bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clusterin as a New Marker of Kidney Injury in Children Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation—A Pilot Study
Authors: Musiał Kinga , Augustynowicz Monika , Miśkiewicz-Migoń Izabella , Kałwak Krzysztof , Ussowicz Marek , Zwolińska Danuta
Published: August 2020

Background and aims: The markers of renal damage defining subclinical AKI are not widely used in children undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). The aim of the study was to evaluate serum and urinary clusterin as indices of kidney injury after alloHSCT in relation to damage (kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1) and functional (cystatin C) markers. Material and methods: Serum and urinary clusterin, KIM-1 and cystatin C concentrations were assessed by ELISA in 27 children before alloHSCT, 24 h, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after alloHSCT and in controls. Results: All parameters were significantly higher in HSCT patients compared to controls even before the transplantation. The serum concentrations increased after HSCT and this rising trend was kept until the third (clusterin) or 4th (KIM-1, cystatin C) week. Urinary clusterin and KIM-1 were elevated until the third week and then decreased yet remained higher than before HSCT. Urinary cystatin C has risen from the second week after HSCT and decreased after the third week but was still higher than before alloHSCT. Conclusions: The features of kidney injury are present even before alloHSCT. Clusterin seems useful in the assessment of subclinical AKI and may become a new early marker of sublethal kidney injury in children.
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors at Discharge from Cardiology Hospitalization Department: Decoding A New Clinical Scenario
Authors: Rozado José , García Iglesias Daniel , Soroa Miguel , Junco-Vicente Alejandro , Barja Noemí , Adeba Antonio , Vigil-Escalera María , Alvarez Rut , Torres Saura Francisco , Capín Esmeralda , García Laura , Rodriguez María Luisa , Calvo David , Moris Cesar , Delgado Elías , de la Hera Jesús María
Published: August 2020

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2 inhibitors) are new glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs) with demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in patients with heart disease and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, their safety and efficacy when prescribed at hospital discharge are unexplored. This prospective, observational, longitudinal cohort study included 104 consecutive T2DM patients discharged from the cardiology department between April 2018 and February 2019. Patients were classified based on SGLT-2 inhibitor prescription and adjusted by propensity-score matching. The safety outcomes included discontinuation of GLDs; worsening renal function; and renal, hepatic, or metabolic hospitalization. The efficacy outcomes were death from any cause, cardiovascular death, cardiovascular readmission, and combined clinical outcome (cardiovascular death or readmission). The results showed that, the incidence rates of safety outcomes were similar in the SGLT-2 inhibitor or non-SGLT-2 inhibitor groups. Regarding efficacy, the SGLT-2 inhibitors group resulted in a lower rate of combined clinical outcomes (18% vs. 42%; hazard ratio (HR), 0.35; p = 0.02), any cause death (0% vs. 24%; HR, 0.79; p = 0.001) and cardiovascular death (0% vs. 17%; HR, 0.83; p = 0.005). No significant differences were found in cardiovascular readmissions. SGLT-2 inhibitor prescription at hospital discharge in patients with heart disease and T2DM was safe, well tolerated, and associated with a reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular deaths.
Alpha-Synuclein FRET Biosensors Reveal Early Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation in the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Miraglia Fabiana , Valvano Verdiana , Rota Lucia , Di Primio Cristina , Quercioli Valentina , Betti Laura , Giannaccini Gino , Cattaneo Antonino , Colla Emanuela
Published: August 2020

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction is important for alpha-synuclein (αS) acquired toxicity. When targeted to the ER in SH-SY5Y cells, transient or stable expression of αS resulted in the formation of compact αS-positive structures in a small subpopulation of cells, resembling αS inclusions. Thus, because of the limitations of immunofluorescence, we developed a set of αS FRET biosensors (AFBs) able to track αS conformation in cells. In native conditions, expression in i36, a stable cell line for ER αS, of intermolecular AFBs, reporters in which CFP or YFP has been fused with the C-terminal of αS (αS-CFP/αS-YFP), resulted in no Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), whereas expression of the intramolecular AFB, a probe obtained by fusing YFP and CFP with αS N- or C- termini (YFP-αS-CFP), showed a positive FRET signal. These data confirmed that αS has a predominantly globular, monomeric conformation in native conditions. Differently, under pro-aggregating conditions, the intermolecular AFB was able to sense significantly formation of αS oligomers, when AFB was expressed in the ER rather than ubiquitously, suggesting that the ER can favor changes in αS conformation when aggregation is stimulated. These results show the potential of AFBs as a new, valuable tool to track αS conformational changes in vivo.
Warp-Knitted Spacer Fabrics: A Versatile Platform to Generate Fiber-Reinforced Hydrogels for 3D Tissue Engineering
Authors: Schäfer Benedikt , Emonts Caroline , Glimpel Nikola , Ruhl Tim , Obrecht Astrid S. , Jockenhoevel Stefan , Gries Thomas , Beier Justus P. , Blaeser Andreas
Published: August 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess huge potential for regenerative medicine. For tissue engineering approaches, scaffolds and hydrogels are routinely used as extracellular matrix (ECM) carriers. The present study investigated the feasibility of using textile-reinforced hydrogels with adjustable porosity and elasticity as a versatile platform for soft tissue engineering. A warp-knitted poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) scaffold was developed and characterized with respect to morphology, porosity, and mechanics. The textile carrier was infiltrated with hydrogels and cells resulting in a fiber-reinforced matrix with adjustable biological as well as mechanical cues. Finally, the potential of this platform technology for regenerative medicine was tested on the example of fat tissue engineering. MSCs were seeded on the construct and exposed to adipogenic differentiation medium. Cell invasion was detected by two-photon microscopy, proliferation was measured by the PrestoBlue assay. Successful adipogenesis was demonstrated using Oil Red O staining as well as measurement of secreted adipokines. In conclusion, the given microenvironment featured optimal mechanical as well as biological properties for proliferation and differentiation of MSCs. Besides fat tissue, the textile-reinforced hydrogel system with adjustable mechanics could be a promising platform for future fabrication of versatile soft tissues, such as cartilage, tendon, or muscle.
High Quality Growth of Cobalt Doped GaN Nanowires with Enhanced Ferromagnetic and Optical Response
Authors: Maraj Mudassar , Nabi Ghulam , Usman Khurram , Wang Engui , Wei Wenwang , Wang Yukun , Sun Wenhong
Published: August 2020

Group III–V semiconductors with direct band gaps have become crucial for optoelectronic and microelectronic applications. Exploring these materials for spintronic applications is an important direction for many research groups. In this study, pure and cobalt doped GaN nanowires were grown on the Si substrate by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Sophisticated characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and photoluminescence (PL) were used to characterize the structure, morphology, composition and optical properties of the nanowires. The doped nanowires have diameters ranging from 60–200 nm and lengths were found to be in microns. By optimizing the synthesis process, pure, smooth, single crystalline and highly dense nanowires have been grown on the Si substrate which possess better magnetic and optical properties. No any secondary phases were observed even with 8% cobalt doping. The magnetic properties of cobalt doped GaN showed a ferromagnetic response at room temperature. The value of saturation magnetization is found to be increased with increasing doping concentration and magnetic saturation was found to be 792.4 µemu for 8% cobalt doping. It was also depicted that the Co atoms are substituted at Ga sites in the GaN lattice. Furthermore N vacancies are also observed in the Co-doped GaN nanowires which was confirmed by the PL graph exhibiting nitrogen vacancy defects and strain related peaks at 455 nm (blue emission). PL and magnetic properties show their potential applications in spintronics.
Finite Element Analysis of Axial Compression Steel Members Strengthened with Unbonded CFRP Laminates
Authors: Yoresta Fengky Satria , Nhut Phan Viet , Matsumoto Yukihiro
Published: August 2020

This paper presented a non-linear finite element (FE) analysis to investigate the potential of unbonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) strengthening in improving the axial compression performance of steel members. The FE model was firstly developed and validated against experimental works. Four parameters considered in the parametric study were the number of CFRP layers, CFRP length, slenderness ratio, and elastic modulus of CFRP. It was confirmed that the unbonded CFRP strengthening method is effective at enhancing the load-carrying capacity as well as delaying the overall buckling of the axial steel members. The strength increase is highly affected by the first three parameters. In addition, the method of an equivalent slenderness ratio can be used for strength design.
VenoMS—A Website for the Low Molecular Mass Compounds in Spider Venoms
Authors: Forster Yvonne M. , Reusser Silvan , Forster Florian , Bienz Stefan , Bigler Laurent
Published: August 2020

Spider venoms are highly complex mixtures. Numerous spider venom metabolites are uniquely found in spider venoms and are of interest concerning their potential use in pharmacology, agriculture, and cosmetics. A nontargeted ultra-high performance high-resolution electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HR-ESI-MS/MS) approach offers a resource-saving way for the analysis of crude spider venom. However, the identification of known as well as the structure elucidation of unknown low molecular mass spider venom compounds based on their MS/MS spectra is challenging because (1) acylpolyamine toxins are exclusively found in spider and wasp venom, (2) reference MS/MS spectra are missing in established mass spectrometry databases, and (3) trivial names for the various toxin metabolites are used in an inconsistent way in literature. Therefore, we introduce the freely accessible MS website for low molecular mass spider venom metabolites, venoMS, containing structural information, MS/MS spectra, and links to related literature. Currently the database contains the structures of 409 acylpolyamine toxins, 36 free linear polyamines, and 81 additional spider venom metabolites. Implemented into this website is a fragment ion calculator (FRIOC) that allows us to predict fragment ions of linear polyamine derivatives. With three metabolites from the venom of the spider Agelenopsis aperta, it was demonstrated how the new website can support the structural elucidation of acylpolyamines using their MS/MS spectra.
Genesis of Two Types of Carbonaceous Material Associated with Gold Mineralization in the Bumo Deposit, Hainan Province, South China
Authors: Ding Zhengpeng , Deng Teng , Xu Deru , Li Zenghua , Zou Shaohao , Li Lirong , Xu Ke , Hai Yan , Ma Wen
Published: August 2020

Carbonaceous material (CM) is common in meta-sediments and is generally interpreted to be intimately associated with gold mineralization. For the Bumo deposit in Hainan Province, South China, CM is mainly hosted by greenschist facies—to amphibolite-facies metamophic rocks of the Paleo—to the Mesoproterozoic Baoban Group, and by auriferous veins which could be used as an important gold prospecting indicator. However, the genesis of CM and its relationship with gold mineralization are still unclear. From the field work and thin section observations two types of CM occur, i.e., layered and veinlet. The layered CM occurred in CM-bearing black shales, up to meters thick, and prevails in the deposit. More importantly, Au-bearing sulfides are commonly distributed along the boundary between the quartz veins and layered CM. In contrast, the veinlet CM, co-precipitated with native gold and sulfides, has the thickness of micro- to centi-meters, and these thin veins occur in quartz veins and hydrothermally altered rocks. In addition, layered CM has a stringy shape and laminate structure, while veinlet CM occurs as isometric particles based on the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. The Raman carbonaceous material geothermometer indicates that layered CM with a high maturity is formed at elevated temperatures of 400–550 °C, consistent with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. In contrast, veinlet CM with a low maturity is formed at 200–350 °C and generally consistent with gold mineralization. In addition, layered CM has δ13C values ranging from −30 to −20%, demonstrating a biogenic origin. Consequently, it is interpreted that layered CM is formed by a pre-ore metamorphic event during Caledonian, and its reducing nature promotes gold precipitation via destabilization of aqueous Au complexes or facilitating sulfidation. Veinlet CM is of hydrothermal origin, and its precipitation modified the chemical conditions of ore fluids, leading to the destabilization of Au complexes, which therefore are favorable for mineralization.
Use of Ionic Liquids and Deep Eutectic Solvents in Polysaccharides Dissolution and Extraction Processes towards Sustainable Biomass Valorization
Authors: Morais Eduarda S. , Lopes André M. da Costa , Freire Mara G. , Freire Carmen S. R. , Coutinho João A. P. , Silvestre Armando J. D.
Published: August 2020

A shift to a bioeconomy development model has been evolving, conducting the scientific community to investigate new ways of producing chemicals, materials and fuels from renewable resources, i.e., biomass. Specifically, technologies that provide high performance and maximal use of biomass feedstocks into commodities with reduced environmental impact have been highly pursued. A key example comprises the extraction and/or dissolution of polysaccharides, one of the most abundant fractions of biomass, which still need to be improved regarding these processes’ efficiency and selectivity parameters. In this context, the use of alternative solvents and the application of less energy-intensive processes in the extraction of polysaccharides might play an important role to reach higher efficiency and sustainability in biomass valorization. This review debates the latest achievements in sustainable processes for the extraction of polysaccharides from a myriad of biomass resources, including lignocellulosic materials and food residues. Particularly, the ability of ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to dissolve and extract the most abundant polysaccharides from natural sources, namely cellulose, chitin, starch, hemicelluloses and pectins, is scrutinized and the efficiencies between solvents are compared. The interaction mechanisms between solvent and polysaccharide are described, paving the way for the design of selective extraction processes. A detailed discussion of the work developed for each polysaccharide as well as the innovation degree and the development stage of dissolution and extraction technologies is presented. Their advantages and disadvantages are also identified, and possible synergies by integrating microwave- and ultrasound-assisted extraction (MAE and UAE) or a combination of both (UMAE) are briefly described. Overall, this review provides key information towards the design of more efficient, selective and sustainable extraction and dissolution processes of polysaccharides from biomass.
The Uptake of Ivermectin and Its Effects in Roots, Leaves and Seeds of Soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Navrátilová Martina , Raisová Stuchlíková Lucie , Moťková Kateřina , Szotáková Barbora , Skálová Lenka , Langhansová Lenka , Podlipná Radka
Published: August 2020

In recent years interest has grown in the occurrence and the effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment. The aim of this work is to evaluate the risk of fertilizing crops with manure from livestock treated with anthelmintics. The present study was designed to follow the fate of the commonly used anthelmintic drug, ivermectin (IVM) and its metabolites in soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), a plant that is grown and consumed world-wide for its high content of nutritional and health-beneficial substances. In vitro plantlets and soybean plants, cultivated in a greenhouse, were used for this purpose. Our results showed the uptake of IVM and its translocation to the leaves, but not in the pods and the beans. Four IVM metabolites were detected in the roots, and one in the leaves. IVM exposure decreased slightly the number and weight of the beans and induced changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, the presence of IVM affected the proportion of individual isoflavones and reduced the content of isoflavones aglycones, which might decrease the therapeutic value of soybeans. Fertilization of soybean fields with manure from IVM-treated animals appears to be safe for humans, due to the absence of IVM in beans, the food part of plants. On the other hand, it could negatively affect soybean plants and herbivorous invertebrates.
Deletion of the Histone Deacetylase HdaA in Endophytic Fungus Penicillium chrysogenum Fes1701 Induces the Complex Response of Multiple Bioactive Secondary Metabolite Production and Relevant Gene Cluster Expression
Authors: Ding Zhuang , Zhou Haibo , Wang Xiao , Huang Huiming , Wang Haotian , Zhang Ruiyan , Wang Zhengping , Han Jun
Published: August 2020

Epigenetic regulation plays a critical role in controlling fungal secondary metabolism. Here, we report the pleiotropic effects of the epigenetic regulator HdaA (histone deacetylase) on secondary metabolite production and the associated biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) expression in the plant endophytic fungus Penicillium chrysogenum Fes1701. Deletion of the hdaA gene in strain Fes1701 induced a significant change of the secondary metabolite profile with the emergence of the bioactive indole alkaloid meleagrin. Simultaneously, more meleagrin/roquefortine-related compounds and less chrysogine were synthesized in the ΔhdaA strain. Transcriptional analysis of relevant gene clusters in ΔhdaA and wild strains indicated that disruption of hdaA had different effects on the expression levels of two BGCs: the meleagrin/roquefortine BGC was upregulated, while the chrysogine BGC was downregulated. Interestingly, transcriptional analysis demonstrated that different functional genes in the same BGC had different responses to the disruption of hdaA. Thereinto, the roqO gene, which encodes a key catalyzing enzyme in meleagrin biosynthesis, showed the highest upregulation in the ΔhdaA strain (84.8-fold). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the upregulation of HdaA inactivation on meleagrin/roquefortine alkaloid production in the endophytic fungus P. chrysogenum. Our results suggest that genetic manipulation based on the epigenetic regulator HdaA is an important strategy for regulating the productions of secondary metabolites and expanding bioactive natural product resources in endophytic fungi.
Ferroelectricity in Si-Doped Hafnia: Probing Challenges in Absence of Screening Charges
Authors: Celano Umberto , Gomez Andres , Piedimonte Paola , Neumayer Sabine , Collins Liam , Popovici Mihaela , Florent Karine , McMitchell Sean R. C. , Favia Paola , Drijbooms Chris , Bender Hugo , Paredis Kristof , Di Piazza Luca , Jesse Stephen , Van Houdt Jan , van der Heide Paul
Published: August 2020

The ability to develop ferroelectric materials using binary oxides is critical to enable novel low-power, high-density non-volatile memory and fast switching logic. The discovery of ferroelectricity in hafnia-based thin films, has focused the hopes of the community on this class of materials to overcome the existing problems of perovskite-based integrated ferroelectrics. However, both the control of ferroelectricity in doped-HfO2 and the direct characterization at the nanoscale of ferroelectric phenomena, are increasingly difficult to achieve. The main limitations are imposed by the inherent intertwining of ferroelectric and dielectric properties, the role of strain, interfaces and electric field-mediated phase, and polarization changes. In this work, using Si-doped HfO2 as a material system, we performed a correlative study with four scanning probe techniques for the local sensing of intrinsic ferroelectricity on the oxide surface. Putting each technique in perspective, we demonstrated that different origins of spatially resolved contrast can be obtained, thus highlighting possible crosstalk not originated by a genuine ferroelectric response. By leveraging the strength of each method, we showed how intrinsic processes in ultrathin dielectrics, i.e., electronic leakage, existence and generation of energy states, charge trapping (de-trapping) phenomena, and electrochemical effects, can influence the sensed response. We then proceeded to initiate hysteresis loops by means of tip-induced spectroscopic cycling (i.e., “wake-up”), thus observing the onset of oxide degradation processes associated with this step. Finally, direct piezoelectric effects were studied using the high pressure resulting from the probe’s confinement, noticing the absence of a net time-invariant piezo-generated charge. Our results are critical in providing a general framework of interpretation for multiple nanoscale processes impacting ferroelectricity in doped-hafnia and strategies for sensing it.
Design and Tuning of Nanofluids Applied to Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery Based on the Surfactant–Nanoparticle–Brine Interaction: From Laboratory Experiments to Oil Field Application
Authors: Franco Carlos A. , Giraldo Lady J. , Candela Carlos H. , Bernal Karla M. , Villamil Fabio , Montes Daniel , Lopera Sergio H. , Franco Camilo A. , Cortés Farid B.
Published: August 2020

The primary objective of this study is to develop a novel experimental nanofluid based on surfactant–nanoparticle–brine tuning, subsequently evaluate its performance in the laboratory under reservoir conditions, then upscale the design for a field trial of the nanotechnology-enhanced surfactant injection process. Two different mixtures of commercial anionic surfactants (SA and SB) were characterized by their critical micelle concentration (CMC), density, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Two types of commercial nanoparticles (CNA and CNB) were utilized, and they were characterized by SBET, FTIR spectra, hydrodynamic mean sizes (dp50), isoelectric points (pHIEP), and functional groups. The evaluation of both surfactant–nanoparticle systems demonstrated that the best performance was obtained with a total dissolved solid (TDS) of 0.75% with the SA surfactant and the CNA nanoparticles. A nanofluid formulation with 100 mg·L−1 of CNA provided suitable interfacial tension (IFT) values between 0.18 and 0.15 mN·m−1 for a surfactant dosage range of 750–1000 mg·L−1. Results obtained from adsorption tests indicated that the surfactant adsorption on the rock would be reduced by at least 40% under static and dynamic conditions due to nanoparticle addition. Moreover, during core flooding tests, it was observed that the recovery factor was increased by 22% for the nanofluid usage in contrast with a 17% increase with only the use of the surfactant. These results are related to the estimated capillary number of 3 × 10−5, 3 × 10−4, and 5 × 10−4 for the brine, the surfactant, and the nanofluid, respectively, as well as to the reduction in the surfactant adsorption on the rock which enhances the efficiency of the process. The field trial application was performed with the same nanofluid formulation in the two different injection patterns of a Colombian oil field and represented the first application worldwide of nanoparticles/nanofluids in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. The cumulative incremental oil production was nearly 30,035 Bbls for both injection patterns by May 19, 2020. The decline rate was estimated through an exponential model to be −0.104 month−1 before the intervention, to −0.016 month−1 after the nanofluid injection. The pilot was designed based on a production increment of 3.5%, which was successfully surpassed with this field test with an increment of 27.3%. This application is the first, worldwide, to demonstrate surfactant flooding assisted by nanotechnology in a chemical enhanced oil recovery (CEOR) process in a low interfacial tension region.
Breakfast Consumption Habit and Its Nutritional Contribution in Latin America: Results from the ELANS Study
Authors: Fisberg Mauro , Kovalskys Irina , Previdelli Agatha , Pereira Jaqueline , Zimberg Ioná , Fisberg Regina , Ferrari Gerson , Guajardo Viviana ,   the ELANS Study Group
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to provide updated data on breakfast consumption, associated factors and its contribution to daily intakes among Latin American populations. A total of 9218 subjects, 15 to 65 years old, were evaluated in the ELANS study, a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in eight Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela). Dietary data were obtained by two 24 h dietary recalls. Overall, 78.6% of the population were regular breakfast consumer, 15.9% occasional and 5.5% skippers. Adolescents were found to be the most frequent occasional consumers (19.2%) and skippers (6.8%). Among breakfast consumers (n = 8714), breakfast contributed to 444 ± 257 kcal, i.e., 23% of the total daily EI (16–27%). Breakfast consumers were more likely to be older adults than adolescents (OR = 1.49, 95% CI:1.06–2.10) and physically active than insufficiently active (OR = 1.29, 95% CI:1.07–1.55), and were less likely to be underweight than normal weight (OR = 0.63, 95% CI:0.41–0.98). In most countries, breakfast was rich in carbohydrates, added sugars, saturated fat and calcium relative to the entire day, and the energy contribution of protein and fats was lower at breakfast than for the entire day. These findings will contribute to the development of data-driven nutrient recommendations for breakfast in Latin America.
Space Flight Diet-Induced Deficiency and Response to Gravity-Free Resistive Exercise
Authors: Baba Shahid , Smith Ted , Hellmann Jason , Bhatnagar Aruni , Carter Kathy , Vanhoover Alexandria , Caruso John
Published: August 2020

Immune system dysregulation is among the many adverse effects incurred by astronauts during space flights. Omega-3 fatty acids, β-alanine, and carnosine are among the many nutrients that contribute to immune system health. For space flight, crewmembers are prescribed a diet with a macronutrient composition of 55% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 15% protein. To quantify omega-3 fatty acid, β-alanine and carnosine intakes from such a diet, and to examine each nutrient’s impact on exercise performance, 21 participants adhered to the aforementioned macronutrient ratio for 14 days which was immediately followed by a workout performed on gravity-independent resistive exercise hardware. Results included daily omega-3 fatty acid intakes below the suggested dietary intake. Daily omega-3 fatty acid, β-alanine and carnosine intakes each correlated with non-significant amounts of variance from the workout’s volume of work. Given the nutritional requirements to maintain immune system function and the demands of in-flight exercise countermeasures for missions of increasingly longer durations current results, in combination with previously published works, imply in-flight supplementation may be a prudent approach to help address the physiological and mental challenges incurred by astronauts on future space flights.
Design and Validation of a Diet Rich in Slowly Digestible Starch for Type 2 Diabetic Patients for Significant Improvement in Glycemic Profile
Authors: Goux Aurélie , Breyton Anne-Esther , Meynier Alexandra , Lambert-Porcheron Stéphanie , Sothier Monique , Van Den Berghe Laurie , Brack Olivier , Normand Sylvie , Disse Emmanuel , Laville Martine , Nazare Julie-Anne , Vinoy Sophie
Published: August 2020

This study aimed at designing a—diet high in slowly digestible starch (SDS) by carefully selecting high-SDS starchy products and to validate its implementation, acceptance, and impact on the postprandial glycemic response in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Starchy products were screened and classified as being either high (high-SDS) or low (low-SDS) in SDS (in vitro SDS method). A randomized controlled cross-over pilot study was performed: Eight patients with T2D consumed randomly a high-SDS or a low-SDS diet for one week each, while their glycemic profile was monitored for 6 days. Based on 250 food product SDS analyses and dietary recommendations for patients with T2D, the high-SDS and low-SDS diets were designed. The high-SDS diet significantly increased SDS intake and the SDS/carbohydrates proportion compared to the low-SDS diet (61.6 vs. 11.6 g/day and 30% vs. 6%; p < 0.0001, respectively). Increasing the SDS/carbohydrate proportion to 50% of the meal was significantly correlated with a 12% decrease in tAUC0–120 min and a 14% decrease in the glycemic peak value (p < 0.001 for both). A high-SDS diet can be easily designed by carefully selecting commercial starchy products and providing relevant recommendations for T2D to improve their glycemic profile.
The Influence of the Trainer’s Social Behaviors on the Resilience, Anxiety, Stress, Depression and Eating Habits of Athletes
Authors: Trigueros Rubén , Mercader Isabel , González-Bernal Jerónimo J. , Aguilar-Parra José M. , González-Santos Josefa , Navarro-Gómez Noelia , Soto-Cámara Raúl
Published: August 2020

During their sporting lives, athletes must face multiple difficulties that can have consequences for their mental health and changes in their eating patterns. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze how social skills of the trainer influence the coping capacity, psychological well-being, and eating habits of the athlete, elements that are key to achieving success during competition. This study involved 1547 athletes and 127 trainer. In order to achieve the objective, the mean, standard deviation, bivariate correlations, reliability analysis and a structural equation model were analysed. The results showed that prosocial behaviours were positively related to resilience, while antisocial behaviours were negatively related. Resilience was negatively related to anxiety, stress and depression. Finally, anxiety, stress and depression were negatively related to healthy eating and positively related to unhealthy eating. These results highlight the importance of creating a positive social climate to develop coping strategies that promote mental health and healthy eating habits of athletes.
Malnutrition and Food Insecurity Might Pose a Double Burden for Older Adults
Authors: Gkiouras Konstantinos , Cheristanidis Stavros , Papailia Theopoula D. , Grammatikopoulou Maria G. , Karamitsios Nikolaos , Goulis Dimitrios G. , Papamitsou Theodora
Published: August 2020

Although food insecurity has been associated with a disadvantageous socioeconomic status, especially in older adults, its association with comorbidities is less clear. The scope of the present cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of food insecurity among older adults and evaluate the association between food insecurity, malnutrition, chronic disease, multimorbidity and healthcare utilization. A total of 121 older adults (mean (standard deviation) age: 72.6 (8.1)) were recruited from a Primary Care Health Center from 10 August 2019 to 10 September 2019. Food insecurity and malnutrition status were assessed by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and Mini Nutritional Assessment tool, respectively. Recorded variables included financial, family data and comorbidities. The prevalence of food insecurity in the sample reached 50.4%, with men and older adults malnourished or at risk for malnutrition, exhibiting high risk for food insecurity. Multimorbidity, frequency of health care utilization and medication adherence were not associated with food insecurity, possibly due to the free health services and remunerated medications offered by the Greek government. However, male gender and malnutrition risk were significant predictors of food insecurity in the multiple logistic analyses. This study highlights the need for mainstreaming food insecurity assessment among older adults with comorbidities, especially those at risk for malnutrition.
Hydrogel-Based Localized Nonviral Gene Delivery in Regenerative Medicine Approaches—An Overview
Authors: Carballo-Pedrares Natalia , Fuentes-Boquete Isaac , Díaz-Prado Silvia , Rey-Rico Ana
Published: August 2020

Hydrogel-based nonviral gene delivery constitutes a powerful strategy in various regenerative medicine scenarios, as those concerning the treatment of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neural tissues disorders as well as wound healing. By a minimally invasive administration, these systems can provide a spatially and temporarily defined supply of specific gene sequences into the target tissue cells that are overexpressing or silencing the original gene, which can promote natural repairing mechanisms to achieve the desired effect. In the present work, we provide an overview of the most avant-garde approaches using various hydrogels systems for controlled delivery of therapeutic nucleic acid molecules in different regenerative medicine approaches.
Development of Mannose-Modified Carboxylated Curdlan-Coated Liposomes for Antigen Presenting Cell Targeted Antigen Delivery
Authors: Yuba Eiji , Fukaya Yoshiki , Yanagihara Shin , Kasho Nozomi , Harada Atsushi
Published: August 2020

Specific delivery to antigen presenting cells (APC) and precise control of the intracellular fate of antigens are crucial to induce cellular immunity that directly and specifically attacks cancer cells. We previously achieved cytoplasmic delivery of antigen and activation of APC using carboxylated curdlan-modified liposomes, which led to the induction of cellular immunity in vivo. APCs express mannose receptors on their surface to recognize pathogen specifically and promote cross-presentation of antigen. In this study, mannose-residue was additionally introduced to carboxylated curdlan as a targeting moiety to APC for further improvement of polysaccharide-based antigen carriers. Mannose-modified curdlan derivatives were synthesized by the condensation between amino group-introduced mannose and carboxy group in pH-sensitive curdlan. Mannose residue-introduced carboxylated curdlan-modified liposomes showed higher pH-sensitivity than that of liposomes modified with conventional carboxylated curdlan. The introduction of mannose-residue to the liposomes induced aggregation in the presence of Concanavalin A, indicating that mannose residues were presented onto liposome surface. Mannose residue-introduced carboxylated curdlan-modified liposomes exhibited high and selective cellular association to APC. Furthermore, mannose residue-introduced carboxylated curdlan-modified liposomes promoted cross-presentation of antigen and induced strong antitumor effects on tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, these liposomes are promising as APC-specific antigen delivery systems for the induction of antigen-specific cellular immunity.
Mitochondrion-Directed Nanoparticles Loaded with a Natural Compound and a microRNA for Promoting Cancer Cell Death via the Modulation of Tumor Metabolism and Mitochondrial Dynamics
Authors: Lo Yu-Li , Wang Chen-Shen , Chen Yen-Chun , Wang Tse-Yuan , Chang Yih-Hsin , Chen Chun-Jung , Yang Ching-Ping
Published: August 2020

Mitochondrial dysfunction may cause cancer and metabolic syndrome. Ellagic acid (abbreviated as E), a phytochemical, possesses anticancer activity. MicroRNA 125 (miR-125) may regulate metabolism. However, E has low aqueous solubility, and miR-125 is unstable in a biological fluid. Hence, this study aimed to develop nanoparticle formulations for the co-treatment of miR-125 and E. These nanoparticles were modified with one mitochondrion-directed peptide and a tumor-targeted ligand, and their modulating effects on mitochondrial dysfunction, antitumor efficacy, and safety in head and neck cancer (HNC) were evaluated. Results revealed that miR-125- and E-loaded nanoparticles effectively targeted cancer cells and intracellular mitochondria. The co-treatment significantly altered cellular bioenergetics, lipid, and glucose metabolism in human tongue squamous carcinoma SAS cells. This combination therapy also regulated protein expression associated with bioenergenesis and mitochondrial dynamics. These formulations also modulated multiple pathways of tumor metabolism, apoptosis, resistance, and metastasis in SAS cells. In vivo mouse experiments showed that the combined treatment of miR-125 and E nanoparticles exhibited significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. The combinatorial therapy of E and miR-125 nanoparticles effectively reduced SAS tumor growth. To our best knowledge, this prospective study provided a basis for combining miRNA with a natural compound in nanoformulations to regulate mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism associated with cancer.
Biopolymeric Membrane Enriched with Chitosan and Silver for Metallic Ions Removal
Authors: Căprărescu Simona , Zgârian Roxana Gabriela , Tihan Graţiela Teodora , Purcar Violeta , Eftimie Totu Eugenia , Modrogan Cristina , Chiriac Anita-Laura , Nicolae Cristian Andi
Published: August 2020

The present paper synthesized, characterized, and evaluated the performance of the novel biopolymeric membrane enriched with cellulose acetate and chitosan (CHI)-silver (Ag) ions in order to remove iron ion from the synthetic wastewater using a new electrodialysis system. The prepared membranes were characterized by Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy-Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DSC), contact angle measurements, microscopy studies, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrodialysis experiments were performed at the different applied voltages (5, 10, and 15 V) for one hour, at room temperature. The treatment rate (TE) of iron ions, current efficiency (IE), and energy consumption (Wc) were calculated. FTIR-ATR spectra evidenced that incorporation of CHI-Ag ions into the polymer mixture led to a polymer-metal ion complex formation within the membrane. The TGA-DSC analysis for the obtained biopolymeric membranes showed excellent thermal stability (>350 °C). The contact angle measurements demonstrated the hydrophobic character of the polymeric membrane and a decrease of it by CHI-Ag adding. The EIS results indicated that the silver ions induced a higher ionic electrical conductivity. The highest value of the iron ions treatment rate (>60%) was obtained for the biopolymeric membrane with CHI-Ag ions at applied voltage of 15 V.
Semi-Natural Superabsorbents Based on Starch-g-poly(acrylic acid): Modification, Synthesis and Application
Authors: Czarnecka Elżbieta , Nowaczyk Jacek
Published: August 2020

Biopolymer-based superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are being synthesized and investigated as a biodegradable alternative for an entirely synthetic SAPs, particularly those based on acrylic acid and its derivatives. This article focuses on the chemical modification of starch (S), and synthesis of new potentially biodegradable polymers using acrylic acid (AA) as side chain monomer and crosslinking mediator together with N,N’-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). The graft co-polymerization was initiated by ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) or potassium persulfate (KPS), leading to different reaction mechanisms. For each of the initiators, three different synthetic routes were applied. The structures of new bio-based SAPs were characterized by means of IR spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric measurements were made to test the thermal stability, and morphology of the samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Physico-chemical measurements were performed to characterize properties of new materials such as swelling characteristics. The water absorption capacity of resulting hydrogels was measured in distilled water and 0.9% NaCl solution.
Preparation of High Strength Plywood from Partially Delignified Densified Wood
Authors: Jakob Matthias , Stemmer Gregor , Czabany Ivana , Müller Ulrich , Gindl-Altmutter Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

Wood and natural fibers exhibit an advantageous combination of good mechanics at comparably low density. Nevertheless, comparing absolute strength and stiffness, wood is clearly inferior to materials such as metals and engineered composites. Since there is a strong correlation between wood density and wood mechanical performance, densification by transversal compression suggests itself as a route towards improved mechanics. Partially delignified densified spruce veneers with excellent tensile properties were produced by means of an alkaline (AL) and an organosolv (OS) approach. Plywood specimens were manufactured using treated veneers glued with a phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde adhesive and were compared with plywood samples made of native spruce veneers (Ref) and spruce veneer densified after plasticization by water impregnation (H2O). Roughly, the bending strength and the modulus of elasticity of plywood from partially delignified densified wood were improved by a factor of 2.4 and 3.5, respectively. Interlaminar shear strength did not match this improvement after partial delignification. Together with excessive thickness swelling, this might be a drawback of partially delignified densified wood in need for further research.
Mechanistic Aspects of Condensed- and Gaseous-Phase Activities of Some Phosphorus-Containing Fire Retardants
Authors: Thomas Ananya , Arun Malavika , Moinuddin Khalid , Joseph Paul
Published: August 2020

As a part of our ongoing investigations on passively fire protecting polymeric materials, we have been employing both reactive and additive routes involving phosphorus-containing compounds. These included inorganic and organic substances, and in the latter case, the phosphorus-bearing groups differed in terms of the chemical environments (phosphite, phosphate, phosphine, phosphine oxide and phosphonate ester) and oxidation state of the P atom (i.e., III, or V). The overall flammability profiles of wood substrates coated with the phosphorus-containing compounds were obtained through cone calorimetric measurements. The elemental composition, morphology and chemical natures of the char residues, obtained from the cone tests, were analysed through a variety of spectroscopic, chromatographic and spectrometric means. From the complementary information, obtained through these analyses, some probable mechanistic pathways that underpin the condensed- and gaseous-phase activities of the different additives are suggested. It was found that the inorganic solid additive, i.e., (NH4)2HPO4, underwent a two-step degradation, yielding ammonia gas and phosphoric acid. Furthermore, the liquid additives, owing to their volatility as compared to the solid ones, showed a relatively higher presence in the vapour phase than volatile fragments emanating from the latter ones (i.e., from phosphine and the phosphine oxides).
An Improved Conversion Relationship between Tropical Cyclone Intensity Index and Maximum Wind Speed for the Advanced Dvorak Technique in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean Using SMAP Data
Authors: Ryu Sumin , Hong Sung-Eun , Park Jun-Dong , Hong Sungwook
Published: August 2020

The Advanced Dvorak Technique (ADT) uses geostationary satellite data to estimate tropical cyclone (TC) intensity owing to the difficulty in directly observing a TC’s internal structure. This study presents a new relationship (Hong and Ryu scale) between the current intensity (CI) number and estimated maximum wind speed (MWS) of TCs over the northwestern Pacific region; the CI number is the TC intensity index retrieved from the ADT. The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) with the L-band (1.4 GHz) microwave radiometer, is used to calibrate and produce the new Hong and Ryu scale for the ADT algorithm. Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) best track MWS data, SMAP sea surface wind speed estimates, and ADT’s TC intensity data between 2015–2018 are spatiotemporally collocated for the calibration process. The CI number is derived from the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) operational ADT which uses the Koba scale to convert to the MWS for validation against the MWS of the best track. The conversion relationships between CI number and SMAP MWS, and between SMAP MWS and MWS of the best track a derived, and the MWS of two ADTs with the Koba and Hong and Ryu scales are then estimated using the same CI numbers with TC intensity data between 2015–2018. Finally, the MWS of the ADT with the Koba scale and the new ADT with the proposed Hong and Ryu scale are independently validated on best track data from 2013–2014. The MWS root mean square error (RMSE) is 4.39 m/s for the new ADT using the Hong and Ryu scale, which is lower than 4.77 m/s RMSE of the ADT using the Koba scale. Hence, the ADT using the Hong and Ryu scale can modestly improve the accuracy of TC intensity analysis in the northwestern Pacific region.
Initial User-Centered Design of a Virtual Reality Heritage System: Applications for Digital Tourism
Authors: Poux Florent , Valembois Quentin , Mattes Christian , Kobbelt Leif , Billen Roland
Published: August 2020

Reality capture allows for the reconstruction, with a high accuracy, of the physical reality of cultural heritage sites. Obtained 3D models are often used for various applications such as promotional content creation, virtual tours, and immersive experiences. In this paper, we study new ways to interact with these high-quality 3D reconstructions in a real-world scenario. We propose a user-centric product design to create a virtual reality (VR) application specifically intended for multi-modal purposes. It is applied to the castle of Jehay (Belgium), which is under renovation, to permit multi-user digital immersive experiences. The article proposes a high-level view of multi-disciplinary processes, from a needs analysis to the 3D reality capture workflow and the creation of a VR environment incorporated into an immersive application. We provide several relevant VR parameters for the scene optimization, the locomotion system, and the multi-user environment definition that were tested in a heritage tourism context.
How “Green Knowledge” Influences Sustainability through Behavior Change: Theory and Policy Implications
Authors: Zhang Yongsheng , Chabay Ilan
Published: August 2020

The urgent and critical challenges of transforming patterns of behavior from current unsustainable ones are encapsulated in the 2015 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Central to these goals and targets are systems of sustainable consumption and production. This crucial goal depends on consumers and producers making choices that depend on knowledge available to them and on other factors influencing their preferences in accordance with norms and culture. This paper investigates how “green knowledge” (i.e., knowledge of ecologically and socially sound products and practices) influences sustainability in the intersections of knowledge, preferences, behavior, and economic and environmental performance. By employing a general equilibrium economic model, we show that consumers, producers, and industry regulators with different degrees of knowledge and concern about the health and environmental benefits of products and production would lead to different economic and environmental consequences. As “green knowledge” influences consumption patterns and government policy-making, our model shows that, in principle, there will be a shift in the content of the economy to that which supports the achievement of long-term sustainability.