bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Lung Transplantation: When it is Feasible
Authors: Balestro Elisabetta , Cocconcelli Elisabetta , Tinè Mariaenrica , Biondini Davide , Faccioli Eleonora , Saetta Marina , Rea Federico
Published: October 2019

Despite the availability of antifibrotic therapies, many patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) will progress to advanced disease and require lung transplantation. International guidelines for transplant referral and listing of patients with interstitial lung disease are not specific to those with IPF and were published before the widespread use of antifibrotic therapy. In this review, we discussed difficulties in decision-making when dealing with patients with IPF due to the wide variability in clinical course and life expectancy, as well as the acute deterioration associated with exacerbations. Indeed, the ideal timing for referral and listing for lung transplant remains challenging, and the acute deterioration might be influenced after transplant outcomes. Of note, patients with IPF are frequently affected by multimorbidity, thus a screening program for occurring conditions, such as coronary artery disease and pulmonary hypertension, before lung transplant listing is crucial to candidate selection, risk stratification, and optimal outcomes. Among several comorbidities, it is of extreme importance to highlight that the prevalence of lung cancer is increased amongst patients affected by IPF; therefore, candidates’ surveillance is critical to avoid organ allocation to unsuitable patients. For all these reasons, early referral and close longitudinal follow-up for potential lung transplant candidates are widely encouraged.
Predictive and Prognostic Factors in HCC Patients Treated with Sorafenib
Authors: Brunetti Oronzo , Gnoni Antonio , Licchetta Antonella , Longo Vito , Calabrese Angela , Argentiero Antonella , Delcuratolo Sabina , Solimando Antonio Giovanni , Casadei-Gardini Andrea , Silvestris Nicola
Published: October 2019

Sorafenib is an oral kinase inhibitor that enhances survival in patients affected by advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). According to the results of two registrative trials, this drug represents a gold quality standard in the first line treatment of advanced HCC. Recently, lenvatinib showed similar results in terms of survival in a non-inferiority randomized trial study considering the same subset of patients. Unlike other targeted therapies, predictive and prognostic markers in HCC patients treated with sorafenib are lacking. Their identification could help clinicians in the daily management of these patients, mostly in light of the new therapeutic options available in the first.
Maternal Blood Concentration of Tadalafil and Uterine Blood Flow in Pregnancy
Authors: Tanaka Hiroaki , Maki Shintaro , Magawa Shoichi , Nii Masafumi , Tanaka Kayo , Ikemura Kenji , Toriyabe Kuniaki , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives: Tadalafil for treatment of fetal growth restriction (FGR) or preeclampsia is given once a day orally. The drug kinetics of tadalafil were investigated to determine the ideal dosage to promote uterine blood flow. Materials and Methods: We recruited five pregnant women with FGR or preeclampsia before administration of tadalafil, all of which were administered tadalafil (20 mg/day, once-daily dosing). The blood concentration of tadalafil was measured 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h after administration, and uterine blood flow was measured before tadalafil administration and 2–4 and 20–24 h after. We then analyzed the correlation between tadalafil blood concentration and uterine artery blood flow. Results: The blood concentration of tadalafil correlated with uterine artery blood flow in pregnant women. The blood concentration of tadalafil and uterine artery blood flow decreased 5 h after administration of tadalafil. Conclusions: The blood concentration of tadalafil and uterine artery blood flow fluctuate in parallel, the latter was decreased by reduced blood concentration. Thus, a study of tadalafil administered twice a day in pregnant women will be needed to stabilize uterine artery blood flow.
Investigation on the Strain Distribution in Tube High-Pressure Shearing
Authors: Meng Jia Jie , Li Zheng , Liu Ying , Zhu Ye Bin , Wang Shun , Lin Kui , Tao Jia Qiang , Wang Jing Tao
Published: October 2019

The Finite-element method (FEM) and experiments were used to investigate the geometric factors and material parameter on the strain distribution during tube high-pressure shearing (t-HPS). The results show that t-HPS could be realized successfully either by pressurizing on both ends of the tube, or by pressurizing using the wedge effect; and in both cases, the “dead metal zone” could be found at both ends of the tube. The grain size distribution from the experiment confirmed this strain distribution feature. In the case of t-HPS pressurized using the wedge effect, the half cone angle has little effect on the strain distribution. Decreasing the strain-hardening exponent leads to increased deformation inhomogeneity in both the ideal t-HPS described by theoretical equations and the close to practical t-HPS described by FEM. This feature of t-HPS stands out from other SPD processes like HPT, and makes practical t-HPS behavior more predictable using the analytical formation than any other SPD processes, and places it an advantageous position in understanding the basics of deformation physics through the coupling between practical experiments and theoretical approaches.
Multiple Influences of Molybdenum on the Precipitation Process in a Martensitic PH Stainless Steel
Authors: Thuvander Mattias , Andersson Marcus , Stiller Krystyna
Published: October 2019

Molybdenum has been found to influence the complex precipitation process in a martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steel during aging at 475 °C in several different ways. Three steels with different Mo content (0, 1.2 and 2.3 at.%) were investigated. Studies of the microstructure were performed with atom probe tomography and energy filtered transmission electron microscopy. It is shown that, at the initial stage of aging, a faster nucleation of Cu-rich clusters takes place with increasing Mo content. The Cu-clusters act as precipitation sites for other solute elements and promote the nucleation of Ni-rich phases. During further aging, a higher Mo content in the material instead slows down the growth and coarsening of the Ni-rich phases, because Mo segregates to the interface between precipitate and matrix. Additionally, Mo promotes decomposition of the matrix into α and α′ regions. After longer aging times (>40 h) quasicrystalline Mo-rich R′ phase forms (to a greater extent in the material having the highest Mo content). The observations serve to understand the hardness evolution during aging.
A Novel Three-Axial Magnetic-Piezoelectric MEMS AC Magnetic Field Sensor
Authors: Yeh Po-Chen , Duan Hao , Chung Tien-Kan
Published: October 2019

We report a novel three-axial magnetic-piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) magnetic field sensor. The sensor mainly consists of two sensing elements. Each of the sensing elements consists of a magnetic Ni thick film, a Pt/Ti top electrode, a piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin film, a Pt/Ti bottom electrode, a SiO2 insulation layer, and a moveable Si MEMS diaphragm. When the sensor is subjected to an AC magnetic field oscillating at 7.5 kHz, a magnetic force interaction between the magnetic field and Ni thick film is produced. Subsequently, the force deforms and deflects the diaphragms as well as the PZT thin film deposited on the diaphragms. The deformation and deflection produce corresponding voltage outputs due to the piezoelectric effect. By analyzing the voltage outputs through our criterion, we can obtain details of the unknown magnetic fields to which the sensor is subjected. This achieves sensing of three-axial magnetic fields. The experimental results show that the sensor is able to sense three-axial magnetic fields ranging from 1 to 20 Oe, with X-axial, Y-axial, and Z-axial sensitivities of 0.156 mVrms/Oe, 0.156 mVrms/Oe, and 0.035 mVrms/Oe, respectively, for sensing element A and 0.033 mVrms/Oe, 0.044 mVrms/Oe, and 0.130 mVrms/Oe, respectively, for sensing element B.
Current Status and Potential Applications of Underexplored Prokaryotes
Authors: Goh Kian Mau , Shahar Saleha , Chan Kok-Gan , Chong Chun Shiong , Amran Syazwani Itri , Sani Mohd Helmi , Zakaria Iffah Izzati , Kahar Ummirul Mukminin
Published: October 2019

Thousands of prokaryotic genera have been published, but methodological bias in the study of prokaryotes is noted. Prokaryotes that are relatively easy to isolate have been well-studied from multiple aspects. Massive quantities of experimental findings and knowledge generated from the well-known prokaryotic strains are inundating scientific publications. However, researchers may neglect or pay little attention to the uncommon prokaryotes and hard-to-cultivate microorganisms. In this review, we provide a systematic update on the discovery of underexplored culturable and unculturable prokaryotes and discuss the insights accumulated from various research efforts. Examining these neglected prokaryotes may elucidate their novelties and functions and pave the way for their industrial applications. In addition, we hope that this review will prompt the scientific community to reconsider these untapped pragmatic resources.
Rapid Bacterial Community Changes during Vermicomposting of Grape Marc Derived from Red Winemaking
Authors: Gómez Brandón María , Aira Manuel , Kolbe Allison R. , de Andrade Nariane , Pérez-Losada Marcos , Domínguez Jorge
Published: October 2019

Previous studies dealing with changes in microbial communities during vermicomposting were mostly performed at lab-scale conditions and by using low-throughput techniques. Therefore, we sought to characterize the bacterial succession during the vermicomposting of grape marc over a period of 91 days in a pilot-scale vermireactor. Samples were taken at the initiation of vermicomposting, and days 14, 28, 42, and 91, representing both active and mature stages of vermicomposting. By using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, significant changes in the bacterial community composition of grape marc were found after 14 days and throughout the process (p < 0.0001). There was also an increase in bacterial diversity, both taxonomic and phylogenetic, from day 14 until the end of the trial. We found the main core microbiome comprised of twelve bacterial taxa (~16.25% of the total sequences) known to be capable of nitrogen fixation and to confer plant-disease suppression. Accordingly, functional diversity included increases in specific genes related to nitrogen fixation and synthesis of plant hormones (salicylic acid) after 91 days. Together, the findings support the use of grape marc vermicompost for sustainable practices in the wine industry by disposing of this high-volume winery by-product and capturing its value to improve soil fertility.
Low Temperature (15 °C) Reduces Bacterial Diversity and Prolongs the Preservation Time of Volvariella volvacea
Authors: Wang Xiuling , Liu Shunjie , Chen Mingjie , Yu Changxia , Zhao Yan , Yang Huanling , Zha Lei , Li Zhengpeng
Published: October 2019

Straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) is the most commonly cultivated edible fungus in the world, but the challenges associated with the preservation have limited its marketability. Microbiology, especially bacteria, play a key role in the deterioration of food, this study aimed to reveal the succession of the bacterial community on the surfaces of V. volvacea fruit bodies under different temperature conditions. We amplified 16S rRNA genes of V4 regions, obtained the bacterial species information by using high-throughput sequencing technology, and analyzed the effects of environmental temperature and preservation time on bacterial communities. The relative abundances of Firmicutes, Bacilli, and Bacillales increased significantly when straw mushrooms began to rot. Furthermore, the relative abundances of Paenibacillus, Lysinibacillus and Solibacillus, which belong to Bacillales, increased with the decay of straw mushroom. The Shannon and Simpson indices of V. volvacea stored at 30 °C were significantly higher than those of V. volvacea stored at 15 °C, which indicates that a high temperature contributes to the improvement in the species diversity. According to the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) results, the number of biomarkers in the 30 °C group (32, 42.11%) was significantly higher than that in the 15 °C group (17, 22.37%), indicating that a high temperature has a clustering effect on some bacterial communities. A Spearman correlation analysis showed that Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas and Solibacillus promoted the decay of straw mushroom. In conclusion, a high temperature increases the bacterial diversity on the straw mushroom surfaces and has a clustering effect on the bacterial communities. The bacterial community consisting of Firmicutes, Bacilli, Bacillales, Paenibacillus, Lysinibacillus, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas and Solibacillus could promote the decay of straw mushroom, so new preservation materials research can focus on inhibiting anaerobic and decay-causing bacteria to prolong preservation time.
Provenance of Bengal Shelf Sediments: 2. Petrology and Geochemistry of Sand
Authors: Garzanti Eduardo , Vezzoli Giovanni , Andò Sergio , Limonta Mara , Borromeo Laura , France-Lanord Christian
Published: October 2019

The Bangladesh lowlands are traversed by the largest sediment flux on the planet. Detritus generated mostly in Himalayan highlands and conveyed through the Ganga–Brahmaputra rivers and Meghna estuary reaches the Bay of Bengal, where it forms a composite deltaic system. This study integrates the vast existing database on Ganga–Brahmaputra sediments of all grain sizes from clay to sand with new petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical data on estuarine and shallow-marine sands. A large spectrum of compositional signatures was used to: (i) assess the relative supply of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers to estuarine and shelfal sediments; (ii) define the compositional variability of estuarine sediments and the impact exerted by hydraulic sorting and climate-related chemical weathering on provenance signals; (iii) define the compositional variability of shelf sediments and the potential hydrodynamic segregation of fast-settling heavy minerals in coastal environments and of slow-settling platy micas on low-energy outer-shelf floors; (iv) consider the potential additional mud supply from the western subaerial part of the delta formerly built by the Ganga River; and (v) draw a preliminary mineralogical comparison between fluvio-deltaic sediments and turbidites of the Bengal–Nicobar deep-sea fan, thus tracing sediment dispersal across the huge sedimentary system extending from Tibet to the equatorial Indian Ocean. All investigated mineralogical and geochemical parameters, as well as Sr and Nd isotope ratios and clay–mineral assemblages, showed a clear prevalence in sediment supply from the Brahmaputra (60–70%) over the Ganga (30–40%). Heavy-mineral suites and Sr and Nd isotope fingerprints of Bengal shelf sediments are nearly identical to those of the Brahmaputra River and Meghna estuary, also because the Brahmaputra carries almost twice as many Ca-plagioclase grains and heavy minerals including epidote than the Ganga, and these minerals control the large majority of the Sr and Nd budgets. The experience gained in modern settings can be directly extrapolated only to the recent past, because sediments older than the late Pleistocene and buried more than a few hundred meters begin to lose less durable ferromagnesian minerals by selective chemical dissolution, which makes quantitative estimates progressively less robust in more deeply buried older strata.
Angelicae Gigantis Radix Regulates LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation in BV2 Microglia by Inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK Activity and Inducing Nrf-2 Activity
Authors: Oh You-Chang , Jeong Yun Hee , Li Wei , Go Younghoon
Published: October 2019

Angelicae Gigantis Radix (AGR) has been widely used as a traditional medicine in East Asia. The effects of AGR on neuroinflammation have not previously been studied in detail. In the study presented here, we investigated the antineuroinflammatory properties of this herb and its mechanism of operation. The effects of AGR on neuroinflammation were studied by measuring the production of inflammatory factors and related enzymes, and analyzing the expression levels of proteins and genes involved its activity, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia. We found that AGR pretreatment strongly inhibits the production of nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, and the enzymes inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and effectively induces the activation of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and its regulator, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2). We also found that AGR effectively regulates the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). We confirmed the antineuroinflammatory effects of the main constituents of the plant as identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Our results indicate that the neuroinflammation inhibitory activity of AGR occurs through inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK and activation of Nrf-2.
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Absorption through Intact and Damaged Human Skin
Authors: Mauro Marcella , Crosera Matteo , Monai Matteo , Montini Tiziano , Fornasiero Paolo , Bovenzi Massimo , Adami Gianpiero , Turco Gianluca , Larese Filon Francesca
Published: October 2019

Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are used in polishing products and absorbents, as promoters in wound healing, and as organopesticide decontaminants. While systemic bioaccumulation and organ toxicity has been described after inhalation, data on CeO2 NPs’ transdermal permeation are lacking. Our study was an in vitro investigation of the permeation of 17-nm CeO2 NPs dispersed in synthetic sweat (1 g L−1) using excised human skin on Franz cells. Experiments were performed using intact and needle-abraded skin, separately. The average amount of Ce into intact and damaged skin samples was 3.64 ± 0.15 and 7.07 ± 0.78 µg cm−2, respectively (mean ± SD, p = 0.04). Ce concentration in the receiving solution was 2.0 ± 0.4 and 3.3 ± 0.7 ng cm−2 after 24 h (p = 0.008). The Ce content was higher in dermal layers of damaged skin compared to intact skin (2.93 ± 0.71 µg cm−2 and 0.39 ± 0.16 µg cm−2, respectively; p = 0.004). Our data showed a very low dermal absorption and transdermal permeation of cerium, providing a first indication of Ce skin uptake due to contact with CeO2.
In Vitro Antimicrobial Activities of Organic Acids and Their Derivatives on Several Species of Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Kovanda Lauren , Zhang Wen , Wei Xiaohong , Luo Jia , Wu Xixi , Atwill Edward Robert , Vaessen Stefan , Li Xunde , Liu Yanhong
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro antimicrobial activity of several organic acids and their derivatives against Gram-positive (G+) and Gram-negative (G−) bacteria. Butyric acid, valeric acid, monopropionin, monobutyrin, valerate glycerides, monolaurin, sodium formate, and ProPhorce—a mixture of sodium formate and formic acid (40:60 w/v)—were tested at 8 to 16 concentrations from 10 to 50,000 mg/L. The tested bacteria included G− bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, and Campylobacter jejuni) and G+ bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridium perfringens, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus suis). Antimicrobial activity was expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tested compounds that prevented growth of tested bacteria in treated culture broth. The MICs of butyric acid, valeric acid, and ProPhorce varied among bacterial strains with the lowest MIC of 500–1000 mg/L on two strains of Campylobacter. Sodium formate at highest tested concentrations (20,000 mg/L) did not inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Enterococcus faecalis, but sodium formate inhibited the growth of other tested bacteria with MIC values from 2000 to 18,800 mg/L. The MIC values of valerate glycerides, monolaurin, and monobutyrin ranged from 2500 to 15,000 mg/L in the majority of bacterial strains. Monopropionin did not inhibit the growth of all tested bacteria, with the exception that the MIC of monopropionin was 11,300 mg/L on Clostridia perfringens. Monolaurin strongly inhibited G+ bacteria, with the MIC value of 10 mg/L against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The MIC tests indicated that organic acids and their derivatives exhibit promising antimicrobial effects in vitro against G− and G+ bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobial drugs. The acid forms had stronger in vitro antimicrobial activities than ester forms, except that the medium chain fatty acid ester monolaurin exhibited strong inhibitory effects on G+ bacteria.
Base-Promoted Chemodivergent Formation of 1,4-Benzoxazepin-5(4H)-ones and 1,3-Benzoxazin-4(4H)-ones Switched by Solvents
Authors: Chen Qian , Wang Yunpeng , Hua Ruimao
Published: October 2019

The KOH-promoted chemodivergent benzannulation of ortho-fluorobenzamides with 2-propyn-1-ol can afford either 1,4-benzoxazepin-5(4H)-ones or 1,3-benzoxazin-4(4H)-ones in good yields with high selectivity, depending greatly upon the use of solvents. In the case of using DMSO, the intermolecular benzannulation produced seven-membered benzo-fused heterocycles of 1,4-benzoxazepin-5(4H)-ones, whereas in MeCN, the six-membered benzo-fused heterocycles of 1,3-benzoxazin-4(4H)-ones were formed. The KOH-promoted benzannulation proceeded most probably through the C–F nucleophilic substitution of ortho-fluorobenzamides with 2-propyn-1-ol to give the intermediate of ortho-[(2-propynyl)oxy]benzamide, which underwent the intramolecular hydroamidation in a different manner to afford either seven- or six-membered benzo-fused heterocycles.
Menthol Increases Bendiocarb Efficacy Through Activation of Octopamine Receptors and Protein Kinase A
Authors: Jankowska Milena , Wiśniewska Justyna , Fałtynowicz Łukasz , Lapied Bruno , Stankiewicz Maria
Published: October 2019

Great effort is put into seeking a new and effective strategies to control insect pests. One of them is to combine natural products with chemical insecticides to increase their effectiveness. In the study presented, menthol which is an essential oil component was evaluated on its ability to increase the efficiency of bendiocarb, carbamate insecticide. A multi-approach study was conducted using biochemical method (to measure acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity), electrophysiological technique (microelectrode recordings in DUM neurons in situ), and confocal microscopy (for calcium imaging). In the electrophysiological experiments, menthol caused hyperpolarization, which was blocked by an octopamine receptor antagonist (phentolamine) and an inhibitor of protein kinase A (H-89). It also raised the intracellular calcium level. The effect of bendiocarb was potentiated by menthol and this phenomenon was abolished by phentolamine and H-89 but not by protein kinase C inhibitor (bisindolylmaleimide IX). The results indicate that menthol increases carbamate insecticide efficiency by acting on octopamine receptors and triggering protein kinase A phosphorylation pathway.
Sequential MCR via Staudinger/Aza-Wittig versus Cycloaddition Reaction to Access Diversely Functionalized 1-Amino-1H-Imidazole-2(3H)-Thiones
Authors: Ciccolini Cecilia , Mari Giacomo , Favi Gianfranco , Mantellini Fabio , De Crescentini Lucia , Santeusanio Stefania
Published: October 2019

A multicomponent reaction (MCR) strategy, alternative to the known cycloaddition reaction, towards variously substituted 1-amino-1H-imidazole-2(3H)-thione derivatives has been successfully developed. The novel approach involves α-halohydrazones whose azidation process followed by tandem Staudinger/aza-Wittig reaction with CS2 in a sequential MCR regioselectively leads to the target compounds avoiding the formation of the regioisomer iminothiazoline heterocycle. The approach can be applied to a range of differently substituted α-halohydrazones bearing also electron-withdrawing groups confirming the wide scope and the substituent tolerance of the process for the synthesis of the target compounds. Interestingly, the concurrent presence of reactive functionalities in the scaffolds so obtained ensures post-modifications in view of N-bridgeheaded heterobicyclic structures.
Experiment and Simulation of a Selective Subwavelength Filter with a Low Index Contrast
Authors: Li Tao , Asbahii Mohamed , Lim Jian-Yee , Xie Hong , Koh Chan-Wai , Goh Min-Hao , Ong Kian-Soo , Zhang Hang , Ding Ding
Published: October 2019

Subwavelength gratings have been of great interest recently due to their ability to eliminate multiple orders. However, high index contrast ( Δ n ∼ 3 ) is typically achieved using metals or high-index dielectrics surrounded by vacuum in order to maintain good optical selectivity. Here, we theoretically propose and experimentally realize a selective subwavelength grating using an index contrast of Δ n ∼ 1.2 without vacuum. Despite its low index contrast, our simulation and experiments show that good optical selectivity is achieved using the same physics as subwavelength gratings made of high-index contrast. Such polymer-based encapsulated gratings are easier to scale up for use in large-area applications such as photovoltaics and lighting.
The Preparation and Properties of Multilayer Cu-MTa2O5 Composite Coatings on Ti6Al4V for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Ding Zeliang , Wang Yi , Zhou Quan , Ding Ziyu , Wu Yiyong , Zhu Yuefang , Shi Wensong , He Quanguo
Published: October 2019

For the enhancement of the anticorrosion and antibacterial performance of the biomedical alloy Ti6Al4V, a novel Cu incorporated multilayer Ta2O5ceramic composite coating Cu-Ta2O5/Ta2O5/Ta2O5-TiO2/TiO2/Ti (coating codeCu-MTa2O5) was developed by radio frequency (RF) and direct current (DC) reactive magnetron sputtering. Meanwhile, to better display the multilayer Ta2O5 coating mentioned above, a monolayer Ta2O5 ceramic coating was deposited onto the surface of Ti6Al4V alloy as a reference. The surface morphology, microstructure, phase constituents, and elemental states of the coating were evaluated by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The adhesion strength, wettability, anticorrosion and antibacterial properties of the coating were examined by a scratch tester, contact angle measurement, electrochemical workstations, and plate counting method, respectively. The results showed that the deposited coatings were amorphous and hydrophobic. Cu doped into the Ta2O5 coating existed as CuO and Cu2O. A Ta2O5-TiO2/TiO2/Ti multi-interlayer massively enhanced the adhesion strength of the coating, which was 2.9 times stronger than that of the monolayer Ta2O5coating. The multilayer Cu-MTa2O5 coating revealed a higher corrosion potential and smaller corrosion current density as compared to the uncoated Ti6Al4V, indicating the better anticorrosion performance of Ti6Al4V. Moreover, a 99.8% antibacterial effect of Cu-MTa2O5 coated against Staphylococcus aureuswas obtained.
A Way to Predict Gold Nanoparticles/Polymer Hybrid Microgel Agglomeration Based on Rheological Studies
Authors: Echeverría Coro , Mijangos Carmen
Published: October 2019

In this work, a detailed rheological study of hybrid poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) P(AAm-co-AAc) aqueous microgel dispersions is performed. Our intention is to understand how the presence of gold nanoparticles, AuNP, embedded within the microgel matrix, affects the viscoelastic properties, the colloidal gel structure formation, and the structure recovery after cessation of the deformation of the aqueous microgel dispersions. Frequency sweep experiments confirmed that hybrid microgel dispersions present a gel-like behavior and that the presence of AuNP content within microgel matrix contributes to the elasticity of the microgel dispersions. Strain sweep test confirmed that hybrid microgels aqueous dispersion also form colloidal gel structures that break upon deformation but that can be recovered when the deformation decreases. The fractal analysis performed to hybrid microgels, by applying Shih et al. and Wu and Morbidelli’s scaling theories, evidenced that AuNP significantly affects the colloidal gel structure configuration ending up with the formation of agglomerates or microgel clusters with closer structures in comparison to the reference P(AAm-co-AAc) aqueous microgel dispersions.
Targeting Glutathione and Cystathionine β-Synthase in Ovarian Cancer Treatment by Selenium–Chrysin Polyurea Dendrimer Nanoformulation
Authors: Santos Inês , Ramos Cristiano , Mendes Cindy , Sequeira Catarina O. , Tomé Catarina S. , Fernandes Dalila G.H. , Mota Pedro , Pires Rita F. , Urso Donato , Hipólito Ana , Antunes Alexandra M.M. , Vicente João B. , Pereira Sofia A. , Bonifácio Vasco D. B. , Nunes Sofia C. , Serpa Jacinta
Published: October 2019

Ovarian cancer is the main cause of death from gynecological cancer, with its poor prognosis mainly related to late diagnosis and chemoresistance (acquired or intrinsic) to conventional alkylating and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating drugs. We and others reported that the availability of cysteine and glutathione (GSH) impacts the mechanisms of resistance to carboplatin in ovarian cancer. Different players in cysteine metabolism can be crucial in chemoresistance, such as the cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc (xCT) and the H2S-synthesizing enzyme cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) in the pathway of cysteine catabolism. We hypothesized that, by disrupting cysteine metabolic flux, chemoresistance would be reverted. Since the xCT transporter is also able to take up selenium, we used selenium-containing chrysin (SeChry) as a plausible competitive inhibitor of xCT. For that, we tested the effects of SeChry on three different ovarian cancer cell lines (ES2, OVCAR3, and OVCAR8) and in two non-malignant cell lines (HaCaT and HK2). Results showed that, in addition to being highly cytotoxic, SeChry does not affect the uptake of cysteine, although it increases GSH depletion, indicating that SeChry might induce oxidative stress. However, enzymatic assays revealed an inhibitory effect of SeChry toward CBS, thus preventing production of the antioxidant H2S. Notably, our data showed that SeChry and folate-targeted polyurea dendrimer generation four (SeChry@PUREG4-FA) nanoparticles increased the specificity for SeChry delivery to ovarian cancer cells, reducing significantly the toxicity against non-malignant cells. Collectively, our data support SeChry@PUREG4-FA nanoparticles as a targeted strategy to improve ovarian cancer treatment, where GSH depletion and CBS inhibition underlie SeChry cytotoxicity.
α-Lipoic Acid Inhibits IL-8 Expression by Activating Nrf2 Signaling in Helicobacter pylori-infected Gastric Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kyung Seoyeon , Lim Joo Weon , Kim Hyeyoung
Published: October 2019

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes gastritis and gastric cancers. Oxidative stress is involved in the pathological mechanism of H. pylori-induced gastritis and gastric cancer induction. Therefore, reducing oxidative stress may be beneficial for preventing the development of H. pylori-associated gastric diseases. Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a crucial regulator for the expression of antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which protects cells from oxidative injury. α-Lipoic acid (α-LA), a naturally occurring dithiol, shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in various cells. In the present study, we examined the mechanism by which α-LA activates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukine-8 (IL-8), and reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H. pylori-infected AGS cells. α-LA increased the level of phosphorylated and nuclear-translocated Nrf2 by decreasing the amount of Nrf2 sequestered in the cytoplasm by complex formation with Kelch-like ECH1-associated protein 1 (KEAP 1). By using exogenous inhibitors targeting Nrf2 and HO-1, we showed that up-regulation of activated Nrf2 and of HO-1 results in the α-LA-induced suppression of interleukin 8 (IL-8) and ROS. Consumption of α-LA-rich foods may prevent the development of H. pylori-associated gastric diseases by decreasing ROS-mediated IL-8 expression in gastric epithelial cells.
Vitamins D and E Stimulate the PI3K-AKT Signalling Pathway in Insulin-Resistant SK-N-SH Neuronal Cells
Authors: Zaulkffali Amirah Salwani , Md Razip Nurliyana Najwa , Syed Alwi Sharifah Sakinah , Abd Jalil Afifah , Abd Mutalib Mohd Sokhini , Gopalsamy Banulata , Chang Sui Kiat , Zainal Zaida , Ibrahim Nafissa Nadia , Zakaria Zainul Amiruddin , Khaza’ai Huzwah
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the effects of vitamins D and E on an insulin-resistant model and hypothesized that this treatment would reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and improves insulin signalling. An insulin-resistant model was induced in SK-N-SH neuronal cells with a treatment of 250 nM insulin and re-challenged with 100 nM at two different incubation time (16 h and 24 h). The effects of vitamin D (10 and 20 ng/mL), vitamin E in the form of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) (200 ng/mL) and the combination of vitamins D and E on insulin signalling markers (IR, PI3K, GLUT3, GLUT4, and p-AKT), glucose uptake and AD markers (GSK3β and TAU) were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results demonstrated an improvement of the insulin signalling pathway upon treatment with vitamin D alone, with significant increases in IR, PI3K, GLUT3, GLUT4 expression levels, as well as AKT phosphorylation and glucose uptake, while GSK3β and TAU expression levels was decreased significantly. On the contrary, vitamin E alone, increased p-AKT, reduced the ROS as well as GSK3β and TAU but had no effect on the insulin signalling expression levels. The combination of vitamins D and E only showed significant increase in GLUT4, p-AKT, reduced ROS as well as GSK3β and TAU. Thus, the universal role of vitamin D, E alone and in combinations could be the potential nutritional agents in restoring the sensitivity of neuronal cells towards insulin and delaying the pathophysiological progression of AD.
Diet-Related Factors, Physical Activity, and Weight Status in Polish Adults
Authors: Jezewska-Zychowicz Marzena , Gębski Jerzy , Plichta Marta , Guzek Dominika , Kosicka-Gębska Małgorzata
Published: October 2019

Obesity is a serious problem for both the individual and society due to its health and economic consequences. Therefore, there is a need to focus on factors which explain this phenomenon and may be useful in preventing future occurrence. The aim of this study was to determine the lifestyle factors coexisting with increased body mass index (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) in Polish adults, including factors related to diet (dietary patterns—DPs; dietary restrictions; number of meals; frequency of snacking, eating out, and ordering home delivery meals), physical activity, and sociodemographic characteristics. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was carried out in 2016 amongst 972 Polish adults under the Life Style Study (LSS). To determine the factorscoexisting with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, the logistic regression model was developed. Women were less likely to be overweight or obese compared to men. The likelihood of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 increased with age by 4% in each subsequent year of life. Frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, adhering to restrictions in quantity of food consumed and at least moderate physical activity during leisure time decreased the likelihood of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. More frequent consumption of meat and eating five or more meals a day increased the likelihood of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Diet-related factors explained the developed model better than factors related to physical activity, however, age and gender were the factors most strongly correlated with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Therefore, development of strategies to prevent and reduce overweight and obesity should focus on the demographic characteristics of the population, and then on teaching behaviors conducive for reducing the amount of food consumed, especially meat. However, physical activity in leisure time should also be included in the prevention of obesity.
Meat Proteins as Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitors and Glucose Uptake Stimulating Peptides for the Management of a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Silico Study
Authors: Kęska Paulina , Stadnik Joanna , Bąk Olga , Borowski Piotr
Published: October 2019

Diabetes mellitus is a non-communicable disease entity currently constituting one of the most significant health problems. The development of effective therapeutic strategies for the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes mellitus based on the selection of methods to restore and maintain blood glucose homeostasis is still in progress. Among the different courses of action, inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) can improve blood glucose control in diabetic patients. Pharmacological therapy offering synthetic drugs is commonly used. In addition to medication, dietary intervention may be effective in combating metabolic disturbances caused by diabetes mellitus. Food proteins as a source of biologically active sequences are a potential source of anti-diabetic peptides (DPP-IV inhibitors and glucose uptake stimulating peptides). This study showed that in silico pork meat proteins digested with gastrointestinal enzymes are a potential source of bioactive peptides with a high potential to control blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Analysis revealed that the sequences released during in silico digestion were small dipeptides (with an average weight of 270.07 g mol−1), and most were poorly soluble in water. The selected electron properties of the peptides with the highest bioactivity index (i.e., GF, MW, MF, PF, PW) were described using the DFT method. The contribution of hydrophobic amino acids, in particular Phe and Trp, in forming the anti-diabetic properties of peptides released from pork meat was emphasized.
Reproducibility and Relative Validity of the Healthy Eating Index-2015 and Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 Estimated by Comprehensive and Brief Diet History Questionnaires in Japanese Adults
Authors: Murakami Kentaro , Livingstone M. Barbara E. , Fujiwara Aya , Sasaki Satoshi
Published: October 2019

We examined the reproducibility and relative validity of two measures of overall diet quality, the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) and Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 (NRF9.3), as estimated by well-established self-administered dietary assessment questionnaires for the Japanese, namely the comprehensive diet history questionnaire (DHQ) and the brief diet history questionnaire (BDHQ). Diet was assessed separately by two DHQs and two BDHQs at a 1-year interval and by 16-day weighed dietary records (DRs) in 121 women and 121 men aged 31–81 years. HEI-2015 and NRF9.3 were calculated from each method. The reproducibility correlation for the two questionnaires (intraclass correlation) ranged from 0.53 (HEI-2015 from BDHQ in men) to 0.77 (NRF9.3 from BDHQ in women). The validity correlation between the first questionnaires and DR (Pearson correlation) ranged from 0.37 (NRF9.3 from BDHQ in men) to 0.61 (NRF9.3 from DHQ and BDHQ in women). Bland–Altman plots showed poor agreement between the DHQ or BDHQ and DR, as well as the presence of weak proportional bias. Overall, these data indicate reasonable reproducibility and ranking ability of the DHQ and BDHQ for assessing the HEI-2015 and NRF9.3 and support their usefulness in future epidemiological research on the overall effects of Japanese diets on various health outcomes.
The Importance of Nutrition in Hypertension
Authors: Fantin Francesco , Macchi Federica , Giani Anna , Bissoli Luisa
Published: October 2019

Arterial hypertension (AH) is considered to be one of the most relevant cardiovascular risk factors, and its wide prevalence in all age ranges makes it necessary to analyse all the possible causes and treatments [...]
Genome and Phylogenetic Analysis of Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus Strain SNU1 Isolated in Korea
Authors: Oh Woo Taek , Jun Jin Woo , Giri Sib Sankar , Yun Saekil , Kim Hyoun Joong , Kim Sang Guen , Kim Sang Wha , Han Se Jin , Kwon Jun , Park Se Chang
Published: October 2019

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV), one of the most important pathogenic fish viruses, affects trout fisheries and causes considerable economic losses. Currently, in Korea, more studies on IHNV infection are being reported. However, relatively less data is available on Korean isolates than on those from other countries. Few studies have focused on gene sequence analyses of IHNV glycoprotein (G) gene and almost none have focused on other gene fragments. Therefore, considering the dearth of adequate phylogenetic and genomic studies on Korean IHNV strains because of the lack of data, our study aimed to provide sufficient relevant data by sequencing the complete genome of the IHNV strain SNU1, which was recently isolated from a Korean rainbow trout farm. Moreover, we focused on expanding the perspectives on the phylogenesis of IHNV isolates from Korea and other Asian countries. IHNV was isolated from pooled hematopoietic tissue samples using Epithelioma papulosum cyprinid (EPC) cells, and phylogenetic analysis and genome study were conducted using complete G, N, and nonvirion (NV) gene sequences. Our main achievements were the development of a phylogenetic analytical method based on the NV gene and complete genome sequence analysis of the IHNV strain SNU1, which was compared with other Asian isolate sequences.
Water Regime and Nitrogen Management to Cope with Wheat Yield Variability under the Mediterranean Conditions of Southern Portugal
Authors: Patanita Manuel , Tomaz Alexandra , Ramos Tiago , Oliveira Patrícia , Boteta Luís , Dôres José
Published: October 2019

Global climate change accentuates the seasonal and interannual irregularity of temperature and precipitation of the Mediterranean climate. The consequences of this variability on wheat production are felt on its development cycle and productivity, making the production chain of this crop vulnerable to the occurrence of years with abnormal distributions of precipitation and with extreme temperatures. Adaptation strategies like irrigation or fertilization can help to cope with the negative impacts of climate uncertainty. This study evaluated the effects of water regime and nitrogen (N) fertilization techniques on wheat production in southern Portugal based on the results of three trials conducted in two agricultural years (2016/2017 and 2017/2018) with contrasting climate conditions. Phenology and yield were evaluated by comparing water regimes (R1, full irrigation; R2, supplemental irrigation at four stages: start of stem extension, booting, anthesis, grain filling; R0, rainfed (in 2017/2018)) and N fertilization splitting/timing and type (conventional and enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs): controlled-release N, stabilized with nitrification inhibitor, and stabilized with urease inhibitor). Significant effects of water regime on grain yield were obtained in 2016/2017, a year with extreme aridity and high water requirements felt from the tillering stage, in the trial with conventional fertilizers. In 2017/2018, when a beneficial seasonal rainfall distribution occurred, water regime did not influence grain yield, pointing to the feasibility of supplementary irrigation to maximize water productivity. Nitrogen fertilization influenced yield and its components, with the highest values of grain yield being obtained with conventional fertilizer. Regardless of the possible effects on grain quality, the use of EEF did not prove to have an indisputable effect on wheat yield in the conditions under which the trials were conducted. Comparison of the results in the two years accentuates the need to continue the evaluation of the influence of agronomic management in wheat production in the context of adaptation to the climatic uncertainty in Mediterranean regions.
Basic Properties of a New Polymer Gel for 3D-Dosimetry at High Dose-Rates Typical for FFF Irradiation Based on Dithiothreitol and Methacrylic Acid (MAGADIT): Sensitivity, Range, Reproducibility, Accuracy, Dose Rate Effect and Impact of Oxygen Scavenger
Authors: Khan Muzafar , Heilemann Gerd , Lechner Wolfgang , Georg Dietmar , Berg Andreas Georg
Published: October 2019

The photon induced radical-initiated polymerization in polymer gels can be used for high-resolution tissue equivalent dosimeters in quality control of radiation therapy. The dose (D) distribution in radiation therapy can be measured as a change of the physical measurement parameter T2 using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The detection by T2 is relying on the local change of the molecular mobility due to local polymerization initiated by radicals generated by the ionizing radiation. The dosimetric signals R2 = 1/T2 of many of the current polymer gels are dose-rate dependent, which reduces the reliability of the gel for clinical use. A novel gel dosimeter, based on methacrylic acid, gelatin and the newly added dithiothreitol (MAGADIT) as an oxygen-scavenger was analyzed for basic properties, such as sensitivity, reproducibility, accuracy and dose-rate dependence. Dithiothreitol features no toxic classification with a difference to THPC and offers a stronger negative redox-potential than ascorbic acid. Polymer gels with three different concentration levels of dithiothreitol were irradiated with a preclinical research X-ray unit and MR-scanned (T2) for quantitative dosimetry after calibration. The polymer gel with the lowest concentration of the oxygen scavenger was about factor 3 more sensitive to dose as compared to the gel with the highest concentration. The dose sensitivity (α = ∆R2/∆D) of MAGADIT gels was significantly dependent on the applied dose rate D ˙ (≈48% reduction between D ˙ = 0.6 Gy/min and D ˙ = 4 Gy/min). However, this undesirable dose-rate effect reduced between 4–8 Gy/min (≈23%) and almost disappeared in the high dose-rate range (8 ≤   D ˙ ≤   12 Gy/min) used in flattening-filter-free (FFF) irradiations. The dose response varied for different samples within one manufacturing batch within 3%–6% (reproducibility). The accuracy ranged between 3.5% and 7.9%. The impact of the dose rate on the spatial integrity is demonstrated in the example of a linear accelerator (LINAC) small sized 5 × 10 mm2 10 MV photon field. For MAGADIT the maximum shift in the flanks in this field is limited to about 0.8 mm at a FFF dose rate of 15 Gy/min. Dose rate sensitive polymer gels likely perform better at high dose rates; MAGADIT exhibits a slightly improved performance compared to the reference normoxic polymer gel methacrylic and ascorbic acid in gelatin initiated by copper (MAGIC) using ascorbic acid.