bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LDPE and HDPE Microplastics Differently Affect the Transport of Tetracycline in Saturated Porous Media
Authors: Hu Enzhu , Yuan Hongbo , Du Yichun , Chen Xijuan
Published: April 2021

The accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in soil and sediments may influence the penetration of contaminants into subsurface environments. However, little attention has been paid to comparing the different roles of two common polyethylene (PE) types—low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In this study, the transport behaviors of tetracycline in saturated quartz sand columns in the presence and absence of these two MPs were investigated, respectively. The results showed that both types of PE MPs restrained the mobility of tetracycline at neutral conditions, while such detrimental effects were weak at acid and alkaline conditions. The degree of nonequilibrium adsorption was higher, and tetracycline transferred easier to the kinetic site for the existence of LDPE than of HDPE. The increased roughness and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas, more negative zeta potentials and the formation of oxygen function groups on the surface of MPs after UV-weathering intensified the retardation of tetracycline transport. This study revealed that the PE type and weathering should be taken into account in risk assessment, along with the solution chemistry.
Production of Uniformly Sized Gallium-Based Liquid Alloy Nanodroplets via Ultrasonic Method and Their Li-Ion Storage
Authors: Huang Chenghao , Zong Junjie , Wang Xiaodong , Cao Qingpin , Zhang Dongxian , Jiang Jian-Zhong
Published: April 2021

Gallium-based liquid alloys are attractive due to their unique properties, and they can potentially be applied in the field of flexible electronics as coolant materials for nuclear and liquid batteries, due to the high thermal conductivity and excellent fluid properties of liquid metals. However, it is still challenging to fabricate gallium-based liquid alloy nanodroplets with uniform and small size. Here, we performed a systematical study on the influence of various factors affecting the size of nanodroplets. Liquid metal nanodroplets with an average size of 74 nm and narrow size distribution were successfully fabricated. Li-ion half-cells were assembled with eutectic GaIn (eGaIn) nanodroplets as anode active materials, which showed higher specific capacity than the bulk eGaIn alloy under the same testing conditions.
Zinc-Containing Effluent Treatment Using Shewanella xiamenensis Biofilm Formed on Zeolite
Authors: Zinicovscaia Inga , Yushin Nikita , Grozdov Dmitrii , Abdusamadzoda Daler , Safonov Alexey , Rodlovskaya Elena
Published: April 2021

The sorption properties of Shewanella xiamenensis biofilm formed on zeolite (mineral-organic sorbent) as a sorbent have been investigated aiming to determine its suitability for complex zinc-containing effluent treatment. The optimum conditions for metal sorption from synthetic solutions were evaluated by changing the pH, zinc concentration, temperature, and time of sorption. The highest removal of metal ions was attained at pH range 3.0–6.0 within 60–150 min of sorbent-sorbate contact. The results obtained from the equilibrium studies were described using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models. Maximum sorption capacity of the sorbent calculated from the Langmuir model changed from 3.4 to 6.5 mg/g. High coefficient of determination values calculated for pseudo-second-order and Elovich models indicate the predominant role of chemisorption in metal removal. Gibbs energy and ∆H° values point at the spontaneous and endothermic character of the sorption. The effect of pH and biosorbent mass on Zn(II) sorption from industrial effluent with an initial Zn(II) concentration of 52.8 mg/L was tested. Maximum removal of zinc ions (85%) was achieved at pH 6.0 by applying a two-step treatment system.
Chemical and Structural Characterization of Amorphous and Crystalline Alumina Obtained by Alternative Sol–Gel Preparation Routes
Authors: Rutkowska Izabela , Marchewka Jakub , Jeleń Piotr , Odziomek Mateusz , Korpyś Mateusz , Paczkowska Joanna , Sitarz Maciej
Published: April 2021

Aluminum oxide is one of the most commonly used materials in the industry. It is used in the field of catalysis, refractories, and optics. Despite the fact that there are many techniques available, there is still a great challenge in obtaining a material with desired and designed properties. Nevertheless, there is a great flexibility in making customized alumina materials with desired physicochemical properties synthesized by sol–gel methods. This work consists in characterizing the physicochemical properties of sol–gel synthesized aluminum oxide using different sol–gel preparation routes. Three different sols were obtained by using organic precursors and underwent thermal treatment. The structure (Middle Infrared Spectroscopy, Diffused Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and microstructure (Scanning Electron Microscopy with Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy) tests of the materials were carried out. The specific surface area was determined by using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. Thermal analysis was performed for all the powders, in order to analyze the specific temperature of materials transformation.
Evolution of Topological Surface States Following Sb Layer Adsorption on Bi2Se3
Authors: Holtgrewe Kris , Hogan Conor , Sanna Simone
Published: April 2021

Thin antimony layers adsorbed on bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) present an exciting topological insulator system. Much recent effort has been made to understand the synthesis and electronic properties of the heterostructure, particularly the migration of the topological surface states under adsorption. However, the intertwinement of the topological surface states of the pristine Bi2Se3 substrate with the Sb adlayer remains unclear. In this theoretical work, we apply density functional theory (DFT) to model heterostructures of single and double atomic layers of Sb on a bismuth selenide substrate. We thereby discuss established and alternative structural models, as well as the hybridization of topological surface states with the Sb states. Concerning the geometry, we reveal the possibility of structures with inverted Sb layers which are energetically close to the established ones. The formation energy differences are below 10 meV/atom. Concerning the hybridization, we trace the band structure evolution as a function of the adlayer-substrate distance. By following changes in the connection between the Kramers pairs, we extract a series of topological phase transitions. This allows us to explain the origin of the complex band structure, and ultimately complete our knowledge about this peculiar system.
The Numerical Analysis of the In-Plane Constraint Influence on the Behavior of the Crack Subjected to Cyclic Loading
Authors: Galkiewicz Jaroslaw , Janus-Galkiewicz Urszula
Published: April 2021

The paper presents the influence of in-plane constraints defined by T-stress on the behavior of a crack subjected to cyclic loading. In the analysis, a modified boundary layer model approach was used in which the cohesive model was introduced. In the simulations, the constant maximum value of the stress intensity factor and four levels of T-stress were defined. The model was subjected to ten repeated stress cycles. Based on the results obtained, an analysis of the effect of the in-plane constraint on selected aspects of crack behavior was made. The strong influence of in-plane constraint applied in the model on the crack closure and the fatigue crack growth rate was proven. Since the in-plane constraint described the influence of geometry on the stress field surrounding the fatigue crack tip in real geometry, the results suggested that it is possible to create precise formulae connecting the level of the in-plane constraint with the effective stress intensity factor range and to incorporate the T-stress or Q-stress level in the Paris law.
Effect of Synergistic Action of Bovine Lactoferrin with Antibiotics on Drug Resistant Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Al-Mogbel Mohammed S. , Menezes Godfred A. , Elabbasy Mohamed T. , Alkhulaifi Manal M. , Hossain Ashfaque , Khan Mushtaq A.
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives: The multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogenic infection is one of the chief worldwide public health threat to humanity. The development of novel antibiotics against MDR Gram negative bacteria has reduced over the last half century. Research is in progress regarding the treatment strategies that could be engaged in combination with antibiotics to extend the duration of these life-saving antibacterial agents. The current study was therefore planned to assess the synergistic effects of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) in combination with different antibiotics that are conventionally used. This synergism would provide a newer therapeutic choice against MDR pathogens. LF is present in mucosal secretions, vastly in milk. LF is considered an important constituent in host defense. In previous reports, LF has been co-administered as a combination antibiotic therapy. Materials and Methods: This study included synergistic (LF + appropriate antibiotic) exposure against 147 locally encountered bacterial pathogens, which were completely characterized strains. The anti-biofilm effects and the outcome of bLF on minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibacterials on clinical MDR bacterial pathogens were determined by standard techniques. Results: In our study, synergism of bLF with antibacterial agents were reproducible and found to be significant. LF on its own had an important effect of inhibiting the biofilm production of some significant bacterial pathogens. Conclusion: The results of this study provides useful data on the antibacterial potential of the combination of LF with antibiotics against drug resistant pathogens.
Extremely High-Throughput Parallel Microfluidic Vortex-Actuated Cell Sorting
Authors: Zhukov Alex , Pritchard Robyn , Withers Mick , Hailes Tony , Gold Richard , Hayes Calum , la Cour Mette , Hussein Fred , Rogers Salman
Published: April 2021

We demonstrate extremely high-throughput microfluidic cell sorting by making a parallel version of the vortex-actuated cell sorter (VACS). The set-up includes a parallel microfluidic sorter chip and parallel cytometry instrumentation: optics, electronics and control software. The result is capable of sorting lymphocyte-sized particles at 16 times the rate of our single-stream VACS devices, and approximately 10 times the rate of commercial cell sorters for an equivalent procedure. We believe this opens the potential to scale cell sorting for applications requiring the processing of much greater cell numbers than currently possible with conventional cell sorting.
Affinity Sensors for the Diagnosis of COVID-19
Authors: Drobysh Maryia , Ramanaviciene Almira , Viter Roman , Ramanavicius Arunas
Published: April 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was proclaimed a global pandemic in March 2020. Reducing the dissemination rate, in particular by tracking the infected people and their contacts, is the main instrument against infection spreading. Therefore, the creation and implementation of fast, reliable and responsive methods suitable for the diagnosis of COVID-19 are required. These needs can be fulfilled using affinity sensors, which differ in applied detection methods and markers that are generating analytical signals. Recently, nucleic acid hybridization, antigen-antibody interaction, and change of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level are mostly used for the generation of analytical signals, which can be accurately measured by electrochemical, optical, surface plasmon resonance, field-effect transistors, and some other methods and transducers. Electrochemical biosensors are the most consistent with the general trend towards, acceleration, and simplification of the bioanalytical process. These biosensors mostly are based on the determination of antigen-antibody interaction and are robust, sensitive, accurate, and sometimes enable label-free detection of an analyte. Along with the specification of biosensors, we also provide a brief overview of generally used testing techniques, and the description of the structure, life cycle and immune host response to SARS-CoV-2, and some deeper details of analytical signal detection principles.
Public-Health-Driven Microfluidic Technologies: From Separation to Detection
Authors: Zhang Xiangzhi , Xu Xiawei , Wang Jing , Wang Chengbo , Yan Yuying , Wu Aiguo , Ren Yong
Published: April 2021

Separation and detection are ubiquitous in our daily life and they are two of the most important steps toward practical biomedical diagnostics and industrial applications. A deep understanding of working principles and examples of separation and detection enables a plethora of applications from blood test and air/water quality monitoring to food safety and biosecurity; none of which are irrelevant to public health. Microfluidics can separate and detect various particles/aerosols as well as cells/viruses in a cost-effective and easy-to-operate manner. There are a number of papers reviewing microfluidic separation and detection, but to the best of our knowledge, the two topics are normally reviewed separately. In fact, these two themes are closely related with each other from the perspectives of public health: understanding separation or sorting technique will lead to the development of new detection methods, thereby providing new paths to guide the separation routes. Therefore, the purpose of this review paper is two-fold: reporting the latest developments in the application of microfluidics for separation and outlining the emerging research in microfluidic detection. The dominating microfluidics-based passive separation methods and detection methods are discussed, along with the future perspectives and challenges being discussed. Our work inspires novel development of separation and detection methods for the benefits of public health.
Effect of Cerium-Containing Hydroxyapatite in Bone Repair in Female Rats with Osteoporosis Induced by Ovariectomy
Authors: Vieira Ewerton , Silva Marcos , Maia-Filho Antonio , Ferreira Daniel , Figuerêdo-Silva José , Rovaris Karla , Fialho Ana Cristina , Leite-Oliveira Ana , Menezes de Oliveira André L. , da Fonseca Maria Gardênnia , Osajima Josy A. , da Silva-Filho Edson C.
Published: April 2021

Osteoporosis is a public health problem, with bone loss being the main consequence. Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been largely used as a bioceramic to stimulate bone growth. In our work, a cerium-containing HA (Ce-HA) has been proposed and its effects on the antimicrobial and bone-inducing properties were investigated. The synthesis of the materials occurred by the suspension–precipitation method (SPM). The XRD (X-ray Diffraction) confirmed the crystalline phase, and the Rietveld refinement confirmed the crystallization of HA and Ce-HA in a hexagonal crystal structure in agreement with ICSD n° 26205. Characterizations by FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), XPS (X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy), and FESEM-EDS (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) confirmed the presence of cerium (Ce3+ and Ce4+). The antibacterial activity of Has was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus 25,923 and Escherichia coli 25,922 strains, which revealed that the material has antimicrobial properties and the cytotoxicity assay indicated that Ce-containing HA was classified as non-toxic. The effects of Ce-HA on bone repair, after application in bone defects in the tibia of female rats with osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy (OVX), were evaluated. After 15 and 30 days of implantation, the samples were analyzed by Raman, histology and X-ray microtomography. The results showed that the animals that had the induced bone defects filled with the Ce-HA materials had more expressive bone neoformation than the control group.
Criteria for Determining the Genesis of Placers and Their Different Sources Based on the Morphological Features of Placer Gold
Authors: Nikiforova Zinaida
Published: April 2021

Based on the identified typomorphic features of placer gold, a set of determined morphogenetic criteria is proposed to identify the genesis of placer gold content and different sources in the platform areas, which allow more correctly selecting search methods and improving the efficiency of forecasting ore and placer gold deposits. Gold particles larger than 0.25 mm with signs of wind-worn processing indicate the formation of autochthonous aeolian placers. Gold particles with signs of wind-worn processing with a size of 0.1–0.25 mm, forming an extensive halo of dispersion, indicate the formation of allochthonous placers in Quaternary deposits. Deflationary (autochthonous) placers of native gold can be found by the halo of its distribution of toroidal and spherical hollow forms, which, of course, are the search morphogenetic criterion of aeolian placers. The presence of disc-shaped and lamellar gold particles with ridgelike edges in alluvial placers is typical for placers of heterogeneous origin, formed due to deflation of proluvial placers. The discovery of pseudo-ore gold in alluvial placers indicates the arrival of gold from intermediate gold-bearing sources of different ages and not from primary sources, which is a morphogenetic criterion for determining different sources of the placer. In modern gold placers, the presence of gold of a pseudo-ore appearance can serve as a search criterion for the discovery of gold-bearing conglomerates with high gold content. The developed method for diagnosing the genotype of placer gold by its morphological characteristics (alluvial, aeolian, pseudo-ore) can be successfully used by industrial geological organizations to search and explore ore and placer gold deposits.
Boronic Acids as Prospective Inhibitors of Metallo-β-Lactamases: Efficient Chemical Reaction in the Enzymatic Active Site Revealed by Molecular Modeling
Authors: Krivitskaya Alexandra V. , Khrenova Maria G.
Published: April 2021

Boronic acids are prospective compounds in inhibition of metallo-β-lactamases as they form covalent adducts with the catalytic hydroxide anion in the enzymatic active site upon binding. We compare this chemical reaction in the active site of the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1) with the hydrolysis of the antibacterial drug imipenem. The nucleophilic attack occurs with the energy barrier of 14 kcal/mol for imipenem and simultaneously upon binding a boronic acid inhibitor. A boron atom of an inhibitor exhibits stronger electrophilic properties than the carbonyl carbon atom of imipenem in a solution that is quantified by atomic Fukui indices. Upon forming the prereaction complex between NDM-1 and inhibitor, the lone electron pair of the nucleophile interacts with the vacant p-orbital of boron that facilitates the chemical reaction. We analyze a set of boronic acid compounds with the benzo[b]thiophene core complexed with the NDM-1 and propose quantitative structure-sroperty relationship (QSPR) equations that can predict IC50 values from the calculated descriptors of electron density. These relations are applied to classify other boronic acids with the same core found in the database of chemical compounds, PubChem, and proposed ourselves. We demonstrate that the IC50 values for all considered benzo[b]thiophene-containing boronic acid inhibitors are 30–70 μM.
Unexpectedly Long Lifetime of the Excited State of Benzothiadiazole Derivative and Its Adducts with Lewis Acids
Authors: Sukhikh Taisiya S. , Khisamov Radmir M. , Konchenko Sergey N.
Published: April 2021

We report a study of photoluminescent properties of 4-bromo-7-(3-pyridylamino)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (Py-btd) and its novel Lewis adducts: (PyH-btd)2(ZnCl4) and [Cu2Cl2(Py-btd)2{PPO}2]·2C7H8 (PPO = tetraphenyldiphosphine monoxide), whose crystal structure was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Py-btd exhibits a lifetime of 9 microseconds indicating its phosphorescent nature, which is rare for purely organic compounds. This phenomenon arises from the heavy atom effect: the presence of a bromine atom in Py-btd promotes mixing of the singlet and triplet states to allow efficient singlet-to-triplet intersystem crossing. The Lewis adducts also feature a microsecond lifetime while emitting in a higher energy range than free Py-btd, which opens up the possibility to color-tune luminescence of benzothiadiazole derivatives.
Photophysical Properties and Kinetic Studies of 2-Vinylpyridine-Based Cycloplatinated(II) Complexes Containing Various Phosphine Ligands
Authors: Dolatyari Vahideh , Shahsavari Hamid R. , Habibzadeh Sepideh , Babadi Aghakhanpour Reza , Paziresh Sareh , Golbon Haghighi Mohsen , Halvagar Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2021

A series of cycloplatinated(II) complexes with general formula of [PtMe(Vpy)(PR3)], Vpy = 2-vinylpyridine and PR3 = PPh3 (1a); PPh2Me (1b); PPhMe2 (1c), were synthesized and characterized by means of spectroscopic methods. These cycloplatinated(II) complexes were luminescent at room temperature in the yellow–orange region’s structured bands. The PPhMe2 derivative was the strongest emissive among the complexes, and the complex with PPh3 was the weakest one. Similar to many luminescent cycloplatinated(II) complexes, the emission was mainly localized on the Vpy cyclometalated ligand as the main chromophoric moiety. The present cycloplatinated(II) complexes were oxidatively reacted with MeI to yield the corresponding cycloplatinated(IV) complexes. The kinetic studies of the reaction point out to an SN2 mechanism. The complex with PPhMe2 ligand exhibited the fastest oxidative addition reaction due to the most electron-rich Pt(II) center in its structure, whereas the PPh3 derivative showed the slowest one. Interestingly, for the PPhMe2 analog, the trans isomer was stable and could be isolated as both kinetic and thermodynamic product, while the other two underwent trans to cis isomerization.
Pretreatment with High Mobility Group Box-1 Monoclonal Antibody Prevents the Onset of Trigeminal Neuropathy in Mice with a Distal Infraorbital Nerve Chronic Constriction Injury
Authors: Kochi Takahiro , Nakamura Yoki , Ma Simeng , Hisaoka-Nakashima Kazue , Wang Dengli , Liu Keyue , Wake Hidenori , Nishibori Masahiro , Irifune Masahiro , Morioka Norimitsu
Published: April 2021

Persistent pain following orofacial surgery is not uncommon. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), an alarmin, is released by peripheral immune cells following nerve injury and could be related to pain associated with trigeminal nerve injury. Distal infraorbital nerve chronic constriction injury (dIoN-CCI) evokes pain-related behaviors including increased facial grooming and hyper-responsiveness to acetone (cutaneous cooling) after dIoN-CCI surgery in mice. In addition, dIoN-CCI mice developed conditioned place preference to mirogabalin, suggesting increased neuropathic pain-related aversion. Treatment of the infraorbital nerve with neutralizing antibody HMGB1 (anti-HMGB1 nAb) before dIoN-CCI prevented both facial grooming and hyper-responsiveness to cooling. Pretreatment with anti-HMGB1 nAb also blocked immune cell activation associated with trigeminal nerve injury including the accumulation of macrophage around the injured IoN and increased microglia activation in the ipsilateral spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis. The current findings demonstrated that blocking of HMGB1 prior to nerve injury prevents the onset of pain-related behaviors, possibly through blocking the activation of immune cells associated with the nerve injury, both within the CNS and on peripheral nerves. The current findings further suggest that blocking HMGB1 before tissue injury could be a novel strategy to prevent the induction of chronic pain following orofacial surgeries.
C-N Bond Formation by Consecutive Continuous-Flow Reductions towards A Medicinally Relevant Piperazine Derivative
Authors: Fülöp Zsolt , Bana Péter , Greiner István , Éles János
Published: April 2021

A new, continuous-flow consecutive reduction method was developed for the C-N bond formation in the synthesis of the key intermediate of the antipsychotic drug cariprazine. The two-step procedure consists of a DIBAL-H mediated selective ester reduction conducted in a novel, miniature alternating diameter reactor, followed by reductive amination using catalytic hydrogenation on 5% Pt/C. The connection of the optimized modules was accomplished using an at-line extraction to prevent precipitation of the aluminum salt byproducts.
One-Stage Formation of Two-Dimensional Photonic Crystal and Spatially Ordered Arrays of Self-Assembled Ge(Si) Nanoislandson Pit-Patterned Silicon-On-Insulator Substrate
Authors: Novikov Alexey V. , Smagina Zhanna V. , Stepikhova Margarita V. , Zinovyev Vladimir A. , Rudin Sergey A. , Dyakov Sergey A. , Rodyakina Ekaterina E. , Nenashev Alexey V. , Sergeev Sergey M. , Peretokin Artem V. , Dvurechenskii Anatoly V.
Published: April 2021

A new approach to improve the light-emitting efficiency of Ge(Si) quantum dots (QDs) by the formation of an ordered array of QDs on a pit-patterned silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate is presented. This approach makes it possible to use the same pre-patterned substrate both for the growth of spatially ordered QDs and for the formation of photonic crystal (PhC) in which QDs are embedded. The periodic array of deep pits on the SOI substrate simultaneously serves as a template for spatially ordering of QDs and the basis for two-dimensional PhCs. As a result of theoretical and experimental studies, the main regularities of the QD nucleation on the pre-patterned surface with deep pits were revealed. The parameters of the pit-patterned substrate (the period of the location of the pits, the pit shape, and depth) providing a significant increase of the QD luminescence intensity due to the effective interaction of QD emission with the PhC modes are found.
SCN8A Encephalopathy: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Fan Hueng-Chuen , Lee Hsiu-Fen , Chi Ching-Shiang
Published: April 2021

Epileptic encephalopathy is a condition resulting from extreme forms of intractable childhood epilepsy. The disease can cause severe delays in cognitive, sensory, and motor function development, in addition to being fatal in some cases. Missense mutations of SCN8A, which encodes Nav1.6, one of the main voltage-gated sodium channel subunits in neurons and muscles, have been linked to early infantile SCN8A encephalopathy. Herein, we report the case of a 5-month-old girl with SCN8A encephalopathy with a novel missense mutation. Apart from intractable seizures and autistic phenotypes, the results of blood and biochemical tests, electroencephalogram (EEG) results, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results were all normal. As the phenotypes caused by these mutations cannot be identified by any clinical, neuroimaging, or electrophysiological features, genetic sequencing should be considered to identify the underlying genetic causes. Although phenytoin is recommended as a last-resort treatment for SCN8A encephalopathy, the administration of the oxcarbazepine, instead of phenytoin, mitigated this patient’s intractable seizures.
Executive Functions and Body Weight at Different Ages: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Favieri Francesca , Chen Eunice , Casagrande Maria
Published: April 2021

Recently, researchers have focused their attention on the role of cognitive processes on eating habits and body weight changes. Few studies have examined the relationship between the first stages of overweight and executive functions (EFs), excluding obesity conditions. This study is aimed to detect the involvement of the EFs and their predictive role on body mass index (BMI) in a sample of healthy individuals from childhood to young adulthood with a cross-sectional design. One-hundred and sixty-six healthy students were recruited from different Italian public schools: 46 children (age range: 7–11), 50 adolescents (age range: 15–18), 70 young adults (age range: 19–30). BMI was used to evaluate body weight and different EFs tasks were used to assess the EFs domains of inhibition, updating and shifting. After adjusting BMI for age, a hierarchical multiple linear regression was carried out for each EFs task. Pearson’s r correlations were reported for each of the age subgroups. Motor disinhibition was associated with greater BMI in the overall sample. Higher BMI was related to poorer set-shifting in adolescence and poorer motor inhibition in young adulthood, but higher BMI was not associated with EFs in childhood. Differences in the development of EFs over time may influence weight changes over time through different responses to food and eating behavior.
The Level of Processing, Nutritional Composition and Prices of Canadian Packaged Foods and Beverages with and without Gluten-Free Claims
Authors: Vergeer Laura , Franco-Arellano Beatriz , Tjong Gabriel B. , Bernstein Jodi T. , L’Abbé Mary R.
Published: April 2021

Little is known about the healthfulness and cost of gluten-free (GF) foods, relative to non-GF alternatives, in Canada. This study compared the extent of processing, nutritional composition and prices of Canadian products with and without GF claims. Data were sourced from the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program (FLIP) 2013 (n = 15,285) and 2017 (n = 17,337) databases. Logistic regression models examined the association of NOVA processing category with GF claims. Calorie/nutrient contents per 100 g (or mL) were compared between GF and non-GF products. Generalized linear models compared adjusted mean prices per 100 g (or mL) of products with and without GF claims. The prevalence of GF claims increased from 7.1% in 2013 to 15.0% in 2017. GF claims appeared on 17.0% of ultra-processed foods, which were more likely to bear GF claims products than less-processed categories. Median calories and sodium were significantly higher in GF products; no significant differences were observed for saturated fat or sugars. Compared to non-GF products, adjusted mean prices of GF products were higher for 10 food categories, lower for six categories and not significantly different for six categories. Overall, GF claims are becoming increasingly prevalent in Canada; however, they are often less healthful and more expensive than non-GF alternatives, disadvantaging consumers following GF diets.
A Clinical Case of Scrub Typhus in the United States Forces Korea Patient with Eschar and Genetic Identification of Orientia tsutsugamushi Using Multiplex PCR-Based Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Cho Seungchan , Allison Jon C. , Park Kkothanahreum , No Jin Sun , Lee Seung-Ho , Park Kyungmin , Kim Jongwoo , Klein Terry A. , Kim Heung-Chul , Kim Won-Keun , Song Jin-Won
Published: April 2021

An epidemiological investigation was conducted for a scrub typhus case reported in a U.S. Forces Korea military patient in the Republic of Korea in November 2018. The patient had a fever, maculopapular rash, and an eschar. The full-length sequence of Orientia tsutsugamushi 56-kDa type-specific antigen (TSA) gene was obtained from eschar tissue by multiplex PCR-based Next Generation Sequencing for genetic identification. Based on the 56-kDa TSA gene, the O. tsutsugamushi aligned most closely with the Boryong strain.
Evaluation of the Variability of the ORF34, ORF68, and MLST Genes in EHV-1 from South Korea
Authors: Kang Hyung-Woo , Lee Eun-Yong , Lee Kyoung-Ki , Ko Mi-Kyeong , Park Ji-Young , Kim Yeon-Hee , Lee Kyunghyun , Choi Eun-Jin , Kim Jongho , So ByungJae , Park Choi-Kyu , Jeoung Hye-Young
Published: April 2021

Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is an important pathogen in horses. It affects horses worldwide and causes substantial economic losses. In this study, for the first time, we characterized EHV-1 isolates from South Korea at the molecular level. We then aimed to determine the genetic divergences of these isolates by comparing them to sequences in databases. In total, 338 horse samples were collected, and 12 EHV-1 were isolated. We performed ORF30, ORF33, ORF68, and ORF34 genetic analysis and carried out multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of 12 isolated EHV-1. All isolated viruses were confirmed as non-neuropathogenic type, showing N752 of ORF30 and highly conserved ORF33 (99.7–100%). Isolates were unclassified using ORF68 analysis because of a 118 bp deletion in nucleotide sequence 701–818. Seven EHV-1 isolates (16Q4, 19R166-1, 19R166-6, 19/10/15-2, 19/10/15-4, 19/10/18-2, 19/10/22-1) belonged to group 1, clade 10, based on ORF34 and MLST analysis. The remaining 5 EHV-1 isolates (15Q25-1, 15D59, 16Q5, 16Q40, 18D99) belonged to group 7, clade 6, based on ORF34 and MLST analysis.
Herpes Zoster in an Immunocompetent Child without a History of Varicella
Authors: Shang Bing-Shiau , Hung Cheng-Jui Jamie , Lue Ko-Huang
Published: April 2021

Herpes zoster is a relatively rare infectious disease in the pediatric population, as compared with adults, which is due to the reactivation of latent Varicella−Zoster virus. We report a 7-year-old child without any history of varicella, who first experienced skin pain and later presented skin lesions in dermatomal distribution. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with herpes zoster. We aim to emphasize that herpes zoster could occur in immunocompetent children and may be due to the reactivation of the vaccine strain or previous subclinical infection.
EV20/NMS-P945, a Novel Thienoindole Based Antibody-Drug Conjugate Targeting HER-3 for Solid Tumors
Authors: Capone Emily , Lattanzio Rossano , Gasparri Fabio , Orsini Paolo , Rossi Cosmo , Iacobelli Valentina , De Laurenzi Vincenzo , Natali Pier Giorgio , Valsasina Barbara , Iacobelli Stefano , Sala Gianluca
Published: April 2021

HER-3 is becoming an attractive target for antibody–drug conjugate (ADC)-based therapy. Indeed, this receptor and its ligands are found to be overexpressed in several malignancies, and re-activation of its downstream signaling axis is known to play a critical role in modulating the sensitivity of targeted therapeutics in different tumors. In this study, we generated a novel ADC named EV20/NMS-P945 by coupling the anti-HER-3 antibody EV20 with a duocarmycin-like derivative, the thienoindole (TEI) NMS-P528, a DNA minor groove alkylating agent through a peptidic cleavable linker. This ADC showed target-dependent cytotoxic activity in vitro on several tumor cell lines and therapeutic activity in mouse xenograft tumor models, including those originating from pancreatic, prostatic, head and neck, gastric and ovarian cancer cells and melanoma. Pharmacokinetics and toxicological studies in monkeys demonstrated that this ADC possesses a favorable terminal half-life and stability and it is well tolerated. These data support further EV20/NMS-P945 clinical development as a therapeutic agent against HER-3-expressing malignancies.
Oversized Planer Shavings for the Core Layer of Lightweight Particleboard
Authors: Gößwald Jakob , Barbu Marius Cătălin , Petutschnigg Alexander , Krišťák Ľuboš , Tudor Eugenia Mariana
Published: April 2021

Planer shavings (PS) are side-products generated during the processing of solid wood, typically used for heating, packaging, or insulation purposes. PS has been used for decades in particleboard manufacture, particularly in the core layer. The aim of this research is to investigate the use of PS with a length over 4 mm in low-density one-layer particleboard manufacturing with a thickness of 10 mm, as an option to reduce the raw material demand for wood-based panels. Correlations towards the mechanical properties of the particleboards, fabricated at a density of 475 kg/m3, could be drawn by analyzing the effects of different urea-formaldehyde adhesive contents (6%, 9%, and 12%). Two methods of adhesive application (pouring and spraying) and two types of blending of PS with adhesive (plowshare mixer and drum mixer) were investigated, with the aim that PS will have controlled resin application. The difference between the adhesive application methods was examined by analyzing the mechanical properties as an internal bond, modulus of rupture, and modulus of elasticity as well as indirectly by visualizing the adhesive distribution by adding a green pigment to the adhesive before application. PS demonstrated reduced bending properties in comparison with the EN 312 standard requirements of particleboards for internal use in dry conditions (type P2), due to the low density. The internal bond strength in the case of the particleboard without pigment application (up to 0.5 N/mm2) was higher compared to the P2 requirements (0.4 N/mm2), and significantly lower (0.15 N/mm2) in combination with the pigment (2.5% based on the board weight, compared to 0.1%, specific for such industry applications), but still superior to the values of the reference panel manufactured with wood particles.
Towards a Long-Chain Perfluoroalkyl Replacement: Water and Oil Repellent Perfluoropolyether-Based Polyurethane Oligomers
Authors: Wei Liying , Caliskan Tugba D. , Brown Philip J. , Luzinov Igor
Published: April 2021

Original perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based oligomeric polyurethanes (FOPUs) with different macromolecular architecture were synthesized (in one step) as low-surface-energy materials. It is demonstrated that the oligomers, especially the ones terminated with CF3 moieties, can be employed as safer replacements to long-chain perfluoroalkyl substances/additives. The FOPU macromolecules, when added to an engineering thermoplastic (polyethylene terephthalate, PET) film, readily migrate to the film surface and bring significant water and oil repellency to the thermoplastic boundary. The best performing FOPU/PET films have reached the level of oil wettability and surface energy significantly lower than that of polytetrafluoroethylene, a fully perfluorinated polymer. Specifically, the highest level of the repellency is observed with an oligomeric additive, which was made using aromatic diisocyanate as a comonomer and has CF3 end-group. This semicrystalline oligomer has a glass transition temperature (Tg) well above room temperature, and we associate the superiority of the material in achieving low water and oil wettability with its ability to effectively retain CF3 and CF2 moieties in contact with the test wetting liquids.
Impact Modifiers and Compatibilizers for Versatile Epoxy-Based Adhesive Films with Curing and Deoxidizing Capabilities
Authors: Lee Bo-Young , Lee Dae-Hyeon , Jang Keon-Soo
Published: April 2021

Epoxy resins with acidic compounds feature adhesion, robustness, and deoxidizing ability. In this study, hybrid adhesive films with deoxidizing and curing capabilities for semiconductor packaging were fabricated. The compatibilizing effects and mechanical properties were chiefly investigated by using various additive binders (thermoplastic amorphous polymers) and compatibilizing agents. The curing, deoxidizing, thermal, and rheological properties were systematically investigated. For uniform film formation and maximizing deoxidizing curable abilities, a thermoplastic--thermoset mixture containing a phenyl and carboxylic acid-based additive (benzoic acid), and a polycarbonate was chosen as the model adhesive film. Without either a phenyl or an acidic group in the compatibilizing agent, deoxidizing and compatibilizing effects were not achieved. The manufactured hybrid adhesive film can be effectively used, especially for electronic devices that require deoxidization and adhesion.
Self-Healing, Stretchable, Biocompatible, and Conductive Alginate Hydrogels through Dynamic Covalent Bonds for Implantable Electronics
Authors: Choi Yeonsun , Park Kyuha , Choi Heewon , Son Donghee , Shin Mikyung
Published: April 2021

Implantable electronics have recently been attracting attention because of the promising advances in personalized healthcare. They can be used to diagnose and treat chronic diseases by monitoring and applying bioelectrical signals to various organs. However, there are challenges regarding the rigidity and hardness of typical electronic devices that can trigger inflammatory reactions in tissues. In an effort to improve the physicochemical properties of conventional implantable electronics, soft hydrogel-based platforms have emerged as components of implantable electronics. It is important that they meet functional criteria, such as stretchability, biocompatibility, and self-healing. Herein, plant-inspired conductive alginate hydrogels composed of “boronic acid modified alginate” and “oligomerized epigallocatechin gallate,” which are extracted from plant compounds, are proposed. The conductive hydrogels show great stretchability up to 500% and self-healing properties because of the boronic acid-cis-diol dynamic covalent bonds. In addition, as a simple strategy to increase the electrical conductivity of the hydrogels, ionically crosslinked shells with cations (e.g., sodium) were generated on the hydrogel under physiological salt conditions. This decreased the resistance of the conductive hydrogel down to 900 ohm without trading off the original properties of stretchability and self-healing. The hydrogels were used for “electrophysiological bridging” to transfer electromyographic signals in an ex vivo muscle defect model, showing a great bridging effect comparable to that of a muscle-to-muscle contact model. The use of plant-inspired ionically conductive hydrogels is a promising strategy for designing implantable and self-healable bioelectronics.
Improving Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Various Virgin and Recycled Polypropylenes by Blending with Long-Chain Branched Polypropylene
Authors: Stanic Sascha , Koch Thomas , Schmid Klaus , Knaus Simone , Archodoulaki Vasiliki-Maria
Published: April 2021

Blends of two long-chain branched polypropylenes (LCB-PP) and five linear polypropylenes (L-PP) were prepared in a single screw extruder at 240 °C. The two LCB-PPs were self-created via reactive extrusion at 180 °C by using dimyristyl peroxydicarbonate (PODIC C126) and dilauroyl peroxide (LP) as peroxides. For blending two virgin and three recycled PPs like coffee caps, yoghurt cups and buckets with different melt flow rate (MFR) values were used. The influence of using blends was assessed by investigating the rheological (dynamic and extensional rheology) and mechanical properties (tensile test and impact tensile test). The dynamic rheology indicated that the molecular weight as well as the molecular weight distribution could be increased or broadened. Also the melt strength behavior could be improved by using the two peroxide modified LCB-PP blends on the basis of PODIC C126 or PEROXAN LP (dilauroyl peroxide). In addition, the mechanical properties were consistently enhanced or at least kept constant compared to the original material. In particular, the impact tensile strength but also the elongation at break could be increased considerably. This study showed that the blending of LCB-PP can increase the investigated properties and represents a promising option, especially when using recycled PP, which demonstrates a real “up-cycling” process.
Effect of TADF Assistance on Performance Enhancement in Solution Processed Green Phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Witkowska Ewelina , Wiosna-Salyga Gabriela , Glowacki Ireneusz , Ke Tung-Huei , Malinowski Pawel , Heremans Paul
Published: April 2021

Many methods have been proposed to increase the efficiency of organic electroluminescent materials applied as an emissive layer in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Herein, we demonstrate enhancement of electroluminescence efficiency and operational stability solution processed OLEDs by employing thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules as assistant dopants in host-guest systems. The TADF assistant dopant (SpiroAC–TRZ) is used to facilitate efficient energy transfer from host material poly(N–vinylcarbazole) (PVK) to a phosphorescent Ir(III) emitter. We present the analysis of energy transfer and charge trapping—two main processes playing a crucial role in light generation in host–guest structure OLEDs. The investigation of photo-, electro- and thermoluminescence for the double-dopant layer revealed that assistant dopant does not only harvest and transfer the electrically generated excitons to phosphorescent emitter molecules but also creates exciplexes. The triplet states of formed PVK:SpiroAC–TRZ exciplexes are involved in the transport process of charge carriers and promote long–range exciton energy transfer to the emitter, improving the efficiency of electroluminescence in a single emissive layer OLED, resulting in devices with luminance exceeding 18 000 cd/m2 with a luminous efficiency of 23 cd/A and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 7.4%.
Immunomodulatory and Antiviral Effects of Macroalgae Sulphated Polysaccharides: Case Studies Extend Knowledge on Their Importance in Enhancing Shellfish Health, and the Control of a Global Viral Pathogen Ostreid Herpesvirus-1 microVar
Authors: Lynch Sharon A. , Breslin Rachel , Bookelaar Babette , Rudtanatip Tawut , Wongprasert Kanokpan , Culloty Sarah C.
Published: April 2021

Macroalgae are the primary source of non-animal sulphated polysaccharides (SPs) in the marine environment with fucoidans derived from brown algae (Phaeophyta) and carrageenans from red algae (Rhodophyta). Much research has been carried out on SP effects on Asian shrimp species (genera Penaeus and Metapenaeus) but their effect on commercially important bivalve mollusc species is limited and in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas is unknown. Knowledge of their impact on bivalve pathogens and Palaemon shrimp is unknown. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of Fucus vesiculosus (Phaeophyta), Mastocarpus stellatus (Rhodophyta) and algal derivatives (fucoidan and κ-carrageenan) on C. gigas performance, and on ostreid herpesvirus-1 microvar (OsHV-1 μVar) and bacteria Vibrio spp. development. Both pathogens have been associated with significant oyster mortalities and economic losses globally. The effects of sulphated galactan from Gracilaria fisheri (Rhodophyta) on European common prawn Palaemon serratus, an important fishery species, was also assessed. Findings indicate a rapid and prolonged increase in total blood cell count, lysozyme (enzyme that destroys pathogens), and a difference in the ratio of blood cell types in treated individuals compared to their control counterparts. A significantly lower OsHV-1 μVar prevalence was observed in treated oysters and κ-carrageenan was found to suppress viral replication (loads), while OsHV-1 μVar was not detected in the fucoidan treated oysters from Day 8 of the 26-day trial. No antibacterial effect was observed however, the oysters did not succumb to vibriosis. These findings contribute further knowledge to macroalgae sulphated polysaccharide biotherapeutic properties, their twofold effect on animal health and viral suppression.