bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External Workload Indicators of Muscle and Kidney Mechanical Injury in Endurance Trail Running
Authors: Rojas-Valverde Daniel , Sánchez-Ureña Braulio , Pino-Ortega José , Gómez-Carmona Carlos , Gutiérrez-Vargas Randall , Timón Rafael , Olcina Guillermo
Published: October 2019

Muscle and kidney injury in endurance athletes is worrying for health, and its relationship with physical external workload (eWL) needs to be explored. This study aimed to analyze which eWL indexes have more influence on muscle and kidney injury biomarkers. 20 well-trained trail runners (age = 38.95 ± 9.99 years) ran ~35.27 km (thermal-index = 23.2 ± 1.8 °C, cumulative-ascend = 1815 m) wearing inertial measurement units (IMU) in six different spots (malleolus peroneus [MPleft/MPright], vastus lateralis [VLleft/VLright], lumbar [L1–L3], thoracic [T2–T4]) for eWL measuring using a special suit. Muscle and kidney injury serum biomarkers (creatin-kinase [sCK], creatinine (sCr), ureic-nitrogen (sBUN), albumin [sALB]) were assessed pre-, -post0h and post24h. A principal component (PC) analysis was performed in each IMU spot to extract the main variables that could explain eWL variance. After extraction, PC factors were inputted in multiple regression analysis to explain biomarkers delta change percentage (Δ%). sCK, sCr, sBUN, sALB presented large differences (p < 0.05) between measurements (pre < post24h < post0h). PC’s explained 77.5–86.5% of total eWL variance. sCK Δ% was predicted in 40 to 47% by L1–L3 and MPleft; sCr Δ% in 27% to 45% by L1–L3 and MPleft; and sBUN Δ% in 38%-40% by MPright and MPleft. These findings could lead to a better comprehension of how eWL (impacts, player load and approximated entropy) could predict acute kidney and muscle injury. These findings support the new hypothesis of mechanical kidney injury during trail running based on L1–L3 external workload data.
Housework Division and Second-Child Fertility Anxiety among Couples in China: The Urban and Rural Differences
Authors: Zhang Jingyue , Tian Yipeng
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the moderating role of household registration in the relationship between housework division and second-child fertility anxiety among Chinese couples of childbearing ages. Multilevel cluster sampling was used to select 1834 respondents aged 20–45 years from Jilin Province in China between 2016 and 2017. A sample of 542 adults who were married and had only one child was included in the final analysis. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to examine the proposed hypothesis. The results showed that the association between housework division and second-child fertility anxiety was significant in rural areas. However, the above association was not significant in urban areas. Household registration status was found to have a moderating effect on the relationship between housework division and second-child fertility anxiety. Differences in gender and fertility ideology have led to different housework divisions in urban and rural areas, which in turn have led to different effects on the second-child fertility anxiety of couples of childbearing ages in these areas.
Trends in Tanning Bed Use, Motivation, and Risk Awareness in Germany: Findings from Four Waves of the National Cancer Aid Monitoring (NCAM)
Authors: Diehl Katharina , Görig Tatiana , Greinert Rüdiger , Breitbart Eckhard W. , Schneider Sven
Published: October 2019

Indoor tanning is an important risk factor for the development of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. With our nationally representative monitoring, we aimed at describing tanning bed use, user characteristics, reasons for use, and risk awareness over time. In the framework of the National Cancer Aid Monitoring (NCAM), we collected representative data on 12,000 individuals aged 14 to 45 years in annual waves of n = 3,000 participants in Germany between 2015 and 2018. We used descriptive statistics and chi²-tests to uncover group differences. To compare data from the different waves, we calculated confidence intervals. The use of tanning beds decreased from 2015 (11.0%, 95%-CI: 9.9%–12.1%) to 2018 (8.8%, 95%-CI: 7.8%–9.8%). However, this decrease did not affect all subgroups. For instance, there was an (non-significant) increase in minors and the prevalence remained stable for individuals with immigrant background and males. Attractiveness was an important reason for tanning bed use in each wave. Over time, there was an increase in medical-related reasons for use. Furthermore, monitoring showed a decrease in risk awareness regarding tanning bed use and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While it is a positive development that the overall use of tanning beds in Germany has decreased over time, the increasing use by minors despite the legal ban is alarming. Due to the declining risk awareness it is necessary to implement prevention and education campaigns specifically targeted at this group.
Does Life Satisfaction Mediate the Association between Socioeconomic Status and Excessive Internet Use?
Authors: Urbanova Laura Bitto , Holubcikova Jana , Madarasova Geckova Andrea , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , van Dijk Jitse P.
Published: October 2019

Excessive Internet use is becoming a rapidly increasing problem in today’s society. Our aim was to assess the association between socioeconomic status (SES) of the family and excessive Internet use (EIU), and whether life satisfaction mediates this association. We analyzed data from a representative sample of 2844 Slovak adolescents (mean age 14.34, 50.5% boys) from the 2014 Health Behavior in School aged Children (HBSC) study, based on self-report questionnaires. We assessed the association of SES, measured by several indicators, such as perceived family wealth, parental education, and (un)employment, and adolescent EIU using linear regression, adding life satisfaction as a mediator. Adolescents whose father was unemployed and whose perceived family wealth was low tended to score higher on EIU. Neither gender nor age affected this relationship. Life satisfaction mediated a part of the association between SES and EIU in the case of low perceived family wealth and father’s (un)employment. Adolescents with a low SES are more likely to become excessive Internet users, and life satisfaction mediates this association. Prevention of EIU among adolescents should be targeted at those with low SES, with life satisfaction being the topic to address.
Mortality in Different Mountain Sports Activities Primarily Practiced in the Summer Season—A Narrative Review
Authors: Gatterer Hannes , Niedermeier Martin , Pocecco Elena , Frühauf Anika , Faulhaber Martin , Menz Verena , Burtscher Johannes , Posch Markus , Ruedl Gerhard , Burtscher Martin
Published: October 2019

Millions of people engage in mountain sports activities worldwide. Although leisure-time physical activity is associated with significant health benefits, mountain sports activities also bear an inherent risk for injury and death. However, death risk may vary across various types of mountain sports activities. Epidemiological data represent an important basis for the development of preventive measures. Therefore, the aim of this review is to compare mortality rates and potential risk factors across different (summer) mountain sports activities. A comprehensive literature search was performed on the death risk (mortality) in mountain sports, primarily practiced during the summer season, i.e., mountain hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, trekking, rock, ice and high-altitude climbing. It was found that the death risk varies considerably between different summer mountain sports. Mortality during hiking, trekking and biking in the mountains was lower compared to that during paragliding, or during rock, ice or high-altitude climbing. Traumatic deaths were more common in activities primarily performed by young adults, whereas the number of deaths resulting from cardiovascular diseases was higher in activities preferred by the elderly such as hiking and trekking. Preventive efforts must consider the diversity of mountain sports activities including differences in risk factors and practitioners and may more particularly focus on high-risk activities and high-risk individuals.
The Daily Mile: 15 Minutes Running Improves the Physical Fitness of Italian Primary School Children
Authors: Brustio Paolo Riccardo , Mulasso Anna , Marasso Danilo , Ruffa Camilla , Ballatore Andrea , Moisè Paolo , Lupo Corrado , Rainoldi Alberto , Boccia Gennaro
Published: October 2019

The Daily Mile™ is an innovative school-based intervention that requires children to run or jog outside for 15 min at a self-selected pace during class time. Today, only one study has investigated the efficacy of The Daily Mile on physical fitness, which was conducted with Scottish children. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of The Daily Mile in Italian primary schools. A total of 486 children participated in The Daily Mile for 3 months (experimental group), whereas 309 children continued their daily school routine (control group). The 6-min run test, standing long jump, body mass index, and waist-to-height ratio were assessed. Their teachers completed surveys for assessing the intervention acceptability. After correction for age and gender, significant group × time interactions were observed in the 6-min run test and standing long jump results. In the post-test period, the experimental group showed improvement in the 6-min run test and standing long jump results. Overall, the teachers were satisfied with the program and found it suitable for their school context and easy to implement. The Daily Mile was successfully implemented and smoothly accepted in the day routine of Italian primary schools.
Factors Associated with Meat Consumption in Students of Spanish Universities: UniHcos Project
Authors: Ortiz-Moncada Rocío , Morales-Suárez-Varela María , Avecilla-Benítez Ángeles , Norte Navarro Aurora , Olmedo-Requena Rocío , Amezcua-Prieto Carmen , Cancela José , Blázquez Abellán Gemma , Mateos-Campos Ramona , Valero Juan Luis , Redondo Martín Susana , Alonso-Molero Jéssica , Molina de la Torre Antonio , Llopis-Morales Agustín , Peraita-Costa Isabel , Fernández-Villa Tania ,   Grupo de Investigación UniHcos
Published: October 2019

The level of meat consumption is one of the main deviations from the Mediterranean diet pattern in Spanish university students. The objective of this cross-sectional descriptive study is to analyze the association between sociodemographic factors and the consumption of fresh and processed meat in Spanish university students. This study is part of a cohort of 11 Spanish universities with 9862 university students (UniHcos Project). A descriptive analysis and a chi2 test were carried out to assess differences between personal and sociodemographic variables and meat consumption, and binary logistic regression analysis to assess factors associated with consumption; 19.9% and 73.5% met the recommendations for meat-fresh and meat-processed consumption, respectively. Only 3.8% of students meet the recommendations for both fresh and processed meat. Statistically significant differences were found between sex, BMI, employment, housing, and coexistence regarding compliance with recommendations. Female employed students living in rental accommodations with a partner are more likely to meet the recommendations for fresh meats while male, normal weight, employed students living in rental accommodations with a partner are more likely to meet the recommendations for processed meats. There is a lack of compliance with the recommendations for consumption of fresh meat in Spanish university students, differences in compliance among students of differing regions and an association with sex, employment, housing, and coexistence regarding compliance.
Physiological, Hormonal and Metabolic Responses of two Alfalfa Cultivars with Contrasting Responses to Drought
Authors: Soba David , Zhou Bangwei , Arrese-Igor Cesar , Munné-Bosch Sergi , Aranjuelo Iker
Published: October 2019

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is frequently constrained by environmental conditions such as drought. Within this context, it is crucial to identify the physiological and metabolic traits conferring a better performance under stressful conditions. In the current study, two alfalfa cultivars (San Isidro and Zhong Mu) with different physiological strategies were selected and subjected to water limitation conditions. Together with the physiological analyses, we proceeded to characterize the isotopic, hormone, and metabolic profiles of the different plants. According to physiological and isotopic data, Zhong Mu has a water-saver strategy, reducing water lost by closing its stomata but fixing less carbon by photosynthesis, and therefore limiting its growth under water-stressed conditions. In contrast, San Isidro has enhanced root growth to replace the water lost through transpiration due to its more open stomata, thus maintaining its biomass. Zhong Mu nodules were less able to maintain nodule N2 fixing activity (matching plant nitrogen (N) demand). Our data suggest that this cultivar-specific performance is linked to Asn accumulation and its consequent N-feedback nitrogenase inhibition. Additionally, we observed a hormonal reorchestration in both cultivars under drought. Therefore, our results showed an intra-specific response to drought at physiological and metabolic levels in the two alfalfa cultivars studied.
Effects of Early Exposure of Isoflurane on Chronic Pain via the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signal Pathway
Authors: Li Qun , Mathena Reilley Paige , Eregha O’Rukevwe Nicole , Mintz C. David
Published: October 2019

Persistent post-surgical pain (PPSP) is a chronic pain condition, often with neuropathic features, that occurs in approximately 20% of children who undergo surgery. The biological basis of PPSP has not been elucidated. Anesthetic drugs can have lasting effects on the developing nervous system, although the clinical impact of this phenomenon is unknown. Here, we used a mouse model to test the hypothesis that early developmental exposure to isoflurane causes cellular and molecular alteration in the pain perception circuitry that causes a predisposition to chronic, neuropathic pain via a pathologic upregulation of the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Mice were exposed to isoflurane at postnatal day 7 and select cohorts were treated with rapamycin, an mTOR pathway inhibitor. Behavioral tests conducted 2 months later showed increased evidence of neuropathic pain, which did not occur in rapamycin-treated animals. Immunohistochemistry showed neuronal activity was chronically increased in the insular cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and spinal dorsal horn, and activity was attenuated by rapamycin. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting (WB) showed a co-incident chronic, abnormal upregulation in mTOR activity. We conclude that early isoflurane exposure alters the development of pain circuits and has the potential to contribute to PPSP and/or other pain syndromes.
Cord–Age–Gender Connections Shape the Pathophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis Progressive Forms
Authors: Nataf Serge
Published: October 2019

There is increasing evidence that sex hormones, aging, and the occurrence of spinal cord (SC) tissue alterations exert combined effects on the development and outcome of multiple sclerosis (MS) progressive forms [...]
The Potential of the FSP1cre-Pparb/d−/− Mouse Model for Studying Juvenile NAFLD
Authors: Chen Jiapeng , Zhuang Yan , Sng Ming Keat , Tan Nguan Soon , Wahli Walter
Published: October 2019

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can progress from steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) characterized by liver inflammation, possibly leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mice with impaired macrophage activation, when fed a high-fat diet, develop severe NASH. Evidence is mounting that Kupffer cells are implicated. However, it is unknown whether the resident CD68+ or bone marrow-derived CD11b+ Kupffer cells are involved. Characterization of the FSP1cre-Pparb/d−/− mouse liver revealed that FSP1 is expressed in CD11b+ Kupffer cells. Although these cells only constitute a minute fraction of the liver cell population, Pparb/d deletion in these cells led to remarkable hepatic phenotypic changes. We report that a higher lipid content was present in postnatal day 2 (P2) FSP1cre-Pparb/d−/− livers, which diminished after weaning. Quantification of total lipids and triglycerides revealed that P2 and week 4 of age FSP1cre-Pparb/d−/− livers have higher levels of both. qPCR analysis also showed upregulation of genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation, and fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis pathways. This result is further supported by western blot analysis of proteins in these pathways. Hence, we propose that FSP1cre-Pparb/d−/− mice, which accumulate lipids in their liver in early life, may represent a useful animal model to study juvenile NAFLD.
Effects of a Flavonoid-Rich Extract from Citrus sinensis Juice on a Diet-Induced Obese Zebrafish
Authors: Montalbano Giuseppe , Mania Manuela , Guerrera Maria Cristina , Laurà Rosaria , Abbate Francesco , Levanti Maria , Maugeri Alessandro , Germanà Antonino , Navarra Michele
Published: October 2019

Background: Obesity is a pathological condition that has reached epidemic proportions; hence, it is necessary to find novel strategies aimed at fighting this disease. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of a flavonoid-rich extract of orange (Citrus sinensis) juice (OJe) in diet-induced obese zebrafish. Methods: Adult zebrafish were divided into four diet groups: (i) normally fed (NF); (ii) overfed (OF); (iii) NF supplemented with OJe (5 mL/L in fish water; NF + OJe); and (iv) OF supplemented with OJe (OF + OJe). Each week, body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) were measured, and, at the end of the fifth week, euthanized zebrafish were processed for both microscopic evaluations and qPCR analyses. Results: In OF zebrafish, OJe significantly decreased both BW and BMI values and lowered the visceral adipose tissue, while it had little effect in the NF group. Moreover, it significantly reduced adipocyte cell size in both NF and OF groups in both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues, as well as their number in OF fish. Finally, OJe modulated some obesity-related genes, such as leptin A, ghrelin, orexin, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), and neuropeptide Y (NPY), in both gut and brain. Conclusion: This study adds new insights into the anti-obesity properties of orange juice and its flavonoids, suggesting their role as weight management agents through a lipolytic action linked to a restoration of metabolism-regulating gene expression.
Prophylactic Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for Gastric Cancer—A Systematic Review
Authors: Brenkman H. J. F. , Päeva M. , van Hillegersberg R. , Ruurda J. P. , Haj Mohammad N.
Published: October 2019

Survival after potentially curative treatment of gastric cancer remains low, mostly due to peritoneal recurrence. This descriptive review gives an overview of available comparative studies concerning prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for patients with gastric cancer with neither clinically evident metastases nor positive peritoneal cytology who undergo potentially curative gastrectomy. After searching the PubMed, Embase, CDSR, CENTRAL and ASCO meeting library, a total of 11 studies were included comparing surgery plus prophylactic HIPEC versus surgery alone (SA): three randomised controlled trials and eight non-randomised comparative studies, involving 1145 patients. Risk of bias was high in most of the studies. Morbidity after prophylactic HIPEC was 17–60% compared to 25–43% after SA. Overall survival was 32–35 months after prophylactic HIPEC and 22–28 months after SA. The 5-year survival rates were 39–87% after prophylactic HIPEC and 17–61% after SA, which was statistically significant in three studies. Peritoneal recurrence occurred in 7–27% in the HIPEC group, compared to 14–45% after SA. This review tends to demonstrate that prophylactic HIPEC for gastric cancer can be performed safely, may prevent peritoneal recurrence and may prolong survival. However, studies were heterogeneous and outdated, which emphasizes the need for well-designed trials conducted according to current standards.
Stroma-Rich Co-Culture Multicellular Tumor Spheroids as a Tool for Photoactive Drugs Screening
Authors: Yakavets Ilya , Jenard Samuel , Francois Aurelie , Maklygina Yulia , Loschenov Victor , Lassalle Henri-Pierre , Dolivet Gilles , Bezdetnaya Lina
Published: October 2019

Conventional 3D multicellular tumor spheroids of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) consisting exclusively of cancer cells have some limitations. They are compact cell aggregates that do not interact with their extracellular milieu, thus suffering from both insufficient extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and absence of different types of stromal cells. In order to better mimic in vivo HNSCC tumor microenvironment, we have constructed a 3D stroma-rich in vitro model of HNSCC, using cancer-associated MeWo skin fibroblasts and FaDu pharynx squamous cell carcinoma. The expression of stromal components in heterospheroids was confirmed by immunochemical staining. The generated co-culture FaDu/MeWo spheroids were applied to study penetration, distribution and antitumor efficacy of photoactive drugs such as Temoporfin and Chlorin e6 used in the photodynamic therapy flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy techniques. We also investigated the distribution of photodiagnostic agent Indocyanine Green. We demonstrated that the presence of stroma influences the behavior of photoactive drugs in different ways: (i) No effect on Indocyanine Green distribution; (ii) lower accumulation of Chlorin e6; (iii) better penetration and PDT efficiency of Temoporfin. Overall, the developed stroma-rich spheroids enlarge the arsenal of in vitro pre-clinical models for high-throughput screening of anti-cancer drugs.
Efficacy and Safety of Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel in Elderly Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Xin , Kwon Hyungju
Published: October 2019

Nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) is an approved treatment for metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, there is an ongoing debate about the efficacy and safety of nab-paclitaxel in elderly patients. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate nab-paclitaxel efficacy and adverse events in MBC patients 65 years and older, compared with MBC patients younger than 65 years (control group). We performed a literature search using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE, from their inception to 30 September 2019. The relevant studies compared overall response rates (ORRs) and incidence of adverse events; four studies comprising 1204 patients were identified and included. ORRs were similar in patients older than 65 years and controls (odds ratio (OR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42–1.21). On subgroup analysis, both first-line therapy (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.92–3.36) and lower Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06–0.69) were associated with a higher ORR. Adverse events including neutropenia, sensory neuropathy, diarrhea, and nausea were comparable between the groups. In conclusion, nab-paclitaxel showed comparable efficacy and safety in older and younger patients with MBC. Nab-paclitaxel can be a first-line treatment option for MBC patients 65 years and older.
Prognosis and Interplay of Cognitive Impairment and Sarcopenia in Older Adults Discharged from Acute Care Hospitals
Authors: Zengarini Elisa , Giacconi Robertina , Mancinelli Lucia , Riccardi Giovanni Renato , Castellani Daniele , Vetrano Davide Liborio , Onder Graziano , Volpato Stefano , Ruggiero Carmelinda , Fabbietti Paolo , Cherubini Antonio , Guarasci Francesco , Corsonello Andrea , Lattanzio Fabrizia
Published: October 2019

Sarcopenia and cognitive impairment are associated with an increased risk of negative outcomes, but their prognostic interplay has not been investigated so far. We aimed to investigate the prognostic interaction of sarcopenia and cognitive impairment concerning 12-month mortality among older patients discharged from acute care wards in Italy. Our series consisted of 624 patients (age = 80.1 ± 7.0 years, 56.1% women) enrolled in a prospective observational study. Sarcopenia was defined following the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria. Cognitive impairment was defined as age- and education-adjusted Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score < 24 or recorded diagnosis of dementia. The study outcome was all-cause mortality during 12-month follow-up. The combination of sarcopenia and cognitive ability was tested against participants with intact cognitive ability and without sarcopenia. Overall, 159 patients (25.5%) were identified as having sarcopenia, and 323 (51.8%) were cognitively impaired. During the follow-up, 79 patients (12.7%) died. After adjusting for potential confounders, the combination of sarcopenia and cognitive impairment has been found associated with increased mortality (HR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.05–4.13). Such association was also confirmed after excluding patients with dementia (HR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.06–4.17), underweight (HR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.03–3.91), high comorbidity burden (HR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.09–6.32), and severe disability (HR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.10–5.73). The co-occurrence of sarcopenia and cognitive impairment may predict 1-year mortality in older patients discharged from acute care hospitals.
Probabilistic Fatigue/Creep Optimization of Turbine Bladed Disk with Fuzzy Multi-Extremum Response Surface Method
Authors: Zhang Chun-Yi , Yuan Zhe-Shan , Wang Ze , Fei Cheng-Wei , Lu Cheng
Published: October 2019

To effectively perform the probabilistic fatigue/creep coupling optimization of a turbine bladed disk, this paper develops the fuzzy multi-extremum response surface method (FMERSM) for the comprehensive probabilistic optimization of multi-failure/multi-component structures, which absorbs the ideas of the extremum response surface method, hierarchical strategy, and fuzzy theory. We studied the approaches of FMERSM modeling and fatigue/creep damage evaluation of turbine bladed disks, and gave the procedure for the fuzzy probabilistic fatigue/creep optimization of a multi-component structure with FMERSM. The probabilistic fatigue/creep coupling optimization of turbine bladed disks was implemented by regarding the rotor speed, temperature, and density as optimization parameters; the creep stress, creep strain, fatigue damage, and creep damage as optimization objectives; and the reliability and GH4133B fatigue/creep damages as constraint functions. The results show that gas temperature T and rotor speed ω are the key parameters that should be controlled in bladed disk optimization, and respectively reduce by 85 K and 113 rad/s after optimization, which is promising to extend bladed disk life and decrease failure damages. The simulation results show that this method has a higher modeling accuracy and computational efficiency than the Monte Carlo method (MCM). The efforts of this study provide a new useful method for overall probabilistic multi-failure optimization and enrich mechanical reliability theory.
Fracture Characteristics and Analysis in Dissimilar Cu-Al Alloy Joints Formed via Electromagnetic Pulse Welding
Authors: Wang Puquan , Chen Daolun , Ran Yang , Yan Yunqi , Peng He , Jiang Xianquan
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the fatigue fracture characteristics of dissimilar Al 6061 to Cu (UNS C11000) lap joints made with ultrafast electromagnetic pulse welding (EMPW) via fractography, stress analysis and finite element simulation. It was observed that EMPW generated an annular (or ring-shaped) bonding area, with weld zones and a central non-weld zone when viewed from the cross section. Two types of failure modes occurred in relation to the cyclic loading levels: base metal fracture or transverse through-thickness (TTT) crack growth at a higher loading level, and joint interfacial failure at a lower loading level. In the interfacial failure, fatigue crack initiated from the outer edge of annular welding area, and propagated to form an approximate elliptical boundary. Fatigue crack propagation was characterized by fatigue striations existing in discrete areas on the fracture surface. This was attributed to a coupled role of shear and normal stresses present in a tensile lap shear sample due to the bending moment caused by the inherent misalignment. The final rapid fracture started from elliptical boundary with elongated shear dimples. Both theoretical stress analysis and finite element model revealed the maximum stress and stress concentration along the outer edge, where fatigue crack initiation occurred.
Preparation and Properties of CaCO3-Supported Nano-TiO2 Composite with Improved Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Wang Jie , Sun Sijia , Pan Lei , Xu Zhuoqun , Ding Hao , Li Wei
Published: October 2019

In order to improve the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of nano-TiO2, reduce its usage and realize recycling and reuse, CaCO3–TiO2 composite photocatalyst was prepared with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and TiO2 in a grinding machine through the integration of grinding depolymerization, dispersion and particle composition. The photocatalytic degradation performance, recycling performance, structure and morphology of CaCO3–TiO2 were studied. The interaction mechanism between CaCO3 and TiO2 and the improvement mechanism for the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 were also discussed. The results show that under the UV light irradiation for 20 and 40 min, the degradation efficiency of methyl orange by the composite photocatalyst with 40% TiO2 (mass fraction) was 90% and 100%, respectively. This was similar to that of pure TiO2, and the performance of the composite photocatalyst was almost unchanged after five cycles. CaCO3–TiO2 is formed by the uniform loading of nano-TiO2 particles on the CaCO3 surface, and the nano-TiO2 particles are well dispersed. Due to the facts that the dispersion of nano-TiO2 is improved in the presence of CaCO3 and the charge transport capability is improved through the interfacial chemical bonds between CaCO3 and TiO2, the formation of this complex is an intrinsic mechanism to improve the photocatalytic efficiency of nano-TiO2 and reduce its usage in application processes.
Glucosamine Enhances TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis in the Prostate Cancer Cell Line DU145
Authors: Sun Chao , Chesnokov Viktor , Larson Garrett , Itakura Keiichi
Published: October 2019

Background: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively kills tumor cells in cancer patients. However, patients often develop TRAIL resistance; thus, agents that can sensitize cells to TRAIL therapy would be beneficial clinically. Methods: Immunoblotting, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, qPCR and caspase 8 activity assays were used to investigate whether glucosamine (GlcN) can sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL thereby enhancing apoptosis and potentially improving clinical response. Results: GlcN sensitized DU145 cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis but did not increase death receptor 5 (DR5) cell surface expression. Once treated, these cells responded to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways as evidenced by the cleavage of both caspases 8 and 9. The combination of GlcN and TRAIL suppressed the expression of key anti-apoptotic factors cFLIP, BCL-XL, MCL-1 and XIAP and translocated BAK to the mitochondrial outer membrane thereby facilitating cytochrome C and SMAC release. In addition to the activation of apoptotic pathways, TRAIL-mediated inflammatory responses were attenuated by GlcN pretreatment reducing nuclear NF-kB levels and the expression of downstream target genes IL-6 and IL-8. Conclusions: GlcN/TRAIL combination could be a promising strategy for treating cancers by overcoming TRAIL resistance and abrogating TRAIL-induced inflammation.
External Connection versus Internal Connection in Dental Implantology. A Mechanical in vitro Study
Authors: Fernández-Asián Ignacio , Martínez-González Álvaro , Torres-Lagares Daniel , Serrera-Figallo María-Ángeles , Gutiérrez-Pérez José-Luis
Published: October 2019

(1) Background: In today's dentistry, implantology has become a therapeutic resource of choice in certain clinical situations. The design of implants has evolved in several aspects since their inception. Dental implants were initially designed with an external hex connection, although due to force transmission and security in the adjustment of the prosthesis, later implants featured an internal hex connection. This study aims to analyse the mechanical properties of two types of implants (an internal connection and an external connection) from the same manufacturer and their different prosthetic components (union screw between implant and prosthetic abutment, and the abutment itself) when subjected to different types of load. (2) Materials and methods: Intraosseous dental implants of similar shape, design and size, although different in type of connection (external vs. internal), were studied. The specifications of the UNI EN ISO 14801 test standard were used, with all determinations being carried out three times. Finally, the dimensional characterisation of the samples analysed after the dynamic load study was carried out, and the values of both study groups were compared by means of the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test to find statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). (3) Results: For the static characterisation test, we found between 610.9 N and 986.1 N for the external connection and between 1263.6 N and 1324 N for the internal connection (p = 0.011). All of the dynamic load tests were positive and there was no failure in any of the components studied. (4) Conclusions: After the analysis of the samples studied in vitro, satisfactory results were obtained, demonstrating that both connections can support considerable mechanical loads according to international standards (UNI EN ISO 14801).
Formation of Diffusion Layer on Ti-6Al-4V Alloy during Longtime Friction with Al
Authors: Liu Ruoyu , Huang Chuanbing , Du Lingzhong , Lan Hao , Fang Shige , Zhang Huifeng , Zhang Weigang
Published: October 2019

Elements’ diffusion between Ti-6Al-4V alloy and Al in the process of sliding was investigated from 400 °C to 600 °C. The results showed that the atoms were diffused at the Ti-6Al-4V/Al interface. When sliding at 400 °C and 500 °C, no intermetallic compound was detected on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. When sliding at 600 °C, intermetallic TiAl3 was formed and grew on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The diffusion thickness of Al atoms on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V alloy increased with increasing time and temperature. The diffusion kinetic equation of Al atoms on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V alloy was successfully established. The diffusion activation energy of Al atoms in the sliding process was calculated to be 28.22 kJ·mol−1 and the dynamic index n was 0.5. The diffusion growth of Al atoms was controlled by normal parabolic law with time.
A Cr Anti-Sticking Layer for Improving Mold Release Quality in Electrochemical Replication of PVC Optical Molds
Authors: Li Yue , Yang Guang , Wu Qihui , Cheng Jun , Hu Zhichao
Published: October 2019

This paper addresses the issue of mold release quality in an electrochemical replication of an optical polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mold, which has microlens array or microprisms array on its surface. The main idea is to deposit a nanoscale Cr thin layer as an antisticking layer on the PVC mold surface, followed by Ag film deposition as the conductive layer using magnetron sputtering, and finally, a nickel layer is electrochemically deposited on the Ag surface. By doing so, the upripping of the nickel mold from the PVC mold becomes easier, resulting in better mold release quality. The experiment results showed that when the Cr antisticking layer was used, the release strength between the nickel mold and the PVC substrate reduced from 1.94 N/cm to 1.43 N/cm, the surface roughness of the PVC substrate after mold release reduced from 0.60 μm to 0.55 μm, the surface roughness of the nickel mold reduced from 0.63 μm to 0.49 μm, the retroreflection coefficient of the nickel mold increased from 1600 cd·lx−1·m−2 to 2100 cd·lx−1·m−2, and the surface energy of the PVC substrate reduced from 31.47 mN/m to 15.53 mN/m.
Green Phosphors Based on 9,10-bis((4-((3,7-dimethyloctyl)oxy) phenyl) ethynyl) Anthracene for LED
Authors: Ren Xuefeng , Song Hai , Xiao Jing , Yu Hui-Juan , Peng Chi-Fang , Shao Guang
Published: October 2019

An anthracene aromatic unit was introduced into the phenylethynyl structure by a rigid acetylene linkage at the C-9 and C-10 positions via Sonogashira coupling reactions, resulting in a planar and straight-backbone molecule (9,10-bis((4-((3,7-dimethyloctyl)oxy) phenyl) ethynyl) anthracene) (BPEA). Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated the good thermal stability of the BPEA. Photoluminescence analysis showed that a suitable expanded π-conjugation in the BPEA made its excitation band extend into the visible region, and an intense green emission was observed under blue-light excitation. A bright green light-emitting diode with an efficiency of 18.22 lm/w was fabricated by coating the organic phosphor onto a 460 nm-emitting InGaN chip. All the results indicate that BPEA is a useful green-emitting material which is efficiently excited by blue light, and therefore, that it could be applied in many fields without UV radiation.
Editorial for Special Issue “Seismic Methods in Mineral Exploration”
Authors: Bellefleur Gilles , Malinowski Michal , Urosevic Milovan
Published: October 2019

In many parts of the world, exploration for mineral deposits is moving progressively but persistently to greater depths, relying on knowledge gained from previous exploration campaigns and on new exploration tools and techniques used to guide deep and costly boreholes to most suitable targets [...]
Functional Properties of Poly(Trimethylene Terephthalate)-Block-Poly(Caprolactone) Based Nanocomposites Containing Graphene Oxide (GO) and Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO)
Authors: Paszkiewicz Sandra , Pawlikowska Daria , Kurcz Magdalena , Szymczyk Anna , Irska Izabela , Stanik Rafał , Gude Maik , Linares Amelia , Ezquerra Tiberio A. , Lipińska Ludwika , Woluntarski Michał , Zubkiewicz Agata , Piesowicz Elżbieta
Published: October 2019

This work reports a study on the influence of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the functional properties of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)-block-poly(caprolactone) (PTT-block-PCL-T) (75/25 wt.%/wt.%) copolymer, obtained from dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), 1,3-biopropanediol and polycaprolactone diol (PCL) via in situ polymerization. The article presents, if and how the reduction of graphene oxide, in comparison to the non-reduced one, can affect morphological, thermal, electrical and mechanical properties. SEM examination confirms/reveals the homogeneous distribution of GO/rGO nanoplatelets in the PTT-block-PCL-T copolymer matrix. More than threefold increase in the value of the tensile modulus is achieved by the addition of 1.0 wt.% of GO and rGO. Moreover, the thermal conductivity and thermal stability of the GO and rGO-based nanocomposites are also improved. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement indicates that the incorporation of GO and rGO has a remarkable impact on the crystallinity of the nanocomposites (an increase of crystallization temperature up to 58 °C for nanocomposite containing 1.0 wt.% of GO is observed). Therefore, the high performances of the PTT-block-PCL-T-based nanocomposites are mainly attributed to the uniform dispersion of nanoplatelets in the polymer matrix and strong interfacial interactions between components.
Thermosensitive Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Intravitreal Delivery of Cefuroxime
Authors: Sapino Simona , Peira Elena , Chirio Daniela , Chindamo Giulia , Guglielmo Stefano , Oliaro-Bosso Simonetta , Barbero Raffaella , Vercelli Cristina , Re Giovanni , Brunella Valentina , Riedo Chiara , Fea Antonio Maria , Gallarate Marina
Published: October 2019

Endophthalmitis is a rare, but serious, intravitreal inflammatory disorder that can arise after cataract surgery. The intracameral injection of 1 mg cefuroxime (CEF) followed by three-times daily antibiotic topical administration for a week is generally recognized as the routine method of prophylaxis after cataract surgery. This procedure is controversial because of both the low efficacy and the low adherence to therapy by elderly patients. A unique slow release antibiotic intravitreal injection could solve these problems. The objective of the present study was to design ophthalmic nanocomposite delivery systems based on in situ gelling formulations that undergo sol-to-gel transition upon change in temperature to prolong the effect of CEF. Oil in water (O/W) microemulsion (µE) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), obtained with an innovative formulation technology called cold microemulsion dilution, were evaluated as ocular drug delivery systems for CEF. Drug entrapment efficiency up to 80% was possible by esterifying CEF with 1-dodecanol to obtain dodecyl-CEF (dCEF). Both dCEF-loaded SLN and µE were then added with Pluronic®F127 (20% w/v) to obtain a nanocomposite hydrogel-based long acting system. The prepared thermosensitive formulations were evaluated for their physical appearance, drug content, gelation temperature, injectability and rheological properties, in vitro release studies and stability studies. Moreover, cell proliferation assays on human retinal pigment epithelial ARPE-19 cells were performed to evaluate the influence of this innovative system on the cellular viability. In addition, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed for both CEF and dCEF, revealing the need of dCEF hydrolysis for the antimicrobial activity. Although further experimental investigations are required, the physico-chemical characterization of the nanocomposite hydrogels and the preliminary in vitro release studies highlighted the potential of these systems for the sustained release of CEF.
Immune Effects of the Nitrated Food Allergen Beta-Lactoglobulin in an Experimental Food Allergy Model
Authors: Ondracek Anna S. , Heiden Denise , Oostingh Gertie J. , Fuerst Elisabeth , Fazekas-Singer Judit , Bergmayr Cornelia , Rohrhofer Johanna , Jensen-Jarolim Erika , Duschl Albert , Untersmayr Eva
Published: October 2019

Food proteins may get nitrated by various exogenous or endogenous mechanisms. As individuals might get recurrently exposed to nitrated proteins via daily diet, we aimed to investigate the effect of repeatedly ingested nitrated food proteins on the subsequent immune response in non-allergic and allergic mice using the milk allergen beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) as model food protein in a mouse model. Evaluating the presence of nitrated proteins in food, we could detect 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) in extracts of different foods and in stomach content extracts of non-allergic mice under physiological conditions. Chemically nitrated BLG (BLGn) exhibited enhanced susceptibility to degradation in simulated gastric fluid experiments compared to untreated BLG (BLGu). Gavage of BLGn to non-allergic animals increased interferon-γ and interleukin-10 release of stimulated spleen cells and led to the formation of BLG-specific serum IgA. Allergic mice receiving three oral gavages of BLGn had higher levels of mouse mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) compared to allergic mice receiving BLGu. Regardless of the preceding immune status, non-allergic or allergic, repeatedly ingested nitrated food proteins seem to considerably influence the subsequent immune response.
The Lacto-Tetrapeptide Gly–Thr–Trp–Tyr, β-Lactolin, Improves Spatial Memory Functions via Dopamine Release and D1 Receptor Activation in the Hippocampus
Authors: Ayabe Tatsuhiro , Ano Yasuhisa , Ohya Rena , Kitaoka Shiho , Furuyashiki Tomoyuki
Published: October 2019

Scope: Peptides containing tryptophan–tyrosine sequences, including the lacto-tetrapeptide glycine–threonine–tryptophan–tyrosine (GTWY) and β-lactolin, from β-lactoglobulin in whey enzymatic digestion, enhance hippocampus-dependent memory functions, which are blocked by the systemic administration of dopamine D1-like antagonist. In this study, we investigated the role of the hippocampal dopaminergic system in the memory-enhancing effect of β-lactolin. Methods and Results: The results of in vivo microdialysis revealed that oral administration of β-lactolin increased the extracellular concentration of dopamine in the hippocampus and enhanced both spatial working memory, as measured in the Y-maze test, and spatial reference memory, as measured in the novel object location test. These memory-enhancing effects of β-lactolin, but not the baseline memory functions, were impaired by the knockdown of the dopamine D1 receptor subtype in the hippocampus. β-Lactolin also enhanced object memory, as measured by the novel object recognition test. However, D1 knockdown in the hippocampus spared this memory function either with or without the administration of β-lactolin. Conclusions: The present results indicate that oral administration of β-lactolin increases dopamine release and D1 receptor signaling in the hippocampus, thereby enhancing spatial memory, but it may improve object memory via a separate mechanism.
Parents’ and Children’s Categorization of Candy are Similar: A Card Sort Protocol
Authors: Savage Jennifer S. , Harris Holly A. , Bleser Julia A. , Rollins Brandi Y.
Published: October 2019

American children frequently consume candy and, in excess, this may contribute to poor diets with attendant effects on obesity risk. Despite the ubiquity of candy in children’s diets, parental concern about children’s candy intake, and the diversity of confectionery products available, very little is known about how children and their parents conceptualize candy. Card sorting tasks offer a novel and visual technique to explore and compare an individuals’ perceptions of foods and are useful where literacy is limited (e.g. young children). This study aimed to understand and compare how young school-aged children and parents categorize various candy products using a photo card sorting task. In individual laboratory sessions, children (n = 42, 5 to 8 years old) and parents (n = 35) categorized 51 types of candy based on their similarity. A cluster analysis showed that parents created more categories of candies than children (11 versus 8). For example, parents distinguished between candied fruit and candied nuts, whereas children tended to collapse these categories. However, 7 clusters were virtually identical between parents and children (93% similarity). The findings from this study can inform the measurement of candy intake and the development of education materials targeted towards parent feeding around candy.