bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFICACY OF AN AUDIO-VISUAL AID IN IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS TOWARDS INFANT ORAL HEALTH CARE FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS
Authors: Lalchandani Chahita Mahesh , Tandon Sandeep , Sharma Rai Tripti , Kajal Anupama
Published: April 2020

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a PowerPoint Presentation in
Up-grading the knowledge and awareness towards infant oral health care among expectant
mothers.

Methods: This was a cross sectional survey conducted in various maternity hospitals
throughout Jaipur city, India. A 15 minute PowerPoint Presentation based on infant oral
health care was presented to a total of 120 expectant mothers. The participants were made to
fill a 15-point questionnaire on the same subject before and after the presentation. Based on a
formulated scoring criterion, the knowledge and awareness level of each participant was
quantified pre-intervention and post-intervention. The data thus obtained was analysed using
descriptive statistics and chi square test, with the level of significance set at P<0.05.

Results: There was a very high statistical difference (p=0.000) between the mean scores of
the participants before and after the presentation, from 5.55 to 13.96 out of a maximum
possible score of 15. The range of scores improved from 0-14 pre-presentation to 9-15 post-
presentation. A significant improvement was seen in the mean scores of every socio-
demographic group (p=0.000). A relatively high number of participants (85.8%) agreed that
the presentation would change how they care for their child in the future.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the use of audio-visual
aids is beneficial in improving the knowledge and awareness towards infant oral health care
among expectant mothers. Further research can be conducted to evaluate different designs
of various audio-visual aids and their long-term efficacy catering to different socio-
demographic groups.

KEYWORDS
Expectant mothers, infant oral health care, awareness, audio-visual aid, pregnant women, maternal awareness
MAGNETIC MALLET – FEEL THE FUTURE
Authors: Desai Ankit , patil Shruti , Mitra Dipika K. , Shah Rohit
Published: April 2020

In dentistry, chisel and mallet or dental bur has been used for various procedures since decades. Magnetic mallet (MM) is a dynamic, exclusive and patented device which makes use of electromagnetic impact, which allows a high – intensity and brief impact force to obtain plastic deformation of the bone. This avoids the applied forces influencing the whole of the craniofacial complex and has lot of advantages when compared to conventional chisel and mallet or bur used for bone cutting.
Use of magnetic mallet prevents benign paroxysmal vertigo syndrome and reduces patient discomfort as well. It allows operator to use the handpiece of magnetic mallet with only one hand and the impulses are applied with a control pedal. It also allows better visibility of the operating field and control of the osteotome entry direction. Magnetic mallet can be also used for removal of crowns, bridges and implant components.
This article emphasizes the advantages of magnetic mallet over conventionally used chisel and mallet in dentistry for various procedures.

KEY WORDS : electrical mallet, sinus elevation, dental implant, electromagnetic dental mallet.
Study on the Deformation Control and Microstructures of Thin-Walled Parts Repaired by Laser Cladding
Authors: Yu Jiangtong , Sun Wenlei , Huang Haibo , Huang Yong
Published: April 2020

To reduce the deformation and improve the quality of thin-walled parts repaired by laser cladding, a three-factor, three-level orthogonal experimental scheme was employed to clad Ni60 powder on thin-walled parts with a thickness of 3.5 mm. To measure the deformation of the thin-walled parts, a method of combining the meshing of the backs of the thin-walled parts and fixing one end of the parts during cladding was used. The effects of the powder feed rate, laser power, and scanning speed on the deformation of the thin-walled parts were studied via visual analysis and analysis of variance, and the process parameters that resulted in the minimum deformation were determined. The deformation process of the thin-walled parts and the causes of cladding stress were also studied, and the microstructure of the cladding layer with the minimum deformation was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results reveal that the deformation of the thin-walled parts increased with the increase of laser power. The increases of the scanning speed and powder feed rate were found to reduce the deformation of thin-walled parts; the laser power was found to have a significant effect, and the powder feed rate was found to have no significant effect, on the deformation of thin-walled parts. The order of the influence of factors on the deformation of thin-walled parts from greatest to least was determined to be as follows: laser power > scanning speed > powder feed rate. The optimal parameters to obtain the minimum deformation and good metallurgical bonding of thin-walled parts were found to be a powder feed rate of 1.4 r/min, a laser power of 1100 W, and a scanning speed of 8 mm/s. From the bottom to the top, the crystal structure of the coating with the minimum deformation was found to be coarse dendrite, dendritic crystal, and equiaxed crystal.
Towards the Design of a Multispar Composite Wing
Authors: Stamatelos Dimitriοs , Labeas George
Published: April 2020

In the pursuit of a lighter composite wing design, fast and effective methodologies for sizing and validating the wing members (e.g., spar, ribs, skins, etc.) are required. In the present paper, the preliminary design methodology of an airliner main composite wing, which has an innovative multispar configuration instead of the conventional two-spar design, is investigated. The investigated aircraft wing is a large-scale composite component, requiring an efficient analysis methodology; for this purpose, the initial wing sizing is mostly based on simplified Finite Element (FE) stress analysis combined to analytically formulated design criteria. The proposed methodology comprises three basic modules, namely, computational stress analysis of the wing structure, comparison of the stress–strain results to specific design allowable and a suitable resizing procedure, until all design requirements are satisfied. The design constraints include strain allowable for the entire wing structure, stability constraints for the upper skin and spar webs, as well as bearing bypass analysis of the riveted/bolted joints of the spar flanges/skins connection. A comparison between a conventional (2-spar) and an innovative 4-spar wing configuration is presented. It arises from the comparison between the conventional and the 4-spar wing arrangement, that under certain conditions the multispar configuration has significant advantages over the conventional design.
Oral Hygiene in a Sample of Children/Adolescents Living in Family-Homes from the Province of Milan (Italy): A Pilot Study
Authors: Nota Alessandro , Bosco Floriana , Ehsani Shideh , Giugliano Francesca , Moreo Giulia , Tecco Simona
Published: April 2020

Objective: This pilot study is a prospective controlled clinical trial, designed to evaluate the short-term clinical results (the plaque index) of an educational/motivational program for home oral hygiene, directed to children and adolescents who live in family-homes. Methods: The setting of the project was the province of Milan (Italy), where two family-homes were selected. The study group included 26 children (16 females and 10 males) aged between 7 and 15 years, of Italian nationality, from the family-home communities. The control group included 26 children (15 females and 11 males, aged between 7 and 15 years) of Italian nationality, matched for age and gender distribution with the study group, that were not in a socially disadvantaged condition. Collection of the plaque index (PI) was performed at t0. Then, all basic oral hygiene instructions were given to all children/adolescents and their educators. Education and motivation were repeated in the same way after 4–7 weeks (T1), and after 10–12 weeks (T2). The PI was taken also at T1 and T2. Results: An improvement in the PI was generally found in both groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups over time. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed a statistically significant effect of time [F (1, 52) = 90.73, p < 0.001], regardless of the assignment group, in consequence of which the plaque index presented a moderate and significant improvement. Conclusion: The present data confirm the validity of the educational/motivational program to improve oral hygiene in children/adolescents, regardless of the assignment group.
Polyphenolic-Protein-Polysaccharide Complexes from Hovenia dulcis: Insights into Extraction Methods on Their Physicochemical Properties and In Vitro Bioactivities
Authors: Wu Ding-Tao , Liu Wen , Xian Mei-Lin , Du Gang , Liu Xin , He Jing-Jing , Wang Ping , Qin Wen , Zhao Li
Published: April 2020

Seven extraction methods, including hot water extraction (HWE), pressurized water extraction (PWE), ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction, high-speed shearing homogenization extraction, and ultrasound-microwave-assisted extraction, were utilized to extract polyphenolic-protein-polysaccharide complexes (PPPs) from Hovenia dulcis. Next, their physicochemical properties and in vitro antioxidant activities, antiglycation effects, and inhibition activities on α-glucosidase and α-amylase were studied and compared. The findings from this study indicate that various extraction processes exhibit notable influences on the physicochemical properties and in vitro bioactivities of PPPs. Extraction yields, contents of polyphenolics and flavonoids, apparent viscosities, molecular weights, molar ratios of monosaccharide compositions, and ratios of amino acid compositions in PPPs varied in different extraction methods. Furthermore, 13 phenolic compounds in PPPs, including rutin, myricitrin, myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, protocatechuic acid, gallocatechin, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, ampelopsin, quercetin-7,4′-diglucoside, dihydroquercetin, 5-methylmyricetin, and naringenin, were identified. The relatively strong in vitro antioxidant activities, antiglycation effects, and inhibition activities on α-glucosidase and α-amylase were determined in both PPP-W and PPP-P obtained by HWE and PWE, respectively. The high content of total polyphenolics may be one of the main contributors to their in vitro bioactivities. The findings have shown that the PWE method can be an appropriate method to prepare PPPs with strong bioactivities for application in the functional food industry.
Assessing the Influence of Visual-Taste Congruency on Perceived Sweetness and Product Liking in Immersive VR
Authors: Chen Yang , Huang Arya Xinran , Faber Ilona , Makransky Guido , Perez-Cueto Federico J. A.
Published: April 2020

This study was designed to assess whether the combined effect of taste-congruent and incongruent extrinsic visual cues presented in virtual reality (VR) influences the perception of sweetness and product liking. Three VR environments (sweet-congruent, sweet-incongruent, and neutral) were created based on the evidence in existing literature. Participants tasted the same beverage in three VR environments and evaluated the environment and beverage liking, as well as perceived taste intensity (sweetness, sourness, and bitterness), congruency, comfort, and environment vividness. Frontal EEG alpha asymmetry (FAA) was also recorded as a complementary physiological measurement of overall liking. The results showed that the perceived sweetness of the beverage was significantly elevated in a sweet-congruent environment versus the other environments. Visual-taste congruency did not seem to have an effect on beverage liking and overall liking, whereas an increase in environment liking was found in the incongruent environment versus the other environments. These findings confirmed the significant influence of taste-specific visual cues on flavour perception, while the successful use of VR in the study provided insight into future applications of taste-specific VR environment in the modulation of flavour perception and sugar reduction.
Microencapsulation as a Tool for the Formulation of Functional Foods: The Phytosterols’ Case Study
Authors: Tolve Roberta , Cela Nazarena , Condelli Nicola , Di Cairano Maria , Caruso Marisa C. , Galgano Fernanda
Published: April 2020

Hypercholesterolemia, which is an increase in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) serum cholesterol, is an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle modifications underpin any action plan for reducing serum cholesterol. Phytosterols are natural compounds belonging to the triterpenes family. Thanks to their structural analogy with cholesterol, phytosterols have the ability to reduce serum LDL-cholesterol levels. Phytosterols are used to enrich or fortify a broad spectrum of food products. Like unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol, phytosterols are easily oxidized. Microencapsulation could be a useful tool to overcome this and other drawbacks linked to the use of phytosterols in food fortification. In this review, in addition to explaining the phytosterols’ mechanisms of action, a focus on the use of free and encapsulated phytosterols for the formulation of functional foods, taking also into account both technological and legislative issues, is given.
Non-Thermal Ultrasonic Extraction of Polyphenolic Compounds from Red Wine Lees
Authors: Dujmić Filip , Kovačević Ganić Karin , Ćurić Duska , Karlović Sven , Bosiljkov Tomislav , Ježek Damir , Vidrih Rajko , Hribar Janez , Zlatić Emil , Prusina Tihomir , Khubber Sucheta , Barba Francisco J. , Brnčić Mladen
Published: April 2020

This study presents the results of conventional aqueous (CE) and non-conventional ultrasound-assisted (UAE) extractions of polyphenolic compounds from lees extracts of red wine varieties (Merlot and Vranac). The effect of ultrasound extraction time (t, s), and amplitude (A,%) from a 400 W ultrasound processor with different ultrasonic probes diameters (Ds, mm) on the amount and profile of polyphenolic compounds in the obtained extracts was investigated and compared to CE. The optimal conditions resulting in maximum extraction of phenolic compounds were: Probe diameter of 22 mm, amplitude 90% and extraction time for Vranac wine lees 1500 s and for Merlot wine lees extraction time of 1361 s. UAE proved to be significantly more effective in enhancing the extraction capacity of trans-resveratrol glucoside (30.57% to 300%), trans-resveratrol (36.36% to 45.75%), quercetin (39.94% to 43.83%), kaempferol (65.13% to 72.73%), petunidin-3-glucoside (41.53% to 64.95%), malvidin-3-glucoside (47.63% to 89.17%), malvidin-3-(6-O-acetyl) glucoside (23.84% to 49.74%), and malvidin-3-(6-O-p-coumaroyl) glucoside (26.77% to 34.93%) as compared to CE. Ultrasound reduced the extraction time (2.5-fold) and showed an increase of antioxidant potential by 76.39% (DPPH) and 125.83% (FRAP) compared to CE.
A Fast and Low-Cost Human Body 3D Scanner Using 100 Cameras
Authors: Zeraatkar Mojtaba , Khalili Khalil
Published: April 2020

The human body is one of the most complicated objects to model because of its complex features, non-rigidity, and the time required to take body measurements. Basic technologies available in this field range from small and low-cost scanners that must be moved around the body to large and high-cost scanners that can capture all sides of the body simultaneously. This paper presents an image-based scanning system which employs the structure-from-motion method. The design and development process of the scanner includes its physical structure, electronic components, and the algorithms used for extracting 3D data. In addition to the accuracy, which is one of the main parameters to consider when choosing a 3D scanner, the time and cost of the system are among the most important parameters for evaluating a scanner system in the field of human scanning. Because of the non-static nature of the human body, the scanning time is particularly important. On the other hand, a high-cost system may lead to limited use of such systems. The design developed in this paper, which utilizes 100 cameras, facilitates the acquisition of geometric data in a fraction of a second (0.001 s) and provides the capabilities of large, freestanding scanners at a price akin to that of smaller, mobile ones.
Improved Conditions for Oscillation of Functional Nonlinear Differential Equations
Authors: Bazighifan Omar , Postolache Mihai
Published: April 2020

The aim of this work is to study oscillatory properties of a class of fourth-order delay differential equations. New oscillation criteria are obtained by using generalized Riccati transformations. This new theorem complements and improves a number of results reported in the literature. Some examples are provided to illustrate the main results.
Pinocembrin-7-Glucoside (P7G) Reduced Postharvest Blue Mold of Navel Orange by Suppressing Penicillium italicum Growth
Authors: Chen Chuying , Chen Jinyin , Wan Chunpeng
Published: April 2020

The current study aimed to examine the in vitro and in vivo antifungal potential of pinocembrin-7-glucoside (P7G). P7G is an antifungal flavanone glycoside isolated from Ficus hirta Vahl. fruit against Penicillium italicum, a causative pathogen of blue mold disease in citrus fruit, and this study elucidates its possible action mechanism. P7G had a prominent mycelial growth inhibitory activity against P. italicum, with an observed half maximal effective concentration, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of 0.08, 0.2, and 0.8 g/L, respectively. The data from the in vivo test show that P7G significantly reduced blue mold symptoms and disease development of P. italicum in artificially inoculated “Newhall” navel orange. Compared to the control, increases in the cell membrane permeability of P. italicum supernatant and decreases in the intracellular constituent (e.g., soluble protein, reducing sugar, and total lipid) contents of P. italicum mycelia were identified, supporting scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations. Furthermore, a marked decline in both chitin and glucanase contents of P. italicum mycelia treated with P7G was induced by increasing its related degrading enzyme activities, suggesting that the cell wall structure was destroyed. The current study indicated that P7G may be a novel alternative for reducing blue mold by suppressing mycelial growth of P. italicum via a cell membrane/wall-targeting mechanism.
Discovery, Synthesis, and Scale-up of Efficient Palladium Catalysts Useful for the Modification of Nucleosides and Heteroarenes
Authors: Bhilare Shatrughn , Shet Harshita , Sanghvi Yogesh S. , Kapdi Anant R.
Published: April 2020

Nucleic acid derivatives are imperative biomolecules and are involved in life governing processes. The chemical modification of nucleic acid is a fascinating area for researchers due to the potential activity exhibited as antiviral and antitumor agents. In addition, these molecules are also of interest toward conducting useful biochemical, pharmaceutical, and mutagenic study. For accessing such synthetically useful structures and features, transition-metal catalyzed processes have been proven over the years to be an excellent tool for carrying out the various transformations with ease and under mild reaction conditions. Amidst various transition-metal catalyzed processes available for nucleoside modification, Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions have proven to be perhaps the most efficient, successful, and broadly applicable reactions in both academia and industry. Pd-catalyzed C–C and C–heteroatom bond forming reactions have been widely used for the modification of the heterocyclic moiety in the nucleosides, although a single catalyst system that could address all the different requirements for nucleoside modifications isvery rare or non-existent. With this in mind, we present herein a review showcasing the recent developments and improvements from our research groups toward the development of Pd-catalyzed strategies including drug synthesis using a single efficient catalyst system for the modification of nucleosides and other heterocycles. The review also highlights the improvement in conditions or the yield of various bio-active nucleosides or commercial drugs possessing the nucleoside structural core. Scale ups wherever performed (up to 100 g) of molecules of commercial importance have also been disclosed.
The Secondary Structure of a Major Wine Protein is Modified upon Interaction with Polyphenols
Authors: Di Gaspero Mattia , Ruzza Paolo , Hussain Rohanah , Honisch Claudia , Biondi Barbara , Siligardi Giuliano , Marangon Matteo , Curioni Andrea , Vincenzi Simone
Published: April 2020

Polyphenols are an important constituent of wines and they are largely studied due to their antioxidant properties and for their effects on wine quality and stability, which is also related to their capacity to bind to proteins. The effects of some selected polyphenols, including procyanidins B1 and B2, tannic acid, quercetin, and rutin, as well as those of a total white wine procyanidin extract on the conformational properties of the major wine protein VVTL1 (Vitis vinifera Thaumatin-Like-1) were investigated by Synchrotron Radiation Circular Dichroism (SRCD). Results showed that VVTL1 interacts with polyphenols as demonstrated by the changes in the secondary (far-UV) and tertiary (near-UV) structures, which were differently affected by different polyphenols. Additionally, polyphenols modified the two melting temperatures (TM) that were found for VVTL1 (32.2 °C and 53.9 °C for the protein alone). The circular dichroism (CD) spectra in the near-UV region revealed an involvement of the aromatic side-chains of the protein in the interaction with phenolics. The data demonstrate the existence of an interaction between polyphenols and VVTL1, which results in modification of its thermal and UV denaturation pattern. This information can be useful in understanding the behavior of wine proteins in presence of polyphenols, thus giving new insights on the phenomena that are involved in wine stability.
A Tryptophan Metabolite, 8-Hydroxyquinaldic Acid, Exerts Antiproliferative and Anti-Migratory Effects on Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Walczak Katarzyna , Langner Ewa , Szalast Karolina , Makuch-Kocka Anna , Pożarowski Piotr , Plech Tomasz
Published: April 2020

8-Hydroxyquinaldic acid, the end-metabolite of tryptophan, is well-known metal chelator; however, its role in humans, especially in cancer promotion and progression, has not been fully revealed. Importantly, 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid is the analog of kynurenic acid with evidenced antiproliferative activity towards various cancer cells. In this study, we revealed that 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid inhibited not only proliferation and mitochondrial activity in colon cancer HT-29 and LS-180 cells, but it also decreased DNA synthesis up to 90.9% for HT-29 cells and 76.1% for LS-180 cells. 8-Hydroxyquinaldic acid induced changes in protein expression of cell cycle regulators (CDK4, CDK6, cyclin D1, cyclin E) and CDKs inhibitors (p21 Waf1/Cip1, p27 Kip1), but the effect was dependent on the tested cell line. Moreover, 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid inhibited migration of colon cancer HT-29 and LS-180 cells and increased the expression of β-catenin and E-cadherin. Importantly, antiproliferative and anti-migratory concentrations of 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid were non-toxic in vitro and in vivo. We reported for the first time antiproliferative and anti-migratory activity of 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid against colon cancer HT-29 and LS-180 cells.
Nuphar lutea Extracts Exhibit Anti-Viral Activity against the Measles Virus
Authors: Winer Hila , Ozer Janet , Shemer Yonat , Reichenstein Irit , Eilam-Frenkel Brit , Benharroch Daniel , Golan-Goldhirsh Avi , Gopas Jacob
Published: April 2020

Different parts of Nuphar lutea L. (yellow water lily) have been used to treat several inflammatory and pathogen-related diseases. It has shown that Nuphar lutea extracts (NUP) are active against various pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and leishmanial parasites. In an effort to detect novel therapeutic agents against negative-stranded RNA (- RNA) viruses, we have tested the effect of a partially-purified alkaloid mixture of Nuphar lutea leaves on the measles virus (MV). The MV vaccine’s Edmonston strain was used to acutely or persistently infect cells. The levels of several MV proteins were detected by a Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Viral RNAs were quantitated by qRT-PCR. Virus infectivity was monitored by infecting African green monkey kidney VERO cells’ monolayers. We showed that NUP protected cells from acute infection. Decreases in the MV P-, N-, and V-proteins were observed in persistently infected cells and the amount of infective virus released was reduced as compared to untreated cells. By examining viral RNAs, we suggest that NUP acts at the post-transcriptional level. We conclude, as a proof of concept, that NUP has anti-viral therapeutic activity against the MV. Future studies will determine the mechanism of action and the effect of NUP on other related viruses.
Synthesis, Structure and In Vitro Anti-Trypanosomal Activity of Non-Toxic Arylpyrrole-Based Chalcone Derivatives
Authors: Zulu Ayanda I. , Oderinlo Ogunyemi O. , Kruger Cuan , Isaacs Michelle , Hoppe Heinrich C. , Smith Vincent J. , Veale Clinton G. L. , Khanye Setshaba D.
Published: April 2020

With an intention of identifying chalcone derivatives exhibiting anti-protozoal activity, a cohort of relatively unexplored arylpyrrole-based chalcone derivatives were synthesized in moderate to good yields. The resultant compounds were evaluated in vitro for their potential activity against a cultured Trypanosoma brucei brucei 427 strain. Several compounds displayed mostly modest in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity with compounds 10e and 10h emerging as active candidates with IC50 values of 4.09 and 5.11 µM, respectively. More importantly, a concomitant assessment of their activity against a human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cell line revealed that these compounds are non-toxic.
Hepcidin and Erythroferrone Correlate with Hepatic Iron Transporters in Rats Supplemented with Multispecies Probiotics
Authors: Skrypnik Katarzyna , Bogdański Paweł , Sobieska Magdalena , Suliburska Joanna
Published: April 2020

The influence of probiotic supplementation on iron metabolism remains poorly investigated. However, a range of studies, especially on Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp229v), have indicated a possible positive impact of probiotics on iron absorption. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of multistrain probiotic supply on iron balance. Thirty Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: placebo (KK group), and multistrain probiotic per os in a daily dose of 2.5 × 109 colony forming units (CFU) (PA group) or 1 × 1010 CFU (PB group). Multistrain probiotic consisted of nine bacterial strains: Bifidobacterium bifidum W23, B. lactis W51, B. lactis W52, Lactobacillus acidophilus W37, L. brevis W63, L. casei W56, L. salivarius W24, Lactococcus lactis W19, and Lc. lactis W58, in equal proportions. After six weeks, blood and organ samples were collected. No differences were found between the three groups in terms of serum concentrations of hepcidin (HEPC), lactoferrin (LTF), homocysteine (HCY), ferritin (Ft), or erythroferrone (ErFe), or in liver content of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), transferrin receptors 1 and 2 (TfR), or ZRT/IRT-like protein 14 (ZIP14) proteins. In the overall sample, positive correlations were noted between the serum concentrations of hepcidin and lactoferrin, and hepcidin and ferritin; serum concentration of hepcidin and DMT1 and TfR1 in the liver; and serum concentration of erythroferrone and TfR2 in the liver. The correlations of serum hepcidin and erythroferrone with liver DMT1 and TfR represent significant mechanisms of Fe homeostasis. Our study has shown that multistrain probiotic supplementation used in the experiment did not disrupt the biochemical and hepatic regulatory processes of Fe balance and did not demonstrate significant influence on selected parameters of Fe metabolism.
Determining the Cytotoxicity of Oxidized Lipids in Cultured Caco-2 Cells Using Bioimaging Techniques
Authors: Alghazeer Rabia , Burwaiss Abdullah A. , Howell Nazlin K. , Alansari Wafa S. , Shamlan Ghalia , Eskandrani Areej A.
Published: April 2020

Fish lipids are comprised of considerable quantities of polyunsaturated acids and are prone to oxidation, producing reactive oxygen species and hydroperoxides. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical and structural alterations in Caco-2 cells following exposure to 100 μg/mL methyl linoleate or fish oil, and then radiated for 24, 48 or 72 h. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy detected free radicals in the lipid membrane, Raman microscopy observed biochemical alterations and atomic force microscopy identified changes in morphology, such as the breakdown of DNA bonds. The study showed that bioimaging and biochemical techniques can be effective at detecting and diagnosing cellular injuries incurred by lipid peroxidation.
Induced Wide Nematic Phase by Seven-Ring Supramolecular H-Bonded Systems: Experimental and Computational Evaluation
Authors: Abdullah Alshabanah Latifah , Al-Mutabagani Laila A. , Ahmed Hoda A. , Hagar Mohamed
Published: April 2020

New seven-ring systems of dipyridine derivative liquid crystalline 2:1 supramolecular H-bonded complexes were formed between 4-n-alkoxyphenylazo benzoic acids and 4-(2-(pyridin-4-yl)diazenyl)phenyl nicotinate. Mesomorphic behaviors of the prepared complexes were investigated using a combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM). Fermi bands attributed to the presence of intermolecular H-bond interactions were confirmed by FT–IR spectroscopy. All prepared complexes possessed an enantiotropic nematic phase with a broad temperature nematogenic range. Phases were confirmed by miscibility with a standard nematic (N) compound. A comparison was constructed to investigate the influence of the incorporation of the azophenyl moiety on the mesomeric behavior of corresponding five-membered complexes. It was found that the present complexes observed induced a wide nematic phase with relatively higher temperature ranges than the five aromatic systems. Density functional theory (DFT) suggested the nonlinear geometry of the formed complex. The results of the DFT explained the nematic mesophase formation. Moreover, the π–π stacking of the aromatic moiety in the phenylazo acid plays an effective role in the mesomorphic thermal stability. The energy difference between the frontier molecular orbitals, HOMO (highest occupied) and LUMO (lowest occupied), and the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) of the prepared complexes were estimated by DFT calculations. The results were used to illustrate the observed nematic phase for all H-bonded supramolecular complexes. Finally, photophysical studies were discussed which were carried out by UV spectroscopy connected to a hot stage.
Bioactive Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (Bio-SNEDDS) for Combined Oral Delivery of Curcumin and Piperine
Authors: Kazi Mohsin , Shahba Ahmad A. , Alrashoud Saad , Alwadei Majed , Sherif Abdelrahman Y. , Alanazi Fars K.
Published: April 2020

Background: Bioactive oils of natural origin have gained huge interests from health care professionals and patients. Objective: To design a bioactive self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (Bio-SNEDDS) comprising curcumin (CUR) and piperine (PP) by incorporating bioactive natural oils in the formulation. Methods: The self-emulsifying properties of apricot, avocado, black seed and Zanthoxylum rhetsa seed oils were screened within various SNEDDS formulations. Each liquid SNEDDS formulation was loaded with both CUR and PP. The optimal liquid SNEDDS were solidified using Aeroperl® and Neusilin® at 1:1 w/w ratio. Liquid and solid SNEDDS were characterized by droplet size analysis, equilibrium solubility, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In-vitro dissolution studies were performed to evaluate the efficiency of CUR and PP release from solid Bio-SNEDDS. Results: The liquid SNEDDS comprised of black seed oil exhibited excellent self-emulsification performance, low droplet size along with transparent appearance. The inclusion of the cosolvent Transcutol P improved the solubilization capacity of both CUR and PP. The liquid SNEDDS were efficiently solidified using the two adsorbents and presented the drugs within amorphous state. In particular, SNEDDS comprised of black seed oil/Imwitor988/Transcutol P/Cremophor RH40 (20/20/10/50) and when solidified with Neusilin showed enhanced CUR and PP release (up to 60% and 77%, respectively). In addition, this formulation efficiently delivers the highly bioactive black seed oil to the patient. Conclusions: The optimized Bio-SNEDDS comprising black seed oil showed outstanding self-emulsification characteristics along with enhanced CUR/PP dissolution upon solidification.
Aviculin Isolated from Lespedeza cuneata Induce Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells through Mitochondria-Mediated Caspase Activation Pathway
Authors: Lee Dahae , Lee Yong Hoon , Lee Kwang Ho , Lee Bum Soo , Alishir Akida , Ko Yoon-Joo , Kang Ki Sung , Kim Ki Hyun
Published: April 2020

The global incidence of breast cancer has increased. However, there are many impediments to the development of safe and effective anticancer drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of aviculin isolated from Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don. (Fabaceae) on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and determine the underlying mechanism. Using the bioassay-guided isolation by water soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1)-based Ez-Cytox assay, nine compounds (four lignan glycosides (1–4), three flavonoid glycosides (5–7), and two phenolic compounds (8 and 9)) were isolated from the ethyl acetate (EA) fraction of the L. cuneata methanolic extract. Of these, aviculin (2), a lignan glycoside, was the only compound that reduced metabolic activity on MCF-7 cells below 50% (IC50: 75.47 ± 2.23 μM). The underlying mechanism was analyzed using the annexin V Alexa Fluor 488 binding assay and Western blotting. Aviculin (2) was found to induce apoptotic cell death through the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, as indicated by the increased expression of initiator caspase-9, executioner caspase-7, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Aviculin (2)-induced apoptotic cell death was accompanied by an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. These findings demonstrated that aviculin (2) could induce breast cancer cell apoptosis through the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, and it can therefore be considered an excellent candidate for herbal treatment of breast cancer.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Anti-Tyrosinase, Anti-Cholinesterase and Cytotoxic Activities of Essential Oils of Six Algerian Plants
Authors: Cheraif Kadour , Bakchiche Boulanouar , Gherib Abdelaziz , Bardaweel Sanaa K. , Çol Ayvaz Melek , Flamini Guido , Ascrizzi Roberta , Ghareeb Mosad A.
Published: April 2020

In this study, the essential oils (EOs) of six Algerian plants (Artemisia campestris L., Artemisia herba-alba Asso, Juniperus phoenicea L., Juniperus oxycedrus L., Mentha pulegium L. and Lavandula officinalis Chaix) were obtained by hydrodistillation, and their compositions determined by GC-MS and GC-FID. The antioxidant activity of the EOS was evaluated via 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assays. Moreover, their cytotoxic effect was evaluated—as well as their tyrosinase, acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase (AChE and BuChE) inhibitory activities. The chemical analyses detected 44, 45, 51, 53, 26 and 40 compounds in EOs of A. campestris, A. herba-alba, J. phoenicea, J. oxycedrus, M. pulegium and L. officinalis, respectively. A. campestris EO was mainly composed of β-pinene (20.7%), while A. herba-alba EO contained davanone D (49.5%) as the main component. α-Pinene (41.8%) was detected as the major constituent in both J. phoenicea (41.8%) and J. oxycedrus (37.8%) EOs. M. pulegium EO was characterized by pulegone as the most abundant (76.9%) compound, while linalool (35.8%) was detected as a major constituent in L. officinalis EO. The antioxidant power evaluation revealed IC50 values ranging from 2.61 to 91.25 mg/mL for DPPH scavenging activity, while the FRAP values ranged from 0.97–8.17 µmol Trolox equivalents (TX)/g sample. In the ABTS assay, the values ranged from 7.01 to 2.40 µmol TX/g sample. In the presence of 1 mg/mL of the samples, tyrosinase inhibition rates ranged from 11.35% to 39.65%, AChE inhibition rates ranged from 40.57% to 73.60% and BuChE inhibition rates ranged from 6.47% to 72.03%. A significant cytotoxic effect was found for A. herba-alba EO. The obtained results support some of the traditional uses of these species in food preservation and for protection against several diseases.
The Effect of Vitamin Supplementation on Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients without Manifest Cardiovascular Diseases: Never-ending Hope or Underestimated Effect?
Authors: Mitu Ovidiu , Cirneala Ioana Alexandra , Lupsan Andrada Ioana , Iurciuc Mircea , Mitu Ivona , Dimitriu Daniela Cristina , Costache Alexandru Dan , Petris Antoniu Octavian , Costache Irina Iuliana
Published: April 2020

Micronutrients, especially vitamins, play an important role in the evolution of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It has been speculated that additional intake of vitamins may reduce the CVD burden by acting on the inflammatory and oxidative response starting from early stages of atherosclerosis, when the vascular impairment might still be reversible or, at least, slowed down. The current review assesses the role of major vitamins on subclinical atherosclerosis process and the potential clinical implications in patients without CVD. We have comprehensively examined the literature data for the major vitamins: A, B group, C, D, and E, respectively. Most data are based on vitamin E, D and C supplementation, while vitamins A and B have been scarcely examined for the subclinical atherosclerosis action. Though the fundamental premise was optimistic, the up-to-date trials with vitamin supplementation revealed divergent results on subclinical atherosclerosis improvement, both in healthy subjects and patients with CVD, while the long-term effect seems minimal. Thus, there are no conclusive data on the prevention and progression of atherosclerosis based on vitamin supplementation. However, given their enormous potential, future trials are certainly needed for a more tailored CVD prevention focusing on early stages as subclinical atherosclerosis.
Pyrazoles as Key Scaffolds for the Development of Fluorine-18-Labeled Radiotracers for Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Authors: Gomes Pedro M. O. , Silva Artur M. S. , Silva Vera L. M.
Published: April 2020

The need for increasingly personalized medicine solutions (precision medicine) and quality medical treatments, has led to a growing demand and research for image-guided therapeutic solutions. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful imaging technique that can be established using complementary imaging systems and selective imaging agents—chemical probes or radiotracers—which are drugs labeled with a radionuclide, also called radiopharmaceuticals. PET has two complementary purposes: selective imaging for diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression and response to treatment. The development of selective imaging agents is a growing research area, with a high number of diverse drugs, labeled with different radionuclides, being reported nowadays. This review article is focused on the use of pyrazoles as suitable scaffolds for the development of 18F-labeled radiotracers for PET imaging. A brief introduction to PET and pyrazoles, as key scaffolds in medicinal chemistry, is presented, followed by a description of the most important [18F]pyrazole-derived radiotracers (PET tracers) that have been developed in the last 20 years for selective PET imaging, grouped according to their specific targets.
Facile Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Asian Spider Flower and Its In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity Against Human Breast Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Pannerselvam Balashanmugam , Durai Prabhu , Thiyagarajan Devasena , Song Hak Jin , Kim Kwang Jin , Jung Yun Seok , Kim Hyung Joo , Rangarajulu Senthil Kumaran
Published: April 2020

Cancer is one of the most dangerous threats to human health and possibly the utmost task for current medicine. Currently, bio-based synthesis of nanoparticles from plants has gained much interest due to its potential medicinal applications. In the present study, a biological approach was employed for biogenic (green) synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using dried leaf extract of Asian spider flower (Asf). The biogenic synthesis of Asf-AgNPs (Asian spider flower-Silver nanoparticles) was established using ultra violet-visible (UV-vis) spectra which exhibited a wide superficial plasmon resonance of AgNPs at 445 nm. These nanoparticles clearly showed the formation of poly-disperse crystalline solids (spherical shape) with particle size range of <50 nm based on observation under a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed carboxylic acids (C = O stretch) known to act as a capping agent and a reductant in plant extracts. Elemental silver signal peak was observed in the graph obtained from energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Biocompatibility tests for Asf-AgNPs at different doses were evaluated against human breast cancer cells (MCF7) for cell viability and apoptotic analysis. According to the evaluation, biosynthesized Asf-AgNPs could prevent the explosion of human breast tumor cells (MCF7) in IC50 at a dose of 40 μg/mL after 48 h of treatment. The results obtained in the IC50 dosage treatments were statistically significant (p < 0.05) when compared with control. Nuclear damage of cells was further investigated using annexin V-FITC/PI dual staining and DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining method. Bright blue fluorescence with condensed and fragmented chromatin was observed. Western blot analysis showed increased expression levels of caspases-3 and 9 (apoptotic proteins). These results indicate that bio-approached AgNPs synthesized through Asf plant extract could be used as potential therapeutic medications for human cancer cells.
Infrared Infusion Monitor Based on Data Dimensionality Reduction and Logistics Classifier
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Zhou Haonan , Song Yong
Published: April 2020

This paper presents an infrared infusion monitoring method based on data dimensionality reduction and a logistics classifier. In today’s social environment, nurses with hospital infusion work are under excessive pressure. In order to improve the information level of the traditional medical process, hospitals have introduced a variety of infusion monitoring devices. The current infusion monitoring equipment mainly adopts the detection method of infrared liquid drop detection to realize non-contact measurements. However, a large number of experiments have found that the traditional infrared detection method has the problems of low voltage signal amplitude variation and low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Conventional threshold judgment or signal shaping cannot accurately judge whether droplets exist or not, and complex signal processing circuits can greatly increase the cost and power consumption of equipment. In order to solve these problems, this paper proposes a method for the accurate measurement of droplets without increasing the cost, that is, a method combining data drop and a logistics classifier. The dimensionalized data and time information are input into the logistics classifier to judge the drop landing. The test results show that this method can significantly improve the accuracy of droplet judgment without increasing the hardware cost.
Conflicting Effects of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Diseases: Does Coffee Consumption Aggravate Pre-existing Risk Factors?
Authors: Lim Dongwoo , Chang Jiung , Ahn Jungyun , Kim Jaieun
Published: April 2020

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. Its effect on health is generally regarded as beneficial in many studies. However, there are growing concerns about the adverse effect of coffee consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to the potential aggravating impact on the cardiovascular system attributed to various compounds within coffee. This review is focused on deteriorative effects of coffee consumption on CVDs with possible mechanisms. Patients with risk factors of CVDs should prudently consider heavy consumption of coffee as it may exacerbate hypertension, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis, and increase the odds of cardiovascular events. J-shaped or U-shaped dose-response graphs of coffee consumption and CVD parameters partially explain the inconsistency of conclusions between coffee studies on CVD, highlighting a moderate intake of coffee. Moreover, there are discrepancies in results from clinical studies elucidating considerable influences of confounding factors including gender and smoking status on outcomes of those conducted to reveal the actual impact of coffee consumption on CVDs. Physical features of subjects including genetic variations and body mass index (BMI) make it difficult to determine moderate intake of coffee for individuals in terms of caffeine metabolism. Further epidemiological studies with consideration about characteristics of the study population are needed to determine the exact effect of coffee consumption on CVD.
Uncertainty in Blood Pressure Measurement Estimated Using Ensemble-Based Recursive Methodology
Authors: Lee Soojeong , Dajani Hilmi R , Rajan Sreeraman , Lee Gangseong , Groza Voicu Z
Published: April 2020

Automated oscillometric blood pressure monitors are commonly used to measure blood pressure for many patients at home, office, and medical centers, and they have been actively studied recently. These devices usually provide a single blood pressure point and they are not able to indicate the uncertainty of the measured quantity. We propose a new technique using an ensemble-based recursive methodology to measure uncertainty for oscillometric blood pressure measurements. There are three stages we consider: the first stage is pre-learning to initialize good parameters using the bagging technique. In the second stage, we fine-tune the parameters using the ensemble-based recursive methodology that is used to accurately estimate blood pressure and then measure the uncertainty for the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the third stage.