bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in Hypotensive vs. Non-Hypotensive Sepsis Management in the Emergency Department: Door-to-Antibiotic Time Impact on Sepsis Survival
Authors: Ballester Leonor , Martínez Rafael , Méndez Juan , Miró Gloria , Solsona Manel , Palomera Elisabeth , Capdevila Josep Anton , Rodriguez Alejandro , Yébenes Juan Carlos
Published: October 2018

Background: Sepsis diagnosis can be incorrectly associated with the presence of hypotension during an infection, so the detection and management of non-hypotensive sepsis can be delayed. We aimed to evaluate how the presence or absence of hypotension, on admission at the emergency department, affects the initial management and outcomes of patients with community-onset severe sepsis. Methods: Demographic, clinical, laboratory, process of care, and outcome variables were recorded for all patients, at the emergency department of our university hospital, who presented with community-onset severe sepsis, between 1 March and 31 August in three consecutive years. Patient management consisted of standardized bundled care with five measures: Detection, blood cultures and empirical antibiotics, oxygen supplementation and fluid resuscitation (if needed), clinical monitoring, and noradrenalin administration (if needed). We compared all variables between patients who had hypotension (mean arterial pressure <65 mmHg), on admission to the emergency department, and those who did not. Results: We identified 153 episodes (84 (54.5%) men; mean age 73.6 ± 1.2; mean Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score 4.9 ± 2.7, and 41.2% hospital mortality). Hypotension was present on admission to the emergency department in 57 patients (37.2%). Hemodynamic treatment was applied earlier in patients who presented hypotension initially. Antibiotics were administered 48 min later in non-hypotensive sepsis (p = 0.08). A higher proportion of patients without initial hypotension required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (43.1% for patients initially hypotensive vs. 56.9% in those initially non-hypotensive, p < 0.05). Initial hypotension was not associated with mortality. A delay in door-to-antibiotic administration time was associated with mortality [OR 1.150, 95%CI: 1.043–1.268). Conclusions: Initial management of patients with community-onset severe sepsis differed according to their clinical presentation. Initial hypotension was associated with early hemodynamic management and less ICU requirement. A non-significant delay was observed in the administration of antibiotics to initially non-hypotensive patients. The time of door-to-antibiotic administration was related to mortality.
Impact on CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 Separation Performance Using Cu-BTC with Supported Ionic Liquids-Based Mixed Matrix Membranes
Authors: Monteiro Bernardo , Nabais Ana R. , Casimiro Maria H. , Martins Ana P. S. , Francisco Rute O. , Neves Luísa A. , Pereira Cláudia C. L.
Published: October 2018

The efficient separation of gases has industrial, economic, and environmental importance. Here, we report the improvement in gas separation performance of a polyimide-based matrix (Matrimid®5218) filled with a Cu-based metal organic framework [MOF, Cu3(BTC)2] with two different ionic liquids (ILs) confined within the pores. The chosen ILs are commonly used in gas solubilization, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([EMIM][BF4]) and 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([EMIM][OTf]), and the incorporation of the [EMIM][BF4]@Cu-BTC and [EMIM][OTf]@Cu-BTC composites in Matrimid®5218 proved to be an efficient strategy to improve the permeability and selectivity toward CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 mixtures.
Membrane Technologies for Lactic Acid Separation from Fermentation Broths Derived from Renewable Resources
Authors: Alexandri Maria , Schneider Roland , Venus Joachim
Published: October 2018

Lactic acid (LA) was produced on a pilot scale using a defined medium with glucose, acid whey, sugar bread and crust bread. The fermentation broths were then subjected to micro- and nanofiltration. Microfiltration efficiently separated the microbial cells. The highest average permeate flow flux was achieved for the defined medium (263.3 L/m2/h) and the lowest for the crust bread-based medium (103.8 L/m2/h). No LA losses were observed during microfiltration of the acid whey, whilst the highest retention of LA was 21.5% for crust bread. Nanofiltration led to high rejections of residual sugars, proteins and ions (sulphate, magnesium, calcium), with a low retention of LA. Unconverted sugar rejections were 100% and 63% for crust bread and sugar bread media respectively, with corresponding LA losses of 22.4% and 2.5%. The membrane retained more than 50% of the ions and proteins present in all media and more than 60% of phosphorus. The average flux was highly affected by the nature of the medium as well as by the final concentration of LA and sugars. The results of this study indicate that micro- and nanofiltration could be industrially employed as primary separation steps for the biotechnologically produced LA.
Crystallization Kinetics and Consolidation of Al82La10Fe4Ni4 Glassy Alloy Powder by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Viet Nguyen Hoang , Oanh Nguyen Thi Hoang , Kim Ji-Soon , Jorge Alberto Moreira
Published: October 2018

The mechanically alloyed Al82La10Ni4Fe4 glassy powder displays a two-step devitrification characterized by the precipitation of fcc-Al together with small amounts of the intermetallic Al11La3 phase in the first crystallization. The interface-controlled growth mechanism governed the first crystallization event. Calculations of the activation energy, using the methods of Kissinger, Ozawa, and Augis-Bennett gave values of 432.33, 443.2, and 437.76 kJ/mol, respectively. The calculated Avrami exponent (n) for the first crystallization peak was about 1.41, suggesting an almost zero nucleation rate. On the other hand, the value of n for the second peak related to the residual amorphous phase completely transformed into the intermetallic phase Al11La3 was about 3.61, characterizing diffusion controlled three-dimensional crystal growth with an increasing nucleation rate. Samples sintered at 573 K kept an amorphous structure and exhibited a high compressive strength of 650 MPa with a maximum elongation of 2.34% without any plastic deformation. The failure morphology of the sintered sample surface presented a transparticle fracture mechanism, indicating the efficiency of the sintering processing.
Possible Effects and Mechanisms of Ultrasonic Cavitation on Oxide Inclusions during Direct-Chill Casting of an Al Alloy
Authors: Zhang Yun , Li Ruiqing , Li Xiaoqian , Yang Yilong , Chen Pinghu , Dong Fang , Jiang Ripeng
Published: October 2018

Oxide films or inclusions can reduce the continuity and integrity of materials and they always lead to a significant reduction in the mechanical properties of an aluminum alloy. They can greatly reduce the plastic flow behavior of materials, thus affecting the subsequent processing performance. Therefore, an effective ultrasonic assisted preparation technology has been applied to industrial manufacturing of large-scale aluminum alloy ingots (with diameter: Φ = 1250 mm and height: h = 3750 mm). However, the mechanisms of ultrasonic purification on the large-scale ingots are not clear. Therefore, a number of aluminum alloy casting experiments were carried out to produce a conventional hot top semi-continuous ingot (CHTI) and an ultrasonic hot top semi-continuous ingot (UHTI) in this work. The microstructures of CHTI and UHTI were analyzed by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that there were some oxide film defects in the CHTI but some finely dispersed inclusion particles were discovered in the UHTI. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) data showed that the component of inclusion was Al2O3. According to the different cavitation effects of the different areas of the molten aluminum, the process of ultrasonic purification was divided into three periods and the mechanisms in each period were separately studied.
In Situ Observation on the Effects of Prior Martensite Formation on Nanostructured Low–Temperature Bainite Transformation
Authors: Zhou Wen , Hou Tingping , Tao Lang , Wu Kaiming
Published: October 2018

Nanobainite transformation behavior was comparably studied using in situ observations for two heat treatments: With and without partial quenching before isothermal holding at 300 °C. It was found that the prior martensite formation significantly accelerated the rate of the subsequent nanobainite transformation. Bainitic laths formed adjacent to a prior martensite plate and grew up to austenites. Bainite phase also formed both at the grain boundaries of the parent phase and inside the grains. Regarding the growth mode, bainite grows along the longitudinal direction and hardly grows along the lateral direction.
Corrosion Inhibition
Authors: Lindsay Robert , Kokalj Anton
Published: October 2018

n/a
Titanite Ores of the Khibiny Apatite-Nepheline-Deposits: Selective Mining, Processing and Application for Titanosilicate Synthesis
Authors: Gerasimova Lidia G. , Nikolaev Anatoly I. , Maslova Marina V. , Shchukina Ekaterina S. , Samburov Gleb O. , Yakovenchuk Victor N. , Ivanyuk Gregory Yu.
Published: October 2018

Geological setting and mineral composition of (apatite)-nepheline-titanite ore from the Khibiny massif enable selective mining of titanite ore, and its processing with sulfuric-acid method, without preliminary concentration in flotation cells. In this process flow diagram, titanite losses are reduced by an order of magnitude in comparison with a conventional flotation technology. Further, dissolution of titanite in concentrated sulfuric acid produces titanyl sulfate, which, in turn, is a precursor for titanosilicate synthesis. In particular, synthetic analogues of the ivanyukite group minerals, SIV, was synthesized with hydrothermal method from the composition based on titanyl-sulfate, and assayed as a selective cation-exchanger for Cs and Sr.
Re–Os Pyrite Geochronological Evidence of Three Mineralization Styles within the Jinchang Gold Deposit, Yanji–Dongning Metallogenic Belt, Northeast China
Authors: Li Shun-Da , Wang Zhi-Gao , Wang Ke-Yong , Cai Wen-Yan , Peng Da-Wei , Xiao Li , Li Jie
Published: October 2018

The Jinchang gold deposit is located in the eastern Yanji–Dongning Metallogenic Belt in Northeast China. The orebodies of the deposit are hosted within granite, diorite, and granodiorite, and are associated with gold-mineralized breccia pipes, disseminated gold in ores, and fault-controlled gold-bearing veins. Three paragenetic stages were identified: (1) early quartz–pyrite–arsenopyrite (stage 1); (2) quartz–pyrite–chalcopyrite (stage 2); and (3) late quartz–pyrite–galena–sphalerite (stage 3). Gold is hosted predominantly within pyrite. Pyrite separated from quartz–pyrite–arsenopyrite cement within the breccia-hosted ores (Py1) yield a Re–Os isochron age of 102.9 ± 2.7 Ma (MSWD = 0.17). Pyrite crystals from the quartz–pyrite–chalcopyrite veinlets (Py2) yield a Re–Os isochron age of 102.0 ± 3.4 Ma (MSWD = 0.2). Pyrite separated from quartz–pyrite–galena–sphalerite veins (Py3) yield a Re–Os isochron age of 100.9 ± 3.1 Ma (MSWD = 0.019). Re–Os isotopic analyses of the three types of auriferous pyrite suggest that gold mineralization in the Jinchang Deposit occurred at 105.6–97.8 Ma (includes uncertainty). The initial 187Os/188Os values of the pyrites range between 0.04 and 0.60, suggesting that Os in the pyrite crystals was derived from both crust and mantle sources.
Potential of Grape Wastes as a Natural Source of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Tang Guo-Yi , Zhao Cai-Ning , Liu Qing , Feng Xiao-Ling , Xu Xiao-Yu , Cao Shi-Yu , Meng Xiao , Li Sha , Gan Ren-You , Li Hua-Bin
Published: October 2018

Grapes are widely used in the wine and juice industries, which can lead to massive amounts of waste, mostly grape peels and seeds. The antioxidant capacities, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and phenolic profiles of peels and seeds from 30 grape varieties were systemically assessed. The antioxidant activities of fat-soluble, water-soluble and insoluble-bound fractions of grape peels and seeds were evaluated using ferric-reducing antioxidant power and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays, and their total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and AlCl3 colorimetry, respectively. It was found that the antioxidant capacities were diverse among different grape peels and seeds. Moreover, several phenolic compounds were identified and quantified, including gallic acid, cyanidin-3-glucoside, epicatechin, catechin gallate, ferulaic acid, rutin and resveratrol, which could contribute to the antioxidant capacities of these grape peels and seeds. Several grape wastes with strong antioxidant activity could be abundant sources of natural bioactive compounds, and have the potential for development into functional foods, food additives and pharmaceuticals.
Aucuba japonica Extract and Aucubin Prevent Desiccating Stress-Induced Corneal Epithelial Cell Injury and Improve Tear Secretion in a Mouse Model of Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Kang Wan Seok , Jung Eunsoo , Kim Junghyun
Published: October 2018

Dry eye disease is affected by a broad range of causes such as age, lifestyle, environment, medication and autoimmune diseases. These causes induce tear instability that activates immune cells and promotes expression of inflammatory molecules. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of an ethanolic extract of Aucuba japonica (AJE) and its bioactive compound, aucubin, on dry eye disease. The human corneal cells were exposed to desiccation stress induced by exposing cells to air, so that viability was decreased. On the other hand, pre-treatment of AJE and aucubin restored cell survival rate depending on the dose under the dry condition. This result was confirmed again by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The mRNA expression of inflammatory molecules was reduced by the pretreatment of AJE and aucubin under the dry state. The therapeutic effects of AJE and aucubin were examined in the animal model for dry eye induced by unilateral excision of the exorbital lacrimal gland. Declined tear volumes and corneal irregularity in the dry eye group were fully recovered by the administration of AJE and aucubin. The apoptotic cells on the cornea were also decreased by AJE and aucubin. Therefore, this study suggests that administration of AJE can be a novel therapeutic for dry eye disease and that the pharmacological activities of AJE may be in part due to its bioactive compound, aucubin.
Isopsoralen Enhanced Osteogenesis by Targeting AhR/ERα
Authors: Ge Luna , Cui Yazhou , Cheng Kai , Han Jinxiang
Published: October 2018

Isopsoralen (IPRN), one of the main effective ingredients in Psoralea corylifolia Linn, has a variety of biological effects, including antiosteoporotic effects. In vivo studies show that IPRN can increase bone strength and trabecular bone microstructure in a sex hormone deficiency-induced osteoporosis model. However, the mechanism underlying this osteogenic potential has not been investigated in detail. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of IPRN-induced osteogenesis in MC3T3-E1 cells. Isopsoralen promoted osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, increased calcium nodule levels and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and upregulated osteoblast markers, including ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1). Furthermore, IPRN limited the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) by directly binding to AhR. The AhR target gene cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1 (CYP1A1) was also inhibited in vitro and in vivo. This effect was inhibited by the AhR agonists indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC). Moreover, IPRN also increased estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression in an AhR-dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that IPRN acts as an AhR antagonist and promotes osteoblast differentiation via the AhR/ERα axis.
Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist Mesyl Sal B Attenuates Behavioral Sensitization to Cocaine with Fewer Aversive Side-Effects than Salvinorin A in Rodents
Authors: Kivell Bronwyn M. , Paton Kelly F. , Kumar Nitin , Morani Aashish S. , Culverhouse Aimee , Shepherd Amy , Welsh Susan A. , Biggerstaff Andrew , Crowley Rachel S. , Prisinzano Thomas E.
Published: October 2018

The acute activation of kappa opioid receptors (KOPr) produces antinociceptive and anti-cocaine effects, however, their side-effects have limited further clinical development. Mesyl Sal B is a potent and selective KOPr analogue of Salvinorin A (Sal A), a psychoactive natural product isolated from the plant Salvia divinorum. We assessed the antinociceptive, anti-cocaine, and side-effects of Mesyl Sal B. The anti-cocaine effects are evaluated in cocaine-induced hyperactivity and behavioral sensitization to cocaine in male Sprague Dawley rats. Mesyl Sal B was assessed for anhedonia (conditioned taste aversion), aversion (conditioned place aversion), pro-depressive effects (forced swim test), anxiety (elevated plus maze) and learning and memory deficits (novel object recognition). In male B6.SJL mice, the antinociceptive effects were evaluated in warm-water (50 °C) tail withdrawal and intraplantar formaldehyde (2%) assays and the sedative effects measured with the rotarod performance task. Mesyl Sal B (0.3 mg/kg) attenuated cocaine-induced hyperactivity and behavioral sensitization to cocaine without modulating sucrose self-administration and without producing aversion, sedation, anxiety, or learning and memory impairment in rats. However, increased immobility was observed in the forced swim test indicating pro-depressive effects. Mesyl Sal B was not as potent as Sal A at reducing pain in the antinociceptive assays. In conclusion, Mesyl Sal B possesses anti-cocaine effects, is longer acting in vivo and has fewer side-effects when compared to Sal A, however, the antinociceptive effects are limited.
Questions of Mirror Symmetry at the Photoexcited and Ground States of Non-Rigid Luminophores Raised by Circularly Polarized Luminescence and Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy: Part 1. Oligofluorenes, Oligophenylenes, Binaphthyls and Fused Aromatics
Authors: Fujiki Michiya , Koe Julian , Mori Takashi , Kimura Yoshihiro
Published: October 2018

We report experimental tests of whether non-rigid, π-conjugated luminophores in the photoexcited (S1) and ground (S0) states dissolved in achiral liquids are mirror symmetrical by means of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Herein, we chose ten oligofluorenes, eleven linear/cyclic oligo-p-arylenes, three binaphthyls and five fused aromatics, substituted with alkyl, alkoxy, phenyl and phenylethynyl groups and also with no substituents. Without exception, all these non-rigid luminophores showed negative-sign CPL signals in the UV-visible region, suggesting temporal generation of energetically non-equivalent non-mirror image structures as far-from equilibrium open-flow systems at the S1 state. For comparison, unsubstituted naphthalene, anthracene, tetracene and pyrene, which are achiral, rigid, planar luminophores, did not obviously show CPL/CD signals. However, camphor, which is a rigid chiral luminophore, showed mirror-image CPL/CD signals. The dissymmetry ratio of CPL (glum) for the oligofluorenes increased discontinuously, ranging from ≈ −(0.2 to 2.0) × 10−3, when the viscosity of the liquids increased. When the fluorene ring number increased, the glum value extrapolated at [η] = 0 reached −0.8 × 10−3 at 420 nm, leading to (–)-CPL signals predicted in the vacuum state. Our comprehensive CPL and CD study should provide a possible answer to the molecular parity violation hypothesis arising due to the weak neutral current mediated by the Z0-boson.
Synthesis of Gemcitabine-Threonine Amide Prodrug Effective on Pancreatic Cancer Cells with Improved Pharmacokinetic Properties
Authors: Hong Sungwoo , Fang Zhenghuan , Jung Hoi-Yun , Yoon Jin-Ha , Hong Soon-Sun , Maeng Han-Joo
Published: October 2018

To investigate the amino acid transporter-based prodrug anticancer strategy further, several amino acid-conjugated amide gemcitabine prodrugs were synthesized to target amino acid transporters in pancreatic cancer cells. The structures of the synthesized amino acid-conjugated prodrugs were confirmed by 1H-NMR and LC-MS. The pancreatic cancer cells, AsPC1, BxPC-3, PANC-1 and MIAPaCa-2, appeared to overexpress the amino acid transporter LAT-1 by conventional RT-PCR. Among the six amino acid derivatives of gemcitabine, threonine derivative of gemcitabine (Gem-Thr) was more effective than free gemcitabine in the pancreatic cancer cells, BxPC-3 and MIAPaCa-2, respectively, in terms of anti-cancer effects. Furthermore, Gem-Thr was metabolically stable in PBS (pH 7.4), rat plasma and liver microsomal fractions. When Gem-Thr was administered to rats at 4 mg/kg i.v., Gem-Thr was found to be successfully converted to gemcitabine via amide bond cleavage. Moreover, the Gem-Thr showed the increased systemic exposure of formed gemcitabine by 1.83-fold, compared to free gemcitabine treatment, due to the significantly decreased total clearance (0.60 vs. 4.23 mL/min/kg), indicating that the amide prodrug approach improves the metabolic stability of gemcitabine in vivo. Taken together, the amino acid transporter-targeting gemcitabine prodrug, Gem-Thr, was found to be effective on pancreatic cancer cells and to offer an efficient potential means of treating pancreatic cancer with significantly better pharmacokinetic characteristics than gemcitabine.
Quantitative Evaluation of Twelve Major Components of Sulfur-Fumigated Astragali Radix with Different Durations by UPLC-MS
Authors: Xing Xiaoyan , Sun Zhonghao , Yang Meihua , Zhu Nailiang , Yang Junshan , Ma Guoxu , Xu Xudong
Published: October 2018

In this study, an improved UPLC-MS (Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) method for simultaneously quantifying twelve major components belonging to two chemical types was developed and validated, and was applied to quantitatively compare the quality of sulfur-fumigated Astragali Radix of different durations and of the fresh reference sample. The results showed that the contents of triterpenes astragaloside III and astragaloside IV decreased moderately, while the flavonoids calycosin, formononetin, and 7,2′-dihydroxy-3′,4′-dimethoxyisoflavane decreased significantly. The corresponding flavonoid glycosides increased accordingly, which indicated the occurrence of chemical transformation of flavonoids and glycosides in the process of sulfur-fumigation. These transformations were further confirmed by the synthesis of flavonoid glycosides under simulated sulfur-fumigation circumstances. Furthermore, the sulfur-fumigated duration varied in proportion with the contents of compounds 7, 11, and 12. These results suggest that the established method was precise, accurate and sensitive enough for the global quality evaluation of sulfur-fumigated Astragali Radix. Further, sulfur-fumigation not only changes the proportions of bioactive components, but also causes chemical transformation in Astragali Radix.
Role of Extracellular Loops and Membrane Lipids for Ligand Recognition in the Neuronal Adenosine Receptor Type 2A: An Enhanced Sampling Simulation Study
Authors: Cao Ruyin , Giorgetti Alejandro , Bauer Andreas , Neumaier Bernd , Rossetti Giulia , Carloni Paolo
Published: October 2018

Human G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important targets for pharmaceutical intervention against neurological diseases. Here, we use molecular simulation to investigate the key step in ligand recognition governed by the extracellular domains in the neuronal adenosine receptor type 2A (hA2AR), a target for neuroprotective compounds. The ligand is the high-affinity antagonist (4-(2-(7-amino-2-(furan-2-yl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino)ethyl)phenol), embedded in a neuronal membrane mimic environment. Free energy calculations, based on well-tempered metadynamics, reproduce the experimentally measured binding affinity. The results are consistent with the available mutagenesis studies. The calculations identify a vestibular binding site, where lipids molecules can actively participate to stabilize ligand binding. Bioinformatic analyses suggest that such vestibular binding site and, in particular, the second extracellular loop, might drive the ligand toward the orthosteric binding pocket, possibly by allosteric modulation. Taken together, these findings point to a fundamental role of the interaction between extracellular loops and membrane lipids for ligands’ molecular recognition and ligand design in hA2AR.
The Molecular Properties of Peanut Protein: Impact of Temperature, Relative Humidity and Vacuum Packaging during Storage
Authors: Sun Xiaotong , Jin Hua , Li Yangyang , Feng Haiying , Liu Chunhong , Xu Jing
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to investigate the variation of molecular functional properties of peanut protein isolate (PPI) over the storage process and reveal the correlation between the PPI secondary structure and properties in the storage procedure. After storage, the molecular properties of PPI changed significantly (p < 0.05). Extending storage time resulted in a decrease in free sulfhydryl content, fluorescence intensity, surface hydrophobicity and emulsifying properties, which was accompanied by an increase in protein particle size. The results of infrared spectroscopy suggested the content decline of α-helix and β-sheet, and the content rise of β-turn and random coil. Based on bivariate correlation analysis, it was revealed that surface hydrophobicity and emulsifying activity of PPI was significantly affected by α-helix and by β-turn (p < 0.05), respectively. This research supplied more information for the relationship between the peanut protein’s secondary structure and functional properties over the stored process.
Essential Oils of Five Baccharis Species: Investigations on the Chemical Composition and Biological Activities
Authors: Budel Jane M. , Wang Mei , Raman Vijayasankar , Zhao Jianping , Khan Shabana I. , Rehman Junaid U. , Techen Natascha , Tekwani Babu , Monteiro Luciane M. , Heiden Gustavo , Takeda Inês J. M. , Farago Paulo V. , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: October 2018

This paper provides a comparative account of the essential oil chemical composition and biological activities of five Brazilian species of Baccharis (Asteraceae), namely B. microdonta, B. pauciflosculosa, B. punctulata, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla. The chemical compositions of three species (B. pauciflosculosa, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla) are reported for the first time. Analyses by GC/MS showed notable differences in the essential oil compositions of the five species. α-Pinene was observed in the highest concentration (24.50%) in B. reticularioides. Other major compounds included α-bisabolol (23.63%) in B. punctulata, spathulenol (24.74%) and kongol (22.22%) in B. microdonta, β-pinene (18.33%) and limonene (18.77%) in B. pauciflosculosa, and β-pinene (15.24%), limonene (14.33%), and spathulenol (13.15%) in B. sphenophylla. In vitro analyses for antimalarial, antitrypanosomal, and insecticidal activities were conducted for all of the species. B. microdonta and B. reticularioides showed good antitrypanosomal activities; B. sphenophylla showed insecticidal activities in fumigation bioassay against bed bugs; and B. pauciflosculosa, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla exhibited moderate antimalarial activities. B. microdonta and B. punctulata showed cytotoxicity. The leaves and stems of all five species showed glandular trichomes and ducts as secretory structures. DNA barcoding successfully determined the main DNA sequences of the investigated species and enabled authenticating them.
Monitoring Protein Dynamics in Protein O-Mannosyltransferase Mutants In Vivo by Tandem Fluorescent Protein Timers
Authors: Castells-Ballester Joan , Zatorska Ewa , Meurer Matthias , Neubert Patrick , Metschies Anke , Knop Michael , Strahl Sabine
Published: October 2018

For proteins entering the secretory pathway, a major factor contributing to maturation and homeostasis is glycosylation. One relevant type of protein glycosylation is O-mannosylation, which is essential and evolutionarily-conserved in fungi, animals, and humans. Our recent proteome-wide study in the eukaryotic model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae revealed that more than 26% of all proteins entering the secretory pathway receive O-mannosyl glycans. In a first attempt to understand the impact of O-mannosylation on these proteins, we took advantage of a tandem fluorescent timer (tFT) reporter to monitor different aspects of protein dynamics. We analyzed tFT-reporter fusions of 137 unique O-mannosylated proteins, mainly of the secretory pathway and the plasma membrane, in mutants lacking the major protein O-mannosyltransferases Pmt1, Pmt2, or Pmt4. In these three pmtΔ mutants, a total of 39 individual proteins were clearly affected, and Pmt-specific substrate proteins could be identified. We observed that O-mannosylation may cause both enhanced and diminished protein abundance and/or stability when compromised, and verified our findings on the examples of Axl2-tFT and Kre6-tFT fusion proteins. The identified target proteins are a valuable resource towards unraveling the multiple functions of O-mannosylation at the molecular level.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Major Constituents in WLJ Herbal Tea Using Multiple Chromatographic Techniques
Authors: Lin Chao-Zhan , Zhang Run-Jing , Yao Yu-Feng , Huang Xiao-Dan , Zheng Rong-Bo , Wu Bo-Jian , Zhu Chen-Chen
Published: October 2018

Quality control of Chinese herbal tea remains a challenge due to our poor knowledge of their complex chemical profile. This study aims to investigate the chemical composition of one of the best-selling and famous brand of beverage in China, Wanglaoji Herbal Tea (WLJHT), via a full component quantitative analysis. In this paper, a total of thirty-four representative constituents were identified or tentatively characterized using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Moreover, the quantitative analyses of fourteen constituents were performed by high performance liquid chromatography with a triple quadruple tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method and saccharide compositions of WLJHT were also quantitatively determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) on a Hilic column, separately. Using multiple chromatographic techniques presented a good precision, sensitivity, repeatability and stability, and was successfully applied to analyze 16 batches of WLJHT samples. Therefore, it would be a reliable and useful approach for the quality control of WLJHT.
Synthesis and Structural Identification of a Biaryl Ether-Linked Zearalenone Dimer
Authors: Keller Julia , Hantschke Luisa , Haase Hajo , Koch Matthias
Published: October 2018

A new dimer of the food-relevant mycotoxin zearalenone was isolated after electrochemical and chemical oxidation. The structure was determined as a 16-O-15′-biaryl ether-linked dimer based on spectroscopic analyses (1H- and 13C-NMR, COSY, HMBC, and HSQCAD) and high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis (Q-TOF).
Layered-Expanded Mesostructured Silicas: Generalized Synthesis and Functionalization
Authors: Burguete Pedro , Morales José Manuel , Fernández Lorenzo , El Haskouri Jamal , Latorre Julio , Guillem Carmen , Pérez-Pla Francisco , Cros Ana , Beltrán Daniel , Beltrán Aurelio , Amorós Pedro
Published: October 2018

Mesostructured layered silicas have been prepared through a surfactant-assisted procedure using neutral alkylamines as templates and starting from atrane complexes as hydrolytic inorganic precursors. By adjusting the synthetic parameters, this kinetically controlled reproducible one-pot method allows for obtaining both pure and functionalized (inorganic or organically) lamellar silica frameworks. These are easily deconstructed and built up again, which provides a simple way for expanding the interlamellar space. The materials present high dispersibility, which results in stable colloidal suspensions.
Predicting the Features of Methane Adsorption in Large Pore Metal-Organic Frameworks for Energy Storage
Authors: Manos George , Dunne Lawrence J.
Published: October 2018

Currently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are receiving significant attention as part of an international push to use their special properties in an extensive variety of energy applications. In particular, MOFs have exceptional potential for gas storage especially for methane and hydrogen for automobiles. However, using theoretical approaches to investigate this important problem presents various difficulties. Here we present the outcomes of a basic theoretical investigation into methane adsorption in large pore MOFs with the aim of capturing the unique features of this phenomenon. We have developed a pseudo one-dimensional statistical mechanical theory of adsorption of gas in a MOF with both narrow and large pores, which is solved exactly using a transfer matrix technique in the Osmotic Ensemble (OE). The theory effectively describes the distinctive features of adsorption of gas isotherms in MOFs. The characteristic forms of adsorption isotherms in MOFs reflect changes in structure caused by adsorption of gas and compressive stress. Of extraordinary importance for gas storage for energy applications, we find two regimes of Negative gas adsorption (NGA) where gas pressure causes the MOF to transform from the large pore to the narrow pore structure. These transformations can be induced by mechanical compression and conceivably used in an engine to discharge adsorbed gas from the MOF. The elements which govern NGA in MOFs with large pores are identified. Our study may help guide the difficult program of work for computer simulation studies of gas storage in MOFs with large pores.
Graphene Oxide–PEG–Protocatechuic Acid Nanocomposite Formulation with Improved Anticancer Properties
Authors: Saifullah Bullo , Buskaran Kalaivani , Shaikh Rabia , Barahuie Farahnaz , Fakurazi Sharida , Mohd Moklas Mohd , Hussein Mohd
Published: October 2018

The treatment of cancer through chemotherapy is limited by its toxicity to healthy tissues and organs, and its inability to target the cancer site. In this study, we have designed an anticancer nanocomposite delivery system for protocatechuic acid (PCA) using graphene oxide–polyethylene glycol as the nanocarrier, and coated with folic acid (GO–PEG–PCA–FA) for targeting the cancer cells. The designed anticancer delivery system was found to show much better anticancer activity than the free drug PCA against liver cancer HEP-G2 cells and human colon cancer HT-29 cells; at same time, it was found to be less toxic to normal fibroblast 3T3 cells. The folate-coated anticancer delivery system was found to show better activity then the free drug and the uncoated anticancer delivery system. The in vitro release of the PCA was found to be sustained in human physiological pHs, i.e., blood pH 7.4 and intracellular lysosomal pH 4.8. These in vitro findings are highly encouraging for further in vivo evaluation studies.
Biosynthesis of Copper Oxide (CuO) Nanowires and Their Use for the Electrochemical Sensing of Dopamine
Authors: Sundar Sasikala , Venkatachalam Ganesh , Kwon Seong Jung
Published: October 2018

A facile one-step, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach for the formation of copper oxide (CuO) nanowires by a green method using saponin-rich Sapindus mukorossi fruit extract (SMFE). The physio-chemical characteristics of the synthesized CuO nanowires have been characterized by X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, FE-SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM). Further, the electrocatalytic activity of the CuO nanowires synthesized with SMFE has been investigated, and they have been used as dopamine (DA) sensors. Because of their unique properties, the CuO nanowires/GCE exhibited remarkable electrochemical response for the detection of DA with enhanced current response. The anodic current demonstrated that the CuO nanowires/GCE linearly detects the concentration of DA over the range of 0.1 µM to 0.105 mM of DA with a regression co-efficient of 0.9960. The obtained results illustrated that the synthesized CuO nanowires can easily stimulate the electron transfer reaction between DA and the nanowires modified electrode with the improvement of the conductivity and stability of the electrode. This remarkable electrocatalytic property of CuO nanowires makes it a unique electrochemical sensor for the detection of DA. Furthermore, the sensor is free from the interference of ascorbic acid, uric acid, and other interfering species. Moreover, the anti-interference performance also showed that the CuO nanowires/GCE could be employed for the determination of DA in real samples with good selectivity and sensitivity.
Differences in Mediterranean Diet Adherence between Cyclists and Triathletes in a Sample of Spanish Athletes
Authors: Muros José Joaquín , Zabala Mikel
Published: October 2018

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) has rapidly declined in Mediterranean countries due to the increasing introduction of the Western diet. The aim of this study was to describe adherence to the MD within a sample of athletes from Spain. A second aim was to predict adherence to various components of the MD according to region, sex, and sport discipline. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 4037 (34.14 ± 9.28 years old) cyclists and triathletes (men: 90.1%). Participants self-reported their sex, date of birth, the number of years they had been practicing their sport, height, weight, sport discipline (cyclist, triathlon), and region. Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) was used to determine level of adherence to the MD. Women reported a higher MEDAS score and body mass index (BMI) (p ˂ 0.000) than men. Cyclists reported a lower MEDAS score (7.44, SD 2.12 vs. 7.85, SD 2.08), and older age (37.72, SD 9.67 vs. 34.54, SD 8.58) and BMI (23.74, SD 2.69) vs. 22.85, SD 2.28) than triathletes. The study showed that a large proportion of the surveyed athletic population were not meeting the MD guidelines, with particularly low consumption amongst men and cyclists. There were no regional effects. Nutritional guidelines for athletes should be individual rather than general and follow specifications identified by the present research.
Bovine Milk Oligosaccharides with Sialyllactose for Preterm Piglets
Authors: Obelitz-Ryom Karina , Rendboe Amalie Katrine , Nguyen Duc Ninh , Rudloff Silvia , Brandt Anne Bladt , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Heckmann Anne Birgitte , Chichlowski Maciej , Sangild Per Torp , Thymann Thomas , Bering Stine Brandt
Published: October 2018

Oligosaccharides support gut development and bacterial colonization in term infants, but it is unknown if they benefit preterm infants. Using preterm pigs, we investigated effects of bovine milk supplements enriched with oligosaccharides to improve gut development and colonization. Caesarean-delivered preterm pigs (n = 57) were reared for 19 days. The pigs were fed bovine milk supplemented with an oligosaccharide-enriched whey containing sialyllactose, or a heterogeneous oligosaccharide ingredient. To evaluate the influence of artificial rearing, near-term, vaginally born pigs raised by their sow (n = 12) were compared with artificially reared, caesarean-delivered near-term pigs (n = 14). In preterm pigs, the clinical outcome, gut function, gut microbiota, and systemic immunity were similar among dietary treatments. Natural rearing increased growth rates, gut functions, colon short chain fatty acid concentrations and bacterial diversity, relative to artificial rearing. In conclusion, supplements with bovine milk oligosaccharides were well tolerated, but did not improve gut maturation or clinical outcomes in artificially reared preterm piglets. Immaturity at birth, coupled with artificial rearing, may render the neonate unresponsive to the gut-protective effects of milk oligosaccharides. Whether bovine milk oligosaccharides may affect other endpoints (e.g., brain functions) in conditions of immaturity remains to be investigated.
Sicilian Litchi Fruit Extracts Induce Autophagy versus Apoptosis Switch in Human Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Emanuele Sonia , Notaro Antonietta , Palumbo Piccionello Antonio , Maggio Antonella , Lauricella Marianna , D’Anneo Antonella , Cernigliaro Cesare , Calvaruso Giuseppe , Giuliano Michela
Published: October 2018

Litchi chinensis Sonnerat is a tropical tree whose fruits contain significant amounts of bioactive polyphenols. Litchi cultivation has recently spread in Sicily where the climate conditions are particularly favorable for this crop. Recent findings have shown that Litchi extracts display anti-tumor and pro-apoptotic effects in vitro, but the precise underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we report for the first time the effects of Sicilian litchi fruit extracts on colon cancer cells. The results indicated that litchi exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp fractions reduce the viability and clonogenic growth of HT29 cells. These effects were due to cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase followed by caspase-dependent cell death. Interestingly, litchi exocarp and endocarp triggered a precocious autophagic response (16–24 h), which was accompanied by an increase in the level of autophagy related 1/autophagy activating kinase 1 (ATG1/ULK1), beclin-1, microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-II and p62 proteins. Autophagy inhibition by bafilomycin A1 or beclin-1 silencing increased cell death, thus suggesting that autophagy was initially triggered as a pro-survival response. Significant effects of Litchi extracts were also observed in other colon cancer cells, including HCT116 and Caco-2 cells. On the other hand, differentiated Caco-2 cells, a model of human enterocytes, appeared to be insensitive to the extracts at the same treatment conditions. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Electrospray Ionization-Quadrupole-Time-Of-Flight HPLC/ESI/Q-TOF evidenced the presence of some polyphenolic compounds, specifically in exocarp and endocarp extracts, that can account for the observed biological effects. The results obtained suggest a potential therapeutic efficacy of polyphenolic compounds purified from Sicilian Litchi fractions for the treatment of colon cancer. Moreover, our findings indicate that modulation of autophagy can represent a tool to improve the effectiveness of these agents and potentiate the anti-tumor response of colon cancer cells.
Gluten and Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders in Children
Authors: Llanos-Chea Alejandro , Fasano Alessio
Published: October 2018

In children, functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common at all ages. Consumption of certain foods, particularly gluten, is frequently associated with the development and persistence of FGIDs and functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) in adults and children. However, this association is not well defined. Even without a diagnosis of celiac disease (CD), some people avoid gluten or wheat in their diet since it has been shown to trigger mostly gastrointestinal symptoms in certain individuals, especially in children. The incidence of conditions such as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is increasing, particularly in children. On the other hand, CD is a chronic, autoimmune small intestinal enteropathy with symptoms that can sometimes be mimicked by FAPD. It is still unclear if pediatric patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more likely to have CD. Abdominal, pain-associated FGID in children with CD does not seem to improve on a gluten-free diet. The threshold for gluten tolerance in patients with NCGS is unknown and varies among subjects. Thus, it is challenging to clearly distinguish between gluten exclusion and improvement of symptoms related solely to functional disorders.
Digestive Responses to Fortified Cow or Goat Dairy Drinks: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Milan Amber M. , Hodgkinson Alison J. , Mitchell Sarah M. , Prodhan Utpal K. , Prosser Colin G. , Carpenter Elizabeth A. , Fraser Karl , Cameron-Smith David
Published: October 2018

Fortified milk drinks are predominantly manufactured from bovine (cow) sources. Alternative formulations include those prepared with hydrolysed bovine milk proteins or from alternate bovidae species, such as caprine (goat) milk. Currently, there is little data on protein digestive and metabolic responses following ingestion of fortified milk drinks. To examine the digestive and metabolic responses to commercially-available fortified milks, young adults (n = 15 males: 15 females), in a randomised sequence, ingested isonitrogenous quantities of whole cow-protein (WC), whole goat-protein (WG), or partially-hydrolysed whey cow-protein (HC), commercial fortified milks. Plasma amino acid (AA) and hormonal responses were measured at baseline and again at 5 h after ingestion. Paracetamol recovery, breath hydrogen, and subjective digestive responses were also measured. Postprandial plasma AA was similar between WC and WG, while AA appearance was suppressed with HC. Following HC, there was a negative incremental AUC in plasma branched-chain AAs. Further, HC had delayed gastric emptying, increased transit time, and led to exaggerated insulin and GLP-1 responses, in comparison to whole protein formulas. Overall, WC and WG had similar protein and digestive responses with no differences in digestive comfort. Contrastingly, HC led to delayed gastric emptying, attenuated AA appearance, and a heightened circulating insulin response.
The Feasibility and Acceptability of Two Methods of Snack Portion Control in United Kingdom (UK) Preschool Children: Reduction and Replacement
Authors: Reale Sophie , Kearney Colette M. , Hetherington Marion M. , Croden Fiona , Cecil Joanne E. , Carstairs Sharon A. , Rolls Barbara J. , Caton Samantha J.
Published: October 2018

Large portions of high energy dense (HED) snacks are offered to children from a young age and are pervasive in our food environment. This study aimed to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of two strategies of snack portion control: reduction and replacement. Forty-six mother-child dyads aged 22–56 months (36.6 ± 9.5 m, 48% female) completed a three-week intervention. In week 1 (baseline) no changes were made to the child’s diet; week 2 (acclimation) children received a standardised selection of HED snacks, and in week 3 (intervention) participants were randomly assigned to snack replacement (n = 24) or snack reduction (n = 22). Snack replacement involved swapping HED snacks for fruits and vegetables, whilst snack reduction involved reducing the size of HED snacks by 50%. Food and energy intake were measured using a weighed food diary for four consecutive days. Snack replacement resulted in more positive changes to children’s diets; vegetable intake increased (p < 0.01), and total daily energy intake decreased when compared to snack reduction (p < 0.05). Mothers expressed a more favourable attitude to snack replacement, although snack reduction was also well received by mothers. Despite increased preliminary efficacy of snack replacement on dietary intake, both strategies were feasible and acceptable. The current pilot study provides the necessary information to inform the design of future interventions.