: Major databases were inquired from inception until April 2016 for records about MDD and pain. Results: Pain and MDD are tightly associated with each other in a bi-directional fashion. Several cross-sectional and retrospective studies indicated a high presence of pain in the context of mood disorders, including MDD (up to 65%), but also increased prevalence rates in the case of mood disorders documented among people with a primary diagnosis of either psychological or somatic pain (prevalence rates exceeding 45%). The clinical implications of these observations suggest the need to account for mood and pain manifestations as a whole rather than distinct entities in order to deliver more effective interventions. Limitations: Narrative review, lack of systematic control groups (e.g., people with the primary diagnosis at review, but not the associated comorbidity as a study) to allow reliable comparisons. Prevalence rates and clinical features associated with pain varied across different studies as corresponding operational definitions did. Conclusions: Pain may have a detrimental effect on the course of mood disorders—the opposite holds. Promoting a timely recognition and management of such an often neglected comorbidity would therefore represent a primary goal toward the delivery of effective, multi-disciplinary care.
Significance of Artemisia Vulgaris L. (Common Mugwort) in the History of Medicine and Its Possible Contemporary Applications Substantiated by Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies
Authors: Ekiert Halina , Pajor Joanna , Klin Paweł , Rzepiela Agnieszka , Ślesak Halina , Szopa Agnieszka
Published: September 2020

Artemisia vulgaris L. (common mugwort) is a species with great importance in the history of medicine and was called the “mother of herbs” in the Middle Ages. It is a common herbaceous plant that exhibits high morphological and phytochemical variability depending on the location where it occurs. This species is well known almost all over the world. Its herb—Artemisiae vulgaris herba—is used as a raw material due to the presence of essential oil, flavonoids, and sesquiterpenoids lactones and their associated biological activities. The European Pharmacopoeia has listed this species as a potential homeopathic raw material. Moreover, this species has been used in traditional Chinese, Hindu, and European medicine to regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and treat various gynecological diseases. The general aim of this review was to analyze the progress of phytochemical and pharmacological as well as professional scientific studies focusing on A. vulgaris. Thus far, numerous authors have confirmed the beneficial properties of A. vulgaris herb extracts, including their antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antispasmolytic, antinociceptive, estrogenic, cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. In addition, several works have reviewed the use of this species in the production of cosmetics and its role as a valuable spice in the food industry. Furthermore, biotechnological micropropagation of A. vulgaris has been analyzed.
Effect of Ethanol on the Textural Properties of Whey Protein and Egg White Protein Hydrogels during Water-Ethanol Solvent Exchange
Authors: Kleemann Christian , Zink Joël , Selmer Ilka , Smirnova Irina , Kulozik Ulrich
Published: September 2020

This study aims at investigating the effect of ethanol (EtOH) on the textural properties of whey protein and egg white protein hydrogels. The hydrogels were produced by thermally induced gel formation of aqueous protein solutions. The water contained in the gel network was subsequently exchanged by EtOH to assess structural changes upon exposure of hydrogels to ethanolic aqueous phases. The textural properties of the hydrogel and alcogel samples were analyzed by uniaxial compression tests. For both protein sources, the hardness increased exponentially when pH and EtOH concentration were increased. This increase correlated with a shrinkage of the gel samples. The gel texture was found to be elastic at low EtOH concentrations and became stiff and hard at higher EtOH concentrations. It was found that the solvent exchange influences the ion concentration within the gels and, therefore, the interactions between molecules in the gel structure. Non-covalent bonds were identified as substantially responsible for the gel structure.
Evaluation of Solvents Used as Keepers in the Determination of Organic Pollutants by GC/MS
Authors: Dąbrowski Łukasz
Published: September 2020

Solvent evaporation is often used in the sample preparation procedure for the determination of organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organic pesticides. Because of the loss of analyte during this step, a high-boiling solvent, i.e., a keeper, is often added to the extract before evaporation. However, there are almost no basic studies found in the literature on the selection of keepers for the appropriate type of analytes (keepers are usually selected only on the basis of information provided by various recommendations). In this work, the effect of several keepers (isooctane, toluene, nonane, octanol, dodecane) on the recovery of various analytes (PAHs, PCBs, organic pesticides) was evaluated (during evaporation in a stream of nitrogen, at 40 °C). The analysis of the results obtained for the tested compounds shows that 1-octanol is a universal keeper for compounds with low volatility, i.e., PCBs (average recovery: 97.6%), organochlorine pesticides (average recovery: 95.0%), organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs; average recovery: 99.7%) and higher mass PAHs (average recovery: 91.9%). The use of isooctane as a keeper yields high recoveries for PAHs, regardless of their volatility (average recovery: 95.5%). When using 1-octanol or dodecane as a keeper, the reversed solvent effect (during GC analysis) was noted in relation to volatile analytes causing the distortion of their peaks. Additionally, the phenomenon of loss of some analytes (e.g., OPPs) was observed during evaporation without heating the vials. However, in the case of PCBs, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and o-hydroxybiphenyl, evaporation under such conditions yields recoveries greater than or equal to 90.0%. The results presented in this work can help in finding a suitable keeper for a specific group of analytes or an alternative to the commonly used one, especially in the case of recovery problems.
Three Extraction Methods in Combination with GC×GC-TOFMS for the Detailed Investigation of Volatiles in Chinese Herbaceous Aroma-Type Baijiu
Authors: Wang Lulu , Gao Mengxin , Liu Zhipeng , Chen Shuang , Xu Yan
Published: September 2020

In this study, the detailed volatile compositions of Chinese herbaceous aroma-type Baijiu (HAB) were characterized by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS). A total of 606 compounds were tentatively identified by similarity, mass spectral data, and retention indices, among which 247 compounds were positively verified by authentic standards. Esters were present in higher numbers (179), followed by aldehydes and ketones (111), and alcohols (81). In addition, there were also many terpenes (82), sulfides (37), furans (29), nitrogenous compounds (29), lactones (17), and so on. Meanwhile, the extraction effects of volatile components from different sample pretreatment methods (headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), solid phase extraction (SPE), and stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE)) for HAB were also revealed. The results indicated that HS-SPME has a better extraction effect on easily volatile compounds, such as alcohols and sulfides, especially for terpenes. SPE was particularly beneficial for the analysis of nitrogen-containing compounds; SBSE showed medium extraction ability for most types of compounds and was more suitable for the target analysis of trace content substances.
Highly Sensitive and Selective Colorimetric Sensor of Mercury (II) Based on Layer–by–Layer Deposition of Gold/Silver Bimetallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Mathaweesansurn Arjnarong , Vittayakorn Naratip , Detsri Ekarat
Published: September 2020

A new colorimetric sensor based on gold/silver bimetallic nanoparticles (Au–Ag BNPs) for the sensitive and selective detection of mercury (II) was developed. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized by Turkevich method. The surface modification of AuNPs was modified by the layer–by–layer technique using poly(diallyl dimethylammonium chloride) which provided positively charged of AuNPs. Negatively charged silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by chemical reduction using poly(4–styrenesulfonic acid–co–maleic acid) as the stabilizing agent. The layer–by–layer assembly deposition technique was used to prepare Au–Ag BNPs of positively and negatively charged of AuNPs and AgNPs, respectively. The synthesized Au–Ag BNPs were characterized by a UV-visible spectrophotometer, zeta potential analyzer, FT–IR, TEM, XRD, and EDX. The Au–Ag BNPs sensor was able to detect mercury (II) in aqueous solution, visibly changing from brownish–orange to purple. The linear relationships of the UV-visible spectrometry demonstrate that the Au–Ag BNPs-based colorimetric sensor can be used for the quantitative analysis of mercury (II) in the range of 0.5–80 mg L−1, with the correlation coefficient, r2 = 0.9818. The limit of detection (LOD) of mercury (II) was found to be 0.526 + 0.001 mg L−1. The BNPs is also verified to have a good practical applicability for mercury (II) detection in the real samples.
A Case Study of Waste Scrap Tyre-Derived Carbon Black Tested for Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide, and Cyclohexane Adsorption
Authors: Jankovská Zuzana , Večeř Marek , Koutník Ivan , Matějová Lenka
Published: September 2020

Waste scrap tyres were thermally decomposed at the temperature of 600 °C and heating rate of 10 °C·min−1. Decomposition was followed by the TG analysis. The resulting pyrolytic carbon black was chemically activated by a KOH solution at 800 °C. Activated and non-activated carbon black were investigated using high pressure thermogravimetry, where adsorption isotherms of N2, CO2, and cyclohexane were determined. Isotherms were determined over a wide range of pressure, 0.03–4.5 MPa for N2 and 0.03–2 MPa for CO2. In non-activated carbon black, for the same pressure and temperature, a five times greater gas uptake of CO2 than N2 was determined. Contrary to non-activated carbon black, activated carbon black showed improved textural properties with a well-developed irregular mesoporous-macroporous structure with a significant amount of micropores. The sorption capacity of pyrolytic carbon black was also increased by activation. The uptake of CO2 was three times and for cyclohexane ten times higher in activated carbon black than in the non-activated one. Specific surface areas evaluated from linearized forms of Langmuir isotherm and the BET isotherm revealed that for both methods, the values are comparable for non-activated carbon black measured by CO2 and for activated carbon black measured by cyclohexane. It was found out that the N2 sorption capacity of carbon black depends only on its specific surface area size, contrary to CO2 sorption capacity, which is affected by both the size of specific surface area and the nature of carbon black.
Effectiveness of Cymbopogon citratus Oil Encapsulated in Chitosan on Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Isolated from Capsicum annuum
Authors: Tofiño-Rivera Adriana Patricia , Castro-Amaris Glorismar , Casierra-Posada Fánor
Published: September 2020

One of the principal etiological agents associated with losses in horticultural crops is the fungus Colletotrichum sp. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effectiveness of the essential oil (EO) from Cymbopogon citratus in chitosan supports for the control of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolated from sweet pepper plants. Methods: The extraction and phytochemical analysis of the EO of C. citratus were performed along with its encapsulation in chitosan-agar in order to compare it with other techniques and determine its effect on C. gloeosporioides. Results: The EO from the citral chemotype (58%) encapsulated in the chitosan-agar, with an 83% encapsulation efficiency in mass percentage, resulted in the total inhibition of mycelial growth at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1370 ppm. This concentration was effective in controlling the disease under greenhouse conditions. The effectivity of the capsules containing EO was superior to that of other controls using EO evaluated in vitro. The capsules demonstrated an effective period of 51 days, with an additional 30 days of effectiveness after a reinfection cycle, thus providing similar results to the control with Trichoderma sp. Conclusions: Chitosan capsules present a promising strategy in the use of C. citratus EO on C. gloeosporioides, and they are highly effective and stable under in vitro and field conditions
Hydration and Microstructure of Steel Slag as Cementitious Material and Fine Aggregate in Mortar
Authors: Jing Wu , Jiang Jinping , Ding Sha , Duan Ping
Published: September 2020

Due to the low hydration activity and poor volume stability, extensive steel slag utilization is restricted. In this paper, the hydration process and microstructure of alkali-activated materials with steel slag as a cementitious material and fine aggregate were studied. The phase composition and micro-morphology of hydration products were measured using XRD, NMR and SEM. The response relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties during hydration was revealed. The results show that the main hydration products of the alkali-activated steel slag powder-granulated blast furnace slag powder cementitious system are Ca(OH)2 and calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) gel. With the progress of hydration, the amount of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel and the average molecular chain length increase, Al[4]/Si decreases, while C/S increases first and then decreases, and the structure of cement paste becomes much more compact. The interface between steel slag sand and cement paste is denser than that of river sand, since the hydration occurs on the surface of steel slag sand, which leads to the formation of C-A-S-H gel and Ca(OH)2. As a result, the compressive strength of concrete prepared by steel slag sand is higher than that of river sand with the same mix proportion.
Continuous Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to Formate: Comparative Study of the Influence of the Electrode Configuration with Sn and Bi-Based Electrocatalysts
Authors: Díaz-Sainz Guillermo , Alvarez-Guerra Manuel , Irabien Angel
Published: September 2020

Climate change has become one of the most important challenges in the 21st century, and the electroreduction of CO2 to value-added products has gained increasing importance in recent years. In this context, formic acid or formate are interesting products because they could be used as raw materials in several industries as well as promising fuels in fuel cells. Despite the great number of studies published in the field of the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to formic acid/formate working with electrocatalysts of different nature and electrode configurations, few of them are focused on the comparison of different electrocatalyst materials and electrode configurations. Therefore, this work aims at presenting a rigorous and comprehensive comparative assessment of different experimental data previously published after many years of research in different working electrode configurations and electrocatalysts in a continuous mode with a single pass of the inputs through the reactor. Thus, the behavior of the CO2 electroreduction to formate is compared operating with Sn and Bi-based materials under Gas Diffusion Electrodes (GDEs) and Catalyst Coated Membrane Electrodes (CCMEs) configurations. Considering the same electrocatalyst, the use of CCMEs improves the performance in terms of formate concentration and energy consumption. Nevertheless, higher formate rates can be achieved with GDEs because they allow operation at higher current densities of up to 300 mA·cm−2. Bi-based-GDEs outperformed Sn-GDEs in all the figures of merit considered. The comparison also highlights that in CCME configuration, the employ of Bi-based-electrodes enhanced the behavior of the process, increasing the formate concentration by 35% and the Faradaic efficiency by 11%.
Fibrin Clot Formation and Lysis in Plasma
Authors: Larsen Julie Brogaard , Hvas Anne-Mette
Published: September 2020

Disturbance in the balance between fibrin formation and fibrinolysis can lead to either bleeding or thrombosis; however, our current routine coagulation assays are not sensitive to altered fibrinolysis. The clot formation and lysis assay is a dynamic plasma-based analysis that assesses the patient’s capacity for fibrin formation and fibrinolysis by adding an activator of coagulation as well as fibrinolysis to plasma and measuring ex vivo fibrin clot formation and breakdown over time. This assay provides detailed information on the fibrinolytic activity but is currently used for research only, as the assay is prone to inter-laboratory variation and as it demands experienced laboratory technicians as well as specialized personnel to validate and interpret the results. Here, we describe a protocol for the clot formation and lysis assay used at our research laboratory.
Adherence to Daily Food Guides Is Associated with Lower Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: The Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan
Authors: Li Ming-Chieh , Fang Hsin-Yu
Published: September 2020

Although nutritional health knowledge serves as the basis for the daily food guides, limited epidemiologic studies were conducted to verify whether adherence to the daily food guides reduced the prevalence of diseases. This study aims to examine whether adherence to the daily food guides relates to the lower risk of having metabolic syndrome, as well as to assess the association between levels of adherence to daily food guides and demographic characteristics. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) 2013–2016. Face-to-face dietary assessments were conducted using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Six food groups were defined according to the daily food guides in Taiwan. We constructed a daily food guide index to measure the levels of adherence to the daily food guides. Logistic regression was performed to assess the association between the levels of adherence to the daily food guides and the risk of having metabolic syndrome. A total of 2534 participants (51% of females) were included in the final analysis. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, education level, marital status, and family income, we found a negative correlation between the levels of adherence to daily food guides and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The odds ratios (ORs) for the highest versus lowest quartile of the adherence level was 0.65 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.48–0.88). In addition, males, younger age, lower education, divorced, separated, and widowed, and lower family income were associated with lower adherence to daily food guides. In conclusion, participants reporting better adherence to the daily food guides during the past month had a lower risk of having metabolic syndrome.
Exploring the Validity of the 14-Item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS): A Cross-National Study in Seven European Countries around the Mediterranean Region
Authors: García-Conesa María-Teresa , Philippou Elena , Pafilas Christos , Massaro Marika , Quarta Stefano , Andrade Vanda , Jorge Rui , Chervenkov Mihail , Ivanova Teodora , Dimitrova Dessislava , Maksimova Viktorija , Smilkov Katarina , Ackova Darinka Gjorgieva , Miloseva Lence , Ruskovska Tatjana , Deligiannidou Georgia Eirini , Kontogiorgis Christos A. , Pinto Paula
Published: September 2020

This study provides comprehensive validation of the 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (14-MEDAS) in an adult population from Greece (GR), Portugal (PT), Italy (IT), Spain (SP), Cyprus (CY), Republic of North Macedonia (NMK), and Bulgaria (BG). A moderate association between the 14-MEDAS and the reference food diary was estimated for the entire population (Pearson r = 0.573, p-value < 0.001; Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) = 0.692, p-value < 0.001) with the strongest correlation found in GR, followed by PT, IT, SP, and CY. These results were supported by kappa statistics in GR, PT, IT, and SP with ≥50% of food items exhibiting a fair or better agreement. Bland–Altman analyses showed an overestimation of the 14-MEDAS score in the whole population (0.79 ± 1.81, 95%Confidence Interval (CI) 0.61, 0.96), but this value was variable across countries, with GR, NMK, and BG exhibiting the lowest bias. Taking all analyses together, the validation achieved slightly better results in the Mediterranean countries but a definitive validation ranking order was not evident. Considering growing evidence of the shift from Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence and of the importance of culture in making food choices it is crucial that we further improve validation protocols with specific applications to measure and compare MD adherence across countries and to relate it to the health status of a specific population.
Effect of Organic Food Intake on Nitrogen Stable Isotopes
Authors: L. Mantha Olivier , Laxmi Patel Maya , Hankard Régis , De Luca Arnaud
Published: September 2020

Food choices affect the isotopic composition of the body with each food item leaving its distinct isotopic imprint. The common view is that the natural abundance of the stable isotopes of nitrogen (expressed as δ15N) is higher in animals than in plants that constitute our contemporary diets. Higher δ15N is thus increasingly viewed as a biomarker for meat and fish intake. Here we show that organic compared to conventional farming increases plant δ15N to an extent that can appreciably impact the performance of δ15N as a biomarker. The error that can arise when organic plants are consumed was modelled for the entire range of proportions of plant versus animal protein intake, and accounting for various intakes of organic and conventionally grown crops. This mass balance model allows the interpretation of differences in δ15N in light of organic food consumption. Our approach shows that the relationship between δ15N and meat and fish intake is highly contextual and susceptible to variation at the population, community or group level. We recommend that fertilization practices and organic plant consumption must not be overlooked when using δ15N as a biomarker for meat and fish intake or to assess compliance to nutritional interventions.
The Impact of Retrospective Childhood Maltreatment on Eating Disorders as Mediated by Food Addiction: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bou Khalil Rami , Sleilaty Ghassan , Richa Sami , Seneque Maude , Iceta Sylvain , Rodgers Rachel , Alacreu-Crespo Adrian , Maimoun Laurent , Lefebvre Patrick , Renard Eric , Courtet Philippe , Guillaume Sebastien
Published: September 2020

Background: The current study aimed to test whether food addiction (FA) might mediate the relationship between the presence of a history of childhood maltreatment and eating disorder (ED) symptom severity. Methods: Participants were 231 patients with ED presenting between May 2017 and January 2020 to a daycare treatment facility for assessment and management with mainly the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2), the Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS 2.0). Results: Participants had a median age of 24 (interquartile range (IQR) 20–33) years and manifested anorexia nervosa (61.47%), bulimia nervosa (16.88%), binge-eating disorders (9.09%), and other types of ED (12.55%). They were grouped into those likely presenting FA (N = 154) and those without FA (N = 77). The group with FA reported higher scores on all five CTQ subscales, as well as the total score of the EDI-2 (p < 0.001). Using mediation analysis; significant indirect pathways between all CTQ subscales and the EDI-2 total score emerged via FA, with the largest indirect effect emerging for physical neglect (standardized effect = 0.208; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.127–0.29) followed by emotional abuse (standardized effect = 0.183; 95% CI 0.109–0.262). Conclusion: These results are compatible with a model in which certain types of childhood maltreatment, especially physical neglect, may induce, maintain, and/or exacerbate ED symptoms via FA which may guide future treatments.
Optical Forces Acting on a Double DNA-Like Helix, Its Unwinding and Strands Rupture
Authors: Semchenko Igor V. , Mikhalka Ivan S. , Faniayeu Ihar A. , Khakhomov Sergei A. , Balmakou Aliaksei P. , Tretyakov Sergei A.
Published: September 2020

In this paper we study electromagnetic forces induced on DNA and DNA-like helices by external electromagnetic waves. We consider simultaneously occurring forces and torques, interconnected and acting along the double helix axis. Since the DNA molecule has an absorption band in the ultraviolet and visible range near wavelengths λ1res=280 nm and λ2res=500 nm, we expect that it may be possible to selectively apply engineered forces to DNA molecules using appropriate illumination by light in these frequency ranges. The optical forces are simulated for DNA fragments consisting of 20 and 35 turns. Fragments of this length are convenient for direct sequencing and subsequent use in experiments and in practice. It is shown that repulsion forces can arise between the strands of the double DNA-like helix in the field of external electromagnetic waves. Such forces are characteristic of a DNA-like helix with its specific pitch angle and are not inherent in double helices with more straightened or more compressed turns. These repulsion forces, acting along the entire helix, both for electric charges and for electric currents, can lead to damage and rupture of the strands in the double helix. In addition, there can also exist forces and moments of forces directed along the helix axis, which simultaneously stretch and unwind a double helix. The double helix equilibrium under the action of optical forces is also of interest from another point of view, i.e., for optimizing the structure of artificial magnetics and bianisotropic metamaterials for applications in all frequency ranges.