bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Coil Power Ranges on the E-Liquid Consumption in Vaping Devices
Authors: Soulet Sébastien , Duquesne Marie , Toutain Jean , Pairaud Charly , Lalo Hélène
Published: August 2018

As electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) represent a new constantly evolving product category, the systematic analysis of the developed devices and the e-liquid vaporization is challenging. Indeed, understanding how e-cigarettes work and the role of key parameters in the process are major issues. This work focuses on an experimental study of how the power supplied by the battery to the atomizer coil influences e-liquid consumption. The reproducibility and the repeatability of e-liquid consumption were investigated over 20 series of 20 puffs for one of the tested atomizers. Then, the reproducibility and the repeatability of the e-liquid consumption was investigated over five series of 20 puffs for each tested atomizer. The wire behavior according to the supplied power could be separated into three regimes: under-heating (insufficient power to generate an aerosol), optimal vaporization characterized by a linear trend (vaporization of the e-liquid proportional to the supplied energy) and over-heating (dry-burn occurs). Using a controllable and repeatable energy supply, the reproducibility of the quantity of vaporized e-liquid was verified for each of the five series of 20 puffs programed for all the atomizers except one. Finally, the influence of the supplied power on the vaporization and the consumption of the e-liquid as well as the optimal power ranges were investigated and discussed. The results showed that atomizers with resistance ranging from 1 Ω to 1.8 Ω are efficient using all the energy supplied by the battery to vaporize the e-liquid and reducing the energy lost in the cotton or in the metal part of atomizer coil.
Synergistic Effects of Ambient Temperature and Air Pollution on Health in Europe: Results from the PHASE Project
Authors: Analitis Antonis , De’ Donato Francesca , Scortichini Matteo , Lanki Timo , Basagana Xavier , Ballester Ferran , Astrom Christopher , Paldy Anna , Pascal Mathilde , Gasparrini Antonio , Michelozzi Paola , Katsouyanni Klea
Published: August 2018

We studied the potential synergy between air pollution and meteorology and their impact on mortality in nine European cities with data from 2004 to 2010. We used daily series of Apparent Temperature (AT), measurements of particulate matter (PM10), ozone (O3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and total non-accidental, cardiovascular, and respiratory deaths. We applied Poisson regression for city-specific analysis and random effects meta-analysis to combine city-specific results, separately for the warm and cold seasons. In the warm season, the percentage increase in all deaths from natural causes per °C increase in AT tended to be greater during high ozone days, although this was only significant for all ages when all causes were considered. On low ozone days, the increase in the total daily number of deaths was 1.84% (95% CI 0.87, 2.82), whilst it was 2.20% (95% CI 1.28, 3.13) in the high ozone days per 1 °C increase in AT. Interaction with PM10 was significant for cardiovascular (CVD) causes of death for all ages (2.24% on low PM10 days (95% CI 1.01, 3.47) whilst it is 2.63% (95% CI 1.57, 3.71) on high PM10 days) and for ages 75+. In days with heat waves, no consistent pattern of interaction was observed. For the cold period, no evidence for synergy was found. In conclusion, some evidence of interactive effects between hot temperature and the levels of ozone and PM10 was found, but no consistent synergy could be identified during the cold season.
Affordable Care Act and Disparities in Health Services Utilization among Ethnic Minority Breast Cancer Survivors: Evidence from Longitudinal Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys 2008–2015
Authors: White-Means Shelley I. , Osmani Ahmad Reshad
Published: August 2018

Breast cancer is the most prevalent female cancer in the US. Incidence rates are similar for white and black women but mortality rates are higher for black women. This study draws on rich, nationally representative data, the 2008–2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys, to estimate effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on reducing disparities in and access to use of diagnostic and medical services for black and Hispanic breast cancer survivors. Random effects multinomial logit, flexible hurdle and Box-Cox estimation techniques are used. The robust estimates indicate that the ACA narrowed the racial/ethnic disparity in health insurance coverage, health care utilization and out-of-pocket prescription drug expenditures among breast cancer survivors. Gaps in uninsurance significantly declined for black and Hispanic survivors. Hispanic women generally and black breast cancer survivors specifically increased use of mammography services post-ACA. The ACA did not significantly impact disparities in physician utilization or out-of-pocket prescription drug expenditures for Hispanic survivors, while there were substantive improvements for black breast cancer survivors. The paper concludes with a discussion of the strengths and limitations of the ACA for reducing disparities and improving health outcomes for a growing population of breast cancer survivors in the US.
Learning and Action in Community Health: Using the Health Belief Model to Assess and Educate African American Community Residents about Participation in Clinical Research
Authors: Rollins Latrice , Sy Angela , Crowell Nicole , Rivers Desiree , Miller Assia , Cooper Pamela , Teague Debra , Jackson Cassandra , Henry Akintobi Tabia , Ofili Elizabeth
Published: August 2018

The Learning and Action in Community Health project was implemented to gather preliminary data needed to inform community-engaged educational approaches to increase clinical research participation among racial minorities. The Health Belief Model was the theoretical framework utilized to develop the intervention and assessment tools. An educational session about clinical research and biorepository participation was designed using clinicaltrials.gov information and administered to adult, African American community residents (n = 60) in Atlanta, Georgia. Pre- and post-tests were collected and analyzed to assess changes in participants’ knowledge, perceptions, and willingness to participate in clinical studies and biorepositories. There were statistically significant changes in knowledge about joining a clinical study (p < 0.001) and registry or biorepository (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant change in willingness to participate in clinical research or biorepositories after the educational session. Focus groups were conducted to gather feedback on the educational session and perceived barriers and benefits to participating in clinical research. Perceived benefits were improving health, receiving incentives, early detection of health issues, and access to care. Perceived barriers included fear, lack of knowledge, historical mistrust of research, and time constraints. Results have implications for subsequent community-engaged approaches to increasing minority participation in clinical research.
Isx9 Regulates Calbindin D28K Expression in Pancreatic β Cells and Promotes β Cell Survival and Function
Authors: Pujol Julien B. , Heikkila Eija , Savoia Claudia , Hajibeigi Asghar , De Marchi Umberto , Battiprolu Pavan K. , Öz Orhan K. , Dioum El Hadji M.
Published: August 2018

Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and death contribute to the onset of diabetes, and novel strategies of β-cell function and survival under diabetogenic conditions need to be explored. We previously demonstrated that Isx9, a small molecule based on the isoxazole scaffold, drives neuroendocrine phenotypes by increasing the expression of genes required for β-cell function and improves glycemia in a model of β cell regeneration. We further investigated the role of Isx9 in β-cell survival. We find that Isx9 drives the expression of Calbindin-D28K (D28K), a key regulator of calcium homeostasis, and plays a cytoprotective role through its calcium buffering capacity in β cells. Isx9 increased the activity of the calcineurin (CN)/cytoplasmic nuclear factor of the activated T-cells (NFAT) transcription factor, a key regulator of D28K, and improved the recruitment of NFATc1, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and p300 to the D28K promoter. We found that nutrient stimulation increased D28K plasma membrane enrichment and modulated calcium channel activity in order to regulate glucose-induced insulin secretion. Isx9-mediated expression of D28K protected β cells against chronic stress induced by serum withdrawal or chronic inflammation by reducing caspase 3 activity. Consequently, Isx9 improved human islet function after transplantation in NOD-SCID mice in a streptozotocin-induced diabetes model. In summary, Isx9 significantly regulates expression of genes relevant to β cell survival and function, and may be an attractive therapy to treat diabetes and improve islet function post-transplantation.
Chronic Venous Disorders: The Dangerous, the Good, and the Diverse
Authors: Ligi Daniela , Croce Lidia , Mannello Ferdinando
Published: August 2018

Chronic venous disorders are common vascular pathology of great medical and socioeconomic impact, characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations occurring with symptoms and/or signs that vary in type and severity. The predominant pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic venous disease start from the development of venous hypertension from shear stress and reflux, leading to endothelial dysfunction and venous wall dilatation. The altered hemodynamic transduces physical signals into harmful bio-molecular pathways, creating a vicious cycle among shear stress, proteolytic remodeling, and inflammatory processes. This intricate network is further exacerbated by the degradation of protective endothelial glycocalyx. In this special issue, at least three main aspects of these interactions are highlighted: the dangerous, the good, and the diverse, which may help to focus attention on the biomolecular mechanisms and the possible targeted therapy of chronic venous disorders (CVeD).
New Insights in Prostate Cancer Development and Tumor Therapy: Modulation of Nuclear Receptors and the Specific Role of Liver X Receptors
Authors: Bousset Laura , Rambur Amandine , Fouache Allan , Bunay Julio , Morel Laurent , Lobaccaro Jean-Marc A. , Baron Silvère , Trousson Amalia , De Joussineau Cyrille
Published: August 2018

Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence has been dramatically increasing these last years in westernized countries. Though localized PCa is usually treated by radical prostatectomy, androgen deprivation therapy is preferred in locally advanced disease in combination with chemotherapy. Unfortunately, PCa goes into a castration-resistant state in the vast majority of the cases, leading to questions about the molecular mechanisms involving the steroids and their respective nuclear receptors in this relapse. Interestingly, liver X receptors (LXRα/NR1H3 and LXRβ/NR1H2) have emerged as new actors in prostate physiology, beyond their historical roles of cholesterol sensors. More importantly LXRs have been proposed to be good pharmacological targets in PCa. This rational has been based on numerous experiments performed in PCa cell lines and genetic animal models pointing out that using selective liver X receptor modulators (SLiMs) could actually be a good complementary therapy in patients with a castration resistant PCa. Hence, this review is focused on the interaction among the androgen receptors (AR/NR3C4), estrogen receptors (ERα/NR3A1 and ERβ/NR3A2), and LXRs in prostate homeostasis and their putative pharmacological modulations in parallel to the patients’ support.
Impact of Spaceflight and Artificial Gravity on the Mouse Retina: Biochemical and Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Mao Xiao W. , Byrum Stephanie , Nishiyama Nina C. , Pecaut Michael J. , Sridharan Vijayalakshmi , Boerma Marjan , Tackett Alan J. , Shiba Dai , Shirakawa Masaki , Takahashi Satoru , Delp Michael D.
Published: August 2018

Astronauts are reported to have experienced some impairment in visual acuity during their mission on the International Space Station (ISS) and after they returned to Earth. There is emerging evidence that changes in vision may involve alterations in ocular structure and function. To investigate possible mechanisms, changes in protein expression profiles and oxidative stress-associated apoptosis were examined in mouse ocular tissue after spaceflight. Nine-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (n = 12) were launched from the Kennedy Space Center on a SpaceX rocket to the ISS for a 35-day mission. The animals were housed in the mouse Habitat Cage Unit (HCU) in the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) “Kibo” facility on the ISS. The flight mice lived either under an ambient microgravity condition (µg) or in a centrifugal habitat unit that produced 1 g artificial gravity (µg + 1 g). Habitat control (HC) and vivarium control mice lived on Earth in HCUs or normal vivarium cages, respectively. Quantitative assessment of ocular tissue demonstrated that the µg group induced significant apoptosis in the retina vascular endothelial cells compared to all other groups (p < 0.05) that was 64% greater than that in the HC group. Proteomic analysis showed that many key pathways responsible for cell death, cell repair, inflammation, and metabolic stress were significantly altered in µg mice compared to HC animals. Additionally, there were more significant changes in regulated protein expression in the µg group relative to that in the µg + 1 g group. These data provide evidence that spaceflight induces retinal apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells and changes in retinal protein expression related to cellular structure, immune response and metabolic function, and that artificial gravity (AG) provides some protection against these changes. These retinal cellular responses may affect blood–retinal barrier (BRB) integrity, visual acuity, and impact the potential risk of developing late retinal degeneration.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Implications of FGFR3high/Ki67high Papillary Bladder Cancers
Authors: Geelvink Mirja , Babmorad Armin , Maurer Angela , Stöhr Robert , Grimm Tobias , Bach Christian , Knuechel Ruth , Rose Michael , Gaisa Nadine T.
Published: August 2018

Prognostic/therapeutic stratification of papillary urothelial cancers is solely based upon histology, despite activated FGFR3-signaling was found to be associated with low grade tumors and favorable outcome. However, there are FGFR3-overexpressing tumors showing high proliferation—a paradox of coexisting favorable and adverse features. Therefore, our study aimed to decipher the relevance of FGFR3-overexpression/proliferation for histopathological grading and risk stratification. N = 142 (n = 82 pTa, n = 42 pT1, n = 18 pT2-4) morphologically G1–G3 tumors were analyzed for immunohistochemical expression of FGFR3 and Ki67. Mutation analysis of FGFR3 and TP53 and FISH for FGFR3 amplification and rearrangement was performed. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. Overall FGFR3high/Ki67high status (n = 58) resulted in a reduced ∆mean progression-free survival (PFS) (p < 0.01) of 63.92 months, and shorter progression-free survival (p < 0.01; mean PFS: 55.89 months) in pTa tumors (n = 50). FGFR3mut/TP53mut double mutations led to a reduced ∆mean PFS (p < 0.01) of 80.30 months in all tumors, and FGFR3mut/TP53mut pTa tumors presented a dramatically reduced PFS (p < 0.001; mean PFS: 5.00 months). Our results identified FGFR3high/Ki67high papillary pTa tumors as a subgroup with poor prognosis and encourage histological grading as high grade tumors. Tumor grading should possibly be augmented by immunohistochemical stainings and suitable clinical surveillance by endoscopy should be performed.
Schwann Cell Transplantation Subdues the Pro-Inflammatory Innate Immune Cell Response after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Pearse Damien D. , Bastidas Johana , Izabel Sarah S. , Ghosh Mousumi
Published: August 2018

The transplantation of Schwann cells (SCs) has been shown to provide tissue preservation and support axon growth and remyelination as well as improve functional recovery across a diverse range of experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) paradigms. The autologous use of SCs has progressed to Phase 1 SCI clinical trials in humans where their use has been shown to be both feasible and safe. The contribution of immune modulation to the protective and reparative actions of SCs within the injured spinal cord remains largely unknown. In the current investigation, the ability of SC transplants to alter the innate immune response after contusive SCI in the rat was examined. SCs were intraspinally transplanted into the lesion site at 1 week following a thoracic (T8) contusive SCI. Multicolor flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis of specific phenotypic markers of pro- and anti-inflammatory microglia and macrophages as well as cytokines at 1 week after SC transplantation was employed. The introduction of SCs significantly attenuated the numbers of cluster of differentiation molecule 11B (CD11b)+, cluster of differentiation molecule 68 (CD68)+, and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1)+ immune cells within the lesion implant site, particularly those immunoreactive for the pro-inflammatory marker, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Whereas numbers of anti-inflammatory CD68+ Arginase-1 (Arg1+) iNOS− cells were not altered by SC transplantation, CD68+ cells of an intermediate, Arg1+ iNOS+ phenotype were increased by the introduction of SCs into the injured spinal cord. The morphology of Iba1+ immune cells was also markedly altered in the SC implant, being elongated and in alignment with SCs and in-growing axons versus their amoeboid form after SCI alone. Examination of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and anti-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), by multicolor flow cytometry analysis showed that their production in CD11b+ cells was unaltered by SC transplantation at 1 week post-transplantation. The ability of SCs to subdue the pro-inflammatory iNOS+ microglia and macrophage phenotype after intraspinal transplantation may provide an important contribution to the neuroprotective effects of SCs within the sub-acute SCI setting.
Distribution and Neurochemistry of the Porcine Ileocaecal Valve Projecting Sensory Neurons in the Dorsal Root Ganglia and the Influence of Lipopolysaccharide from Different Serotypes of Salmonella spp. on the Chemical Coding of DRG Neurons in the Cell Cultures
Authors: Mikołajczyk Anita , Kozłowska Anna , Gonkowski Sławomir
Published: August 2018

The ileocecal valve (ICV)—a sphincter muscle between small and large intestine—plays important roles in the physiology of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but many aspects connected with the innervation of the ICV remain unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the localization and neurochemical characterization of neurons located in the dorsal root ganglia and supplying the ICV of the domestic pig. The results have shown that such neurons mainly located in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of thoracic and lumbar neuromers show the presence of substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and galanin (GAL). The second part of the experiment consisted of a study on the influence of a low dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Salmonella serotypes Enteritidis Minnesota and Typhimurium on DRG neurons. It has been shown that the LPS of these serotypes in studied doses does not change the number of DRG neurons in the cell cultures, but influences the immunoreactivity to SP and GAL. The observed changes in neurochemical characterization depend on the bacterial serotype. The results show that DRG neurons take part in the innervation of the ICV and may change their neurochemical characterization under the impact of LPS, which is probably connected with direct actions of this substance on the nervous tissue and/or its pro-inflammatory activity.
The Phylogeny of Osteopontin—Analysis of the Protein Sequence
Authors: Weber Georg F.
Published: August 2018

Osteopontin (OPN) is important for tissue remodeling, cellular immune responses, and calcium homeostasis in milk and urine. In pathophysiology, the biomolecule contributes to the progression of multiple cancers. Phylogenetic analysis of 202 osteopontin protein sequences identifies a core block of integrin-binding sites in the center of the protein, which is well conserved. Remarkably, the length of this block varies among species, resulting in differing distances between motifs within. The amino acid sequence SSEE is a candidate phosphorylation site. Two copies of it reside in the far N-terminus and are variably affected by alternative splicing in humans. Between those motifs, birds and reptiles have a histidine-rich domain, which is absent from other species. Just downstream from the thrombin cleavage site, the common motif (Q/I)(Y/S/V)(P/H/Y)D(A/V)(T/S)EED(L/E)(-/S)T has been hitherto unrecognized. While well preserved, it is yet without assigned function. The far C-terminus, although very different between Reptilia/Aves on the one hand and Mammals on the other, is highly conserved within each group of species, suggesting important functional roles that remain to be mapped. Taxonomic variations in the osteopontin sequence include a lack of about 20 amino acids in the downstream portion, a small unique sequence stretch C-terminally, a lack of six amino acids just upstream of the RGD motifs, and variable length insertions far C-terminally.
A New Three-Level Flying-Capacitor Boost Converter with an Integrated LC2D Output Network for Fuel-Cell Vehicles: Analysis and Design
Authors: Elsayad Nour , Moradisizkoohi Hadi , Mohammed Osama
Published: August 2018

In this paper, a new three-level boost converter with continuous input current, common ground, reduced voltage stress on the power switches, and wide voltage gain range is proposed. The proposed converter is composed of a three-level flying-capacitor switching cell and an integrated LC2D output network. The LC2D output network enhances the voltage gain of the converter and reduces the voltage stress on the power switches. The proposed converter is a good candidate to interface fuel cells to the dc-link bus of the three-phase inverter of an electric vehicle (EV). A full steady-state analysis of the proposed converter in the continuous conduction mode (CCM) is given in this paper. A 1.2 kW scaled-down laboratory setup was built using gallium nitride (GaN) transistors and silicon carbide (SiC) diodes to verify the feasibility of the proposed converter.
Experimental and Numerical Analyses of Temperature-Reducing-Effect by Heat of Water Evaporation on a Moss-Greening Ceramic Utilizing Waste Silica
Authors: Yasui Kentaro , Tanaka Ayako , Ito Kenichi , Fujisaki Minoru , Kinoshita Hiroyuki
Published: August 2018

To recycle silica byproducts and to moderate the heat-island phenomenon, a porous ceramic was prepared by mixing waste silica powder with clay, and then firing the resultant mixture. By exploiting the high water-absorption capacity of the resulting ceramic, a greening material in which the porous ceramic was covered with moss was produced. The suppression effect of the temperature increase caused by solar-radiant heat on the moss-covered ceramic, was investigated quantitatively using the following procedure. First, the surface temperature change of the water-absorbing moss-covered sample during solar-radiant heat reception, and the amount of water that evaporated from the sample were measured simultaneously. Then, the heat of evaporation was estimated from measurements of the rate of water evaporation. Next, to investigate how much the sample temperature was reduced by heat of water evaporation, the temperature change of the sample when the heat of water evaporation was absorbed from the sample, was simulated by performing Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis. The summary of the results was as follows. (1) The primary factor of the temperature-reduction-effects on the moss-covered sample was action of heat of water evaporation. Therefore, the moss-covered sample did not exhibit much of the suppression ability of the temperature increase caused by solar-radiant heat, when the sample did not contain sufficient water. (2) This analytical method enabled us to simulate with a relatively high accuracy, the temperature change of a water-absorbing sample during solar-radiant-heat reception. Especially, the method enabled us to investigate visibly the influence of water evaporation-heat on the sample temperature, in addition to the influences of the emissivity of the sample, and the apparent specific heat and thermal conductivity changes due to water content in the sample.
Reliability of Blue-Emitting Eu2+-Doped Phosphors for Laser-Lighting Applications
Authors: Buffolo Matteo , De Santi Carlo , Albertini Marco , Carbonera Donatella , Rizzi Gian Andrea , Granozzi Gaetano , Meneghesso Gaudenzio , Zanoni Enrico , Meneghini Matteo
Published: August 2018

This paper investigates the reliability of blue-emitting phosphors for Near-UV (NUV) laser excitation. By means of a series of thermal stress experiments, and of stress under high levels of optical excitation, we have been able to identify the physical process responsible for the degradation of Eu2+-activated alkaline-earth halophosphate phosphors under typical and extreme operating conditions. In particular, for temperatures equal to or greater than 450 °C the material exhibited a time-dependent drop in the Photo-Luminescence (PL), which was attributed to the thermally induced ionization of the Eu2+ optically active centers. Several analytical techniques, including spatially and spectrally resolved PL, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and X-ray Photo-emission Spectroscopy (XPS) were used to support this hypothesis and to gain insight on the degradation process. By means of further tests, evidence of this degradation process was also found on samples stressed under a relatively low power density of 3 W/mm2 at 405 nm. This indicated that the optically (and thermally) induced ionization of the optically active species is the most critical degradation process for this family of phosphorescent material. The operating limits of a second-generation Eu-doped halophosphate phosphor were also investigated by means of short-term stress under optical excitation. The experimental data showed that a threshold excitation intensity for continuous pumping exists. Above this threshold, decay of the steady-state PL performance and non-recoverable degradation of the material were found to take place. This behavior is a consequence of the extremely harsh excitation regime, mainly due to the thermal management capabilities of the substrate material employed for our experimental purposes rather than from intrinsic properties of the phosphors.
Association between Adverse Effects and Parental Beliefs about Antiepileptic Medicines
Authors: Ilić Violeta , Bogićević Dragana , Miljković Branislava , Vezmar-Kovačević Sandra
Published: August 2018

Background and Aim: Adverse effects are common in children treated with antiepileptic medications and may affect parental beliefs about treatment. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between adverse effects and parental beliefs about antiepileptic drugs used for the treatment of their children. Methods: The study was performed at the University Children’s Hospital, Belgrade, Serbia from 2013–2015. Parents of children treated with valproic acid, carbamazepine or lamotrigine, were eligible. They were asked to fill in the Beliefs about Medications Questionnaire (BMQ) and The Liverpool Adverse Events Profile (LAEP). Results: Parents of 127 children (average age 9.88 ± 4.16 years) of whom 111 had epilepsy (67 generalized, 44 focal) and 16 with febrile seizures participated in the study. Nervousness and/or agitation, weight gain, restlessness, headache, difficulty in concentrating, feeling of aggression and upset stomach were most frequent adverse effects, reported in 37% of the population. BMQ-specific necessity scores significantly correlated with parental education; parents with elementary school showed lower scores than those with higher education. The presence of difficulty in concentrating of their child was associated with higher BMQ concern scores (20.73 ± 4.25 vs. 18.99 ± 3.60, p = 0.043) as well as necessity scores (18.42 ± 3.31 vs. 16.40 ± 2.73, p = 0.017). Higher scores of BMQ-general overuse were reported in the presence of a headache (8.79 ± 2.81 vs. 7.64 ± 2.72, p = 0.027). Conclusions: The main finding of our study is that parental beliefs about antiepileptic drugs were associated with the presence of adverse effects. Understanding this relationship could allow physicians and pharmacists to structure better educational programs for parents of children treated with antiepileptic drugs. Education should be more focused towards understanding the adverse effects of antiepileptics which could alleviate parental concerns and strengthen their beliefs about the necessity of medication use in their children.
Statistical Analysis of NMR Metabolic Fingerprints: Established Methods and Recent Advances
Authors: Zacharias Helena U. , Altenbuchinger Michael , Gronwald Wolfram
Published: August 2018

In this review, we summarize established and recent bioinformatic and statistical methods for the analysis of NMR-based metabolomics. Data analysis of NMR metabolic fingerprints exhibits several challenges, including unwanted biases, high dimensionality, and typically low sample numbers. Common analysis tasks comprise the identification of differential metabolites and the classification of specimens. However, analysis results strongly depend on the preprocessing of the data, and there is no consensus yet on how to remove unwanted biases and experimental variance prior to statistical analysis. Here, we first review established and new preprocessing protocols and illustrate their pros and cons, including different data normalizations and transformations. Second, we give a brief overview of state-of-the-art statistical analysis in NMR-based metabolomics. Finally, we discuss a recent development in statistical data analysis, where data normalization becomes obsolete. This method, called zero-sum regression, builds metabolite signatures whose estimation as well as predictions are independent of prior normalization.
Deoxyschizandrin Loaded Liposomes on the Suppression Lipid Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Liu Xiaona , Wang Shifeng , Wu Zhisheng , Wang Zhaoyi , Zheng Qiusheng , Li Defang
Published: August 2018

Deoxyschizandrin (DS) is a bioactive benzocyclooctadiene lignan found in the fruit of Schisandra chinensis. However, poor bioavailability and non-specificity of DS frequently caused low therapeutic efficacy. In the present study, DS-liposome (DS-lipo) was implemented to enhance the hepatic targeting and inhibition effects on adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. The formulations enabled encapsulation of as much as 24.14% DS. The DS-lipo prepared was about 73.08 nm, as measured by laser light scattering (LLS) morphology. In the visual field of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the liposomes were spherical with similar size and uniform dispersion. Fluorescence live imaging study exhibited hepatic targeting of liposomes in vivo. Furthermore, High-Content Analysis (HCS) imaging microassay analyses revealed DS-lipo and DS reduced cytoplasmic lipid droplet in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, with the IC50 value of 8.68 μM and 31.08 μM, respectively. The lipid droplet accumulation inhibition rate of 10 μM DS-lipo was above 90%, which was even superior to the effect of 30 μM DS solution. The current findings suggest that DS-lipo was a therapeutic strategy for alleviating lipid-associated diseases and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Classification of Raw Stingless Bee Honeys by Bee Species Origins Using the NMR- and LC-MS-Based Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Razali Muhammad Taufiq Atsifa , Zainal Zaim Akmal , Maulidiani M. , Shaari Khozirah , Zamri Zulkifli , Mohd Idrus Mohd Zainuri , Khatib Alfi , Abas Faridah , Ling Yee Soon , Rui Lim Leong , Ismail Intan Safinar
Published: August 2018

The official standard for quality control of honey is currently based on physicochemical properties. However, this method is time-consuming, cost intensive, and does not lead to information on the originality of honey. This study aims to classify raw stingless bee honeys by bee species origins as a potential classifier using the NMR-LCMS-based metabolomics approach. Raw stingless bee honeys were analysed and classified by bee species origins using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy and an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF MS) in combination with chemometrics tools. The honey samples were able to be classified into three different groups based on the bee species origins of Heterotrigona itama, Geniotrigona thoracica, and Tetrigona apicalis. d-Fructofuranose (H. itama honey), β-d-Glucose, d-Xylose, α-d-Glucose (G. thoracica honey), and l-Lactic acid, Acetic acid, l-Alanine (T. apicalis honey) ident d-Fructofuranose identified via 1H-NMR data and the diagnostic ions of UHPLC-QTOF MS were characterized as the discriminant metabolites or putative chemical markers. It could be suggested that the quality of honey in terms of originality and purity can be rapidly determined using the classification technique by bee species origins via the 1H-NMR- and UHPLC-QTOF MS-based metabolomics approach.
Identification of Three Dalbergia Species Based on Differences in Extractive Components
Authors: Yin Xiaoqian , Huang Anmin , Zhang Shifeng , Liu Ru , Ma Fang
Published: August 2018

Dalbergia cultrate, Dalbergia latifolia, and Dalbergia melanoxylon are precious and valuable traded timber species of the genus Dalbergia. For chemotaxonomical discrimination between these easily confused species, the total extractive content of the three wood species was determined using four different organic solvents. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyze functional group differences in the extractive components, inferring the types of principal chemical components according to characteristic peak positions, intensities, and shapes. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was carried out a detailed characterization of the extractive components. The relative content of individual chemical components was determined by area normalization. Results revealed differences in the chemical components and total and individual extract contents of the three Dalbergia species, indicating that FTIR and GC-MS spectroscopy can be applied to identify and discriminate between Dalbergia cultrate, Dalbergia latifolia, and Dalbergia melanoxylon.
Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil as a Potential Anti-Acne Topical Nanoemulsion—In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Taleb Mohammed H. , Abdeltawab Nourtan F. , Shamma Rehab N. , Abdelgayed Sherein S. , Mohamed Sarah S. , Farag Mohamed A. , Ramadan Mohammed A.
Published: August 2018

Antibiotics are often prescribed in acne treatment; however, Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, the two of the major acne-associated bacteria, developed antibiotic resistance. Essential oils (EOs) present a natural, safe, efficacious and multifunctional alternative treatment. This study aimed to assess the potential anti-acne activity of selected seven EOs commonly used in Mediterranean folk medicine. Antimicrobial activity screening of these oils showed oregano to exhibit the strongest antimicrobial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.34 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.67 mg/mL against P. acnes; and MIC of 0.67 mg/mL and MBC of 1.34 mg/mL against S. epidermidis. The composition of the most effective EOs (oregano and thyme) was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Monoterpenoid phenols predominated oregano and thyme EO with thymol percentile 99 and 72, respectively. Thymol showed MIC 0.70 mg/mL against both P. acnes and S. epidermidis whereas MBC was 1.40 and 2.80 mg/mL against P. acnes and S. epidermidis, respectively. Moreover, oregano exhibited the strongest anti-biofilm effect against S. epidermidis with MBIC 1.34 mg/mL and killing dynamic time of 12 and 8 h against P. acnes and S. epidermidis, respectively. Oregano, the most effective EO, was formulated and tested as a nanoemulsion in an acne animal mouse model. The formulation showed superior healing and antimicrobial effects compared to the reference antibiotic. Collectively, our data suggested that oregano oil nanoemulsion is a potential natural and effective alternative for treating acne and overcoming the emerging antibiotic resistance.
Comparative Analyses of Chloroplast Genomes of Cucurbitaceae Species: Lights into Selective Pressures and Phylogenetic Relationships
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Zhou Tao , Yang Jia , Sun Jingjing , Ju Miaomiao , Zhao Yuemei , Zhao Guifang
Published: August 2018

Cucurbitaceae is the fourth most important economic plant family with creeping herbaceous species mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Here, we described and compared the complete chloroplast genome sequences of ten representative species from Cucurbitaceae. The lengths of the ten complete chloroplast genomes ranged from 155,293 bp (C. sativus) to 158,844 bp (M. charantia), and they shared the most common genomic features. 618 repeats of three categories and 813 microsatellites were found. Sequence divergence analysis showed that the coding and IR regions were highly conserved. Three protein-coding genes (accD, clpP, and matK) were under selection and their coding proteins often have functions in chloroplast protein synthesis, gene transcription, energy transformation, and plant development. An unconventional translation initiation codon of psbL gene was found and provided evidence for RNA editing. Applying BI and ML methods, phylogenetic analysis strongly supported the position of Gomphogyne, Hemsleya, and Gynostemma as the relatively original lineage in Cucurbitaceae. This study suggested that the complete chloroplast genome sequences were useful for phylogenetic studies. It would also determine potential molecular markers and candidate DNA barcodes for coming studies and enrich the valuable complete chloroplast genome resources of Cucurbitaceae.
Ultra-Fast Degradation of p-Aminophenol by a Nanostructured Iron Catalyst
Authors: Benavente Rocio , Lopez-Tejedor David , Perez-Rizquez Carlos , Palomo Jose M.
Published: August 2018

Full degradation of p-aminophenol in aqueous solution at room temperature by using a heterogeneous nanostructured iron hybrid catalyst in the presence of hydrogen peroxide is described. A nanostructured iron catalyst was prepared by in situ formation of iron carbonate nanorods on the protein network using an aqueous solution of an enzyme, lipase B from Candida antarctica (CAL-B). A second kind of iron nanostructured catalyst was obtained by the sunsequent treatment of the hybrid with an aqueous liquid extract of Mentha x piperita. Remarkable differences were observed using TEM imaging. When M. piperita extract was used, nanoparticles appeared instead of nanorods. Catalytic activity of these iron nanocatalysts was studied in the degradation of the environmental pollutant p-aminophenol (pAP) under different operating parameters, such as pH, presence of buffer or hydrogen peroxide concentration. Optimal conditions were pH 4 in acetate buffer 10 mM containing 1% (v/v) H2O2 for FeCO3NRs@CALB, while for FeCO3NRs@CALB-Mentha, water containing 1% (v/v) H2O2, resulted the best. A complete degradation of 100 ppm of pAP was achieved in 2 and 3 min respectively using 1 g Fe/L. This novel nanocatalyst was recycled five times maintaining full catalytic performance.
GC-MS Study of the Chemical Components of Different Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilgorgans and Agarwood from Different Asian Countries
Authors: Wang Meng-Ru , Li Wei , Luo Sha , Zhao Xin , Ma Chun-Hui , Liu Shou-Xin
Published: August 2018

As a traditional medicinal herb and valuable natural spice in China, Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg has many significant pharmacological effects. Agarwood is the resinous heartwood acquired from wounded A. sinensis trees, and is widely used in pharmaceuticals owing to its excellent medicinal value. In this study, the chemical composition of volatile components and alcohol extracts from different organs of A. sinensis and agarwoods grown in different regions were investigated using GC-MS. The results showed that Vietnam agarwood had the highest moisture content, which was attributed to the local climate, while the fruit and bark of A. sinensis had higher moisture contents than the other organs. The volatile components of A. sinensis organs included 3-ethyl-5-(2-ethylbutyl)-octadecane, oleic acid 3-(octadecyloxy) propyl ester, and docosanoic acid 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester, while the alcohol extracts of A. sinensis organs contained benzoic acid ethyl ester, hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, oleic acid, and n-hexadecanoic acid. Furthermore, the main active ingredients in agarwood from different habitats were sesquiterpenoids, aromatic species, and chromone compounds. The role of chromone compound 2-phenylethyl-benzopyran as an elicitor and the mechanism of agarwood formation were also investigated. Antioxidant tests showed that essential oils from agarwood and A. sinensis had antioxidant capacities by comparison with butylated hydroxytoluene and vitamin E. An antibacterial activity test showed that the inhibition effect of the essential oil was better against Gram-positive bacteria than against Gram-negative bacteria.
Adaptive QM/MM for Molecular Dynamics Simulations: 5. On the Energy-Conserved Permuted Adaptive-Partitioning Schemes
Authors: Duster Adam W. , Wang Chun-Hung , Lin Hai
Published: August 2018

In combined quantum-mechanical/molecular-mechanical (QM/MM) dynamics simulations, the adaptive-partitioning (AP) schemes reclassify atoms on-the-fly as QM or MM in a smooth manner. This yields a mobile QM subsystem with contents that are continuously updated as needed. Here, we tailor the Hamiltonian adaptive many-body correction (HAMBC) proposed by Boreboom et al. [J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2016, 12, 3441] to the permuted AP (PAP) scheme. The treatments lead to the HAMBC-PAP method (HPAP), which both conserves energy and produces accurate solvation structures in the test of “water-in-water” model system.
Maker Literacies and Maker Citizenship in the MakEY (Makerspaces in the Early Years) Project
Authors: Marsh Jackie , Arnseth Hans Christian , Kumpulainen Kristiina
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the potential relationship between creative citizenship and what may be termed ‘maker literacies’ is examined in the light of emergent findings from an international project on the use of makerspaces in early childhood, “MakEY” (see http://makeyproject.eu). The paper outlines the concept of creative citizenship and considers the notion of maker literacies before moving on to examine how maker literacies might be developed in early-years curricula in ways that foster civic engagement. Three vignettes are offered of makerspaces in early-years settings and a museum in Finland, Norway, and the UK. The activities outlined in the vignettes might be conceived of as ‘maker citizenship’, a concept which draws together understandings of making, digital literacies, and citizenship. The paper considers the implications of this analysis for future research and practice.
Whey Protein Concentrate WPC-80 Intensifies Glycoconjugate Catabolism and Induces Oxidative Stress in the Liver of Rats
Authors: Żebrowska-Gamdzyk Marta , Maciejczyk Mateusz , Zalewska Anna , Guzińska-Ustymowicz Katarzyna , Tokajuk Anna , Car Halina
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of whey protein concentrate (WPC-80) on glycoconjugate catabolism, selected markers of oxidative stress and liver inflammation. The experiment was conducted on male Wistar rats (n = 63). The animals from the study group were administered WPC-80 at a dose of 0.3 or 0.5 g/kg body weight for 7, 14 or 21 days, while rats from the control group received only 0.9% NaCl. In liver homogenates, we assayed the activity of N-acetyl-β-D-hexosaminidase (HEX), β-glucuronidase (GLU), β-galactosidase (GAL), α-mannosidase (MAN), α-fucosidase (FUC), as well as the level of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). A significantly higher activity of HEX, GLU, MAN and FUC were found in the livers of rats receiving WPC-80 compared to controls. Serum ALT and AST were significantly higher in the animals supplemented with WPC-80 at a dose of 0.5 g/kg body weight for 21 days. In the same group of animals, enhanced level of GSH, MDA, IL-1β and TGF-β1 were also observed. WPC-80 is responsible for intensive remodelling of liver tissue and induction of oxidative stress especially at a dose of 0.5 g/kg body weight.
Body Mass Index, Vitamin D, and Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rafiq Shamaila , Jeppesen Per Bendix
Published: August 2018

The deficiency of vitamin D is prevalent all over the world. Studies have shown that vitamin D may play an important role in the development of obesity. The current study was conducted to quantitatively evaluate the association between serum 25-(OH) vitamin D levels and the risk of obesity in both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was carried out for that purpose. We searched the Medline, PubMed, and Embase databases throughout all of March 2018. A total of fifty five observational studies for both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects were finally included in the meta-analysis. The data were analyzed by comprehensive meta-analysis software version 3 and the random effects model was used to analyze the data. The meta-analysis showed an overall inverse relationship between serum vitamin D status and body mass index (BMI) in studies of both diabetic (r = −0.173, 95% = −0.241 to −0.103, p = 0.000) and non-diabetic (r = −0.152, 95% = −0.187 to −0.116, p = 0.000) subjects. The evidence of publication bias was not found in this meta-analysis. In conclusion, the deficiency of vitamin D is associated with an increased level of BMI in the studies of both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Reliable evidence from well-designed future randomized controlled trials is required to confirm the findings from observational studies and to find out the potential regulatory effects of vitamin D supplementation to lower BMI.
Lyophilization of Liposomal Formulations: Still Necessary, Still Challenging
Authors: Franzé Silvia , Selmin Francesca , Samaritani Elena , Minghetti Paola , Cilurzo Francesco
Published: August 2018

Nowadays, the freeze-drying of liposome dispersions is still necessary to provide a solid dosage form intended for different routes of administration (i.e., parenteral, oral, nasal and/or pulmonary). However, after decades of studies the optimization of process conditions remains still challenging since the freezing and the dehydration destabilize the vesicle organization with the concomitant drug leakage. Starting from the thermal properties of phospholipids, this work reviews the main formulation and process parameters which can guarantee a product with suitable characteristics and increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process. In particular, an overview of the cryo- and/or lyo-protective mechanisms of several excipients and the possible use of co-solvent mixtures is provided. Attention is also focused on the imaging methods recently proposed to characterize the appearance of freeze-dried products and liposome dispersions upon reconstitution. The combination of such data would allow a better knowledge of the factors causing inter-vials variability in the attempt to improve the quality of the final medicinal product.