bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Viscoelastic Properties of Enzymatically Crosslinkable Tyramine–Modified Hyaluronic Acid Solutions Using a Dynamic Monte Carlo Kinetic Approach
Authors: Karageorgos Filippos F. , Kiparissides Costas
Published: July 2021

The present study deals with the mathematical modeling of crosslinking kinetics of polymer–phenol conjugates mediated by the Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP)-hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) initiation system. More specifically, a dynamic Monte Carlo (MC) kinetic model is developed to quantify the effects of crosslinking conditions (i.e., polymer concentration, degree of phenol substitution and HRP and H2O2 concentrations) on the gelation onset time; evolution of molecular weight distribution and number and weight average molecular weights of the crosslinkable polymer chains and gel fraction. It is shown that the MC kinetic model can faithfully describe the crosslinking kinetics of a finite sample of crosslinkable polymer chains with time, providing detailed molecular information for the crosslinkable system before and after the gelation point. The MC model is validated using experimental measurements on the crosslinking of a tyramine modified Hyaluronic Acid (HA-Tyr) polymer solution reported in the literature. Based on the rubber elasticity theory and the MC results, the dynamic evolution of hydrogel viscoelastic and molecular properties (i.e., number average molecular weight between crosslinks, Mc, and hydrogel mesh size, ξ) are calculated.
Peripheral Nervous System Involvement in Non-Primary Pediatric Cancer: From Neurotoxicity to Possible Etiologies
Authors: Pro Stefano , Vinti Luciana , Boni Alessandra , Mastronuzzi Angela , Scilipoti Martina , Velardi Margherita , Caroleo Anna Maria , Farina Elisa , Badolato Fausto , Alessi Iside , Di Nardo Giovanni , Carai Andrea , Valeriani Massimiliano , Reale Antonino , Parisi Pasquale , Raucci Umberto
Published: July 2021

Peripheral neuropathy is a well described complication in children with cancer. Oncologists are generally well aware of the toxicity of the main agents, but fear the side effects of new drugs. As chemotherapeutic agents have been correlated with the activation of the immune system such as in Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), an abnormal response can lead to Autoimmune Peripheral Neuropathy (APN). Although less frequent but more severe, Radiation Induced Peripheral Neuropathy may be related to irreversible peripheral nervous system (PNS). Pediatric cancer patients also have a higher risk of entering a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for complications related to therapy and disease. Injury to peripheral nerves is cumulative, and frequently, the additional stress of a malignancy and its therapy can unmask a subclinical neuropathy. Emerging risk factors for CIPN include treatment factors such as dose, duration and concurrent medication along with patient factors, namely age and inherited susceptibilities. The recent identification of individual genetic variations has advanced the understanding of physiopathological mechanisms and may direct future treatment approaches. More research is needed on pharmacological agents for the prevention or treatment of the condition as well as rehabilitation interventions, in order to allow for the simultaneous delivery of optimal cancer therapy and the mitigation of toxicity associated with pain and functional impairment. The aim of this paper is to review literature data regarding PNS complications in non-primary pediatric cancer.
Imaging Quality Control, Methodology Harmonization and Clinical Data Management in Stress Echo 2030
Authors: Bartolacelli Ylenia , Barbieri Andrea , Antonini-Canterin Francesco , Pepi Mauro , Monte Ines , Trocino Giuseppe , Barchitta Agata , Cresti Alberto , Miceli Sofia , Petrella Licia , Benedetto Frank , Zito Concetta , Benfari Giovanni , Bursi Francesca , Malagoli Alessandro , Mantovani Francesca , Ciampi Quirino , Zagatina Angela , Palinkas Eszter , Palinkas Attila , Toth Szilvia , Wierzbowska-Drabik Karina , Djordievic-Dikic Ana , Pellikka Patricia , Picano Eugenio ,   on behalf of the Stress Echo 2030 Study Group of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging
Published: July 2021

Stress echo (SE) 2030 study is an international, prospective, multicenter cohort study that will include >10,000 patients from ≥20 centers from ≥10 countries. It represents the logical and chronological continuation of the SE 2020 study, which developed, validated, and disseminated the “ABCDE protocol” of SE, more suitable than conventional SE to describe the complex vulnerabilities of the contemporary patient within and beyond coronary artery disease. SE2030 was started with a recruitment plan from 2021 to 2025 (and follow-up to 2030) with 12 subprojects (ranging from coronary artery disease to valvular and post-COVID-19 patients). With these features, the study poses particular challenges on quality control assurance, methodological harmonization, and data management. One of the significant upgrades of SE2030 compared to SE2020 was developing and implementing a Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap)-based infrastructure for interactive and entirely web-based data management to integrate and optimize reproducible clinical research data. The purposes of our paper were: first, to describe the methodology used for quality control of imaging data, and second, to present the informatic infrastructure developed on RedCap platform for data entry, storage, and management in a large-scale multicenter study.
Review and Updates on the Treatment of Refractory and Super Refractory Status Epilepticus
Authors: Alolayan Yazeed S. , McKinley Kelly , Bhatia Ritwik , Alkhachroum Ayham
Published: July 2021

Refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus (RSE and SRSE) are life-threatening conditions requiring prompt initiation of appropriate treatment to avoid permanent neurological damage and reduce morbidity and mortality. RSE is defined as status epilepticus that persists despite administering at least two appropriately dosed parenteral medications, including a benzodiazepine. SRSE is status epilepticus that persists at least 24 h after adding at least one appropriately dosed continuous anesthetic (i.e., midazolam, propofol, pentobarbital, and ketamine). Other therapeutic interventions include immunotherapy, neuromodulation, ketogenic diet, or even surgical intervention in certain cases. Continuous electroencephalogram is an essential monitoring tool for diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we focus on the diagnosis and treatment of RSE and SRSE.
Recent Findings in Azaphilone Pigments
Authors: Pimenta Lúcia P. S. , Gomes Dhionne C. , Cardoso Patrícia G. , Takahashi Jacqueline A.
Published: July 2021

Filamentous fungi are known to biosynthesize an extraordinary range of azaphilones pigments with structural diversity and advantages over vegetal-derived colored natural products such agile and simple cultivation in the lab, acceptance of low-cost substrates, speed yield improvement, and ease of downstream processing. Modern genetic engineering allows industrial production, providing pigments with higher thermostability, water-solubility, and promising bioactivities combined with ecological functions. This review, covering the literature from 2020 onwards, focuses on the state-of-the-art of azaphilone dyes, the global market scenario, new compounds isolated in the period with respective biological activities, and biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, we discussed the innovations of azaphilone cultivation and extraction techniques, as well as in yield improvement and scale-up. Potential applications in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and textile industries were also explored.
Primary, Bilateral and Diffuse Renal Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in a Young Woman Suffering from Turner Syndrome
Authors: Rossini Bernardo , Skrypets Tetiana , Minoia Carla , Quinto Angela , Zaccaria Gian , Ferrari Cristina , Maggialetti Nicola , Mastrorosa Alessandro , Gatti Pietro , Casiello Michela , Ciavarella Sabino , Guarini Attilio
Published: July 2021

Primary renal lymphoma (PRL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) restricted to and primarily involving one or both kidneys, with no lymph node extension. It accounts for <1% of extranodal lymphomas, and descriptions in the literature are limited. Here, we describe an unprecedented case of bilateral PRL in a 44-year-old woman with Turner syndrome and discuss both diagnostic and therapeutic issues in the light of the available literature in the field. A personalized approach to this rare disease is necessary.
The Causal Nexus of Consumer and Business Confidence Indexes in Early Pandemic Period: Evidence from OECD Countries
Authors: Bielova Inna , Halík Jaroslav , Ryabushka Lyudmila
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has been shown dire consequences for the global economy, not only in the past and present but also in the future. These consequences are not only humanitarian but also financial and economic. This article raises the question of whether the state of the health system is a factor that determines the direction of changes in consumer and business sentiment during the COVID-19 or whether other factors are more significant. The goal is to find out whether there is real progress in the national health system of a particular country or a regression and on this base to answer the question: What is more important for the expectations of the population and industry during the spread of the pandemic; the dynamics of the development of the health system or other factors? To assess the dynamics of the development of the health care system in different countries, we used the annual data on individual health indicators of the OECD countries for 2006–2019. There were identified countries with dynamic development and a slowing/deteriorating health system. Based on Granger’s approach in EViews, we used the Augmented Dickey–Fuller test and admit that health care systems are not a determining factor in consumer and business sentiment during a pandemic, i.e., only economic factors. The research contributes to the developed COVID-19 research by examining the impact of the changes in the mutual influence of Confidence indexes and macro indicators during the pandemic.
Empty the Shopping Cart? The Effect of Shopping Cart Item Sorting on Online Shopping Cart Abandonment Behavior
Authors: Jiang Dan , Zhang Guangling , Wang Lu
Published: July 2021

The vigorous development of e-commerce has led to online retailers or platforms increasing the capacity of online shopping carts. A large number of products are added to the online shopping cart, but they are not “emptied.” The resulting behavior of products being stuck in the shopping cart is called the “shopping cart abandonment behavior.” Previous literature has focused on the large number of antecedent variables that affect shopping cart abandonment behavior in the pre-decision stage of online shopping. This previous research has studied how to reduce shopping cart abandonment behavior from the perspective of consumers. By focusing on the post-decision-making stage of shopping, this research proposes to sort the products in a chronological order (ascending and descending order) after the products are added to the shopping cart and reduce shopping cart abandonment behavior through the intermediary of forgetfulness and choice overload. We use an exploratory study and two laboratory experiments to reveal the above intermediary mechanism. Our results show that online shopping cart abandonment generally occurs in shopping carts on all major platforms. Forgetting and shopping cart page rendering may be the reasons that lead to shopping cart abandonment behavior. In the case of targeted tasks, ascending order has a significant impact on abandonment behavior, choice overload mediated this effect.
Association of Circulating Tumor Cells with Inflammatory and Biomarkers in the Blood of Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Theil Gerit , Lindner Carlotta , Bialek Joanna , Fornara Paolo
Published: July 2021

The identification of specific biomarkers that recognize the functional drivers of heterogeneity in prostate cancer (PCa) and personalized treatment remain challenging in systemic medicine. Liquid biopsy allows for the detection and analysis of personalized predictive biomarkers in single blood samples and specifies the current stage of cancer. The aim of our preliminary study was to investigate the association between an elevated circulating tumor cell (CTC) count and the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and IL-8) and biomarkers (DKK-1, PSA, sHER2, and CD44) in patients with metastasized castration-resistant PCa (mCPRC) under chemotherapy and those with localized PCa. Such an association could be used as a component of cancer progression monitoring. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of two CTC isolation platforms. Twenty-eight patients (12 mCRPC and 16 localized PCa patients) were enrolled. Over the study period, the CTC detection rates were 84% with CellCollector® and 73.5% with CellSearch® System in mCPRC patients. The CTC counts determined by the CellSearch® System (CTC_CS) were correlated significantly with the DKK-1, sHER-2, and PSA concentrations in mCRPC patients. The CTC counts captured by CellCollector® demonstrated no significant association with the concentrations of the tested blood-based biomarkers. The CTC_CS count (AUC = 0.9 (95% CI: 0.72–1.0)) and the PSA level (AUC = 0.95 (95% CI: 0.83–1.0)) presented approximately the same sensitivity and specificity for the overall survival of mCRPC patients. For better personalized characterization, further research on CTC phenotyping and their interactions with tumor-associated blood-released factors is needed.
Pyridinium Pentachloridooxomolybdate(V), (PyH)2[MoOCl5], Revisited: Single-Crystal X-ray Structure Determination
Authors: Šturm Jaka , Modec Barbara
Published: July 2021

(PyH)2[MoOCl5] was obtained in the form of emerald green crystals unintentionally from (PyH)5[MoOCl4(H2O)]3Cl2 in acetonitrile. (PyH)2[MoOCl5] has been used as a starting material in molybdenum(V) coordination chemistry for decades, yet its true identity has not been known until now. The X-ray structure analysis has undoubtedly confirmed the existence of this compound. The [MoOCl5]2− ion displays the usual structural characteristics of the mononuclear MoO3+-containing compounds.
Bovine Serum Albumin-Coated Niclosamide-Zein Nanoparticles as Potential Injectable Medicine against COVID-19
Authors: Rejinold N Sanoj , Choi Goeun , Piao Huiyan , Choy Jin-Ho
Published: July 2021

(1) Background: COVID-19 has affected millions of people worldwide, but countries with high experimental anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rates among the general population respectively show progress in achieving general herd immunity in the population (a combination of natural and vaccine-induced acquired immunity), resulting in a significant reduction in both newly detected infections and mortality rates. However, the longevity of the vaccines’ ability to provide protection against the ongoing pandemic is still unclear. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to have new medications to fight against the pandemic at the earliest point possible. Recently, it has been found that repurposing already existing drugs could, in fact, be an ideal strategy to formulate effective medication for COVID-19. Though there are many FDA-approved drugs, it has been found that niclosamide (NIC), an anthelmintic drug, has significantly high potential against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. (2) Methods: Here we deployed a simple self-assembling technique through which Zein nanoparticles were successfully used to encapsulate NIC, which was then coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in order to improve the drugs’ stability, injectablity, and selectivity towards the virus-infected cells. (3) Results: The particle size for the BSA-stabilized Zein-NIC nanohybrid was found to be less than 200 nm, with excellent colloidal stability and sustained drug release properties. In addition, the nanohybrid showed enhanced drug release behavior under serum conditions, indicating that such a hybrid drug delivery system could be highly beneficial for treating COVID-19 patients suffering from high endothelial glycocalyx damage followed by a cytokine storm related to the severe inflammations.
3D Concrete Printing: A Systematic Review of Rheology, Mix Designs, Mechanical, Microstructural, and Durability Characteristics
Authors: Rehman Atta Ur , Kim Jung-Hoon
Published: July 2021

This paper provides a state-of-the-art report on the up-to-date research on the emerging 3D concrete printing technology from the concrete materials perspective. It reviews the recent research focused on understanding and characterizing the rheological necessities of the concrete printing process and discusses how the researchers are tailoring compatible mix proportions for the 3D concrete printing process by using eco-friendly binders, waste aggregates, chemical admixtures, and nano-additives. This paper systematically evaluates anisotropic behavior in the mechanical properties of printed concrete and establishes an order for anisotropic behavior in the compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths along three different axes (X, Y, and Z axes) of printed concrete. It evaluates the ratio of flexural strength to the compressive strength of printed concrete along the above three axes. This article explains the influence of variation of printing process parameters on the mechanical properties and discusses reinforcement approaches used for increasing structural performance. The microstructure at the interface of adjacent layers and also at the interface of the reinforcement-cement matrix is discussed. The recent research on the durability performance of printed concrete is critically discussed and future research needs for 3D concrete printing are identified in this paper.
New Photomagnetic Ionic Salts Based on [MoIV(CN)8]4− and [WIV(CN)8]4− Anions
Authors: Qi Xinghui , Guionneau Philippe , Lafon Enzo , Perot Solène , Kauffmann Brice , Mathonière Corine
Published: July 2021

Three new ionic salts containing [M(CN)8]4− (M = MoIV and WIV) were prepared using large complex cations based on a non-conventional motif built with the tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (noted hereafter tren) ligand, [{M’(tren)}3(μ-tren)]6+ (M’ = CuII and ZnII). The crystal structures of the three compounds show that the atomic arrangement is formed by relatively isolated anionic and cationic entities. The three compounds were irradiated with a blue light at low temperature, and show a significant photomagnetic effect. The remarkable properties of these compounds are (i) the long-lived photomagnetic metastable states for the [Mo(CN)8]4−-based compounds well above 200 K and (ii) the rare efficient photomagnetic properties of the [W(CN)8]4−-based compound. These photomagnetic properties are compared with the singlet-triplet conversion recently reported for the K4[Mo(CN)8]·2H2O compound.
Assessment of Successful Drivers of Crowdfunding Projects Based on Visual Analogue Scale Matrix for Criteria Weighting Method
Authors: Venslavienė Santautė , Stankevičienė Jelena , Vaiciukevičiūtė Agnė
Published: July 2021

When investing in crowdfunding projects, every investor has some difficulties in selecting the right one. The most important issue is choosing criteria that show the value of the specific project. The aim of this study was to determine which of the criteria are the most important for investors when selecting various crowdfunding projects to fund. A visual analogue scale matrix for criteria weighting (VASMA weighting) methodology was used to determine the main criteria that affect investors’ decisions to invest. The VASMA methodology can capture both objective and subjective parts of criteria weighting. In addition, the risk factor was considered a success driver of crowdfunding projects. The main findings reveal that the criteria of the three risk groups have the highest weights of the VASMA weighting methodology. In this research, only investor preferences were chosen and analyzed for successful crowdfunding project investment. The VASMA weighting methodology’s criteria ranking might help investors select the most exciting crowdfunding project to fund.
Stock Price Volatility Estimation Using Regime Switching Technique-Empirical Study on the Indian Stock Market
Authors: Naik Nagaraj , Mohan Biju R.
Published: July 2021

Volatility is the degree of variation in the stock price over time. The stock price is volatile due to many factors, such as demand, supply, economic policy, and company earnings. Investing in a volatile market is riskier for stock traders. Most of the existing work considered Generalized Auto-regressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models to capture volatility, but this model fails to capture when the volatility is very high. This paper aims to estimate the stock price volatility using the Markov regime-switching GARCH (MSGARCH) and SETAR model. The model selection was carried out using the Akaike-Informations-Criteria (AIC) and Bayesian-Information Criteria (BIC) metric. The performance of the model is evaluated using the Root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) metric. We have found that volatility estimation using the MSGARCH model performed better than the SETAR model. The experiments considered the Indian stock market data.
Clinical Outcome of Rotational Atherectomy in Calcified Lesions in Korea-ROCK Registry
Authors: Lee Kyusup , Jung Ji-hoon , Lee Myunhee , Kim Dae-Won , Park Mahn-Won , Choi Ik-Jun , Lee Jae-Hwan , Lee Jang-Hoon , Lee Sang-Rok , Lee Pil-Hyung , Lee Seung-Whan , Yoo Ki-Dong , Yun Kyeong-Ho , Lee Hyun-Jong , Her Sung-Ho
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives: Data is still limited regarding clinical outcomes of rotational atherectomy (RA) after percutaneous coronary intervention. We sought to evaluate clinical outcomes of RA. Materials and Methods: This multi-center registry enrolled patients who underwent RA during PCI from nine tertiary centers in Korea between January 2010 and October 2019. The primary endpoint was target-vessel failure (TVF; the composite outcome of cardiac death, target-vessel spontaneous myocardial infarction, or target-vessel revascularization). Results: Of 540 patients (583 lesions), the mean patient age was 71.4 ± 0.4 years, 323 patients (59.8%) were men, and 305 patients (56.5%) had diabetes mellitus. Technical success rate was 96.4%. In-hospital major adverse cerebral and cardiac events occurred in 63 cases (10.8%). At 1.5 years, 72 (16.0%) of TVFs were occurred. We evaluated independent predictors of TVF, which included current smoker (hazard ratio (HR), 1.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17–3.16; p = 0.01), chronic renal disease (HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.14–3.08; p = 0.013), history of cerebrovascular attack (HR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.24-3.68; p = 0.006), left ventricle ejection fraction (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.999; p = 0.037), and left main disease (HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.11–3.37; p = 0.019). Conclusions: From this registry, we demonstrated acceptable success rates, in-hospital and mid-term clinical outcomes of RA in the DES era.
Unified Modelling of Flow Stress and Microstructural Evolution of 300M Steel under Isothermal Tension
Authors: Chen Rongchuang , Zhang Shiyang , Wang Min , Liu Xianlong , Feng Fei
Published: July 2021

Constitutive models that reflect the microstructure evolution is of great significance to accurately predict the forming process of forging. Through thermal tension of 300M steel under various temperatures (950~1150 °C) and strain rates (0.01~10 s−1), the material flow and microstructure evolutions were investigated. In order to describe both the exponential hardening phenomenon at a higher temperature, and the softening phenomenon due to recrystallization at a lower temperature, a constitutive model considering microstructure evolution was proposed based on the Kocks–Mecking model. It was found that considering the stress-strain curve to be exponential in the work-hardening stage could improve the constitutive model prediction precision. The average error was 2.43% (3.59 MPa), showing that the proposed model was more precise than the modified Arrhenius model and the Kocks–Mecking model. The models to describe recrystallization kinetics and average grain size were also constructed. This work enabled the Kocks–Mecking model to predict stress-strain curves with a higher accuracy, and broadened the applicable range of the Kocks–Mecking model.
Identification of Indicators for Preterm Birth Using Retinoid Metabolites
Authors: You Young-Ah , Hwang Soo-Yeon , Kim Soo-Min , Park Seojeong , Lee Ga-In , Park Sunwha , Ansari AbuZar , Lee Jeongae , Kwon Youngjoo , Kim Young-Ju
Published: July 2021

Metabolites reflect the biochemical dynamics for the maintenance of pregnancy and parturition. UPLC-Q/TOF-MS and LC-MS/MS metabolomics were performed to identify and validate the plasma metabolomic signatures of preterm birth (PTB). We recruited pregnant women between 16 and 40 weeks 5 days gestational age at Ewha Womans Mokdong Hospital for a nested case-control study. In untargeted UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, score plots of partial least-squares discriminant analysis clearly separated the PTB group from the term birth (TB, n = 10; PTB, n = 11). Fifteen metabolites were significantly different between the two groups, as indicated by a variable importance in projection >1 and p < 0.05. Metabolic pathways involving retinol, linoleic acid, D-arginine, and D-ornithine were associated with PTB. Verification by LC-MS/MS focused on retinol metabolism (TB, n = 39; PTB, n = 20). Retinol levels were significantly reduced in PTB compared to TB, while retinal palmitate, all-trans-retinal, and 13-cis-retinoic acid (13cis-RA) significantly increased (p < 0.05). Retinol-binding protein levels were also elevated in PTB. Additionally, all-trans-retinal (AUC 0.808, 95% CI: 0.683–0.933) and 13cis-RA (AUC 0.826, 95% CI: 0.723–0.930) showed improved predictions for PTB-related retinol metabolites. This study suggests that retinoid metabolism improves the accuracy of PTB predictions and plays an important role in maintaining pregnancy and inducing early parturition.
Recent Advances in the Physicochemical Properties and Biotechnological Application of Vitreoscilla Hemoglobin
Authors: Yu Fei , Zhao Xinrui , Wang Ziwei , Liu Luyao , Yi Lingfeng , Zhou Jingwen , Li Jianghua , Chen Jian , Du Guocheng
Published: July 2021

Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb), the first discovered bacterial hemoglobin, is a soluble heme-binding protein with a faster rate of oxygen dissociation. Since it can enhance cell growth, product synthesis and stress tolerance, VHb has been widely applied in the field of metabolic engineering for microorganisms, plants, and animals. Especially under oxygen-limited conditions, VHb can interact with terminal oxidase to deliver enough oxygen to achieve high-cell-density fermentation. In recent years, with the development of bioinformatics and synthetic biology, several novel physicochemical properties and metabolic regulatory effects of VHb have been discovered and numerous strategies have been utilized to enhance the expression level of VHb in various hosts, which greatly promotes its applications in biotechnology. Thus, in this review, the new information regarding structure, function and expressional tactics for VHb is summarized to understand its latest applications and pave a new way for the future improvement of biosynthesis for other products.
Supranational Assessment of the Quality of Probiotics: Collaborative Initiative between Independent Accredited Testing Laboratories
Authors: Warzée Jean-Pol , Elli Marina , Fall Abdoulaye , Cattivelli Daniela , François Jean-Yves
Published: July 2021

Recent acquisitions about the role of the microbiota in the functioning of the human body make it possible to envisage an increasing use of beneficial microbes, and more particularly of probiotics as well as their metabolites, as nutritional supplements. National and EU authorities are engaged in assuring the safety and quality of food supplements and in defining rules to assess and communicate their efficacy on human health. The quality of probiotics, intended as strains’ identification, viability, and stability over time, is a crucial factor of credibility with consumers and health professionals. Analytical technologies for the quality control of probiotics must also be adapted to new preparations, such as those including new multistrains complex combinations. Accredited laboratories face this relevant challenge on a daily basis. Through its close collaboration with the laboratory commissioned to produce the specifications for its ESLP quality label (identification and quantitative analyses) together with its scientific committee, the ESLP has been focusing on this issue for 10 years. Recently, as part of the internationalization of the ESLP quality label, a new and unique initiative in Europe for the evaluation of the quality of probiotic preparations has been carried out. The collaboration between two accredited laboratories in Belgium and in Italy represented a concrete example of supranational collaboration in the assessment of the quality of probiotic preparations. Results show that both laboratories are in line as expected in terms of performance. Common approaches to the qualitative assessment of probiotic preparations, especially for complex and composite recipes, in terms of number of strains and included substances, should be encouraged and promoted all over the EU.
Iron Isotope Constraints on the Mineralization Process of Shazi Sc-Rich Laterite Deposit in Qinglong County, China
Authors: Sun Jun , Liu Yunlong , Liu Xiqiang
Published: July 2021

The Shazi deposit is a newly discovered, potential large-scale scandium deposit located in Qinglong, southwestern Guizhou Province, China. The iron isotopic composition of magnetite in fresh basalt, weathered basalt, and mineralized laterite was investigated. The Fe content of fresh basalt and of weathered basalt vary from 15.41 wt.% to 15.51 wt.% and from 14.60 wt.% to 15.12 wt.%, respectively, while the δ56Fe of magnetite varies from 0.23‰ to 0.29‰ and from 0.02‰ to 0.07‰. Laterite has the highest Fe content, in the range of 23.53%~28.95%, but δ56Fe is similar to weathered basalt, and the range of variation is −0.09‰–0.03‰. The change in iron isotope composition in weathered basalt and laterite is related to the hydrolysis of clinopyroxene. Combined with the existing research results, the genesis of scandium deposit is considered to be related to in situ hydrolysis in deep and surface weathering leaching of Emeishan basalt.
Organic Nanocarriers for Bevacizumab Delivery: An Overview of Development, Characterization and Applications
Authors: Alves Aline de Cristo Soares , Bruinsmann Franciele Aline , Guterres Silvia Stanisçuaski , Pohlmann Adriana Raffin
Published: July 2021

Bevacizumab (BCZ) is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody against the vascular endothelial growth factor, which is involved in the angiogenesis process. Pathologic angiogenesis is observed in several diseases including ophthalmic disorders and cancer. The multiple administrations of BCZ can cause adverse effects. In this way, the development of controlled release systems for BCZ delivery can promote the modification of drug pharmacokinetics and, consequently, decrease the dose, toxicity, and cost due to improved efficacy. This review highlights BCZ formulated in organic nanoparticles providing an overview of the physicochemical characterization and in vitro and in vivo biological evaluations. Moreover, the main advantages and limitations of the different approaches are discussed. Despite difficulties in working with antibodies, those nanocarriers provided advantages in BCZ protection against degradation guaranteeing bioactivity maintenance.
ILs and MMPs Levels in Inflamed Human Dental Pulp: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kritikou Konstantina , Greabu Maria , Imre Marina , Miricescu Daniela , Ripszky Totan Alexandra , Burcea Marian , Stanescu-Spinu Iulia-Ioana , Spinu Tudor
Published: July 2021

A wide range of mediators are released from the pulp tissue because of bacterial invasion which causes inflammation. Interleukins (ILs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have a leading role in initiating and spreading of inflammation because of their synergic action. Biomarkers such as ILs and MMPs can be identified via several methods, establishing the inflammatory response of the dental pulp. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the levels of ILs and/or MMPs in human dental pulp. PubMed, OVID, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science and Wiley online library databases were searched for original clinical studies. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a quality assessment of studies was performed based on a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. In the review were included articles that evaluated the presence of ILs and/or MMPs in pulp tissue using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or western blot or multiplex assay. Six articles were included in the present synthesis. Although various diagnostic methods were used, statistically significant higher levels of ILs and/or MMPs were mostly found in the experimental groups compared to healthy pulp samples. The biomarkers studied can be a promising tool to evaluate pulp tissue health or even in pulpitis treatment.
Commercial Mannoproteins Improve the Mouthfeel and Colour of Wines Obtained by Excessive Tannin Extraction
Authors: Rinaldi Alessandra , Gonzalez Alliette , Moio Luigi , Gambuti Angelita
Published: July 2021

In the production of red wines, the pressing of marcs and extended maceration techniques can increase the extraction of phenolic compounds, often imparting high bitterness and astringency to finished wines. Among various oenological products, mannoproteins have been shown to improve the mouthfeel of red wines. In this work, extended maceration (E), marc-pressed (P), and free-run (F) Sangiovese wines were aged for six months in contact with three different commercial mannoprotein-rich yeast extracts (MP, MS, and MF) at a concentration of 20 g/hL. Phenolic compounds were measured in treated and control wines, and sensory characteristics related to the astringency, aroma, and colour of the wines were studied. A multivariate analysis revealed that mannoproteins had a different effect depending on the anthocyanin/tannin (A/T) ratio of the wine. When tannins are strongly present (extended maceration wines with A/T = 0.2), the MP conferred mouthcoating and soft and velvety sensations, as well as colour stability to the wine. At A/T = 0.3, as in marc-pressed wines, both MF and MP improved the mouthfeel and colour of Sangiovese. However, in free-run wine, where the A/T ratio is 0.5, the formation of polymeric pigments was allowed by all treatments and correlated with silk, velvet, and mouthcoat subqualities. A decrease in bitterness was also obtained. Commercial mannoproteins may represent a way to improve the mouthfeel and colour of very tannic wines.
Protective Effects of Gintonin on Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced HT22 Cell Damages: Involvement of LPA1 Receptor-BDNF-AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cho Yeon-Jin , Choi Sun-Hye , Lee Ra-Mi , Cho Han-Sung , Rhim Hyewhon , Kim Hyoung-Chun , Kim Byung-Joo , Kim Jong-Hoon , Nah Seung-Yeol
Published: July 2021

Gintonin is a kind of ginseng-derived glycolipoprotein that acts as an exogenous LPA receptor ligand. Gintonin has in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective effects; however, little is known about the cellular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotection. In the present study, we aimed to clarify how gintonin attenuates iodoacetic acid (IAA)-induced oxidative stress. The mouse hippocampal cell line HT22 was used. Gintonin treatment significantly attenuated IAA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, ATP depletion, and cell death. However, treatment with Ki16425, an LPA1/3 receptor antagonist, suppressed the neuroprotective effects of gintonin. Gintonin elicited [Ca2⁺]i transients in HT22 cells. Gintonin-mediated [Ca2⁺]i transients through the LPA1 receptor-PLC-IP3 signaling pathway were coupled to increase both the expression and release of BDNF. The released BDNF activated the TrkB receptor. Induction of TrkB phosphorylation was further linked to Akt activation. Phosphorylated Akt reduced IAA-induced oxidative stress and increased cell survival. Our results indicate that gintonin attenuated IAA-induced oxidative stress in neuronal cells by activating the LPA1 receptor-BDNF-TrkB-Akt signaling pathway. One of the gintonin-mediated neuroprotective effects may be achieved via anti-oxidative stress in nervous systems.
Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy: A Key Tool to Unravel the Supramolecular Structure of Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Porcino Marianna , Li Xue , Gref Ruxandra , Martineau-Corcos Charlotte
Published: July 2021

In the past decades, nanosized drug delivery systems (DDS) have been extensively developed and studied as a promising way to improve the performance of a drug and reduce its undesirable side effects. DDSs are usually very complex supramolecular assemblies made of a core that contains the active substance(s) and ensures a controlled release, which is surrounded by a corona that stabilizes the particles and ensures the delivery to the targeted cells. To optimize the design of engineered DDSs, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of these core–shell assemblies at the atomic level. In this review, we illustrate how solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy has become an essential tool in DDS design.
Study of Mono- and Bimetallic Fe and Mn Oxide-Supported Clinoptilolite for Improved Pb(II) Removal
Authors: Chmielewská Eva , Tylus Wlodzimierz , Bujdoš Marek
Published: July 2021

A cost-effective, iron- and manganese-oxide-supported clinoptilolite-based rock was prepared. Based on its nanoporous structure, it worked as a nanoreactor, thereby providing enhanced functionalities. The mono- and bimetallic Fe- and Mn-oxide-supported clinoptilolite was thoroughly characterized with thermoanalytical FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and XPS spectroscopy. All the spectral procedures that were used confirmed the occurrence of a new MnO2 phase (predominantly birnessite), including mostly amorphous iron oxi(hydr)oxide (FeO(OH)) species on the surface of the above-synthesized adsorbents. The synthesized products validated a considerably higher adsorption capacity toward Pb(II) pollutants compared to the natural clinoptilolite. The following order of a(max) toward Pb(II) was found: MnOx-zeolite (202.1 mg/g) > FeO(OH)-MnOx-zeolite (101.3 mg/g) > FeO(OH)-zeolite (80 mg/g) > natural zeolite (54.9 mg/g). The adsorption equilibrium data were analyzed by the two-parameter empirical isotherm models Langmuir, Freundlich, and BET as well as the three-parameter Redlich–Peterson isotherm.
Annealed ZnO/Al2O3 Core-Shell Nanowire as a Platform to Capture RNA in Blood Plasma
Authors: Takahashi Hiromi , Yasui Takao , Klamchuen Annop , Khemasiri Narathon , Wuthikhun Tuksadon , Paisrisarn Piyawan , Shinjo Keiko , Kitano Yotaro , Aoki Kosuke , Natsume Atsushi , Rahong Sakon , Baba Yoshinobu
Published: July 2021

RNA analytical platforms gained extensive attention recently for RNA-based molecular analysis. However, the major challenge for analyzing RNAs is their low concentration in blood plasma samples, hindering the use of RNAs for diagnostics. Platforms that can enrich RNAs are essential to enhance molecular detection. Here, we developed the annealed ZnO/Al2O3 core-shell nanowire device as a platform to capture RNAs. We showed that the annealed ZnO/Al2O3 core-shell nanowire could capture RNAs with high efficiency compared to that of other circulating nucleic acids, including genomic DNA (gDNA) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Moreover, the nanowire was considered to be biocompatible with blood plasma samples due to the crystalline structure of the Al2O3 shell which serves as a protective layer to prevent nanowire degradation. Our developed device has the potential to be a platform for RNA-based extraction and detection.
Concurrent Pseudomonas Periorbital Necrotizing Fasciitis and Endophthalmitis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Lee Yu-Kuei , Lai Chun-Chieh
Published: July 2021

(1) Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an infection involving the superficial fascia and subcutaneous tissue. Endophthalmitis is an infection within the ocular ball. Herein we report a rare case of concurrent periorbital NF and endophthalmitis, caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). We also conducted a literature review related to periorbital PA skin and soft-tissue infections. (2) Case presentation: A 62-year-old male had left upper eyelid swelling and redness; orbital cellulitis was diagnosed. During eyelid debridement, NF with the involvement of the upper Müller’s muscle and levator muscle was noted. The infection soon progressed to scleral ulcers and endophthalmitis. The eye developed phthisis bulbi, despite treatment with intravitreal antibiotics. (3) Conclusions: Immunocompromised individuals are more likely than immunocompetent hosts to be infected by PA. Although periorbital NF is uncommon due to the rich blood supply in the area, the possibility of PA infection should be considered in concurrent periorbital soft-tissue infection and endophthalmitis.
From Jekyll to Hyde: The Yeast–Hyphal Transition of Candida albicans
Authors: Chow Eve Wai Ling , Pang Li Mei , Wang Yue
Published: July 2021

Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans, accounting for 15% of nosocomial infections with an estimated attributable mortality of 47%. C. albicans is usually a benign member of the human microbiome in healthy people. Under constant exposure to highly dynamic environmental cues in diverse host niches, C. albicans has successfully evolved to adapt to both commensal and pathogenic lifestyles. The ability of C. albicans to undergo a reversible morphological transition from yeast to filamentous forms is a well-established virulent trait. Over the past few decades, a significant amount of research has been carried out to understand the underlying regulatory mechanisms, signaling pathways, and transcription factors that govern the C. albicans yeast-to-hyphal transition. This review will summarize our current understanding of well-elucidated signal transduction pathways that activate C. albicans hyphal morphogenesis in response to various environmental cues and the cell cycle machinery involved in the subsequent regulation and maintenance of hyphal morphogenesis.
Bioactive Compounds from Euphorbia usambarica Pax. with HIV-1 Latency Reversal Activity
Authors: Tsai Yu-Chi , Nell Racheal A. , Buckendorf Jonathan E. , Kúsz Norbert , Mwangi Peter Waweru , Berkecz Róbert , Rédei Dóra , Vasas Andrea , Spivak Adam M. , Hohmann Judit
Published: July 2021

Euphorbia usambarica is a traditional medicine used for gynecologic, endocrine, and urogenital illnesses in East Africa; however, its constituents and bioactivities have not been investigated. A variety of compounds isolated from Euphorbia species have been shown to have activity against latent HIV-1, the major source of HIV-1 persistence despite antiretroviral therapy. We performed bioactivity-guided isolation to identify 15 new diterpenoids (1–9, 14–17, 19, and 20) along with 16 known compounds from E. usambarica with HIV-1 latency reversal activity. Euphordraculoate C (1) exhibits a rare 6/6/3-fused ring system with a 2-methyl-2-cyclopentenone moiety. Usambariphanes A (2) and B (3) display an unusual lactone ring constructed between C-17 and C-2 in the jatrophane structure. 4β-Crotignoid K (14) revealed a 250-fold improvement in latency reversal activity compared to crotignoid K (13), identifying that configuration at the C-4 of tigliane diterpenoids is critical to HIV-1 latency reversal activity. The primary mechanism of the active diterpenoids 12–14 and 21 for the HIV-1 latency reversal activity was activation of PKC, while lignans 26 and 27 that did not increase CD69 expression, suggesting a non-PKC mechanism. Accordingly, natural constituents from E. usambarica have the potential to contribute to the development of HIV-1 eradication strategies.
Pre-Drawn Syringes of Comirnaty for an Efficient COVID-19 Mass Vaccination: Demonstration of Stability
Authors: Selmin Francesca , Musazzi Umberto M. , Franzè Silvia , Scarpa Edoardo , Rizzello Loris , Procacci Patrizia , Minghetti Paola
Published: July 2021

Moving towards a real mass vaccination in the context of COVID-19, healthcare professionals are required to face some criticisms due to limited data on the stability of a mRNA-based vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in the US or Comirnaty in EU) as a dose in a 1 mL-syringe. The stability of the lipid nanoparticles and the encapsulated mRNA was evaluated in a “real-life” scenario. Specifically, we investigated the effects of different storing materials (e.g., syringes vs. glass vials), as well as of temperature and mechanical stress on nucleic acid integrity, number, and particle size distribution of lipid nanoparticles. After 5 h in the syringe, lipid nanoparticles maintained the regular round shape, and the hydrodynamic diameter ranged between 80 and 100 nm with a relatively narrow polydispersity (<0.2). Samples were stable independently of syringe materials and storage conditions. Only strong mechanical stress (e.g., shaking) caused massive aggregation of lipid nanoparticles and mRNA degradation. These proof-of-concept experiments support the hypothesis that vaccine doses can be safely prepared in a dedicated area using an aseptic technique and transferred without affecting their stability.
Meta-Analysis of Food Effect on Oral Absorption of Efflux Transporter Substrate Drugs: Does Delayed Gastric Emptying Influence Drug Transport Kinetics?
Authors: Sharma Sheena , Prasad Bhagwat
Published: July 2021

The oral route of drug administration is the most convenient method of drug delivery, but it is associated with variable bioavailability. Food is one of the major factors that affect oral drug absorption by influencing drug properties (e.g., solubility and dissolution rate) and physiological factors (e.g., metabolism and transport across the gastrointestinal tract). The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of food on the high-affinity intestinal efflux transporter substrate drugs. We hypothesized that transport efficiency is higher in the fed state as compared to the fasted state because of the lower intestinal lumen drug concentration due to prolonged gastric emptying time. A systematic analysis of reported clinical food-effect (FE) studies on 311 drugs was performed and the association of the efflux transport efficiency was investigated on the FE magnitude, i.e., changes in maximal plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time profile curve for both solubility and permeability-limited drugs. In total, 124 and 88 drugs showed positive and negative FE, respectively, whereas 99 showed no FE. As expected, the solubility-limited drugs showed positive FE, but interestingly, drugs with a high potential for efflux transport, were associated with negative FE. Moreover, a high-fat diet was associated with a higher magnitude of negative FE for high-affinity efflux transporter substrates as compared to a low-fat diet. To account for changes in drug absorption after food intake, the prolonged gastric emptying time should be considered in the physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling of orally absorbed efflux transporter substrate drugs.