bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Covalent Immobilization of Glucose Oxidase and Laccase on PV15 Fluoropolymer-Based Bioelectrodes
Authors: Montegiove Nicolò , Calzoni Eleonora , Pelosi Dario , Gammaitoni Luca , Barelli Linda , Emiliani Carla , Di Michele Alessandro , Cesaretti Alessio
Published: December 2022

Enzymatic biofuel cells (EBCs) represent a promising technology for biosensors, biodevices, and sustainable green energy applications, thanks to enzymes’ high specificity and catalytic efficiency. Nevertheless, drawbacks such as limited output power and short lifetime have to be solved. Nowadays, research is addressed to the use of 3D electrode structures, but the high cost and the industrialization difficulties of such electrodes represent a key issue. The purpose of the paper is thus to describe the use of a low-cost commercial conductive polymer (Sigracell® PV15) as support for the covalent immobilization of glucose oxidase and laccase, for bioanode and biocathode fabrication, respectively. Efficient immobilization protocols were determined for the immobilized enzymes in terms of employed linkers and enzyme concentrations, resulting in significant enzymatic activities for units of area. The analysis focuses specifically on the optimization of the challenging immobilization of laccase and assessing its stability over time. In particular, an optimum activity of 23 mU/cm2 was found by immobilizing 0.18 mg/cm2 of laccase, allowing better performances, as for voltage output and electrochemical stability, and a direct electron transfer mechanism to be revealed for the fabricated biocathode. This study thus poses the basis for the viable development of low-cost functional EBC devices for biomedical applications.
TiO2/HA and Titanate/HA Double-Layer Coatings on Ti6Al4V Surface and Their Influence on In Vitro Cell Growth and Osteogenic Potential
Authors: Ehlert Michalina , Radtke Aleksandra , Forbot Natalia , Jędrzejewski Tomasz , Roszek Katarzyna , Golińska Patrycja , Trykowski Grzegorz , Piszczek Piotr
Published: December 2022

Hydroxyapatite (HA) layers are appropriate biomaterials for use in the modification of the surface of implants produced inter alia from a Ti6Al4V alloy. The issue that must be solved is to provide implants with appropriate biointegration properties, enabling the permanent link between them and bone tissues, which is not so easy with the HA layer. Our proposition is the use of the intermediate layer ((IL) = TiO2, and titanate layers) to successfully link the HA coating to a metal substrate (Ti6Al4V). The morphology, structure, and chemical composition of Ti6Al4V/IL/HA systems were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). We evaluated the apatite-forming ability on the surface of the layer in simulated body fluid. We investigated the effects of the obtained systems on the viability and growth of human MG-63 osteoblast-like cells, mouse L929 fibroblasts, and adipose-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) in vitro, as well as on their osteogenic properties. Based on the obtained results, we can conclude that both investigated systems reflect the physiological environment of bone tissue and create a biocompatible surface supporting cell growth. However, the nanoporous TiO2 intermediate layer with osteogenesis-supportive activity seems most promising for the practical application of Ti6Al4V/TiO2/HA as a system of bone tissue regeneration.
Effect of Shot Peen Forming on Corrosion-Resistant of 2024 Aluminum Alloy in Salt Spray Environment
Authors: Qiao Jingzhen , Zhang Xiaowen , Chen Guoqing , Zhou Wenlong , Fu Xuesong , Wang Junwei
Published: December 2022

The effect of shot peen forming on the corrosion-resistant of 2024 aluminum alloy in a salt spray environment was studied with an electrochemical workstation. The surface morphology and cross sectional morphology of the original and shot peen-formed sample were studied by a scanning electron microscope. After shot peen forming, the salt spray corrosion resistance of 2024 aluminum alloy was worsened (the corrosion rates of the original alloy and the shot peen-formed alloy were 0.10467 mg/(cm2·h) and 0.27333 mg/(cm2·h), respectively, when the salt spray corrosion time was 5 h). The radius of capacitive reactance arc of the sample subjected to shot peen forming was smaller than that of the original sample. When the salt spray corrosion time was 5 h, the doping density (NA) of the original alloy was 2.5128 × 10−13/cm3. After shot peen forming, the NA of the alloy increased to 15 × 10−13/cm3. For the shot peen-formed sample, pitting corrosion first occurred in the crater lap zone and became severe with salt spray time. The cross sectional morphology of both original and the shot peen-formed samples shows that severe intergranular corrosion occurred in the salt spray environment. However, for the original sample, the intergranular corrosion distribution was lamellar. For shot peen-formed sample, the intergranular corrosion distribution was network.
Study of Forms of Compounds of Vanadium and Other Elements in Samples of Pyrometallurgical Enrichment of Ash from Burning Oil Combustion at Thermal Power Plants
Authors: Volkov Anton , Kologrieva Ulyana , Stulov Pavel
Published: December 2022

The results of the processing of ash from the combustion of fuel oil after roasting with the addition of Na2CO3 followed by aluminothermic melting are presented. As a result, metallic nickel and vanadium slag were obtained. Studies of slag, metal, and deposits on the electrode were carried out. The resulting metal contains about 90 wt% Ni. The main phases of scurf on the electrode are a solid solution based on periclase (Mg1–x–y–zNixFeyVzO), sodium-magnesium vanadate (NaMg4(VO4)3), and substituted forsterite (Mg2–x–yFexNiySiO4). The processing of ash made it possible to significantly increase the concentration of vanadium and convert it into more soluble compounds. Vanadium amount increased from 16.2 in ash to 41.4–48.1 V2O5 wt% in slag. The solubility of vanadium was studied during aqueous leaching and in solutions of H2SO4 and Na2CO3. The highest solubility of vanadium was seen in H2SO4 solutions. The degree of extraction of vanadium into the solution during sulfuric acid leaching of ash was 18.9%. In slag, this figure increased to 72.3–96.2%. In the ash sample, vanadium was found in the form of V5+, V4+ compounds, vanadium oxides VO2 (V4+), V2O5 (V5+), and V6O13, and nickel orthovanadate Ni3(VO4)2 (V5+) was found in it. In the slag sample, vanadium was in the form of compounds V5+, V4+, V3+, and V(0÷3)+; V5+ was presented in the form of compounds vanadate NaMg4(VO4)3, NaVO3, and CaxMgyNaz(VO4)6; V3+ was present in spinel (FeV2O4) and substituted karelianite (V2–x–y–zFexAlyCrzO3). In the obtained slag samples, soluble forms of vanadium are due to the presence of sodium metavanadate (NaVO3), a phase with the structure of granate CaxMgyNaz(VO4)6 and (possibly) substituted karelianite (V2–x–y–zFexAlyCrzO3). In addition, spinel phases of the MgAl2O4 type beta-alumina (NaAl11O17), nepheline (Na4–xKxAl4Si4O16), and lepidocrocite (FeOOH) were found in the slag samples.
Experimental Study and Artificial Neural Network Simulation of Cutting Forces and Delamination Analysis in GFRP Drilling
Authors: Biruk-Urban Katarzyna , Bere Paul , Józwik Jerzy , Leleń Michał
Published: December 2022

This paper reports the results of measurements of cutting forces and delamination in drilling of Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composites. Four different types of GFRP composites were tested, made by a different manufacturing method and had a different fiber type, weight fraction (wf) ratio, number of layers, but the same stacking sequence. GFRP samples were made using two technologies: a novel method based on the use of a specially designed pressing device and hand lay-up and vacuum bag technology process. The study was conducted with variable technological parameters: cutting speed vc and feed per tooth fz. The two-edge carbide diamond-coated drill produced by Seco Company was used in the experiments. Cutting-force components and delamination factor were measured in the experiments, and photos of the holes were taken to determine the delamination. In addition, modeling of cause-and-effect relationships between the technological drilling parameters vc and fz was simulated with the use of artificial neural network modeling. For all tested GFRP materials, an increase in fz led to an increase in the amplitude of cutting-force component Fz. The lowest values of the amplitude of cutting-force component Fz were obtained with the lowest tested feed per tooth value of 0.04 mm/tooth for all tested materials. It was observed that materials produced with the use of the specially designed pressing device were characterized by lower values of the cutting-force component Fz. It was also found that the delamination factor increased with an increase in fz for all tested GFRP materials. A comparison of the lowest and the highest values of fz revealed that the lowest delamination factor increase was archived by the B1 material and amounted to about 12.5%. The error margin of the obtained numerical modeling results does not exceed 15%, so it can be concluded that artificial neural networks are a suitable tool for modeling cutting force amplitudes as a function of vc and fz. The study has shown that the use of the special pressing device during the manufacturing of composite materials has a positive effect on delamination.
Development of Geopolymer-Based Materials with Ceramic Waste for Artistic and Restoration Applications
Authors: Ricciotti Laura , Occhicone Alessio , Ferone Claudio , Cioffi Raffaele , Tarallo Oreste , Roviello Giuseppina
Published: December 2022

This contribution presents the preparation and characterization of new geopolymer-based mortars obtained from recycling waste deriving from the production process and the “end-of-life” of porcelain stoneware products. Structural, morphological, and mechanical studies carried out on different kinds of mortars prepared by using several types of by-products (i.e., pressed burnt and extruded ceramic waste, raw pressed and gypsum resulting from exhausted moulds) point out that these systems can be easily cast, also in complex shapes, and show a more consistent microstructure with respect to the geopolymer paste, with a reduced amount of microcracks. Moreover, the excellent adhesion of these materials to common substrates such as pottery and earthenware, even for an elevated concentration of filler, suggests their use in the field of technical-artistic value-added applications, such as restoration, conservation, and/or rehabilitation of historic monuments, or simply as materials for building revetments. For all these reasons, the proposed materials could represent valuable candidates to try to overcome some problems experienced in the cultural heritage sector concerning the selection of environmentally friendly materials that simultaneously meet art and design technical requirements.
Crystalline Quality and Surface Morphology Improvement of Face-to-Face Annealed MBE-Grown AlN on h-BN
Authors: Zaiter Aly , Michon Adrien , Nemoz Maud , Courville Aimeric , Vennéguès Philippe , Ottapilakkal Vishnu , Vuong Phuong , Sundaram Suresh , Ougazzaden Abdallah , Brault Julien
Published: December 2022

In this study, AlN epilayers were grown by ammonia-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on 3 nm h-BN grown on c-sapphire substrates. Their structural properties were investigated by comparing as-grown and postgrowth annealed layers. The role of annealing on the crystalline quality and surface morphology was studied as a function of AlN thickness and the annealing duration and temperature. Optimum annealing conditions were identified. The results of X-ray diffraction showed that optimization of the annealing recipe led to a significant reduction in the symmetric (0 0 0 2) and skew symmetric (1 0 −1 1) reflections, which was associated with a reduction in edge and mixed threading dislocation densities (TDDs). Furthermore, the impact on the crystalline structure of AlN and its surface was studied, and the results showed a transition from a surface with high roughness to a smoother surface morphology with a significant reduction in roughness. In addition, the annealing duration was increased at 1650 °C to further understand the impact on both AlN and h-BN, and the results showed a diffusion interplay between AlN and h-BN. Finally, an AlN layer was regrown on the top of an annealed template, which led to large terraces with atomic steps and low roughness.
Regeneration of the Pulp Tissue: Cell Homing versus Cell Transplantation Approach: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tirez Elisabeth , Pedano Mariano S.
Published: December 2022

Background: The main objective of this systematic review was to compare the apical healing, root maturation and histological characteristics of teeth treated with cell-based versus cell-free techniques. Methods: The methodology of this review was based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A literature search strategy was carried out on PubMed, EMBASE and the Web of Science databases. The last search was done on 1 August 2021. Articles written in languages other than English were excluded. Two researchers independently selected the studies and extracted the data. As no randomized clinical trials were available, animal studies were included. Results: In total, 26 studies were included in the systematic review: 22 articles only researched the cell-free technique, 3 articles compared the cell-based to the cell-free technique, and 1 article compared the cell-based technique to apexification. In terms of apical healing, qualitative analysis of the data suggested that there seems to be no significant difference between cell-free and cell-based techniques. The results regarding tooth maturation are contradictory. The main difference between the cell-free and the cell-based techniques seems to be the histology of the treated tooth. The cell-free technique seems to result in cementum-like, bone-like or periodontal ligament-like tissue. One study, on the other hand, found that the cell-based technique resulted in regeneration of the whole pulp with an odontoblast layer, connective tissue, blood vessels and neuronal tissue. Conclusions: Currently, the number of randomized clinical trials on this topic are very scarce. This is probably due to the limited infrastructure and lack of resources to apply the cell-based technique. Even though both techniques seem to be promising for clinical application, long-term data need to be provided regarding the healing and reparative patterns.
Genetic Improvement and Nutrigenomic Management of Ruminants to Achieve Enteric Methane Mitigation: A Review
Authors: Kader Esen Vasfiye , Palangi Valiollah , Esen Selim
Published: December 2022

A significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions is attributed to methane (CH4), the primary greenhouse gas released by dairy animals. Thus, livestock farming has a new challenge in reducing enteric CH4 for sustainability. In anaerobic microbial ecosystems such as the rumen, carbohydrates are converted into short-chain, volatile fatty acids that animals use for energy and protein synthesis. It is, therefore, essential to understand rumen physiology, population dynamics, and diversity to target methanogens. Thus far, numerous CH4 mitigation strategies have been studied, including feeding management, nutrition, rumen modification, genetics, and other approaches for increasing animal production. As new molecular techniques are developed, scientists have more opportunities to select animals with higher genetic merit through next-generation sequencing. The amount of CH4 produced per unit of milk or meat can be permanently and cumulatively reduced through genetic selection. Developing eco-friendly and practical nutrigenomic approaches to mitigating CH4 and increasing ruminant productivity is possible using next-generation sequencing techniques. Therefore, this review summarizes current genetic and nutrigenomic approaches to reducing enteric CH4 production without posing any danger to animals or the environment.
Elasto-Inertial Focusing Mechanisms of Particles in Shear-Thinning Viscoelastic Fluid in Rectangular Microchannels
Authors: Naderi Mohammad , Barilla Ludovica , Zhou Jian , Papautsky Ian , Peng Zhangli
Published: December 2022

Growth of the microfluidics field has triggered numerous advances in focusing and separating microparticles, with such systems rapidly finding applications in biomedical, chemical, and environmental fields. The use of shear-thinning viscoelastic fluids in microfluidic channels is leading to evolution of elasto-inertial focusing. Herein, we showed that the interplay between the elastic and shear-gradient lift forces, as well as the secondary flow transversal drag force that is caused by the non-zero second normal stress difference, lead to different particle focusing patterns in the elasto-inertial regime. Experiments and 3D simulations were performed to study the effects of flowrate, particle size, and the shear-thinning extent of the fluid on the focusing patterns. The Giesekus constitutive equation was used in the simulations to capture the shear-thinning and viscoelastic behaviors of the solution used in the experiments. At low flowrate, with Weissenberg number Wi ~ O(1), both the elastic force and secondary flow effects push particles towards the channel center. However, at a high flowrate, Wi ~ O(10), the elastic force direction is reversed in the central regions. This remarkable behavior of the elastic force, combined with the enhanced shear-gradient lift at the high flowrate, pushes particles away from the channel center. Additionally, a precise prediction of the focusing position can only be made when the shear-thinning extent of the fluid is correctly estimated in the modeling. The shear-thinning also gives rise to the unique behavior of the inertial forces near the channel walls which is linked with the ‘warped’ velocity profile in such fluids.
Challenges and Opportunities for High-Power and High-Frequency AlGaN/GaN High-Electron-Mobility Transistor (HEMT) Applications: A Review
Authors: Haziq Muhaimin , Falina Shaili , Manaf Asrulnizam Abd , Kawarada Hiroshi , Syamsul Mohd
Published: December 2022

The emergence of gallium nitride high-electron-mobility transistor (GaN HEMT) devices has the potential to deliver high power and high frequency with performances surpassing mainstream silicon and other advanced semiconductor field-effect transistor (FET) technologies. Nevertheless, HEMT devices suffer from certain parasitic and reliability concerns that limit their performance. This paper aims to review the latest experimental evidence regarding HEMT technologies on the parasitic issues that affect aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN)/GaN HEMTs. The first part of this review provides a brief introduction to AlGaN/GaN HEMT technologies, and the second part outlines the challenges often faced during HEMT fabrication, such as normally-on operation, self-heating effects, current collapse, peak electric field distribution, gate leakages, and high ohmic contact resistance. Finally, a number of effective approaches to enhancing the device’s performance are addressed.
Impacts of Crystalline Host Rock on Repository Barrier Materials at 250 °C: Hydrothermal Co-Alteration of Wyoming Bentonite and Steel in the Presence of Grimsel Granodiorite
Authors: Zandanel Amber , Sauer Kirsten B. , Rock Marlena , Caporuscio Florie A. , Telfeyan Katherine , Matteo Edward N.
Published: December 2022

Direct disposal of dual-purpose canisters (DPC) has been proposed to streamline the disposal of spent nuclear fuel. However, there are scenarios where direct disposal of DPCs may result in temperatures in excess of the specified upper temperature limits for some engineered barrier system (EBS) materials, which may cause alteration within EBS materials dependent on local conditions such as host rock composition, chemistry of the saturating groundwaters, and interactions between barrier materials themselves. Here we report the results of hydrothermal experiments reacting EBS materials—bentonite buffer and steel—with an analogue crystalline host rock and groundwater at 250 °C. Experiment series explored the effect of reaction time on the final products and the effects of the mineral and fluid reactants on different steel types. Post-mortem X-ray diffraction, electron microprobe, and scanning electron microscopy analyses showed characteristic alteration of both bentonite and steel, including the formation of secondary zeolite and calcium silicate hydrate minerals within the bentonite matrix and the formation of iron-bearing clays and metal oxides at the steel surfaces. Swelling clays in the bentonite matrix were not quantitatively altered to non-swelling clay species by the hydrothermal conditions. The combined results of the solution chemistry over time and post-mortem mineralogy suggest that EBS alteration is more sensitive to initial groundwater chemistry than the presence of host rock, where limited potassium concentration in the solution prohibits conversion of the smectite minerals in the bentonite matrix to non-swelling clay species.
Novel Hydrophobic Polyvinyl-Alcohol Formaldehyde Sponges: Synthesis, Characterization, Fast and Effective Organic Solvent Uptake from Contaminated Soil Samples
Authors: Saharan Yajvinder , Singh Joginder , Goyat Rohit , Umar Ahmad , Akbar Sheikh
Published: December 2022

In the present research work, PVFTX-100, PVFSDS, and PVFT-80 sponges were prepared using polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA) with surfactants triton X-100/sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)/Tween 80, respectively, for the removal of organic solvents from polluted soil/water samples. All three obtained sponges were further made hydrophobic using dodecyltrimethoxysilane (DTMS). The prepared sponges were characterized using different spectroscopic techniques and SEM analysis. The peaks obtained near 1050 cm−1 and 790 cm−1 were attributed to Si-O-C and alkyl side chain C-H stretching vibration that confirmed the formation of desired sponges. The SEM images showed the random roughness with a number of protrusions on sponge surfaces, which further played an important role in the absorption and retention of organic solvents molecules. The Sears method was chosen to calculate the surface area and pore volume of all the synthesized sponge samples. Among all three prepared sponges, the PVFTX-100 sponge showed a high pore volume and large surface area, with a maximum percentage absorption capacity of 96%, 91%, 89.9%, 85.6%, and 80 for chlorobenzene, toluene, diesel, petrol, and hexane, respectively, after eightcycles. The organic solvent uptake using PVFTX-100, PVFSDS, and PVFT-80 sponges is quite a unique and simple technology, which could be employed at a large scale for contaminated soil/water systems.
Long Noncoding RNA, MicroRNA, Zn Transporter Zip14 (Slc39a14) and Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Jimenez-Rondan Felix , Ruggiero Courtney , Cousins Robert
Published: December 2022

Integration of non-coding RNAs and miRNAs with physiological processes in animals, including nutrient metabolism, is an important new focus. Twenty-three transporter proteins control cellular zinc homeostasis. The transporter Zip14 (Slc39a14) responds to proinflammatory stimuli. Using enterocyte-specific Zip14 knockout mice and RNA-sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), we conducted transcriptome profiling of proximal small intestine, where Zip14 is highly expressed, using RNA from whole intestine tissue, isolated intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and intestinal organoids. H19, U90926, Meg3, Bvht, Pvt1, Neat1 and miR-7027 were among the most highly expressed genes. Enterocyte-specific deletion of Zip14 demonstrated tissue specific expression, as such these changes were not observed with skeletal muscle. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays of chromatin from isolated intestinal epithelial cells showed that enterocyte-specific Zip14 deletion enhanced binding of proinflammatory transcription factors (TFs) signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-ĸβ) to promoters of H19, Meg3 and U90926. We conclude enterocyte-specific ablation of Zip14 restricts changes in those RNAs to the intestine. Binding of proinflammatory TFs, NF-ĸβ and STAT3 to the H19, Meg3 and U90926 promoters is consistent with a model where Zip14 ablation, leads to increased TF occupancy, allowing epigenetic regulation of specific lncRNA genes.
Animal- and Plant-Based Protein Sources: A Scoping Review of Human Health Outcomes and Environmental Impact
Authors: Ferrari Luca , Panaite Stefan-Alexandru , Bertazzo Antonella , Visioli Francesco
Published: December 2022

Dietary proteins are indispensable to human nutrition. In addition to their tissue-building function, they affect body composition and regulate various metabolic pathways, as well as satiety and immune system activity. Protein use can be examined from a quantitative or qualitative viewpoint. In this scoping review, we compare animal- and plant-based protein sources in terms of their effects on human health and the environment. We conclude that the consumption of vegetable protein sources is associated with better health outcomes overall (namely, on the cardiovascular system) than animal-based product use. The healthier outcomes of vegetable protein sources dovetail with their lower environmental impact, which must be considered when designing an optimal diet. Indeed, the health of the planet cannot be disjointed from the health of the human being. Future research will clarify the mechanisms of action underlying the health effects of plant-based protein sources when compared with animal sources, fostering better agronomic practices and influencing public health in a direction that will benefit both the planet and its inhabitants.
Association between Dietary Behaviors and BMI Stratified by Sex and the ALDH2 rs671 Polymorphism in Japanese Adults
Authors: Igarashi Maki , Nogawa Shun , Hachiya Tsuyoshi , Furukawa Kyohei , Takahashi Shoko , Jia Huijuan , Saito Kenji , Kato Hisanori
Published: December 2022

The rs671 polymorphism, unique to East Asians, is well known to change the sensitivity to alcohol. Moreover, this polymorphism is associated not only with alcohol intake but also with several dietary behaviors (DBs), chronic diseases, and BMI, but the triadic association among the rs671 genotype, DBs, and BMI is unclear. This study included 12,271 Japanese subjects and aimed to observe this three-way association using the rs671 polymorphism, data of 56 DBs, and BMI. All analyses were stratified by participant sex. First, linear regression analyses resulted in significant associations between 18 and 21 DBs and BMI in males and females, respectively. Next, genetic heterogeneity was observed in all sub-groups via interaction analysis of the rs671 genotype stratified by drinking habits. Finally, we observed the characteristics of BMI-related DBs based on the rs671 genotype via stepwise regression analyses stratified by the rs671 genotype and drinking habits. Notably, positive associations were observed between lactobacillus beverage intake and BMI among participants with the rs671 polymorphism AA genotype in both sexes. This study suggests that the rs671 polymorphism modifies the association between DBs and BMI independently of drinking habits, providing evidence for the potential use of rs671 polymorphism information for precision nutrition with East Asians.
Barriers and Facilitators of Weight Management among School Children with Obesity: A Qualitative Investigation of Parents’ Perceptions
Authors: Zuarub Sara , Stojanovska Lily , Ali Habiba I.
Published: December 2022

Parents play a critical role in influencing the eating habits of their children. This study examined parents’ perceptions of factors that contributed to childhood obesity and sought their suggestions on various modalities for overcoming the barriers to healthy eating. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were undertaken with 26 parents of 9–13 years old school children with obesity from the United Arab Emirates. Three main topics covered in the interviews were: (1) Parents’ perceptions of their children’s weight and eating habits; (2) Attitudes towards healthy eating and weight management; and (3) Suggestions on how their children can adopt a healthy lifestyle. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed using the NVIVO software to identify the emerging main themes and sub-themes. Parents identified individual/intrapersonal (child), interpersonal (peers, family, nannies), and institutional/school environment barriers and facilitators to a healthier lifestyle. The three major themes that emerged were: (1) Negative effects of obesity on children’s lives; (2) Barriers to weight management and healthy lifestyle; and (3) Facilitators to healthy eating. Nutritional education and a supportive home and school environment were suggested for the adoption of a healthy lifestyle by children.
Metabolically Healthy Obesity and Carotid Plaque among Steelworkers in North China: The Role of Inflammation
Authors: Yu Miao , Zhang Shengkui , Wang Lihua , Wu Jianhui , Li Xiaoming , Yuan Juxiang
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to investigate the association between metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and carotid plaque. In this cross-sectional survey, 3467 steelworkers in North China were surveyed. There are two criteria for defining a carotid plaque: (1) the lesion structure exceeds 50% of the peripheral intima-media thickness value or invades the arterial lumen by at least 0.5 mm; (2) a thickness > 1.5 mm from the intima–lumen interface to the media–adventitia interface. Metabolic health was defined as the nonexistence of one of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) diagnostic criteria for metabolic abnormalities. Obesity was defined as having a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. To calculate the odds ratio (OR) for the prevalence carotid plaque, a logistic regression was used for the analysis. The prevalence of carotid plaque in the subjects was 14.3% for metabolically healthy non-obesity (MHNO), 32.4% for MHO, 18.9% for metabolically unhealthy non-obesity (MUNO), and 46.8% for metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). The odds ratios for suffering from carotid plaque were 1.27 (95% CI: 0.69 to 2.32) for MHO, 1.83 (95% CI: 1.29 to 2.58) for MUNO, and 1.81 (1.28 to 2.56) for MUO in comparison with MHNO after adjusting for confounders. There was no association between the MHO phenotype and carotid plaque prevalence among steelworkers in North China.
The Effect of Maternal Overweight and Obesity Pre-Pregnancy and During Childhood in the Development of Obesity in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Mannino Adriana , Sarapis Katerina , Moschonis George
Published: December 2022

Maternal overweight/obesity has been associated with an increased risk of obesity in childhood. We investigated the effect of maternal overweight/obesity during pre-pregnancy and whether it is a stronger predictor of child obesity, compared to maternal overweight/obesity during childhood. Prospective or retrospective cohort studies published in English, reporting on obese children and adolescents (2–18 years), with overweight/obese mothers in either pre-pregnancy or during childhood were included. A search was conducted from 2012 to April 2022 in MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and EMBASE, followed by screening, data extraction, quality assessment and narrative synthesis. Eleven eligible studies (9 prospective and 2 retrospective cohort studies; total sample, n = 27,505) were identified. Eight studies examined maternal overweight/obesity in pre-conception, presenting consistent positive associations with childhood obesity, three reported positive associations between childhood obesity and maternal overweight/obesity during childhood, and one presented positive associations between both maternal exposures. The narrative synthesis failed to identify which maternal exposure is the strongest predictor of childhood obesity, with studies reporting significant associations between maternal overweight/obesity and child obesity in both time points. Intervention programs aiming to reduce childhood obesity should focus on supporting women of childbearing age with weight management from preconception and throughout their life-course.
Study of the Cosmetic Potential Uses of Plants from Mayotte as Skin Care Agents through the Screening of Their Biological Activities
Authors: Genva Manon , Lheureux Laura , Saive Matthew , Maes Chloé , Fauconnier Marie-Laure
Published: December 2022

(1) The island of Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean, possesses remarkable biodiversity. In a previous ethnobotanical study, we already highlighted 69 different plant species used in traditional medicine. Among those, 21 were traditionally employed for skin care by the local populations. The present study aimed to better understand the traditional use of those plants by investigating their in vitro biological activities and, more specifically, their anti-lipoxygenase, antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties. (2) These three activities were, respectively, determined by lipoxygenase inhibition, DPPH-reducing potency, and anti-tyrosinase activity assays. (3) Results revealed high biological activities for several plant species, with some of them displaying one strong single activity, while others had at the same time anti-lipoxygenase, antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase effects. (4) Those in vitro biological activities agreed with the traditional use of those plants by the local population. It also highlights the high potential of those species from Mayotte in the development of new cosmetic ingredients for the treatment of many skin affections, such as eczema.
Characterisation of Macrophage Inhibitory Factor-2 (MIF-2) in Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta
Authors: Umair Saleh , Knight Jacqueline S. , Bouchet Charlotte , Palevich Nikola , Cleland Sheralee B. , Grant Warwick , Simpson Heather V.
Published: December 2022

Full-length cDNAs encoding macrophage inhibitory factor-2 (MIF-2) were cloned from Teladorsagia circumcincta (TcMIF-2) and Haemonchus contortus (HcMIF-2). TcMIF-2 and HcMIF-2 cDNA (342 bp) encoded proteins of 114 amino acids, each of which was present as a single band of about 16 kDa on SDS-PAGE. Multiple alignments of the protein sequences showed homology of 84% between TcMIF-2 and HcMIF-2, 54–76% with MIF-2s of seven nematodes, but low homology with other MIF sequences. The predicted three-dimensional structures revealed an overall structural homology of TcMIF-2 and HcMIF-2, highly conserved binding and catalytic sites and minor differences in the tautomerase binding site residues in other nematode MIF-2 homologues. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using helminth and mammalian MIF-1 and MIF-2 sequences. Soluble C-terminal MIF-2 proteins were cloned in arabinose inducible promotor AY2.4, expressed in Escherichia coli strain AY2.4 and purified. Recombinant TcMIF-2 and HcMIF-2 had similar enzyme activities in a standard tautomerase assay. Recombinant HcMIF-2 activity was approximately halved by storage at 4 °C, −20 °C or −70 °C. Antibodies in serum and saliva from field-immune, but not nematode-naïve, sheep recognised recombinant HcMIF-2 and TcMIF-2 in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Recognition of the recombinant proteins by antibodies generated by exposure of sheep to the native enzyme indicates similar antigenicity of the two proteins.
Towards a Harmonized Terminology: A Glossary for Biocide Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Neuhaus Szilvia , Feßler Andrea T. , Dieckmann Ralf , Thieme Lara , Pletz Mathias W. , Schwarz Stefan , Al Dahouk Sascha
Published: December 2022

Disinfection is a key strategy to reduce the burden of infections. The contact of bacteria to biocides—the active substances of disinfectants—has been linked to bacterial adaptation and the development of antimicrobial resistance. Currently, there is no scientific consensus on whether the excessive use of biocides contributes to the emergence and spread of multidrug resistant bacteria. The comprehensive analysis of available data remains a challenge because neither uniform test procedures nor standardized interpretive criteria nor harmonized terms are available to describe altered bacterial susceptibility to biocides. In our review, we investigated the variety of criteria and the diversity of terms applied to interpret findings in original studies performing biocide susceptibility testing (BST) of field isolates. An additional analysis of reviews summarizing the knowledge of individual studies on altered biocide susceptibility provided insights into currently available broader concepts for data interpretation. Both approaches pointed out the urgent need for standardization. We, therefore, propose that the well-established and approved concepts for interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing data should serve as a role model to evaluate biocide resistance mechanisms on a single cell level. Furthermore, we emphasize the adaptations necessary to acknowledge the specific needs for the evaluation of BST data. Our approach might help to increase scientific awareness and acceptance.
Immunomodulatory, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Effects of Rice Bran Grown in Iraq: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Talib Wamidh H. , Mahmod Asma Ismail , Awajan Dima , Hamed Reem Ali , Al-Yasari Intisar Hadi
Published: December 2022

Emerging evidence supports the role of rice bran in cancer prevention. Studies were conducted on multiple rice cultivars. However, limited studies were conducted on rice cultivars in the Middle East. In this study, rice bran growing in Iraq (O. sativa ssp. Japonica, cultivars: Amber Barka) was evaluated for its effect on preventing cancer and stimulating the immune system. Rice bran was collected from local mills in Al-Najaf (south of Iraq). Several solvent extracts (ethanol, methanol, n-hexane, and water) were prepared by maceration. MTT assay was used to measure the antiproliferative effects of extracts against a panel of cancer cell lines. The ability of each extract to induce apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis was measured using standard ELISA kits. The effect of extracts on the immune system was evaluated using a lymphocyte proliferation assay, a pinocytic activity assay, a phagocytic activity assay, and a Th1/Th2 cytokine detection kit. A microbroth dilution method was used to detect the antimicrobial activity of each extract against different microbial strains. LC–MS analysis was used to detect the phytochemical composition of extracts, while DPPH assay was used to determine the antioxidant activity. For the in vivo study, rice bran was added to mouse fodder at 10% and 20%. Mice were treated for two weeks using mouse fodder supplemented with rice bran. In the third week of the experiment, EMT6/P breast cancer cells (1 × 10⁶ cells/mL) were injected subcutaneously into the abdominal area of each mouse. The dimensions of the grown tumors were measured after 14 days of tumor inoculation. A microbroth dilution method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of rice bran extracts against three bacterial strains. The highest antiproliferative activity was observed in ethanol and n-hexane extracts. Ethanol and methanol extract showed the highest activity to induce apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis. Both extracts were also effective to enhance immunity by activating lymphocytes and phagocytes proliferation with modulations of cytokine levels. The incorporation of rice bran in mice food caused a 20% regression in tumor development and growth compared with the negative control. All extracts exhibited limited antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms. Methanol extract showed antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 114 µg/mL. LC–MS analysis revealed the presence of multiple phytochemicals in rice bran including apiin, ferulic acid, and succinic acid. Rice bran is a rich source of active phytochemicals that may inhibit cancer and stimulate the immune system. Rice bran’s biological activities could be due to the presence of multiple synergistically active phytochemicals. Further studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms of action of rice bran.
New Derivatives of the Multi-Stage Active Malaria Box Compound MMV030666 and Their Antiplasmodial Potencies
Authors: Hermann Theresa , Wallner Robin , Dolensky Johanna , Seebacher Werner , Pferschy-Wenzig Eva-Maria , Kaiser Marcel , Mäser Pascal , Weis Robert
Published: December 2022

MMV’s Malaria Box compound MMV030666 shows multi-stage activity against various strains of Plasmodium falciparum and lacks resistance development. To evaluate the importance of its diarylether partial structure, diarylthioethers and diphenylamines with varying substitution patterns were prepared. A number of evident structure-activity relationships were revealed. Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined experimentally (passive permeability) or calculated. Compared to the lead compound a diarylthioether was more active and less cytotoxic resulting in an excellent selectivity index of 850. In addition, pharmacokinetic and physicochemical parameters were improved.
Distribution in Rat Blood and Brain of TDMQ20, a Copper Chelator Designed as a Drug-Candidate for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Huang Lan , Zeng Yaoxun , Li Yongliang , Zhu Yingshan , He Yan , Liu Yan , Robert Anne , Meunier Bernard
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: TDMQ20 is a specific regulator of copper homeostasis in the brain, able to inhibit cognitive impairment in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in mouse models of AD. To promote the further development of this drug-candidate, preliminary data on the pharmacokinetics of TDMQ20 in a mammal model have been collected. Since TDMQ20 should be administered orally, its absorption by the gastrointestinal tract was evaluated by comparison of blood concentrations after administration by oral and IV routes, and its ability to reach its target (the brain) was confirmed by comparison between blood and brain concentrations after oral administration. (2) Methods: plasmatic and brain concentrations of the drug after oral or intravenous treatment of rats at pharmacologically relevant doses were determined as a function of time. (3) Results: oral absorption of TDMQ20 was rapid and bioavailability was high (66% and 86% for males and females, respectively). The drug accumulated in the brain for several hours (brain–plasma ratio 3 h after oral administration = 2.6), and was then efficiently cleared. (4) Conclusions: these data confirm that TDMQ20 efficiently crosses the brain–blood barrier and is a relevant drug-candidate to treat AD.
Automated GMP Production and Preclinical Evaluation of [68Ga]Ga-TEoS-DAZA and [68Ga]Ga-TMoS-DAZA
Authors: Greiser Julia , Winkens Thomas , Perkas Olga , Kuehnel Christian , Weigand Wolfgang , Freesmeyer Martin
Published: December 2022

[68Ga]Ga-TEoS-DAZA and [68Ga]Ga-TMoS-DAZA are two novel radiotracers suitable for functional PET liver imaging. Due to their specific liver uptake and biliary excretion, the tracers may be applied for segmental liver function quantification, gall tree imaging and the differential diagnosis of liver nodules. The purpose of this study was to investigate problems that occurred initially during the development of the GMP compliant synthesis procedure and to evaluate the tracers in a preclinical model. After low radiolabeling yields were attributed to precursor instability at high temperatures, an optimized radiolabeling procedure was established. Quality controls were in accordance with Ph. Eur. requirements and gave compliant results, although the method for the determination of the 68Ga colloid is partially inhibited due to the presence of a radioactive by-product. The determination of logP revealed [68Ga]Ga-TEoS-DAZA (ethoxy bearing) to be more lipophilic than [68Ga]Ga-TMoS-DAZA (methoxy bearing). Accordingly, biodistribution studies in an in ovo model showed a higher liver uptake for [68Ga]Ga-TEoS-DAZA. In dynamic in ovo PET imaging, rapid tracer accumulation in the liver was observed. Similarly, the activity in the intestines rose steadily within the first hour p.i., indicating biliary excretion. As [68Ga]Ga-TEoS-DAZA and [68Ga]Ga-TMoS-DAZA can be prepared according to GMP guidelines, transition into the early clinical phase is now possible.
Generation of Brain Microvascular Endothelial-like Cells from Human iPS Cell-Derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells Using TGF-β Receptor Inhibitor, Laminin 511 Fragment, and Neuronal Cell Culture Supplements
Authors: Aoki Hiromasa , Yamashita Misaki , Hashita Tadahiro , Iwao Takahiro , Aoyama Mineyoshi , Matsunaga Tamihide
Published: December 2022

Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) constitute the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which prevents the transfer of substances into the brain. Recently, in vitro BBB models using human-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (iBMELCs) have been created. However, it is suggested that iBMELCs differentiated by the existing methods are different from the BMECs that occur in vivo. This study aimed to establish iBMELCs generated via human iPS cell-derived endothelial progenitor cells (iEPCs) (E-iBMELCs). Expanded and cryopreserved iEPCs were thawed and differentiated into mature endothelial cells under various conditions. Intercellular barriers were significantly enhanced in E-iBMELCs using a B-27 supplement, transforming growth factor-β receptor inhibitor, and laminin 511 fragment. Expression of the endothelial cell markers was higher in the E-iBMELCs generated in this study compared with conventional methods. In addition, E-iBMELCs expressed P-glycoprotein. E-iBMELCs developed in this study will significantly contribute to drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases and might elucidate the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases associated with BBB disruption.
Modeling and Analysis of Morphology of Injection Molding Polypropylene Parts Induced by In-Mold Annealing
Authors: Salomone Rita , Speranza Vito , Liparoti Sara , Titomanlio Giuseppe , Pantani Roberto
Published: December 2022

It is generally recognized that high-temperature treatments, namely annealing, influence the microstructure and the morphology, which, in turn, determine the mechanical properties of polymeric parts. Therefore, annealing can be adopted to control the mechanical performance of the molded parts. This work aims to assess the effect of annealing on the morphology developed in isotactic polypropylene (iPP) injection-molded parts. In particular, a two-step annealing is adopted: the polymer is injected in a mold at a high temperature (413 or 433 K), which is kept for 5 min (first annealing step); afterward, the mold temperature is cooled down at 403 K and held at that temperature for a time compatible with the crystallization half-time at that temperature (second annealing step). The characterization of morphology is carried out by optical and electronic scanning microscopy. The temperature of the first annealing step does not influence the thickness of the fibrillar skin layer; however, such a layer is thinner than that found in the molded parts obtained without any annealing steps. The second annealing step does not influence the thickness of the fibrillar skin layer. The dimension of spherulites found in the core is strongly influenced by both annealing steps: the spherulite dimensions enlarge by the effect of annealing steps. A model that considers spherulite and fibril evolutions is adopted to describe the effect of molding conditions on the final morphology distribution along the part thickness. The model, which adopts as input the thermo-mechanical histories calculated by commercial software for injection molding simulation, consistently predicts the main effects of the molding conditions on the morphology distributions.