bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curcumin and Plumbagin Synergistically Target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway: A Prospective Role in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Ahmad Iftikhar , Hoque Mehboob , Alam Syed Sahajada Mahafujul , Zughaibi Torki A. , Tabrez Shams
Published: April 2023

Cancer development is associated with the deregulation of various cell signaling pathways brought on by certain genetic and epigenetic alterations. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies have been developed to target those pathways. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway is one major deregulated pathway in various types of cancer. Several anticancer drug candidates are currently being investigated in preclinical and/or clinical studies to target this pathway. Natural bioactive compounds provide an excellent source for anticancer drug development. Curcumin and plumbagin are two potential anticancer compounds that have been shown to target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway individually. However, their combinatorial effect on cancer cells is still unknown. This study aims to investigate the synergistic effect of these two compounds on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway by employing a sequential molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) analysis. An increase in binding affinity and a decrease in inhibition constant have been observed when curcumin and plumbagin were subjected to sequential docking against the key proteins PI3K, Akt, and mTOR. The MD simulations and molecular mechanics combined with generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) analyses validated the target proteins’ more stable conformation when interacting with the curcumin and plumbagin combination. This indicates the synergistic role of curcumin and plumbagin against cancer cells and the possible dose advantage when used in combination. The findings of this study pave the way for further investigation of their combinatorial effect on cancer cells in vitro and in vivo models.
Characterizing the Impact of Data-Damaged Models on Generalization Strength in Intrusion Detection
Authors: D’hooge Laurens , Verkerken Miel , Wauters Tim , De Turck Filip , Volckaert Bruno
Published: April 2023

Generalization is a longstanding assumption in articles concerning network intrusion detection through machine learning. Novel techniques are frequently proposed and validated based on the improvement they attain when classifying one or more of the existing datasets. The necessary follow-up question of whether this increased performance in classification is meaningful outside of the dataset(s) is almost never investigated. This lacuna is in part due to the sparse dataset landscape in network intrusion detection and the complexity of creating new data. The introduction of two recent datasets, namely CIC-IDS2017 and CSE-CIC-IDS2018, opened up the possibility of testing generalization capability within similar academic datasets. This work investigates how well models from different algorithmic families, pretrained on CICIDS2017, are able to classify the samples in CSE-CIC-IDS2018 without retraining. Earlier work has shown how robust these models are to data reduction when classifying state-of-the-art datasets. This work experimentally demonstrates that the implicit assumption that strong generalized performance naturally follows from strong performance on a specific dataset is largely erroneous. The supervised machine learning algorithms suffered flat losses in classification performance ranging from 0 to 50% (depending on the attack class under test). For non-network-centric attack classes, this performance regression is most pronounced, but even the less affected models that classify the network-centric attack classes still show defects. Current implementations of intrusion detection systems (IDSs) with supervised machine learning (ML) as a core building block are thus very likely flawed if they have been validated on the academic datasets, without the consideration for their general performance on other academic or real-world datasets.
Optimal Stopping Rules for Preventing Overloading of Multicomponent Systems
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej Z. , Domański Zbigniew , Derda Tomasz
Published: April 2023

When random-strength components work as an interconnected parallel system, then its carrying capacity is random as well. In a case where such a multicomponent system is a subject of the stepwise-growing workload, some of its components fail and their loads are taken over by the ones that are intact. When the loading process is continued, the additional loads trigger consecutive failures that degrade the system, eventually leading to a complete failure. If the goal of the system is to carry as much load as possible, then the loading process should be continued, but no longer than until the loading capacity of the whole system is reached. On the other hand, with every additional load step, a failure of the system becomes more probable, as the carrying capacity is random and known solely through its probability distribution. In such cases, the decision on when to cease the loading process is not obvious. We introduce and analyse a minimal model of failure spreading in an array of progressively loaded pillars controlled by a decision-maker who stops the process when a required load is attained. We show how to construct an optimal stopping rule. Under some additional assumptions regarding the adopted loss function, it is argued that the optimal stopping rule is of the threshold type and it significantly depends on the shape of the load-step probability distribution.
Microstructure-Property Correlation and Its Evolution during Aging in an Al4.4Co26Cr19Fe18Ni27Ti5.6 High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Biermair Florian , Mendez-Martin Francisca , Razumovskiy Vsevolod I. , Moitzi Franco , Ressel Gerald
Published: April 2023

The efficient energy use in multiple sectors of modern industry is partly based on the efficient use of high-strength, high-performance alloys that retain remarkable mechanical properties at elevated and high temperatures. High-entropy alloys (HEAs) represent the most recent class of these materials with a high potential for high-temperature high-strength applications. Aside from their chemical composition and microstructure-property relationship, limited information on the effect of heat treatment as a decisive factor for alloy design is available in the literature. This work intends to contribute to this research topic by investigating the effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical performance of an Al4.4Co26Cr19Fe18Ni27Ti5.6 HEA. The solution annealed state is compared to aged states obtained at different heat treatment times at 750 °C. The temporal evolution of the matrix and the γ’-precipitates are analyzed in terms of chemical composition, crystallography, size, shape, and volume fraction by means of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atom probe tomography. The yield strength evolution and strength contributions are calculated by classical state-of-the-art models as well as by ab-initio-based calculations of the critical resolved shear stress. The findings indicate promising mechanical properties of the investigated alloy and provide insight not only into possible strengthening mechanisms but also into the evolution of main phases during the heat treatment.
Starch-Directed Synthesis of Worm-Shaped Silica Microtubes
Authors: Chen Yang , Brook Michael A.
Published: April 2023

Many strategies have been adopted to prepare silica materials with highly controlled structures, typically using sol–gel chemistry. Frequently, the alkoxysilanes used in sol–gel chemistry are based on monoalcohols, e.g., Si(OEt)4. The structural control over silica synthesis achieved by these precursors is highly sensitive to pH and solvency. Alkoxysilanes derived from the sugar alcohol glycerol (diglycerylsilane) react more slowly and with much less sensitivity to pH. We report that, in the presence of cooled aqueous starch solutions, glyceroxysilanes undergo transesterification with the sugars on starch, leading to (hollow) microtubules resembling worms of about 400 nm in diameter. The tubes arise from the pre-assembly of starch bundles, which occurs only well below room temperature. It is straightforward to treat the first-formed starch/silica composite with the enzyme amylase to, in a programmed fashion, increasingly expose porosity, including the worm morphology, while washing away untethered silica and digested starch to leave an open, highly porous materials. Sintering at 600 °C completely removes the starch silane moieties.
1H NMR and EPR Spectroscopies Investigation of Alginate Cross-Linking by Divalent Ions
Authors: Forysenkova Anna A. , Ivanova Valeria A. , Fadeeva Inna V. , Mamin Georgy V. , Rau Julietta V.
Published: April 2023

Alginate is a natural polymer widely applied in materials science, medicine, and biotechnology. Its ability to bind metal ions in order to form insoluble gels has been comprehensively used to create capsules for cell technology, drug delivery, biomedical materials, etc. To modify and predict the properties of cross-linked alginate, knowledge about the mechanism of alginate binding with metal ions and the properties of its gels is necessary. This article presents the results obtained by proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for alginate containing calcium and strontium (alkaline earth metal diamagnetic) ions and by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for alginate with copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) (transition metal paramagnetic) ions. It was found that in the case of calcium (Ca) and Mn ions, their concentration does not affect their distribution in the alginate structure and the cross-linking density. In the case of strontium (Sr) and Cu ions, their number affects the number of binding sites and, accordingly, the cross-linking density. Thus, the cross-linking of alginate depends mainly on the characteristics of specific cations, while the nature of the bond (ionic or coordination type) is less important.
Temperature Experiment and Parameter Optimization of Cemented Carbide Tool in Milling 508III Steel
Authors: Cheng Yaonan , Gai Xiaoyu , Guan Rui , Jin Yingbo , Lu Mengda
Published: April 2023

In machining 508III steel, the cemented carbide tool is subjected to a strong periodic thermal load impact, leading to serious tool-chip adhesion and shortening the tool life. Considering the influence of cutting parameters on temperature, temperature experiments and finite element (FE) simulations were carried out based on Box-Behnken experimental design criteria in the response surface method (RSM). Based on the experimental results, A second-order polynomial regression prediction model for temperature was constructed as the optimization objective function based on RSM. A temperature prediction model based on GA-SVM was established to predict temperature change. Taking cutting temperature and efficiency as evaluation indicators, the elitist nondominated sorting genetic algorithm was used to optimize cutting parameters. These findings may be important for the tool life improvement and reasonable parameter selection.
Improving the Photocatalytic Activity of Ti3C2 MXene by Surface Modification of N Doped
Authors: Cui Lidan , Wen Jianfeng , Deng Quanhao , Du Xin , Tang Tao , Li Ming , Xiao Jianrong , Jiang Li , Hu Guanghui , Cao Xueli , Yao Yi
Published: April 2023

Methyl orange dye (MO) is one of the azo dyes, which is not only difficult to degrade but also hazardous to human health, therefore, it is necessary to develop an efficient photocatalyst to degrade MO. In this paper, a facile and low-cost elemental doping method was used for the surface modification of Ti3C2 MXene, i.e., nitrogen-doped titanium carbide was used as the nitrogen source, and the strategy of combining solvent heat treatment with non-in situ nitrogen doping was used to prepare N-Ti3C2 MXene two-dimensional nanomaterials with high catalytic activity. It was found that the catalytic efficiency of N-Ti3C2 MXene materials was enhanced and improved compared to the non-doped Ti3C2 MXene. In particular, N-Ti3C2 1:8 MXene showed the best photo-catalytic ability, as demonstrated by the fact that the N-Ti3C2 1:8 MXene material successfully degraded 98.73% of MO (20 mg/L) under UV lamp irradiation for 20 min, and its catalytic efficiency was about ten times that of Ti3C2 MXene, and the N-Ti3C2 photo-catalyst still showed good stability after four cycles. This work shows a simplified method for solvent heat-treating non-in situ nitrogen-doped Ti3C2 MXene, and also elaborates on the photo-catalytic mechanism of N-Ti3C2 MXene, showing that the high photo-catalytic effect of N-Ti3C2 MXene is due to the synergistic effect of its efficient charge transfer and surface-rich moieties. Therefore, N-Ti3C2 MXene has a good prospect as a photo-catalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.
Influences of Friedel’s Salt Produced by CaO-Activated Titanium-Extracted Tailing Slag on Chloride Binding
Authors: Tang Song , Peng Tongjiang , Sun Hongjuan , Ding Wenjin , Luo Liming , You Hao , Yao Xiaoman
Published: April 2023

Titanium-extracted tailing slag (TETS) has high activity, but the content of chloride ions is high. To effectively bind the chloride ions, CaO was used to activate the TETS, and the solidified cementitious material of CaO-activated TETS was prepared. The effects of CaO content and curing age on the strength of solidified samples, chloride binding capacity, and chloride binding mechanism were studied. By means of XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDS, the hydration reaction products, microstructure, morphology, and micro-components of the solidified sample were characterized. The results show that the chloride ions can be effectively bound by using CaO to activate TETS with higher mechanical strength. When the CaO content is 10 wt%, the strength of the 28-day-cured body can reach more than 20 MPa, the chloride ion binding amount is 38.93 mg/g, and the chloride binding rate is as high as 68%. The new product phases of the solidified sample are mainly Friedel’s salt (FS) and calcite, in which the amount of FS production and the degree of crystal development are affected by the CaO content and curing age. The chloride binding ions in the solidified sample are mainly the chemical binding by FS. The FS diffraction peak strength increases with the increase of CaO content and curing age, but the calcite diffraction peak strength is less affected by them. FS mainly accumulates and grows in the pores of the solidified sample. It can optimize the pore structure of the solidified sample and improve the strength of the solidified sample while binding chloride ions. The results can provide useful information for the resource utilization of chlorine-containing TETS, the improvement of durability of Marine concrete, and the application of sea sand in concrete.
The Effect of Ti Particles Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Mg AZ31/Al 6082 Composite Sheets
Authors: Ai Xiaolei , Dang Yuehui , Jiang Xianquan , Feng Xiaowei , Zhang Ruihao , Tian Yuhe , Yu Jiangyang , Peng He , Hong Rui , Feng Bo , Zheng Kaihong , Pan Fusheng
Published: April 2023

In this study, Ti particles reinforced Mg AZ31/Al 6082 composite sheets were successfully prepared by hot rolling, with the aim of revealing the effect of Ti particles addition on the mechanical behavior and microstructure of Mg AZ31/Al 6082 composite sheets. The results showed that Ti particles were uniformly distributed at the interface of the Mg/Al-Ti composite sheets, which could greatly reduce the amount of Mg-Al intermetallic compounds during annealing treatment. Compared to the Mg/Al sheet, the tensile strength and elongation of the Mg/Al-Ti sheet could be improved simultaneously after the annealing treatment. Ti particles addition hardly affected the grain size, texture type, and tensile fracture morphology of the Mg layer and Al layer in the composite sheets before and after annealing. This present study provides a new perspective on the mechanical behavior and microstructure of Mg/Al composites through the addition of metal particles.
Prediction of Hole Expansion Ratio for Advanced High-Strength Steel with Image Feature Analysis of Sheared Edge
Authors: Jeong Kyucheol , Jeong Yuhyeong , Lee Jaewook , Won Chanhee , Yoon Jonghun
Published: April 2023

The punching process of AHSS induces edge cracks in successive process, limiting the application of AHSS for vehicle bodies. Controlling and predicting edge quality is substantially difficult due to the large variation in edge quality, die wear induced by high strength, and the complex effect of phase distribution. To overcome this challenge, a quality prediction model that considers the variation of the entire edge should be developed. In this study, the image of the entire edge was analyzed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of its quality. Statistical features were extracted from the edge images to represent the edge quality of DP780, DP980, and MART1500 steels. Combined with punching monitoring signals, a prediction model for hole expansion ratio was developed under punch conditions of varying clearance, punch angle, and punch edge radius. It was found that the features of grayscale variation are affected by the punching conditions and are related to the double burnish and uneven burr, which degrades the edge quality. Prediction of HER was possible based on only edge image and monitoring signals, with the same performance as the prediction based solely on punching parameters and material properties. The prediction performance improved when using all the features.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Potential Anticancer Properties of Cu-Based Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Lazić Minja Miličić , Lazić Marko , Milašin Jelena , Popović Danica , Majerič Peter , Rudolf Rebeka
Published: April 2023

Due to the unique functional properties of shape memory alloys (SMAs) and current scientific interest in Cu-containing biomaterials, a continuously cast Cu-Al-Ni alloy in the form of rods has been investigated as a potential candidate for biomedical application. Additionally, the fact that Cu- complexes have an antitumour effect served as a cornerstone to develop more efficient drugs based on trace element complexes. In line with that, our study aimed to analyse the basic properties of the Cu-Al-Ni alloy, along with its anticancer properties. The detailed chemical analysis of the Cu-Al-Ni alloy was performed using XRF and SEM/EDX analyses. Furthermore, a microstructural and structure investigation was carried out, combined with hardness measurements using the static Vickers method. Observations have shown that the Cu-Al-Ni microstructure is homogeneous, with the presence of typical martensitic laths. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of two phases, β′ (monoclinic) and γ′ (orthorhombic). The viability of osteosarcoma cells in contact with the Cu-Al-Ni alloy was evaluated using epifluorescence microscopy, while their morphology and attachment pattern were observed and analysed using a high-resolution SEM microscope. Biocompatibility testing showed that the Cu-Al-Ni alloy exerted a considerable antineoplastic effect.
Buccally or Lingually Tilted Implants in the Lateral Atrophic Mandible: A Three-Year Follow-Up Study Focused on Neurosensory Impairment, Soft-Tissue-Related Impaction and Quality of Life Improvement
Authors: Filipov Iulian , Chirila Lucian , Bolognesi Federico , Cristache Corina Marilena
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: In the severely resorbed posterior mandible, implant placement requires either bone regenerative procedures, subperiosteal implants or short implant placement with drawbacks including morbidity and increased treatment costs and duration. To overcome these inconveniences, some unconventional alternatives have been suggested, such as buccally or lingually tilted implants in the lateral mandible, bypassing the inferior alveolar nerve. The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the three-year survival rate of implants inserted in the posterior atrophic mandible, bypassing the inferior alveolar nerve. The assessment was focused on the occurrence of postoperative complications related to neurosensory impairment and soft tissue impaction, as well as overall improvement in quality of life. Materials and Methods: Patients with severe bone atrophy in the lateral area of the mandible were included in the present study. Only the implants tilted either buccally or lingually to bypass the inferior alveolar nerve were analysed. The relation between peri-implant soft tissue and the healing abutment was assessed and a secondary revision surgery was performed when indicated. The Semmes–Weinstein pressure neurological test was used for qualitative assessment of inferior alveolar nerve function and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was used for evaluating Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Results: Fourteen implants were placed in nine patients during the evaluation period. Survival rate was 100%, temporary paraesthesia occurred in one patient and a limited definitive paraesthesia was seen in another patient. Mild or significant discomfort related to soft tissue impaction with healing abutment was observed in six out of nine patients. A statistically significant OHRQoL improvement was observed in all patients. Conclusions: Despite the limited number of patients and observation time, insertion of implants buccally or lingually bypassing the inferior alveolar nerve is a predictive treatment option for patients with severe bone atrophy in the posterior mandible.
Novel Size-Variable Dedicated Rodent Oxygenator for ECLS Animal Models—Introduction of the “RatOx” Oxygenator and Preliminary In Vitro Results
Authors: Strudthoff Lasse J. , Focke Jannis , Hesselmann Felix , Kaesler Andreas , Martins Costa Ana , Schlanstein Peter C. , Schmitz-Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich , Steuer Niklas B. , Wiegmann Bettina , Arens Jutta , Jansen Sebastian V.
Published: April 2023

The overall survival rate of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) remains at 60%. Research and development has been slow, in part due to the lack of sophisticated experimental models. This publication introduces a dedicated rodent oxygenator (“RatOx”) and presents preliminary in vitro classification tests. The RatOx has an adaptable fiber module size for various rodent models. Gas transfer performances over the fiber module for different blood flows and fiber module sizes were tested according to DIN EN ISO 7199. At the maximum possible amount of effective fiber surface area and a blood flow of 100 mL/min, the oxygenator performance was tested to a maximum of 6.27 mL O2/min and 8.2 mL CO2/min, respectively. The priming volume for the largest fiber module is 5.4 mL, while the smallest possible configuration with a single fiber mat layer has a priming volume of 1.1 mL. The novel RatOx ECLS system has been evaluated in vitro and has demonstrated a high degree of compliance with all pre-defined functional criteria for rodent-sized animal models. We intend for the RatOx to become a standard testing platform for scientific studies on ECLS therapy and technology.
Effect of Nuts on Gastrointestinal Health
Authors: Mandalari Giuseppina , Gervasi Teresa , Rosenberg Daniel W. , Lapsley Karen G. , Baer David J.
Published: April 2023

Nuts are high nutrient-dense foods containing healthy lipids, dietary fiber, and bioactive phytochemicals, including vitamins and minerals. Although the beneficial effect of nut consumption on different chronic diseases has been well documented, especially in relation to their cardiometabolic benefits, less scientific evidence is available on their possible beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health. In this narrative review, we summarize the most important findings and new research perspectives in relation to the importance of nut consumption on gastrointestinal health. The integrity of the cell wall structure, cell size and particle size after mastication are known to play a crucial role in energy, nutrient and bioactive release from nuts during digestion, therefore affecting bioaccessibility. Other mechanisms, such as cell wall composition, thickness and porosity, as well as stability of the membranes surrounding the oil bodies within the cell, are also important for energy extraction. As the undigested nutrients and phytochemicals are delivered to the colon, effects on gut microbiota composition are predicted. Although the overall effect of nut consumption on microbial alpha- and beta-diversity has been inconsistent, some scientific evidence suggests an increase in fecal butyrate after almond consumption, and a beneficial role of walnuts on the prevention of ulcerative colitis and protection against the development of gastric mucosal lesions.
Association between Nutritional Status, Lifestyle Habits, and Disease Activity in Dalmatian Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Radić Mislav , Vlak Ivan , Vučković Marijana , Radić Josipa , Bešić Erim , Vlak Tonko
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition, handgrip strength, quality of life, disease duration and activity and lifestyle habits in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to evaluate possible associations between all of the abovementioned factors. Seventy-five stable RA patients were included. Data on sociodemographic data, disease activity, quality of life, nutritional risk, body mass composition, anthropometric parameters, and clinical and laboratory parameters were collected for each study participant. The results showed that the mean score of the disease activity score (DAS28) was 5.4, the mean score of the health assessment questionnaire-disability index (HAQ-DI) was 1.19, and the mean disease duration in our population was 13.9 years. Our studied population had a long disease duration and high disease activity. Positive predictors of muscle mass in RA patients were daily caloric intake, fat-free mass, bone mass, basal metabolic rate, total body water, weight, body mass index (BMI), height, and muscle strength. There were no significant negative predictors. Positive predictors of muscle strength in RA patients were daily caloric intake, basal metabolic rate, predicted muscle mass, fat-free mass, bone mass, weight, total body water, metabolic age, hemoglobin, BMI, and number of exercises per week. In contrast, negative predictors of muscle strength were number of comorbidities, number of swollen joints, DAS, number of tender joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and duration of RA. An association was also found between bone mineral density and both muscle mass and muscle strength. A structured nutritional approach in terms of multidisciplinary collaboration between rheumatologist, dietitian and physical medicine specialist is needed in the Dalmatian RA population.
Inverse Association of the Adequacy and Balance Scores in the Modified Healthy Eating Index with Type 2 Diabetes in Women
Authors: Yang Hye-Jeong , Kim Min-Jung , Hur Haeng-Jeon , Jang Dai-Ja , Lee Byung-Kook , Kim Myung-Sunny , Park Sunmin
Published: April 2023

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has markedly increased among Asians as their diets and lifestyles become more westernized. We, therefore, investigated the hypothesis that the Korean healthy eating index (KHEI) scores are associated with gender-specific T2DM risk in adults. The hypothesis was tested using the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-VI (2013–2017) with a complex sample survey design. Along with the KHEI scores, the modified KHEI (MKHEI) scores for the Korean- (KSD) and Western-style diets (WSD) were used as independent parameters, calculated using a validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ). We estimated the association between the KHEI or MKHEI and the T2DM risk using logistic regression after adjusting for T2DM-related covariates. The adults with T2DM were more frequently older men who were less educated, married, on a lower income, and living in rural areas compared to those without T2DM. Not only the fasting serum glucose concentrations but also the waist circumferences and serum triglyceride concentrations were much higher in adults with T2DM than in those without T2DM in both genders. Serum HDL concentrations in the non-T2DM subjects exhibited a greater inverse relationship to serum glucose than in the T2DM group in both genders. Twenty-four-hour recall data revealed that women, but not men, had higher calcium, vitamin C, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, retinol, and vitamin B2 intakes than the T2DM group. Furthermore, overall, the KHEI score and the adequacy and balance scores among its components were significantly higher in the non-T2DM group than in the T2DM group, but only in women. The KHEI scores were inversely associated with T2DM only in women. The mixed grain intake score was higher in the non-T2DM than the T2DM group only in men. However, there were no differences between the groups in the MKHEI scores for KSD and WSD. In conclusion, high KHEI scores in the adequacy and balance components might prevent and/or delay T2DM risk, but only in women.
The Effects of Peanut Oligopeptides on Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Mice and Its Underlying Mechanism
Authors: Liu Rui , Li Zhen , Yu Xiao-Chen , Hu Jia-Ni , Zhu Na , Liu Xin-Ran , Hao Yun-Tao , Kang Jia-Wei , Li Yong
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to clarify the anti-fatigue effect of peanut oligopeptides (POPs) in mice and to investigate its possible underlying mechanism. A total of 150 male ICR mice were randomly assigned into five groups: control, whey protein (0.50 g/kg·bw), and three peanut peptide groups (0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 g/kg·bw). All the mice were treated with intra-gastric administration for 30 days. Following the intervention, a weight-loaded swimming test, blood lactate concentration, glycogen content, the activities of antioxidant factors and energy metabolism enzymes, and the function of mitochondria in the skeletal muscle were examined. The results show that POP intervention significantly prolonged the exhaustive swimming time, decreased blood lactate concentration levels, regulated the process of energy metabolism, and increased the level of antioxidant enzymes, muscle glycogen, and expressions of mtTFA and NRF-1 in the mitochondria of the gastrocnemius muscle. The results suggest that POPs produce an anti-fatigue effect in the animals, and they may exert this effect through the mechanism of improving the animals’ antioxidant capacity to reduce oxidative damage levels and regulating the process of energy metabolism.
Do Food and Nutrition Policies in Ethiopia Support the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases through Population-Level Salt Reduction Measures? A Policy Content Analysis
Authors: Tekle Dejen Yemane , Rosewarne Emalie , Santos Joseph Alvin , Trieu Kathy , Buse Kent , Palu Aliyah , Thow Anne Marie , Jan Stephen , Webster Jacqui
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Despite the importance of salt reduction to health outcomes, relevant policy adoption in Ethiopia has been slow, and dietary consumption of sodium remains relatively high. Aim: This analysis aims to understand the content and context of existing food-related policy, strategy, and guideline documents to identify gaps and potential opportunities for salt reduction in Ethiopia in the wider context of global evidence-informed best practice nutrition policy. Methods: Policy documents relevant to food and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), published between 2010 and December 2021, were identified through searches of government websites supplemented with experts’ advice. Documentary analysis was conducted drawing on the ‘policy cube’ which incorporates three dimensions: (i) comprehensiveness of policy measures, which for this study included the extent to which the policy addressed the food-related WHO “Best Buys” for the prevention of NCDs; (ii) policy salience and implementation potential; and (iii) equity (including gender) and human rights orientation. Results: Thirty-two policy documents were retrieved from government ministries, of which 18 were deemed eligible for inclusion. A quarter of these documents address diet-related “Best Buys” through the promotion of healthy nutrition and decreasing consumption of excess sodium, sugar, saturated fat, and trans-fats. The remainder focuses on maternal and child health and micronutrient deficiencies. All documents lack detail relating to budget, monitoring and evaluation, equity, and rights. Conclusions: This review demonstrates that the Government of Ethiopia has established policy frameworks highlighting its intention to address NCDs, but that there is an opportunity to strengthen these frameworks to improve the implementation of salt reduction programs. This includes a more holistic approach, enhanced clarification of implementation responsibilities, stipulation of budgetary allocations, and promoting a greater focus on inequities in exposure to nutrition interventions across population groups. While the analysis has identified gaps in the policy frameworks, further qualitative research is needed to understand why these gaps exist and to identify ways to fill these gaps.
The VegPlate for Sports: A Plant-Based Food Guide for Athletes
Authors: Baroni Luciana , Pelosi Ettore , Giampieri Francesca , Battino Maurizio
Published: April 2023

Background: Nutrition strategies improve physiological and biochemical adaptation to training, facilitate more intense workouts, promote faster recoveries after a workout in anticipation of the next, and help to prepare for a race and maintain the body’s hydration status. Although vegetarianism (i.e., lacto-ovo and veganism) has become increasingly popular in recent years, the number of vegetarian athletes is not known, and no specific recommendations have been made for vegetarian dietary planning in sports. Well-planned diets are mandatory to obtain the best performance, and the available literature reports that those excluding all types of flesh foods (meat, poultry, game, and seafood) neither find advantages nor suffer from disadvantages, compared to omnivorous diets, for strength, anaerobic, or aerobic exercise performance; additionally, some benefits can be derived for general health. Methods: We conceived the VegPlate for Sports, a vegetarian food guide (VFG) based on the already-validated VegPlate facilitating method, designed according to the Italian dietary reference intakes (DRIs). Results: The VegPlate for Sports is suitable for men and women who are active in sports and adhere to a vegetarian (i.e., lacto-ovo and vegan) diet, and provides weight-based, adequate dietary planning. Conclusions: The VegPlate for Sports represents a practical tool for nutrition professionals and gives the possibility to plan diets based on energy, carbohydrate (CHO), and protein (PRO) necessities, from 50 to 90 Kg body weight (BW).
Effects of Infection Control Barriers on Light Output from a Dental Light-Curing Unit Used in Various Positions
Authors: van der Zee Jitte , Tawse-Smith Andrew , Ma Sunyoung
Published: April 2023

Light-curing units (LCUs) are often subject to clinician-determined factors such as infection control barriers (ICBs) and different positionings of the light tip that may reduce their radiant exposure. The objective of this study was to investigate the individual and cumulative effects of ICBs and LCU positioning on light output. One LCU was used, in combination with five different ICBs and five different distances and angles. ICBs were also tested when placed correctly to manufacturers’ guidelines, and with creases or seams obstructing the light tip. All variables were tested in isolation and in combination with other variables. Measurements were taken from a laboratory-grade spectrometer, giving values of radiant exposure, irradiance and spectral emission. All ICBs, angles and distances showed significant reductions in light output compared to the control (p < 0.001). With increasing angle and distance, the light output was decreased further, with the greatest reduction of 80.6% from the control seen at 40° and 8 mm with an incorrectly placed ICB. When used with an ICB, an increasing angle also showed a protective relationship on the light output. When ICBs are used or when an increase in distance/angle is unavoidable, clinicians should consider compensating for the loss in radiant exposure by increasing curing times.
Large-Scale Predictions of Compound Potency with Original and Modified Activity Classes Reveal General Prediction Characteristics and Intrinsic Limitations of Conventional Benchmarking Calculations
Authors: Janela Tiago , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: April 2023

Predicting compound potency is a major task in computational medicinal chemistry, for which machine learning is often applied. This study systematically predicted compound potency values for 367 target-based compound activity classes from medicinal chemistry using a preferred machine learning approach and simple control methods. The predictions produced unexpectedly similar results for different classes and comparably high accuracy for machine learning and simple control models. Based on these findings, the influence of different data set modifications on relative prediction accuracies was explored, including potency range balancing, removal of nearest neighbors, and analog series-based compound partitioning. The predictions were surprisingly resistant to these modifications, leading to only small error margin increases. These findings also show that conventional benchmark settings are unsuitable for directly comparing potency prediction methods.
Pentoxifylline/Chitosan Films on Wound Healing: In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Moreira Vandiara Martins , Leite Joandra Maísa da Silva , Medeiros Kaline de Araújo , Assis Karoll Moangella Andrade de , Borges Joyce Cordeiro , Santana Lucas Matheus Barreto , Moreira Lívia Maria Coelho de Carvalho , Alves Larissa Pereira , Oliveira Tharcia Kiara Beserra de , Silveira João Walter de Souza da , Silva Dayanne Tomaz Casimiro da , Damasceno Bolívar Ponciano Goulart de Lima
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to develop films of chitosan (CSF) associated with pentoxifylline (PTX) for healing cutaneous wounds. These films were prepared at two concentrations, F1 (2.0 mg/mL) and F2 (4.0 mg/mL), and the interactions between the materials, structural characteristics, in vitro release, and morphometric aspects of skin wounds in vivo were evaluated. The formation of the CSF film with acetic acid modifies the polymeric structure, and the PTX demonstrates interaction with the CSF, in a semi-crystalline structure, for all concentrations. The release for all films was proportional to the concentration, with two phases: a fast one of ≤2 h and a slow one of >2 h, releasing 82.72 and 88.46% of the drug after 72 h, being governed by the Fickian diffusion mechanism. The wounds of the mice demonstrate a reduction of up to 60% in the area on day 2 for F2 when compared to CSF, F1, and positive control, and this characteristic of faster healing speed for F2 continues until the ninth day with wound reduction of 85%, 82%, and 90% for CSF, F1, and F2, respectively. Therefore, the combination of CSF and PTX is effective in their formation and incorporation, demonstrating that a higher concentration of PTX accelerates skin-wound reduction.
Synthesis, Antiproliferative Effect and In Silico LogP Prediction of BIM-23052 Analogs Containing Tyr Instead of Phe
Authors: Danalev Dancho , Iliev Ivan , Dobrev Stefan , Angelova Silvia , Petrin Stoiko , Dzimbova Tatyana , Ivanova Elena , Borisova Dessislava , Naydenova Emilia
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Hydrophobicity (or lipophilicity) is a limiting factor in the ability of molecules to pass through cell membranes and to perform their function. The ability to efficiently access cytosol is especially important when a synthetic compound has the potential to become a drug substance. D-Phe-Phe-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Phe-Thr-NH2 (BIM-23052) is a linear analog of somatostatin with established in vitro GH-inhibitory activity in nanomolar (nm) concentrations and high affinity to different somatostatin receptors. (2) Methods: Series of analogs of BIM-23052 were synthesized where Phe residue(s) in the BIM-23052 molecule were replaced with Tyr using standard SPPS, Fmoc/t-Bu strategy. Analyses of target compounds were performed using HPLC/MS technique. Toxicity and antiproliferative activity were studied using in vitro NRU and MTT assays. The values of logP (partition coefficient in octanol/water) for BIM-23052 and its analogs were calculated. (3) Results: The obtained data show the best antiproliferative effect against studied cancer cells for compound D-Phe-Phe-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Tyr7-Thr-NH2 (DD8), the most lipophilic compound according to the predicted logP values. (4) Conclusions: Multiple analyses of the obtained data reveal that compound D-Phe-Phe-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Tyr7-Thr-NH2 (DD8) where one Phe is replaced by Tyr has the best combination of cytotoxicity, antiproliferative effect and hydrolytic stability.
Antimicrobial Stewardship and Dose Adjustment of Restricted Antimicrobial Drugs in Hospital Setting
Authors: Vlak Iva , Samardžić Ivana , Marinović Ivana , Bušić Nikolina , Vrca Vesna Bačić
Published: April 2023

Antimicrobial consumption is increasing. In order to maximize the effectiveness of antimicrobial stewardship and provide safe and optimal use of restricted antimicrobial drugs, renal dosing should be evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of restricted antimicrobial drugs that required dose adjustment according to renal function. A retrospective, consecutive study was conducted at University Hospital Dubrava. This study analyzed requests for restricted antimicrobial drugs (n = 2890) during a 3-month period. Requests for antimicrobial agents were evaluated by the antimicrobial therapy management team (A-team). This study included 412 restricted antimicrobial drug requests requiring dose adjustment, of which 39.1% did not have an adjusted dose. Meropenem, Ciprofloxacin, Piperacillin/Tazobactam, Vancomycin, Colistin and the antimycotic Fluconazole were the most frequent restricted antimicrobial drugs that required dose adjustment according to impaired renal function. The results of this research highlight the importance of the A-team in the optimization of restricted antimicrobial therapy. Non-adjusted doses of restricted antimicrobial drugs increase the possibility of adverse drug reactions and therefore jeopardize pharmacotherapy outcomes and patient safety.
Preparation and Properties of Hydrophobic Polyurethane Based on Silane Modification
Authors: Ma Yuxian , Zhang Minghui , Du Wenhao , Sun Shixiong , Zhao Benbo , Cheng Yuan
Published: April 2023

Waterborne coatings have obtained more and more attention from researchers with increasing concerns in environmental protection, and have the advantages of being green, environmentally friendly and safe. However, the introduction of hydrophilic groups leads to lower hydrophobicity and it is difficult to meet the requirements of complex application environments. Herein, we proposed an optimization approach of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) with vinyl tris(β-methoxyethoxy) silane (A172), and it was found that the surface roughness, mechanical properties, thermal stability and water resistance of WPU will be increased to a certain extent with the addition of A172. Moreover, the hydrophobicity of the coating film is best when the silicon content is 10% of the acrylic monomer mass and the water contact angle reaches 100°, which could exceed two-thirds of the research results in the last decade. Therefore, our study can provide some theoretical basis for the research of hydrophobic polyurethane coatings.
Reinforcement of Nanocomposite Hydrogel with Dialdehyde Cellulose Nanofibrils via Physical and Double Network Crosslinking Synergies
Authors: Li Liang , Guo Jixiang , Kang Chuanhong , Song Hanxuan
Published: April 2023

Preparation of tough and high-strength hydrogels for water plugging in oil fields with an easy-scalable method is still considered to be a challenge. In this study, dialdehyde cellulose nanofibril (DA-CNF) prepared by sodium periodate oxidation, polyamine, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) with sulfonate groups and Acrylamide (AM) as raw materials, CNF reinforced nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared in one step by in-situ polymerization. The tensile strength, and texture stability of the obtained nanocomposite hydrogel were determined. The results showed that the tensile strength and toughness of the obtained nanocomposite hydrogel increased four times compared with control sample due to physical and chemical double crosslinking synergies. Moreover, the texture intensity of DA-CNFs reinforced hydrogel still maintains high stability and strength performance under high salinity conditions. Therefore, DA-CNF reinforced hydrogel has potential application value in both normal and high-salinity environments in oil recovery.
Enhancing Natural Rubber Tearing Strength by Mixing Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Short Fibers
Authors: He Jun , Huang Baoyuan , Wang Liang , Cai Zunling , Zhang Jing , Feng Jie
Published: April 2023

Rubber products generally need to have high resistance to abrasion, tear, and cutting. Filling short fiber with strong mechanical properties and forming a net in the rubber matrix is a good method to realize the above aims. In this article, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) short fibers with a diameter of 20 μm and a length of 2 cm were filled into natural rubber (NR) to improve the tear strength of the NR. The influence of the short fiber mass fraction and vulcanization conditions on the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The results show that the milling process and vulcanization conditions are key factors in enhancing tear resistance performance. Double-roll milling and vulcanization at 143 °C for 40 min result in strong interfacial adhesion between the UHMWPE short fibers and the NR. The addition of 2 phr of UHMWPE fiber increases the tear strength of the composite material by up to 150.2% (from 17.1 kN/m to 42.8 kN/m) while also providing excellent comprehensive performance. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging confirmed that the UHMWPE short fibers are dispersed in the NR matrix homogeneously, and the interface is close and compact. As a control experiment, UHMWPE resin powder was directly filled into the NR, and then the composite was vulcanized using the same process as that used for the NR/UHMWPE short fiber composite. The results show that the mechanical strength of the NR/resin powder composite exhibits minor improvement compared with NR. As there is no complicated surface modification of the UHMWPE fiber, the results reported may be helpful in improving the tear resistance of the industrially prepared rubber conveyor belts.
Synthesis of 5-Fluorouracil Polymer Conjugate and 19F NMR Analysis of Drug Release for MRI Monitoring
Authors: Alhaidari Laila M. , Spain Sebastian G.
Published: April 2023

To monitor the release of fluorinated drugs from polymeric carriers, a novel 19F MRI enzyme-responsive contrast agent was developed and tested. This contrast agent was prepared by conjugation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to hyperbranched poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (HB-PDMA) via an enzyme-degradable peptide linker. Due to the different molecular sizes, the release of 5-FU from the 5-FU polymer conjugate resulted in a sufficiently substantial difference in spin-spin T2 19F NMR/MRI relaxation time that enabled differentiating between attached and released drug states. The 5-FU polymer conjugate exhibited a broad signal and short T2 relaxation time under 19F NMR analysis. Incubation with the enzyme induced the release of 5-FU, accompanied by an extension of T2 relaxation times and an enhancement in the 19F MRI signal. This approach is promising for application in the convenient monitoring of 5-FU drug release and can be used to monitor the release of other fluorinated drugs.