bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healing of Alveolar Sockets Treated with Concentrated Growth Factors: A Split-Mouth Study
Authors: Mozzati Marco , Tumedei Margherita , Gallesio Giorgia , Menicucci Giulio , Manzella Carlo , Testori Tiziano , Fabbro Massimo Del
Published: July 2022

Background: tooth extraction is a common procedure in oral surgery. The socket healing process involves hard and soft tissues and is characterized by intense remodeling, which may determine consistent dimension changes. Several autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) proved to be effective for enhancing alveolar socket healing after tooth extraction, accelerating socket closure and countering alveolar bone resorption. Concentrated growth factors (CGFs) are one of the most recently developed APCs, and their effect on the socket healing process still needs to be confirmed. Aim: The aim of the present split-mouth study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CGFs in enhancing the healing process in the postextraction alveolar socket and reducing postoperative pain. Methods: One hundred and fifty-four extractions were performed. One of the extraction sockets of each patient was treated with CGFs (test site), and the other socket was unfilled (control site). The main outcomes were: healing index, alveolar dimensions at the crestal level, socket closure, and pain perception. Descriptive statistics of the results were analyzed. Follow-up data were compared to baseline using paired tests. Results: The healing index on day 7 was significantly better (p < 0.001) in the test group (5.01 ± 1.30) as compared to the control group (6.65 ± 1.41). The mean visual analog scale for pain (VAS) was significantly higher for the control group when compared to the CGF group in the first 5 days postextraction. There was a trend toward greater socket closure in the CGF group, indicating faster healing, as compared to the control group at 7, 14, and 21 days. Conclusions: CGFs can represent a useful adjunctive tool, considering their mechanical and biological properties, for improving alveolar socket healing and reducing postoperative patient discomfort.
A Series of New Pyrrole Alkaloids with ALR2 Inhibitory Activities from the Sponge Stylissa massa
Authors: Wang Qi , Gao Chunhua , Wei Zhun , Tang Xiaowen , Ji Lixia , Luo Xiangchao , Peng Xiaoping , Li Gang , Lou Hongxiang
Published: July 2022

Twelve new and four known alkaloids including five different structural scaffolds were isolated from the sponge Stylissa massa collected in the South China Sea. Compound 1 is the first identified precursor metabolite of the classic 5/7/5 tricyclic skeleton with unesterified guanidine and carboxyl groups, compounds 2–5 and 13–15 belong to the spongiacidin-type pyrrole imidazole alkaloids (PIAs). Z- and E-configurations of the spongiacidin-type PIAs often appeared concomitantly and were distinguished by the chemical shift analysis of 13C NMR spectra. The structures of all twelve new compounds were determined by NMR, MS, and ECD analysis combined with single-crystal data of compounds 1, 5, and 10. In the aldose reductase (ALR2) inhibitory assay, six 5/7/5 tricyclic compounds (2–5, 13–15) displayed significant activities. Compounds 13 and 14, as the representative members of spongiacidin-PIAs, demonstrated their ALR2-targeted activities in SPR experiments with KD values of 12.5 and 6.9 µM, respectively.
Dry Glass Reference Perturbation Theory Predictions of the Temperature and Pressure Dependent Separations of Complex Liquid Mixtures Using SBAD-1 Glassy Polymer Membranes
Authors: Marshall Bennett D. , Li Wenjun , Lively Ryan P.
Published: July 2022

In this work we apply dry glass reference perturbation theory (DGRPT) within the context of fully mutualized diffusion theory to predict the temperature and pressure dependent separations of complex liquid mixtures using SBAD-1 glassy polymer membranes. We demonstrate that the approach allows for the prediction of the membrane-based separation of complex liquid mixtures over a wide range of temperature and pressure, using only single-component vapor sorption isotherms measured at 25 °C to parameterize the model. The model was then applied to predict the membrane separation of a light shale crude using a structure oriented lumping (SOL) based compositional model of petroleum. It was shown that when DGRPT is applied based on SOL compositions, the combined model allows for the accurate prediction of separation performance based on the trend of both molecular weight and molecular class.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Properties of GH3536 Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Huang Shuai , Chen Bingqing , Liu Wei , Zhou Biao , Zhang Xuejun , Zeng Qi , Guo Shaoqing
Published: July 2022

Selective laser melting (SLM) forming technology to prepare nickel-based superalloy parts can significantly save costs and solve bottleneck problems. The extremely high-temperature gradient and large residual stress during SLM lead to structural defects and compositional segregation. The parts formed by SLM urgently need heat treatment to control the microstructure composition and improve mechanical properties. Results showed that the heat treatment did not significantly change the microcracks and pores in the SLM sample, but the carbides in the grain boundary gradually changed from a granular distribution to a continuous strip distribution. After heat treatment, the elongation increased significantly, but the yield strength decreased. The tensile fracture of the SLM samples changed from a transgranular fracture to a ductile fracture, and obvious plastic deformation occurred, confirming that heat treatment can improve the benefits of the SLM sample.
The Catalytic Domain of Neuropathy Target Esterase Influences Lipid Droplet Biogenesis and Lipid Metabolism in Human Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: He Lin , Huang Feifei , Wang Yu , Wu Yijun , Xu Li , Chang Pingan
Published: July 2022

As an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-anchored phospholipase, neuropathy target esterase (NTE) catalyzes the deacylation of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). The catalytic domain of NTE (NEST) exhibits comparable activity to NTE and binds to lipid droplets (LD). In the current study, the nucleotide monophosphate (cNMP)-binding domains (CBDs) were firstly demonstrated not to be essential for the ER-targeting of NTE, but to be involved in the normal ER distribution and localization to LD. NEST was associated with LD surface and influenced LD formation in human neuroblastoma cells. Overexpression of NEST enhances triacylglycerol (TG) accumulation upon oleic acid loading. Quantitative targeted lipidomic analysis shows that overexpression of NEST does not alter diacylglycerol levels but reduces free fatty acids content. NEST not only lowered levels of LPC and acyl-LPC, but not PC or alkyl-PC, but also widely altered levels of other lipid metabolites. Qualitative PCR indicates that the increase in levels of TG is due to the expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 gene by NEST overexpression. Thus, NTE may broadly regulate lipid metabolism to play roles in LD biogenesis in cells.
Reconnoitering the Therapeutic Role of Curcumin in Disease Prevention and Treatment: Lessons Learnt and Future Directions
Authors: Sivani Bala Mohan , Azzeh Mahmoud , Patnaik Rajashree , Pantea Stoian Anca , Rizzo Manfredi , Banerjee Yajnavalka
Published: July 2022

Turmeric is a plant with a very long history of medicinal use across different cultures. Curcumin is the active part of turmeric, which has exhibited various beneficial physiological and pharmacological effects. This review aims to critically appraise the corpus of literature associated with the above pharmacological properties of curcumin, with a specific focus on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antimicrobial properties. We have also reviewed the different extraction strategies currently in practice, highlighting the strengths and drawbacks of each technique. Further, our review also summarizes the clinical trials that have been conducted with curcumin, which will allow the reader to get a quick insight into the disease/patient population of interest with the outcome that was investigated. Lastly, we have also highlighted the research areas that need to be further scrutinized to better grasp curcumin’s beneficial physiological and medicinal properties, which can then be translated to facilitate the design of better bioactive therapeutic leads.
Nonlinear Effects of Pulsed Ion Beam in Ultra-High Resolution Material Removal
Authors: Xie Lingbo , Tian Ye , Shi Feng , Song Ci , Tie Guipeng , Zhou Gang , Shao Jianda , Liu Shijie
Published: July 2022

Ion beam sputtering is widely utilized in the area of ultra-high precision fabrication, coating, and discovering the microworld. A pulsed ion beam (PIB) can achieve higher material removal resolution while maintaining traditional ion beam removal performance and macro removal efficiency. In this paper, a 0.01 s pulse width beam is used to sputter atom layer deposition (ALD) coated samples. The nano-scale phenomenon is observed by high-resolution TEM. The results show that when the cumulative sputtering time is less than 1.7 s, the sputtering removal of solid by ion beam is accompanied by a nonlinear effect. Furthermore, the shortest time (0.05 s) and lowest thickness (0.35 nm) necessary to remove a uniform layer of material were established. The definition of its nonlinear effect under a very small removal amount guides industrial ultra-high precision machining. It reveals that PIB not only has high removal resolution on nanoscale, but can also realize high volume removal efficiency and large processing diameter at the same time. These features make PIB promising in the manufacturing of high power/energy laser optics, lithography objective lens, MEMS, and other ultra-high precision elements.
Evaluation of Conditions to Improve Biomass Production by Submerged Culture of Ganoderma sp.
Authors: Rosales-López Catalina , Vargas-López Alejandro , Monge-Artavia Mariana , Rojas-Chaves Miguel
Published: July 2022

In the present investigation, the conditions for in vitro submerged culture of a native strain of Ganoderma sp. were evaluated. Different culture medium ingredients, inoculum concentrations, inoculation methods, configuration, and airflows were evaluated to improve biomass production. The addition of thiamine and olive oil to the culture medium increased biomass production, as well as inoculating 6.6 g/L since there are no significant differences in biomass growth according to inoculum origin (pre-inoculum, discs or with spores). The best configuration of the 3 L stirred tank bioreactor was using three impellers and a porous air diffuser of 0.25 volume per volume per minute (vvm), the dry biomass concentration was 22.6 g/L after 12 days of cultivation at 30 °C, much higher than other investigations. This study provides relevant information for pilot-scale production of this fungus for future secondary metabolites. The culture medium was optimized, and it was defined that the concentration and origin of the inoculum did not influence the growth of Biomass, but the aeration and the configuration of the system allowed the establishment of protocols for the cultivation of Ganoderma sp.
Potential of Phase-Amplitude-Based Multi-Scale Full Waveform Inversion with Total-Variation Regularization for Seismic Imaging of Deep-Seated Ores
Authors: Xu Yongzhong , Hu Yong , Xie Zhou , Han Liguo , Zhang Yintao , Yuan Jingyi , Wan Xiaoguo , Deng Xingliang
Published: July 2022

As the demand for ore resources increases, the target for mineral exploration gradually shifts from shallow to deep parts of the Earth (>1 km). However, for the ore-hosting strata, it is difficult to obtain high-resolution images by using the electromagnetic method. Seismic full waveform inversion (FWI) is an optimization algorithm which aims at minimizing the prestack seismic data residual between synthetic and observed data. In this case, FWI provides an effective way to achieve high-resolution imaging of subsurface structures. However, acquired seismic data usually lack low frequencies, resulting in severe cycle skipping of FWI, when the initial velocity model is far away from the true one. Phase information in the seismic data provides the kinematic characteristics of waves and has a quasi-linearly relationship with subsurface structures. In this article, we propose to use a phase-amplitude-based full waveform inversion with total-variation regularization (TV-PAFWI) to invert the deep-seated ores. The ore-hosting velocity model test results demonstrate that the TV-PAFWI is suitable for high-resolution velocity model building, especially for deep-seated ores.
Raman Method in Identification of Species and Varieties, Assessment of Plant Maturity and Crop Quality—A Review
Authors: Saletnik Aneta , Saletnik Bogdan , Puchalski Czesław
Published: July 2022

The present review covers reports discussing potential applications of the specificity of Raman techniques in the advancement of digital farming, in line with an assumption of yield maximisation with minimum environmental impact of agriculture. Raman is an optical spectroscopy method which can be used to perform immediate, label-free detection and quantification of key compounds without destroying the sample. The authors particularly focused on the reports discussing the use of Raman spectroscopy in monitoring the physiological status of plants, assessing crop maturity and quality, plant pathology and ripening, and identifying plant species and their varieties. In recent years, research reports have presented evidence confirming the effectiveness of Raman spectroscopy in identifying biotic and abiotic stresses in plants as well as in phenotyping and digital selection of plants in farming. Raman techniques used in precision agriculture can significantly improve capacities for farming management, crop quality assessment, as well as biological and chemical contaminant detection, thereby contributing to food safety as well as the productivity and profitability of agriculture. This review aims to increase the awareness of the growing potential of Raman spectroscopy in agriculture among plant breeders, geneticists, farmers and engineers.
Streamlining Culture Conditions for the Neuroblastoma Cell Line SH-SY5Y: A Prerequisite for Functional Studies
Authors: Feles Sebastian , Overath Christian , Reichardt Sina , Diegeler Sebastian , Schmitz Claudia , Kronenberg Jessica , Baumstark-Khan Christa , Hemmersbach Ruth , Hellweg Christine E. , Liemersdorf Christian
Published: July 2022

The neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y has been a well-established and very popular in vitro model in neuroscience for decades, especially focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. The ability of this cell type to differentiate compared with other models in neurobiology makes it one of the few suitable models without having to rely on a primary culture of neuronal cells. Over the years, various, partly contradictory, methods of cultivation have been reported. This study is intended to provide a comprehensive guide to the in vitro cultivation of undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells. For this purpose, the morphology of the cell line and the differentiation of the individual subtypes are described, and instructions for cell culture practice and long-term cryoconservation are provided. We describe the key growth characteristics of this cell line, including proliferation and confluency data, optimal initial seeding cell numbers, and a comparison of different culture media and cell viability during cultivation. Furthermore, applying an optimized protocol in a long-term cultivation over 60 days, we show that cumulative population doubling (CPD) is constant over time and does not decrease with incremental passage, enabling stable cultivation, for example, for recurrent differentiation to achieve the highest possible reproducibility in subsequent analyses. Therefore, we provide a solid guidance for future research that employs the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y.
New and Recent Results for Thermoelectric Energy Conversion in Graded Alloys at Nanoscale
Authors: Cimmelli Vito Antonio , Rogolino Patrizia
Published: July 2022

In this article, we review the main features of nonlocal and nonlinear heat transport in nanosystems and analyze some celebrated differential equations which describe this phenomenon. Then, we present a new heat-transport equation arising within the so-called thermomass theory of heat conduction. We illustrate how such a theory can be applied to the analysis of the efficiency of a thermoelectric energy generator constituted by a Silicon–Germanium alloy, as the application and new results for a nanowire of length L=100 nm, are presented as well. The thermal conductivity of the nanowire as a function of composition and temperature is determined in light of the experimental data. Additionally, the best-fit curve is obtained. The dependency of the thermoelectric efficiency of the system on both the composition and the difference of temperature applied to its ends is investigated. For the temperatures T=300 K, T=400 K, and T=500 K, we calculate the values of the composition corresponding to the optimal efficiency, as well as the optimal values of the thermal conductivity. Finally, these new results are compared with recent ones obtained for a system of length L=3 mm, in order to point out the benefits due to the miniaturization in thermoelectric energy conversion.
Heteroatom-Doped Porous Carbon-Based Nanostructures for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Lu Qingqing , Eid Kamel , Li Wenpeng
Published: July 2022

The continual rise of the CO2 concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere is the foremost reason for environmental concerns such as global warming, ocean acidification, rising sea levels, and the extinction of various species. The electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) is a promising green and efficient approach for converting CO2 to high-value-added products such as alcohols, acids, and chemicals. Developing efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts is the main barrier to scaling up CO2RR for large-scale applications. Heteroatom-doped porous carbon-based (HA-PCs) catalysts are deemed as green, efficient, low-cost, and durable electrocatalysts for the CO2RR due to their great physiochemical and catalytic merits (i.e., great surface area, electrical conductivity, rich electrical density, active sites, inferior H2 evolution activity, tailorable structures, and chemical–physical–thermal stability). They are also easily synthesized in a high yield from inexpensive and earth-abundant resources that meet sustainability and large-scale requirements. This review emphasizes the rational synthesis of HA-PCs for the CO2RR rooting from the engineering methods of HA-PCs to the effect of mono, binary, and ternary dopants (i.e., N, S, F, or B) on the CO2RR activity and durability. The effect of CO2 on the environment and human health, in addition to the recent advances in CO2RR fundamental pathways and mechanisms, are also discussed. Finally, the evolving challenges and future perspectives on the development of heteroatom-doped porous carbon-based nanocatalysts for the CO2RR are underlined.
Entropy Generation and Statistical Analysis of MHD Hybrid Nanofluid Unsteady Squeezing Flow between Two Parallel Rotating Plates with Activation Energy
Authors: Murshid Nimer , Mulki Hasan , Abu-Samha Mahmoud , Owhaib Wahib , Raju S. Suresh Kumar , Raju Chakravarthula S. K. , JayachandraBabu Macherla , Homod Raad Z. , Al-Kouz Wael
Published: July 2022

Squeezing flow is a flow where the material is squeezed out or disfigured within two parallel plates. Such flow is beneficial in various fields, for instance, in welding engineering and rheometry. The current study investigates the squeezing flow of a hybrid nanofluid (propylene glycol–water mixture combined with paraffin wax–sand) between two parallel plates with activation energy and entropy generation. The governing equations are converted into ordinary differential equations using appropriate similarity transformations. The shooting strategy (combined with Runge–Kutta fourth order method) is applied to solve these transformed equations. The results of the conducted parametric study are explained and revealed in graphs. This study uses a statistical tool (correlation coefficient) to illustrate the impact of the relevant parameters on the engineering parameters of interest, such as the surface friction factor at both plates. This study concludes that the squeezing number intensifies the velocity profiles, and the rotating parameter decreases the fluid velocity. In addition, the magnetic field, rotation parameter, and nanoparticle volumetric parameter have a strong negative relationship with the friction factor at the lower plate. Furthermore, heat source has a strong negative relationship with heat transfer rate near the lower plate, and a strong positive correlation with the same phenomena near the upper plate. In conclusion, the current study reveals that the entropy generation is increased with the Brinkman number and reduced with the squeezing parameter. Moreover, the results of the current study verify and show a decent agreement with the data from earlier published research outcomes.
The Interrelation of Synthesis Conditions and Wettability Properties of the Porous Anodic Alumina Membranes
Authors: Tishkevich Daria I. , Vorobjova Alla I. , Bondaruk Anastasia A. , Dashkevich Elena S. , Shimanovich Dmitry L. , Razanau Ihar U. , Zubar Tatiana I. , Yakimchuk Dmitry V. , Dong Mengge G. , Sayyed M. I. , Somaily Hamoud H. , Vinnik Denis A. , Silibin Maxim V. , Trukhanov Sergei V. , Fedosyuk Valery M. , Trukhanov Alex V.
Published: July 2022

The results of studies on the wettability properties and preparation of porous anodic alumina (PAA) membranes with a 3.3 ± 0.2 μm thickness and a variety of pore sizes are presented in this article. The wettability feature results, as well as the fabrication processing characteristics and morphology, are presented. The microstructure effect of these surfaces on wettability properties is analyzed in comparison to outer PAA surfaces. The interfacial contact angle was measured for amorphous PAA membranes as-fabricated and after a modification technique (pore widening), with pore sizes ranging from 20 to 130 nm. Different surface morphologies of such alumina can be obtained by adjusting synthesis conditions, which allows the surface properties to change from hydrophilic (contact angle is approximately 13°) to hydrophobic (contact angle is 100°). This research could propose a new method for designing functional surfaces with tunable wettability. The potential applications of ordinary alumina as multifunctional films are demonstrated.
Study Protocol: Strategies and Techniques for the Rehabilitation of Cognitive and Motor Deficits in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Argento Ornella , Piacentini Chiara , Bossa Michela , Caltagirone Carlo , Santamato Andrea , Saraceni Vincenzo , Nocentini Ugo
Published: July 2022

MS clinical features vary between patients. In approximately 60% of cases, cognitive deficits are associated with motor disabilities, with consequences on both walking and maintaining balance and cognitive efficiency. Multimodal programs are very infrequent for MS patients and cognitive rehabilitation is not provided by the Italian health system, which only favors access to motor rehabilitation. Dual-task studies showed how motor and cognitive skills are closely associated. Therefore, physiotherapy exercises may favor an indirect improvement in cognition. The aim of this study is to understand which rehabilitative approach may increase both cognitive and motor efficiency, avoiding the waste of time and resources. In this multi-site single-blind parallel controlled clinical trial, we will compare three rehabilitative approaches: cognitive training, motor training and combined cognitive–motor training. We also aim to evaluate: whether self-perception and objective improvement correspond; the impact of each rehabilitation program on patients’ QoL, mood and self-perception; and long-term effects. A total of 60 patients will be randomly assigned to one of the three treatments for two 45-min sessions/week for 12 weeks. All participants will undergo a complete cognitive, motor, clinical assessment together with mood, self-perception, and QoL questionnaires before, immediately after and 6 months after the training period.
Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata) Pod Exerts Anti-Allergic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects through Modulation of Th1/Th2 Cell Differentiation
Authors: Hwang Kyung-A , Hwang Yu Jin , Hwang Hye-Jeong , Lee Sang Hoon , Kim Young Jun
Published: July 2022

Allergy is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated process, and its incidence and prevalence have increased worldwide in recent years. Therapeutic agents for allergic diseases are continuously being developed, but side effects follow when used for a long-term use. Therefore, treatments based on natural products that are safe for the body are urgently required. Sword bean (Canavalia gladiata) pod (SBP) has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases, but there is still no scientific basis for its anti-allergic effect. Accordingly, this study investigates the anti-allergic effect and its mechanism of SBP in vitro and in vivo. SBP reduced the nitric oxide production and decreased mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory mediates (inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)), and inhibited the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a major signaling molecule in the inflammatory response. Additionally, SBP extract treatment inhibited phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/mTOR) signaling activity to further inhibit degranulation and allergy mediator generation and control the balance of Th1/Th2 cells, which can induce an allergic reaction when disrupted. Furthermore, the SBP extract exhibited anti-allergic effects in anti-dinitrophenyl IgE-induced RBL-2H3 cells and ovalbumin-treated mice. These findings have potential clinical implications for the treatment as well as prevention of allergic diseases.
Bee Pollen: Clinical Trials and Patent Applications
Authors: Algethami Jari S. , El-Wahed Aida A. Abd , Elashal Mohamed H. , Ahmed Hanan R. , Elshafiey Esraa H. , Omar Eslam M. , Naggar Yahya Al , Algethami Ahmed F. , Shou Qiyang , Alsharif Sultan M. , Xu Baojun , Shehata Awad A. , Guo Zhiming , Khalifa Shaden A. M. , Wang Kai , El-Seedi Hesham R.
Published: July 2022

Bee pollen is a natural cocktail of floral nectar, flower pollen, enzymes, and salivary secretions produced by honeybees. Bee pollen is one of the bee products most enriched in proteins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, lipids, minerals, and vitamins. It has a significant health and medicinal impact and provides protection against many diseases, including diabetes, cancer, infectious, and cardiovascular. Bee pollen is commonly promoted as a cost-effective functional food. In particular, bee pollen has been applied in clinical trials for allergies and prostate illnesses, with a few investigations on cancer and skin problems. However, it is involved in several patents and health recipes to combat chronic health problems. This review aimed to highlight the clinical trials and patents involving bee pollen for different cases and to present the role of bee pollen as a supplementary food and a potential product in cosmetic applications.
Refeeding Syndrome: A Critical Reality in Patients with Chronic Disease
Authors: Krutkyte Gabija , Wenk Leyla , Odermatt Jonas , Schuetz Philipp , Stanga Zeno , Friedli Natalie
Published: July 2022

Malnutrition is one of the most frequent metabolic challenges in the population of chronically ill patients. This results in increased administration of nutritional therapy in inpatient settings, which poses the risk of side effects, in particular, the development of refeeding syndrome. If not managed accordingly, it leads to a significant rise in morbidity and mortality. However, despite its importance, evidence-based recommendations on the management of refeeding syndrome are largely lacking, and only a few randomized controlled trials have been conducted. In light of this, the aim of this review is to raise awareness of refeeding syndrome in chronically ill patients by critically reviewing recent literature and providing a short overview as well as diagnosis and treatment algorithms of this underreported metabolic condition. In summary, recent findings suggest undergoing risk assessment and stratification for every patient receiving nutritional therapy. According to this, adaptation of energy and fluid support during the replenishment phase should be implemented in the nutritional therapy for patients at high risk. Additionally, continuous monitoring should take place, and appropriate actions should be initiated when necessary.
Impact of Obesogenic Environments on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption among Preschoolers: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey in Beijing
Authors: Yan Ruijie , Gong Enying , Li Xinxuan , Zheng Lutong , Liao Wei , Min Kaiyuan , Su Fenghua , Wang Lianjun , Wang Jing , Hu Denghui , Tang Yuxiang , Zhang Juan
Published: July 2022

The excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been proven to be critical for obesity among preschoolers. This study aimed to describe the SSB consumption rates among preschoolers in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, China, and to explore the association between obesogenic environmental determinants and consumption. We applied a stratified cluster sampling method and recruited 3057 primary caregivers of preschoolers in June 2019 to participate in the survey. The caregivers reported their children’s consumption rates of six categories of SSBs and their exposure rates to SSB-related obesogenic environments. The associations between them were tested using multivariate logistic regression models. The mean (SD) age of the children was 5.6 (0.6) years and nearly half (48.3%) were girls. About 84.5% of the children had consumed SSBs over the past three months, and sugar-sweetened milk beverages had the highest consumption rate. Higher exposure to advertisements for the corresponding SSB categories in children, higher frequency rates of consuming SSBs and of taking children to fast-food restaurants in caregivers, and lower frequency rates of reading the Nutrition Facts Panels by caregivers were associated with higher SSB consumption rates among children (p < 0.05 in all of the SSB categories investigated, except for the Nutrition Facts Panel reading behaviors for the sports and energy beverages). SSB consumption among preschoolers is of concern, and comprehensive policy actions and education are urgently needed.
Discrete Typing Units of Trypanosoma cruzi Identified by Real-Time PCR in Peripheral Blood and Dejections of Triatoma infestans Used in Xenodiagnosis Descriptive Study
Authors: Zulantay Inés , Muñoz Gabriela , Liempi Daniela , Rozas Tamara , Manneschi María José , Muñoz-San Martín Catalina , Botto-Mahan Carezza , Apt Werner , Cabrera Gonzalo
Published: July 2022

Chagas disease (ChD) is a vector zoonosis native to the American continent caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi; the biological vectors are multiple species of hematophagous insects of the family Triatominae. A relevant aspect in the host–parasite relationship is the identification of the various genotypes of T. cruzi called discrete typing units (DTU) that circulate in mammals and vectors. In Chile, it has been described that the DTUs TcI, TcII, TcV, and TcVI circulate in infected humans, vectors, and wild animals. Identifying DTUs has acquired clinical importance, since it has been suggested that different genotypes could cause distinct pathologies, circulate in different geographical areas, and present different sensitivities to trypanocidal drugs. In this study, circulating T. cruzi DTUs in peripheral blood and Triatoma infestans dejections used in xenodiagnosis (XD) were amplified by qPCR in 14 Chilean patients with chronic ChD from highly endemic areas. More positive samples were detected by XD compared to peripheral blood samples, and 64.28% of the cases were simple infections and 35.72% mixed, with a statistically significant difference in the frequency of TcV DTU. This study would suggest that T. infestans from Chile is more competent to amplify one DTU over others, probably due to a process of co-evolution.
Evaluation of a Most Probable Number Method for Detection and Quantification of Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Niu Chunyan , Zhang Yajie , Zhang Yong
Published: July 2022

The detection and enumeration of Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) in water is crucial for water quality management, human health and has been a research hotspot worldwide. Due to the time-consuming and complicated operation of the plate culture method, it is necessary to adopt a fast and effective method for application. The present study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the performance and applicability of the MPN method by comparing its qualitative and quantitative results with the GB/T 18204.5-2013 and ISO methods, respectively. The qualitative results showed that 372 samples (53%) were negative for both methods; 315 samples (45%) were positively determined by the MPN method, compared with 211 samples (30%) using GB/T 18204.5-2013. The difference in the detection rate between the two methods was statistically significant. In addition, the quantitative results showed that the concentration of L. pneumophila by the MPN method was greater than ISO 11731 and the difference was statistically significant. However, the two methods were different but highly correlated (r = 0.965, p < 0.001). The specificity and sensitivity of the MPN method were 89.85% and 95.73%, respectively. Overall, the results demonstrated that the MPN method has higher sensitivity, a simple operation process and good application prospects in the routine monitoring of L. pneumophila from water samples.
Curcumin-Based β-Diketo Ligands for Ga3+: Thermodynamic Investigation of Potential Metal-Based Drugs
Authors: Mari Matteo , Carrozza Debora , Malavasi Gianluca , Venturi Ettore , Avino Giulia , Capponi Pier Cesare , Iori Michele , Rubagotti Sara , Belluti Silvia , Asti Mattia , Ferrari Erika
Published: July 2022

Curcumin is known for its therapeutic properties; among these, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer ones stand out. Besides, curcumin metal complexes have shown widespread application in medicine and can be exploited as lead structures for developing metal-based drugs. Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly bioavailable, mainly due to its instability in physiological conditions; this weakness is tightly connected to the presence of the β-diketo moiety undergoing tautomeric equilibrium. Stability and metal-chelating ability can be tuned by modulating the electronic effects and steric hindrance close to the β-diketo moiety; in addition, formation of a metal complex shifts the tautomeric equilibrium towards the β-keto–enol form and increases stability in biological media. Among the metals used in clinical therapy, gallium nitrate has shown to have significant antitumor activity against non-Hodgkin lymphoma and bladder cancer, thus indicating that gallium-based drugs have potential for further development as antineoplastic agents with improved therapeutic activity. Curcuminoids have demonstrated high affinity for gallium(III), allowing the formation of stable positively charged M:L 1:2 β-diketonate complexes that benefit from the therapeutic activity of both the metal and the ligand. Seven new curcumin derivatives were synthesized and completely characterized. The new derivatives retain the solvent-dependent keto–enol tautomerism, with the prevalence of the diketo form in aqueous solution. Enhanced stability in simulated physiological conditions was observed in comparison to the lead compound curcumin. The presence of Ga3+ anticipates the dissociation of the enolic proton, allowing chelate complex formation, and simultaneously it shifts the tautomeric equilibrium towards the keto–enol form. A complete 1H/13C NMR and UV–Vis study was performed to define the metal-to-ligand stoichiometry ratio and the overall stability constants. In addition, we demonstrated that some of the derivatives have increased antiproliferative activity on colon cancer cells compared to curcumin and antioxidant properties. On the whole, the synthesized curcumin-based molecules may act as new gallium(III) chelators with improved stability with respect to curcumin and could open interesting perspectives for the development of novel therapeutic agents for cancer.
Brain Delivery of IGF1R5, a Single-Domain Antibody Targeting Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor
Authors: Yogi Alvaro , Hussack Greg , van Faassen Henk , Haqqani Arsalan S. , Delaney Christie E. , Brunette Eric , Sandhu Jagdeep K. , Hewitt Melissa , Sulea Traian , Kemmerich Kristin , Stanimirovic Danica B.
Published: July 2022

The ability of drugs and therapeutic antibodies to reach central nervous system (CNS) targets is greatly diminished by the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT), which is responsible for the transport of natural protein ligands across the BBB, was identified as a way to increase drug delivery to the brain. In this study, we characterized IGF1R5, which is a single-domain antibody (sdAb) that binds to insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) at the BBB, as a ligand that triggers RMT and could deliver cargo molecules that otherwise do not cross the BBB. Surface plasmon resonance binding analyses demonstrated the species cross-reactivity of IGF1R5 toward IGF1R from multiple species. To overcome the short serum half-life of sdAbs, we fused IGF1R5 to the human (hFc) or mouse Fc domain (mFc). IGF1R5 in both N- and C-terminal mFc fusion showed enhanced transmigration across a rat BBB model (SV-ARBEC) in vitro. Increased levels of hFc-IGF1R5 in the cerebrospinal fluid and vessel-depleted brain parenchyma fractions further confirmed the ability of IGF1R5 to cross the BBB in vivo. We next tested whether this carrier was able to ferry a pharmacologically active payload across the BBB by measuring the hypothermic and analgesic properties of neurotensin and galanin, respectively. The fusion of IGF1R5-hFc to neurotensin induced a dose-dependent reduction in the core temperature. The reversal of hyperalgesia by galanin that was chemically linked to IGF1R5-mFc was demonstrated using the Hargreaves model of inflammatory pain. Taken together, our results provided a proof of concept that appropriate antibodies, such as IGF1R5 against IGF1R, are suitable as RMT carriers for the delivery of therapeutic cargos for CNS applications.
The Usefulness of In Vitro Percutaneous Absorption Experiments Applying the Infinite Dose Technique to Predict In Vivo Plasma Levels: Comparison of Model-Predicted and Observed Plasma Concentrations of Nortriptyline in Rats
Authors: Usach Iris , Di Marco Sara , Díez Octavio , Alós Manuel , Peris José-Esteban
Published: July 2022

The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of a nortriptyline (NT) formulation for transdermal administration and to assess the usefulness of an estimated kinetic parameter (kout) using the in vitro infinite dose technique to predict in vivo plasma levels when used in combination with pharmacokinetic parameters. To do so, a simple one-compartment model was used to describe the transport of a permeant across a membrane (skin). This model provides relatively simple expressions for the amount of permeant in the skin, the cumulative amount of permeant that crosses the skin, and the flux of permeant, for both the infinite and the finite dose regimens. Transdermal administration of the formulated NT gel to rats resulted in plasma levels of approximately 150 ng/mL between 8 and 30 h post-administration. These levels were higher than the minimum concentration of 40 ng/mL recommended for smoking cessation therapy and slightly higher than the upper limit of the therapeutic range for the treatment of depression in humans. The one-compartment model used to describe transport across the skin was connected to a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model used to predict NT plasma concentrations in rats using the kout determined in vitro and the values of other pharmacokinetic parameters obtained in vivo. The predicted concentrations were close to the observed plasma levels and the time profiles were similar for both types of data. These results show the usefulness of the kout parameter determined in vitro to predict plasma concentrations of drugs administered percutaneously.
Comparative Study on the Spreading Behavior of Oil Droplets over Teflon Substrates in Different Media Environments
Authors: Wang Junchao , Cao Yijun , Li Guosheng
Published: July 2022

This paper comparatively investigated the spreading process of an oil droplet on the surface of highly hydrophobic solid (Teflon) in air and water media using a high-speed imaging technology, and analyzed their differences in spreading behavior from the perspective of empirical relations and energy conservation. Furthermore, the classical HD and MKT wetting models were applied to describe the oil droplet spreading dynamics to reveal the spreading mechanism of oil droplets on the Teflon in different media environments. Results showed that the entire spreading process of oil droplets on Teflon in air could be separated into three stages: the early linear fast spreading stage following θ(t)=θ0+kt , the intermediate exponential slow spreading stage obeying θ(t)=bt−3α, and the late spreading stage described by θ(t)=θeq+a×exp(−t/T). However, the dynamics behavior of dynamic contact angle during the oil droplet spreading on Teflon in water could be well described by these expressions, θ(t)=θ0+kt and θ(t)=θeq+a×exp(−t/T). Clearly, a significant difference in the oil droplet spreading behavior in air and water media was found, and the absence of the intermediate exponential spreading stage in the oil–water–Teflon system could be attributed to the difference in the dissipated energy of the system because the dissipation energy in the oil–water–solid system included not only the viscous dissipation energy of the boundary layer of oil droplet, but also that of the surrounding water which was not included in the dissipation energy of the oil–air–solid system. Moreover, the quantitative analysis of wetting models suggested that the MKT model could reasonably describe the late spreading dynamics of oil droplets (low TPCL velocities), while the HD model may be more suitable for describing the oil droplet spreading dynamics at the early and intermediate spreading stages (high TPCL velocities).
Water Sorption and Mechanical Properties of Cellulosic Derivative Fibers
Authors: Simon Mathilde , Fulchiron René , Gouanvé Fabrice
Published: July 2022

In this study, water vapor sorption, desorption properties and tensile mechanical properties of four cellulosic fibers, cotton (C), flax (F), viscose (V) and cellulose acetate (CA), were determined. The sorption and desorption isotherms were modeled using the Park model, which allowed an accurate fitting on the whole range of water activity. This model corresponds to a multi-sorption mode dividing in three sorption modes: Langmuir sorption, Henry’s law and water clustering. Park’s parameters were compared for the sorption and desorption isotherms for each fiber. Regardless of the fiber, differences between sorption and desorption were obtained only for the Henry sorption. The obtained sorption properties were correlated to the accessibility and the amount of sorption sites and also to the crystallinity level of the fibers. It was found that V exhibited the highest water sorption capacity due to a higher hydroxyl groups accessibility and a low amorphous fraction, followed by F, C and CA. Results from tensile tests demonstrated that F and C fibers were more rigid, more resistant and less ductile than CA and V fibers due to a difference of microstructure of the fibers. Finally, the presence of water-sorbed molecules led to a decrease in tensile modulus due to plasticization phenomenon.
Dynamic Equivalent Resistance Model of Knitted Strain Sensor under In-Plane and Three-Dimensional Surfaces Elongation
Authors: Li Yutian , Ma Pibo , Tian Mingwei , Yu Miao
Published: July 2022

The dynamic equivalent resistance is a major index that determines the sensing performance of knitted strain sensors, and has the characteristics of in-plane and three-dimensional curved strain sensing. Therefore, in addition to establishing the in-plane equivalent resistance, it is necessary to establish a three-dimensional equivalent resistance model to fully explain the surface sensing performance. This project establishes two equivalent resistance models of knitted strain sensors under in-plane deformation and one equivalent resistance model of three-dimensional curved surface strain. Based on the length of resistance and the geometric topological structure, an in-plane strain macro–micro equivalent resistance model and a topological equivalent resistance model are established, respectively. In addition, a three-dimensional curved surface equivalent resistance model is created based on the volume resistance. By comparing the theoretical model with the experimental data, the results prove that the proposed in-plane and three-dimensional models can be utilized to calculate the resistance change of knitted strain sensors. Length resistance, coil transfer, and curved surface deformation depth are the main factors that affect the equivalent resistance of knitted strain sensors.
Bioconversion Process of Polyethylene from Waste Tetra Pak® Packaging to Polyhydroxyalkanoates
Authors: Ekere Itohowo , Johnston Brian , Tchuenbou-Magaia Fideline , Townrow David , Wojciechowski Szymon , Marek Adam , Zawadiak Jan , Duale Khadar , Zieba Magdalena , Sikorska Wanda , Adamus Grazyna , Goslar Tomasz , Kowalczuk Marek , Radecka Iza
Published: July 2022

Presented herein are the results of a novel recycling method for waste Tetra Pak® packaging materials. The polyethylene (PE-T) component of this packaging material, obtained via a separation process using a “solvents method”, was used as a carbon source for the biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) by the bacterial strain Cupriavidus necator H16. Bacteria were grown for 48–72 h, at 30 °C, in TSB (nitrogen-rich) or BSM (nitrogen-limited) media supplemented with PE-T. Growth was monitored by viable counting. It was demonstrated that C. necator utilised PE-T in both growth media, but was only able to accumulate 40% w/w PHA in TSB supplemented with PE-T. Only 1.5% w/w PHA was accumulated in the TSB control, and no PHA was detected in the BSM control. Extracted biopolymers were characterised by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The characterisation of PHA by ESI-MS/MS revealed that PHA produced by C. necator in TSB supplemented with PE-T contained 3-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxyvalerate, and 3-hydroxyhexanoate co-monomeric units. AMS analysis also confirmed the presence of 96.73% modern carbon and 3.27% old carbon in PHA derived from Tetra Pak®. Thus, this study demonstrates the feasibility of our proposed recycling method for waste Tetra Pak® packaging materials, alongside its potential for producing value-added PHA, and the ability of 14C analysis in validating this bioconversion process.