bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Hydrogen Embrittlement on Aluminum Alloys for Vehicle-Mounted Hydrogen Storage Tanks: A Review
Authors: Chen Yizhe , Zhao Shilong , Ma Huijuan , Wang Hui , Hua Lin , Fu Shuang
Published: August 2021

High-pressure hydrogen tanks which are composed of an aluminum alloy liner and a carbon fiber wound layer are currently the most popular means to store hydrogen on vehicles. Nevertheless, the aluminum alloy is easily affected by high-pressure hydrogen, which leads to the appearance of hydrogen embrittlement (HE). Serious HE of hydrogen tank represents a huge dangers to the safety of vehicles and passengers. It is critical and timely to outline the mainstream approach and point out potential avenues for further investigation of HE. An analysis, including the mechanism (including hydrogen-enhanced local plasticity model, hydrogen-enhanced decohesion mechanism and hydrogen pressure theory), the detection (including slow strain rate test, linearly increasing stress test and so on) and methods for the prevention of HE on aluminum alloys of hydrogen vehicles (such as coating) are systematically presented in this work. Moreover, the entire experimental detection procedures for HE are expounded. Ultimately, the prevention measures are discussed in detail. It is believed that further prevention measures will rely on the integration of multiple prevention methods. Successfully solving this problem is of great significance to reduce the risk of failure of hydrogen storage tanks and improve the reliability of aluminum alloys for engineering applications in various industries including automotive and aerospace.
High-Strain Deformation and Spallation Strength of 09CrNi2MoCu Steel Obtained by Direct Laser Deposition
Authors: Klimova-Korsmik Olga , Turichin Gleb , Mendagaliyev Ruslan , Razorenov Sergey , Garkushin Gennady , Savinykh Andrey , Korsmik Rudolf
Published: August 2021

In this work, the critical fracture stresses during spalling of high-strength steel 09CrNi2MoCu samples obtained by direct laser deposition (DLD) were measured under shock compression of up to ~5.5 GPa. The microstructure and mechanical properties of DLD steel samples in the initial state and after heat treatment were studied and compared to traditional hot rolled one. The microstructural features of steel before and after heat treatment were revealed. The heat treatment modes of the deposit specimens on their strength properties under both static and dynamic loads have been investigated. The spall strength of the deposited specimens is somewhat lower than the strength of steel specimens after hot rolling regardless of their heat treatment. The minimum elastic limit of elasticity is exhibited by the deposit specimens. After heat treatment of the deposit samples, the elastic limit increases and approximately doubles. Subsequent heat treatment in the form of hardening and tempering allows obtaining strength properties under Hugoniot loads in traditional hot-rolled products.
The Effect of Multilayer Architecture and Ta Alloying on the Mechanical Performance of Ti-Al-N Coatings under Scratching and Uniaxial Tension
Authors: Shugurov Artur Rubinovich , Kuzminov Evgenii Dmitrievich
Published: August 2021

The present work is focused on a comparative study of the effect of Ti-Al interlayers and Ta alloying on the mechanical behavior of Ti1−xAlxN coatings under normal contact pressure and in-plane straining. The contact loading of the samples was carried out by scratch testing, while the in-plane tensile straining was performed by uniaxial tension of the coated steel substrates. The Ti0.45Al0.55N and Ti0.43Al0.45Ta0.12N monolithic coatings as well as the Ti0.45Al0.55N/Ti0.45Al0.55 multilayer coatings with different number and thickness of the layers were deposited by DC magnetron sputtering. It was found that the introduction of the ductile Ti0.45Al0.55 layers into the Ti0.45Al0.55N coating and alloying with Ta led to their significant toughening. The improved toughness of the Ti0.43Al0.45Ta0.12N coating coupled with high residual compressive stress and high hardness resulted in its strongest resistance to cracking under scratching and tensile straining among the coatings studied. The multilayer coating with the thickest metal layers exhibited the improved resistance to delamination under in-plane straining.
A Study on Determining Weld Joint Hardening and a Quality Evaluation Algorithm for 9% Nickel Weld Joints Using the Dilution Ratio of the Base Material in Fiber Laser Welding
Authors: Park Minho , Kim Jisun , Pyo Changmin , Kim Jaewoong , Chun Kwangsan
Published: August 2021

The demand for LNG-powered ships and related equipment is rapidly increasing among major domestic and foreign carriers due to the strengthened IMO regulations on the sulfur content of ship fuel oil. LNG operation in a cryogenic environment requires a storage tank and fuel supply system that uses steel with excellent brittleness and fatigue strength. A ship using LNG is very sensitive to explosion and fire. For this reason, 9% Ni is often used, because ships require high quality products with special materials and structural technologies that ensure operability at cryogenic temperatures. However, research to derive uniform welding quality is urgent because the deterioration of weld quality in the 9% Ni steel welding process is caused by high process difficulty and differences in welding quality depending on a welder’s skill set. This study proposes a method to guarantee a uniform quality of 9% Ni steel in a fiber laser welding process by categorizing weld joint hardness according to the dilution ratio of a base material and establishing a standard for quantitative evaluation.
“Fuel for the Damage Induced”: Untargeted Metabolomics in Elite Rugby Union Match Play
Authors: Hudson James F. , Phelan Marie M. , Owens Daniel J. , Morton James P. , Close Graeme L. , Stewart Claire E.
Published: August 2021

The metabolic perturbations caused by competitive rugby are not well characterized. Our aim is to utilize untargeted metabolomics to develop appropriate interventions, based on the metabolic fluctuations that occur in response to this collision-based team sport. Seven members of an English Premiership rugby squad consented to provide blood, urine, and saliva samples daily, over a competitive week including gameday (GD), with physical demands and dietary intake also recorded. Sample collection, processing and statistical analysis were performed in accordance with best practice set out by the metabolomics standards initiative employing 700 MHz NMR spectroscopy. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were employed to reveal the acute energy needs of this high intensity sport are met via glycolysis, the TCA cycle and gluconeogenesis. The recovery period after cessation of match play and prior to training recommencing sees a re-entry to gluconeogenesis, coupled with markers of oxidative stress, structural protein degradation, and reduced fatty acid metabolism. This novel insight leads us to propose that effective recovery from muscle damaging collisions is dependent upon the availability of glucose. An adjustment in the periodisation of carbohydrate to increase GD+1 provision may prevent the oxidation of amino acids which may also be crucial to allay markers of structural tissue degradation. Should we expand the ‘Fuel for the work required’ paradigm in collision-based team sports to include ‘Fuel for the damage induced’?
Maternal Plasma Metabolic Profile Demarcates a Role for Neuroinflammation in Non-Typical Development of Children
Authors: Schmidt Rebecca J. , Liang Donghai , Busgang Stefanie A. , Curtin Paul , Giulivi Cecilia
Published: August 2021

Maternal and cord plasma metabolomics were used to elucidate biological pathways associated with increased diagnosis risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Metabolome-wide associations were assessed in both maternal and umbilical cord plasma in relation to diagnoses of ASD and other non-typical development (Non-TD) compared to typical development (TD) in the Markers of Autism risk in Babies: Learning Early Signs (MARBLES) cohort study of children born to mothers who already have at least one child with ASD. Analyses were stratified by sample matrix type, machine mode, and annotation confidence level. Dimensionality reduction techniques were used [i.e, principal component analysis (PCA) and random subset weighted quantile sum regression (WQSRS)] to minimize the high multiple comparison burden. With WQSRS, a metabolite mixture obtained from the negative mode of maternal plasma decreased the odds of Non-TD compared to TD. These metabolites, all related to the prostaglandin pathway, underscored the relevance of neuroinflammation status. No other significant findings were observed. Dimensionality reduction strategies provided confirming evidence that a set of maternal plasma metabolites are important in distinguishing Non-TD compared to TD diagnosis. A lower risk for Non-TD was linked to anti-inflammatory elements, thereby linking neuroinflammation to detrimental brain function consistent with studies ranging from neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration.
A Possibilistic Kalman Filter for the Reduction of the Final Measurement Uncertainty, in Presence of Unknown Systematic Errors
Authors: Jetti Harsha Vardhana , Salicone Simona
Published: August 2021

A Kalman filter is a concept that has been in existence for decades now and it is widely used in numerous areas. It provides a prediction of the system states as well as the uncertainty associated to it. The original Kalman filter can not propagate uncertainty in a correct way when the variables are not distributed normally or when there is a correlation in the measurements or when there is a systematic error in the measurements. For these reasons, there have been numerous variations of the original Kalman filter, most of them mathematically based (like the original one) on the theory of probability. Some of the variations indeed introduce some improvements, but without being completely successful. To deal with these problems, more recently, Kalman filters have also been defined using random-fuzzy variables (RFVs). These filters are capable of also propagating distributions that are not normal and propagating systematic contributions to uncertainty, thus providing the overall measurement uncertainty associated to the state predictions. In this paper, the authors make another step forward, by defining a possibilistic Kalman filter using random-fuzzy variables which not only considers and propagates both random and systematic contributions to uncertainty, but also reduces the overall uncertainty associated to the state predictions by compensating for the unknown residual systematic contributions.
Intracortical Microelectrode Array Unit Yield under Chronic Conditions: A Comparative Evaluation
Authors: Usoro Joshua O. , Sturgill Brandon S. , Musselman Kate C. , Capadona Jeffrey R. , Pancrazio Joseph J.
Published: August 2021

While microelectrode arrays (MEAs) offer the promise of elucidating functional neural circuitry and serve as the basis for a cortical neuroprosthesis, the challenge of designing and demonstrating chronically reliable technology remains. Numerous studies report “chronic” data but the actual time spans and performance measures corresponding to the experimental work vary. In this study, we reviewed the experimental durations that constitute chronic studies across a range of MEA types and animal species to gain an understanding of the widespread variability in reported study duration. For rodents, which are the most commonly used animal model in chronic studies, we examined active electrode yield (AEY) for different array types as a means to contextualize the study duration variance, as well as investigate and interpret the performance of custom devices in comparison to conventional MEAs. We observed wide-spread variance within species for the chronic implantation period and an AEY that decayed linearly in rodent models that implanted commercially-available devices. These observations provide a benchmark for comparing the performance of new technologies and highlight the need for consistency in chronic MEA studies. Additionally, to fully derive performance under chronic conditions, the duration of abiotic failure modes, biological processes induced by indwelling probes, and intended application of the device are key determinants.
Diversity of Bacillus Isolates from the Sake Brewing Process at a Sake Brewery
Authors: Kanamoto Emi , Terashima Keigo , Shiraki Yoshiji , Nishida Hiromi
Published: August 2021

We collected 92 isolates belonging to the genus Bacillus from the sake brewing process at Shiraki Tsunesuke Sake Brewery in Gifu, Japan to determine whether there is strain specificity at individual sake breweries. After distributing the isolates into seven groups, we observed that at least two groups (68 isolates) were kuratsuki bacteria at Shiraki Tsunesuke Sake Brewery. The kuratsuki Bacillus isolates were collected from different samples at the early and late stages of sake brewing in 2021 and 2019, respectively. These results showed that kuratsuki Bacillus entered the sake brewing process at this location. These kuratsuki Bacillus isolates had a high ethanol tolerance. Our previous paper showed the existence of kuratsuki Kocuria at Narimasa Sake Brewery in Toyama, Japan, but this study demonstrated that it is not found at Shiraki Tsunesuke Sake Brewery. Therefore, each sake brewery has specific kuratsuki bacterial strains, which are isolated with high frequency and contribute a specific flavor or taste to each sake brewery.
Seismic Data Interpretation and Identification of Hydrocarbon-Bearing Zones of Rajian Area, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Naveed , Khan Sikandar , Noor Eisha Fatima , Zou Zhihui , Al-Shuhail Abdullatif
Published: August 2021

The present study interprets the subsurface structure of the Rajian area using seismic sections and the identification of hydrocarbon-bearing zones using petrophysical analysis. The Rajian area lies within the Upper Indus Basin in the southeast (SE) of the Salt Range Potwar Foreland Basin. The marked horizons are identified using formation tops from two vertical wells. Seismic interpretation of the given 2D seismic data reveals that the study area has undergone severe distortion illustrated by thrusts and back thrusts, forming a triangular zone within the subsurface. The final trend of those structures is northwest–southeast (NW–SE), indicating that the area is part of the compressional regime. The zones interpreted by the study of hydrocarbon potential include Sakessar limestone and Khewra sandstone. Due to the unavailability of a petrophysics log within the desired investigation depths, lithology cross-plots were used for the identification of two potential hydrocarbon-bearing zones in one well at depths of 3740–3835 m (zone 1) and 4015–4100 m (zone 2). The results show that zone 2 is almost devoid of hydrocarbons, while zone 1 has an average hydrocarbon saturation of about 11%.
Research on Automatic Construction Method of Three-Dimensional Complex Fault Model
Authors: Zhang Chi , Hou Xiaolin , Pan Mao , Li Zhaoliang
Published: August 2021

Three-dimensional complex fault modeling is an important research topic in three-dimensional geological structure modeling. The automatic construction of complex fault models has research significance and application value for basic geological theories, as well as engineering fields such as geological engineering, resource exploration, and digital mines. Complex fault structures, especially complex fault networks with multilevel branches, still require a large amount of manual participation in the characterization of fault transfer relationships. This paper proposes an automatic construction method for a three-dimensional complex fault model, including the generation and optimization of fault surfaces, automatic determination of the contact relationship between fault surfaces, and recording of the model. This method realizes the automatic construction of a three-dimensional complex fault model, reduces the manual interaction in model construction, improves the automation of fault model construction, and saves manual modeling time.
Recyclable Graphene Sheets as a Growth Template for Crystalline ZnO Nanowires
Authors: Kim Yeonhoo , Kim Dongheun , Auchter Eric , Marquez Justin , Tutchton Roxanne , Li Nan , Luk Ting S. , Dervishi Enkeleda , Kim Yong-Jin , Zhu Jian-Xin , Yoo Jinkyoung
Published: August 2021

Recent advances in nanoscience have opened ways of recycling substrates for nanomaterial growth. Novel materials, such as atomically thin materials, are highly desirable for the recycling substrates. In this work, we report recycling of monolayer graphene as a growth template for synthesis of single crystalline ZnO nanowires. Selective nucleation of ZnO nanowires on graphene was elucidated by scanning electron microscopy and density functional theory calculation. Growth and subsequent separation of ZnO nanowires was repeated up to seven times on the same monolayer graphene film. Raman analyses were also performed to investigate the quality of graphene structure along the recycling processes. The chemical robustness of graphene enables the repetitive ZnO nanowire growth without noticeable degradation of the graphene quality. This work presents a route for graphene as a multifunctional growth template for diverse nanomaterials such as nanocrystals, aligned nanowires, other two-dimensional materials, and semiconductor thin films.
Improved Refractive Index-Sensing Performance of Multimode Fano-Resonance-Based Metal-Insulator-Metal Nanostructures
Authors: Chau Yuan-Fong Chou , Chou Chao Chung-Ting , Jumat Siti Zubaidah Binti Haji , Kooh Muhammad Raziq Rahimi , Thotagamuge Roshan , Lim Chee Ming , Chiang Hai-Pang
Published: August 2021

This work proposed a multiple mode Fano resonance-based refractive index sensor with high sensitivity that is a rarely investigated structure. The designed device consists of a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguide with two rectangular stubs side-coupled with an elliptical resonator embedded with an air path in the resonator and several metal defects set in the bus waveguide. We systematically studied three types of sensor structures employing the finite element method. Results show that the surface plasmon mode’s splitting is affected by the geometry of the sensor. We found that the transmittance dips and peaks can dramatically change by adding the dual air stubs, and the light–matter interaction can effectively enhance by embedding an air path in the resonator and the metal defects in the bus waveguide. The double air stubs and an air path contribute to the cavity plasmon resonance, and the metal defects facilitate the gap plasmon resonance in the proposed plasmonic sensor, resulting in remarkable characteristics compared with those of plasmonic sensors. The high sensitivity of 2600 nm/RIU and 1200 nm/RIU can simultaneously achieve in mode 1 and mode 2 of the proposed type 3 structure, which considerably raises the sensitivity by 216.67% for mode 1 and 133.33% for mode 2 compared to its regular counterpart, i.e., type 2 structure. The designed sensing structure can detect the material’s refractive index in a wide range of gas, liquids, and biomaterials (e.g., hemoglobin concentration).
Consequences of Paternal Nutrition on Offspring Health and Disease
Authors: Dimofski Pauline , Meyre David , Dreumont Natacha , Leininger-Muller Brigitte
Published: August 2021

It is well established that the maternal diet during the periconceptional period affects the progeny’s health. A growing body of evidence suggests that the paternal diet also influences disease onset in offspring. For many years, sperm was considered only to contribute half of the progeny’s genome. It now appears that it also plays a crucial role in health and disease in offspring’s adult life. The nutritional status and environmental exposure of fathers during their childhood and/or the periconceptional period have significant transgenerational consequences. This review aims to describe the effects of various human and rodent paternal feeding patterns on progeny’s metabolism and health, including fasting or intermittent fasting, low-protein and folic acid deficient food, and overnutrition in high-fat and high-sugar diets. The impact on pregnancy outcome, metabolic pathways, and chronic disease onset will be described. The biological and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the transmission from fathers to their progeny will be discussed. All these data provide evidence of the impact of paternal nutrition on progeny health which could lead to preventive diet recommendations for future fathers.
Risk Factors for Eating Disorders and Perception of Body in Young Adults Associated with Sex
Authors: Purkiewicz Aleksandra , Kamelska-Sadowska Anna Malwina , Ciborska Joanna , Mikulska Julia , Pietrzak-Fiećko Renata
Published: August 2021

(1) Background: The integrated approach to the prevention and treatment of eating disorders (EDs) requires knowledge and can be used only when specific risk factors are known. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in food choices and eating behavior between males and females; (2) Methods: This study comprised 148 females and 27 males aged from 18 to 26-years-old (MEAN ± SD = 21.4 ± 1.86 years old). Information about EDs was obtained from four different measures: the body mass index (BMI), the eating disorder screen for primary care (ESP), a standardized and validated questionnaire called “My Eating Habits” and the food frequency questionnaire with 10 answers (FFQ-10); (3) Results: The risk for developing eating disorders was detected in nearly 67% of respondents. It was also shown that EDs were more common in females and how body weight affected the way individuals feel about themselves. Females showed more unhealthy eating habits, which contributed to dietary restrictions and emotional overeating, as they were also afraid of gaining weight. The frequency of eating meat and drinking alcohol was higher in males, whereas eating legume seeds was less frequent in females. (4) Conclusions: This study opens a new field, which will help health care professionals recognize the problems with eating disorders and treat them based on different sex characteristics.
Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 on Depressive Symptoms and Sleep Quality in Self-Reported Insomniacs: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Ho Yu-Ting , Tsai Ying-Chieh , Kuo Terry B. J. , Yang Cheryl C. H.
Published: August 2021

Recent animal studies have supported that Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 (PS128) can reduce the severity of anxiety and depression. However, previous studies did not focus on the sleep quality and mood of humans. This study determines whether PS128 reduces the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms, regulates autonomic nervous system function, and improves sleep quality. Forty participants between 20 and 40 years of age with self-reported insomnia were randomly assigned to two groups, a PS128 group and a placebo group, in a double-blind trial. Participants took two capsules of either PS128 or a placebo after dinner for 30 days. Study measures included subjective depressive symptoms, anxiety and sleep questionnaires, and miniature-polysomnography recordings at baseline and on the 15th and 30th days of taking capsules. Overall, all outcomes were comparable between the two groups at baseline and within the 30-day period, yet some differences were still found. Compared to the control group, the PS128 group showed significant decreases in Beck Depression Inventory-II scores, fatigue levels, brainwave activity, and awakenings during the deep sleep stage. Their improved depressive symptoms were related to changes in brain waves and sleep maintenance. These findings suggest that daily administration of PS128 may lead to a decrease in depressive symptoms, fatigue level, cortical excitation, and an improvement in sleep quality during the deep sleep stage. Daily consumption of PS128 as a dietary supplement may improve the depressive symptoms and sleep quality of insomniacs, although further investigation is warranted.
The Impact of Lifestyle, Diet and Physical Activity on Epigenetic Changes in the Offspring—A Systematic Review
Authors: Rasmussen Louise , Knorr Sine , Antoniussen Christian Skødt , Bruun Jens Meldgaard , Ovesen Per Glud , Fuglsang Jens , Kampmann Ulla
Published: August 2021

Aims: This systematic review examines the association between maternal lifestyle, diet and physical activity, and epigenetic changes in the offspring. Methods: A literature search was conducted using multiple science databases: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library, on 10 March 2021. RCT and Cohort studies in English or Scandinavian languages were included. Exposure variables included diet, lifestyle, meal patterns or physical activity. Studies using dietary supplements as exposure variables were excluded. Outcome variables included were DNA methylation, microRNA or histone changes in placenta, cord blood or offspring. Two independent authors screened, read and extracted data from the included papers. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2) and The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) Cohort Study Checklist were used to assess risk of bias in the included studies. A qualitative approach was employed due to heterogeneity of exposures and results of the studies. Results: 16 studies and 3617 participants were included in the final analysis. The exposure variables included physical activity, carbohydrate, low glycemic index diet, added sugar, fat, Mediterranean diet and pro-inflammatory diet. The outcome variables identified were differences in DNA methylation and microRNA. Most studies described epigenetic changes in either placenta or cord blood. Genes reported to be methylated were GR, HSD2, IGF-2, PLAG1, MEG-3, H19 and RXRA. However, not all studies found epigenetic changes strong enough to pass multiple testing, and the study quality varied. Conclusion: Despite the variable quality of the included studies, the results in this review suggest that there may be an association between the mother’s lifestyle, diet and level of physical activity during pregnancy and epigenetic changes in the offspring.
Breastmilk Feeding during the First 4 to 6 Months of Age and Childhood Disease Burden until 10 Years of Age
Authors: Kim Ju Hee , Lee Seung Won , Lee Jung Eun , Ha Eun Kyo , Han Man Yong , Lee Eun
Published: August 2021

Background: Breastfeeding is recommended due to its beneficial effects on human health. However, the effect of breastfeeding on health differs, resulting in various childhood diseases. Objective: Our purpose was to investigate the association between breastfeeding at least in the first 4 months and the subsequent development of 15 certainly defined childhood diseases until 10 years of age, the all-cause hospitalization rate and growth at 6–7 years of age. Methods: Participants included propensity-score matched 188,052 children born between January 2008 and December 2009, who were followed up till 10 years of age. Data were taken from the National Investigation of birth Cohort in Korea study 2008 database. Risk ratios were obtained using a modified Poisson regression and weighted risk differences using binomial regression. Results: Compared to formula feeding, breastfeeding was associated with decreased risks of febrile convulsion, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, pneumonia, acute bronchiolitis, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, asthma, all-cause hospitalization, overweight/obesity and short stature. Exclusive breastfeeding at 4 to 6 months of age had similar results to exclusive breastfeeding over 6 months of age. Conclusions: Breastfeeding in early infancy reduces the risk for various childhood diseases, all-cause hospitalization rate, obesity, and short stature during childhood.
“Lipid Nutrition Guidelines: A Comprehensive Analysis” by Harumi Okuyama, Sheriff Sultan, Naoki Ohara, Tomohito Hamazaki, Peter H. Langsjoen, Rokuro Hama, Yoichi Ogushi, Tetsuyuki Kobayashi, Shunji Natori, Hajime Uchino, Yoko Hashimoto, Shiro Watanabe, Kenjiro Tatematsu, Daisuke Miyazawa, Mikio Nakamura and Kentaro Oh-hashi
Authors: Simopoulos Artemis P.
Published: August 2021

This book, “Lipid Nutrition Guidelines: A Comprehensive Analysis” by Professor Harumi Okuyama et al [...]
A Review of the Properties of Anthocyanins and Their Influence on Factors Affecting Cardiometabolic and Cognitive Health
Authors: Ockermann Philipp , Headley Laura , Lizio Rosario , Hansmann Jan
Published: August 2021

The incidence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases has increased over the last decades and is an important cause of death worldwide. An upcoming ingredient on the nutraceutical market are anthocyanins, a flavonoid subgroup, abundant mostly in berries and fruits. Epidemiological studies have suggested an association between anthocyanin intake and improved cardiovascular risk, type 2 diabetes and myocardial infarct. Clinical studies using anthocyanins have shown a significant decrease in inflammation markers and oxidative stress, a beneficial effect on vascular function and hyperlipidemia by decreasing low-density lipoprotein and increasing high-density lipoprotein. They have also shown a potential effect on glucose homeostasis and cognitive decline. This review summarizes the effects of anthocyanins in in-vitro, animal and human studies to give an overview of their application in medical prevention or as a dietary supplement.
Targeted High-Resolution Taxonomic Identification of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis Using Human Milk Oligosaccharide Metabolizing Genes
Authors: Tso Lauren , Bonham Kevin S. , Fishbein Alyssa , Rowland Sophie , Klepac-Ceraj Vanja
Published: August 2021

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis) is one of a few microorganisms capable of metabolizing human breast milk and is a pioneer colonizer in the guts of breastfed infants. One current challenge is differentiating B. infantis from its close relatives, B. longum and B. suis. All three organisms are classified in the same species group but only B. infantis can metabolize human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). We compared HMO-metabolizing genes across different Bifidobacterium genomes and developed B. infantis-specific primers to determine if the genes alone or the primers can be used to quickly characterize B. infantis. We showed that B. infantis is uniquely identified by the presence of five HMO-metabolizing gene clusters, tested for its prevalence in infant gut metagenomes, and validated the results using the B. infantis-specific primers. We observed that only 15 of 203 (7.4%) children under 2 years old from a cohort of US children harbored B. infantis. These results highlight the importance of developing and improving approaches to identify B. infantis. A more accurate characterization may provide insights into regional differences of B. infantis prevalence in infant gut microbiota.
Effect of Protein-Rich Breakfast on Subsequent Energy Intake and Subjective Appetite in Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta–Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Qiu Meijuan , Zhang Yu , Long Zheng , He Yuna
Published: August 2021

Breakfast has been labeled “the most important meal of the day”, especially for children and adolescents. Dietary protein intake may benefit and regulate appetite and energy balance. However, few meta–analyses have been conducted to examine the effect of protein–rich (PR) breakfast on both children and adolescents. This meta–analytic study was conducted to examine the effect of consuming a PR breakfast on short–term energy intake and appetite in children and adolescents. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in January 1990–January 2021. The inclusion criteria applied were RCTs in children and adolescents (7–19 year) comparing PR breakfast consumption with normal protein (NP)/traditional breakfast consumption. Finally, ten studies were included in the analysis, eight studies examined the effect of consuming PR breakfast on SEI (n = 824), and nine studies examined the effect on appetite (fullness = 736, hunger = 710). Our meta-analysis using the random–effects model shows that participants assigned to consume PR breakfast had lower SEI (MD, −111.2 kcal; 95% CI: −145.4, −76.9), higher fullness (MD, 7.4 mm; 95% CI: 6.0, 8.8), and lower hunger (MD, −8.5 mm; 95% CI: −9. 7, −7.3) than those assigned to consume NP/traditional breakfast. However, there was considerable inconsistency across the trial results. Our review suggests that the consumption of PR breakfast could be an excellent strategy for weight management by declining SEI and suppressing appetite, and provides new evidence of the relationship between energy balance and obesity. However, since most eligible studies were of low quality, the results ought to be interpreted cautiously.
Clinical Application of Next-Generation Sequencing in Recurrent Glioblastoma
Authors: Zeitouni Daniel , Catalino Michael P. , Wise Jordan , McCabe Sean , Pietrosimone Kathryn , Rashid Naim , Khagi Simon
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is driven by various genomic alterations. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) could yield targetable alterations that might impact outcomes. The goal of this study was to describe how NGS can inform targeted therapy (TT) in this patient population. METHODS: The medical records of patients with a diagnosis of GBM from 2017 to 2019 were reviewed. Records of patients with recurrent GBM and genomic alterations were evaluated. Objective response rates and disease control rates were determined. RESULTS: A total of 87 patients with GBM underwent NGS. Forty percent (n = 35) were considered to have actionable alterations. Of these 35, 40% (n = 14) had their treatment changed due to the alteration. The objective response rate (ORR) of this population was 43%. The disease control rate (DCR) was 100%. The absolute mean decrease in contrast-enhancing disease was 50.7% (95% CI 34.8–66.6). CONCLUSION: NGS for GBM, particularly in the recurrent setting, yields a high rate of actionable alterations. We observed a high ORR and DCR, reflecting the value of NGS when deciding on therapies to match genomic alterations. In conclusion, patient selection and the availability of NGS might impact outcomes in select patients with recurrent GBM.
Pathogens Spillover from Honey Bees to Other Arthropods
Authors: Nanetti Antonio , Bortolotti Laura , Cilia Giovanni
Published: August 2021

Honey bees, and pollinators in general, play a major role in the health of ecosystems. There is a consensus about the steady decrease in pollinator populations, which raises global ecological concern. Several drivers are implicated in this threat. Among them, honey bee pathogens are transmitted to other arthropods populations, including wild and managed pollinators. The western honey bee, Apis mellifera, is quasi-globally spread. This successful species acted as and, in some cases, became a maintenance host for pathogens. This systematic review collects and summarizes spillover cases having in common Apis mellifera as the mainteinance host and some of its pathogens. The reports are grouped by final host species and condition, year, and geographic area of detection and the co-occurrence in the same host. A total of eighty-one articles in the time frame 1960–2021 were included. The reported spillover cases cover a wide range of hymenopteran host species, generally living in close contact with or sharing the same environmental resources as the honey bees. They also involve non-hymenopteran arthropods, like spiders and roaches, which are either likely or unlikely to live in close proximity to honey bees. Specific studies should consider host-dependent pathogen modifications and effects on involved host species. Both the plasticity of bee pathogens and the ecological consequences of spillover suggest a holistic approach to bee health and the implementation of a One Health approach.
Renal Thrombotic Microangiopathy in Concurrent COVID-19 Vaccination and Infection
Authors: De Fabritiis Marco , Angelini Maria Laura , Fabbrizio Benedetta , Cenacchi Giovanna , Americo Claudio , Cristino Stefania , Lifrieri Maria Francesca , Cappuccilli Maria , Spazzoli Alessandra , Zambianchi Loretta , Mosconi Giovanni
Published: August 2021

We report on the development of nephrotic proteinuria and microhematuria, with histological features of renal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), following the first dose of BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) and COVID-19 diagnosis. A 35-year-old previously healthy man was admitted at our hospital due to the onset of foamy urine. Previously, 40 days earlier, he had received the first injection of the vaccine, and 33 days earlier, the RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 tested positive. Laboratory tests showed nephrotic proteinuria (7.9 gr/day), microhematuria, serum creatinine 0.91 mg/dL. Kidney biopsy revealed ultrastructural evidence of severe endothelial cell injury suggestive of a starting phase of TMA. After high-dose steroid treatment administration, complete remission of proteinuria was achieved in a few weeks. The association of COVID-19 with renal TMA has been previously described only in patients with acute renal injury. Besides, the correlation with COVID-19 vaccine has not been reported so far. The close temporal proximity (7 days) between the two events opens the question whether the histological findings should be ascribed to COVID-19 itself or to vaccine injection.
Pharmaceutical Drugs and Natural Therapeutic Products for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Blahova Jana , Martiniakova Monika , Babikova Martina , Kovacova Veronika , Mondockova Vladimira , Omelka Radoslav
Published: August 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most widespread form of diabetes, characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, and inefficient insulin secretion and action. Primary care in T2DM is pharmacological, using drugs of several groups that include insulin sensitisers (e.g., biguanides, thiazolidinediones), insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulphonylureas, meglinides), alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and the newest incretin-based therapies and sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors. However, their long-term application can cause many harmful side effects, emphasising the importance of the using natural therapeutic products. Natural health substances including non-flavonoid polyphenols (e.g., resveratrol, curcumin, tannins, and lignans), flavonoids (e.g., anthocyanins, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, naringin, rutin, and kaempferol), plant fruits, vegetables and other products (e.g., garlic, green tea, blackcurrant, rowanberry, bilberry, strawberry, cornelian cherry, olive oil, sesame oil, and carrot) may be a safer alternative to primary pharmacological therapy. They are recommended as food supplements to prevent and/or ameliorate T2DM-related complications. In the advanced stage of T2DM, the combination therapy of synthetic agents and natural compounds with synergistic interactions makes the treatment more efficient. In this review, both pharmaceutical drugs and selected natural products, as well as combination therapies, are characterized. Mechanisms of their action and possible negative side effects are also provided.
A High-Content Screen for the Identification of Plant Extracts with Insulin Secretion-Modulating Activity
Authors: Hager Roland , Pitsch Johannes , Kerbl-Knapp Jakob , Neuhauser Cathrina , Ollinger Nicole , Iken Marcus , Ranner Josef , Mittermeier-Kleßinger Verena , Dawid Corinna , Lanzerstorfer Peter , Weghuber Julian
Published: August 2021

Bioactive plant compounds and extracts are of special interest for the development of pharmaceuticals. Here, we describe the screening of more than 1100 aqueous plant extracts and synthetic reference compounds for their ability to stimulate or inhibit insulin secretion. To quantify insulin secretion in living MIN6 β cells, an insulin–Gaussia luciferase (Ins-GLuc) biosensor was used. Positive hits included extracts from Quillaja saponaria, Anagallis arvensis, Sapindus mukorossi, Gleditsia sinensis and Albizia julibrissin, which were identified as insulin secretion stimulators, whereas extracts of Acacia catechu, Myrtus communis, Actaea spicata L., Vaccinium vitis-idaea and Calendula officinalis were found to exhibit insulin secretion inhibitory properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used to characterize several bioactive compounds in the selected plant extracts, and these bioactives were retested for their insulin-modulating properties. Overall, we identified several plant extracts and some of their bioactive compounds that may be used to manipulate pancreatic insulin secretion.
Peptide Adjuvant to Invigorate Cytolytic Activity of NK Cells in an Obese Mouse Cancer Model
Authors: Han Seungmin , Jung Minjin , Kim Angela S. , Lee Daniel Y. , Cha Byung-Hyun , Putnam Charles W. , Lim Kwang Suk , Bull David A. , Won Young-Wook
Published: August 2021

Cancer patients who are overweight compared to those with normal body weight have obesity-associated alterations of natural killer (NK) cells, characterized by poor cytotoxicity, slow proliferation, and inadequate anti-cancer activity. Concomitantly, prohibitin overexpressed by cancer cells elevates glucose metabolism, rendering the tumor microenvironment (TME) more tumor-favorable, and leading to malfunction of immune cells present in the TME. These changes cause vicious cycles of tumor growth. Adoptive immunotherapy has emerged as a promising option for cancer patients; however, obesity-related alterations in the TME allow the tumor to bypass immune surveillance and to down-regulate the activity of adoptively transferred NK cells. We hypothesized that inhibiting the prohibitin signaling pathway in an obese model would reduce glucose metabolism of cancer cells, thereby changing the TME to a pro-immune microenvironment and restoring the cytolytic activity of NK cells. Priming tumor cells with an inhibitory the prohibitin-binding peptide (PBP) enhances cytokine secretion and augments the cytolytic activity of adoptively transferred NK cells. NK cells harvested from the PBP-primed tumors exhibit multiple markers associated with the effector function of active NK cells. Our findings suggest that PBP has the potential as an adjuvant to enhance the cytolytic activity of adoptively transferred NK cells in cancer patients with obesity.
Drug Screening, Oral Bioavailability and Regulatory Aspects: A Need for Human Organoids
Authors: Zietek Tamara , Boomgaarden Wolfgang A. D. , Rath Eva
Published: August 2021

The intestinal epithelium critically contributes to oral bioavailability of drugs by constituting an important site for drug absorption and metabolism. In particular, intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) actively serve as gatekeepers of drug and nutrient availability. IECs’ transport processes and metabolism are interrelated to the whole-body metabolic state and represent potential points of origin as well as therapeutic targets for a variety of diseases. Human intestinal organoids represent a superior model of the intestinal epithelium, overcoming limitations of currently used in vitro models. Caco-2 cells or rodent explant models face drawbacks such as their cancer and non-human origin, respectively, but are commonly used to study intestinal nutrient absorption, enterocyte metabolism and oral drug bioavailability, despite poorly correlative data. In contrast, intestinal organoids allow investigating distinct aspects of bioavailability including spatial resolution of transport, inter-individual differences and high-throughput screenings. As several countries have already developed strategic roadmaps to phase out animal experiments for regulatory purposes, intestinal organoid culture and organ-on-a-chip technology in combination with in silico approaches are roads to go in the preclinical and regulatory setup and will aid implementing the 3Rs (reduction, refinement and replacement) principle in basic science.
Mini Cleanroom for the Manufacture of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP): Bioengineered Corneal Epithelium
Authors: Berisa-Prado Silvia , Vázquez Natalia , Chacón Manuel , Persinal-Medina Mairobi , Alonso-Alonso Sergio , Baamonde Begoña , Alfonso José F. , Fernández-Vega-Cueto Luis , Merayo-Lloves Jesús , Meana Álvaro
Published: August 2021

Among several requirements for the manufacture of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) are: following the guidelines of a pharmaceutical quality system, complying with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and access to a cleanroom fulfilling strict environmental conditions (Class A work area and Class B environment). This makes ATMP expensive. Moreover, the production of many of these therapeutic products may also be unprofitable, as in most cases their use is limited to a few patients and to a single batch per manufacturing unit. To reduce costs, ATMP may be produced in a scaled-down system isolated from the external environment (isolator), allowing for placement of this facility in a Class D environment, which is much more permissive and less costly. In this work, we confirm that it is possible to manufacture bioengineered corneal epithelium inside an isolator while fulfilling all the safety assurance standards at an affordable cost for patients. This small-scale ultra-clean working environment complies with GMP guidelines and could be a solution for the high costs associated with conventional cleanroom ATMP production.
A Systemic View of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Rice to Facilitate Productivity
Authors: Hong Woo-Jong , Jiang Xu , Choi Seok-Hyun , Kim Yu-Jin , Kim Sun-Tae , Jeon Jong-Seong , Jung Ki-Hong
Published: August 2021

Carbohydrate metabolism is an important biochemical process related to developmental growth and yield-related traits. Due to global climate change and rapid population growth, increasing rice yield has become vital. To understand whole carbohydrate metabolism pathways and find related clues for enhancing yield, genes in whole carbohydrate metabolism pathways were systemically dissected using meta-transcriptome data. This study identified 866 carbohydrate genes from the MapMan toolkit and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database split into 11 clusters of different anatomical expression profiles. Analysis of functionally characterized carbohydrate genes revealed that source activity and eating quality are the most well-known functions, and they each have a strong correlation with tissue-preferred clusters. To verify the transcriptomic dissection, three pollen-preferred cluster genes were used and found downregulated in the gori mutant. Finally, we summarized carbohydrate metabolism as a conceptual model in gene clusters associated with morphological traits. This systemic analysis not only provided new insights to improve rice yield but also proposed novel tissue-preferred carbohydrate genes for future research.
Novel Engineered Materials: Epoxy Resin Nanocomposite Reinforced with Modified Epoxidized Natural Rubber and Fibers for Low Speed Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Kasagepongsan Chainuson , Suchat Sunisa
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate nanocomposite materials with good outdoor resistance for wind turbine blade application. The nanocomposites based on epoxy resin with 5% of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR 50), 3% of nanofiller, and glass fibers, were subjected to experiments. The weathering resistance of nanocomposites was evaluated from the change in mechanical properties caused by accelerated aging, induced by UVB radiation in a weathering chamber. The accelerated aging improved tensile strength by about 35% at 168 h of exposure to UVB, via a curing effect. The nanocomposites were optimized for all the parts of wind turbine blades (Savonius and Darrieus types) that are generally designed for high strength, low weight, weathering resistance, and low rotational speed (2 m/s). A tree wind turbine with nanocomposite blades produced 5 kW power output when tested. Based on the findings in this work, the innovative nanocomposites have potential in manufacturing wind turbines to generate electricity.