bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Brain Breaks on Motives of Participation in Physical Activity among Primary School Children in Malaysia
Authors: Hajar Mawar Siti , Rizal Hussein , Kueh Yee Cheng , Muhamad Ayu Suzailiana , Kuan Garry
Published: July 2019

Brain breaks is a physical activity (PA) video designed for school settings that is used to stimulate student’s health and learning. The purpose of this study is to measure the effects of brain breaks on motives of participation in PA among primary school children in Malaysia. Purposive sampling was used to divide 159 male and 176 female students aged 10 to 11 years old, mean (standard deviation (SD)) = 10.51 (0.50), from two schools in Kelantan, Malaysia into intervention (n = 183) and control (n = 152) groups. Students undertook brain breaks activities on school days (five minutes per session) spread out for a period of four months. Mixed factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the students’ motives of participation in PA for pre-, mid-, and post-tests using the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale-Youth-Malay (PALMS-Y-M). Mixed factorial ANOVA showed significant changes in enjoyment, F(2, 392) = 8.720, p-value (ηp2) = 0.001 (0.043); competitiveness, F(2, 195) = 4.364, p-value (ηp2) = 0.014 (0.043); appearance, F(2, 392) = 5.709, p-value (ηp2) = 0.004 (0.028); and psychological condition, F(2, 392) = 4.376, p-value (ηp2) = 0.013 (0.022), whereas mastery, affiliation, and physical condition were not significant (p < 0.05). Further post-hoc analysis revealed a significant downward trend in the control group (p < 0.05). Brain breaks is successful in maintaining students’ motives for PA in four of the seven factors.
Emission Characteristics of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Nitro-Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Open Burning of Rice Straw in the North of Vietnam
Authors: Pham Chau-Thuy , Boongla Yaowatat , Nghiem Trung-Dung , Le Huu-Tuyen , Tang Ning , Toriba Akira , Hayakawa Kazuichi
Published: July 2019

This research investigated the distribution and contribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) bound to particulate matter (PM) emitted from open burning of rice straw (RS) into the atmosphere in the north of Vietnam. The experiments were conducted to collect PM2.5 and total suspended particulates (TSP) prior to and during burning in the period of 2016–2018 in suburban areas of Hanoi. Nine PAHs and 18 NPAHs were determined using the HPLC-FL system. The results showed that the proportion of RS burning seasonally affects the variation of PAHs emission in atmospheric environment. The levels of nine PAHs from RS burning were 254.4 ± 87.8 µg g−1 for PM2.5 and 209.7 ± 89.5 µg g−1 for TSP. We observed the fact that, although fluoranthene (Flu) was the most abundant PAH among detected PAHs both in PM2.5 and TSP, the enrichment of Flu in TSP from burning smoke was higher than that in PM2.5 while the contribution of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and indeno[1,2,3- cd]pyrene (IDP) in PM2.5 from burning smoke were much higher than those in TSP. This research found that 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) and 6-nitrochrysene (6-NC) emit from RS burning with the same range with those from wood burning. The 2-nitrofluorene (2-NF) and 2-nitropyrene (2-NP) released from RS burning as the secondary NPAHs. This research provides a comprehensive contribution characterization of PAHs and NPAHs in PM with different size emitted from traditional local rice straw burning in the north of Vietnam. The results help to clarify the environmental behavior of toxic organic compounds from RS burning in Southeast Asia.
An Umbrella Review and Narrative Synthesis of the Effectiveness of Interventions Aimed at Decreasing Food Prices to Increase Food Quality
Authors: Milani Chiara , Lorini Chiara , Baldasseroni Alberto , Dellisanti Claudia , Bonaccorsi Guglielmo
Published: July 2019

Background: sustainability of population diet is a public health concern: the high price of healthy food is one of the main causes of diet-related health problems. The aim of this study is to synthesize the evidence produced by systematic reviews that evaluated the effectiveness of decreasing healthy food prices to improve accessibility in order to positively modify the dietary pattern. Methods: We carried out a review of systematic reviews that examined the effects of the interventions, by exploring the online databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and hand-searching the reference lists. Results: after screening by titles and abstracts, we selected 11 systematic reviews that met the inclusion criteria, plus one that was hand-searched. The review generally presented a good quality. Studies concluded that measures aimed at modifying the prices of targeted healthy food were effective in improving population diet by modifying what people buy. Conclusions: the complexity of the outcome—population diet—as well as the poor transferability of data across populations and geographical areas makes it obligatory to provide clear and universal conclusions. Nonetheless, this should not stop policymakers from adapting them and resorting to food fiscal interventions to improve people’s diet and health.
Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA Polymorphisms in the Human Cell Lines HepaRG and SJCRH30
Authors: Young Matthew J. , Jayaprakash Anitha D. , Young Carolyn K. J.
Published: July 2019

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences of two commonly used human cell lines, HepaRG and SJCRH30, were determined. HepaRG originates from a liver tumor obtained from a patient with hepatocarcinoma and hepatitis C while SJCRH30 originates from a rhabdomyosarcoma patient tumor. In comparison to the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence, HepaRG and SJCRH30 mtDNA each contain 14 nucleotide variations. In addition to an insertion of a cytosine at position 315 (315insC), the mtDNA sequences from both cell types share six common polymorphisms. Heteroplasmic variants were identified in both cell types and included the identification of the 315insC mtDNA variant at 42 and 75% heteroplasmy in HepaRG and SJCRH30, respectively. Additionally, a novel heteroplasmic G13633A substitution in the HepaRG ND5 gene was detected at 33%. Previously reported cancer-associated mtDNA variants T195C and T16519C were identified in SJCRH30, both at homoplasmy (100%), while HepaRG mtDNA harbors a known prostate cancer-associated T6253C substitution at near homoplasmy, 95%. Based on our sequencing analysis, HepaRG mtDNA is predicted to lie within haplogroup branch H15a1 while SJCRH30 mtDNA is predicted to localize to H27c. The catalog of polymorphisms and heteroplasmy reported here should prove useful for future investigations of mtDNA maintenance in HepaRG and SJCRH30 cell lines.
Genetic Aberrations Associated with Photodynamic Therapy in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Abrahamse Heidi , Houreld Nicolette Nadene
Published: July 2019

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cancer treatment modality that utilizes three components: light (λ 650–750 nm), a photosensitizer (PS) and molecular oxygen, which upon activation renders the modality effective. Colorectal cancer has one of the highest incident rates as well as a high mortality rate worldwide. In this study, a zinc (Zn) metal-based phthalocyanine (ZnPcSmix) PS was used to determine its efficacy for the treatment of colon adenocarcinoma cells (DLD-1 and Caco-2). Photoactivation of the PS was achieved by laser irradiation at a wavelength of 680 nm. Dose responses were performed to establish optimal PS concentration and irradiation fluence. A working combination of 20 µM ZnPcSmix and 5 J/cm2 was used. Biochemical responses were determined after 1 or 24 h incubation post-treatment. Since ZnPcSmix is localized in lysosomes and mitochondria, mitochondrial destabilization analysis was performed monitoring mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Cytosolic acidification was determined measuring hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in the cytoplasm. Having established apoptotic cell death induction, an apoptosis PCR array was performed to establish the apoptotic mechanism. In DLD-1 cells, expression of genes included 3 up-regulated and 20 down-regulated genes while in Caco-2 cells, there were 16 up-regulated and 22 down-regulated genes. In both cell lines, in up-regulated genes, there was a combination of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes that were significantly expressed. Gene expression results showed that more tumorigenic cells (DLD-1) went through apoptosis; however, they exhibit increased risk of resistance and recurrence, while less tumorigenic Caco-2 cells responded better to PDT, thus being suggestive of a better prognosis post-PDT treatment. In addition, the possible apoptotic mechanisms of cell death were deduced based on the genetic expression profiling of regulatory apoptotic inducing factors.
5-Amino-1-β-D-Ribofuranosyl-Imidazole-4-Carboxamide (AICAR) Reduces Peripheral Inflammation by Macrophage Phenotype Shift
Authors: Martin Lisa Maria , Möller Moritz , Weiss Ulrike , Russe Otto Quintus , Scholich Klaus , Pierre Sandra , Geisslinger Gerd , Niederberger Ellen
Published: July 2019

The stimulation of the AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) by 5-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-imidazole-4-carboxamide (AICAR) has been associated with antihyperalgesia and the inhibition of nociceptive signaling in the spinal cord in models of paw inflammation. The attenuated nociception comes along with a strongly reduced paw edema, indicating that peripheral antiinflammatory mechanisms contribute to antinociception. In this study, we investigated the impact of AICAR on the immune cell composition in inflamed paws, as well as the regulation of inflammatory and resolving markers in macrophages. By using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis and immunofluorescence, we found a significantly increased fraction of proresolving M2 macrophages and anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 in inflamed tissue, while M1 macrophages and proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 were decreased by AICAR in wild type mice. In AMPKα2 knock-out mice, the M2 polarization of macrophages in the paw was missing. The results were supported by experiments in primary macrophage cultures which also showed a shift to a proresolving phenotype with decreased levels of proinflammatory mediators and increased levels of antiinflammatory mediators. However, in the cell cultures, we did not observe differences between the AMPKα2+/+ and −/− cells, thus indicating that the AICAR-induced effects are at least partially AMPK-independent. In summary, our results indicate that AICAR has potent antiinflammatory and proresolving properties in inflammation which are contributing to a reduction of inflammatory edema and antinociception.
Immune Mechanisms Underlying Susceptibility to Endotoxin Shock in Aged Hosts: Implication in Age-Augmented Generalized Shwartzman Reaction
Authors: Kinoshita Manabu , Nakashima Masahiro , Nakashima Hiroyuki , Seki Shuhji
Published: July 2019

In recent decades, the elderly population has been rapidly increasing in many countries. Such patients are susceptible to Gram-negative septic shock, namely endotoxin shock. Mortality due to endotoxin shock remains high despite recent advances in medical care. The generalized Shwartzman reaction is well recognized as an experimental endotoxin shock. Aged mice are similarly susceptible to the generalized Shwartzman reaction and show an increased mortality accompanied by the enhanced production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Consistent with the findings in the murine model, the in vitro Shwartzman reaction-like response is also age-dependently augmented in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as assessed by enhanced TNF production. Interestingly, age-dependently increased innate lymphocytes with T cell receptor-that intermediate expression, such as that of CD8+CD122+T cells in mice and CD57+T cells in humans, may collaborate with macrophages and induce the exacerbation of the Shwartzman reaction in elderly individuals. However, endotoxin tolerance in mice, which resembles a mirror phenomenon of the generalized Shwartzman reaction, drastically reduces the TNF production of macrophages while strongly activating their bactericidal activity in infection. Importantly, this effect can be induced in aged mice. The safe induction of endotoxin tolerance may be a potential therapeutic strategy for refractory septic shock in elderly patients.
Preeclampsia: The Relationship between Uterine Artery Blood Flow and Trophoblast Function
Authors: Ridder Anna , Giorgione Veronica , Khalil Asma , Thilaganathan Basky
Published: July 2019

Maternal uterine artery blood flow is critical to maintaining the intrauterine environment, permitting normal placental function, and supporting fetal growth. It has long been believed that inadequate transformation of the maternal uterine vasculature is a consequence of primary defective trophoblast invasion and leads to the development of preeclampsia. That early pregnancy maternal uterine artery perfusion is strongly associated with placental cellular function and behaviour has always been interpreted in this context. Consistently observed changes in pre-conceptual maternal and uterine artery blood flow, abdominal pregnancy implantation, and late pregnancy have been challenging this concept, and suggest that abnormal placental perfusion may result in trophoblast impairment, rather than the other way round. This review focuses on evidence that maternal cardiovascular function plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
Exposure to Hyperchloremia Is Associated with Poor Early Recovery of Kidney Graft Function after Living-Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Propensity Score-Matching Analysis
Authors: Go Jin , Park Sun-Cheol , Yun Sang-Seob , Ku Jiyeon , Park Jaesik , Shim Jung-Woo , Lee Hyung Mook , Kim Yong-Suk , Moon Young Eun , Hong Sang Hyun , Chae Min Suk
Published: July 2019

The effects of hyperchloremia on kidney grafts have not been investigated in patients undergoing living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKT). In this study, data from 200 adult patients undergoing elective LDKT between January 2016 and December 2017 were analyzed after propensity score (PS) matching. The patients were allocated to hyperchloremia and non-hyperchloremia groups according to the occurrence of hyperchloremia (i.e., ≥110 mEq/L) immediately after surgery. Poor early graft recovery was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 during the first 48 hours after surgery. After PS matching, no significant differences in perioperative recipient or donor graft parameters were observed between groups. Although the total amount of crystalloid fluid infused during surgery did not differ between groups, the proportions of main crystalloid fluid type used (i.e., 0.9% normal saline vs. Plasma Solution-A) did. The eGFR increased gradually during postoperative day (POD) 2 in both groups. However, the proportion of patients with eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 on POD 2 was higher in the non-hyperchloremia group than in the hyperchloremia group. In this PS-adjusted analysis, hyperchloremia was significantly associated with poor graft recovery on POD 2. In conclusion, exposure to hyperchloremia may have a negative impact on early graft recovery in LDKT.
Maintained Clinical Remission in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Switched from Reference Infliximab to Its Biosimilar: An 18-Month Comparative Open-Label Study
Authors: Kaltsonoudis Evripidis , Pelechas Eleftherios , Voulgari Paraskevi , Drosos Alexandros
Published: July 2019

Background: Switching from reference infliximab (RI) to biosimilar infliximab (BI) had no detrimental effects on efficacy and safety. However, long-term follow-up data is missing. Objective: To evaluate patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) in clinical remission who were switching from RI to BI, in terms of the safety and efficacy of this, in a long-term fashion. Methods: One hundred and nine consecutive unselected AS patients were investigated. All were naïve to other biologics and were followed-up at predefined times receiving RI. Patients in clinical remission were asked to switch from RI to BI. Those who switched to BI were compared with a matched control-group receiving continuous RI. During follow-up, several parameters were recorded for at least 18 months. Disease activity was measured using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), and the Ankylosing Spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), using the C-reactive protein. Remission was defined as BASDAI < 4 and ASDAS < 1.3. Results: Eighty-eight patients were evaluated (21 excluded for different reasons). From those, 45 switched to BI, while 43 continued receiving RI. No differences between groups regarding demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were observed. All patients were in clinical remission. During follow-up, five patients from the BI-group and three from the maintenance-group discontinued the study (4 patients nocebo effect, 1 loss of efficacy). After 18 months of treatment, all patients in both groups remained in clinical remission. No significant adverse events were noted between groups. Conclusion: BI is equivalent to RI in maintaining AS in clinical remission for at least 18 months.
Effects of a Lifestyle Intervention in Routine Care on Prenatal Dietary Behavior—Findings from the Cluster-Randomized GeliS Trial
Authors: Günther Julia , Hoffmann Julia , Kunath Julia , Spies Monika , Meyer Dorothy , Stecher Lynne , Rosenfeld Eva , Kick Luzia , Rauh Kathrin , Hauner Hans
Published: July 2019

The antenatal lifestyle and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) modify the risk of obstetric complications, maternal weight retention, and the risk of obesity for the next generation. The cluster-randomized controlled “Healthy living in pregnancy” (GeliS) study, recruiting 2286 women, was designed to examine whether a lifestyle intervention reduced the proportion of women with excessive GWG. Trained healthcare providers gave four counseling sessions covering a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and self-monitoring of GWG in the intervention group. In this secondary analysis, the effect on maternal dietary behavior was analyzed. Dietary behavior was assessed by means of a 58-item food frequency questionnaire in early and late pregnancy. The intervention resulted in a significant reduction in soft drink intake (p < 0.001) and an increase in the consumption of fish (p = 0.002) and vegetables (p = 0.023). With the exception of higher percentage energy from protein (p = 0.018), no effects of the intervention on energy and macronutrient intake were observed. There was no evidence for an overall effect on dietary quality measured with a healthy eating index. Some dietary variables were shown to be associated with GWG. In a routine prenatal care setting in Germany, lifestyle advice modified single aspects of dietary behavior, but not energy intake or overall dietary quality.
Risk and Prognostic Factors in Very Old Patients with Sepsis Secondary to Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Cillóniz Catia , Dominedò Cristina , Ielpo Antonella , Ferrer Miquel , Gabarrús Albert , Battaglini Denise , Bermejo-Martin Jesús , Meli Andrea , García-Vidal Carolina , Liapikou Adamanthia , Singer Mervyn , Torres Antoni
Published: July 2019

Background: Little is known about risk and prognostic factors in very old patients developing sepsis secondary to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of data prospectively collected at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona over a 13-year period. Consecutive patients hospitalized with CAP were included if they were very old (≥80 years) and divided into those with and without sepsis for comparison. Sepsis was diagnosed based on the Sepsis-3 criteria. The main clinical outcome was 30-day mortality. Results: Among the 4219 patients hospitalized with CAP during the study period, 1238 (29%) were very old. The prevalence of sepsis in this age group was 71%. Male sex, chronic renal disease, and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for sepsis, while antibiotic therapy before admission was independently associated with a lower risk of sepsis. Thirty-day and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality did not differ between patients with and without sepsis. In CAP-sepsis group, chronic renal disease and neurological disease were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. Conclusion: In very old patients hospitalized with CAP, in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates were increased if they developed sepsis. Antibiotic therapy before hospital admission was associated with a lower risk of sepsis.
Gadolinium-Labelled Cell Scaffolds to Follow-up Cell Transplantation by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Catanzaro Valeria , Digilio Giuseppe , Capuana Federico , Padovan Sergio , Cutrin Juan C. , Carniato Fabio , Porta Stefano , Grange Cristina , Filipović Nenad , Stevanović Magdalena
Published: July 2019

Cell scaffolds are often used in cell transplantation as they provide a solid structural support to implanted cells and can be bioengineered to mimic the native extracellular matrix. Gadolinium fluoride nanoparticles (Gd-NPs) as a contrast agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were incorporated into poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/chitosan scaffolds to obtain Imaging Labelled Cell Scaffolds (ILCSs), having the shape of hollow spherical/ellipsoidal particles (200–600 μm diameter and 50–80 μm shell thickness). While Gd-NPs incorporated into microparticles do not provide any contrast enhancement in T1-weighted (T1w) MR images, ILCSs can release Gd-NPs in a controlled manner, thus activating MRI contrast. ILCSs seeded with human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) were xenografted subcutaneously into either immunocompromised and immunocompetent mice without any immunosuppressant treatments, and the transplants were followed-up in vivo by MRI for 18 days. Immunocompromised mice showed a progressive activation of MRI contrast within the implants due to the release of Gd-NPs in the extracellular matrix. Instead, immunocompetent mice showed poor activation of MRI contrast due to the encapsulation of ILCSs within fibrotic capsules and to the scavenging of released Gd-NPs by phagocytic cells. In conclusion, the MRI follow-up of cell xenografts can report the host cell response to the xenograft. However, it does not strictly report on the viability of transplanted hMSCs.
First Clinical Experience with a Carbon Fibre Reinforced PEEK Composite Plating System for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Milavec Helena , Kellner Christoph , Ravikumar Nivetha , Albers Christoph E. , Lerch Till , Hoppe Sven , Deml Moritz C. , Bigdon Sebastian F. , Kumar Naresh , Benneker Lorin M.
Published: July 2019

Carbon fibre reinforced polyether ether ketone (CFR-PEEK) is a suitable material to replace metal implants in orthopaedic surgery. The radiolucency of CFR-PEEK allows an optimal visualisation of the bone and soft tissue structures. We aimed to assess the performance and radiological and clinical outcomes of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with CFR-PEEK anterior cervical plating (ACP) under first use clinical conditions. We retrospectively studied the prospectively-collected data of 42 patients who underwent ACDF with CFR-PEEK ACP between 2011 and 2016. We assessed clinical outcome (Odom’s criteria, complications) and radiological parameters (global and segmental cervical lordosis, Bridwell score for fusion, adjacent segment degeneration) preoperatively, immediately post-operatively, and after a 12-month follow-up period. Patients’ satisfaction was excellent, good, fair, and poor in 12, 19, 3, and 1 patients, respectively. Two patients developed dysphagia. No hardware failure occurred. Compared with preoperative radiographs, we observed a gain of global cervical lordosis and segmental lordosis (7.4 ± 10.1 and 5.6 ± 7.1 degrees, respectively) at the 12-month follow-up. Bridwell IF grades I, II, and III were observed in 22, 6, and 7 patients, respectively. The 12-month adjacent segment degeneration-free and adjacent segment disease-free survival rates were 93.1% and 96.3%, respectively. We observed a dysphagia rate of 5.7% and a reoperation rate of 4.8%. In conclusion, CFR-PEEK ACP shows positive outcomes in terms of implant safety, restoration of cervical lordosis, and functional recovery, and is suitable for ACDF.
Ultrasound Sensor-Based Wireless Power Transfer for Low-Power Medical Devices
Authors: Mahmood Mustafa F. , Mohammed Saleem Latteef , Gharghan Sadik Kamel
Published: July 2019

Ultrasonic power transfer (UPT) is a promising method for wireless power transfer technology for low-power medical applications. Most portable or wearable medical devices are battery-powered. Batteries cannot be used for a long time and require periodic charging or replacement. UPT is a candidate technology for solving this problem. In this work, a 40-KHz ultrasound transducer was used to design a new prototype for supplying power to a wearable heart rate sensor for medical application. The implemented system consists of a power unit and heart rate measurement unit. The power unit includes an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver, rectifier, boost converter and super-capacitors. The heart rate measurement unit comprises measurement and monitoring circuits. UPT-based transfer power and efficiency were achieved using 1-, 4- and 8-Farad (F) super-capacitors. At 4 F, the system achieved 69.4% transfer efficiency and 0.318 mW power at 4 cm. In addition, 97% heart rate measurement accuracy was achieved relative to the benchmark device. The heart rate measurements were validated with statistical analysis. Our results show that this work outperforms previous works in terms of transfer power and efficiency with a 4-cm gap between the ultrasound transmitter and receiver.
Design and Analysis of SEU Hardened Latch for Low Power and High Speed Applications
Authors: S Satheesh Kumar , S Kumaravel
Published: July 2019

Due to the reduction in technology scaling, gate capacitance and charge storage in sensitive nodes are rapidly decreasing, making Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) circuits more sensitive to soft errors caused by radiation. In this paper, a low-power and high-speed single event upset radiation hardened latch is proposed. The proposed latch can withstand single event upsets completely when the high energy particle hit on any one of its intermediate nodes. The proposed latch structure comprises of four CMOS feedback schemes and a Muller C-element with clock gating technique. For the sake of comparison, the proposed and the existing latches in the literature are implemented in 45nm CMOS technology. From the post layout simulation results, it may be noted that the proposed latch achieves 8% low power consumption, 95% less delay, and a 94% reduction in power-delay-product compared to the existing single event upset resilient and single event tolerant latches. Monte Carlo simulations show that the proposed latch is less sensitive to process, voltage, and temperature variations in comparison with the existing hardened latches in the literature.
Estimation of the Normal Contact Stiffness for Frictional Interface in Sticking and Sliding Conditions
Authors: Tonazzi Davide , Massi Francesco , Salipante Mario , Baillet Laurent , Berthier Yves
Published: July 2019

Modeling of frictional contact systems with high accuracy needs the knowledge of several contact parameters, which are mainly related to the local phenomena at the contact interfaces and affect the complex dynamics of mechanical systems in a prominent way. This work presents a newer approach for identifying reliable values of the normal contact stiffness between surfaces in contact, in both sliding and sticking conditions. The combination of experimental tests, on a dedicated set-up, with finite element modeling, allowed for an indirect determination of the normal contact stiffness. The stiffness was found to increase with increasing contact pressure and decreasing roughness, while the evolution of surface topography and third-body rheology affected the contact stiffness when sliding.
Lignin Nanoparticles as A Promising Way for Enhancing Lignin Flame Retardant Effect in Polylactide
Authors: Chollet Benjamin , Lopez-Cuesta José-Marie , Laoutid Fouad , Ferry Laurent
Published: July 2019

The present study investigates the effect of using lignin at nanoscale as new flame-retardant additive for polylactide (PLA). Lignin nanoparticles (LNP) were prepared from Kraft lignin microparticles (LMP) through a dissolution-precipitation process. Both micro and nano lignins were functionalized using diethyl chlorophosphate (LMP-diEtP and LNP-diEtP, respectively) and diethyl (2-(triethoxysilyl)ethyl) phosphonate (LMP-SiP and LNP-SiP, respectively) to enhance their flame-retardant effect in PLA. From the use of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry, it can be considered that a large amount of phosphorus has been grafted onto the nanoparticles. It has been previously shown that blending lignin with PLA induces degradation of the polymer matrix. However, phosphorylated lignin nanoparticles seem to limit PLA degradation during melt processing and the nanocomposites were shown to be relatively thermally stable. Cone calorimeter tests revealed that the incorporation of untreated lignin, whatever its particle size, induced an increase in pHRR. Using phosphorylated lignin nanoparticles, especially those treated with diethyl (2-(triethoxysilyl)ethyl) phosphonate allows this negative effect to be overcome. Moreover, the pHRR is significantly reduced, even when only 5 wt% LNP-SiP is used.
The Influence of Cardiovascular Medications on Iron Metabolism in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Sirbu Oana , Sorodoc Victorita , Jaba Irina M. , Floria Mariana , Stoica Alexandra , Profire Lenuta , Tuchilus Cristina , Rusu Gabriela , Sorodoc Laurentiu
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives: The etiology of anemia associated with heart failure is not fully understood, but there are data suggesting the involvement of multiple mechanisms, including various drug therapies used in patients with heart failure. Our primary objective was to evaluate the impact of beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and calcium-channel blockers on iron metabolism in patients with heart failure. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study that included patients diagnosed with heart failure and iron deficiency (defined by ferritin <100 μg/L, or 100–300 μg/L with transferrin saturation <20%). Patients with anemia secondary to a known cause were excluded. Results: We found a statistically significant correlation between beta-blocker treatment and ferritin values (p = 0.02). Iron, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels were significantly lower in the patients using calcium-channel blockers than those who were not. We also found a statistically significant indirect correlation (p = 0.04) between the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and hematocrit levels. Conclusion: The contribution of our study arises from the additional data regarding the drug-induced etiology of iron deficiency. Practitioners should be aware of the potential impact of therapeutic recommendations and this should imply a close monitoring of the biochemical parameters of iron deficiency in this category of patients.
A Single Visualization Technique for Displaying Multiple Metabolite–Phenotype Associations
Authors: Henglin Mir , Niiranen Teemu , Watrous Jeramie D. , Lagerborg Kim A. , Antonelli Joseph , Claggett Brian L. , Demosthenes Emmanuella J. , von Jeinsen Beatrice , Demler Olga , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Larson Martin G. , Jain Mohit , Cheng Susan
Published: July 2019

To assist with management and interpretation of human metabolomics data, which are rapidly increasing in quantity and complexity, we need better visualization tools. Using a dataset of several hundred metabolite measures profiled in a cohort of ~1500 individuals sampled from a population-based community study, we performed association analyses with eight demographic and clinical traits and outcomes. We compared frequently used existing graphical approaches with a novel ‘rain plot’ approach to display the results of these analyses. The ‘rain plot’ combines features of a raindrop plot and a conventional heatmap to convey results of multiple association analyses. A rain plot can simultaneously indicate effect size, directionality, and statistical significance of associations between metabolites and several traits. This approach enables visual comparison features of all metabolites examined with a given trait. The rain plot extends prior approaches and offers complementary information for data interpretation. Additional work is needed in data visualizations for metabolomics to assist investigators in the process of understanding and convey large-scale analysis results effectively, feasibly, and practically.
Joint MT and Gravity Inversion Using Structural Constraints: A Case Study from the Linjiang Copper Mining Area, Jilin, China
Authors: Zhang Rongzhe , Li Tonglin , Zhou Shuai , Deng Xinhui
Published: July 2019

We present a joint 2D inversion approach for magnetotelluric (MT) and gravity data with elastic-net regularization and cross-gradient constraints. We describe the main features of the approach and verify the inversion results against a synthetic model. The results indicate that the best fit solution using the L2 is overly smooth, while the best fit solution for the L1 norm is too sparse. However, the elastic-net regularization method, a convex combination term of L2 norm and L1 norm, can not only enforce the stability to preserve local smoothness, but can also enforce the sparsity to preserve sharp boundaries. Cross-gradient constraints lead to models with close structural resemblance and improve the estimates of the resistivity and density of the synthetic dataset. We apply the novel approach to field datasets from a copper mining area in the northeast of China. Our results show that the method can generate much more detail and a sharper boundary as well as better depth resolution. Relative to the existing solution, the large area divergence phenomenon under the anomalous bodies is eliminated, and the fine anomalous bodies boundary appeared in the smooth region. This method can provide important technical support for detecting deep concealed deposits.
An LC-MS/MS Method to Measure S-Methyl-l-Cysteine and S-Methyl-l-Cysteine Sulfoxide in Human Specimens Using Isotope Labelled Internal Standards
Authors: Sivapalan Tharsini , Melchini Antonietta , Coode-Bate Jack , Needs Paul W. , Mithen Richard F. , Saha Shikha
Published: July 2019

This is the first report describing an analytical method for quantitative analysis of two naturally occurring sulphur compounds, S-methyl-l-cysteine (SMC) and S-methyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO), in human body fluids using isotope-labelled internal standards and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/MS techniques. This method was validated according to the guideline of the Royal Society of Chemistry Analytical Methods Committee. It offers significant advantages including simple and fast preparation of human biological samples. The limits of detection of SMC were 0.08 µM for urine and 0.04 µM for plasma. The limits of detection of SMCSO were 0.03 µM for urine and 0.02 µM for plasma. The calibration curves of all matrices showed linearity with correlation coefficients r2 > 0.9987. The intra and inter day precisions in three levels of known concentrations were >10% and >20%, respectively. The quantification accuracy was 98.28 ± 5.66%. The proposed method would be beneficial for the rapid and accurate determination of the SMC and SMCSO in human plasma and urine samples using by isotope labelled internal standards.
Pesticide Residues Identification by Optical Spectrum in the Time-Sequence of Enzyme Inhibitors Performed on Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices (µPADs)
Authors: Yang Ning , Shaheen Naila , Xie Liangliang , Yu Junjie , Ahmad Hussain , Mao Hanping
Published: July 2019

Pesticides vary in the level of poisonousness, while a conventional rapid test card only provides a general “absence or not” solution, which cannot identify the various genera of pesticides. In order to solve this problem, we proposed a seven-layer paper-based microfluidic chip, integrating the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and chromogenic reaction. It enables on-chip pesticide identification via a reflected light intensity spectrum in time-sequence according to the different reaction efficiencies of pesticide molecules and assures the optimum temperature for enzyme activity. After pretreatment of figures of reflected light intensity during the 15 min period, the figures mainly focused on the reflected light variations aroused by the enzyme inhibition assay, and thus, the linear discriminant analysis showed satisfying discrimination of imidacloprid (Y = −1.6525X − 139.7500), phorate (Y = −3.9689X − 483.0526), and avermectin (Y = −2.3617X − 28.3082). The correlation coefficients for these linearity curves were 0.9635, 0.8093, and 0.9094, respectively, with a 95% limit of agreement. Then, the avermectin class chemicals and real-world samples (i.e., lettuce and rice) were tested, which all showed feasible graphic results to distinguish all the chemicals. Therefore, it is feasible to distinguish the three tested kinds of pesticides by the changes in the reflected light spectrum in each min (15 min) via the proposed chip with a high level of automation and integration.
Exploration of Li-Organic Batteries Using Hexaphyrin as an Active Cathode Material
Authors: Shin Ji-Young , Zhang Zhongyue , Awaga Kunio , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

Lithium-collaborating organic batteries (Li-[28]hexs) were investigated with [28]hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1) as an active electrode material. Each hexaphyrin of [28]Hex cathode ideally involved four electrons per unit cycle and performed a typical charge/discharge processes of Li-organic battery. Li-[28]Hex batteries set with fast charging rates showed reasonably stable charge and discharge performances over 200 cycles even though it caused incomplete (2~3 electrons) charge/discharge cycles due to failing the complete charging process. UV absorption changes of [28]hexaphyrin in CH2Cl2 were supplementary for the electrochemical oxidation, which performed a conversion from [28]hexaphyrin to [26]hexaphyrin.
Solubility and Antioxidant Potential of a Pyrogallol Derivative for Biodiesel Additive
Authors: Sutanto Hery , Susanto Bambang Heru , Nasikin Mohammad
Published: July 2019

Biodiesel is a renewable plant-based fuel as an alternative for fossil diesel fuel which has many advantages. However, its high content of unsaturated fatty acid causes an oxidation instability during storage. Numerous additives have been used and developed to overcome this problem such as the application of phenolic compound-based antioxidants. Pyrogallol is reported to be one of the best phenolic antioxidants for biodiesel. Unfortunately, pyrogallol has a low solubility in oil solution. In this research, pyrogallol solubility is increased by preparing a pyrogallol derivative through a reaction between pyrogallol and methyl linoleate in the presence of radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The spectrophotometric method was used for solubility test. Antioxidant potential was examined using acid value determination during a four-week storage period as well as the Rancimat test to see its performance under accelerated oxidation conditions. The reaction produced a molecule which has a molecular weight of 418 g/mol, representing pyrogallol derivative which has a new C–O covalent bond with methyl linoleate. The result was confirmed by using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and 2D-HMQC) resulting in a molecular structure of methyl (10E,12E)-9-(2,6-dihydroxyphenoxy)octadeca-10,12-dienoate and its isomer methyl (9E,11E)-13-(2,6-dihydroxyphenoxy)octadeca-9,11-dienoate with a yield of 12.86% and selectivity of 21.05% on the basis of pyrogallol. Compared to pyrogallol, tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), and gallic acid, the pyrogallol derivative has the highest solubility and acid value stability in palm oil biodiesel. The Rancimat induction time (IP) result of the pyrogallol derivative is higher than the biodiesel and is above the accelerated oxidation test American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D 6751 standard.
Evaluation of Graphene Oxide Induced Cellular Toxicity and Transcriptome Analysis in Human Embryonic Kidney Cells
Authors: Gurunathan Sangiliyandi , Arsalan Iqbal Muhammad , Qasim Muhammad , Park Chan Hyeok , Yoo Hyunjin , Hwang Jeong Ho , Uhm Sang Jun , Song Hyuk , Park Chankyu , Do Jeong Tae , Choi Youngsok , Kim Jin-Hoi , Hong Kwonho
Published: July 2019

Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon sheet with single-atom thickness, shows immense promise in several nanoscientific and nanotechnological applications, including in sensors, catalysis, and biomedicine. Although several studies have shown the cytotoxicity of graphene oxide in different cell types, there are no comprehensive studies on human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells that include transcriptomic analysis and an in vitro investigation into the mechanisms of cytotoxicity following exposure to graphene oxide. Therefore, we exposed HEK293 cells to different concentrations of graphene oxide for 24 h and performed several cellular assays. Cell viability and proliferation assays revealed a significant dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on HEK293 cells. Cytotoxicity assays showed increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and decreased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and increased level of oxidized glutathione indicative of oxidative stress. This detailed mechanistic approach showed that graphene oxide exposure elicits significant decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthesis, as well as in DNA damage and caspase 3 activity. Furthermore, our RNA-Seq analysis revealed that HEK293 cells exposed to graphene oxide significantly altered the expression of genes involved in multiple apoptosis-related biological pathways. Moreover, graphene oxide exposure perturbed the expression of key transcription factors, promoting these apoptosis-related pathways by regulating their downstream genes. Our analysis provides mechanistic insights into how exposure to graphene oxide induces changes in cellular responses and massive cell death in HEK293 cells. To our knowledge, this is the first study describing a combination of cellular responses and transcriptome in HEK293 cells exposed to graphene oxide nanoparticles, providing a foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms of graphene oxide-induced cytotoxicity and for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Nut and Peanut Butter Consumption and Mortality in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study
Authors: Amba Vineeth , Murphy Gwen , Etemadi Arash , Wang ShaoMing , Abnet Christian C. , Hashemian Maryam
Published: July 2019

Although previous studies have shown inverse associations between nut consumption and mortality, the associations between nut consumption and less common causes of mortality have not been investigated. Additionally, about 50% of peanut consumption in the US is through peanut butter but the association between peanut butter consumption and mortality has not been thoroughly evaluated. The National Institutes of Health-AARP (NIH-AARP) Diet and Health Study recruited 566,398 individuals aged 50–71 at baseline in 1995–1996. A food-frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate nut and peanut butter consumption. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for mortality using the non-consumers as reference groups and three categories of consumption. After excluding subjects with chronic diseases at baseline, there were 64,464 deaths with a median follow-up time of 15.5 years. We observed a significant inverse association between nut consumption and overall mortality (HR C4 vs C1 = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.76, 0.81, p ≤ 0.001). Nut consumption was significantly associated with reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, infectious, renal and liver disease mortality but not with diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease mortality. We observed no significant associations between peanut butter consumption and all-cause (HR C4 vs C1 = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.98, 1.04, p = 0.001) and cause-specific mortality. In a middle-aged US population, nut intake was inversely associated with all-cause mortality and certain types of cause-specific mortality. However, peanut butter consumption was not associated with differential mortality.
Bioactive Compounds of Strawberry and Blueberry and Their Potential Health Effects Based on Human Intervention Studies: A Brief Overview
Authors: Miller Katharina , Feucht Walter , Schmid Markus
Published: July 2019

Strawberries and blueberries are two of the most commonly consumed berries. Berries, in general, are characterized by their highly nutritive compounds, including minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and dietary fiber, as well as their high content and wide diversity of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds and organic acids. These bioactive compounds have been associated with protective effects against chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and other disorders. In this paper 16 human intervention studies investigating the beneficial health effects of dietary strawberry or blueberry consumption on inflammation, cardiovascular disease or cognitive function and mental health are reviewed.
Babesia divergens: A Drive to Survive
Authors: Lobo Cheryl A , Cursino-Santos Jeny R , Singh Manpreet , Rodriguez Marilis
Published: July 2019

Babesia divergens is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that causes zoonotic disease. Central to its pathogenesis is the ability of the parasite to invade host red blood cells of diverse species, and, once in the host blood stream, to manipulate the composition of its population to allow it to endure unfavorable conditions. Here we will review key in vitro studies relating to the survival strategies that B. divergens adopts during its intraerythrocytic development to persist and how proliferation is restored in the parasite population once optimum conditions return.
Nanosuspension-Based Dissolving Microneedle Arrays for Intradermal Delivery of Curcumin
Authors: Abdelghany Sharif , Tekko Ismaiel A. , Vora Lalitkumar , Larrañeta Eneko , Permana Andi Dian , Donnelly Ryan F.
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intradermal delivery of curcumin utilising poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA)-based microneedles loaded with curcumin nanosuspension (CU-NS). Nanoprecipitation was used to formulate the CU-NS which was then incorporated into PVA microneedles arrays consisting of 11 × 11 microneedles of conical shape, measuring 900 µm in height and with 300 µm base diameter. The nanosuspension particle size was 520 ± 40 nm, with a polydispersity of 0.27 ± 0.02 using sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a stabiliser. In vitro dissolution studies in 10% w/v Tween 80 showed that the CU-NS dissolved significantly faster than unmodified curcumin powder, with 34% released from the CU-NS, compared to 16% from the curcumin powder after 48 h. The CU-NS-loaded microneedles (CU-MN) were able to withstand a compression force of 32 N for 30 s. Moreover, these microneedles were able to penetrate excised neonatal porcine skin to a depth of 500 µm, dissolved completely in the skin within 60 min. After CU-MN dissolution, the drug diffused from the application site and migrated through the skin layers down to 2300 µm, significantly more than observed with topical application of CU-NS. This suggest that the fabricated microneedles with the incorporated CU-NS could enhance the intradermal delivery of curcumin.