bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Interventions with Polyphenols in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review Directed from the Preclinical Data to Randomized Clinical Studies
Authors: Valsamidou Evdokia , Gioxari Aristea , Amerikanou Charalampia , Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis , Skarpas George , Kaliora Andriana C.
Published: April 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and a major cause of limited functionality and thus a decrease in the quality of life of the inflicted. Given the fact that the existing pharmacological treatments lack disease-modifying properties and their use entails significant side effects, nutraceuticals with bioactive compounds constitute an interesting field of research. Polyphenols are plant-derived molecules with established anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have been extensively evaluated in clinical settings and preclinical models in OA. As more knowledge is gained in the research field, an interesting approach in the management of OA is the additive and/or synergistic effects that polyphenols may have in an optimized supplement. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize the recent literature regarding the use of combined polyphenols in the management of OA. For that purpose, a PubMed literature survey was conducted with a focus on some preclinical osteoarthritis models and randomized clinical trials on patients with osteoarthritis from 2018 to 2021 which have evaluated the effect of combinations of polyphenol-rich extracts and purified polyphenol constituents. Data indicate that combined polyphenols may be promising for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future, but more clinical trials with novel approaches in the identification of the in-between relationship of such constituents are needed.
Association of Urinary and Plasma Levels of Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) with Foods
Authors: Lombardo Mauro , Aulisa Giovanni , Marcon Daniele , Rizzo Gianluca , Tarsisano Maria Grazia , Di Renzo Laura , Federici Massimo , Caprio Massimiliano , De Lorenzo Antonino
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) may play a key mediator role in the relationship between the diet, gut microbiota and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in people with kidney failure. The aim of this review is to evaluate which foods have a greater influence on blood or urinary trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels. Methods: 391 language articles were screened, and 27 were analysed and summarized for this review, using the keywords “TMAO” AND “egg” OR “meat” OR “fish” OR “dairy” OR “vegetables” OR “fruit” OR “food” in December 2020. Results: A strong correlation between TMAO and fish consumption, mainly saltwater fish and shellfish, but not freshwater fish, has been demonstrated. Associations of the consumption of eggs, dairy and meat with TMAO are less clear and may depend on other factors such as microbiota or cooking methods. Plant-based foods do not seem to influence TMAO but have been less investigated. Discussion: Consumption of saltwater fish, dark meat fish and shellfish seems to be associated with an increase in urine or plasma TMAO values. Further studies are needed to understand the relationship between increased risk of cardiovascular disease and plasma levels of TMAO due to fish consumption. Interventions coupled with long-term dietary patterns targeting the gut microbiota seem promising.
Creatine Supplementation for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Scientific Rationale for a Clinical Trial
Authors: Wallimann Theo , Hall Caroline , Colgan Sean , Glover Louise
Published: April 2021

Based on theoretical considerations, experimental data with cells in vitro, animal studies in vivo, as well as a single case pilot study with one colitis patient, a consolidated hypothesis can be put forward, stating that “oral supplementation with creatine monohydrate (Cr), a pleiotropic cellular energy precursor, is likely to be effective in inducing a favorable response and/or remission in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), like ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn’s disease”. A current pilot clinical trial that incorporates the use of oral Cr at a dose of 2 × 7 g per day, over an initial period of 2 months in conjunction with ongoing therapies (NCT02463305) will be informative for the proposed larger, more long-term Cr supplementation study of 2 × 3–5 g of Cr per day for a time of 3–6 months. This strategy should be insightful to the potential for Cr in reducing or alleviating the symptoms of IBD. Supplementation with chemically pure Cr, a natural nutritional supplement, is well tolerated not only by healthy subjects, but also by patients with diverse neuromuscular diseases. If the outcome of such a clinical pilot study with Cr as monotherapy or in conjunction with metformin were positive, oral Cr supplementation could then be used in the future as potentially useful adjuvant therapeutic intervention for patients with IBD, preferably together with standard medication used for treating patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn’s disease.
Persistent Moderate-to-Weak Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Low Scoring for Plant-Based Foods across Several Southern European Countries: Are We Overlooking the Mediterranean Diet Recommendations?
Authors: Quarta Stefano , Massaro Marika , Chervenkov Mihail , Ivanova Teodora , Dimitrova Dessislava , Jorge Rui , Andrade Vanda , Philippou Elena , Zisimou Constantinos , Maksimova Viktorija , Smilkov Katarina , Ackova Darinka Gjorgieva , Miloseva Lence , Ruskovska Tatjana , Deligiannidou Georgia Eirini , Kontogiorgis Christos A. , Sánchez-Meca Julio , Pinto Paula , García-Conesa María-Teresa
Published: April 2021

The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been sponsored worldwide as a healthy and sustainable diet. Our aim was to update and compare MD adherence and food choices across several Southern European countries: Spain (SP), Portugal (PT), Italy (IT), Greece (GR), and Cyprus (CY) (MED, Mediterranean), and Bulgaria (BG) and the Republic of North Macedonia (NMK) (non-MED, non-Mediterranean). Participants (N = 3145, ≥18 y) completed a survey (MeDiWeB) with sociodemographic, anthropometric, and food questions (14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, 14-MEDAS). The MED and non-MED populations showed moderate (7.08 ± 1.96) and weak (5.58 ± 1.82) MD adherence, respectively, with significant yet small differences across countries (SP > PT > GR > IT > CY > BG > NMK, p-value < 0.001). The MED participants scored higher than the non-MED ones for most of the Mediterranean-typical foods, with the greatest differences found for olive oil (OO) and white meat preference. In most countries, ≥70% of the participants reported quantities of red meat, butter, sweet drinks, and desserts below the recommended cutoff points, whereas <50% achieved the targets for plant-based foods, OO, fish, and wine. Being a woman and increasing age were associated with superior adherence (p-value < 0.001), but differences were rather small. Our results suggest that the campaigns carried out to support and reinforce the MD and to promote plant-based foods have limited success across Southern Europe, and that more hard-hitting strategies are needed.
Nutrient Intake during Pregnancy and Adherence to Dietary Recommendations: The Mediterranean PHIME Cohort
Authors: Concina Federica , Pani Paola , Carletti Claudia , Rosolen Valentina , Knowles Alessandra , Parpinel Maria , Ronfani Luca , Mariuz Marika , Vecchi Brumatti Liza , Valent Francesca , Little D’Anna , Petrović Oleg , Prpić Igor , Špirić Zdravko , Sofianou-Katsoulis Aikaterini , Mazej Darja , Tratnik Janja Snoj , Horvat Milena , Barbone Fabio
Published: April 2021

Few studies provide a detailed description of dietary habits during pregnancy, despite the central role of nutrition for the health of the mother and offspring. This paper describes the dietary habits, energy and nutrient intake in pregnant women from four countries belonging to the Mediterranean PHIME cohort (Croatia, Greece, Italy and Slovenia) and evaluates their adherence to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendations. A total of 1436 women were included in the present analysis. Maternal diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The mean macro and micronutrient intakes were estimated and compared with the dietary reference values (DRVs). The percentage distribution of the 16 food groups in the total intake of each macronutrient was estimated. All women shared a similar diet during pregnancy; almost all the women in the four countries exceeded the DRV for sugars, and the total fat intake was above the DRV in most women in all the countries, as was the contribution of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) to the total energy intake. In all four countries, we observed an increased risk of micronutrient deficiency for iron, folate and vitamin D. Shared guidelines, implemented at both the national and European level, are essential to improve the maternal nutritional status during pregnancy.
High Choline Intake during Pregnancy Reduces Characteristics of the Metabolic Syndrome in Male Wistar Rat Offspring Fed a High Fat But Not a Normal Fat Post-Weaning Diet
Authors: Hammoud Rola , Pannia Emanuela , Kubant Ruslan , Metherel Adam , Simonian Rebecca , Pausova Zdenka , Anderson G. Harvey
Published: April 2021

Maternal choline intakes are below recommendations, potentially impairing the child’s later-life metabolic health. This study aims to elucidate the interaction between the choline content of the gestational diet (GD) and fat content of the post-weaning diet (PWD) on metabolic phenotype of male Wistar rats. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed a standard rodent diet (AIN-93G) with either recommended choline (RC, 1 g/kg diet choline bitartrate) or high choline (HC, 2.5-fold). Male pups were weaned to either a normal (16%) fat (NF) or a high (45%) fat (HF) diet for 17 weeks. Body weight, visceral adiposity, food intake, energy expenditure, plasma hormones, triglycerides, and hepatic fatty acids were measured. HC-HF offspring had 7% lower body weight but not food intake, and lower adiposity, plasma triglycerides, and insulin resistance compared to RC-HF. They also had increased hepatic n-3 fatty acids and a reduced n-6/n-3 and C 18:1 n-9/C18:0 ratios. In contrast, HC-NF offspring had 6–8% higher cumulative food intake and body weight, as well as increased leptin and elevated hepatic C16:1 n-7/C16:0 ratio compared to RC-NF. Therefore, gestational choline supplementation associated with improved long-term regulation of several biomarkers of the metabolic syndrome in male Wistar rat offspring fed a HF, but not a NF, PWD.
The Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Chinese Older Adults: Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression
Authors: Chen Zi , Li Wei-Ying , Ho Mandy , Chau Pui-Hing
Published: April 2021

Sarcopenia, with risk factors such as poor nutrition and physical inactivity, is becoming prevalent among the older population. The aims of this study were (i) to systematically review the existing data on sarcopenia prevalence in the older Chinese population, (ii) to generate pooled estimates of the sex-specific prevalence among different populations, and (iii) to identify the factors associated with the heterogeneity in the estimates across studies. A search was conducted in seven databases for studies that reported the prevalence of sarcopenia in Chinese older adults, aged 60 years and over, published through April 2020. We then performed a meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence, and investigated the factors associated with the variation in the prevalence across the studies using meta-regression. A total of 58 studies were included in this review. Compared with community-dwelling Chinese older adults (men: 12.9%, 95% CI: 10.7–15.1%; women: 11.2%, 95% CI: 8.9–13.4%), the pooled prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults from hospitals (men: 29.7%, 95% CI:18.4–41.1%; women: 23.0%, 95% CI:17.1–28.8%) and nursing homes (men: 26.3%, 95% CI: 19.1 to 33.4%; women: 33.7%, 95% CI: 27.2 to 40.1%) was higher. The multivariable meta-regression quantified the difference of the prevalence estimates in different populations, muscle mass assessments, and areas. This study yielded pooled estimates of sarcopenia prevalence in Chinese older adults not only from communities, but also from clinical settings and nursing homes. This study added knowledge to the current epidemiology literature about sarcopenia in older Chinese populations, and could provide background information for future preventive strategies, such as nutrition and physical activity interventions, tailored to the growing older population.
Composition and Nutritional Quality of the Diet in Spanish Households during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: del Pozo de la Calle Susana , Alonso Ledesma Isabel , Nuñez Olivier , Castelló Pastor Adela , Lope Carvajal Virginia , Fernández de Larrea Baz Nerea , Pérez-Gómez Beatriz , Pollán Marina , Ruiz Moreno Emma
Published: April 2021

In Spain, the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to the declaration of a state of alarm in the whole country in 2020; in this context, a nationwide lockdown was implemented, potentially altering the dietary habits of the population. The aims of this study were to describe the diet and its nutritional quality in Spanish households during the first COVID-19 epidemic wave and to compare them with the same period in 2019. Data on monthly foods and beverages household purchases in 2019 and 2020 were obtained from the nationwide Food Consumption Surveys. In April, there was an average increase, compared with 2019, of more than 40% for all food groups, with significant peaks in: alcoholic beverages (75%), appetizers (60%), eggs (59%), sugar and sweets (52%), and vegetables (50%). In March, the greatest peak was for pulses, with a 63% increment. The mean energy value of purchased foods in April was 2801 kcal/person/day, corresponding to an increase of 771 kcal/person/day (+38%), compared to the same month of 2019 (March and May: +520 kcal (+26%), June: +343 kcal (+18%)). Regarding nutrient density, there was a reduction in calcium, iodine, zinc, selenium, riboflavin, vitamins B12, D, A, especially retinol, and an increase in fibre, sodium, folic acid, carotenes and vitamin E. Alcohol content per 1000 kcal increased by more than 20% from April to July. Food purchase patterns in Spanish households changed during lockdown and after it, with no appreciable improvement in the quality of the diet.
Polyphenols Rich Diets and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Da Porto Andrea , Cavarape Alessandro , Colussi GianLuca , Casarsa Viviana , Catena Cristiana , Sechi Leonardo A.
Published: April 2021

Type 2 diabetes is an increasing health concern worldwide. Both genetic and environmental risk factors as improper dietary habits or physical inactivity are known to be crucial in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Polyphenols are a group of plant-derived compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are associated with a low prevalence of metabolic conditions characterized by insulin resistance, including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Moreover, there is now full awareness that foods that are rich in phytochemicals and polyphenols could play an important role in preserving human cardiovascular health and substantial clinical evidence indicates that regular dietary consumption of such foods affects favorably carbohydrate metabolism. This review briefly summarizes the evidence relating dietary patterns rich in polyphenols with glucose metabolism and highlights the potential benefits of these compounds in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Vitamin D Effects on Bone Homeostasis and Cardiovascular System in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Cianciolo Giuseppe , Cappuccilli Maria , Tondolo Francesco , Gasperoni Lorenzo , Zappulo Fulvia , Barbuto Simona , Iacovella Francesca , Conte Diletta , Capelli Irene , La Manna Gaetano
Published: April 2021

Poor vitamin D status is common in patients with impaired renal function and represents one main component of the complex scenario of chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD–MBD). Therapeutic and dietary efforts to limit the consequences of uremia-associated vitamin D deficiency are a current hot topic for researchers and clinicians in the nephrology area. Evidence indicates that the low levels of vitamin D in patients with CKD stage above 4 (GFR < 15 mL/min) have a multifactorial origin, mainly related to uremic malnutrition, namely impaired gastrointestinal absorption, dietary restrictions (low-protein and low-phosphate diets), and proteinuria. This condition is further worsened by the compromised response of CKD patients to high-dose cholecalciferol supplementation due to the defective activation of renal hydroxylation of vitamin D. Currently, the literature lacks large and interventional studies on the so-called non-calcemic activities of vitamin D and, above all, the modulation of renal and cardiovascular functions and immune response. Here, we review the current state of the art of the benefits of supplementation with native vitamin D in various clinical settings of nephrological interest: CKD, dialysis, and renal transplant, with a special focus on the effects on bone homeostasis and cardiovascular outcomes.
Activity of Liquid and Volatile Fractions of Essential Oils against Biofilm Formed by Selected Reference Strains on Polystyrene and Hydroxyapatite Surfaces
Authors: Dudek-Wicher Ruth , Paleczny Justyna , Kowalska-Krochmal Beata , Szymczyk-Ziółkowska Patrycja , Pachura Natalia , Szumny Antoni , Brożyna Malwina
Published: April 2021

Biofilms are surface-attached, structured microbial communities displaying higher tolerance to antimicrobial agents in comparison to planktonic cells. An estimated 80% of all infections are thought to be biofilm-related. The drying pipeline of new antibiotics efficient against biofilm-forming pathogens urges the search for alternative routes of treatment. Essential Oils (EOs), extracted from medicinally important plants, are a reservoir of bioactive compounds that may serve as a foothold in investigating novel antibiofilm compounds. The aim of this study was to compare antimicrobial activity of liquid and volatile fractions of tested EOs against biofilm-forming pathogens using different techniques. In this research, we tested five EOs, extracted from Syzygium aromaticum L., Boswelia serrata Roxb., Juniperus virginiana L., Pelargonium graveolens L. and Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel., against planktonic and biofilm forms of five selected reference strains, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. To obtain cohesive results, we applied four various methodological approaches: to assess the activity of the liquid fraction of EOs, disc diffusion and the microdilution method were applied; to test EOs’ volatile fraction, the AntiBioVol assay and modified Antibiofilm Dressing Activity Measurement (A.D.A.M.) were used. The molecular composition and dynamics of antimicrobial substances released from specific EOs was measured using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial potency of EO’s volatile fraction against biofilm formed by tested strains differed from that of the liquid fraction and was related to the molecular weight of volatile compounds. The liquid fraction of CW-EO and volatile fraction of F-EO acted in the strongest manner against biofilm of C. albicans. The addition of 0.5% Tween 20 to liquid phase, enhanced activity of G-EO against E. coli and K. pneumoniae biofilm. EO activity depended on the microbial species it was applied against and the chosen assessment methodology. While all tested EOs have shown a certain level of antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect, our results indicate that the choice of EO to be applied against a specific biofilm-forming pathogen requires careful consideration with regard to the above-listed aspects. Nevertheless, the results presented in this research contribute to the growing body of evidence indicating the beneficial effects of EOs, which may be applied to fight biofilm-forming pathogens.
Effect of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine on the Pharmacokinetics of Praziquantel for Treatment of Schistosoma mansoni Infection
Authors: Minzi Omary Mashiku , Mnkugwe Rajabu Hussein , Ngaimisi Eliford , Kinung’hi Safari , Hansson Anna , Pohanka Anton , Kamuhabwa Appolinary , Aklillu Eleni
Published: April 2021

Praziquantel (PZQ) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHP) combination recently showed superior effectiveness than PZQ alone to treat intestinal schistosomiasis. In this follow-up study, we investigated the effect of DHP co-administration on the pharmacokinetics of PZQ and its enantiomers among 64 Schistosoma mansoni infected children treated with PZQ alone (n = 32) or PZQ + DHP combination (n = 32). Plasma samples collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h post-dose were quantified using UPLCMS/MS. The geometric mean (GM) of AUCs for total PZQ, R-PZQ and S-PZQ were significantly higher among children who received PZQ + DHP than PZQ alone. The geometric mean ratio (GMR) and (90% CI) of AUC0–∞ for PZQ + DHP to PZQ for total PZQ, R-PZQ, and S-PZQ were 2.18 (1.27, 3.76), 3.98 (2.27, 7.0) and 1.86 (1.06, 3.28), respectively. The GMR and (90% CI) of AUC0–8 for total PZQ, R-PZQ, and S-PZQ were 1.73 (1.12, 2.69), 2.94 (1.75, 4.92), and 1.50 (0.97, 2.31), respectively. The GM of Cmax for total PZQ, R-PZQ and S-PZQ were significantly higher among those who received PZQ + DHP than PZQ alone. The GMR (90% CI) of Cmax of PZQ + DHP to PZQ for total PZQ, R-PZQ, and S-PZQ were 1.75 (1.15, 2.65), 3.08 (1.91, 4.96), and 1.50 (1.0, 2.25%), respectively. The 90% CI of the GMRs for both AUCs and Cmax for total PZQ, R-PZQ, and S-PZQ were outside the acceptable 0.80–1.25 range, indicating that the two treatment arms were not bioequivalent. DHP co-administration significantly increases systemic PZQ exposure, and this may contribute to increased effectiveness of PZQ + DHP combination therapy than PZQ alone to treat schistosomiasis.
Pharmacokinetic Drug–Drug Interactions and Herb–Drug Interactions
Authors: Choi Min-Koo , Song Im-Sook
Published: April 2021

Due to the growing use of herbal supplementation—ease of taking herbal supplements with therapeutics drugs (i [...]
Kinetic Release Studies of Antibiotic Patches for Local Transdermal Delivery
Authors: Altun Esra , Yuca Esra , Ekren Nazmi , Kalaskar Deepak M. , Ficai Denisa , Dolete Georgiana , Ficai Anton , Gunduz Oguzhan
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the usage of electrohydrodynamic (EHD)-3D printing for the fabrication of bacterial cellulose (BC)/polycaprolactone (PCL) patches loaded with different antibiotics (amoxicillin (AMX), ampicillin (AMP), and kanamycin (KAN)) for transdermal delivery. The composite patches demonstrated facilitated drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of drugs along with extended drug release profiles. Release curves were also subjected to model fitting, and it was found that drug release was optimally adapted to the Higuchi square root model for each drug. They performed a time-dependent and diffusion-controlled release from the patches and followed Fick’s diffusion law by the Korsmeyer–Peppas energy law equation. Moreover, produced patches demonstrated excellent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) strains, so they could be helpful in the treatment of chronic infectious lesions during wound closures. As different tests have confirmed, various types of antibiotics could be loaded and successfully released regardless of their types from produced BC/PCL patches. This study could breathe life into the production of antibiotic patches for local transdermal applications in wound dressing studies and improve the quality of life of patients.
Use of Visual Dashboards to Enhance Pharmacy Teaching
Authors: Bartlett Andrew , Schneider Carl R. , Penm Jonathan , Mirzaei Ardalan
Published: April 2021

Teaching large cohorts of pharmacy students with a team of multiple tutors in a feedback intensive course poses challenges in relation the amount of data generated, data integrity, interpretation of the data and importantly application of the insights gained from the data. The dispensing and counselling course in the third year BPharm at the University of Sydney has implemented the USyd Pharmacy Dashboard, developed to address these challenges following the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge Framework (TPACK) to integrate technology into teaching. The dashboard was designed to improve the student experience through more consistent feedback, gain insights to improve teaching delivery and provide efficiencies in maintaining data integrity. The tool has been developed using an action-based research approach whereby ideas are put into practice as the means to further develop the idea and improve practice. Refinement of the USyd Pharmacy Dashboard over three years has shown improvements in teaching delivery as teachers can respond to emerging trends. Student performance and satisfaction scores have increased, mainly due to improved consistency between tutors and improved delivery of feedback. Time involved with administrative tasks such as data maintenance is reduced. Opportunities for further refinements such as real time benchmarking and developing an open learner model have become apparent.
A Polarization-Insensitive Recirculating Delayed Self-Heterodyne Method for Sub-Kilohertz Laser Linewidth Measurement
Authors: Gao Jing , Jiao Dongdong , Deng Xue , Liu Jie , Zhang Linbo , Zang Qi , Zhang Xiang , Liu Tao , Zhang Shougang
Published: April 2021

A polarization-insensitive recirculating delayed self-heterodyne method (PI-RDSHM) is proposed and demonstrated for the precise measurement of sub-kilohertz laser linewidths. By a unique combination of Faraday rotator mirrors (FRMs) in an interferometer, the polarization-induced fading is effectively reduced without any active polarization control. This passive polarization-insensitive operation is theoretically analyzed and experimentally verified. Benefited from the recirculating mechanism, a series of stable beat spectra with different delay times can be measured simultaneously without changing the length of delay fiber. Based on Voigt profile fitting of high-order beat spectra, the average Lorentzian linewidth of the laser is obtained. The PI-RDSHM has advantages of polarization insensitivity, high resolution, and less statistical error, providing an effective tool for accurate measurement of sub-kilohertz laser linewidth.
Physical Mapping of QTL in Four Spring Wheat Populations under Conventional and Organic Management Systems. I. Earliness
Authors: Semagn Kassa , Iqbal Muhammad , Chen Hua , Perez-Lara Enid , Bemister Darcy H. , Xiang Rongrong , Zou Jun , Asif Muhammad , Kamran Atif , N’Diaye Amidou , Randhawa Harpinder , Pozniak Curtis , Spaner Dean
Published: April 2021

In previous studies, we reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with the heading, flowering, and maturity time in four hard red spring wheat recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations but the results are scattered in population-specific genetic maps, which is challenging to exploit efficiently in breeding. Here, we mapped and characterized QTL associated with these three earliness traits using the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) RefSeq v2.0 physical map. Our data consisted of (i) 6526 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and two traits evaluated at five conventionally managed environments in the ‘Cutler’ × ‘AC Barrie’ population; (ii) 3158 SNPs and two traits evaluated across three organic and seven conventional managements in the ‘Attila’ × ‘CDC Go’ population; (iii) 5731 SilicoDArT and SNP markers and the three traits evaluated at four conventional and organic management systems in the ‘Peace’ × ‘Carberry’ population; and (iv) 1058 SNPs and two traits evaluated across two conventionally and organically managed environments in the ‘Peace’ × ‘CDC Stanley’ population. Using composite interval mapping, the phenotypic data across all environments, and the IWGSC RefSeq v2.0 physical maps, we identified a total of 44 QTL associated with days to heading (11), flowering (10), and maturity (23). Fifteen of the 44 QTL were common to both conventional and organic management systems, and the remaining QTL were specific to either the conventional (21) or organic (8) management systems. Some QTL harbor known genes, including the Vrn-A1, Vrn-B1, Rht-A1, and Rht-B1 that regulate photoperiodism, flowering time, and plant height in wheat, which lays a solid basis for cloning and further characterization.
Bio-Based Furan-Polyesters/Graphene Nanocomposites Prepared by In Situ Polymerization
Authors: Sisti Laura , Totaro Grazia , Celli Annamaria , Giorgini Loris , Ligi Simone , Vannini Micaela
Published: April 2021

In situ intercalative polymerization has been investigated as a strategic way to obtain poly(propylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PPF) and poly(hexamethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PHF) nanocomposites with different graphene types and amounts. Graphene (G) has been dispersed in surfactant stabilized water suspensions. The loading range in composites was 0.25–0.75 wt %. For the highest composition, a different type of graphene (XT500) dispersed in 1,3 propanediol, containing a 6% of oxidized graphene and without surfactant has been also tested. The results showed that the amorphous PPF is able to crystallize during heating scan in DSC and graphene seems to affect such capability: G hinders the polymer chains in reaching an ordered state, showing even more depressed cold crystallization and melting. On the contrary, such hindering effect is absent with XT500, which rather induces the opposite. Concerning the thermal stability, no improvement has been induced by graphene, even if the onset degradation temperatures remain high for all the materials. A moderate enhancement in mechanical properties is observed in PPF composite with XT500, and especially in PHF composite, where a significative increase of 10–20% in storage modulus E’ is maintained in almost all the temperature range. Such an increase is also reflected in a slightly higher heat distortion temperature. These preliminary results can be useful in order to further address the field of application of furan-based polyesters; in particular, they could be promising as packaging materials.
Influence of Reactive Chain Extension on the Properties of 3D Printed Poly(Lactic Acid) Constructs
Authors: Grigora Maria-Eirini , Terzopoulou Zoi , Tsongas Konstantinos , Klonos Panagiotis , Kalafatakis Nikolaos , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Kyritsis Apostolos , Tzetzis Dimitrios
Published: April 2021

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is currently the most popular 3D printing method, where thermoplastic polymers are predominantly used. Among them, the biobased poly(lactic acid) (PLA) governs the FDM filament market, with demand higher than supply, since not all grades of PLA are suitable for FDM filament production. In this work, the effect of a food grade chain extender (Joncryl ADR® 4400) on the physicochemical properties and printability of PLA marketed for injection molding was examined. All samples were characterized in terms of their mechanical and thermal properties. The microstructure of the filaments and 3D-printed fractured surfaces following tensile testing were examined with optical and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Molecular weight and complex viscosity increased, while the melt flow index decreased after the incorporation of Joncryl, which resulted in filaments of improved quality and 3D-printed constructs with enhanced mechanical properties. Dielectric spectroscopy revealed that the bulk properties of PLA with respect to molecular mobility, both local and segmental, were, interestingly, not affected by the modifier. Indirectly, this may suggest that the major effects of the extender are on chain length, without inducing chain branching, at least not to a significant extent.
Design and Gas Separation Performance of Imidazolium Poly(ILs) Containing Multivalent Imidazolium Fillers and Crosslinking Agents
Authors: O’Harra Kathryn E. , DeVriese Emily M. , Turflinger Erika M. , Noll Danielle M. , Bara Jason E.
Published: April 2021

This work introduces a series of vinyl-imidazolium-based polyelectrolyte composites, which were structurally modified via impregnation with multivalent imidazolium-benzene ionic liquids (ILs) or crosslinked with novel cationic crosslinkers which possess internal imidazolium cations and vinylimidazolium cations at the periphery. A set of eight [C4vim][Tf2N]-based membranes were prepared via UV-initiated free radical polymerization, including four composites containing di-, tri-, tetra-, and hexa-imidazolium benzene ILs and four crosslinked derivatives which utilized tri- and tetra- vinylimidazolium benzene crosslinking agents. Structural and functional characterizations were performed, and pure gas permeation data were collected to better understand the effects of “free” ILs dispersed in the polymeric matrix versus integrated ionic crosslinks on the transport behaviors of these thin films. These imidazolium PIL:IL composites exhibited moderately high CO2 permeabilities (~20–40 Barrer), a 4–7× increase relative to corresponding neat PIL, with excellent selectivities against N2 or CH4. The addition of imidazolium-benzene fillers with increased imidazolium content were shown to correspondingly enhance CO2 solubility (di- < tri- < tetra- < hexa-), with the [C4vim][Tf2N]: [Hexa(Im+)Benz ][Tf2N] composite showing the highest CO2 permeability (PCO2 = 38.4 Barrer), while maintaining modest selectivities (αCO2/CH4 = 20.2, αCO2/N2 = 23.6). Additionally, these metrics were similarly improved with the integration of more ionic content bonded to the polymeric matrix; increased PCO2 with increased wt% of the tri- and tetra-vinylimidazolium benzene crosslinking agent was observed. This study demonstrates the intriguing interactions and effects of ionic additives or crosslinkers within a PIL matrix, revealing the potential for the tuning of the properties and transport behaviors of ionic polymers using ionic liquid-inspired small molecules.
The Challenges and Future Perspective of Woven Kenaf Reinforcement in Thermoset Polymer Composites in Malaysia: A Review
Authors: Lee Ching Hao , Khalina Abdan , Nurazzi N. Mohd , Norli Abdullah , Harussani M. M. , Rafiqah S. Ayu , Aisyah H. A. , Ramli Natasha
Published: April 2021

In this review, the challenges faced by woven kenaf thermoset polymer composites in Malaysia were addressed with respect to three major aspects: woven kenaf reinforcement quality, Malaysian citizen awareness of woven kenaf thermoset composite products, and government supports. Kenaf plantations were introduced in Malaysia in the last two decades, but have generally not produced much kenaf composite product that has been widely accepted by the public. However, woven kenaf fiber enhances the thermoset composites to a similar degree or better than other natural fibers, especially with respect to impact resistance. Woven kenaf composites have been applied in automotive structural studies in Malaysia, yet they are still far from commercialization. Hence, this review discusses the kenaf fiber woven in Malaysia, thermoset and bio-based thermoset polymers, thermoset composite processing methods and, most importantly, the challenges faced in Malaysia. This review sets guidelines, provides an overview, and shares knowledge as to the potential challenges currently faced by woven kenaf reinforcements in thermoset polymer composites, allowing researchers to shift their interests and plans for conducting future studies on woven kenaf thermoset polymer composites.
Blumenberg’s Problematic Secularization Thesis: Augustine, Curiositas and the Emergence of Late Modernity
Authors: Rivera Joseph
Published: April 2021

Christianity, a spirituality of dwelling critically in the world, is seen by some in late modernity to foster an otherworldly attitude, and thus to cultivate a spirituality at odds with modern identity. Especially in the wake of Nietzsche’s condemnation of Christianity on the grounds of its ascetic abandonment of the world, some have contended that Christianity may never have overcome its early conflict with Gnosticism. Hans Blumenberg’s Legitimacy of the Modern Age continues to be read widely. Critics of modernity often avoid confronting the book’s lengthy endorsement of modernity in light of his critique of Augustine’s critique of curiositas. A central aim of this essay is to complicate Blumenberg’s influential thesis about Augustine’s supposed repudiation of “theoretical curiosity” that funded early modern science and inaugurated the modern epoch of self-assertion.
An Instance Segmentation Based Framework for Large-Sized High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images Registration
Authors: Lu Junyan , Jia Hongguang , Li Tie , Li Zhuqiang , Ma Jingyu , Zhu Ruifei
Published: April 2021

Feature-based remote sensing image registration methods have achieved great accomplishments. However, they have faced some limitations of applicability, automation, accuracy, efficiency, and robustness for large high-resolution remote sensing image registration. To address the above issues, we propose a novel instance segmentation based registration framework specifically for large-sized high-resolution remote sensing images. First, we design an instance segmentation model based on a convolutional neural network (CNN), which can efficiently extract fine-grained instances as the deep features for local area matching. Then, a feature-based method combined with the instance segmentation results is adopted to acquire more accurate local feature matching. Finally, multi-constraints based on the instance segmentation results are introduced to work on the outlier removal. In the experiments of high-resolution remote sensing image registration, the proposal effectively copes with the circumstance of the sensed image with poor positioning accuracy. In addition, the method achieves superior accuracy and competitive robustness compared with state-of-the-art feature-based methods, while being rather efficient.
Machine Learning Techniques for Fine Dead Fuel Load Estimation Using Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data
Authors: D’Este Marina , Elia Mario , Giannico Vincenzo , Spano Giuseppina , Lafortezza Raffaele , Sanesi Giovanni
Published: April 2021

Fine dead fuel load is one of the most significant components of wildfires without which ignition would fail. Several studies have previously investigated 1-h fuel load using standard fuel parameters or site-specific fuel parameters estimated ad hoc for the landscape. On the one hand, these methods have a large margin of error, while on the other their production times and costs are high. In response to this gap, a set of models was developed combining multi-source remote sensing data, field data and machine learning techniques to quantitatively estimate fine dead fuel load and understand its determining factors. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to: (1) estimate 1-h fuel loads using remote sensing predictors and machine learning techniques; (2) evaluate the performance of each machine learning technique compared to traditional linear regression models; (3) assess the importance of each remote sensing predictor; and (4) map the 1-h fuel load in a pilot area of the Apulia region (southern Italy). In pursuit of the above, fine dead fuel load estimation was performed by the integration of field inventory data (251 plots), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR, Sentinel-1), optical (Sentinel-2), and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data applying three different algorithms: Multiple Linear regression (MLR), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). Model performances were evaluated using Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), the coefficient of determination (R2) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). The results showed that RF (RMSE: 0.09; MSE: 0.01; r: 0.71; R2: 0.50) had more predictive power compared to the other models, while SVM (RMSE: 0.10; MSE: 0.01; r: 0.63; R2: 0.39) and MLR (RMSE: 0.11; MSE: 0.01; r: 0.63; R2: 0.40) showed similar performances. LIDAR variables (Canopy Height Model and Canopy cover) were more important in fuel estimation than optical and radar variables. In fact, the results highlighted a positive relationship between 1-h fuel load and the presence of the tree component. Conversely, the geomorphological variables appeared to have lower predictive power. Overall, the 1-h fuel load map developed by the RF model can be a valuable tool to support decision making and can be used in regional wildfire risk management.
Climate and Socioeconomic Factors Drive Irrigated Agriculture Dynamics in the Lower Colorado River Basin
Authors: Norton Cynthia L. , Dannenberg Matthew P. , Yan Dong , Wallace Cynthia S. A. , Rodriguez Jesus R. , Munson Seth M. , van Leeuwen Willem J. D. , Smith William K.
Published: April 2021

The Colorado River Basin (CRB) includes seven states and provides municipal and industrial water to millions of people across all major southwestern cities both inside and outside the basin. Agriculture is the largest part of the CRB economy and crop production depends on irrigation, which accounts for about 74% of the total water demand cross the region. A better understanding of irrigation water demands is critically needed as temperatures continue to rise and drought intensifies, potentially leading to water shortages across the region. Yet, past research on irrigation dynamics has generally utilized relatively low spatiotemporal resolution datasets and has often overlooked the relationship between climate and management decisions such as land fallowing, i.e., the practice of leaving cultivated land idle for a growing season. Here, we produced annual estimates of fallow and active cropland extent at high spatial resolution (30 m) from 2001 to 2017 by applying the fallow-land algorithm based on neighborhood and temporal anomalies (FANTA). We specifically focused on diverse CRB agricultural regions: the lower Colorado River planning (LCRP) area and the Pinal and Phoenix active management areas (PPAMA). Utilizing ground observations collected in 2014 and 2017, we found an overall classification accuracy of 88.9% and 87.2% for LCRP and PPAMA, respectively. We then quantified how factors such as climate, district water rights, and market value influenced: (1) annual fallow and active cropland extent and (2) annual cropland productivity, approximated by integrated growing season NDVI (iNDVI). We found that for the LCRP, a region of winter cropping and senior (i.e., preferential) water rights, active cropland productivity was positively correlated with cool-season average vapor pressure deficit (R = 0.72; p < 0.01). By contrast, for the PPAMA, a region of summer cropping and junior water rights, annual fallow and active cropland extent was positively correlated with cool-season aridity (precipitation/potential evapotranspiration) (R = 0.46; p < 0.05), and active cropland productivity was positively correlated with warm-season aridity (precipitation/potential evapotranspiration) (R = 0.42; p < 0.01). We also found that PPAMA cropland productivity was more sensitive to aridity when crop prices were low, potentially due to the influence of market value on management decisions. Our analysis highlights how biophysical (e.g., temperature and precipitation) and socioeconomic (e.g., water rights and crop market value) factors interact to explain seasonal patterns of cropland extent, water use and productivity. These findings indicate that increasing aridity across the region may result in reduced cropland productivity and increased land fallowing for some regions, particularly those with junior water rights.
Large-Scale, Multiple Level-of-Detail Change Detection from Remote Sensing Imagery Using Deep Visual Feature Clustering
Authors: Gargees Rasha S. , Scott Grant J.
Published: April 2021

In the era of big data, where massive amounts of remotely sensed imagery can be obtained from various satellites accompanied by the rapid change in the surface of the Earth, new techniques for large-scale change detection are necessary to facilitate timely and effective human understanding of natural and human-made phenomena. In this research, we propose a chip-based change detection method that is enabled by using deep neural networks to extract visual features. These features are transformed into deep orthogonal visual features that are then clustered based on land cover characteristics. The resulting chip cluster memberships allow arbitrary level-of-detail change analysis that can also support irregular geospatial extent based agglomerations. The proposed methods naturally support cross-resolution temporal scenes without requiring normalization of the pixel resolution across scenes and without requiring pixel-level coregistration processes. This is achieved with configurable spatial locality comparisons between years, where the aperture of a unit of measure can be a single chip, a small neighborhood of chips, or a large irregular geospatial region. The performance of our proposed method has been validated using various quantitative and statistical metrics in addition to presenting the visual geo-maps and the percentage of the change. The results show that our proposed method efficiently detected the change from a large scale area.
Ambient Seismic Noise and Microseismicity Monitoring of a Prone-To-Fall Quartzite Tower (Ormea, NW Italy)
Authors: Colombero Chiara , Godio Alberto , Jongmans Denis
Published: April 2021

Remote sensing techniques are leading methodologies for landslide characterization and monitoring. However, they may be limited in highly vegetated areas and do not allow for continuously tracking the evolution to failure in an early warning perspective. Alternative or complementary methods should be designed for potentially unstable sites in these environments. The results of a six-month passive seismic monitoring experiment on a prone-to-fall quartzite tower are here presented. Ambient seismic noise and microseismicity analyses were carried out on the continuously recorded seismic traces to characterize site stability and monitor its possible irreversible and reversible modifications driven by meteorological factors, in comparison with displacement measured on site. No irreversible modifications in the measured seismic parameters (i.e., natural resonance frequencies of the tower, seismic velocity changes, rupture-related microseismic signals) were detected in the monitored period, and no permanent displacement was observed at the tower top. Results highlighted, however, a strong temperature control on these parameters and unusual preferential vibration directions with respect to the literature case studies on nearly 2D rock columns, likely due the tower geometric constraints, as confirmed by 3D numerical modeling. A clear correlation with the tower displacement rate was found in the results, supporting the suitability of passive seismic monitoring systems for site characterization and early waning purposes.