bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conducting Silicone-Based Polymers and Their Application
Authors: Sołoducho Jadwiga , Zając Dorota , Spychalska Kamila , Baluta Sylwia , Cabaj Joanna
Published: April 2021

Over the past two decades, both fundamental and applied research in conducting polymers have grown rapidly. Conducting polymers (CPs) are unique due to their ease of synthesis, environmental stability, and simple doping/dedoping chemistry. Electrically conductive silicone polymers are the current state-of-the-art for, e.g., optoelectronic materials. The combination of inorganic elements and organic polymers leads to a highly electrically conductive composite with improved thermal stability. Silicone-based materials have a set of extremely interesting properties, i.e., very low surface energy, excellent gas and moisture permeability, good heat stability, low-temperature flexibility, and biocompatibility. The most effective parameters constructing the physical properties of CPs are conjugation length, degree of crystallinity, and intra- and inter-chain interactions. Conducting polymers, owing to their ease of synthesis, remarkable environmental stability, and high conductivity in the doped form, have remained thoroughly studied due to their varied applications in fields like biological activity, drug release systems, rechargeable batteries, and sensors. For this reason, this review provides an overview of organosilicon polymers that have been reported over the past two decades.
Outlining In Vitro and In Silico Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Twenty-Four Natural Products of Various Chemical Classes: Smilagenin, Kokusaginine, and Methyl Rosmarinate as Emboldening Inhibitors
Authors: Senol Deniz F. Sezer , Eren Gokcen , Orhan Ilkay Erdogan , Sener Bilge , Ozgen Ufuk , Aldaba Randa , Calis Ihsan
Published: April 2021

Cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition is an important treatment strategy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) are involved in the pathology of AD. In the current work, ChE inhibitory potential of twenty-four natural products from different chemical classes (i.e., diosgenin, hecogenin, rockogenin, smilagenin, tigogenin, astrasieversianins II and X, astragalosides I, IV, and VI, cyclocanthosides E and G, macrophyllosaponins A-D, kokusaginin, lamiide, forsythoside B, verbascoside, alyssonoside, ipolamide, methyl rosmarinate, and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide) was examined using ELISA microtiter assay. Among them, only smilagenin and kokusaginine displayed inhibitory action against AChE (IC50 = 43.29 ± 1.38 and 70.24 ± 2.87 µg/mL, respectively). BChE was inhibited by only methyl rosmarinate and kokusaginine (IC50 = 41.46 ± 2.83 and 61.40 ± 3.67 µg/mL, respectively). IC50 values for galantamine as the reference drug were 1.33 ± 0.11 µg/mL for AChE and 52.31 ± 3.04 µg/mL for BChE. Molecular docking experiments showed that the orientation of smilagenin and kokusaginine was mainly driven by the interactions with the peripheral anionic site (PAS) comprising residues of hAChE, while kokusaginine and methyl rosmarinate were able to access deeper into the active gorge in hBChE. Our data indicate that similagenin, kokusaginine, and methyl rosmarinate could be hit compounds for designing novel anti-Alzheimer agents.
Radiation-Induced Asymmetric Grafting of Different Monomers into Base Films to Prepare Novel Bipolar Membranes
Authors: Sawada Shin-ichi , Maekawa Yasunari
Published: April 2021

We prepared novel bipolar membranes (BPMs) consisting of cation and anion exchange layers (CEL and AEL) using radiation-induced asymmetric graft polymerization (RIAGP). In this technique, graft polymers containing cation and anion exchange groups were introduced into a base film from each side. To create a clear CEL/AEL boundary, grafting reactions were performed from each surface side using two graft monomer solutions, which are immiscible in each other. Sodium p-styrenesulfonate (SSS) and acrylic acid (AA) in water were co-grafted from one side of the base ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene film, and chloromethyl styrene (CMS) in xylene was simultaneously grafted from the other side, and then the CMS units were quaternized to afford a BPM. The distinct SSS + AA- and CMS-grafted layers were formed owing to the immiscibility of hydrophilic SSS + AA and hydrophobic CMS monomer solutions. This is the first BPM with a clear CEL/AEL boundary prepared by RIAGP. However, in this BPM, the CEL was considerably thinner than the AEL, which may be a problem in practical applications. Then, by using different starting times of the first SSS+AA and second CMS grafting reactions, the CEL and AEL thicknesses was found to be controlled in RIAGP.
The Hallmarks of Flavonoids in Cancer
Authors: Ponte Luis Gustavo Saboia , Pavan Isadora Carolina Betim , Mancini Mariana Camargo Silva , da Silva Luiz Guilherme Salvino , Morelli Ana Paula , Severino Matheus Brandemarte , Bezerra Rosangela Maria Neves , Simabuco Fernando Moreira
Published: April 2021

Flavonoids represent an important group of bioactive compounds derived from plant-based foods and beverages with known biological activity in cells. From the modulation of inflammation to the inhibition of cell proliferation, flavonoids have been described as important therapeutic adjuvants against several diseases, including diabetes, arteriosclerosis, neurological disorders, and cancer. Cancer is a complex and multifactor disease that has been studied for years however, its prevention is still one of the best known and efficient factors impacting the epidemiology of the disease. In the molecular and cellular context, some of the mechanisms underlying the oncogenesis and the progression of the disease are understood, known as the hallmarks of cancer. In this text, we review important molecular signaling pathways, including inflammation, immunity, redox metabolism, cell growth, autophagy, apoptosis, and cell cycle, and analyze the known mechanisms of action of flavonoids in cancer. The current literature provides enough evidence supporting that flavonoids may be important adjuvants in cancer therapy, highlighting the importance of healthy and balanced diets to prevent the onset and progression of the disease.
Changes in Amino Acid Profiles and Bioactive Compounds of Thai Silk Cocoons as Affected by Water Extraction
Authors: Bungthong Chuleeporn , Siriamornpun Sirithon
Published: April 2021

Silk proteins have many advantageous components including proteins and pigments. The proteins—sericin and fibroin—have been widely studied for medical applications due to their good physiochemical properties and biological activities. Various strains of cocoon display different compositions such as amino-acid profiles and levels of antioxidant activity. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to find a suitable silk protein extraction method to obtain products with chemical and biological properties suitable as functional foods in two strains of Bombyx mori silk cocoon (Nangsew strains; yellow cocoon) and Samia ricini silk cocoon (Eri strains; white cocoon) extracted by water at 100 °C for 2, 4, 6 and 8 h. The results showed that Nangsew strains extracted for 6 h contained the highest amounts of protein, amino acids, total phenolics (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC), plus DPPH radical-scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging capacity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), anti-glycation, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition. The longer extraction time produced higher concentrations of amino acids, contributing to sweet and umami tastes in both silk strains. It seemed that the bitterness decreased as the extraction time increased, resulting in improvements in the sweetness and umami of silk-protein extracts.
Comparative Analysis of Ethylene/Diene Copolymerization and Ethylene/Propylene/Diene Terpolymerization Using Ansa-Zirconocene Catalyst with Alkylaluminum/Borate Activator: The Effect of Conjugated and Nonconjugated Dienes on Catalytic Behavior and Polymer Microstructure
Authors: Ali Amjad , Tufail Muhammad Khurram , Jamil Muhammad Imran , Yaseen Waleed , Iqbal Nafees , Hussain Munir , Ali Asad , Aziz Tariq , Fan Zhiqiang , Guo Li
Published: April 2021

The copolymerization of ethylene‒diene conjugates (butadiene (BD), isoprene (IP) and nonconjugates (5-ethylidene-2-norbornene (ENB), vinyl norbornene VNB, 4-vinylcyclohexene (VCH) and 1, 4-hexadiene (HD)), and terpolymerization of ethylene-propylene-diene conjugates (BD, IP) and nonconjugates (ENB, VNB, VCH and HD) using two traditional catalysts of C2-symmetric metallocene—silylene-bridged rac-Me2Si(2-Me-4-Ph-Ind)2ZrCl2 (complex A) and ethylene-bridged rac-Et(Ind)2ZrCl2 (complex B)—with a [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] borate/TIBA co-catalyst, were intensively studied. Compared to that in the copolymerization of ethylene diene, the catalytic activity was more significant in E/P/diene terpolymerization. We obtained a maximum yield of both metallocene catalysts with conjugated diene between 3.00 × 106 g/molMt·h and 5.00 × 106 g/molMt·h. ENB had the highest deactivation impact on complex A, and HD had the most substantial deactivation effect on complex B. A 1H NMR study suggests that dienes were incorporated into the co/ter polymers’ backbone through regioselectivity. ENB and VNB, inserted by the edo double bond, left the ethylidene double bond intact, so VCH had an exo double bond. Complex A’s methyl and phenyl groups rendered it structurally stable and exhibited a dihedral angle greater than that of complex B, resulting in 1, 2 isoprene insertion higher than 1, 4 isoprene that is usually incapable of polymerization coordination. High efficiency in terms of co- and ter- monomer incorporation with higher molecular weight was found for complex 1. The rate of incorporation of ethylene and propylene in the terpolymer backbone structure may also be altered by the conjugated and nonconjugated dienes. 13C-NMR, 1H-NMR, and GPC techniques were used to characterize the polymers obtained.
Myorelaxant Effect of the Dysphania ambrosioides Essential Oil on Sus scrofa domesticus Coronary Artery and Its Toxicity in the Drosophila melanogaster Model
Authors: de Lacerda Neto Luiz Jardelino , Ramos Andreza Guedes Barbosa , da Silva Renata Evaristo Rodrigues , Pereira-de-Morais Luís , Silva Fernanda Maria , da Costa Roger Henrique Sousa , Rodrigues Dantas Lindaiane Bezerra , da Costa José Galberto Martins , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Kowalska Grażyna , Hawlena Joanna , Kowalski Radosław , Barbosa Roseli , da Cunha Francisco Assis Bezerra
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Alternative methods for the use of animals in research have gained increasing importance, due to assessments evaluating the real need for their use and the development of legislation that regulates the subject. The principle of the 3R’s (replacement, reduction and refinement) has been an important reference, such that in vitro, ex vivo and cord replacement methods have achieved a prominent place in research. Methods: Therefore, due to successful results from studies developed with these methods, the present study aimed to evaluate the myorelaxant effect of the Dysphania ambrosioides essential oil (EODa) using a Sus scrofa domesticus coronary artery model, and the toxicity of both the Dysphania ambrosioides essential oil and its major constituent, α-terpinene, against Drosophila melanogaster in toxicity and negative geotaxis assays. Results: The EODa relaxed the smooth muscle of swine coronary arteries precontracted with K+ and 5-HT in assays using Sus scrofa domesticus coronary arteries. The toxicity results presented LC50 values of 1.546 mg/mL and 2.282 mg/mL for the EODa and α-terpinene, respectively, thus showing the EODa and α-terpinene presented toxicity to these dipterans, with the EODa being more toxic. Conclusions: Moreover, the results reveal the possibility of using the EODa in vascular disease studies since it promoted the relaxation of the Sus scrofa domesticus coronary smooth muscle.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Extract of Cilembu Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L var. Rancing) as Potential Filler for 3D Printed Electroactive and Anti-Infection Scaffolds
Authors: Wibowo Arie , Tajalla Gusti U. N. , Marsudi Maradhana A. , Cooper Glen , Asri Lia A.T.W. , Liu Fengyuan , Ardy Husaini , Bartolo Paulo J.D.S.
Published: April 2021

Electroactive biomaterials are fascinating for tissue engineering applications because of their ability to deliver electrical stimulation directly to cells, tissue, and organs. One particularly attractive conductive filler for electroactive biomaterials is silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) because of their high conductivity, antibacterial activity, and ability to promote bone healing. However, production of AgNPs involves a toxic reducing agent which would inhibit biological scaffold performance. This work explores facile and green synthesis of AgNPs using extract of Cilembu sweet potato and studies the effect of baking and precursor concentrations (1, 10 and 100 mM) on AgNPs’ properties. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) results revealed that the smallest particle size of AgNPs (9.95 ± 3.69 nm) with nodular morphology was obtained by utilization of baked extract and ten mM AgNO3. Polycaprolactone (PCL)/AgNPs scaffolds exhibited several enhancements compared to PCL scaffolds. Compressive strength was six times greater (3.88 ± 0.42 MPa), more hydrophilic (contact angle of 76.8 ± 1.7°), conductive (2.3 ± 0.5 × 10−3 S/cm) and exhibited anti-bacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC3658 (99.5% reduction of surviving bacteria). Despite the promising results, further investigation on biological assessment is required to obtain comprehensive study of this scaffold. This green synthesis approach together with the use of 3D printing opens a new route to manufacture AgNPs-based electroactive with improved anti-bacterial properties without utilization of any toxic organic solvents.
Adding Value in Production of Multifunctional Polylactide (PLA)–ZnO Nanocomposite Films through Alternative Manufacturing Methods
Authors: Murariu Marius , Benali Samira , Paint Yoann , Dechief Anne-Laure , Murariu Oltea , Raquez Jean-Marie , Dubois Philippe
Published: April 2021

Due to the added value conferred by zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiller, e.g., UV protection, antibacterial action, gas-barrier properties, poly(lactic acid) (PLA)–ZnO nanocomposites show increased interest for utilization as films, textile fibers, and injection molding items. The study highlights the beneficial effects of premixing ZnO in PLA under given conditions and its use as masterbatch (MB), a very promising alternative manufacturing technique. This approach allows reducing the residence time at high processing temperature of the thermo-sensitive PLA matrix in contact of ZnO nanoparticles known for their aptitude to promote degradation effects onto the polyester chains. Various PLA–ZnO MBs containing high contents of silane-treated ZnO nanoparticles (up to 40 wt.% nanofiller specifically treated with triethoxycaprylylsilane) were produced by melt-compounding using twin-screw extruders. Subsequently, the selected MBs were melt blended with pristine PLA to produce nanocomposite films containing 1–3 wt.% ZnO. By comparison to the more traditional multi-step process, the MB approach allowed the production of nanocomposites (films) having improved processing and enhanced properties: PLA chains displaying higher molecular weights, improved thermal stability, fine nanofiller distribution, and thermo-mechanical characteristic features, while the UV protection was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy measurements. The MB alternative is viewed as a promising flexible technique able to open new perspectives to produce more competitive multifunctional PLA–ZnO nanocomposites.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Ni-Co-O Thin-Film Electrodes for Solid-State LIBs and the Influence of Chemical Composition on Overcapacity
Authors: Koshtyal Yury , Mitrofanov Ilya , Nazarov Denis , Medvedev Oleg , Kim Artem , Ezhov Ilya , Rumyantsev Aleksander , Popovich Anatoly , Maximov Maxim Yu.
Published: April 2021

Nanostructured metal oxides (MOs) demonstrate good electrochemical properties and are regarded as promising anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The capacity of nickel-cobalt oxides-based materials is among the highest for binary transition metals oxide (TMOs). In the present paper, we report the investigation of Ni-Co-O (NCO) thin films obtained by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using nickel and cobalt metallocenes in a combination with oxygen plasma. The formation of NCO films with different ratios of Ni and Co was provided by ALD cycles leading to the formation of nickel oxide (a) and cobalt oxide (b) in one supercycle (linear combination of a and b cycles). The film thickness was set by the number of supercycles. The synthesized films had a uniform chemical composition over the depth with an admixture of metallic nickel and carbon up to 4 at.%. All samples were characterized by a single NixCo1-xO phase with a cubic face-centered lattice and a uniform density. The surface of the NCO films was uniform, with rare inclusions of nanoparticles 15–30 nm in diameter. The growth rates of all films on steel were higher than those on silicon substrates, and this difference increased with increasing cobalt concentration in the films. In this paper, we propose a method for processing cyclic voltammetry curves for revealing the influence of individual components (nickel oxide, cobalt oxide and solid electrolyte interface—SEI) on the electrochemical capacity. The initial capacity of NCO films was augmented with an increase of nickel oxide content.
Direct Observation Techniques Using Scanning Electron Microscope for Hydrothermally Synthesized Nanocrystals and Nanoclusters
Authors: Asano Natsuko , Lu Jinfeng , Asahina Shunsuke , Takami Seiichi
Published: April 2021

Metal oxide nanocrystals have garnered significant attention owing to their unique properties, including luminescence, ferroelectricity, and catalytic activity. Among the various synthetic methods, hydrothermal synthesis is a promising method for synthesizing metal oxide nanocrystals and nanoclusters. Because the shape and surface structure of the nanocrystals largely affect their properties, their analytical methods should be developed. Further, the arrangement of nanocrystals should be studied because the properties of nanoclusters largely depend on the arrangement of the primary nanocrystals. However, the analysis of nanocrystals and nanoclusters remains difficult because of their sizes. Conventionally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is widely used to study materials in nanoscale. However, TEM images are obtained as the projection of three-dimensional structures, and it is difficult to observe the surface structures and the arrangement of nanocrystals using TEM. On the other hand, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) relies on the signals from the surface of the samples. Therefore, SEM can visualize the surface structures of samples. Previously, the spatial resolution of SEM was not enough to observe nanoparticles and nanomaterials with sizes of between 10 and 50 nm. However, recent developments, including the low-landing electron-energy method, improved the spatial resolution of SEM, which allows us to observe fine details of the nanocluster surface directory. Additionally, improved detectors allow us to visualize the elemental mapping of materials even at low voltage with high solid angle. Further, the use of a liquid sample holder even enabled the observation of nanocrystals in water. In this paper, we discuss the development of SEM and related observation technologies through the observation of hydrothermally prepared nanocrystals and nanoclusters.
Welcome to Network: A New Open-Access Scientific Journal
Authors: Vinel Alexey
Published: April 2021

Network (ISSN 2673-8732) provides full coverage of all topics of interest involved in the networking area [...]
Modelling the Cost-Effectiveness of Implementing a Dietary Intervention in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Coerts Friso B. , Gout-Zwart Judith J. , Gruppen Eke G. , van der Veen Yvonne , Postma Maarten J. , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: April 2021

Background: The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and potassium supplementation have been shown to reduce the risk of death with a functioning graft (DWFG) and renal graft failure in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Unfortunately, a key problem for patients is the adherence to these diets. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of higher adherence to either the DASH or potassium supplementation. Methods: A Markov model was used to simulate the life course of 1000 RTR in the Netherlands. A societal perspective with a lifetime time horizon was used. The potential effect of improvement of dietary adherence was modelled in different scenarios. The primary outcomes are the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and the budget impact. Results: In the base case, improved adherence to the DASH diet saved 27,934,786 and gained 1880 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Improved adherence to potassium supplementation saved €1,217,803 and gained 2901 QALYs. Both resulted in dominant ICERs. The budget impact over a five-year period for the entire Dutch RTR population was €8,144,693. Conclusion: Improving dietary adherence in RTR is likely to be cost-saving and highly likely to be cost-effective compared to the current standard of care in the Netherlands.
Combined Effects of Exercise and Phytoanabolic Extracts in Castrated Male and Female Mice
Authors: Martins Jerônimo P. , Silva Lucia C. , Nunes Matheus S. , Rübensam Gabriel , Oliveira Jarbas R. , Silva Rodrigo B. M. , Campos Maria M.
Published: April 2021

Dry extracts from the Eurasian plants, Ajuga turkestanica, Eurycoma longifolia, and Urtica dioica have been used as anabolic supplements, despite the limited scientific data on these effects. To assess their actions on early sarcopenia signs, male and female castrated mice were supplemented with lyophilized extracts of the three plants, isolated or in association (named TLU), and submitted to resistance exercise. Ovariectomy (OVX) led to body weight increase and non-high-density cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol elevation, which had been restored by exercise plus U. dioica extract, or by exercise and TLU, respectively. Orchiectomy (ORX) caused skeletal muscle weight loss, accompanied by increased adiposity, being the latter parameter reduced by exercise plus E. longifolia or U. dioica extracts. General physical activity was improved by exercise plus herbal extracts in either OVX or ORX animals. Exercise combined with TLU improved resistance to fatigue in OVX animals, though A. turkestanica enhanced the grip strength in ORX mice. E. longifolia or TLU also reduced the ladder climbing time in ORX mice. Resistance exercise plus herbal extracts partly altered gastrocnemius fiber size frequencies in OVX or ORX mice. We provide novel data that tested ergogenic extracts, when combined with resistance exercise, improved early sarcopenia alterations in castrated male and female mice.
Dietary Aspects to Incorporate in the Creation of a Mobile Image-Based Dietary Assessment Tool to Manage and Improve Diabetes
Authors: Qin Yue , Aqeel Marah , Zhu Fengqing , Delp Edward J. , Eicher-Miller Heather A.
Published: April 2021

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in United States. Dietary intake and behaviors are essential components of diabetes management. Growing evidence suggests dietary components beyond carbohydrates may critically impact glycemic control. Assessment tools on mobile platforms have the ability to capture multiple aspects of dietary behavior in real-time throughout the day to inform and improve diabetes management and insulin dosing. The objective of this narrative review was to summarize evidence related to dietary behaviors and composition to inform a mobile image-based dietary assessment tool for managing glycemic control of both diabetes types (type 1 and type 2 diabetes). This review investigated the following topics amongst those with diabetes: (1) the role of time of eating occasion on indicators of glycemic control; and (2) the role of macronutrient composition of meals on indicators of glycemic control. A search for articles published after 2000 was completed in PubMed with the following sets of keywords “diabetes/diabetes management/diabetes prevention/diabetes risk”, “dietary behavior/eating patterns/temporal/meal timing/meal frequency”, and “macronutrient composition/glycemic index”. Results showed eating behaviors and meal macronutrient composition may affect glycemic control. Specifically, breakfast skipping, late eating and frequent meal consumption might be associated with poor glycemic control while macronutrient composition and order of the meal could also affect glycemic control. These factors should be considered in designing a dietary assessment tool, which may optimize diabetes management to reduce the burden of this disease.
Carrot Supplementation Improves Blood Pressure and Reduces Aortic Root Lesions in an Atherosclerosis-Prone Genetic Mouse Model
Authors: Soleti Raffaella , Coué Marine , Trenteseaux Charlotte , Hilairet Gregory , Fizanne Lionel , Kasbi-Chadli Fatima , Mallegol Patricia , Chaigneau Julien , Boursier Jerome , Krempf Michel , Geoffriau Emmanuel , Andriantsitohaina Ramaroson , Ouguerram Khadija
Published: April 2021

Epidemiological studies have shown that carrot consumption may be associated with a lower risk of developing several metabolic dysfunctions. Our group previously determined that the Bolero (Bo) carrot variety exhibited vascular and hepatic tropism using cellular models of cardiometabolic diseases. The present study evaluated the potential metabolic and cardiovascular protective effect of Bo, grown under two conditions (standard and biotic stress conditions (BoBS)), in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE−/−) mice fed with high fat diet (HFD). Effects on metabolic/hemodynamic parameters and on atherosclerotic lesions have been assessed. Both Bo and BoBS decreased plasma triglyceride and expression levels of genes implicated in hepatic de novo lipogenesis and lipid oxidation. BoBS supplementation decreased body weight gain, secretion of very-low-density lipoprotein, and increased cecal propionate content. Interestingly, Bo and BoBS supplementation improved hemodynamic parameters by decreasing systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure. Moreover, Bo improved cardiac output. Finally, Bo and BoBS substantially reduced the aortic root lesion area. These results showed that Bo and BoBS enriched diets corrected most of the metabolic and cardiovascular disorders in an atherosclerosis-prone genetic mouse model and may therefore represent an interesting nutritional approach for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Nursing Students Explore Meaningful Activities for Nursing Home Residents: Enlivening the Residents by Cultivating Their Spark of Life
Authors: Haugland Britt Øvrebø , Giske Tove
Published: April 2021

International research focuses on person-centered care, quality of life, and quality of care for people living in long-term care facilities, and that it can be challenging to improve the quality of life for residents with dementia. The aim of this study was to explore ways of developing appropriate person-centered activities for nursing home residents based on what would be meaningful for them. A qualitative explorative design was chosen. Twelve students each year over a three-year period participated in the study (altogether 36). Each student tailored joyful and meaningful activities for two nursing home residents and wrote eight reflection journals each (altogether 284). Additional data came from eight focus group interviews with the students. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The main theme was “Enlivening the residents by cultivating their spark of life”. Two main categories were identified: (1) “Journeying to meaningful and enlivening (enjoyable) activities”, and (2) “Expressions of enlivening”, It is possible to tailor meaningful and enlivening activities together with the individual person with dementia. Involvement and engagement are necessary to understand the verbal and nonverbal expressions and communicate with the individual resident.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nurse—Practical Messages
Authors: Rosso Chiara , Aaron Alami Aroussi , Armandi Angelo , Caviglia Gian Paolo , Vernero Marta , Saracco Giorgio Maria , Astegiano Marco , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives: Patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are complex patients with various problems from a clinical and psychological point of view. This complexity must be addressed by a multidisciplinary team, and an inflammatory bowel disease nurse can be the ideal professional figure to create a link between doctor and patient. The objective of this comprehensive review is to describe the figure of inflammatory bowel disease nurses and the various benefits that their introduction into a multidisciplinary team can bring, as well as a focus on how to become an inflammatory bowel disease nurse. Materials and Methods: A search on the PubMed database was performed by associating the terms “IBD” or “inflammatory bowel disease” with the Boolean term AND to the various issues addressed: “life impact”, “communication”, “fistulas”, “ostomy”, “diet”, “incontinence”, “sexuality”, “parenthood”, “fatigue”, “pain management”, and “follow up appointments”. Regarding the analysis of the benefits that the IBD nurse brings, the terms “IBD”, “inflammatory bowel diseases”, “Crohn’s disease”, and “ulcerative colitis” were used, associating them with the terms “benefit”, “costs”, “team”, and “patients”. Finally, regarding the focus on how to become an IBD nurse, an IBD nurse was interviewed. Results: An IBD nurse is a valuable nursing figure within the multidisciplinary team that takes care of patients with IBD because this nurse performs important functions from both a clinical assistance point of view (management of fistulas, ostomies, infusion of biological drugs) and an information and therapeutic education point of view (communication with patients, direct contact with patients by telephone or email). Furthermore, this nurse performs the “filter” function between doctor and patient, saving time for doctors that will be used for more outpatient visits. Conclusions: The introduction of an inflammatory bowel disease nurse is therefore recommended for multidisciplinary organizations dealing with the clinical course of patients suffering from IBD.
Divergent Proteomic Responses Offer Insights into Resistant Physiological Responses of a Reef-Foraminifera to Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Stuhr Marleen , Cameron Louise P. , Blank-Landeshammer Bernhard , Reymond Claire E. , Doo Steve S. , Westphal Hildegard , Sickmann Albert , Ries Justin B.
Published: April 2021

Reef-dwelling calcifiers face numerous environmental stresses associated with anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, including ocean acidification and warming. Photosymbiont-bearing calcifiers, such as large benthic foraminifera, are particularly sensitive to climate change. To gain insight into their responses to near-future conditions, Amphistegina lobifera from the Gulf of Aqaba were cultured under three pCO2 conditions (492, 963, 3182 ppm) crossed with two temperature conditions (28 °C, 31 °C) for two months. Differential protein abundances in host and photosymbionts were investigated alongside physiological responses and microenvironmental pH gradients assessed via proton microsensors. Over 1000 proteins were identified, of which > 15% varied significantly between treatments. Thermal stress predominantly reduced protein abundances, and holobiont growth. Elevated pCO2 caused only minor proteomic alterations and color changes. Notably, pH at the test surface decreased with increasing pCO2 under all light/dark and temperature combinations. However, the difference between [H+] at the test surface and [H+] in the seawater—a measure of the organism’s mitigation of the acidified conditions—increased with light and pCO2. Combined stressors resulted in reduced pore sizes and increased microenvironmental pH gradients, indicating acclimative mechanisms that support calcite test production and/or preservation under climate change. Substantial proteomic variations at moderate-pCO2 and 31 °C and putative decreases in test stability at high-pCO2 and 31 °C indicate cellular modifications and impacts on calcification, in contrast to the LBFs’ apparently stable overall physiological performance. Our experiment shows that the effects of climate change can be missed when stressors are assessed in isolation, and that physiological responses should be assessed across organismal levels to make more meaningful inferences about the fate of reef calcifiers.
Investigating Nutritional Behavior and Oral Health Habits among Adults and Children in Nοrth-Eastern Greece
Authors: Melissari Alexandra , Alexopoulos Athanasios , Mantzourani Ioanna , Plessas Stavros , Voidarou Chrissoula , Tsigalou Christina , Bezirtzoglou Eugenia
Published: April 2021

The importance of the oral microbiota is strictly linked to global human health. When imbalance of the oral microbiota occurs, and it is characterized by shifts in bacterial composition and diversity; a state called dysbiosis is settled. There is an increasing amount of scientific evidence that this condition is associated with oral diseases caries, gingivitis and periodontitis. Diet seems to be a key factor for oral and dental health, impacting upon the oral microbiota. In an attempt to clarify the role of diet, as well as other implicating risk factors predisposing to oral disease, in the present study we enrolled an urban area of north-eastern Greece. Socio-demographical as well as hygienic and nutritional habits of a target group consisting of adult and children were entered in our study through a survey. People of the studied area are less interested in preventive and other dental therapies. Children and adults are less interested in healthy eating, yet they often consume sugary foods and often outside of their main meal. The partial shifting to the standard of the Mediterranean diet and less to the standard of the western type foods is notable. It is important to raise the awareness of both children and adults through strategical campaigns and education on oral health, oral hygiene and the benefits of a balanced diet.
Antimicrobial Peptides as Potential Anti-Tubercular Leads: A Concise Review
Authors: Oliveira Gabriel S. , Costa Raquel P. , Gomes Paula , Gomes Maria Salomé , Silva Tânia , Teixeira Cátia
Published: April 2021

Despite being considered a public health emergency for the last 25 years, tuberculosis (TB) is still one of the deadliest infectious diseases, responsible for over a million deaths every year. The length and toxicity of available treatments and the increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis renders standard regimens increasingly inefficient and emphasizes the urgency to develop new approaches that are not only cost- and time-effective but also less toxic. Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are small cationic and amphipathic molecules that play a vital role in the host immune system by acting as a first barrier against invading pathogens. The broad spectrum of properties that peptides possess make them one of the best possible alternatives for a new “post-antibiotic” era. In this context, research into AMP as potential anti-tubercular agents has been driven by the increasing danger revolving around the emergence of extremely-resistant strains, the innate resistance that mycobacteria possess and the low compliance of patients towards the toxic anti-TB treatments. In this review, we will focus on AMP from various sources, such as animal, non-animal and synthetic, with reported inhibitory activity towards Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
ε2-Phages Are Naturally Bred and Have a Vastly Improved Host Range in Staphylococcus aureus over Wild Type Phages
Authors: Sáez Moreno David , Visram Zehra , Mutti Michele , Restrepo-Córdoba Marcela , Hartmann Susana , Kremers Ana Isabel , Tišáková Lenka , Schertler Susanne , Wittmann Johannes , Kalali Benham , Monecke Stefan , Ehricht Ralf , Resch Grégory , Corsini Lorenzo
Published: April 2021

Due to the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance, and the difficulties of treating biofilm-associated infections, alternative treatments for S. aureus infections are urgently needed. We tested the lytic activity of several wild type phages against a panel of 110 S. aureus strains (MRSA/MSSA) composed to reflect the prevalence of S. aureus clonal complexes in human infections. The plaquing host ranges (PHR) of the wild type phages were in the range of 51% to 60%. We also measured what we called the kinetic host range (KHR), i.e., the percentage of strains for which growth in suspension was suppressed for 24 h. The KHR of the wild type phages ranged from 2% to 49%, substantially lower than the PHRs. To improve the KHR and other key pharmaceutical properties, we bred the phages by mixing and propagating cocktails on a subset of S. aureus strains. These bred phages, which we termed evolution-squared (ε2) phages, have broader KHRs up to 64% and increased virulence compared to the ancestors. The ε2-phages with the broadest KHR have genomes intercrossed from up to three different ancestors. We composed a cocktail of three ε2-phages with an overall KHR of 92% and PHR of 96% on 110 S. aureus strains and called it PM-399. PM-399 has a lower propensity to resistance formation than the standard of care antibiotics vancomycin, rifampicin, or their combination, and no resistance was observed in laboratory settings (detection limit: 1 cell in 1011). In summary, ε2-phages and, in particular PM-399, are promising candidates for an alternative treatment of S. aureus infections.
Curcumin and Its Modified Formulations on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): The Story So Far and Future Outlook
Authors: Karthikeyan Adhimoolam , Young Kim Na , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Beyene Anteneh Marelign , Do Kyoungtag , Kalaiselvi Senthil , Min Taesun
Published: April 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory disorder of the small intestine and colon. IBD includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), and it is a major factor for the development of colon cancer, referred to as colitis-associated cancer (CAC). The current treatment of IBD mainly includes the use of synthetic drugs and monoclonal antibodies. However, these drugs have side effects over long-term use, and the high relapse rate restricts their application. In the recent past, many studies had witnessed a surge in applying plant-derived products to manage various diseases, including IBD. Curcumin is a bioactive component derived from a rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies show that curcumin may interact with many cellular targets (NF-κB, JAKs/STATs, MAPKs, TNF-γ, IL-6, PPARγ, and TRPV1) and effectively reduce the progression of IBD with promising results. Thus, curcumin is a potential therapeutic agent for patients with IBD once it significantly decreases clinical relapse in patients with quiescent IBD. This review aims to summarize recent advances and provide a comprehensive picture of curcumin’s effectiveness in IBD and offer our view on future research on curcumin in IBD treatment.
Inhalable Jojoba Oil Dry Nanoemulsion Powders for the Treatment of Lipopolysaccharide- or H2O2-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Zhang Guoli , Xie Fei , Sun Yunbo , Yu Xiang , Xiao Zhimei , Fang Rongzhen , Li Jingfei , Li Qian , Du Lina , Jin Yiguang
Published: April 2021

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K. Schneid) is a dioecious plant in desert and semi-desert areas, e.g., the Ismailia Desert in Egypt. Jojoba oil (JJBO) is a natural slight yellow oil with the functions of skin barrier repairing and wound healing, which is dermally applied as a traditional medication or cosmetic in the Middle East. The objective of this study was to prepare JJBO dry nanoemulsion powders (JNDs) and investigate their anti-acute lung injury effects. JJBO nanoemulsions (JNEs) were prepared and then lyophilized to JNDs and the properties and simulated lung deposition were measured. Rat acute lung injury (ALI) models were established after intratracheal (i.t.) administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). JNDs and dexamethasone (DXM) solutions were also i.t. administered to the rats. The pathological states of lung tissues were checked. Inflammatory and oxidative factors in the lung tissues were determined using ELISA methods. NF-κB p65 and caspase-3 were measured with a Western blotting method and an immunohistochemical method, respectively. JNDs had an appropriate mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 4.17 µm and a fine particle fraction (FPF) of 39.11%. JNDs showed higher anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-induced ALI than DXM with a decrease in total protein content and down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and NF-κB p65. JNDs also showed higher anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effect on H2O2-induced ALI than DXM with elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increasing of superoxide dismutase (SOD), decrease in of lipid peroxide malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), and inhibition of caspase-3 expression. Moreover, i.t. JNDs attenuated bleeding and infiltrations of the inflammatory cells in the two ALI models. JNDs are a promising natural oil-contained inhalable medication for the treatment of LPS- or H2O2-induced ALI.
Ginsenoside Absorption Rate and Extent Enhancement of Black Ginseng (CJ EnerG) over Red Ginseng in Healthy Adults
Authors: Yoo Saebyul , Park Bom-I , Kim Do-hyun , Lee Sooyoung , Lee Seung-hoon , Shim Wang-Seob , Seo Yong Ki , Kang Kimoon , Lee Kyung-Tae , Yim Sung-Vin , Soung Do Yu , Kim Bo-Hyung
Published: April 2021

Red ginseng (RG) and black ginseng (BG, CJ EnerG) were prepared from fresh ginseng using one and nine cycles of steaming and drying, respectively. This process reduces the molecular weight (MW) of ginsenoside-active compounds in ginseng by removing sugar moieties from their dammaranes. We compared the pharmacokinetic characteristics of ginsenosides between BG comprising mainly low-MW ginsenosides (Rg3, Rg5, Rk1, and Rh1) and RG that predominantly contains high-MW ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, and Rg1). The safety profiles and tolerability were also studied using a randomized, double-blind, single-dose, crossover clinical trial. A combination of Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3, well-known representative and functional RG components, exhibited a 1 h faster absorption rate (Tmax) and 58% higher exposure (24 h area under the concentration–time curve, AUC24) in BG than in RG. Furthermore, the combination of Rg3, Rg5, and Rk1, the major and most efficient components in BG, displayed 824% higher absorption (AUC24) in BG than in RG. The total ginsenoside showed a 5 h rapid intestinal absorption (Tmax) and 79% greater systemic exposure (AUC24) in BG than in RG. No clinically significant findings were observed in terms of safety or tolerability. Thus, BG extract was more effective than RG extract.
Evolution of Spatiotemporal Intensity of Partially Coherent Pulsed Beams with Spatial Cosine-Gaussian and Temporal Laguerre–Gaussian Correlations in Still, Pure Water
Authors: Ding Chaoliang , Korotkova Olga , Horoshko Dmitri , Zhao Zhiguo , Pan Liuzhan
Published: April 2021

A new family of partially coherent pulsed beams with spatial cosine-Gaussian and temporal Laguerre–Gaussian correlations, named spatial cosine-Gaussian and temporal Laguerre–Gaussian correlated Schell-model (SCTLGSM) pulsed beams, is introduced. An analytic propagation formula is derived for the SCTLGSM pulsed beam through the spatiotemporal ABCD optical system characterizing a continuous dispersive medium. As an example, the evolution of spatiotemporal intensity of the SCTLGSM pulsed beam in a still, pure water column is then investigated. It is found that the SCTLGSM pulsed beams simultaneously exhibit spatiotemporal self-splitting and self-focusing phenomena, which can be attributed to the special spatial/temporal coherence structures and the presence of pulse chirper in the source plane. The physical interpretation of the obtained phenomena is given. The results obtained in this paper will be of interest in underwater optical technologies, e.g., directed energy and communications.
Assessment of the Hyperspectral Data Analysis as a Tool to Diagnose Xylella fastidiosa in the Asymptomatic Leaves of Olive Plants
Authors: Riefolo Carmela , Antelmi Ilaria , Castrignanò Annamaria , Ruggieri Sergio , Galeone Ciro , Belmonte Antonella , Muolo Maria Rita , Ranieri Nicola A. , Labarile Rossella , Gadaleta Giovanni , Nigro Franco
Published: April 2021

Xylella fastidiosa is a bacterial pathogen affecting many plant species worldwide. Recently, the subspecies pauca (Xfp) has been reported as the causal agent of a devastating disease on olive trees in the Salento area (Apulia region, southeastern Italy), where centenarian and millenarian plants constitute a great agronomic, economic, and landscape trait, as well as an important cultural heritage. It is, therefore, important to develop diagnostic tools able to detect the disease early, even when infected plants are still asymptomatic, to reduce the infection risk for the surrounding plants. The reference analysis is the quantitative real time-Polymerase-Chain-Reaction (qPCR) of the bacterial DNA. The aim of this work was to assess whether the analysis of hyperspectral data, using different statistical methods, was able to select with sufficient accuracy, which plants to analyze with PCR, to save time and economic resources. The study area was selected in the Municipality of Oria (Brindisi). Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) and Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA) indicated that the most important bands were those related to the chlorophyll function, water, lignin content, as can also be seen from the wilting symptoms in Xfp-infected plants. The confusion matrix of CDA showed an overall accuracy of 0.67, but with a better capability to discriminate the infected plants. Finally, an unsupervised classification, using only spectral data, was able to discriminate the infected plants at a very early stage of infection. Then, in phase of testing qPCR should be performed only on the plants predicted as infected from hyperspectral data, thus, saving time and financial resources.
Antioxidant Adjustments of Olive Trees (Olea Europaea) under Field Stress Conditions
Authors: Araújo Márcia , Prada João , Mariz-Ponte Nuno , Santos Conceição , Pereira José Alberto , Pinto Diana C. G. A. , Silva Artur M. S. , Dias Maria Celeste
Published: April 2021

Extreme climate events are increasingly frequent, and the 2017 summer was particularly critical in the Mediterranean region. Olive is one of the most important species of this region, and these climatic events represent a threat to this culture. However, it remains unclear how olive trees adjust the antioxidant enzymatic system and modulate the metabolite profile under field stress conditions. Leaves from two distinct adjacent areas of an olive orchard, one dry and the other hydrated, were harvested. Tree water status, oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, and phenolic and lipophilic metabolite profiles were analyzed. The environmental conditions of the 2017 summer caused a water deficit in olive trees of the dry area, and this low leaf water availability was correlated with the reduction of long-chain alkanes and fatty acids. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide radical (O2•–) levels increased in the trees collected from the dry area, but lipid peroxidation did not augment. The antioxidant response was predominantly marked by guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) activity that regulates the H2O2 harmful effect and by the action of flavonoids (luteolin-7-O-glucuronide) that may act as reactive oxygen species scavengers. Secoiridoids adjustments may also contribute to stress regulation. This work highlights for the first time the protective role of some metabolite in olive trees under field drought conditions.