bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Genetic Relatedness on the Preterm Infant Gut Microbiota
Authors: Lim Shen Jean , Aguilar-Lopez Miriam , Wetzel Christine , Dutra Samia V. O. , Bray Vanessa , Groer Maureen W. , Donovan Sharon M. , Ho Thao
Published: January 2021

The preterm infant gut microbiota is influenced by environmental, endogenous, maternal, and genetic factors. Although siblings share similar gut microbial composition, it is not known how genetic relatedness affects alpha diversity and specific taxa abundances in preterm infants. We analyzed the 16S rRNA gene content of stool samples, ≤ and >3 weeks postnatal age, and clinical data from preterm multiplets and singletons at two Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), Tampa General Hospital (TGH; FL, USA) and Carle Hospital (IL, USA). Weeks on bovine milk-based fortifier (BMF) and weight gain velocity were significant predictors of alpha diversity. Alpha diversity between siblings were significantly correlated, particularly at ≤3 weeks postnatal age and in the TGH NICU, after controlling for clinical factors. Siblings shared higher gut microbial composition similarity compared to unrelated individuals. After residualizing against clinical covariates, 30 common operational taxonomic units were correlated between siblings across time points. These belonged to the bacterial classes Actinobacteria, Bacilli, Bacteroidia, Clostridia, Erysipelotrichia, and Negativicutes. Besides the influence of BMF and weight variables on the gut microbial diversity, our study identified gut microbial similarities between siblings that suggest genetic or shared maternal and environmental effects on the preterm infant gut microbiota.
Indirect Selection against Antibiotic Resistance via Specialized Plasmid-Dependent Bacteriophages
Authors: Penttinen Reetta , Given Cindy , Jalasvuori Matti
Published: January 2021

Antibiotic resistance genes of important Gram-negative bacterial pathogens are residing in mobile genetic elements such as conjugative plasmids. These elements rapidly disperse between cells when antibiotics are present and hence our continuous use of antimicrobials selects for elements that often harbor multiple resistance genes. Plasmid-dependent (or male-specific or, in some cases, pilus-dependent) bacteriophages are bacterial viruses that infect specifically bacteria that carry certain plasmids. The introduction of these specialized phages into a plasmid-abundant bacterial community has many beneficial effects from an anthropocentric viewpoint: the majority of the plasmids are lost while the remaining plasmids acquire mutations that make them untransferable between pathogens. Recently, bacteriophage-based therapies have become a more acceptable choice to treat multi-resistant bacterial infections. Accordingly, there is a possibility to utilize these specialized phages, which are not dependent on any particular pathogenic species or strain but rather on the resistance-providing elements, in order to improve or enlengthen the lifespan of conventional antibiotic approaches. Here, we take a snapshot of the current knowledge of plasmid-dependent bacteriophages.
Feasibility of a Chemical Washing Method for Treating Soil Enriched with Fluorine Derived from Mica
Authors: Baek Dong-Jun , Kim Ye-Eun , Jung Moon-Young , Yoon Hye-On , An Jinsung
Published: January 2021

High levels of fluorine in soil may pose health risks and require remediation. In this study, the feasibility of using a practical chemical washing method for the removal of fluorine from an enriched soil was evaluated. The chemical washing procedures were optimized through experimental analyses of various washing solutions and washing conditions (i.e., washing solution concentration, solid–liquid ratio, agitation speed, and reaction time). Additionally, the effects of techniques for improving the washing efficiency, such as ultrasonic washing, aeration, and multi-stage washing, were evaluated. Herein, among all applied methodologies, the maximum washing efficiency achieved for the total fluorine present in soil was only 6.2%, which indicated that chemical washing was inefficient in remediating this particular soil. Further sequential extraction analysis showed that the fluorine in this soil was present in a chemically stable form (residual fraction), possibly because of the presence of mica minerals. It was demonstrated that chemical washing may not be effective for remediating soils containing such chemically stable forms of fluorine. In these cases, other physical-based remediation technologies or risk management approaches may be more suitable.
Feature Extraction and Clustering of Hyperspectral Drill Core Measurements to Assess Potential Lithological and Alteration Boundaries
Authors: Rodger Andrew , Fabris Adrian , Laukamp Carsten
Published: January 2021

A workflow incorporating hyperspectral reflectance data, hull corrections, absorption feature extraction and clustering is presented. The workflow is applied to dense hyperspectral datasets, as collected by hyperspectral drill core logging systems. The extracted absorption features of the reflectance spectra collected from drill cores are shown to form assemblage clusters when plotting the wavelength position of the first, second and third deepest absorption features in two and three dimensions. Using an unsupervised clustering method to establish clusters based on the extracted absorption features yields viewable down hole distributions of similar mineral assemblages. The proposed workflow has the potential for the rapid identification of differing lithologies, alteration and/or weathering overprints. Application of the workflow with no a-priori assumptions about the composition of the potential mineral assemblages provides a means of generating an informative overview of the dataset that is not biased or constrained by preconceptions. The workflow can easily be added to the current workflows of geologists whom are working with dense hyperspectral data to provide an overview of the potential down hole mineral assemblages and aid in the visual logging process or assist in quickly identifying areas for more detailed observation. Furthermore, key mineralogical parameters for resource characterisation, such as the presence of clay minerals can be assessed in a cost and time efficient manner. The proposed workflow is applied to spectra collected from four different drill cores collected in the Gawler Craton located in South Australia and demonstrates the potential outlined above.
New Acetophenones and Chromenes from the Leaves of Melicope barbigera A. Gray
Authors: Le Kim-Thao , Bandolik Jan J. , Kassack Matthias U. , Wood Kenneth R. , Paetzold Claudia , Appelhans Marc S. , Passreiter Claus M.
Published: January 2021

The dichloromethane extract from leaves of Melicope barbigera (Rutaceae), endemic to the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, yielded four new and three previously known acetophenones and 2H-chromenes, all found for the first time in M. barbigera. The structures of the new compounds obtained from the dichloromethane extract after purification by chromatographic methods were unambiguously elucidated by spectroscopic analyses including 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy and HRESIMS. The absolute configuration was determined by modified Mosher’s method. Compounds 2, 4 and the mixture of 6 and 7 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against the human ovarian cancer cell line A2780 with IC50 values of 30.0 and 75.7 µM for 2 and 4, respectively, in a nuclear shrinkage cytotoxicity assay.
Morphology and Physico-Mechanical Threshold of α-Cellulose as Filler in an E-SBR Composite
Authors: Chowdhury Soumya Ghosh , Chanda Jagannath , Ghosh Sreedip , Pal Abhijit , Ghosh Prasenjit , Bhattacharyya Sanjay Kumar , Mukhopadhyay Rabindra , Banerjee Shib Shankar , Das Amit
Published: January 2021

In the current context of green mobility and sustainability, the use of new generation natural fillers, namely, α-cellulose, has gained significant recognition. The presence of hydroxyl groups on α-cellulose has generated immense eagerness to map its potency as filler in an elastomeric composite. In the present work, α-cellulose-emulsion-grade styrene butadiene rubber (E-SBR) composite is prepared by conventional rubber processing method by using variable proportions of α-cellulose (1 to 40 phr) to assess its reinforce ability. Rheological, physical, visco-elastic and dynamic-mechanical behavior have clearly established that 10 phr loading of α-cellulose can be considered as an optimized dosage in terms of performance parameters. Morphological characterization with the aid of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) also substantiated that composite with 10 phr loading of α-cellulose has achieved the morphological threshold. With this background, synthetic filler (silica) is substituted by green filler (α-cellulose) in an E-SBR-based composite. Characterization of the compound has clearly established the reinforcement ability of α-cellulose.
Self-Assembly of Discrete Porphyrin/Calix[4]tube Complexes Promoted by Potassium Ion Encapsulation
Authors: Gaeta Massimiliano , Rodolico Elisabetta , Fragalà Maria E. , Pappalardo Andrea , Pisagatti Ilenia , Gattuso Giuseppe , Notti Anna , Parisi Melchiorre F. , Purrello Roberto , D’Urso Alessandro
Published: January 2021

The pivotal role played by potassium ions in the noncovalent synthesis of discrete porphyrin-calixarene nanostructures has been examined. The flattened-cone conformation adopted by the two cavities of octa-cationic calix[4]tube C4T was found to prevent the formation of complexes with well-defined stoichiometry between this novel water-soluble calixarene and the tetra-anionic phenylsulfonate porphyrin CuTPPS. Conversely, preorganization of C4T into a C4v-symmetrical scaffold, triggered by potassium ion encapsulation (C4T@K+), allowed us to carry out an efficient hierarchical self-assembly process leading to 2D and 3D nanostructures. The stepwise formation of discrete CuTPPS/C4T@K+ noncovalent assemblies, containing up to 33 molecular elements, was conveniently monitored by UV/vis spectroscopy by following the absorbance of the porphyrin Soret band.
Fabrication of High Aspect Ratio Micro-Structures with Superhydrophobic and Oleophobic Properties by Using Large-Area Roll-to-Plate Nanoimprint Lithography
Authors: Atthi Nithi , Dielen Marc , Sripumkhai Witsaroot , Pattamang Pattaraluck , Meananeatra Rattanawan , Saengdee Pawasuth , Thongsook Oraphan , Ranron Norabadee , Pankong Krynnaras , Uahchinkul Warinrampai , Supadech Jakrapong , Klunngien Nipapan , Jeamsaksiri Wutthinan , Veldhuizen Pim , ter Meulen Jan Matthijs
Published: January 2021

Bio-inspired surfaces with superamphiphobic properties are well known as effective candidates for antifouling technology. However, the limitation of large-area mastering, patterning and pattern collapsing upon physical contact are the bottleneck for practical utilization in marine and medical applications. In this study, a roll-to-plate nanoimprint lithography (R2P NIL) process using Morphotonics’ automated Portis NIL600 tool was used to replicate high aspect ratio (5.0) micro-structures via reusable intermediate flexible stamps that were fabricated from silicon master molds. Two types of Morphotonics’ in-house UV-curable resins were used to replicate a micro-pillar (PIL) and circular rings with eight stripe supporters (C-RESS) micro-structure onto polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foil substrates. The pattern quality and surface wettability was compared to a conventional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) soft lithography process. It was found that the heights of the R2P NIL replicated PIL and C-RESS patterns deviated less than 6% and 5% from the pattern design, respectively. Moreover, the surface wettability of the imprinted PIL and C-RESS patterns was found to be superhydro- and oleophobic and hydro- and oleophobic, respectively, with good robustness for the C-RESS micro-structure. Therefore, the R2P NIL process is expected to be a promising method to fabricate robust C-RESS micro-structures for large-scale anti-biofouling application.
PdAgPt Corner-Satellite Nanocrystals in Well-Controlled Morphologies and the Structure-Related Electrocatalytic Properties
Authors: Qian Hehe , Wu Jianzhou , Guo Yongsheng , Fang Wenjun
Published: January 2021

The functions of heterogeneous metallic nanocrystals (HMNCs) can be undoubtedly tuned by controlling their morphologies and compositions. As a less-studied kind of HMNCs, corner-satellite multi-metallic nanocrystals (CSMNCs) have great research value in structure-related electrocatalytic performance. In this work, PdAgPt corner-satellite nanocrystals with well-controlled morphologies and compositions have been developed by temperature regulation of a seed-mediated growth process. Through the seed-mediated growth, the morphology of PdAgPt products evolves from Pd@Ag cubes to PdAgPt corner-satellite cubes, and eventually to truncated hollow octahedra, as a result of the expansion of {111} facets in AgPt satellites. The growth of AgPt satellites exclusively on the corners of central cubes is realized with the joint help of Ag shell and moderate bromide, and hollow structures form only at higher reaction temperatures on account of galvanic displacement promoted by the Pd core. In view of the different performances of Pd and Pt toward formic acid oxidation (FAO), this structure-sensitive reaction is chosen to measure electrocatalytic properties of PdAgPt HMNCs. It is proven that PdAgPt CSMNCs display greatly improved activity toward FAO in direct oxidation pathway. In addition, with the help of AgPt heterogeneous shells, all PdAgPt HMNCs exhibit better durability than Pd cubes and commercial Pt.
Impact of Iron on the Fe–Co–Ni Ternary Nanocomposites Structural and Magnetic Features Obtained via Chemical Precipitation Followed by Reduction Process for Various Magnetically Coupled Devices Applications
Authors: Nguyen Tien Hiep , Karunakaran Gopalu , Konyukhov Yu.V. , Minh Nguyen Van , Karpenkov D.Yu. , Burmistrov I.N.
Published: January 2021

This paper presents the synthesis of Fe–Co–Ni nanocomposites by chemical precipitation, followed by a reduction process. It was found that the influence of the chemical composition and reduction temperature greatly alters the phase formation, its structures, particle size distribution, and magnetic properties of Fe–Co–Ni nanocomposites. The initial hydroxides of Fe–Co–Ni combinations were prepared by the co-precipitation method from nitrate precursors and precipitated using alkali. The reduction process was carried out by hydrogen in the temperature range of 300–500 °C under isothermal conditions. The nanocomposites had metallic and intermetallic phases with different lattice parameter values due to the increase in Fe content. In this paper, we showed that the values of the magnetic parameters of nanocomposites can be controlled in the ranges of MS = 7.6–192.5 Am2/kg, Mr = 0.4–39.7 Am2/kg, Mr/Ms = 0.02–0.32, and HcM = 4.72–60.68 kA/m by regulating the composition and reduction temperature of the Fe–Co–Ni composites. Due to the reduction process, drastic variations in the magnetic features result from the intermetallic and metallic face formation. The variation in magnetic characteristics is guided by the reduction degree, particle size growth, and crystallinity enhancement. Moreover, the reduction of the surface spins fraction of the nanocomposites under their growth induced an increase in the saturation magnetization. This is the first report where the influence of Fe content on the Fe–Co–Ni ternary system phase content and magnetic properties was evaluated. The Fe–Co–Ni ternary nanocomposites obtained by co-precipitation, followed by the hydrogen reduction led to the formation of better magnetic materials for various magnetically coupled device applications.
Is Serum BDNF Altered in Acute, Short- and Long-Term Recovered Restrictive Type Anorexia Nervosa?
Authors: Steinhäuser Jonas L. , King Joseph A. , Tam Friederike I. , Seidel Maria , Biemann Ronald , Wronski Marie-Louis , Geisler Daniel , Roessner Veit , Ehrlich Stefan
Published: January 2021

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin involved in the regulation of food intake and body weight, has been implicated in the development and maintenance of Anorexia nervosa (AN). The majority of previous studies reported lower BDNF levels in acutely underweight AN patients (acAN) and increasing levels after weight rehabilitation. Here, we investigated serum BDNF concentrations in the largest known AN sample to date, both before and after weight restoration therapy. Serum BDNF was measured in 259 female volunteers: 77 in-patient acAN participants of the restrictive type (47 reassessed after short-term weight rehabilitation), 62 individuals long-term recovered from AN, and 120 healthy controls. We validated our findings in a post-hoc mega-analysis in which we reanalyzed combined data from the current sample and those from our previous study on BDNF in AN (combined sample: 389 participants). All analyses carefully accounted for known determinants of BDNF (age, sex, storage time of blood samples). We further assessed relationships with relevant clinical variables (body-mass-index, physical activity, symptoms). Contrary to our hypotheses, we found zero significant differences in either cross-sectional or longitudinal comparisons and no significant relationships with clinical variables. Together, our study suggests that BDNF may not be a reliable state- or trait-marker in AN after all.
Patterns of Avoiding Nutrition Mistakes in Metropolitan Adolescents Are Associated with Sex, Nutrition Knowledge, Physical Activity, and Family Environment
Authors: Drywień Małgorzata , Górnicka Magdalena , Kulik Stanisław , Górnicki Krzysztof
Published: January 2021

A comprehensive approach to the identification of the relationship between behaviors limiting nutrition mistakes, nutrition knowledge, and physical activity in the context of the family environment has not yet been widely explored. We aim to identify patterns of avoiding nutrition mistakes in high school students from Warsaw, Poland, and to assess their associations with nutrition knowledge (NK), physical activity (PA), body mass index (BMI), demographic, and family environment characteristics. A cross-sectional study involving 616 high school students, aged 16–19, was conducted. The data were collected by distributing questionnaires. The k-means method was used for cluster analysis, and logistic regression was used to assess the adherence to identified patterns. We identified three patterns: Prudent Ones (45%), Inconsequent (39%), and Rebels (16%). About 70% of adolescents had insufficient NK. The adherence to the Rebels pattern was lower by 85 % in girls, by 68% in students with younger siblings, and was about 4.0-times higher in children of mothers with primary education, 2.4 times higher in students with insufficient NK, and 1.9-times higher in students living in a family with more than 4 persons. The groups of adolescents with feature characteristics of the Rebels and Inconsequent are possible targets for intervention and require further in-depth research to explain their lack of attempts to avoid nutrition mistakes. The results clearly indicate the necessity of including metropolitan teenage boys in effective nutritional education for the rationalization of their dietary behavior.
Development of Fatty Acid Reference Ranges and Relationship with Lipid Biomarkers in Middle-Aged Healthy Singaporean Men and Women
Authors: Lust Cody A. C. , Bi Xinyan , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar , Ma David W. L.
Published: January 2021

Dietary fatty acids (FA) are essential for overall human health, yet individual FA reference ranges have yet to be established. Developing individual FA reference ranges can provide context to reported concentrations and whether an individual displays deficient, or excess amounts of FA. Reference ranges of sixty-seven individual FA (μmol/L) were profiled and analyzed using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector from serum samples collected from 476 middle-aged Singaporean males (BMI:23.3 ± 2.9) and females (BMI:21.8 ± 3.6). Measures of triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol (TC) (mmol/L) were also collected. The mean FA concentration seen in this cohort (11,458 ± 2478 was similar to that of overweight North American cohorts assessed in past studies. Ten biologically relevant FA were compared between sexes, with females exhibiting significantly higher concentrations in four FA (p < 0.05). A multiple regression model revealed the ten FA contributed significantly to nearly all lipid biomarkers (p < 0.05). A majority of participants who had FA concentrations in the ≥95th percentile also exhibited TG, HDL, LDL, and TC levels in the “high” risk classification of developing cardiovascular disease. Future studies profiling individual FA reference ranges in many unique, global cohorts are necessary to develop cut-off values of individual FA concentrations highly related to disease-risk.
Rosa canina L. Can Restore Endoplasmic Reticulum Alterations, Protein Trafficking and Membrane Integrity in a Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease Phenotype
Authors: Wanes Dalanda , Toutounji Mohamad , Sebai Hichem , Rizk Sandra , Naim Hassan Y.
Published: January 2021

Rosa canina L. is a natural polyphenol-rich medicinal plant that exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Recent in vivo studies have demonstrated that a methanol extract of Rosa canina L. (RCME) has reversed an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like phenotype that has been triggered by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice. In the current study, we investigated the effects of RCME on perturbations of cellular mechanisms induced by DSS-treatment of intestinal Caco-2 cells, including stress response in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), protein trafficking and sorting as well as lipid rafts integrity and functional capacities of an intestinal enzyme. 6 days post-confluent cells were treated for 24 h with DSS (3%) or simultaneously with DSS (3%) and RCME (100 µg/mL) or exclusively with RCME (100 µg/mL) or not treated. The results obtained demonstrate the ability of RCME to counteract the substantial increase in the expression levels of several ER stress markers in DSS-treated cells. Concomitantly, the delayed trafficking of intestinal membrane glycoproteins sucrase-isomaltase (SI) and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) induced by DSS between the ER and the Golgi has been compromised by RCME. Furthermore, RCME restored the partially impaired polarized sorting of SI and DPP4 to the brush border membrane. An efficient sorting mechanism of SI and DPP4 is tightly associated with intact lipid rafts structures in the trans-Golgi network (TGN), which have been distorted by DSS and normalized by RCME. Finally, the enzymatic activities of SI are enhanced in the presence of RCME. Altogether, DSS treatment has triggered ER stress, impaired trafficking and function of membrane glycoproteins and distorted lipid rafts, all of which can be compromised by RCME. These findings indicate that the antioxidants in RCME act at two major sites in Caco-2 cells, the ER and the TGN and are thus capable of maintaining the membrane integrity by correcting the sorting of membrane-associated proteins.
Dietary Patterns in Runners with Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Erdman Kelly Anne , Jones Kim Wagner , Madden Robyn F. , Gammack Nancy , Parnell Jill A.
Published: January 2021

Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and reflux frequently experience gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS), potentially enhanced by high-intensity running. Food avoidances, food choices, and GIS in runners with IBS/IBD (n = 53) and reflux (n = 37) were evaluated using a reliability and validity tested questionnaire. Comparisons to a control group of runners (n = 375) were made using a Fisher’s Exact test. Runners with IBS/IBD experienced the greatest amount of exercise-induced GIS followed by those with reflux. Commonly reported GIS were stomach pain/cramps (77%; 53%), bloating (52%; 50%), intestinal pain/cramps (58%; 33%), and diarrhea (58%; 39%) in IBS/IBD and reflux groups respectively. In the pre-race meal, those with IBS/IBD frequently avoided milk products (53%), legumes (37%), and meat (31%); whereas, runners with reflux avoided milk (38%), meat (36%), and high-fibre foods (33%). When considering food choices pre-race, runners with IBS/IBD chose grains containing gluten (40%), high fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAP) fruits (38%), and water (38%). Runners with reflux chose water (51%), grains containing gluten (37%), and eggs (31%). In conclusion, while many runners with IBS/IBD and reflux are avoiding trigger foods in their pre-race meals, they are also consuming potentially aggravating foods, suggesting nutrition advice may be warranted.
Risks Associated with the Use of Garcinia as a Nutritional Complement to Lose Weight
Authors: Andueza Naroa , Giner Rosa M. , Portillo Maria P.
Published: January 2021

Nowadays, obesity is one of the great nutritional problems facing public health. The prevalence of this pathology has increased in a worrying way over recent years, currently reaching epidemic proportions. In this context, nutritional supplements are presented as a therapeutic alternative to which more and more people are turning to. Nutritional supplements to lose weight based on the Garcinia plant, specifically on Garcinia cambogia, are commonly used. The active principle of this plant to which these properties have been attributed, is hydroxycitric acid (HCA). The aim of the present review is to gather reported data concerning the effectiveness of nutritional supplements based on Garcinia extracts on weight loss and their possible negative effects. Contradictory results have been observed regarding the effectiveness of the supplements. While statistically significant weight loss was observed in some studies, no changes were found in others. Regarding safety, although Garcinia supplements have been revealed as safe in the vast majority of the studies carried out in animal models and humans, some cases of hepatotoxicity, serotonin toxicity and mania have been reported. In conclusion, the results suggest that Garcinia-based supplements could be effective in short-term weight loss, although the data are not conclusive. In addition, the safety of the complement should be further studied.
The Glycaemic and Insulinaemic Response of Pasta in Chinese and Indians Compared to Asian Carbohydrate Staples: Taking Spaghetti Back to Asia
Authors: Camps Stefan Gerardus , Lim Joseph , Koh Melvin Xu Nian , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar
Published: January 2021

In this study, we compared the metabolic properties of the Asian staples rice and noodles, which are typically high in glycaemic index (GI), to two types of spaghetti. It is hypothesised that pasta can be a healthy replacement, particularly amongst the Asian population. Thirty Chinese and Indian subjects (17 men, 13 women; BMI: 18.5–25 kg/m2) participated in this randomised crossover trial. On seven occasions, they consumed a glucose reference drink (3 times), white rice, wheat-based mee pok noodles, semolina spaghetti and wholegrain spaghetti. Blood samples were taken to measure glucose and insulin response over a period of 3 h. The current evaluation showed that semolina spaghetti and wholegrain spaghetti can be classified as low GI products, with a GI of 53 and 54, respectively, significantly lower than wheat based mee pok noodles (74) and rice (80) (p < 0.005). In addition, both spaghettis had a lower insulin response compared to rice (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was no difference in glucose or insulin response between semolina and wholegrain spaghetti. After controlling for gender, ethnicity, fat and fat free mass (kg), the glucose and insulin results did not change. In conclusion, wheat-based pasta can be helpful to modify the carbohydrate-rich Asian diet. Notably, there was no effect of gender, ethnicity and body composition on the glycaemic and insulinaemic response. We speculate that the starch-protein structure as a result of the spaghetti production process is a major driver of its favourable metabolic properties.
Role of Apoptotic Cell Clearance in Pneumonia and Inflammatory Lung Disease
Authors: Zheng David Jiao , Abou Taka Maria , Heit Bryan
Published: January 2021

Pneumonia and inflammatory diseases of the pulmonary system such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. While the etiology of these diseases is highly different, they share a number of similarities in the underlying inflammatory processes driving disease pathology. Multiple recent studies have identified failures in efferocytosis—the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells—as a common driver of inflammation and tissue destruction in these diseases. Effective efferocytosis has been shown to be important for resolving inflammatory diseases of the lung and the subsequent restoration of normal lung function, while many pneumonia-causing pathogens manipulate the efferocytic system to enhance their growth and avoid immunity. Moreover, some treatments used to manage these patients, such as inhaled corticosteroids for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the prevalent use of statins for cardiovascular disease, have been found to beneficially alter efferocytic activity in these patients. In this review, we provide an overview of the efferocytic process and its role in the pathophysiology and resolution of pneumonia and other inflammatory diseases of the lungs, and discuss the utility of existing and emerging therapies for modulating efferocytosis as potential treatments for these diseases.
Nasopharyngeal Carriage and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Staphylococcus aureus among Children under Five Years in Accra
Authors: Dayie Nicholas T. K. D. , Osei Mary-Magdalene , Opintan Japheth A. , Tetteh-Quarcoo Patience B. , Kotey Fleischer C. N. , Ahenkorah John , Adutwum-Ofosu Kevin Kofi , Egyir Beverly , Donkor Eric S.
Published: January 2021

This cross-sectional study investigated the Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) nasopharyngeal carriage epidemiology in Accra approximately five years post-pneumococcal conjugate vaccines introduction in the country. Archived nasopharyngeal swabs collected from 410 children aged under five years old were bacteriologically cultured. The resultant S. aureus isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and screening for carriage of the mecA and LukF-PV (pvl) genes, following standard procedures. The data obtained were analyzed with Statistical Products and Services Solutions (SPSS) using descriptive statistics and Chi square tests of associations. The isolated bacteria decreased across coagulase-negative Staphylococci (47.3%, n = 194), S. aureus (23.2%, n = 95), Diphtheroids (5.4%, n = 22), Micrococcus species (3.7%, n = 15), Klebsiella pneumoniae (3.2%, n = 13), Moraxella species and Citrobacter species (1.5% each, n = 6), Escherichia coli, Enterobacter species, and Pseudomonas species (0.9% each, n = 2). The MRSA carriage prevalence was 0.49% (n = 2). Individuals aged 37–48 months recorded the highest proportion of S. aureus carriage (32.6%, 31/95). Resistance of S. aureus to the antibiotics tested were penicillin G (97.9%, n = 93), amoxiclav (20%, n = 19), tetracycline (18.9%, n = 18), erythromycin (5.3%, n = 5), ciprofloxacin (2.1%, n = 2), gentamicin (1.1%, n = 1), cotrimoxazole, clindamycin, linezolid, and teicoplanin (0% each). No inducible clindamycin resistance was observed for the erythromycin-resistant isolates. Three (3.2%) of the isolates were multidrug resistant, of which 66.7% (2/3) were MRSA. The pvl gene was associated with 59.14% (55/93) of the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) isolates, but was not detected among any of the MRSA isolates.
Cytostatic Action of Novel Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Androgen Receptor-Null Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Rana Zohaib , Tyndall Joel D. A. , Hanif Muhammad , Hartinger Christian G. , Rosengren Rhonda J.
Published: January 2021

Androgen receptor (AR)-null prostate tumors have been observed in 11–24% of patients. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are overexpressed in prostate tumors. Therefore, HDAC inhibitors (Jazz90 and Jazz167) were examined in AR-null prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and DU145). Both Jazz90 and Jazz167 inhibited the growth of PC3 and DU145 cells. Jazz90 and Jazz167 were more active in PC3 cells and DU145 cells in comparison to normal prostate cells (PNT1A) and showed a 2.45- and 1.30-fold selectivity and higher cytotoxicity toward DU145 cells, respectively. Jazz90 and Jazz167 reduced HDAC activity by ~60% at 50 nM in PC3 lysates. At 4 μM, Jazz90 and Jazz167 increased acetylation in PC3 cells by 6- to 8-fold. Flow cytometry studies on the cell phase distribution demonstrated that Jazz90 causes a G0/G1 arrest in AR-null cells, whereas Jazz167 leads to a G0/G1 arrest in DU145 cells. However, apoptosis only occurred at a maximum of 7% of the total cell population following compound treatments in PC3 and DU145 cells. There was a reduction in cyclin D1 and no significant changes in bcl-2 in DU145 and PC3 cells. Overall, the results showed that Jazz90 and Jazz167 function as cytostatic HDAC inhibitors in AR-null prostate cancer cells.
Monitoring of Peripheral Blood Leukocytes and Plasma Samples: A Pilot Study to Examine Treatment Response to Leflunomide in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Rodrigues João F. S. , da Silva Liziane C. M. , Cardoso-Sousa Leia , Caixeta Douglas Carvalho , Lückemeyer Debora D. , Henrique Alisson S. , Pontes Jaqueline P. , da Silva Lycia M. G. , Macedo Juliana S. S. , Carvalho Júnior Pedro S. , Silva e Silva Cristiane , Martins Mahiba M. R. S. , Monteiro-Neto Valério , Grisotto Marcos A. G. , Fernandes Anita M. R. , Ferreira Juliano , Calixto João B. , Sabino-Silva Robinson , Fernandes Elizabeth S.
Published: January 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful inflammatory disease of the joints which affects a considerable proportion of the world population, mostly women. If not adequately treated, RA patients can become permanently disabled. Importantly, not all the patients respond to the available anti-rheumatic therapies, which also present diverse side effects. In this context, monitoring of treatment response is pivotal to avoid unnecessary side effects and costs towards an ineffective therapy. Herein, we performed a pilot study to investigate the potential use of flow cytometry and attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy as measures to identify responders and non-responders to leflunomide, a disease-modifying drug used in the treatment of RA patients. The evaluation of peripheral blood CD62L+ polymorphonuclear cell numbers and ATR-FTIR vibrational modes in plasma were able to discriminate responders to leflunomide (LFN) three-months after therapy has started. Overall, the results indicate that both flow cytometry and ATR-FTIR can potentially be employed as additional measures to monitor early treatment response to LFN in RA patients.
Increasing Brain Permeability of PHA-767491, a Cell Division Cycle 7 Kinase Inhibitor, with Biodegradable Polymeric Nanoparticles
Authors: Rojas-Prats Elisa , Tosat-Bitrián Carlota , Martínez-González Loreto , Nozal Vanesa , Pérez Daniel I. , Martínez Ana
Published: January 2021

A potent cell division cycle 7 (CDC7) kinase inhibitor, known as PHA-767491, has been described to reduce the transactive response DNA binding protein of 43 KDa (TDP-43) phosphorylation in vitro and in vivo, which is one of the main proteins found to aggregate and accumulate in the cytoplasm of motoneurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients. However, the main drawback of this compound is its low permeability to the central nervous system (CNS), limiting its use for the treatment of neurological conditions. In this context, the use of drug delivery systems like nanocarriers has become an interesting approach to improve drug release to the CNS. In this study, we prepared and characterized biodegradable nanoparticles in order to encapsulate PHA-767491 and improve its permeability to the CNS. Our results demonstrate that poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles with an average radius between 145 and 155 nm could be used to entrap PHA-767491 and enhance the permeability of this compound through the blood–brain barrier (BBB), becoming a promising candidate for the treatment of TDP-43 proteinopathies such as ALS.
Pharmacokinetic Estimation Models-based Approach to Predict Clinical Implications for CYP Induction by Calcitriol in Human Cryopreserved Hepatocytes and HepaRG Cells
Authors: Chae Yoon-Jee , Kim Min-Soo , Chung Suk-Jae , Lee Mi-Kyung , Lee Kyeong-Ryoon , Maeng Han-Joo
Published: January 2021

Calcitriol, a vitamin D3 metabolite, is approved for various indications because it is the bioactive form of vitamin D in the body. The purpose of this study was to predict the clinical significance of cytochrome P450 (CYP) induction by calcitriol using in vitro human cryopreserved hepatocytes, HepaRG experimental systems, and various pharmacokinetic estimation models. CYP2B6, 3A4, 2C8, and 2C9 mRNA levels increased in a concentration-dependent manner in the presence of calcitriol in human cryopreserved hepatocytes and HepaRG cells. Using the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) and maximum induction effect (Emax) obtained from the in vitro study, a basic kinetic model was applied, suggesting clinical relevance. In addition, a static mechanistic model showed the improbability of a clinically significant effect; however, the calculated area under the plasma concentration–time curve ratio (AUCR) was marginal for CYP3A4 in HepaRG cells. To clarify the effect of CYP3A4 in vivo, physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling was applied as a dynamic mechanistic model, revealing a low clinically significant effect of CYP3A4 induction by calcitriol. Therefore, we conclude that CYP induction by calcitriol treatment would not be clinically significant under typical clinical conditions.
Modified Biochanin A Release from Dual pH- and Thermo-Responsive Copolymer Hydrogels
Authors: Gajić Ivana , Ilić-Stojanović Snežana , Dinić Ana , Zdravković Aleksandar , Stanojević Ljiljana , Nikolić Vesna , Nikolić Ljubiša
Published: January 2021

The temperature- and pH-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid), p(NIPAM-co-AA), copolymer was synthesized by free radical polymerization and examined as a carrier for modified release of biochanin A. Biochanin A is a biologically active methoxylated isoflavone which exhibits estrogenic and other pharmacological activities. Due to its poor aqueous solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism, biochanin A has low bioavailability. The aim of this work was to incorporate biochanin A into the synthesized p(NIPAM-co-AA) copolymer and to examine its release at the body temperature and pH values that correspond to pH values of vaginal and rectal cavities. The amount of released biochanin A was monitored by the ultra-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) method. The structure of synthesized p(NIPAM-co-AA) copolymer and copolymer with incorporated biochanin A were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The content of residual monomers in the synthesized copolymer was analyzed by using the high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The swelling behavior of p(NIPAM-co-AA) copolymer was monitored in relation to the temperature and pH values of the surrounding medium. For modelling the process of p(NIPAM-co-AA) copolymer swelling, the full three-level factorial design was applied.
Polymers under Load and Heating Deformability: Modelling and Predicting
Authors: Korolev Alexander , Mishnev Maxim , Zherebtsov Dmitry , Vatin Nikolai Ivanovich , Karelina Maria
Published: January 2021

The polymer deformability under load and heating is the determining factor in calculating reinforced polymer structures used under heating. Deformability–load/temperature relations make it possible to calculate temperature stresses and deformations in bearing cross-sections of polymer structures such as chimneys, smokestacks, etc. The present study suggests a method of calculating deformability of polymers subjected to the temperature loads. The method is based on the structure model of pack or layer bonded polymer domains where the elasticity of rigid bonds decreases with heating according to entropy principles. The method has been successfully tested on various polymers and compounds with due account for the effect of mineral additives on the deformation modulus increase.
An Efficient Approach to Prepare Water-Redispersible Starch Nanocrystals from Waxy Potato Starch
Authors: Wang Haijun , Liu Cancan , Shen Runyan , Gao Jie , Li Jianbin
Published: January 2021

Starch nanocrystals (SNCs) are a biodegradable polymer which has been widely studied and used in many fields. In this study, we have developed an efficient procedure for the preparation of SNCs. First, sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) and vinyl acetate (VAC) were used to modify waxy potato starch (WPS). Then, the modified starches were hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid to prepare SNCs. Results showed that SNCs prepared with modified starch had higher zeta potentials and better dispersion properties than the original starch. After modification, WPS still maintained its semi-crystalline structure, but the surface became rougher. SHMP-modified WPS showed a decrease in viscosity peak and an increase in gelatinization temperature. VAC-modified WPS showed increased swelling power. Additionally, SNCs prepared with VAC-modified WPS had better water redispersibility and dispersion stability than those from SHMP-modified starch—which will have broader application prospects in the field of safe and biodegradable food packaging.
Model Surfaces for Paper Fibers Prepared from Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Polycations
Authors: Lux Cassia , Tilger Thomas , Geisler Ramsia , Soltwedel Olaf , von Klitzing Regine
Published: January 2021

For tailored functionalization of cellulose based papers, the interaction between paper fibers and functional additives must be understood. Planar cellulose surfaces represent a suitable model system for studying the binding of additives. In this work, polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) are prepared by alternating dip-coating of the negatively charged cellulose derivate carboxymethyl cellulose and a polycation, either polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC) or chitosan (CHI). The parameters varied during PEM formation are the concentrations (0.1–5 g/L) and pH (pH = 2–6) of the dipping solutions. Both PEM systems grow exponentially, revealing a high mobility of the polyelectrolytes (PEs). The pH-tunable charge density leads to PEMs with different surface topographies. Quartz crystal microbalance experiments with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) reveal the pronounced viscoelastic properties of the PEMs. Ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements show that the strong and highly charged polycation PDADMAC leads to the formation of smooth PEMs. The weak polycation CHI forms cellulose model surfaces with higher film thicknesses and a tunable roughness. Both PEM systems exhibit a high water uptake when exposed to a humid environment, with the PDADMAC/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) PEMs resulting in a water uptake up to 60% and CHI/CMC up to 20%. The resulting PEMs are water-stable, but water swellable model surfaces with a controllable roughness and topography.
2D and 3D Immobilization of Carbon Nanomaterials into PEDOT via Electropolymerization of a Functional Bis-EDOT Monomer
Authors: Dominguez-Alfaro Antonio , Gómez I. Jénnifer , Alegret Nuria , Mecerreyes David , Prato Maurizio
Published: January 2021

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) and conjugated polymers (CPs) are actively investigated in applications such as optics, catalysis, solar cells, and tissue engineering. Generally, CNMs are implemented in devices where the relationship between the active elements and the micro and nanostructure has a crucial role. However, they present some limitations related to solubility, processibility and release or degradability that affect their manufacturing. CPs, such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) or derivatives can hide this limitation by electrodeposition onto an electrode. In this work we have explored two different CNMs immobilization methods in 2D and 3D structures. First, CNM/CP hybrid 2D films with enhanced electrochemical properties have been developed using bis-malonyl PEDOT and fullerene C60. The resulting 2D films nanoparticulate present novel electrochromic properties. Secondly, 3D porous self-standing scaffolds were prepared, containing carbon nanotubes and PEDOT by using the same bis-EDOT co-monomer, which show porosity and topography dependence on the composition. This article shows the validity of electropolymerization to obtain 2D and 3D materials including different carbon nanomaterials and conductive polymers.
The Effect of Microcellular Structure on the Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Properties of High-Performance Nanocomposite Foams Made of Graphene Nanoplatelets-Filled Polysulfone
Authors: Antunes Marcelo , Abbasi Hooman , Velasco José Ignacio
Published: January 2021

Polysulfone nanocomposite foams containing variable amounts of graphene nanoplatelets (0–10 wt%) were prepared by water vapor-induced phase separation (WVIPS) and supercritical CO2 (scCO2) dissolution. WVIPS foams with two ranges of relative densities were considered, namely, between 0.23 and 0.41 and between 0.34 and 0.46. Foams prepared by scCO2 dissolution (0.0–2.0 wt% GnP) were obtained with a relative density range between 0.35 and 0.45. Although the addition of GnP affected the cellular structure of all foams, they had a bigger influence in WVIPS foams. The storage modulus increased for all foams with increasing relative density and GnP’s concentration, except for WVIPS PSU-GnP foams, as they developed open/interconnected cellular structures during foaming. Comparatively, foams prepared by scCO2 dissolution showed higher specific storage moduli than similar WVIPS foams (same relative density and GnP content), explained by the microcellular structure of scCO2 foams. As a result of the plasticizing effect of CO2, PSU foams prepared by scCO2 showed lower glass transition temperatures than WVIPS foams, with the two series of these foams displaying decreasing values with incrementing the amount of GnP.
Importance of Interfacial Adhesion Condition on Characterization of Plant-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Review
Authors: Lee Ching Hao , Khalina Abdan , Lee Seng Hua
Published: January 2021

Plant fibers have become a highly sought-after material in the recent days as a result of raising environmental awareness and the realization of harmful effects imposed by synthetic fibers. Natural plant fibers have been widely used as fillers in fabricating plant-fibers-reinforced polymer composites. However, owing to the completely opposite nature of the plant fibers and polymer matrix, treatment is often required to enhance the compatibility between these two materials. Interfacial adhesion mechanisms are among the most influential yet seldom discussed factors that affect the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the plant-fibers-reinforced polymer composites. Therefore, this review paper expounds the importance of interfacial adhesion condition on the properties of plant-fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The advantages and disadvantages of natural plant fibers are discussed. Four important interface mechanism, namely interdiffusion, electrostatic adhesion, chemical adhesion, and mechanical interlocking are highlighted. In addition, quantifying and analysis techniques of interfacial adhesion condition is demonstrated. Lastly, the importance of interfacial adhesion condition on the performances of the plant fiber polymer composites performances is discussed. It can be seen that the physical and thermal properties as well as flexural strength of the composites are highly dependent on the interfacial adhesion condition.