bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactive Natural Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils from Spice Plants: New Findings and Potential Applications
Authors: Diniz do Nascimento Lidiane , Moraes Angelo Antônio Barbosa de , Costa Kauê Santana da , Pereira Galúcio João Marcos , Taube Paulo Sérgio , Costa Cristiane Maria Leal , Neves Cruz Jorddy , de Aguiar Andrade Eloisa Helena , Faria Lênio José Guerreiro de
Published: July 2020

Spice plants have a great influence on world history. For centuries, different civilizations have used them to condiment the foods of kings and nobles and applied them as embalming preservatives, perfumes, cosmetics, and medicines in different regions of the world. In general, these plants have formed the basis of traditional medicine and some of their derived substances have been utilized to treat different human diseases. Essential oils (EOs) obtained from these plants have been also used as therapeutic agents and have shown supportive uses in remedial practices. The discovery and development of bioactive compounds from these natural products, based on their traditional uses, play an important role in developing the scientific evidence of their potential pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications. In the present review, using recent studies, we exhibit a general overview of the main aspects related to the importance of spice plants widely used in traditional medicine: Cinnamomum zeylanicum (true cinnamon), Mentha piperita (peppermint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Piper nigrum (black pepper), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thymus vulgaris (thyme); and we discuss new findings of the bioactive compounds obtained from their EOs, their potential applications, as well as their molecular mechanisms of action, focusing on their antioxidant activity. We also exhibit the main in vitro methods applied to determine the antioxidant activities of these natural products.
A Short Review on the Valorization of Green Seaweeds and Ulvan: FEEDSTOCK for Chemicals and Biomaterials
Authors: Lakshmi D. Shanthana , Sankaranarayanan Sivashunmugam , Gajaria Tejal K , Li Guoqiang , Kujawski Wojciech , Kujawa Joanna , Navia Rodrigo
Published: July 2020

This short review analyzed the recent trend towards, progresses towards the preparation of chemicals of, and value-added biomaterials from marine macroalgae resources, especially green seaweeds and their derived ulvan polysaccharides for various applications. In recent years, ulvan both in pristine and modified forms has gained a large amount of attention for its effective utilization in various areas due to its unique physiochemical properties, lack of exploration, and higher green seaweed production. The pristine form of ulvan (sulfated polysaccharides) is used as a bio-component; food ingredient; or a raw material for the production of numerous chemicals such as fuels, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, whereas its modified form is used in the sector of composites, membranes, and scaffolds, among others, because of its physicochemical properties. This review highlights the utilization of green seaweed and its derived ulvan polysaccharides for the preparation of numerous chemicals (e.g., solvents, fuel, and gas) and also value-added biomaterials with various morphologies (e.g., gels, fibers, films, scaffolds, nanomaterials, and composites).
The Effect of State Gratitude on Cognitive Flexibility: A Within-Subject Experimental Approach
Authors: Hartanto Andree , Ong Nadia C. H. , Ng Wee Qin , Majeed Nadyanna M.
Published: July 2020

Considerable research has examined the relationship between positive emotion and cognitive flexibility. Less is known, however, about the causal relationship between discrete positive emotions, specifically gratitude, and cognitive flexibility. Given that different positive emotions may dissimilarly affect cognitive functioning, we sought to examine the effect of state gratitude on cognitive flexibility. A pilot study with ninety-five participants was employed to ensure the effectiveness of our gratitude manipulation. One hundred and thirteen participants were recruited for the main study, which utilized a within-subject experimental approach. After the manipulation, participants completed a well-established task-switching paradigm, which was used to measure cognitive flexibility. Contrary to our hypotheses, we did not find any evidence that state gratitude may enhance cognitive flexibility. The current study identified some boundary conditions around the potential benefits of the experience of gratitude.
Virtual Reality Based Cognitive Rehabilitation in Minimally Conscious State: A Case Report with EEG Findings and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Maggio Maria Grazia , Naro Antonino , La Rosa Gianluca , Cambria Alice , Lauria Paola , Billeri Luana , Latella Desiree , Manuli Alfredo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: July 2020

Chronic disorders of consciousness cause a total or partial and fluctuating unawareness of the surrounding environment. Virtual reality (VR) can be useful as a diagnostic and/or a neurorehabilitation tool, and its effects can be monitored by means of both clinical and electroencephalography (EEG) data recording of brain activity. We reported on the case of a 17-year-old patient with a disorder of consciousness (DoC) who was provided with VR training to improve her cognitive-behavioral outcomes, which were assessed using clinical scales (the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, the Disability Rating Scale, and the Rancho Los Amigos Levels of Cognitive Functioning), as well as EEG recording, during VR training sessions. At the end of the training, significant improvements in both clinical and neurophysiological outcomes were achieved. Then, we carried out a systematic review of the literature to investigate the role of EEG and VR in the management of patients with DoC. A search on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was performed, using the keywords: “disorders of consciousness” and “virtual reality”, or “EEG”. The results of the literature review suggest that neurophysiological data in combination with VR could be useful in evaluating the reactions induced by different paradigms in DoC patients, helping in the differential diagnosis. In conclusion, the EEG plus VR approach used with our patient could be promising to define the most appropriate stimulation protocol, so as to promote a better personalization of the rehabilitation program. However, further clinical trials, as well as meta-analysis of the literature, are needed to be affirmative on the role of VR in patients with DoC.
Autism in Adulthood: Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of a Cohort of Five Hundred Persons with Autism Analyzed by a Novel Multistep Network Model
Authors: Keller Roberto , Chieregato Silvia , Bari Stefania , Castaldo Romina , Rutto Filippo , Chiocchetti Annalisa , Dianzani Umberto
Published: July 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication and relational skills, associated with repetitive verbal and motor behaviors, restricted patterns of interest, need for a predictable and stable environment, and hypo- or hypersensitivity to sensory inputs. Due to the challenging diagnosis and the paucity of specific interventions, persons with autism (PWA) reaching the adult age often display a severe functional regression. In this scenario, the Regional Center for Autism in Adulthood in Turin seeks to develop a personalized rehabilitation and enablement program for PWA who received a diagnosis of autism in childhood/adolescence or for individuals with suspected adulthood ASD. This program is based on a Multistep Network Model involving PWA, family members, social workers, teachers, and clinicians. Our initial analysis of 500 PWA shows that delayed autism diagnosis and a lack of specific interventions at a young age are largely responsible for the creation of a “lost generation” of adults with ASD, now in dire need of effective psychosocial interventions. As PWA often present with psychopathological co-occurrences or challenging behaviors associated with lack of adequate communication and relational skills, interventions for such individuals should be mainly aimed to improve their self-reliance and social attitude. In particular, preparing PWA for employment, whenever possible, should be regarded as an essential part of the intervention program given the social value of work. Overall, our findings indicate that the development of public centers specialized in assisting and treating PWA can improve the accuracy of ASD diagnosis in adulthood and foster specific habilitative interventions aimed to improve the quality of life of both PWA and their families.
VAlPOs as Efficient Catalysts for Glycerol Conversion to Methanol
Authors: Mitran Gheorghița , Neațu Florentina , Neațu Ștefan , Trandafir Mihaela M. , Florea Mihaela
Published: July 2020

The catalytic activity of a series of vanadium aluminophosphates catalysts prepared by sol-gel method followed by combustion of the obtained gel was evaluated in glycerol conversion towards methanol. The materials were characterized by several techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Raman and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies. The amount of vanadium incorporated in aluminophosphates framework played an important role in the catalytic activity, while in the products distribution the key role is played by the vanadium oxidation state on the surface. The sample that contains a large amount of V4+ has the highest selectivity towards methanol. On the sample with the lowest vanadium loading the oxidation path to dihydroxyacetone is predominant. The catalyst with higher content of tetrahedral isolated vanadium species, such V5APO, is less active in breaking the C–C bonds in the glycerol molecule than the one containing polymeric species.
All-Trans Retinoic Acid Enhances both the Signaling for Priming and the Glycolysis for Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Human Macrophage
Authors: Alatshan Ahmad , Kovács Gergő E. , Aladdin Azzam , Czimmerer Zsolt , Tar Krisztina , Benkő Szilvia
Published: July 2020

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a derivative of vitamin A that has many important biological functions, including the modulation of immune responses. ATRA actions are mediated through the retinoic acid receptor that functions as a nuclear receptor, either regulating gene transcription in the nucleus or modulating signal transduction in the cytoplasm. NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that is activated by a huge variety of stimuli, including pathogen- or danger-related molecules. Activation of the inflammasome is required for the production of IL-1β, which drives the inflammatory responses of infectious or non-infectious sterile inflammation. Here, we showed that ATRA prolongs the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β following a 2-, 6-, 12-, and 24-h LPS (100ng/mL) activation in human monocyte-derived macrophages. We describe for the first time that ATRA modulates both priming and activation signals required for NLRP3 inflammasome function. ATRA alone induces NLRP3 expression, and enhances LPS-induced expression of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β via the regulation of signal transduction pathways, like NF-κB, p38, and ERK. We show that ATRA alleviates the negative feedback loop effect of IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine on NLRP3 inflammasome function by inhibiting the Akt-mTOR-STAT3 signaling axis. We also provide evidence that ATRA enhances hexokinase 2 expression, and shifts the metabolism of LPS-activated macrophages toward glycolysis, leading to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.
Microglia Purinoceptor P2Y6: An Emerging Therapeutic Target in CNS Diseases
Authors: Anwar Shehata , Pons Vincent , Rivest Serge
Published: July 2020

The purinergic receptor P2Y6 is expressed in immune cells, including the microglia that are implicated in neurological disorders. Its ligand, UDP, is a signaling molecule that can serve as an “find-me” signal when released in significant quantities by damaged/dying cells. The binding of UDP by P2Y6R leads to the activation of different biochemical pathways, depending on the disease context and the pathological environment. Generally, P2Y6R stimulates phagocytosis. However, whether or not phagocytosis coincides with cell activation or the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines needs further investigation. The current review aims to discuss the various functions of P2Y6R in some CNS disorders. We present evidence that P2Y6R may have a detrimental or beneficial role in the nervous system, in the context of neurological pathologies, such as ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, radiation-induced brain injury, and neuropathic pain.
Exploring Therapeutic Targets to Reverse or Prevent the Transition from Metabolically Healthy to Unhealthy Obesity
Authors: Dagpo Tenzin D. , Nolan Christopher J. , Delghingaro-Augusto Viviane
Published: July 2020

The prevalence of obesity and obesity-related metabolic comorbidities are rapidly increasing worldwide, placing a huge economic burden on health systems. Excessive nutrient supply combined with reduced physical exercise results in positive energy balance that promotes adipose tissue expansion. However, the metabolic response and pattern of fat accumulation is variable, depending on the individual’s genetic and acquired susceptibility factors. Some develop metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and are resistant to obesity-associated metabolic diseases for some time, whereas others readily develop metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). An unhealthy response to excess fat accumulation could be due to susceptibility intrinsic factors (e.g., increased likelihood of dedifferentiation and/or inflammation), or by pathogenic drivers extrinsic to the adipose tissue (e.g., hyperinsulinemia), or a combination of both. This review outlines the major transcriptional factors and genes associated with adipogenesis and regulation of adipose tissue homeostasis and describes which of these are disrupted in MUO compared to MHO individuals. It also examines the potential role of pathogenic insulin hypersecretion as an extrinsic factor capable of driving the changes in adipose tissue which cause transition from MHO to MUO. On this basis, therapeutic approaches currently available and emerging to prevent and reverse the transition from MHO to MUO transition are reviewed.
Loss of ZC4H2 and RNF220 Inhibits Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Promotes Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Zhang Longlong , Ye Maosen , Zhu Liang , Cha Jingmei , Li Chaocui , Yao Yong-Gang , Mao Bingyu
Published: July 2020

The ubiquitin E3 ligase RNF220 and its co-factor ZC4H2 are required for multiple neural developmental processes through different targets, including spinal cord patterning and the development of the cerebellum and the locus coeruleus. Here, we explored the effects of loss of ZC4H2 and RNF220 on the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from mouse embryonic cortex. We showed that loss of either ZC4H2 or RNF220 inhibits the proliferation and promotes the differentiation abilities of NSCs in vitro. RNA-Seq profiling revealed 132 and 433 differentially expressed genes in the ZC4H2−/− and RNF220−/− NSCs, compared to wild type (WT) NSCs, respectively. Specifically, Cend1, a key regulator of cell cycle exit and differentiation of neuronal precursors, was found to be upregulated in both ZC4H2−/− and RNF220−/− NSCs at the mRNA and protein levels. The targets of Cend1, such as CyclinD1, Notch1 and Hes1, were downregulated both in ZC4H2−/− and RNF220−/− NSCs, whereas p53 and p21 were elevated. ZC4H2−/− and RNF220−/− NSCs showed G0/G1 phase arrest compared to WT NSCs in cell cycle analysis. These results suggested that ZC4H2 and RNF220 are likely involved in the regulation of neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation through Cend1.
Supramolecular Assemblies of Trinuclear Copper(II)-Pyrazolato Units: A Structural, Magnetic and EPR Study
Authors: Shi Kaige , Mathivathanan Logesh , Herchel Radovan , Boudalis Athanassios K. , Raptis Raphael G.
Published: July 2020

Two anionic complexes, {[Cu3(µ3-OH)(µ-4-Ph-pz)3Cl3]2[Cu(4-Ph-pzH)4](µ-Cl)2}2− (1) and [Cu3(µ3-OH)(µ-pz)3(µ1,1-N3)2(N3)]− (2), crystallize as one-dimensional polymers, held together by weak Cu-(µ-Cl) and Cu-(µ-N3) interactions, respectively. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility analyses determined the dominant antiferromagnetic intra-Cu3 exchange parameters in the solid state for both complexes, whereas the weak ferromagnetic inter-Cu3 interactions manifested also in the solid state EPR spectra, are absent in the corresponding frozen solution spectra. DFT calculations were employed to support the results of the magnetic susceptibility analyses.
Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Review of Clinical Presentation, Hypothetical Pathogenesis, and Proposed Management
Authors: Nakra Natasha , Blumberg Dean , Herrera-Guerra Angel , Lakshminrusimha Satyan
Published: July 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may result in the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). The clinical presentation of MIS-C includes fever, severe illness, and the involvement of two or more organ systems, in combination with laboratory evidence of inflammation and laboratory or epidemiologic evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some features of MIS-C resemble Kawasaki Disease, toxic shock syndrome, and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome. The relationship of MIS-C to SARS-CoV-2 infection suggests that the pathogenesis involves post-infectious immune dysregulation. Patients with MIS-C should ideally be managed in a pediatric intensive care environment since rapid clinical deterioration may occur. Specific immunomodulatory therapy depends on the clinical presentation. The relationship between the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in development and MIS-C requires further study.
Drowning in Children: Retrospective Analysis of Incident Characteristics, Predicting Parameters, and Long-Term Outcome
Authors: Raess Liliane , Darms Anna , Meyer-Heim Andreas
Published: July 2020

Background: Drowning is the second leading cause of unnatural death in childhood worldwide. More than half of the drowned children, who were in need of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene suffered from lifelong neurological sequelae. There are few data about prognostic predictors in the pediatric population of drowning victims. The objective of the study was to assess incident characteristics, prognostic parameters, and long-term outcome of children recovering from a drowning incident. Methods: We carried out a retrospective analysis of data of the cohort of pediatric cases (age 0–18) of drowning victims admitted in the years 2000–2015 to the emergency room/intensive care unit/pediatric ward at the University Children’s Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland. Outcome was classified by the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale (PCPCS). New subcategories of severity for known prognostic parameters have been defined. A correlation analysis was performed between the subcategories of the prognostic parameters and the PCPCS. Results: A total of 80 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 64% were male, most of the patients were at the age of 0–5 years. More than 80% of the patients were unattended at a public or private pool when the drowning incident happened. In all, 61% (n = 49) needed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Of the resuscitated children, 63% showed good to mildly impaired long-term outcome (PCPCS 1–3). Furthermore, 15% (n = 12) were transferred to rehabilitation. Seven children died during the hospital stay and another four died due to complications in the ten years following the incident. The newly defined subcategories of the parameter submersion time, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at time of admission, body temperature at time of admission, blood pH, blood glucose, and blood lactate level correlated significantly with the PCPCS. Conclusions: Supervision of children, especially boys of the age 0–5 years, next to public or private pools is most important for prevention of drowning incidents in Switzerland. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation done by trained staff leads to a better long-term outcome. Medical decision making in severe cases of drowning should consider submersion time, GCS at time of admission, body temperature at time of admission, blood pH, blood glucose, and blood lactate levels, as these parameters correlate with long-term outcome.
Graphene Coating for Enhancing the Atom Oxygen Erosion Resistance of Kapton
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing , Shen Zhigang , Zhang Wen , Yi Min , Ma Han , Liu Lei , Liu Lixin , Zhao Yizhi
Published: July 2020

Atom oxygen (AO) can cause most spacecraft material erosion seriously. Liquid-exfoliated graphene by jet cavitation was used to coat Kapton employed on spacecraft to enhance its AO erosion resistance. The coating was prepared by vacuum filtering and transferring. After AO exposure, compared with naked Kapton, the mass loss of coated Kapton reduced to 3.73% and the erosion yield reduced to 3.67%. AO reacted with graphene and then was left in the coating. The coating was degenerated slightly, but still performed well. We believe that graphene coating could be potentially applied to increase the material’s life span on spacecraft.
Performance Comparison of Eichhornia crassipes and Salvinia natans on Azo-Dye (Eriochrome Black T) Phytoremediation
Authors: Rápó Eszter , Posta Katalin , Csavdári Alexandra , Vincze Boglárka Éva , Mara Gyöngyvér , Kovács Gábor , Haddidi Imane , Tonk Szende
Published: July 2020

Organic pollutants, such as dyes, have a negative effect on the aqueous environment, therefore, their elimination from water bodies is a high priority. In this work, Eichhornia crassipes and Salvinia natans, both model plants with high phytoremediation efficiency, were exposed to various concentrations (Ci = 50–500 mg/L) of Eriochrome Black T (EBT). Their capacity to assimilate EBT was studied for 16 days of exposure, similar to natural conditions and by spectrophotometric monitoring of the dye concentration (EE. crassipes; 150 mg/L = 33%; ES. natans; 150 mg/L = 71.5%). The changes of the experimental parameters (pH—equalised by day 5, temperature, humidity, light intensity) were followed, and plant growth and biochemical responses to toxic stress effects (photosynthetic pigments, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)—decreased effect of P, Mg, Ca, S and K, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), defense enzyme) were examined. Furthermore, changes in oxidative- and photo-degradation of EBT in time and the solid-state properties (SEM, EDX, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy-FTIR) of the dye were investigated. Our results demonstrate that, despite the toxic stress, both species succeeded in reducing the dye-concentration of the water and S. natans proved to be more efficient in binding and removing organic dyes. With our findings, we proved that both plants alleviated the abiotic stress of dye contamination.
A Shape Optimization Method for Part Design Derived from the Buildability Restrictions of the Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing Process
Authors: Lianos Andreas K. , Bikas Harry , Stavropoulos Panagiotis
Published: July 2020

The design methodologies and part shape algorithms for additive manufacturing (AM) are rapidly growing fields, proven to be of critical importance for the uptake of additive manufacturing of parts with enhanced performance in all major industrial sectors. The current trend for part design is a computationally driven approach where the parts are algorithmically morphed to meet the functional requirements with optimized performance in terms of material distribution. However, the manufacturability restrictions of AM processes are not considered at the primary design phases but at a later post-morphed stage of the part’s design. This paper proposes an AM design method to ensure: (1) optimized material distribution based on the load case and (2) the part’s manufacturability. The buildability restrictions from the direct energy deposition (DED) AM technology were used as input to the AM shaping algorithm to grant high AM manufacturability. The first step of this work was to define the term of AM manufacturability, its effect on AM production, and to propose a framework to estimate the quantified value of AM manufacturability for the given part design. Moreover, an AM design method is proposed, based on the developed internal stresses of the build volume for the load case. Stress tensors are used for the determination of the build orientation and as input for the part morphing. A top-down mesoscale geometric optimization is used to realize the AM part design. The DED Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) rules are used to delimitate the morphing of the part, representing at the same time the freeform mindset of the AM technology. The morphed shape of the part is optimized in terms of topology and AM manufacturability. The topology optimization and AM manufacturability indicator (TMI) is introduced to screen the percentage of design elements that serve topology optimization and the ones that serve AM manufacturability. In the end, a case study for proof of concept is realized.
Partial Pancreatic Parenchymal Atrophy Is a New Specific Finding to Diagnose Small Pancreatic Cancer (≤10 mm) Including Carcinoma in Situ: Comparison with Localized Benign Main Pancreatic Duct Stenosis Patients
Authors: Yamao Kentaro , Takenaka Mamoru , Ishikawa Rei , Okamoto Ayana , Yamazaki Tomohiro , Nakai Atsushi , Omoto Shunsuke , Kamata Ken , Minaga Kosuke , Matsumoto Ippei , Takeyama Yoshifumi , Numoto Isao , Tsurusaki Masakatsu , Chikugo Takaaki , Chiba Yasutaka , Watanabe Tomohiro , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: July 2020

Background: This study aimed to evaluate and identify the specific CT findings by focusing on abnormalities in the main pancreatic duct (MPD) and pancreatic parenchyma in patients with small pancreatic cancer (PC) including carcinoma in situ (CIS). Methods: Nine CT findings indicating abnormalities of MPD and pancreatic parenchyma were selected as candidate findings for the presence of small PC ≤ 10 mm. The proportions of patients positive for each finding were compared between small PC and benign MPD stenosis groups. Interobserver agreement between two independent image reviewers was evaluated using kappa statistics. Results: The final analysis included 24 patients with small PC (including 11 CIS patients) and 28 patients with benign MPD stenosis. The proportion of patients exhibiting partial pancreatic parenchymal atrophy (PPA) corresponding to the distribution of MPD stenosis (45.8% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.01), upstream PPA arising from the site of MPD stenosis (33.3% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.01), and MPD abrupt stenosis (45.8% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.03) was significantly higher in the small PC group than in the benign MPD stenosis group. Conclusions: The presence of partial PPA, upstream PPA, and MPD abrupt stenosis on a CT image was highly suggestive of the presence of small PCs including CIS.
Reduced Skeletal Muscle Volume and Increased Skeletal Muscle Fat Deposition Characterize Diabetes in Individuals after Pancreatitis: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: E. Modesto Andre , Ko Juyeon , E. Stuart Charlotte , H. Bharmal Sakina , Cho Jaelim , Petrov Maxim S.
Published: July 2020

Background: Skeletal muscle has been implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes but it has never been investigated in diabetes after pancreatitis. The aim was to investigate the relationship between psoas muscle volume (PMV) and diabetes in individuals after pancreatitis, as well as its associations with ectopic fat phenotypes and insulin traits. Methods: Individuals after an attack of pancreatitis and healthy individuals were studied in a cross-sectional fashion. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging, based on which PMV, skeletal muscle fat deposition (SMFD), as well as liver and intra-pancreatic fat depositions were derived. Fasting and postprandial blood samples were collected to calculate indices of insulin sensitivity and secretion. Linear regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for possible confounders (age, sex, body composition, comorbidities, use of insulin, and others). Results: A total of 153 participants were studied. PMV was significantly decreased in the diabetes group compared with healthy controls (β = −30.0, p = 0.034 in the most adjusted model). SMFD was significantly inversely associated with PMV (β = −3.1, p < 0.001 in the most adjusted model). The Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity was significantly directly associated with PMV (β = 1.6, p = 0.010 in the most adjusted model). Conclusions: Diabetes in individuals after pancreatitis is characterized by reduced PMV. Reduced PMV is associated with increased SMFD and decreased insulin sensitivity in individuals after pancreatitis.
The Disease Process, Diagnosis and Treatment of Invasive Cervical Resorption: A Review
Authors: Rotondi Olivia , Waldon PhiAnh , Kim Sahng G.
Published: July 2020

Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a localized, subepithelial, supra-osseous resorptive process of the tooth. Although there are several predisposing factors associated with ICR, its etiology and pathogenesis are poorly understood. The damage to the protective layer on the external root surface appears to allow for the attachment of clastic cells and initiate the resorptive process, which is confined by the inner protective pericanalar resorption-resistant sheet surrounding the root canal space. The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is recommended for the diagnosis and assessment of a resorptive lesion. Based on the thorough evaluation of the size and location of the ICR lesion using CBCT, surgical or nonsurgical treatment can be chosen to address the source of the resorption. This review discusses the current status of knowledge regarding the biology of ICR lesions as well as their external or internal treatment using hydraulic calcium silicate-based materials. Future clinical outcome studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of hydraulic calcium silicate-based materials on the healing of ICR lesions.
Patrimonializarte: A Heritage Education Program Based on New Technologies and Local Heritage
Authors: Castro-Calviño Leticia , Rodríguez-Medina Jairo , Gómez-Carrasco Cosme J. , López-Facal Ramón
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the design of the Patrimonializarte program, which has been implemented in six classes and three different educational levels in two schools in Galicia (Spain). It involves working with elements of heritage in proximity to the schools’ pupils by employing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools. The objectives are (a) to find out if the design is coherent and relevant according to expert judgement and (b) to discover whether the activities related with new technologies are effective according to the evaluation of those involved in the program. This is evaluation research employing mixed methods in which a collective study of cases is carried out. The main results show (1) the evaluation of the design and the tools of the program achieve an optimal degree of agreement according to the panel of experts as far as the variables measured are concerned, and (2) the schoolchildren and teaching staff provide a positive evaluation of the use of ICT tools for working with heritage. E-learning and m-learning make it possible to motivate pupils in the learning and teaching process. Working with ICT tools acquires importance with regard to the possibilities they offer to disseminate the heritage. An integral evaluation of programs is considered relevant in order to understand their multi-dimensionality.
A Network Adaptive Fault-Tolerant Routing Algorithm for Demanding Latency and Throughput Applications of Network-on-a-Chip Designs
Authors: Nain Zulqar , Ali Rashid , Anjum Sheraz , Afzal Muhammad Khalil , Kim Sung Won
Published: July 2020

Scalability is a significant issue in system-on-a-chip architectures because of the rapid increase in numerous on-chip resources. Moreover, hybrid processing elements demand diverse communication requirements, which system-on-a-chip architectures are unable to handle gracefully. Network-on-a-chip architectures have been proposed to address the scalability, contention, reusability, and congestion-related problems of current system-on-a-chip architectures. The reliability appears to be a challenging aspect of network-on-a-chip architectures because of the physical faults introduced in post-manufacturing processes. Therefore, to overcome such failures in network-on-a-chip architectures, fault-tolerant routing is critical. In this article, a network adaptive fault-tolerant routing algorithm is proposed, where the proposed algorithm enhances an efficient dynamic and adaptive routing algorithm. The proposed algorithm avoids livelocks because of its ability to select an alternate outport. It also manages to bypass congested regions of the network and balances the traffic load between outports that have an equal number of hop counts to its destination. Simulation results verified that in a fault-free scenario, the proposed solution outperformed a fault-tolerant XY by achieving a lower latency. At the same time, it attained a higher flit delivery ratio compared to the efficient dynamic and adaptive routing algorithm. Meanwhile, in the situation of a faulty network, the proposed algorithm could reach a higher flit delivery ratio of up to 18% while still consuming less power compared to the efficient dynamic and adaptive routing algorithm.
Visual Features with Spatio-Temporal-Based Fusion Model for Cross-Dataset Vehicle Re-Identification
Authors: Zakria  , Deng Jianhua , Cai Jingye , Aftab Muhammad Umar , Khokhar Muhammad Saddam , Kumar Rajesh
Published: July 2020

Vehicle re-identification (Re-Id) is the key module in an intelligent transportation system (ITS). Due to its versatile applicability in metropolitan cities, this task has received increasing attention these days. It aims to identify whether the specific vehicle has already appeared over the surveillance network or not. Mostly, the vehicle Re-Id method are evaluated on a single dataset, in which training and testing of the model is performed on the same dataset. However in practice, this negatively effects model generalization ability due to biased datasets along with the significant difference between training and testing data; hence, the model becomes weak in a practical environment. To demonstrate this issue, we have empirically shown that the current vehicle Re-Id datasets are usually strongly biased. In this regard, we also conduct an extensive study on the cross and the same dataset to examine the impact on the performance of the vehicle Re-Id system, considering existing methods. To address the problem, in this paper, we have proposed an approach with augmentation of the training dataset to reduce the influence of pose, angle, camera color response, and background information in vehicle images; whereas, spatio-temporal patterns of unlabelled target datasets are learned by transferring siamese neural network classifiers trained on a source-labelled dataset. We finally calculate the composite similarity score of spatio-temporal patterns with siamese neural-network-based classifier visual features. Extensive experiments on multiple datasets are examined and results suggest that the proposed approach has the ability to generalize adequately.
A New and Compact Wide-Band Microstrip Filter-Antenna Design for 2.4 GHz ISM Band and 4G Applications
Authors: Al-Yasir Yasir I. A. , Alkhafaji Mohammed K. , A. Alhamadani Hana’a , Ojaroudi Parchin Naser , Elfergani Issa , Saleh Ameer L. , Rodriguez Jonathan , Abd-Alhameed Raed A.
Published: July 2020

A new and compact four-pole wide-band planar filter-antenna design is proposed in this article. The effect of the dielectric material type on the characteristics of the design is also investigated and presented. The filter-antenna structure is formed by a fourth-order planar band-pass filter (BPF) cascaded with a monopole microstrip antenna. The designed filter-antenna operates at a centre frequency of 2.4 GHz and has a relatively wide-band impedance bandwidth of about 1.22 GHz and a fractional bandwidth (FBW) of about 50%. The effects of three different types of substrate material, which are Rogers RT5880, Rogers RO3003, and FR-4, are investigated and presented using the same configuration. The filter-antenna design is simulated and optimised using computer simulation technology (CST) software and is fabricated and measured using a Rogers RT5880 substrate with a height (h) of 0.81 mm, a dielectric constant of 2.2, and a loss tangent of 0.0009. The structure is printed on a compact size of 0.32 λ0 × 0.30 λ0, where λ0 is the free-space wavelength at the centre frequency. A good agreement is obtained between the simulation and measurement performance. The designed filter-antenna with the achieved performance can find different applications for 2.4 GHz ISM band and 4G wireless communications.
Impact of Hanseniaspora Vineae in Alcoholic Fermentation and Ageing on Lees of High-Quality White Wine
Authors: Del Fresno Juan Manuel , Escott Carlos , Loira Iris , Herbert-Pucheta José Enrique , Schneider Rémi , Carrau Francisco , Cuerda Rafael , Morata Antonio
Published: July 2020

Hanseniaspora vineae is an apiculate yeast that plays a significant role at the beginning of fermentation, and it has been studied for its application in the improvement of the aromatic profile of commercial wines. This work evaluates the use of H. vineae in alcoholic fermentation compared to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in ageing on the lees process (AOL) compared to Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts. The results indicated that there were not significant differences in basic oenological parameters. H. vineae completed the fermentation until 11.9% v/v of ethanol and with a residual sugars content of less than 2 g/L. Different aroma profiles were obtained in the wines, with esters concentration around 90 mg/L in H. vineae wines. Regarding the AOL assay, the hydroalcoholic solutions aged with H. vineae lees showed significantly higher absorbance values at 260 (nucleic acids) and 280 nm (proteins) compared to the other strains. However, non-significant differences were found in the polysaccharide content at the end of the ageing process were found compared to the other yeast species, with the exception of Schizosaccharomyces pombe that released around 23.5 mg/L of polysaccharides in hydroalcoholic solution. The use of H. vineae by the wineries may be a viable method in fermentation and AOL to improve the quality of white wines.
An Introduction of Droplet Impact Dynamics to Engineering Students
Authors: Moghtadernejad Sara , Lee Christian , Jadidi Mehdi
Published: July 2020

An intensive training course has been developed and implemented at the California State University Long Beach based on 8 years of experience in the multiphase flow area with the specific focus on droplet–solid interactions. Due to the rapid development of droplet-based equipment and industrial techniques, numerous industries are concerned with understanding the behavior of droplet dynamics and the characteristics that govern them. The presence and ensuing characteristics of the droplet regimes (spreading, receding, rebounding, and splashing) are heavily dependent on droplet and surface conditions. The effect of surface temperature, surface wettability, impact velocity, droplet shape and volume on droplet impact dynamics, and heat transfer are discussed in this training paper. Droplet impacts on moving solid surfaces and the effects of normal and tangential velocities on droplet dynamics are other topics that are discussed here. Despite the vast amount of studies into the dynamics of droplet impact, there is still much more to be investigated as research has expanded into a myriad of different conditions. However, the current paper is intended as a practical training document and a source of basic information, therefore, the scope is kept sufficiently broad to be of interest to readers from different engineering disciplines.
Biogenic Amines and Food Quality: Emerging Challenges and Public Health Concerns
Authors: Tabanelli Giulia
Published: July 2020

In addition to pathogenic bacteria and viruses, some bioactive compounds and natural toxins such as biogenic amines (BAs) can be responsible for food poisoning. These compounds, produced mainly by bacteria through the action of decarboxylases, represent a risk for consumers’ health and are involved in several pathogenic syndromes, with histamine and tyramine being the most dangerous ones. Since the presence of dangerous amounts of BAs is associated with the relevant growth of spoiling decarboxylating microorganisms, BA content has been proposed as a food quality index in fresh products. Several factors, both intrinsic and technological, can regulate BA accumulation in foods influencing the decarboxylase-positive bacteria population and proteolysis phenomena, especially in fermented products where strains belonging to different species and genera, commonly found in these foods, have been characterized for their decarboxylase activities and have been associated with high levels of BAs. Due to their impact on human health and food quality, both the development of simple and rapid methods for BA detection and the increase of knowledge of factors involved in BA accumulation are needed to face new challenges in food chains and to reduce health concerns regarding food poisoning.
Assessment of the Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Antiproliferative Potential of Sideritis raeseri subps. raeseri Essential Oil
Authors: Mitropoulou Gregoria , Sidira Marianthi , Skitsa Myria , Tsochantaridis Ilias , Pappa Aglaia , Dimtsoudis Christos , Proestos Charalampos , Kourkoutas Yiannis
Published: July 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antimicrobial potential of Sideritis raeseri subps. raeseri essential oil (EO) against common food spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms and evaluate its antioxidant and antiproliferative activity. The EO was isolated by steam distillation and analyzed by GC/MS. The main constituents identified were geranyl-p-cymene (25.08%), geranyl-γ-terpinene (15.17%), and geranyl-linalool (14.04%). Initially, its activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium, Pseudomonas fragi, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus niger was screened by the disk diffusion method. Subsequently, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), non-inhibitory concentration (NIC), and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) values were determined. Growth inhibition of all microorganisms tested was documented, although it was significantly lower compared to gentamycin, ciproxin, and voriconazole, which were used as positive controls. In a next step, its direct antioxidant properties were examined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, and the IC50 values were determined. The potential cytoprotective activity of the oil against H2O2–induced oxidative stress and DNA damage was studied in human immortalized keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells using the comet assay. Finally, the antiproliferative activity of the oil was evaluated against a panel of cancer cell lines including A375, Caco2, PC3, and DU145 and the non-cancerous HaCaT cell line using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, and the EC50 values were determined. The oil demonstrated weak radical scavenging activity, noteworthy cytoprotective activity against H2O2–induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in HaCaT cells, and antiproliferative activity against all cell lines tested, being more sensitive against the in vitro model of skin melanoma.
In Vitro Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Metabolism by Cooked Cowpea and Black Bean
Authors: Teixeira-Guedes Catarina , Sánchez-Moya Tereza , Pereira-Wilson Cristina , Ros-Berruezo Gaspar , López-Nicolás Rubén
Published: July 2020

Legumes are a rich source of a wide range of compounds that may represent an important tool to overcome gut dysbiosis. In this work, the prebiotic potential of two cooked legumes (cowpea and black bean) was investigated in comparison with potato:beef mixture, as substrates in batch faecal culture fermentation. Prior to the fermentation, all the samples were in vitro digested, passing through three phases, namely mouth, gastric and small intestine simulation, and then in vitro fermented for 6, 24 and 48 h. The shift of pH, production of gas and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and changes in gut microbiota were evaluated along the fermentation time. The pH decreased significantly over time in all media with fermentable sources when compared with the negative control. Gas production was higher in the media containing fermentable source than in the negative control and decreased with fermentation time. The concentration of SCFAs increased over time and it was significantly higher for both legumes than in inulin (positive control) and potato:beef meal. Acetate was the major SCFAs produced during fermentation, particularly in media containing legumes. Both legumes presented a strong prebiotic effect on gut microbiota, showing a significant increase in Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. These results suggest that consumption of cooked cowpea and black bean, used alone or as an ingredient of novel functional foods, may contribute to improving intestinal health and therefore human health promotion.
Photovoice in a Vietnamese Immigrant Family: Untold Partial Stories behind the Pictures
Authors: Tinh Trinh Ethan
Published: July 2020

This paper, in the form of walking meditation, sitting, drinking, eating, and traveling among spaces and times, witnesses how the author as a Vietnamese immigrant child living in the United States (U.S.) traces untold stories of their family through family photos. Further, this paper attempts to find, understand and connect the relation between personal and political, between individual and collective, for a Vietnamese re-education camp detainee and his family, situated in political, historical, and cultural context. The use of photo elicitation comes from the desire that the reader can engage with the voices of the family members as they describe events in their past history. In addition, this paper refuses the forms of “category” and “fixed results” in writing up academic research. Rather, it will appear in the form of daily conversation, collected from multiple settings. Simply speaking, this paper is a form of storytelling that invites the readers to oscillate, communicate and think with the author’s family members on this historical journey.