bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the Puzzle of Anthranoid Metabolism in Living Plant Cells Using Spectral Imaging Coupled to Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chevalier Quentin , Gallé Jean-Baptiste , Wasser Nicolas , Mazan Valérie , Villette Claire , Mutterer Jérôme , Elustondo Maria Mercedes , Girard Nicolas , Elhabiri Mourad , Schaller Hubert , Hemmerlin Andréa , Vonthron-Sénécheau Catherine
Published: August 2021

Vismione H (VH) is a fluorescent prenylated anthranoid produced by plants from the Hypericaceae family, with antiprotozoal activities against malaria and leishmaniosis. Little is known about its biosynthesis and metabolism in plants or its mode of action against parasites. When VH is isolated from Psorospermum glaberrimum, it is rapidly converted into madagascine anthrone and anthraquinone, which are characterized by markedly different fluorescent properties. To locate the fluorescence of VH in living plant cells and discriminate it from that of the other metabolites, an original strategy combining spectral imaging (SImaging), confocal microscopy, and non-targeted metabolomics using mass spectrometry, was developed. Besides VH, structurally related molecules including madagascine (Mad), emodin (Emo), quinizarin (Qui), as well as lapachol (Lap) and fraxetin (Fra) were analyzed. This strategy readily allowed a spatiotemporal characterization and discrimination of spectral fingerprints from anthranoid-derived metabolites and related complexes with cations and proteins. In addition, our study validates the ability of plant cells to metabolize VH into madagascine anthrone, anthraquinones and unexpected metabolites. These results pave the way for new hypotheses on anthranoid metabolism in plants.
Molecular Dynamics Study of Ion Transport in Polymer Electrolytes of All-Solid-State Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Mabuchi Takuya , Nakajima Koki , Tokumasu Takashi
Published: August 2021

Atomistic analysis of the ion transport in polymer electrolytes for all-solid-state Li-ion batteries was performed using molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the relationship between Li-ion transport and polymer morphology. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) and poly(diethylene oxide-alt-oxymethylene), P(2EO-MO), were used as the electrolyte materials, and the effects of salt concentrations and polymer types on the ion transport properties were explored. The size and number of LiTFSI clusters were found to increase with increasing salt concentrations, leading to a decrease in ion diffusivity at high salt concentrations. The Li-ion transport mechanisms were further analyzed by calculating the inter/intra-hopping rate and distance at various ion concentrations in PEO and P(2EO-MO) polymers. While the balance between the rate and distance of inter-hopping was comparable for both PEO and P(2EO-MO), the intra-hopping rate and distance were found to be higher in PEO than in P(2EO-MO), leading to a higher diffusivity in PEO. The results of this study provide insights into the correlation between the nanoscopic structures of ion solvation and the dynamics of Li-ion transport in polymer electrolytes.
A Power Conversion Technique with Hierarchical Equalization Charging Topology for LiFePO4 Batteries
Authors: Tseng Kuo-Ching , Huang Hao-Shiang , Cheng Chun-An
Published: August 2021

An energy-storage scheme with hierarchical equalization charging topology applied in a series-connected battery system is proposed in this paper. The proposed hierarchical equalization charging topology (HECT), which combines an equalizer-within module (EWM) and an equalizer between the modules (EBM), is able to rapidly achieve charging balance among a large number of cells in battery modules. The EWM is composed of a buck–boost converter, while a flyback converter constitutes the EBM. Besides, the voltage of each cell in battery modules can be accurately monitored by utilizing the proposed HECT control architecture. In addition, fewer circuit elements are required in the proposed battery equalization system and a faster balancing speed can be achieved. Satisfactory experimental results were obtained by using 12 LiFePO4 batteries, and the performance was improved by about 50% in reducing the battery voltage deviation realized in the proposed battery balancing system, which verified the function of the proposed HECT scheme.
Applied Calibration and Validation Method of Dynamic Process Simulation for Crushing Plants
Authors: Bhadani Kanishk , Asbjörnsson Gauti , Schnitzer Barbara , Quist Johannes , Hansson Christian , Hulthén Erik , Evertsson Magnus
Published: August 2021

There is a need within the production industry for digitalization and the development of meaningful functionality for production operation. One such industry is aggregate production, characterized by continuous production operation, where the digital transformation can bring operational adaptability to customer demand. Dynamic process simulations have the ability to capture the change in production performance of aggregate production over time. However, there is a need to develop cost-efficient methodologies to integrate calibrations and validation of models. This paper presents a method of integrating an experimental and data-driven approach for calibration and validation for crushing plant equipment and a process model. The method uses an error minimization optimization formulation to calibrate the equipment models, followed by the validation of the process model. The paper discusses various details such as experimental calibration procedure, applied error functions, optimization problem formulation, and the future development needed to completely realize the procedure for industrial use. The validated simulation model can be used for performing process planning and process optimization activities for the crushing plant’s operation.
Tunable Terahertz Metamaterial with Electromagnetically Induced Transparency Characteristic for Sensing Application
Authors: Zhong Jitong , Xu Xiaocan , Lin Yu-Sheng
Published: August 2021

We present and demonstrate a MEMS-based tunable terahertz metamaterial (TTM) composed of inner triadius and outer electric split-ring resonator (eSRR) structures. With the aim to explore the electromagnetic responses of TTM device, different geometrical parameters are compared and discussed to optimize the suitable TTM design, including the length, radius, and height of TTM device. The height of triadius structure could be changed by using MEMS technique to perform active tunability. TTM shows the polarization-dependent and electromagnetic induced transparency (EIT) characteristics owing to the eSRR configuration. The electromagnetic responses of TTM exhibit tunable characteristics in resonance, polarization-dependent, and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). By properly tailoring the length and height of the inner triadius structure and the radius of the outer eSRR structure, the corresponding resonance tuning range reaches 0.32 THz. In addition to the above optical characteristics of TTM, we further investigate its potential application in a refraction index sensor. TTM is exposed on the surrounding ambient with different refraction indexes. The corresponding key sensing performances, such as figure of merit (FOM), sensitivity (S), and quality factor (Q-factor) values, are calculated and discussed, respectively. The calculated sensitivity of TTM is 0.379 THz/RIU, while the average values of Q-factor and FOM are 66.01 and 63.83, respectively. These characteristics indicate that the presented MEMS-based TTM device could be widely used in tunable filters, perfect absorbers, high-efficient environmental sensors, and optical switches applications for THz-wave optoelectronics.
Dual Plasmon Resonances and Tunable Electric Field in Structure-Adjustable Au Nanoflowers for Improved SERS and Photocatalysis
Authors: Zhao Yi-Xin , Kang Hao-Sen , Zhao Wen-Qin , Chen You-Long , Ma Liang , Ding Si-Jing , Chen Xiang-Bai , Wang Qu-Quan
Published: August 2021

Flower-like metallic nanocrystals have shown great potential in the fields of nanophononics and energy conversion owing to their unique optical properties and particular structures. Herein, colloid Au nanoflowers with different numbers of petals were prepared by a steerable template process. The structure-adjustable Au nanoflowers possessed double plasmon resonances, tunable electric fields, and greatly enhanced SERS and photocatalytic activity. In the extinction spectra, Au nanoflowers had a strong electric dipole resonance located around 530 to 550 nm. Meanwhile, a longitudinal plasmon resonance (730~760 nm) was obtained when the number of petals of Au nanoflowers increased to two or more. Numerical simulations verified that the strong electric fields of Au nanoflowers were located at the interface between the Au nanosphere and Au nanopetals, caused by the strong plasmon coupling. They could be further tuned by adding more Au nanopetals. Meanwhile, much stronger electric fields of Au nanoflowers with two or more petals were identified under longitudinal plasmon excitation. With these characteristics, Au nanoflowers showed excellent SERS and photocatalytic performances, which were highly dependent on the number of petals. Four-petal Au nanoflowers possessed the highest SERS activity on detecting Rhodamine B (excited both at 532 and 785 nm) and the strongest photocatalytic activity toward photodegrading methylene blue under visible light irradiation, caused by the strong multi-interfacial plasmon coupling and longitudinal plasmon resonance.
Preparation of a Hydrogel Nanofiber Wound Dressing
Authors: Jirkovec Radek , Samkova Alzbeta , Kalous Tomas , Chaloupek Jiri , Chvojka Jiri
Published: August 2021

The study addressed the production of a hydrogel nanofiber skin cover and included the fabrication of hydrogel nanofibers from a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and alginate. The resulting fibrous layer was then crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, and, after 4 h of crosslinking, although the gelling component, i.e., the alginate, crosslinked, the polyvinyl alcohol failed to do so. The experiment included the comparison of the strength and ductility of the layers before and after crosslinking. It was determined that the fibrous layer following crosslinking evinced enhanced mechanical properties, which acted to facilitate the handling of the material during its application. The subsequent testing procedure proved that the fibrous layer was not cytotoxic. The study further led to the production of a modified hydrogel nanofiber layer that combined polyvinyl alcohol with alginate and albumin. The investigation of the fibrous layers produced determined that following contact with water the polyvinyl alcohol dissolved leading to the release of the albumin accompanied by the swelling of the alginate and the formation of a hydrogel.
Development of Bio-Functionalized, Raman Responsive, and Potentially Excretable Gold Nanoclusters
Authors: Mellor Ryan D. , Schätzlein Andreas G. , Uchegbu Ijeoma F.
Published: August 2021

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used experimentally for non-invasive in vivo Raman monitoring because they show a strong absorbance in the phototherapeutic window (650–850 nm), a feature that is accompanied by a particle size in excess of 100 nm. However, these AuNPs cannot be used clinically because they are likely to persist in mammalian systems and resist excretion. In this work, clustered ultrasmall (sub-5 nm) AuNP constructs for in vivo Raman diagnostic monitoring, which are also suitable for mammalian excretion, were synthesized and characterized. Sub-5 nm octadecyl amine (ODA)-coated AuNPs were clustered using a labile dithiol linker: ethylene glycol bis-mercaptoacetate (EGBMA). Upon clustering via a controlled reaction and finally coating with a polymeric amphiphile, a strong absorbance in the phototherapeutic window was demonstrated, thus showing the potential suitability of the construct for non-invasive in vivo detection and monitoring. The clusters, when labelled with a biphenyl-4-thiol (BPT) Raman tag, were shown to elicit a specific Raman response in plasma and to disaggregate back to sub-5 nm particles under physiological conditions (37 °C, 0.8 mM glutathione, pH 7.4). These data demonstrate the potential of these new AuNP clusters (Raman NanoTheranostics—RaNT) for in vivo applications while being in the excretable size window.
Mechanical Performance and Applications of CNTs Reinforced Polymer Composites—A Review
Authors: Nurazzi N. M. , Sabaruddin F. A. , Harussani M. M. , Kamarudin S. H. , Rayung M. , Asyraf M. R. M. , Aisyah H. A. , Norrrahim M. N. F. , Ilyas R. A. , Abdullah N. , Zainudin E. S. , Sapuan S. M. , Khalina A.
Published: August 2021

Developments in the synthesis and scalable manufacturing of carbon nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely used in the polymer material industry over the last few decades, resulting in a series of fascinating multifunctional composites used in fields ranging from portable electronic devices, entertainment and sports to the military, aerospace, and automotive sectors. CNTs offer good thermal and electrical properties, as well as a low density and a high Young’s modulus, making them suitable nanofillers for polymer composites. As mechanical reinforcements for structural applications CNTs are unique due to their nano-dimensions and size, as well as their incredible strength. Although a large number of studies have been conducted on these novel materials, there have only been a few reviews published on their mechanical performance in polymer composites. As a result, in this review we have covered some of the key application factors as well as the mechanical properties of CNTs-reinforced polymer composites. Finally, the potential uses of CNTs hybridised with polymer composites reinforced with natural fibres such as kenaf fibre, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibre, bamboo fibre, and sugar palm fibre have been highlighted.
Using a Community-Based Participatory Mixed Methods Research Approach to Develop, Evaluate, and Refine a Nutrition Intervention to Replace Sugary Drinks with Filtered Tap Water among Predominantly Central-American Immigrant Families with Infants and Toddlers: The Water Up @Home Pilot Evaluation Study
Authors: McCarley Shannon , López-Ríos Mairyn , Burgos Gil Rosalina , Turner Monique Mitchell , Cleary Sean D. , Edberg Mark , Colón-Ramos Uriyoán
Published: August 2021

Descriptions of the implementation of community-based participatory mixed-methods research (CBPMMR) in all phases of the engagement approach are limited. This manuscript describes the explicit integration of mixed-methods in four stages of CBPR: (1) connecting and diagnosing, (2) prescribing-implementing, (3) evaluating, and (4) disseminating and refining an intervention that aimed to motivate Latino parents (predominantly Central American in the US) of infants and toddlers to replace sugary drinks with filtered tap water. CBPMMR allowed for co-learning that led to the identification of preliminary behavioral outcomes, insights into potential mechanisms of behavior change, and revisions to the intervention design, implementation and evaluation.
Effect of a Ketogenic Diet on the Nutritional Parameters of Obese Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: López-Espinoza Miguel Ángel , Chacón-Moscoso Salvador , Sanduvete-Chaves Susana , Ortega-Maureira María José , Barrientos-Bravo Tamara
Published: August 2021

The effect of a ketogenic diet (KD) on biochemical parameters and nutritional status has been the subject of debate over the years, as several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) obtained different results. Method: A systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of RCTs comparing KD with a balanced diet was performed by means of a search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. Trials where the method for measuring the response variables was unclear, those that considered pathologies other than chronic non-communicable diseases and those with participants receiving pharmacological treatment for obesity were excluded from the comparison. Results: Of the studies included in the meta-analysis, no statistically significant standardized mean differences were observed for body mass index (BMI) (d = −0.457, p = 0.359), total cholesterol, COL-T (d = 0.230, p = 0.591), high-density lipoprotein, HDL (d = −0.028, p = 0.934), low-density lipoprotein, LDL (d = 0.528, p = 0.173), or triglycerides, TG (d = −0.283, p = 0.222), with high values of heterogeneity. The percentage of women included in the studies is a significant moderating variable in terms of BMI ratio (z = −6.68, p < 0.001) and TG (z = −2.27, p = 0.023). Conclusion: A KD shows no more benefits on nutritional parameters than a balanced diet, and adverse effects of being on the diet are sometimes reported.
Nutritional, Anthropometric and Sociodemographic Factors Affecting Fatty Acids Profile of Pregnant Women’s Serum at Labour—Chemometric Studies
Authors: Broś-Konopielko Magdalena , Białek Agnieszka , Oleszczuk-Modzelewska Luiza , Zaleśkiewicz Barbara , Różańska-Walędziak Anna , Czajkowski Krzysztof
Published: August 2021

Diet influences the health of pregnant women and their children in prenatal, postnatal and adult periods. GC-FID fatty acids profile analysis in maternal serum and a survey of dietary habits were performed in 161 pregnant patients from the II Faculty and Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Medical University of Warsaw. Their diet did not fulfil all nutritional recommendations regarding dietary fat sources. Olive and rapeseed oil were the most popular edible oils. High usage of sunflower oil as well as high consumption of butter were also observed, whereas fish and fish oil intake by pregnant women was low. A chemometric approach for nutritional data, connected with anthropometric, sociodemographic and biochemical parameters regarding mothers and newborns, was conducted for diet and its impact estimation. It revealed four clusters of patients with differing fatty acids profile, which resulted from differences in their dietary habits. Multiparous women to a lesser extent followed dietary recommendations, which resulted in deterioration of fatty acids profile and higher frequency of complications. Observed high usage of sunflower oil is disquieting due to its lower oxidative stability, whereas high butter consumption is beneficial due to conjugated linoleic acids supply. Pregnant women should also be encouraged to introduce fish and fish oil into their diet, as these products are rich sources of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA). Multiparous women should be given special medical care by medical providers (physicians, midwifes and dietitians) and growing attention from the government to diminish the risk of possible adverse effects affecting mother and child.
Coffee Restores Expression of lncRNAs Involved in Steatosis and Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of NAFLD
Authors: Di Mauro Stefania , Salomone Federico , Scamporrino Alessandra , Filippello Agnese , Morisco Filomena , Guido Maria , Lembo Vincenzo , Cossiga Valentina , Pipitone Rosaria , Grimaudo Stefania , Malaguarnera Roberta , Purrello Francesco , Piro Salvatore
Published: August 2021

Background and aim: Coffee intake exerts protective effects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), although without fully cleared mechanisms. In this study we aimed to assess whether coffee consumption may influence the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the liver. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were fed a 12-week standard diet (SD), high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD plus decaffeinated coffee solution (HFD + coffee). Expression of specific lncRNAs involved in NAFLD was analyzed by real-time PCR. For the most differentially expressed lncRNAs, the analysis was also extended to their mRNA targets. Results: Decaffeinated coffee intake reduced body weight gain, prevented NAFLD, lowered hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia. NAFLD was associated with lower hepatic expression of Gm16551, a lncRNA inhibiting de novo lipogenesis, and higher expression of H19, a lncRNA promoting fibrogenesis. Coffee intake restored Gm16551 to levels observed in lean mice and downregulated gene expression of its targets acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 1 and stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase 1. Furthermore, coffee consumption markedly decreased hepatic expression of H19 and of its target gene collagen alpha-1(I) chain; consistently, in mice fed HFD + coffee liver expression of αSMA protein returned to levels of mice fed SD. Expression of lncRNA involved in circadian clock such as fatty liver-related lncRNA 1 (FLRL1) and fatty liver-related lncRNA 2 (FLRL2) were upregulated by HFD and were also modulated by coffee intake. Conclusion. Hepatoprotective effects of coffee may be depending on the modulation of lncRNAs involved in key pathways of NAFLD onset and progression.
Nutraceuticals for the Control of Dyslipidaemias in Clinical Practice
Authors: Penson Peter E. , Banach Maciej
Published: August 2021

Dyslipidaemias result in the deposition of cholesterol and lipids in the walls of blood vessels, chronic inflammation and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which impede blood flow and (when they rupture) result in acute ischaemic episodes. Whilst recent years have seen enormous success in the reduction of cardiovascular risk using conventional pharmaceuticals, there is increasing interest amongst patients and practitioners in the use of nutraceuticals to combat dyslipidaemias and inflammation in cardiovascular disease. Nutraceutical is a portmanteau term: ‘ceutical’ indicate pharmaceutical-grade preparations, and ‘nutra’ indicates that the products contain nutrients from food. Until relatively recently, little high-quality evidence relating to the safety and efficacy of nutraceuticals has been available to prescribers and policymakers. However, as a result of recent randomised-controlled trials, cohort studies and meta-analyses, this situation is changing, and nutraceuticals are now recommended in several mainstream guidelines relating to dyslipidaemias and atherosclerosis. This article will summarise recent clinical-practice guidance relating to the use of nutraceuticals in this context and the evidence which underlies them. Particular attention is given to position papers and recommendations from the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP), which has produced several practical and helpful recommendations in this field.
Two Antibody-Guided Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid-Polyethylenimine (LGA-PEI) Nanoparticle Delivery Systems for Therapeutic Nucleic Acids
Authors: Lü Jian-Ming , Liang Zhengdong , Liu Dongliang , Zhan Bin , Yao Qizhi , Chen Changyi
Published: August 2021

We previously reported a new polymer, lactic-co-glycolic acid-polyethylenimine (LGA-PEI), as an improved nanoparticle (NP) delivery for therapeutic nucleic acids (TNAs). Here, we further developed two antibody (Ab)-conjugated LGA-PEI NP technologies for active-targeting delivery of TNAs. LGA-PEI was covalently conjugated with a single-chain variable fragment antibody (scFv) against mesothelin (MSLN), a biomarker for pancreatic cancer (PC), or a special Ab fragment crystallizable region-binding peptide (FcBP), which binds to any full Ab (IgG). TNAs used in the current study included tumor suppressor microRNA mimics (miR-198 and miR-520h) and non-coding RNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) fragments; green fluorescence protein gene (GFP plasmid DNA) was also used as an example of plasmid DNA. MSLN scFv-LGA-PEI NPs with TNAs significantly improved their binding and internalization in PC cells with high expression of MSLN in vitro and in vivo. Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal Ab (Cetuximab) binding to FcBP-LGA-PEI showed active-targeting delivery of TNAs to EGFR-expressing PC cells.
Actinomycin D Arrests Cell Cycle of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines and Induces p53-Dependent Cell Death: A Study of the Molecular Mechanism Involved in the Protective Effect of IRS-4
Authors: Guijarro Luis G. , Sanmartin-Salinas Patricia , Pérez-Cuevas Eva , Toledo-Lobo M. Val , Monserrat Jorge , Zoullas Sofia , Sáez Miguel A. , Álvarez-Mon Miguel Angel , Bujan Julia , Noguerales-Fraguas Fernando , Arilla-Ferreiro Eduardo , Álvarez-Mon Melchor , Ortega Miguel A.
Published: August 2021

Actinomycin D (ActD) is an FDA-approved NCI oncology drug that specifically targets and downregulates stem cell transcription factors, which leads to a depletion of stem cells within the tumor bulk. Recently, our research group demonstrated the importance of IRS-4 in the development of liver cancer. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of IRS-4 against ActD. For this study, three hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2, Huh7, and Chang cells) were used to study the mechanism of actinomycin D. Most assays were carried out in the Hep G2 cell line, due to the high expression of stem cell biomarkers. We found that ActD caused HepG2 cell necroptosis characterized by DNA fragmentation, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c depletion, and decreased the levels of reduced glutathione. However, we did not observe a clear increase in apoptosis markers such as annexin V presence, caspase 3 activation, or PARP fragmentation. ActD produced an activation of MAP kinases (ERK, p38, and JNK) and AKT. ActD-induced activation of AKT and MAP kinases produced an activation of the Rb-E2F cascade together with a blockage of cell cycle transitions, due to c-jun depletion. ActD led to the inhibition of pCdK1 and pH3 along with DNA fragmentation resulting in cell cycle arrest and the subsequent activation of p53-dependent cell death in the HepG2 cell line. Only JNK and AKT inhibitors were protective against the effects of ActD. N-Acetyl-L-cysteine also had a protective effect as it restored GSH levels. A likely mechanism for this is IRS-4 stimulating GCL-GSH and inhibiting the Brk-CHK1-p53 pathway. The assessment of the IRS-4 in cancer biopsies could be of interest to carry out a personalized treatment with ActD.
Alpha-Synuclein PET Tracer Development—An Overview about Current Efforts
Authors: Korat Špela , Bidesi Natasha Shalina Rajani , Bonanno Federica , Di Nanni Adriana , Hoàng Anh Nguyên Nhât , Herfert Kristina , Maurer Andreas , Battisti Umberto Maria , Bowden Gregory David , Thonon David , Vugts Daniëlle , Windhorst Albert Dirk , Herth Matthias Manfred
Published: August 2021

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) are manifested by inclusion bodies of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) also called α-synucleinopathies. Detection of these inclusions is thus far only possible by histological examination of postmortem brain tissue. The possibility of non-invasively detecting α-syn will therefore provide valuable insights into the disease progression of α-synucleinopathies. In particular, α-syn imaging can quantify changes in monomeric, oligomeric, and fibrillic α-syn over time and improve early diagnosis of various α-synucleinopathies or monitor treatment progress. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive in vivo imaging technique that can quantify target expression and drug occupancies when a suitable tracer exists. As such, novel α-syn PET tracers are highly sought after. The development of an α-syn PET tracer faces several challenges. For example, the low abundance of α-syn within the brain necessitates the development of a high-affinity ligand. Moreover, α-syn depositions are, in contrast to amyloid proteins, predominantly localized intracellularly, limiting their accessibility. Furthermore, another challenge is the ligand selectivity over structurally similar amyloids such as amyloid-beta or tau, which are often co-localized with α-syn pathology. The lack of a defined crystal structure of α-syn has also hindered rational drug and tracer design efforts. Our objective for this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of current efforts in the development of selective α-syn PET tracers.
Catenin Alpha 2 May Be a Biomarker or Potential Drug Target in Psychiatric Disorders with Perseverative Negative Thinking
Authors: Eszlari Nora , Bagyura Zsolt , Millinghoffer Andras , Nagy Tamas , Juhasz Gabriella , Antal Peter , Merkely Bela , Bagdy Gyorgy
Published: August 2021

AlphaN-catenin gene CTNNA2 has been implicated in intrauterine brain development, as well as in several psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Our present aim was to investigate CTNNA2 gene-wide associations of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with psychiatric and cardiovascular risk factors to test the potential mediating role of rumination, a perseverative negative thinking phenotype in these associations. Linear mixed regression models were run by FaST-LMM within a sample of 795 individuals from the Budakalasz Health Examination Survey. The psychiatric outcome variables were rumination and its subtypes, and ten Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) scores including, e.g., obsessive-compulsive, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, and paranoid ideation. Cardiovascular outcome variables were BMI and the Framingham risk scores for cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. We found nominally significant CTNNA2 associations for every phenotype. Rumination totally mediated the associations of CTNNA2 rs17019243 with eight out of ten BSI scores, but none with Framingham scores or BMI. Our results suggest that CTNNA2 genetics may serve as biomarkers, and increasing the expression or function of CTNNA2 protein may be a potential new therapeutic approach in psychiatric disorders with perseverative negative thinking including, e.g., depression. Generally, an antiruminative agent could be a transdiagnostic and preventive psychopharmacon.
Exploring Taxifolin Polymorphs: Insights on Hydrate and Anhydrous Forms
Authors: Stenger Moura Fernanda Cristina , Pinna Nicola , Vivani Riccardo , Nunes Gisele Elias , Schoubben Aurélie , Bellé Bresolin Tania Mari , Bechold Ivan Helmuth , Ricci Maurizio
Published: August 2021

Taxifolin, also known as dihydroquercetin, possesses several interesting biological properties. The purpose of the study was to identify polymorphs of taxifolin prepared using crystallization in different solvents. Data from X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetry enabled us to detect six different crystalline phases for taxifolin. Besides the already known fully hydrated phase, one partially hydrated phase, one monohydrated phase, two anhydrous polymorphs, and one probably solvated phase were obtained. The unit cell parameters were defined for three of them, while one anhydrous polymorph was fully structurally characterized by X-ray powder diffraction data. Scanning electron microscopy and hot stage microscopy were also employed to characterize the crystallized taxifolin powders. The hydrate and anhydrous forms showed remarkable stability in drastic storage conditions, and their solubility was deeply evaluated. The anhydrous form converted into the hydrate form during the equilibrium solubility study and taxifolin equilibrium solubility was about 1.2 mg/mL. The hydrate taxifolin intrinsic dissolution rate was 56.4 μg cm−2 min−1. Using Wood’s apparatus, it was not possible to determine the intrinsic dissolution rate of anhydrous taxifolin that is expected to solubilize more rapidly than the hydrate form. In view of its high stability, its use can be hypothesized.
A Long-Acting Curcumin Nanoparticle/In Situ Hydrogel Composite for the Treatment of Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Xie Lingxiao , Yue Weizhou , Ibrahim Khaled , Shen Jie
Published: August 2021

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults with high mortality. In order to improve prognosis and survival of UM patients, it is critical to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis as early as possible after the initial presentation/diagnosis of the disease. Sustained local delivery of antitumor therapeutics in the posterior region can potentially achieve long-term UM inhibition, improve target therapeutic delivery to the posterior segments, as well as reduce injection frequency and hence improved patient compliance. To address the highly unmet medical need in UM therapy, a bioinspired in situ gelling hydrogel system composed of naturally occurring biopolymers collagen and hyaluronic acid was developed in the present research. Curcumin with anti-cancer progression, anti-metastasis effects, and good ocular safety was chosen as the model therapeutic. The developed in situ gelling delivery system gelled at 37 °C within two minutes and demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and slow degradation. The curcumin-loaded nanoparticle/hydrogel composite was able to sustain release payload for up to four weeks. The optimized nanoparticle/hydrogel composite showed effective inhibition of human UM cell proliferation. This novel nanoparticle/in situ hydrogel composite demonstrated a great potential for the treatment of the rare and devastating intraocular cancer.
Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Post-Myocardial Infarction Therapeutic Toolkit: An Experienced View
Authors: Muñoz-Domínguez Noelia , Roura Santiago , Prat-Vidal Cristina , Vives Joaquim
Published: August 2021

Outstanding progress has been achieved in developing therapeutic options for reasonably alleviating symptoms and prolonging the lifespan of patients suffering from myocardial infarction (MI). Current treatments, however, only partially address the functional recovery of post-infarcted myocardium, which is in fact the major goal for effective primary care. In this context, we largely investigated novel cell and TE tissue engineering therapeutic approaches for cardiac repair, particularly using multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and natural extracellular matrices, from pre-clinical studies to clinical application. A further step in this field is offered by MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EV), which are naturally released nanosized lipid bilayer-delimited particles with a key role in cell-to-cell communication. Herein, in this review, we further describe and discuss the rationale, outcomes and challenges of our evidence-based therapy approaches using Wharton’s jelly MSC and derived EV in post-MI management.
Biomaterials for Soft Tissue Repair and Regeneration: A Focus on Italian Research in the Field
Authors: Bonferoni Maria Cristina , Caramella Carla , Catenacci Laura , Conti Bice , Dorati Rossella , Ferrari Franca , Genta Ida , Modena Tiziana , Perteghella Sara , Rossi Silvia , Sandri Giuseppina , Sorrenti Milena , Torre Maria Luisa , Tripodo Giuseppe
Published: August 2021

Tissue repair and regeneration is an interdisciplinary field focusing on developing bioactive substitutes aimed at restoring pristine functions of damaged, diseased tissues. Biomaterials, intended as those materials compatible with living tissues after in vivo administration, play a pivotal role in this area and they have been successfully studied and developed for several years. Namely, the researches focus on improving bio-inert biomaterials that well integrate in living tissues with no or minimal tissue response, or bioactive materials that influence biological response, stimulating new tissue re-growth. This review aims to gather and introduce, in the context of Italian scientific community, cutting-edge advancements in biomaterial science applied to tissue repair and regeneration. After introducing tissue repair and regeneration, the review focuses on biodegradable and biocompatible biomaterials such as collagen, polysaccharides, silk proteins, polyesters and their derivatives, characterized by the most promising outputs in biomedical science. Attention is pointed out also to those biomaterials exerting peculiar activities, e.g., antibacterial. The regulatory frame applied to pre-clinical and early clinical studies is also outlined by distinguishing between Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products and Medical Devices.
Interfacial Adhesion and Mechanical Properties of Wood-Polymer Hybrid Composites Prepared by Injection Molding
Authors: Stadlmann Alexander , Mautner Andreas , Pramreiter Maximilian , Bismarck Alexander , Müller Ulrich
Published: August 2021

Birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) solid wood and plywood were overmolded with polyamide 6 (PA 6) and polypropylene (PP) to investigate their mechanical properties and interfacial adhesion. In the case of PA 6, maximum tensile shear strengths values of more than 8 to 9 MPa were obtained for birch and beech, respectively. The values are comparable to bond strengths of commercial joints bonded with formaldehyde-containing amino-plastics. Perpendicular to the wood elements, bond strength values of 3 MPa was achieved for PA 6. The penetration of the polymers into the wood structure results in a non-densified interphase and subsequent plastic deformation of the wood structure beyond the interphase. These compressed areas influenced the interfacial adhesion and mechanical interlocking. SEM and XPS analysis revealed different interpenetration behavior of the polymers into the wood structure, with chemical interaction confirmed only for wood and PA 6 but not PP.
Evaluation of the Water Sorption and Solubility Behavior of Different Polymeric Luting Materials
Authors: Labban Nawaf , AlSheikh Rasha , Lund Melvin , Matis Bruce A. , Moore B. Keith , Cochran Michael A. , Platt Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2021

Objective: The study evaluated the water sorption (WSP) and water solubility (WSL) characteristics of different luting agents over a 180-day water storage period. Materials and Methods: Nine luting materials, i.e., conventional resin cement: Panavia F (PF), Rely X ARC (RA), self-adhesive resin cement: Rely X Unicem (RU), Breez (BZ), Maxcem Elite (MX), BisCem (BC) and resin-modified glass ionomer cement: FujiCem (FC), FujiPlus (FP) Rely X luting plus (RL) were assessed and fifty-two-disc specimens of each material were fabricated. All specimens were desiccated until a constant weight (W0) was reached. Thirteen specimens for each luting material were then randomly assigned to one of the four water immersion periods (7, 30, 90, and 180 days). After each period, the specimens were removed from the water and weighed to get W1. The samples were again desiccated for a second time and W2 was measured. Both WSP and WSL were determined by the following equations: WSP (%) = (W1 − W2) × 100/W0 and WSL (%) = (W0 − W2) × 100/W0. Assessments were performed following ISO standards. ANOVA was used to assess the effect of luting agent and time period on water sorption and solubility. Pair-wise comparisons were adjusted using Tukey’s multiple comparison procedure. A significance level of 0.05 was used for all statistical tests. Results: The highest mean WSP and WSL (WSP/WSL) were demonstrated by resin-modified glass-ionomers (RL 18.32/3.25, FC 17.08/4.83, and FP 14.14/1.99), while resin luting agents showed lower WSP and WSL results (PF 1.6/0.67 and RA 1.76/0.46), respectively. The self-adhesive agents exhibited a wide range of WSP and WSL values (RU 1.86/0.13, BZ 4.66/0.93, and MX 3.68/1.11). Self-adhesive cement showed lower WSP and WSL compared with the resin-modified glass-ionomers (p < 0.05). All the materials reached equilibrium after 90-days. Conclusions: Resin-based luting materials have the lowest sorption and solubility. Rely X Unicem self-adhesive luting materials were comparable to resin luting materials for WSL and WSP. Resin-modified glass-ionomer showed the highest water sorption and solubility compared with both resin and self-adhesive materials.
Mechanism of Pyrolysis Reaction of Al-Rich Al/PTFE/TiH2 Active Material
Authors: Wang Yilei , Jiang Chunlan , Fang Yuande , Wang Xinyu , Wang Zaicheng
Published: August 2021

In order to obtain the chemical reaction mechanism of Al-rich Al/PTFE/TiH2 composites in argon and oxygen atmosphere, Al/PTFE, PTFE/TiH2, Al/TiH2 and Al-rich Al/PTFE/TiH2 with different contents of TiH2 composites were prepared by using the wet mixing method. The pyrolysis behavior of the above composites was investigated by thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimeter (TG-DSC). In addition, the calorific value of the above composite was measured by an oxygen bomb calorimeter. The compositions of TG-DSC residues at different peak temperatures and 1000 °C and the residues of oxygen bomb experiment were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), The results show that the pyrolytic products of Al-rich Al/PTFE/TiH2 materials under argon atmosphere can be divided into four stages. In the first stage (328.6–378.6 °C), the products are TiH1.924, (C2F4)n, (CF2)n, H2(g), Al and TiH2; in the second stage (510.8–534.3 °C), the products are Al, TiH1.924, (C2F4)n, (CF2)n, Ti, AlF3, TiF3, TiF4(g), C and H2(g). In the third stage (540.8–618.1 °C), the products are Al, C, Ti, (C2F4)n, (CF2)n, AlF3, TiF3, TiF4, CF4(g), C3F6(g), C4F8(g), C2F6(g), Al5Ti2 and H2(g); in the fourth stage (918.5–1000 °C), the products are AlCTi2, Al2Ti, AlTi, TiC, AlF3, Al, TiF3, TiC0.957, TiC0.981 and TiC0.95. The calorific value of the combustion of Al-rich Al/PTFE/TiH2 composite with 10% the content of TiH2 is the highest and is 19,899 J/g, which is 3.776% higher than that of Al-rich Al/PTFE composite. When TiH2 content is greater than zero and not more than 10%, the chemical reaction mechanism of Al-rich Al/PTFE/TiH2 is almost the same under oxygen atmosphere. When the content of TiH2 is higher than 10%, the mechanism of this material is different.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-Based Mapping of Acacia saligna Invasion in the Mediterranean Coast
Authors: Marzialetti Flavio , Frate Ludovico , De Simone Walter , Frattaroli Anna Rita , Acosta Alicia Teresa Rosario , Carranza Maria Laura
Published: August 2021

Remote Sensing (RS) is a useful tool for detecting and mapping Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs). IAPs mapping on dynamic and heterogeneous landscapes, using satellite RS data, is not always feasible. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with ultra-high spatial resolution data represent a promising tool for IAPs detection and mapping. This work develops an operational workflow for detecting and mapping Acacia saligna invasion along Mediterranean coastal dunes. In particular, it explores and tests the potential of RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and multispectral (Green, Red, Red Edge, Near Infra—Red) UAV images collected in pre-flowering and flowering phenological stages for detecting and mapping A. saligna. After ortho—mosaics generation, we derived from RGB images the DSM (Digital Surface Model) and HIS (Hue, Intensity, Saturation) variables, and we calculated the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). For classifying images of the two phenological stages we built a set of raster stacks which include different combination of variables. For image classification, we used the Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis techniques (GEOBIA) in combination with Random Forest (RF) classifier. All classifications derived from RS information (collected on pre-flowering and flowering stages and using different combinations of variables) produced A. saligna maps with acceptable accuracy values, with higher performances on classification derived from flowering period images, especially using DSM + HIS combination. The adopted approach resulted an efficient method for mapping and early detection of IAPs, also in complex environments offering a sound support to the prioritization of conservation and management actions claimed by the EU IAS Regulation 1143/2014.
The Improved A* Obstacle Avoidance Algorithm for the Plant Protection UAV with Millimeter Wave Radar and Monocular Camera Data Fusion
Authors: Huang Xin , Dong Xiaoya , Ma Jing , Liu Kuan , Ahmed Shibbir , Lin Jinlong , Qiu Baijing
Published: August 2021

To enhance obstacle avoidance abilities of the plant protection UAV in unstructured farmland, this article improved the traditional A* algorithms through dynamic heuristic functions, search point optimization, and inflection point optimization based on millimeter wave radar and monocular camera data fusion. Obstacle information extraction experiments were carried out. The performance between the improved algorithm and traditional algorithm was compared. Additionally, obstacle avoidance experiments were also carried out. The results show that the maximum error in distance measurement of data fusion method was 8.2%. Additionally, the maximum error in obstacle width and height measurement were 27.3% and 18.5%, respectively. The improved algorithm is more useful in path planning, significantly reduces data processing time, search grid, and turning points. The algorithm at most increases path length by 2.0%, at least reduces data processing time by 68.4%, search grid by 74.9%, and turning points by 20.7%. The maximum trajectory offset error was proportional to the flight speed, with a maximum trajectory offset of 1.4 m. The distance between the UAV and obstacle was inversely proportional to flight speed, with a minimum distance of 1.6 m. This method can provide a new idea for obstacle avoidance of the plant protection UAV.
Hand Gesture Recognition on a Resource-Limited Interactive Wristband
Authors: Zhao Shenglin , Cai Haoyuan , Li Wenkuan , Liu Yaqian , Liu Chunxiu
Published: August 2021

Most of the reported hand gesture recognition algorithms require high computational resources, i.e., fast MCU frequency and significant memory, which are highly inapplicable to the cost-effectiveness of consumer electronics products. This paper proposes a hand gesture recognition algorithm running on an interactive wristband, with computational resource requirements as low as Flash < 5 KB, RAM < 1 KB. Firstly, we calculated the three-axis linear acceleration by fusing accelerometer and gyroscope data with a complementary filter. Then, by recording the order of acceleration vectors crossing axes in the world coordinate frame, we defined a new feature code named axis-crossing code. Finally, we set templates for eight hand gestures to recognize new samples. We compared this algorithm’s performance with the widely used dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm and recurrent neural network (BiLSTM and GRU). The results show that the accuracies of the proposed algorithm and RNNs are higher than DTW and that the time cost of the proposed algorithm is much less than those of DTW and RNNs. The average recognition accuracy is 99.8% on the collected dataset and 97.1% in the actual user-independent case. In general, the proposed algorithm is suitable and competitive in consumer electronics. This work has been volume-produced and patent-granted.
Robot Transparency and Anthropomorphic Attribute Effects on Human–Robot Interactions
Authors: Wang Jianmin , Liu Yujia , Yue Tianyang , Wang Chengji , Mao Jinjing , Wang Yuxi , You Fang
Published: August 2021

Anthropomorphic robots need to maintain effective and emotive communication with humans as automotive agents to establish and maintain effective human–robot performances and positive human experiences. Previous research has shown that the characteristics of robot communication positively affect human–robot interaction outcomes such as usability, trust, workload, and performance. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of transparency and anthropomorphism in robotic dual-channel communication, encompassing the voice channel (low or high, increasing the amount of information provided by textual information) and the visual channel (low or high, increasing the amount of information provided by expressive information). The results showed the benefits and limitations of increasing the transparency and anthropomorphism, demonstrating the significance of the careful implementation of transparency methods. The limitations and future directions are discussed.