bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disparities in the Use of Cardiac Rehabilitation after a Myocardial Infarction in the United States
Authors: Patel Kunal S. , Brown Joshua D.
Published: July 2019

The study’s aim was to identify disparities in the use of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) services. Data were obtained from the 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) conducted through landline and cellular phones by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Demographic, behavioral, and clinical variables were defined to explore disparities between CR users and non-users. Bivariate chi-square analyses and weighted multivariable logistic regression were used to identify disparities. Analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.4. There were 8506 individuals who had a myocardial infarction (MI) that completed the survey, and 2891 of these individuals reported using CR. The mean weighted CR utilization rate was 31.9% and varied from 17.9% (Hawaii) to 58.9% (Minnesota). Females (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.73; 0.6–0.88), African Americans (aOR = 0.63; 0.46–0.87), and those in-between the ages of 18 and 49 years-old were less likely to use CR (aOR = 0.54; 0.34–0.86) compared to their counterparts. Individuals who were high school graduates (aOR = 1.57; 1.19–2.07), attended college (aOR = 1.34; 1.01–1.79), or graduated college (aOR = 1.91; 1.41–2.61) were more likely to use CR compared to their counterparts. Non-high school graduates, females, African Americans, and those aged between 18 to 49 should be targeted to increase CR participation.
Associations between Urinary Advanced Glycation End Products and Cardiometabolic Parameters in Metabolically Healthy Obese Women
Authors: Baye Estifanos , Mark Alicja B , Poulsen Malene W , Andersen Jeanette M , Dragsted Lars O , Bügel Sussane G , de Courten Barbora
Published: July 2019

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to determine the associations of urinary carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and methylglyoxal-hydroimidazolone (MG-H1) levels with cardiometabolic parameters in metabolically healthy obese women. Anthropometric, glycemic, cardiovascular, and urinary AGE parameters were measured in 58 metabolically healthy obese women (age: 39.98 ± 8.72 years; body mass index (BMI): 32.29 ± 4.05 kg/m2). Urinary CML levels were positively associated with BMI (r = 0.29, p = 0.02). After adjustment for age and BMI, there was a trend for positive associations between urinary CML levels and fasting (p = 0.06) and 2 h insulin (p = 0.05) levels, and insulin resistance measured by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.06). Urinary MG-H1 levels were positively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, and total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after adjustment for age, BMI, and HOMA-IR (all p ˂ 0.05). There were no associations between urinary CML levels and cardiovascular parameters, and between urinary MG-H1 levels and glycemic measurements. Our data support a role of urinary AGEs in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease; however, future studies are highly warranted.
Regulation of Th17 Cytokine-Induced Osteoclastogenesis via SKI306X in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kim Hae-Rim , Kim Kyoung-Woon , Kim Bo-Mi , Won Ji-Yeon , Min Hong-Ki , Lee Kyung-Ann , Kim Tae-Young , Lee Sang-Heon
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of SKI306X, a mixed extract of three herbs, in T helper (Th)17 cytokine-induced inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Synovial fibroblasts were isolated from RA patients and cultured with Th17 cytokines including interleukin (IL)-17, IL-21, and IL-22 and SKI306X, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) expression and production were investigated using real-time PCR and ELISA of culture media. After peripheral blood (PB) cluster of differentiation (CD)14+ monocytes were cultured in media supplemented with Th17 cytokines and SKI306X, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase positive (TRAP+) multinucleated giant cells (mature osteoclasts) were enumerated and gene expression associated with osteoclast maturation was assessed via real-time PCR analysis. After PB monocytes were co-cultured with IL-17-stimulated RA synovial fibroblasts in the presence of SKI306X, osteoclast differentiation was assessed. When RA synovial fibroblasts were cultured with IL-17, IL-21, and IL-22, TNF-α, IL-1β, and RANKL expression and production were increased; however, SKI306X reduced cytokine expression and production. When PB monocytes were cultured in media supplemented with Th17 cytokines, osteoclast differentiation was stimulated; however, SKI306X decreased osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast maker expression. When PB monocytes were co-cultured with IL-17-stimulated RA synovial fibroblasts, osteoclast differentiation was increased; however, SKI306X decreased osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast maker expression. SKI306X reduced Th17 cytokine-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, and RANKL expression and osteoclast differentiation, providing novel insights into adjuvant therapy for regulating inflammation and joint destruction in RA.
Evaluation of Critical Parameters in Tensile Strength Measurement of Single Fibres
Authors: Islam Faisal , Joannès Sébastien , Laiarinandrasana Lucien
Published: July 2019

Mechanical properties of fibre reinforced composites are primarily dependent on those of fibres. Fibre properties are used for estimating the damage and strength behaviour of composite materials and structures. Tensile strength of fibres is commonly determined by single fibre tensile tests, which is challenging and is prone to measurement errors. In this study, different possible sources of errors due to experimental limitations in the fibre testing process were identified. Their effect on fibre tensile strength was analytically modelled. This model was used to evaluate the uncertainty in experimentally determined fibre strength. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to rank the relative significance of input quantities on the calculated fibre strength. Since composite models require fibre properties determined at very small gauge lengths, the results of the sensitivity analysis were extrapolated to determine critical parameters for tests done at those small gauge lengths of a few millimetres. It was shown that, for sufficiently long fibres, their strength depends mainly on the diameter and failure force; however, for shorter gauge lengths, the effects of misalignment become very significant. The knowledge of uncertainty would be useful in estimating the reliability of the predictions made by composite strength models on the damage and failure behaviour of composite materials and structures. Minimising the influence of critical parameters on fibre strength would help in designing improved single fibre testing systems capable of determining fibre strength more accurately.
An Experimental Investigation of Combined Symmetric-Asymmetric Composite Laminates
Authors: Kemmann Guy , Myers Oliver
Published: July 2019

It has been found that certain asymmetric composite laminates exhibit bistability, where the composite laminate exhibits multiple stable static equilibrium states. If the bistable composite is actuated, it will snap to its secondary equilibrium state and then remain there without further actuation. This study investigates how the amount of symmetry in a combined symmetric asymmetric rectangular laminate under an imposed clamped edge boundary condition affects the bistability and the curvature of the laminate. Laminates with varying amounts of asymmetry were fabricated and then measured using a profilometer to capture the curvatures of the equilibrium shapes. The results showed that up to 20% symmetry can be introduced in the laminate without a substantial loss in snap through curvature, and that up to 83% symmetry can be introduced in the laminate before bistability is lost. Finite element simulations were conducted in Abaqus and showed good correlation with the experimental results.
How the Mix Factors Affect the Dynamic Modulus of Hot-Mix Asphalt
Authors: Islam Md Rashadul , Kalevela Sylvester A. , Mendel Guy
Published: July 2019

Hot-mix asphalt (HMA) is a composite material consisting of stone-aggregates, sand, asphalt binder and additives. The properties of this combined material are dependent on the volumetric parameters used in the mix design. This study investigates the effects of volumetric mix factors on the dynamic moduli (E*) of eleven categories of HMAs. For each category of asphalt mixture, the variations in dynamic modulus for different contractors, binder types, effective binder content (Vbe), air void (Va), voids-in-mineral aggregates (VMA), voids-filled-with asphalt (VFA) and asphalt content (AC) are assessed statistically. Results show that the S(100) mixture (nominal size of 19 mm, 100 gyrations) with the Performance Grade (PG) binder of PG 64-22 has the highest value of E* at low temperature or high reduced frequency. At high temperature or lower reduced frequency, S(100) PG 76-28 has the highest E* value. The SX(75) mixture (nominal size of 12.5 mm, 75 gyrations) with the binder of PG 64-28 has the lowest E* value at high temperature or lower reduced frequency. At low temperature or high reduced frequency, SX(75) PG 58-34 has the lowest E* value. The Stone Mix Asphalt (SMA) mix has a lower E* compared to S(100) and SX(100) mixes ((nominal size of 12.5 mm, 100 gyrations) with the Performance Grade (PG) binder of) at low temperature. The E* increases with an increase in Vbe, Va, and VFA, and decreases with an increase in VMA and AC. The E* of a mix can vary from 200 ksi (1380 MPa) to about 1000 ksi (6900 MPa) for a particular frequency (10 Hz) and temperature (21.1 °C), even if samples are from the same contractor.
Same Test, Better Scores: Boosting the Reliability of Short Online Intelligence Recruitment Tests with Nested Logit Item Response Theory Models
Authors: Storme Martin , Myszkowski Nils , Baron Simon , Bernard David
Published: July 2019

Assessing job applicants’ general mental ability online poses psychometric challenges due to the necessity of having brief but accurate tests. Recent research (Myszkowski & Storme, 2018) suggests that recovering distractor information through Nested Logit Models (NLM; Suh & Bolt, 2010) increases the reliability of ability estimates in reasoning matrix-type tests. In the present research, we extended this result to a different context (online intelligence testing for recruitment) and in a larger sample ( N = 2949 job applicants). We found that the NLMs outperformed the Nominal Response Model (Bock, 1970) and provided significant reliability gains compared with their binary logistic counterparts. In line with previous research, the gain in reliability was especially obtained at low ability levels. Implications and practical recommendations are discussed.
Impact of the Process Parameters, the Measurement Conditions and the Pre-Machining on the Residual Stress State of Deep Rolled Specimens
Authors: Lyubenova Nataliya , Bähre Dirk , Krupp Lukas , Fouquet Julie , Cronier Titouan , Patel Jay , Hoffmann Joachim Ernst
Published: July 2019

Mechanical surface treatments, e.g., deep rolling, are widely spread finishing processes due to their ability to enhance the fatigue strength of the treated materials with means of cold working and inducement of favorable compressive residual stresses. Despite of the clear advantages of deep rolling, the controlled generation of compressive residual stresses is still a challenging task, as the process can be influenced by the pre-machining stress state of the treated material. Additionally, the exact characterization of the induced residual stress field is impacted by the specific characteristics of the applied measurement technique. Therefore, this paper is focused on the X-ray diffraction residual stress analysis of deep rolled specimens, pre-machined to achieve rough or polished surface. The deep rolling process was realized as a single-trace to avoid the influence of the other process parameters and the resulted residual stress field on the surface and in depth was investigated. Additionally, the surface residual stress profiles were determined using two different measuring devices to analyze the impact of the different measurement conditions.
A Numerical Investigation on the Flooding Process of Multiple Compartments Based on the Volume of Fluid Method
Authors: Zhang XinLong , Lin Zhuang , Mancini Simone , Li Ping , Li Ze , Liu Fei
Published: July 2019

A detailed description of the flooding process is crucial to analyze the complex hydrodynamic behaviors and enhance the survivability of the damaged ship. In this paper, through establishing three typical damage scenarios with various locations, the commercial software CD Adapco STAR-CCM+ based on the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solver is applied to simulate the flooding process involving multiple compartments. The basic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models and specific simulation settings are elaborated. The volume of fluid (VOF) method combined with the user defined field function is developed to distribute the initial free surface. The captured flooding process indicates that the air compression due to the restricted ventilation decreases the flooding amount. The obtained flooding time can provide necessary data to support for appropriate rescue management and evacuation options.
Prediction of Grouting Penetration Height Along the Shaft of Base Grouted Pile
Authors: Fang Kai , Zhao Tongbin , Tan Yunliang , Qiu Yue
Published: July 2019

Post-pressure grouting is an effective method to improve bearing capacity of ordinary bored cast-in-situ piles. The migration of the grout along the pile side is regarded as an important mechanism responsible for the improvement of the pile capacity. Research into the penetration height of the grout is of great important in evaluating the behavior of base grouted piles. In this paper, a prediction method of grouting penetration height along the shaft of the base grouted pile was proposed. Considering the balance and losses of the grout pressure during grouting, an iterative procedure was given to determine the penetration height of the grout in layered soils. Field test results were also provided to indicate the validity of the proposed method.
Obtaining Nanoparticles of Chilean Natural Zeolite and its Ion Exchange with Copper Salt (Cu2+) for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Vergara-Figueroa Judith , Alejandro-Martín Serguei , Pesenti Héctor , Cerda Fabiola , Fernández-Pérez Arturo , Gacitúa William
Published: July 2019

This article describes the production of nanoparticles of Chilean natural zeolite, using three size reduction methods: Ball mill, microgrinding, and microfluidization. Morphological characterization of samples indicated an average diameter of 37.2 ± 15.8 nm of the zeolite particles. The size reduction and chemical treatments did not affect the morphology or integrity of the zeolite. An increase of the zeolite samples’ Si/Al ratio was observed after the acid treatment and was confirmed by SEM-EDX analysis. Moreover, the effectiveness of the copper salt ion exchange (Cu2+) to the zeolite nanoparticles was analyzed by SEM-EDX. XRD analysis indicated that clinoptilolite and mordenite are the main phases of Chilean natural zeolite, and the crystalline structure was not affected by the modification processes. The FTIR characterization showed the presence of chemical bonds of copper with the zeolite nanoparticle framework. The ion-exchanged zeolite nanoparticles were evaluated for antibacterial behavior by the disc diffusion method. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were obtained. Microbiological assays with copper-exchanged nanozeolites showed an antimicrobial activity with a bactericidal effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are the primary pathogens of food and are also resistant to multiple drugs. In this study, a new application for natural nanozeolites is demonstrated, as the incorporated copper ions (Cu2+) in nanozeolites registered a productive antibacterial activity.
Methanol Dehydration to Dimethyl Ether on Zr-Loaded P-Containing Mesoporous Activated Carbon Catalysts
Authors: Palomo José , Rodríguez-Mirasol José , Cordero Tomás
Published: July 2019

Activated carbons have been prepared by the chemical activation of olive stones with phosphoric acid and loaded with Zr. The addition of Zr to the phosphorus-containing activated carbons resulted in the formation of zirconium phosphate surface groups. Gas phase methanol dehydration has been studied while using the prepared Zr-loaded P-containing activated carbons as catalysts. Carbon catalysts showed high steady-state methanol conversion values, which increased with Zr loading up to a limit that was related to P content. The selectivity towards dimethyl ether was higher than 95% for all Zr loadings. Zirconium phosphate species that were present on catalysts surface were responsible for the catalytic activity.
Generalized Softened Variable Angle Truss Model for RC Hollow Beams under Torsion
Authors: Bernardo Luís
Published: July 2019

In recent studies, a new softened truss model called Generalized Softened Variable Angle Truss Model (GSVATM) has been proposed to compute the full torsional response of reinforced concrete (RC) rectangular solid beams under pure torsion. In this article, the GSVATM is extended to cover RC hollow beams under torsion. The modification of the calculation procedure, in order to account for the specific behavior of RC hollow beams for low loading levels, as well as the final solution procedure, is presented. The theoretical predictions from the extended GSVATM are compared with experimental results of RC hollow beams under torsion found in the literature. Good agreement is observed between the experimental and theoretical results, for both high and low loading levels.
Surface Roughness Characterisation and Analysis of the Electron Beam Melting (EBM) Process
Authors: Galati Manuela , Minetola Paolo , Rizza Giovanni
Published: July 2019

Electron Beam Melting (EBM) is a metal powder bed fusion (PBF) process in which the heat source is an electron beam. Differently from other metal PBF processes, today, EBM is used for mass production. As-built EBM parts are clearly recognisable by their surface roughness, which is, in some cases, one of the major limitations of the EBM process. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of the orientation and the slope of the EBM surfaces on the surface roughness. Additionally, the machine repeatability is studied by measuring the roughness of surfaces built at different positions on the start plate. To these aims, a specific artefact was designed. Replicas of the artefact were produced using an Arcam A2X machine and Ti6Al4V powder. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were applied to investigate whether the surface morphology was affected by process factors. The results show significant differences between the upward and downward surfaces. The upward surfaces appear less rough than the downward ones, for which a lower standard deviation was obtained in the results. The roughness of the upward surfaces is linearly influenced by the sloping angle, while the heat distribution on the cross-section was found to be a key factor in explaining the roughness of the downward surfaces.
Microstructure and Abrasive Wear Resistance of Various Alloy Hardfacings for Application on Heavy-Duty Chipper Tools in Forestry Shredding and Mulching Operations
Authors: Falat Ladislav , Džupon Miroslav , Ťavodová Miroslava , Hnilica Richard , Ľuptáčiková Veronika , Čiripová Lucia , Homolová Viera , Ďurišinová Katarína
Published: July 2019

Five different alloy hardfacings on 16MnCr5 grade low-carbon ferritic–pearlitic steel were investigated in terms of their abrasive wear resistance in laboratory testing conditions. The selected hardfacing materials, namely “E520 RB”, “RD 571”, “LNM 420FM”, “E DUR 600”, and “Weartrode 62”, were individually deposited onto plain ground-finish surfaces of 10 mm thick steel plate samples. The studied hardfacings were fabricated using several different welding methods and process parameters proposed by their industrial manufacturers. In the present comparative study, the results obtained from laboratory abrasive wear tests of the investigated hardfacings were analyzed and discussed in relation to their microstructure, hardness, and wear mechanism characteristics. Regardless of great variety in microstructure and chemical composition of individual hardfacing materials, the results clearly indicated the governing factor for the wear resistance improvement to be the overall carbon content of the used hardfacing material. Thus it has been shown that the “E520 RB” hardfacing exhibited the highest abrasive wear resistance thanks to its appropriate hardness and beneficial “ledeburite-type” eutectic microstructure.
Chain Extension and Synergistic Flame-Retardant Effect of Aromatic Schiff Base Diepoxide on Polyamide 6/Aluminum Diethylphosphinate Composites
Authors: Liang Tianxiang , Cai Jianan , Liu Shumei , Lai Hualin , Zhao Jianqing
Published: July 2019

A way to suppress the deterioration in mechanical properties of polyamide 6 (PA6) is required, especially with high loading of flame retardants in the matrix. In this study, a novel aromatic Schiff base diepoxide (DES) was synthesized. It exhibited an efficient chain extension effect on PA6 and a synergistic flame-retardant effect with aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi) for PA6. The PA6 composite with 16 wt.% AlPi only passed UL-94 V-0 rating at 1.6 mm thickness, while the combination of 1.5 wt.% DES with 13 wt.% AlPi induced PA6 to achieve a UL-94 V-0 rating at 0.8 mm thickness. The tensile, flexural, and Izod notched impact strengths were increased by 16.2%, 16.5%, and 24.9%, respectively, compared with those of V-0 flame-retarded PA6 composites with 16 wt.% AlPi. The flame-retarded mechanism of PA6/AlPi/DES was investigated by cone calorimetry and infrared characterization of the char residues and pyrolysis products. These results showed that DES had a synergistic effect with AlPi in condensed-phase flame retardation by promoting the production of aluminum phosphorus oxides and polyphosphates in the char residues.
The Failure Mechanism of Composite Stiffener Components Reinforced with 3D Woven Fabrics
Authors: Hu Qiaole , Memon Hafeezullah , Qiu Yiping , Wei Yi
Published: July 2019

Composite industry has long been seeking practical solutions to boost laminate through-thickness strengths and interlaminar shear strengths (ILSS), so that composite primary structures, such as stiffeners, can bear higher complex loadings and be more delamination resistant. Three dimensional (3D) woven fabrics were normally employed to render higher transverse and shear strengths, but the difficulty and high expense in producing such fabrics make it a hard choice. Based on a novel idea that the warp yarns that interlock layers of the weft yarns might provide adequate fiber crimps that would allow the interlaminar shear or radial stresses to be transferred and borne by the fibers, rather than by the relatively weaker matrix resin, thus improving the transverse strengths, this work provided a two point five dimensional (2.5D) approach as a practical solution, and demonstrated the superior transverse performances of an economical 2.5D shallow-bend woven fabric (2.5DSBW) epoxy composites, over the conventional two dimensional (2D) laminates and the costly 3D counterpart composites. This approach also produced a potential candidate to fabricate high performance stiffeners, as shown by the test results of L-beams which are common structural components of any stiffeners. This study also discovered that an alternative structure, namely a 2.5D shallow-straight woven fabric (2.5DSSW), did not show any advantages over the two control structures, which were a 2D plain weave (2DPW) and a 3D orthogonal woven fabric (3DOW) made out of the same carbon fibers. Composites of these structures in this study were conveniently fabricated using a vacuum-assisted resin infusion process (VARI). The L-beams were tested using a custom-made test fixture. The strain distribution and failure mode analysis of these beams were conducted using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and X-ray Computed Tomography Scanning (CT). The results demonstrated that the structures containing Z-yarns or having high yarn crimps or waviness, such as in cases of 3DOW and 2.5DSBW, respectively, were shown to withstand high loadings and to resist delamination, favorable for the applications of high-performance structural composites.
Decomposition Least-Squares-Based Iterative Identification Algorithms for Multivariable Equation-Error Autoregressive Moving Average Systems
Authors: Wan Lijuan , Liu Ximei , Ding Feng , Chen Chunping
Published: July 2019

This paper is concerned with the identification problem for multivariable equation-error systems whose disturbance is an autoregressive moving average process. By means of the hierarchical identification principle and the iterative search, a hierarchical least-squares-based iterative (HLSI) identification algorithm is derived and a least-squares-based iterative (LSI) identification algorithm is given for comparison. Furthermore, a hierarchical multi-innovation least-squares-based iterative (HMILSI) identification algorithm is proposed using the multi-innovation theory. Compared with the LSI algorithm, the HLSI algorithm has smaller computational burden and can give more accurate parameter estimates and the HMILSI algorithm can track time-varying parameters. Finally, a simulation example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
General Blaschke Bodies and the Asymmetric Negative Solutions of Shephard Problem
Authors: Li Tian , Wang Weidong , Mao Yaping
Published: July 2019

In this article, based on the Blaschke combination of convex bodies, we define the general Blaschke bodies and obtain the extremal values of their volume and affine surface area. Further, we study the asymmetric negative solutions of the Shephard problem for the projection bodies.
Solvability of the Boussinesq Approximation for Water Polymer Solutions
Authors: Artemov Mikhail A. , Baranovskii Evgenii S.
Published: July 2019

We consider nonlinear Boussinesq-type equations that model the heat transfer and steady viscous flows of weakly concentrated water solutions of polymers in a bounded three-dimensional domain with a heat source. On the boundary of the flow domain, the impermeability condition and a slip condition are provided. For the temperature field, we use a Robin boundary condition corresponding to the classical Newton law of cooling. By using the Galerkin method with special total sequences in suitable function spaces, we prove the existence of a weak solution to this boundary-value problem, assuming that the heat source intensity is bounded. Moreover, some estimates are established for weak solutions.
Toric Rings and Ideals of Stable Set Polytopes
Authors: Matsuda Kazunori , Ohsugi Hidefumi , Shibata Kazuki
Published: July 2019

In the present paper, we study the normality of the toric rings of stable set polytopes, generators of toric ideals of stable set polytopes, and their Gröbner bases via the notion of edge polytopes of finite nonsimple graphs and the results on their toric ideals. In particular, we give a criterion for the normality of the toric ring of the stable set polytope and a graph-theoretical characterization of the set of generators of the toric ideal of the stable set polytope for a graph of stability number two. As an application, we provide an infinite family of stable set polytopes whose toric ideal is generated by quadratic binomials and has no quadratic Gröbner bases.
Ishige okamurae Extract Ameliorates the Hyperglycemia and Body Weight Gain of db/db Mice through Regulation of the PI3K/Akt Pathway and Thermogenic Factors by FGF21
Authors: Seo Young-Jin , Lee Kippeum , Chei Sungwoo , Jeon You-Jin , Lee Boo-Yong
Published: July 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders, such as dyslipidemia, present increasing challenges to health worldwide, as a result of urbanization, the increasing prevalence of obesity, poor lifestyle, and other stress-related factors. Ishige okamurae extract (IOE) is known to be effective at lowering blood glucose and ameliorating metabolic disease. However, detailed mechanisms for these effects have yet to be elucidated. Here, we show that IOE ameliorates substrate (IRS)/ phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and increasing glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression in skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue (WAT). We also demonstrate that IOE increases the expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)21, a regulator of glucose and energy metabolism in muscle and WAT. In addition, IOE administration increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α expression, which regulates expression of the key thermogenic molecule uncoupling protein 1 in WAT. Thus, the effects of IOE to ameliorate hyperglycemia and adiposity may be mediated through FGF21 activating insulin signaling and increasing the expression of GLUT4 and pro-thermogenic factors.
In-Depth Characterization of Bioactive Extracts from Posidonia oceanica Waste Biomass
Authors: Benito-González Isaac , López-Rubio Amparo , Martínez-Abad Antonio , Ballester Ana-Rosa , Falcó Irene , González-Candelas Luis , Sánchez Gloria , Lozano-Sánchez Jesús , Borrás-Linares Isabel , Segura-Carretero Antonio , Martínez-Sanz Marta
Published: July 2019

Posidonia oceanica waste biomass has been valorised to produce extracts by means of different methodologies and their bioactive properties have been evaluated. Water-based extracts were produced using ultrasound-assisted and hot water methods and classified according to their ethanol-affinity (E1: ethanol soluble; E2: non-soluble). Moreover, a conventional protocol with organic solvents was applied, yielding E3 extracts. Compositional and structural characterization confirmed that while E1 and E3 extracts were mainly composed of minerals and lipids, respectively, E2 extracts were a mixture of minerals, proteins and carbohydrates. All the extracts showed remarkably high antioxidant capacity, which was not only related to phenolic compounds but also to the presence of proteins and polysaccharides. All E2 and E3 extracts inhibited the growth of several foodborne fungi, while only E3 extracts decreased substantially the infectivity of feline calicivirus and murine norovirus. These results show the potential of P. oceanica waste biomass for the production of bioactive extracts.
Detrimental Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Atrial Fibrillation: New Insights from Umbria Atrial Fibrillation Registry
Authors: Angeli Fabio , Reboldi Gianpaolo , Trapasso Monica , Aita Adolfo , Ambrosio Giuseppe , Verdecchia Paolo
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Among extra-pulmonary manifestations of COPD, atrial fibrillation (AF) is commonly observed in clinical practice. The coexistence of COPD and AF significantly affects the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Nonetheless, the mechanisms explaining the increased risk of vascular events and death associated to the presence of COPD in AF are complex and not completely understood. We analyzed data from an Italian network database to identify markers and mediators of increased vascular risk among subjects with AF and COPD. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of the Umbria Atrial Fibrillation (Umbria-FA) Registry, a multicenter, observational, prospective on-going registry of patients with non-valvular AF. Of the 2205 patients actually recruited, 2159 had complete clinical data and were included in the analysis. Results: the proportion of patients with COPD was 15.6%. COPD patients had a larger proportion of permanent AF when compared to the control group (49.1% vs. 34.6%, p < 0.0001) and were more likely to be obese and current smokers. Other cardiovascular risk factors including chronic kidney disease (CKD), peripheral artery disease and subclinical atherosclerosis were more prevalent in COPD patients (all p < 0.0001). COPD was also significantly associated with higher prevalence of previous vascular events and a history of anemia (all p < 0.0001). The thromboembolic and bleeding risk, as reflected by the CHA2DS2VASc and HAS-BLED scores, were higher in patients with COPD. Patients with COPD were also more likely to have left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy at standard ECG than individuals forming the cohort without COPD (p = 0.018). Conclusions: AF patients with COPD have a higher risk of vascular complications than AF patients without this lung disease. Our analysis identified markers and mediators of increased risk that can be easily measured in clinical practice, including LV hypertrophy, CKD, anemia, and atherosclerosis of large arteries.
Suicide in Schizophrenia: An Educational Overview
Authors: Sher Leo , Kahn René S.
Published: July 2019

Suicide is an important public health problem. The most frequent psychiatric illnesses associated with suicide or severe suicide attempt are mood and psychotic disorders. The purpose of this paper is to provide an educational overview of suicidal behavior in individuals with schizophrenia. A lifetime suicide rate in individuals with schizophrenia is approximately 10%. Suicide is the largest contributor to the decreased life expectancy in individuals with schizophrenia. Demographic and psychosocial factors that increase a risk of suicide in individuals with schizophrenia include younger age, being male, being unmarried, living alone, being unemployed, being intelligent, being well-educated, good premorbid adjustment or functioning, having high personal expectations and hopes, having an understanding that life’s expectations and hopes are not likely to be met, having had recent (i.e., within past 3 months) life events, having poor work functioning, and having access to lethal means, such as firearms. Throughout the first decade of their disorder, patients with schizophrenia are at substantially elevated suicide risk, although they continue to be at elevated suicide risk during their lives with times of worsening or improvement. Having awareness of symptoms, especially, awareness of delusions, anhedonia, asociality, and blunted affect, having a negative feeling about, or non-adherence with, treatment are associated with greater suicide risk in patients with schizophrenia. Comorbid depression and a history of suicidal behavior are important contributors to suicide risk in patients with schizophrenia. The only reliable protective factor for suicide in patients with schizophrenia is provision of and compliance with comprehensive treatment. Prevention of suicidal behavior in schizophrenia should include recognizing patients at risk, delivering the best possible therapy for psychotic symptoms, and managing comorbid depression and substance misuse.
Blueberry-Based Meals for Obese Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Multidisciplinary Metabolomic Pilot Study
Authors: Sobolev Anatoly Petrovich , Ciampa Alessandra , Ingallina Cinzia , Mannina Luisa , Capitani Donatella , Ernesti Ilaria , Maggi Elisa , Businaro Rita , Del Ben Maria , Engel Petra , Giusti Anna Maria , Donini Lorenzo M. , Pinto Alessandro
Published: July 2019

A pilot study was carried out on five obese/overweight patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, with the aim to evaluate postprandial effects of high fat/high glycemic load meals enriched by blueberries. Postprandial urine samples were analyzed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy after 2 and 4 h from ingestion to identify potential markers of blueberry intake. Significant decrease of methylamines, acetoacetate, acetone and succinate, known indicators of type 2 diabetes mellitus, were observed after the intake of meals enriched with blueberries. On the other hand, an accumulation of p-hydroxyphenyl-acetic acid and 3-(3’-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydropropionic acid originating from gut microbial dehydrogenation of proanthocyanidins and procyanidins was detected. Real-time PCR-analysis of mRNAs obtained from mononuclear blood cells showed significant changes in cytokine gene expression levels after meals integrated with blueberries. In particular, the mRNAs expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β), pro and anti-inflammation cytokines, respectively, significantly decreased and increased after blueberry supplementation, indicating a positive impact of blueberry ingestion in the reduction of risk of inflammation. The combined analysis of the urine metabolome and clinical markers represents a promising approach in monitoring the metabolic impact of blueberries in persons with metabolic syndrome.
Winning the War against Multi-Drug Resistant Diarrhoeagenic Bacteria
Authors: Enemchukwu Chizoba Mercy , Oli Angus Nnamdi , Okoye Ebere Innocent , Ujam Nonye Treasure , Osazuwa Emmanuel O. , Emechebe George Ogonna , Okeke Kenneth Nchekwube , Ifezulike Christian Chukwuemeka , Ejiofor Obiora Shedrack , Okoyeh Jude Nnaemeka
Published: July 2019

Drug-resistant-diarrhoeagenic bacteria are currently emerging healthcare challenge. This study investigated the effects of Vernonia amygdalina, Garcinia kola, tetracycline and metronidazole combinations on such bacteria. Agar well diffusion method was employed to determine the inhibitory effects of the herbal extracts on diarrhoeagenic bacteria while Time-Kill Assay was used to determine bactericidal effects of the extracts against test isolates. Interactions between plant extracts and antibiotics were investigated using Checkerboard assay. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extracts against the bacterial isolates ranged between 3.125–50 mg/mL, while those of tetracycline and metronidazole ranged from 30–50 μg/mL. Synergism was observed against B. cereus and S. aureus for metronidazole + aqueous G. kola at all ratios. Generally, the combinations aqueous G. kola + ethanolic G. kola and aqueous G. kola + ethanolic V. amygdalina showed more pronounced synergism against the Staphylococcus aureus than B. cereus isolates with the fractional inhibition concentration (FIC) indices ranging from 0.32–0.95. Synergism of tetracycline + crude extracts and metronidazole combinations were more pronounced on the test isolates and especially on the Gram-negative organisms with FIC indices ranging from 0.41–0.91. Conclusion: The herbal extracts combinations and extracts–antibiotics combinations are synergistic on diarrhoeagenic bacteria at defined combination ratios.
Chondrite Shock Metamorphism History Assessed by Non-Destructive Analyses on Ca-Phosphates and Feldspars in the Cangas de Onís Regolith Breccia
Authors: Rubio-Ordóñez Alvaro , García-Moreno Olga , Rodríguez Terente Luis , García-Guinea Javier , Tormo Laura
Published: July 2019

The Cangas de Onís regolith breccia is an H5-H6 ordinary chondrite that fell to Earth in 1866. It is constituted by 60% H6-H5 clasts within an H5 clastic matrix. All clasts are affected by intense fissuration, with an intricate pattern filled by kamacite and troilite, shock metamorphism of plagioclase into maskelynite. The chondrite is composed of low-Ca pyroxene, olivine and plagioclase as the main silicate phases, with two types of phosphates, taenite-kamacite blebs and troilite. The specimen was studied by micro-Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), spectral cathodoluminescence and computer tomography. The ease with which the specimens can be prepared for analysis using these techniques, and the speed with which relevant information can be obtained, make them excellent tools for the study of non-replaceable materials. Moreover, the Raman and FTIR results offer enough resolution to reveal heterogeneities in the shocked metamorphism throughout the specimen. The obtained results showed that the extent of the metamorphic conditions within the studied sample is heterogeneous, which leads us to believe that the last accretionary event that took place in this regolithic breccia was not significant enough to allow for overall homogenization.
The Metallogenic Mechanism of Skarn Sn-Polymetallic Deposits in the Southern Great Khingan Range, China: Constraints on the Geological and Geochemical Characteristics of Damogutu Sn–Fe and Dashishan Sn–Pb–Zn Deposits
Authors: Yang Shangsong , Wang Heng , Zhu Xinyou , Zou Tao , Yang Chaolei , Jiang Haoyuan , Jiang Binbin , Cheng Xiyin , Li Yujie
Published: July 2019

Skarn Sn-polymetallic deposits, located in the southern Great Khingan Range, can be divided into Sn–Fe and Sn–Pb–Zn deposits. By systematically studying the geochemical characteristics of source granitoid and deposits, the ore-forming mechanisms were established, and the differences in ore-forming processes between Sn–Fe and Sn–Pb–Zn deposits are discussed. The main findings are as follows: (1) these two deposits were formed in the Late-Yanshanian period; (2) the source granitoid evolved at an early stage in a reducing environment, while the oxygen fugacity increased at a late stage through the influence of a deep-seated fault; (3) fine-grained syenogranite from Dashishan showed a higher degree of evolution than the syenogranite from Damogutu; (4) the Damogutu Sn–Fe and Dashishan Sn–Pb–Zn deposits shared a source of ore-forming fluid, and Fe, Sn, Pb, and Zn all derived from Late-Yanshanian granitoids; and (5) the ore-forming fluid experienced a continuous evolution process from the magmatic to hydrothermal stage, and the magmatic–hydrothermal transitional fluid played a very important role in skarnization and mineralization.
Development of a Novel Series of Anticancer and Antidiabetic: Spirothiazolidines Analogs
Authors: Flefel Eman M. , El-Sofany Walaa I. , Al-Harbi Reem A.K. , El-Shahat Mahmoud
Published: July 2019

4-(4-Aminophenyl)-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]decan-3-one 1 was prepared and allowed to react with nitrogen nucleophiles to give the corresponding hydrazones 2–4. Further, compound 1 underwent diazotization and afforded the parallel hydrazono derivative 5; moreover, compound 1 refluxed with active methylene derivatives yielded the corresponding aminospirothiazolo pyridine–carbonitrile derivative 6 and spirothiazolopyridinone–carbonitrile derivative 7. Condensation of spirothiazolidine 1 with 4-chlorobenzaldehyde gave the corresponding spiro arylidiene derivative 8, which was utilized as a component of Micheal addition to react with excess of nitrogen nucleophiles to yield novel ring frameworks 4-(3′-(4-chlorophenyl)–spiro [cyclohexane-1,5′-pyrazolo[3,4-d]thiazol]-6′(1′H)-yl)aniline (9) and 4-(3′-(4-chlorophenyl)-6′H- spiro[cyclohexane-1,5′-thiazolo[5,4-d]isoxazol]-6′-yl)aniline (10). Finally, when spirothiazolo pyridinone–carbonitrile derivative 7 sodium salt generated in situ was reacted with different alkyl halides, it produced the corresponding N-derivatives 12–16. Three compounds, 6, 14, and 16, showed high significantly anticancer activities compared with Doxorubicin® (positive control) against human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) and human liver carcinoma (HepG-2) cell lines. On the other hand, compounds 6 and 9 showed higher therapeutic indices for both of alpha-amylase inhibitor and alpha-glucosidase inhibitor than the other tested compounds compared with the antidiabetic Acarbose (positive control).
Fe3O4 Hollow Nanosphere-Coated Spherical-Graphite Composites: A High-Rate Capacity and Ultra-Long Cycle Life Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Jiang Fuyi , Yan Xinsheng , Du Rong , Kang Litao , Du Wei , Sun Jianchao , Zhou Yanli
Published: July 2019

The spherical-graphite/Fe3O4 composite has been successfully fabricated by a simple two-step synthesis strategy. The oxygenous functional groups between spherical-graphite and Fe3O4 benefit the loading of hollow Fe3O4 nanospheres. All of the composites as anodes for half cells show higher lithium storage capacities and better rate performances in comparison with spherical-graphite. The composite containing 39 wt% of hollow Fe3O4 nanospheres exhibits a high reversible capacity of 806 mAh g−1 up to 200 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. When cycled at a higher current density of 2 A g−1, a high charge capacity of 510 mAh g−1 can be sustained, even after 1000 long cycles. Meanwhile, its electrochemical performance for full cells was investigated. When matching with LiCoO2 cathode, its specific capacity can remain at 137 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. The outstanding lithium storage performance of the spherical-graphite/Fe3O4 composite may depend on the surface modification of high capacity hollow Fe3O4 nanospheres. This work indicates that the spherical-graphite/Fe3O4 composite is one kind of prospective anode material in future energy storage fields.
A Provegetarian Food Pattern Emphasizing Preference for Healthy Plant-Derived Foods Reduces the Risk of Overweight/Obesity in the SUN Cohort
Authors: Gómez-Donoso Clara , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Martínez J. Alfredo , Gea Alfredo , Sanz-Serrano Julen , Perez-Cueto Federico J. A. , Bes-Rastrollo Maira
Published: July 2019

Provegetarian diets (i.e., preference for plant-derived foods but not exclusion of animal foods) have been associated with a reduced risk of long-term weight gain and could be more easily embraced than strict vegetarian diets. However, not all plant-derived foods are equally healthy. In the “Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra” (SUN) cohort, we prospectively evaluated the association between different provegetarian food patterns and the incidence of overweight/obesity in 11,554 participants with initial body mass index <25 kg/m2. A provegetarian food pattern (FP) was built by assigning positive scores to plant foods and reverse scores to animal foods. A healthful and an unhealthful provegetarian FP, which distinguished between healthy (fruits/vegetables/whole grains/nuts/legumes/olive oil/coffee) and less-healthy plant foods (fruit juices/potatoes/refined grains/pastries/sugary beverages), were also built. A total of 2320 new cases of overweight or obesity were identified after a median follow-up of 10.3 years. Higher baseline conformity with the overall provegetarian FP was inversely associated with overweight/obesity (HR comparing extreme quintiles: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.75 to 0.96; p-trend: 0.014). This association was stronger for the healthful FP (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.67 to 0.90; p-trend: <0.001) and was not apparent for the unhealthful FP (HR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.23; p-trend: 0.551). In a large prospective cohort of relatively young adults, better conformity with a healthy provegetarian diet was associated with a reduced long-term risk of overweight/obesity, whereas no consistent trend was found for a FP that emphasized less-healthy plant foods.
Postprandial Glucose Control in Type 1 Diabetes: Importance of the Gastric Emptying Rate
Authors: Lupoli Roberta , Pisano Federica , Capaldo Brunella
Published: July 2019

The achievement of optimal post-prandial (PP) glucose control in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) remains a great challenge. This review summarizes the main factors contributing to PP glucose response and discusses the likely reasons why PP glucose control is rarely achieved in T1DM patients. The macronutrient composition of the meal, the rate of gastric emptying and premeal insulin administration are key factors affecting the PP glucose response in T1DM. Although the use of continuous insulin infusion systems has improved PP glucose control compared to conventional insulin therapy, there is still need for further ameliorations. T1DM patients frequently present a delayed gastric emptying (GE) that produces a lower but more prolonged PP hyperglycemia. In addition, delayed GE is associated with a longer time to reach the glycemic peak, with a consequent mismatch between PP glucose elevation and the timing of premeal insulin action. On this basis, including GE time and meal composition in the algorithms for insulin bolus calculation of the insulin delivery systems could be an important step forward for optimization of PP glucose control in T1DM.