bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Carbohydrates, Nucleosides and Amino Acids in Different Parts of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. by (Ultra) High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Evaporative Light Scattering Detector Methods
Authors: Zhang Huang-qin , Liu Pei , Duan Jin-ao , Dong Ling , Shang Er-xin , Qian Da-wei , Zhu Zhen-hua , Li Hui-wei , Li Wei-wen
Published: April 2019

Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. is one of the original plants for traditional Chinese medicines Trichosanthis Fructus, Trichosanthis Semen, Trichosanthis Pericarpium and Trichosanthis Radix. Amino acids, nucleosides and carbohydrates are usually considered to have nutritional value and health-care efficacy. In this study, methods involving high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD), UV-visible spectrophotometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) were established for quantifying carbohydrates (fructose, glucose, stachyose, raffinose and polysaccharide), fourteen nucleosides and twenty one amino acids. Moreover, sixty-three samples from nine different parts, including pericarp, seed, fruit pulp, stem, leaf, main root, main root bark, lateral root and lateral root bark of T. kirilowii from different cultivated varieties were examined. The established methods were validated with good linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery. The results showed that the average content of total amino acids in roots (15.39 mg/g) and root barks (16.38 mg/g) were relatively higher than for others. Contents of nucleosides in all parts of T. kirilowii were below 1.5 mg/g. For carbohydrates, fruit pulp has a higher content than others for glucose (22.91%), fructose (20.63%) and polysaccharides (27.29%). By using partial least-squared discriminate analysis (PLS-DA), Variable importance in the projection (VIP) plots and analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis, the characteristic components of the different organs (fruit, stems and leaves, roots) were found. This analysis suggested there were potential medicinal and nutritive health care values in various parts of the T. kirilowii, which provided valuable information for the development and utilization of T. kirilowii.
Energy Transfer as A Driving Force in Nucleic Acid–Protein Interactions
Authors: Zavyalova Elena , Kopylov Alexey
Published: April 2019

Many nucleic acid–protein structures have been resolved, though quantitative structure-activity relationship remains unclear in many cases. Thrombin complexes with G-quadruplex aptamers are striking examples of a lack of any correlation between affinity, interface organization, and other common parameters. Here, we tested the hypothesis that affinity of the aptamer–protein complex is determined with the capacity of the interface to dissipate energy of binding. Description and detailed analysis of 63 nucleic acid–protein structures discriminated peculiarities of high-affinity nucleic acid–protein complexes. The size of the amino acid sidechain in the interface was demonstrated to be the most significant parameter that correlates with affinity of aptamers. This observation could be explained in terms of need of efficient energy transfer from interacting residues. Application of energy dissipation theory provided an illustrative tool for estimation of efficiency of aptamer–protein complexes. These results are of great importance for a design of efficient aptamers.
Chondroitin Sulfate Safety and Quality
Authors: Volpi Nicola
Published: April 2019

The industrial production of chondroitin sulfate (CS) uses animal tissue sources as raw material derived from different terrestrial or marine species of animals. CS possesses a heterogeneous structure and physical-chemical profile in different species and tissues, responsible for the various and more specialized functions of these macromolecules. Moreover, mixes of different animal tissues and sources are possible, producing a CS final product having varied characteristics and not well identified profile, influencing oral absorption and activity. Finally, different extraction and purification processes may introduce further modifications of the CS structural characteristics and properties and may lead to extracts having a variable grade of purity, limited biological effects, presence of contaminants causing problems of safety and reproducibility along with not surely identified origin. These aspects pose a serious problem for the final consumers of the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products mainly related to the traceability of CS and to the declaration of the real origin of the active ingredient and its content. In this review, specific, sensitive and validated analytical quality controls such as electrophoresis, eHPLC (enzymatic HPLC) and HPSEC (high-performance size-exclusion chromatography) able to assure CS quality and origin are illustrated and discussed.
Copigmentation of Malvidin-3-O-Monoglucoside by Oenological Tannins: Incidence on Wine Model Color in Function of Botanical Origin, pH and Ethanol Content
Authors: Vignault Adeline , Gombau Jordi , Pascual Olga , Jourdes Michael , Moine Virginie , Canals Joan Miquel , Zamora Fernando , Teissedre Pierre-Louis
Published: April 2019

The effect of the botanical origin, pH level and ethanol content of different oenological tannins on the color of malvidin-3-O-monoglucoside solution, including their effectiveness as copigments, was studied. Briefly, a model wine solution (4 g/L of tartaric acid, pH 3.5 and 12% ethanol) containing 50 mg/L of malvidin-3-O-monoglucoside was prepared and supplemented with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 g/L of commercial tannins using (−)-epicatechin as reference control copigment. Six additional model wine solutions (12% ethanol at pH 3.1, 3.5 or 3.9, and 10%, 12% or 14% ethanol at pH 3.5) were prepared as previously described. Samples were stored under airtight conditions. After a week the full absorbance spectrum in the visible range (400–800 nm) was measured and CIELAB color space was determined. These measurements, including an increase in a* (redness), a decrease in b* (yellowness) and a decrease in L* (lightness), indicated that all oenological tannins had a clear positive effect on color copigmentation. Moreover, hydrolysable tannins appeared to be better copigments than condensed tannins as the copigmentation effectiveness (Cp) was found to be between two to four times higher. The effects of these tannins were dose-dependent because a higher addition resulted in a greater impact on copigmentation. In general, an increase in pH and ethanol content resulted in a decrease of the effect of tannins on color. Independent of intrinsic wine conditions, hydrolysable tannins, more specifically gallotannin, remain the most effective in increasing red wine color. These results prove that supplementation with oenological tannins, especially hydrolysable tannins, could be an interesting tool for the improvement of the red wine color.
Using Self-Assembling Peptides to Integrate Biomolecules into Functional Supramolecular Biomaterials
Authors: Liu Renjie , Hudalla Gregory A.
Published: April 2019

Throughout nature, self-assembly gives rise to functional supramolecular biomaterials that can perform complex tasks with extraordinary efficiency and specificity. Inspired by these examples, self-assembly is increasingly used to fabricate synthetic supramolecular biomaterials for diverse applications in biomedicine and biotechnology. Peptides are particularly attractive as building blocks for these materials because they are based on naturally derived amino acids that are biocompatible and biodegradable; they can be synthesized using scalable and cost-effective methods, and their sequence can be tailored to encode formation of diverse architectures. To endow synthetic supramolecular biomaterials with functional capabilities, it is now commonplace to conjugate self-assembling building blocks to molecules having a desired functional property, such as selective recognition of a cell surface receptor or soluble protein, antigenicity, or enzymatic activity. This review surveys recent advances in using self-assembling peptides as handles to incorporate biologically active molecules into supramolecular biomaterials. Particular emphasis is placed on examples of functional nanofibers, nanovesicles, and other nano-scale structures that are fabricated by linking self-assembling peptides to proteins and carbohydrates. Collectively, this review highlights the enormous potential of these approaches to create supramolecular biomaterials with sophisticated functional capabilities that can be finely tuned to meet the needs of downstream applications.
How to Measure and Calculate Equivalent Series Resistance of Electric Double-Layer Capacitors
Authors: Vicentini Rafael , Da Silva Leonardo Morais , Cecilio Junior Edson Pedro , Alves Thayane Almeida , Nunes Willian Gonçalves , Zanin Hudson
Published: April 2019

Electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) are energy storage devices that have attracted attention from the scientific community due to their high specific power storage capabilities. The standard method for determining the maximum power (Pmax) of these devices uses the relation Pmax = U2/4RESR, where U stands for the cell voltage and RESR for the equivalent series resistance. Despite the relevance of RESR, one can observe a lack of consensus in the literature regarding the determination of this parameter from the galvanostatic charge-discharge findings. In addition, a literature survey revealed that roughly half of the scientific papers have calculated the RESR values using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique, while the other half used the galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD) method. RESR values extracted from EIS at high frequencies (>10 kHz) do not depend on the particular equivalent circuit model. However, the conventional GCD method better resembles the real situation of the device operation, and thus its use is of paramount importance for practical purposes. In the latter case, the voltage drop (ΔU) verified at the charge-discharge transition for a given applied current (I) is used in conjunction with Ohm’s law to obtain the RESR (e.g., RESR = ΔU/ΔI). However, several papers have caused a great confusion in the literature considering only applied current (I). In order to shed light on this important subject, we report in this work a rational analysis regarding the GCD method in order to prove that to obtain reliable RESR values the voltage drop must be normalized by a factor of two (e.g., RESR = ΔU/2I).
In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of Hydrophilic Electrospun PLA95/β-TCP Membranes for Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) Applications
Authors: Chen Chien-Chung , Lee Sheng-Yang , Teng Nai-Chia , Hu Hsin-Tai , Huang Pei-Chi , Yang Jen-Chang
Published: April 2019

The guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane is a barrier intended to maintain a space for alveolar bone and periodontal ligament tissue regeneration but prevent the migration of fast-growing soft tissue into the defect sites. This study evaluated the physical properties, in vivo animal study, and clinical efficacy of hydrophilic PLA95/β-TCP GTR membranes prepared by electrospinning (ES). The morphology and cytotoxicity of ES PLA95/β-TCP membranes were evaluated by SEM and 3-(4,5-cimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) respectively. The cementum and bone height were measured by an animal study at 8 and 16 weeks after surgery. Fifteen periodontal patients were selected for the clinical trial by using a commercial product and the ES PLA95/β-TCP membrane. Radiographs and various indexes were measured six months before and after surgery. The average fiber diameter for this ES PLA95/β-TCP membrane was 2.37 ± 0.86 µm. The MTT result for the ES PLA95/β-TCP membrane showed negative for cytotoxicity. The significant differences in the cementum and bone height were observed between empty control and the ES PLA95/β-TCP membrane in the animal model (p < 0.05). Clinical trial results showed clinical attachment level (CAL) of both control and ES PLA95/β-TCP groups, with a significant difference from the pre-surgery results after six months. This study demonstrated that the ES PLA95/β-TCP membrane can be used as an alternative GTR membrane for clinical applications.
Enhanced Oil Recovery by a Suspension of Core-Shell Polymeric Nanoparticles in Heterogeneous Low-Permeability Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Long Yunqian , Wang Renyi , Zhu Baikang , Huang Xiaohe , Leng Zhe , Chen Liqiao , Song Fuquan
Published: April 2019

Polymeric nanoparticle suspension is a newly developed oil-displacing agent for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in low-permeability reservoirs. In this work, SiO2/P(MBAAm-co-AM) polymeric nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a simple distillation–precipitation polymerization method. Due to the introduction of polymer, the SiO2/P(MBAAm-co-AM) nanoparticles show a favorable swelling performance in aqueous solution, and their particle sizes increase from 631 to 1258 nm as the swelling times increase from 24 to 120 h. The apparent viscosity of SiO2/P(MBAAm-co-AM) suspension increases with an increase of mass concentration and swelling time, whereas it decreases as the salinity and temperature increase. The SiO2/P(MBAAm-co-AM) suspension behaves like a non-Newtonian fluid at lower shear rates, yet like a Newtonian fluid at shear rates greater than 300 s−1. The EOR tests of the SiO2/P(MBAAm-co-AM) suspension in heterogeneous, low-permeability cores show that SiO2/P(MBAAm-co-AM) nanoparticles can effectively improve the sweep efficiency and recover more residual oils. A high permeability ratio can result in a high incremental oil recovery in parallel cores. With an increase of the permeability ratio of parallel cores from 1.40 to 15.49, the ratios of incremental oil recoveries (low permeability/high permeability) change from 7.69/4.61 to 23.61/8.46. This work demonstrates that this SiO2/P(MBAAm-co-AM) suspension is an excellent conformance control agent for EOR in heterogeneous, low-permeability reservoirs. The findings of this study can help to further the understanding of the mechanisms of EOR using SiO2/P(MBAAm-co-AM) suspension in heterogeneous, low-permeability reservoirs.
Universal Method for Producing Reduced Graphene Oxide/Gold Nanoparticles Composites with Controlled Density of Grafting and Long-Term Stability
Authors: Szustakiewicz Piotr , Kołsut Natalia , Leniart Aneta , Lewandowski Wiktor
Published: April 2019

In this study, we report a universal approach allowing the non-covalent deposition of gold nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide surface in a controlled fashion. We used a modified Hummers method to obtain graphene oxide, which then underwent surficial functionalization with carboxyl moieties coupled with simultaneous reduction. Nanoparticles were synthesized ex-situ and capped with a thiolated poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) ligand. The interactions between the surface of modified graphene oxide and nanoparticle ligands enabled the formation of stable hybrid graphene-nanoparticles materials in the aqueous phase. Using this technique, we were able to cover the surface of graphene with gold nanoparticles of different shapes (spheres, rods, triangles, stars, and bipyramids), broad range of sizes (from 5 nm to 100 nm) and controlled grafting densities. Moreover, materials obtained with this strategy exhibited long-term stability, which coupled with the versatility and facility of preparation, makes our technique appealing in the light of increasing demand for new graphene-based hybrid nanostructures.
Covalent Decoration of Cortical Membranes with Graphene Oxide as a Substrate for Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Di Carlo Roberta , Zara Susi , Ventrella Alessia , Siani Gabriella , Da Ros Tatiana , Iezzi Giovanna , Cataldi Amelia , Fontana Antonella
Published: April 2019

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to optimize, through a cheap and facile protocol, the covalent functionalization of graphene oxide (GO)-decorated cortical membrane (Lamina®) in order to promote the adhesion, the growth and the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs (Dental Pulp Stem Cells); (2) Methods: GO-coated Laminas were fully characterized by Scannsion Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analyses. In vitro analyses of viability, membrane integrity and calcium phosphate deposition were performed; (3) Results: The GO-decorated Laminas demonstrated an increase in the roughness of Laminas, a reduction in toxicity and did not affect membrane integrity of DPSCs; and (4) Conclusions: The GO covalent functionalization of Laminas was effective and relatively easy to obtain. The homogeneous GO coating obtained favored the proliferation rate of DPSCs and the deposition of calcium phosphate.
Mesopore-Rich Activated Carbons for Electrical Double-Layer Capacitors by Optimal Activation Condition
Authors: Lee Hye-Min , An Kay-Hyeok , Park Soo-Jin , Kim Byung-Joo
Published: April 2019

In this study, activated polymer-based hard carbon using steam activation (APHS) with mesopore-rich pore structures were prepared for application as electrodes in electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLC). The surface morphologies and structural characteristics of APHS were observed using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively. The textural properties were described using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda equations with N2/77 K adsorption isotherms. APHS were prepared under various steam activation conditions to find optimal ones, which were then applied as electrode materials for the EDLC. The observed specific surface areas and total pore volumes of the APHS were in the range 1170–2410 m2/g and 0.48–1.22 cm3/g, respectively. It was observed that pore size distribution mainly depended on the activation time and temperature, and that the volume of pores with size of 1.5–2.5 nm was found to be a key factor determining the electrochemical capacity.
Vibrational Properties of Pd Nanocubes
Authors: Flor Alberto , Feliu Juan M. , Tsung Chia-Kuang , Scardi Paolo
Published: April 2019

The atomic disorder and the vibrational properties of Pd nanocubes have been studied through a combined use of X-ray diffraction and molecular dynamics simulations. The latter show that the trend of the mean square relative displacement as a function of the radius of the coordination shells is characteristic of the nanoparticle shape and can be described by a combined model: A correlated Debye model for the thermal displacement and a parametric expression for the static disorder. This combined model, supplemented by results of line profile analysis of the diffraction patterns collected at different temperatures (100, 200, and 300 K) can explain the observed increase in the Debye–Waller coefficient, and shed light on the effect of the finite domain size and of the atomic disorder on the vibrational properties of metal nanocrystals.
Smart-Responsive Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles (NANPs) with the Potential to Modulate Immune Behavior
Authors: Chandler Morgan , Afonin Kirill A.
Published: April 2019

Nucleic acids are programmable and biocompatible polymers that have beneficial uses in nanotechnology with broad applications in biosensing and therapeutics. In some cases, however, the development of the latter has been impeded by the unknown immunostimulatory properties of nucleic acid-based materials, as well as a lack of functional dynamicity due to stagnant structural design. Recent research advancements have explored these obstacles in tandem via the assembly of three-dimensional, planar, and fibrous cognate nucleic acid-based nanoparticles, called NANPs, for the conditional activation of embedded and otherwise quiescent functions. Furthermore, a library of the most representative NANPs was extensively analyzed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and the links between the programmable architectural and physicochemical parameters of NANPs and their immunomodulatory properties have been established. This overview will cover the recent development of design principles that allow for fine-tuning of both the physicochemical and immunostimulatory properties of dynamic NANPs and discuss the potential impacts of these novel strategies.
Green Tea Extracts Attenuate Brain Dysfunction in High-Fat-Diet-Fed SAMP8 Mice
Authors: Onishi Shintaro , Meguro Shinichi , Pervin Monira , Kitazawa Hidefumi , Yoto Ai , Ishino Mayu , Shimba Yuki , Mochizuki Yusuke , Miura Shinji , Tokimitsu Ichiro , Unno Keiko
Published: April 2019

Unhealthy diet promotes progression of metabolic disorders and brain dysfunction with aging. Green tea extracts (GTEs) have various beneficial effects and alleviate metabolic disorders. GTEs have neuroprotective effects in rodent models, but their effects against brain dysfunction in models of aging fed unhealthy diets are still unclear. Here, we showed that GTEs attenuate high-fat (HF) diet-induced brain dysfunction in senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAMP8), a murine model of senescence. SAMP8 mice were fed a control diet, HF diet, or HF diet with 0.5% GTEs (HFGT) for four months. The HF diet reduced memory retention and induced amyloid β1–42 accumulation, whereas GTEs attenuated these changes. In HF diet-fed mice, lipid oxidative stress, assessed by malondialdehyde levels, was increased. The levels of proteins that promote synaptic plasticity, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), were reduced. These alterations related to brain dysfunction were not observed in HFGT diet-fed mice. Overall, our data suggest that GTEs intake might attenuate brain dysfunction in HF diet-fed SAMP8 mice by protecting synaptic plasticity as well as via anti-oxidative effects. In conclusion, GTEs might ameliorate unhealthy diet-induced brain dysfunction that develops with aging.
Effect of Red, Processed, and White Meat Consumption on the Risk of Gastric Cancer: An Overall and Dose–Response Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Seong Rae , Kim Kyuwoong , Lee Sang Ah , Kwon Sung Ok , Lee Jong-Koo , Keum NaNa , Park Sang Min
Published: April 2019

Whether the risk of gastric cancer varies by the types of meat consumption still remains disputable. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to identify the exact associations that red, processed, and white meat have with gastric cancer. We searched relevant studies in Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library before November 2018, including cohort and case-control studies. We used random-effect models to estimate the adjusted relative risk (RR), and Egger’s tests to evaluate publication bias. Through stepwise screening, 43 studies were included in this analysis (11 cohort studies and 32 case-control studies with 16,572 cases). In a meta-analysis for the highest versus lowest categories of meat consumption, both red (RR: 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21–1.66) and processed (RR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.37–1.81) meat consumption were positively associated with gastric cancer risk, while white meat consumption was negatively associated with gastric cancer risk (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.69–0.92). In a dose–response meta-analysis, the RRs of gastric cancer were 1.26 (95% CI: 1.11–1.42) for every 100 g/day increment in red meat consumption, 1.72 (95% CI: 1.36–2.18) for every 50 g/day increment in processed meat consumption, and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.64–1.15) for every 100 g/day increment in white meat consumption. The increase of white meat consumption may reduce the risk of gastric cancer, while red or processed meat may increase the risk of gastric cancer. Further studies are required to identify these associations, especially between white meat and gastric cancer.
Anti-Obesity Effects of Tocotrienols and Bran in High-Fat Diet-Treated Mice
Authors: Fukui Koji , Shirai Masashi , Ninuma Takeyuki , Kato Yugo
Published: April 2019

Obesity is a serious public health issue in developed countries, and is known to increase the risk of several diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular events and arteriosclerosis. These phenomena are closely correlated with oxidative damage. Recently, several lines of evidence have demonstrated that neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are also related to oxidative damage. To clarify the relationship between obesity and oxidative brain injury, we investigated brain antioxidant networks in high-fat (HF) diet-treated mice in the presence or absence of tocotrienols (T3s) and bran. Co-treatment with T3s and bran significantly inhibited bodyweight gain in HF diet-treated mice. Serum and cortex T3 levels, and brain antioxidant enzyme activities and protein expressions did not differ among the groups except for SOD protein expression in the cerebellum. Brain p-mTOR and p-Akt protein expressions, which are related to autophagy, did not differ among the groups. These results indicate that treatment with T3s for eight weeks had showed an anti-obesity effect in HF diet-treated mice. However, significant alterations in T3 levels were not observed in the serum and brain of mice.
Glutamine Therapy Reduces Inflammation and Extracellular Trap Release in Experimental Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome of Pulmonary Origin
Authors: de Oliveira Gisele Pena , Kitoko Jamil Zola , de Souza Lima-Gomes Phillipe , Rochael Natália Cadaxo , de Araújo Carla Cristina , Lugon Pâmella Nowaski , dos Santos Heloísa Lopes , Martins Eduarda Gabrielle Lopes , Ornellas Felipe Mateus , de Oliveira Helena D’Anunciação , Morales Marcelo Marcos , Olsen Priscilla Christina , Galina Antônio , Silva Pedro Leme , Saraiva Elvira Maria , Pelosi Paolo , Rocco Patricia Rieken Macedo
Published: April 2019

The innate immune response plays an important role in the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Glutamine (Gln) decreases lung inflammation in experimental ARDS, but its impact on the formation of extracellular traps (ETs) in the lung is unknown. In a mouse model of endotoxin-induced pulmonary ARDS, the effects of Gln treatment on leukocyte counts and ET content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammatory profile in lung tissue, and lung morphofunction were evaluated in vivo. Furthermore, ET formation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were tested in vitro. Our in vivo results demonstrated that Gln treatment reduced ET release (as indicated by cell-free-DNA content and myeloperoxidase activity), decreased lung inflammation (reductions in interferon-γ and increases in interleukin-10 levels), and improved lung morpho-function (decreased static lung elastance and alveolar collapse) in comparison with ARDS animals treated with saline. Moreover, Gln reduced ET and ROS formation in BALF cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in vitro, but it did not alter GPx or GR activity. In this model of endotoxin-induced pulmonary ARDS, treatment with Gln reduced pulmonary functional and morphological impairment, inflammation, and ET release in the lung.
The Germ Fraction Inhibits Iron Bioavailability of Maize: Identification of an Approach to Enhance Maize Nutritional Quality via Processing and Breeding
Authors: Glahn Raymond , Tako Elad , Gore Michael A.
Published: April 2019

Improving the nutritional quality of Fe in maize (Zea mays) represents a biofortification strategy to alleviate iron deficiency anemia. Therefore, the present study measured iron content and bioavailability via an established bioassay to characterize Fe quality in parts of the maize kernel. Comparisons of six different varieties of maize demonstrated that the germ fraction is a strong inhibitory component of Fe bioavailability. The germ fraction can contain 27–54% of the total kernel Fe, which is poorly available. In the absence of the germ, Fe in the non-germ components can be highly bioavailable. More specifically, increasing Fe concentration in the non-germ fraction resulted in more bioavailable Fe. Comparison of wet-milled fractions of a commercial maize variety and degerminated corn meal products also demonstrated the inhibitory effect of the germ fraction on Fe bioavailability. When compared to beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) containing approximately five times the concentration of Fe, degerminated maize provided more absorbable Fe, indicating substantially higher fractional bioavailability. Overall, the results indicate that degerminated maize may be a better source of Fe than whole maize and some other crops. Increased non-germ Fe density with a weaker inhibitory effect of the germ fraction are desirable qualities to identify and breed for in maize.
The Role of Muscle Decline in Type 2 Diabetes Development: A 5-Year Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Maliszewska Katarzyna , Adamska-Patruno Edyta , Goscik Joanna , Lipinska Danuta , Citko Anna , Krahel Aleksandra , Miniewska Katarzyna , Fiedorczuk Joanna , Moroz Monika , Gorska Maria , Kretowski Adam
Published: April 2019

The major risk factors of T2DM (type 2 diabetes mellitus) development are still under investigation. We evaluate the possible risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in adult subjects during a five-year prospective cohort study. We recruited 1160 subjects who underwent oral glucose tolerance test, anthropometric measurements, and body composition and body fat distribution analysis at a baseline visit and again at follow-up after approximately five years. The conclusions of this study are based on observation of 219 subjects who attended both the first and follow-up visits. The fasting serum insulin was measured, and HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) was calculated. During the follow-up period, T2DM was diagnosed in 7.4% of participants, impaired fasting glucose in 37.7%, and impaired glucose tolerance in 9.3%. Logistic regression models, adjusted for age, were constructed. The changes in glucose concentration, visceral fat tissue content, insulin resistance, and %loss of muscle mass were chosen as the potential predictors for T2DM development. A set of independent variables was extracted. The constructed feature set comprised change in HOMA-IR (OR (odds ratio) = 1.01, p < 0.01) and change in %loss of muscle mass (OR = 0.84, p < 0.03). With an aim to validate the prediction capability using the selected attributes, a support vector machine classifier and leave-one-out cross-validation procedure was applied, yielding 92.78% classification accuracy. Our results show the correlation between the %loss of muscle mass and T2DM development in adults, independent of changes in insulin resistance.
The Impact of OMEGA-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Insulin Resistance and Content of Adipocytokines and Biologically Active Lipids in Adipose Tissue of High-Fat Diet Fed Rats
Authors: Chacińska Marta , Zabielski Piotr , Książek Monika , Szałaj Przemysław , Jarząbek Katarzyna , Kojta Iwona , Chabowski Adrian , Błachnio-Zabielska Agnieszka Urszula
Published: April 2019

It has been established that OMEGA-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may improve lipid and glucose homeostasis and prevent the “low-grade” state of inflammation in animals. Little is known about the effect of PUFAs on adipocytokines expression and biologically active lipids accumulation under the influence of high-fat diet-induced obesity. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of fish oil supplementation on adipocytokines expression and ceramide (Cer) and diacylglycerols (DAG) content in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue of high-fat fed animals. The experiments were carried out on Wistar rats divided into three groups: standard diet–control (SD), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet + fish oil (HFD+FO). The fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were examined. Expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) protein was determined using the Western blot method. Plasma adipocytokines concentration was measured using ELISA kits and mRNA expression was determined by qRT-PCR reaction. Cer, DAG, and acyl-carnitine (A-CAR) content was analyzed by UHPLC/MS/MS. The fish oil supplementation significantly decreased plasma insulin concentration and Homeostatic Model Assesment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index and reduced content of adipose tissue biologically active lipids in comparison with HFD-fed subjects. The expression of CPT1 protein in HFD+FO in both adipose tissues was elevated, whereas the content of A-CAR was lower in both HFD groups. There was an increase of adiponectin concentration and expression in HFD+FO as compared to HFD group. OMEGA-3 fatty acids supplementation improved insulin sensitivity and decreased content of Cer and DAG in both fat depots. Our results also demonstrate that PUFAs may prevent the development of insulin resistance in response to high-fat feeding and may regulate the expression and secretion of adipocytokines in this animal model.
Strategies for the Development of Glycomimetic Drug Candidates
Authors: Hevey Rachel
Published: April 2019

Carbohydrates are a structurally-diverse group of natural products which play an important role in numerous biological processes, including immune regulation, infection, and cancer metastasis. Many diseases have been correlated with changes in the composition of cell-surface glycans, highlighting their potential as a therapeutic target. Unfortunately, native carbohydrates suffer from inherently weak binding affinities and poor pharmacokinetic properties. To enhance their usefulness as drug candidates, ‘glycomimetics’ have been developed: more drug-like compounds which mimic the structure and function of native carbohydrates. Approaches to improve binding affinities (e.g., deoxygenation, pre-organization) and pharmacokinetic properties (e.g., limiting metabolic degradation, improving permeability) have been highlighted in this review, accompanied by relevant examples. By utilizing these strategies, high-affinity ligands with optimized properties can be rationally designed and used to address therapies for novel carbohydrate-binding targets.
Dual pH/Redox-Responsive Mixed Polymeric Micelles for Anticancer Drug Delivery and Controlled Release
Authors: Luo Yongle , Yin Xujun , Yin Xi , Chen Anqi , Zhao Lili , Zhang Gang , Liao Wenbo , Huang Xiangxuan , Li Juan , Zhang Can Yang
Published: April 2019

Stimuli-responsive polymeric micelles (PMs) have shown great potential in drug delivery and controlled release in cancer chemotherapy. Herein, inspired by the features of the tumor microenvironment, we developed dual pH/redox-responsive mixed PMs which are self-assembled from two kinds of amphiphilic diblock copolymers (poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-b-poly(β-amino esters) (mPEG-b-PAE) and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-grafted disulfide-poly(β-amino esters) (PAE-ss-mPEG)) for anticancer drug delivery and controlled release. The co-micellization of two copolymers is evaluated by measurement of critical micelle concentration (CMC) values at different ratios of the two copolymers. The pH/redox-responsiveness of PMs is thoroughly investigated by measurement of base dissociation constant (pKb) value, particle size, and zeta-potential in different conditions. The PMs can encapsulate doxorubicin (DOX) efficiently, with high drug-loading efficacy. The DOX was released due to the swelling and disassembly of nanoparticles triggered by low pH and high glutathione (GSH) concentrations in tumor cells. The in vitro results demonstrated that drug release rate and cumulative release are obviously dependent on pH values and reducing agents. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity test showed that the mixed PMs have negligible toxicity, whereas the DOX-loaded mixed PMs exhibit high cytotoxicity for HepG2 cells. Therefore, the results demonstrate that the dual pH/redox-responsive PMs self-assembled from PAE-based diblock copolymers could be potential anticancer drug delivery carriers with pH/redox-triggered drug release, and the fabrication of stimuli-responsive mixed PMs could be an efficient strategy for preparation of intelligent drug delivery platform for disease therapy.
Bacillus Spp.: Efficient Biotic Strategy to Control Postharvest Diseases of Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Lastochkina Oksana , Seifikalhor Maryam , Aliniaeifard Sasan , Baymiev Andrey , Pusenkova Ludmila , Garipova Svetlana , Kulabuhova Darya , Maksimov Igor
Published: April 2019

Postharvest diseases significantly reduce the shelf-life of harvested fruits/vegetables worldwide. Bacillus spp. are considered to be an eco-friendly and bio-safe alternative to traditional chemical fungicides/bactericides due to their intrinsic ability to induce native anti-stress pathways in plants. This review compiles information from multiple scientific databases (Scopus, ScienceDirect, GoogleScholar, ResearchGate, etc.) using the keywords “postharvest diseases”, “Bacillus”, “Bacillus subtilis”, “biocontrol”, “storage”, “losses”, and “fruits/vegetables”. To date, numerous examples of successful Bacillus spp. application in controlling various postharvest-emerged pathogens of different fruits/vegetables during handling, transportation, and storage have been described in the literature. The mechanism/s of such action is/are still largely unknown; however, it is suggested that they include: i) competition for space/nutrients with pathogens; ii) production of various bio-active substances with antibiotic activity and cell wall-degrading compounds; and iii) induction of systemic resistance. With that, Bacillus efficiency may depend on various factors including strain characteristics (epiphytes or endophytes), application methods (before or after harvest/storage), type of pathogens/hosts, etc. Endophytic B. subtilis-based products can be more effective because they colonize internal plant tissues and are less dependent on external environmental factors while protecting cells inside. Nevertheless, the mechanism/s of Bacillus action on harvested fruits/vegetables is largely unknown and requires further detailed investigations to fully realize their potential in agricultural/food industries.
Preparation of Octadecyl Amine Grafted over Waste Rubber Powder (ODA-WRP) and Properties of Its Incorporation in SBS-Modified Asphalt
Authors: Han Meizhao , Zeng Xiang , Muhammad Yaseen , Li Jing , Yang Jing , Yang Song , Wei Yunhao , Meng Fei
Published: April 2019

Through a covalent grafting reaction, octadecyl amine (ODA) was grafted on the surface of waste rubber powder (WRP) to obtain an ODA-WRP modifier, which was in turn compounded with a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) to prepare ODA-WRP/SBS-modified asphalt. The three major indicators (i.e., dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), multi-stress creep recovery (MSCR), and separation tests) showed that 1-ODA-WRP effectively improved the complex shear modulus (G*), elastic Modulus (G′), and loss modulus (G″) by 36.47%, 40.57%, and 34.77% (64 °C and 10 Hz), respectively, as compared to pristine SBS-modified asphalt. Fluorescence microscopy (FM) results concluded that the enhancement in mechanical properties was accredited to the better compatibility of various components in asphalt and establishment of network structure between ODA-WRP and SBS in ODA-WRP/SBS-modified asphalt. Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of ODA-WRP. This study could be of great help in synthesizing ODA-WRP asphalt modified with SBS for highways and construction applications.
Coaxial Printing of Silicone Elastomer Composite Fibers for Stretchable and Wearable Piezoresistive Sensors
Authors: Tang Zhenhua , Jia Shuhai , Shi Xuesong , Li Bo , Zhou Chenghao
Published: April 2019

Despite the tremendous efforts dedicated to developing various wearable piezoresistive sensors with sufficient stretchability and high sensitivity, challenges remain pertaining to fabrication scalability, cost, and efficiency. In this study, a facile, scalable, and low-cost coaxial printing strategy is employed to fabricate stretchable and flexible fibers with a core–sheath structure for wearable strain sensors. The highly viscous silica-modified silicone elastomer solution is used to print the insulating sheath layer, and the silicone elastomer solutions containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used as the core inks to print the conductive inner layer. With the addition of silica powders as viscosifiers, silica-filled silicone ink (sheath ink) converts to printable ink. The dimensions of the printed coaxial fibers can be flexibly controlled via adjusting the extrusion pressure of the inks. In addition, the electro-mechanical responses of the fiber-shaped strain sensors are investigated. The printed stretchable and wearable fiber-like CNT-based strain sensor exhibits outstanding sensitivities with gauge factors (GFs) of 1.4 to 2.5 × 106, a large stretchability of 150%, and excellent waterproof performance. Furthermore, the sensor can detect a strain of 0.1% and showed stable responses for over 15,000 cycles (high durability). The printed fiber-shaped sensor demonstrated capabilities of detecting and differentiating human joint movements and monitoring balloon inflation. These results obtained demonstrate that the one-step printed fiber-like strain sensors have potential applications in wearable devices, soft robotics, and electronic skins.
Ultrasonic Molding Technology: Recent Advances and Potential Applications in the Medical Industry
Authors: Heredia-Rivera Ulisses , Ferrer Inés , Vázquez Elisa
Published: April 2019

Recently, ultrasonic molding (USM) has emerged as a promising replication technique for low and medium volume production of miniature and micro-scale parts. In a relatively short time cycle, ultrasonic molding can process a wide variety of polymeric materials without any noticeable thermal degradation into cost-effective molded parts. This research work reviews recent breakthroughs of the ultrasonic injection molding and ultrasonic compression molding process regarding the equipment and tooling development, materials processing and potential applications in the medical industry. The discussion is centered on the challenges of industrializing this technology, pointing out the need for improvement of the current process’s robustness and repeatability. Among the most important research areas that were identified are the processing of novel engineered and nanomaterials, the understanding and control of the ultrasonic plasticization process and the tooling and equipment development.
Effect of Impregnation of Biodegradable Polyesters with Polyphenols from Cistus linnaeus and Juglans regia Linnaeus Walnut Green Husk
Authors: Latos-Brozio Malgorzata , Masek Anna
Published: April 2019

The publication describes a process combining the extraction of plant material and impregnation of biodegradable polymers (polylactide (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)). As raw plant materials for making extracts, Cistus and green walnut husk were selected due to their high content of active phytochemicals, including antioxidants. The extracts used to impregnate polymers contained valuable polyphenolic compounds, as confirmed by FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. After impregnation, the polymer samples showed greater thermal stability, determined by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method. In addition, despite the presence of natural antibacterial and antifungal substances in the extracts, the polyester samples remained biodegradable. The manuscript also describes the effect of UV aging on the change of surface free energy and the color of polymers. UV aging has been selected for testing due to the high susceptibility of plant compounds to this degrading factor. The combination of the extraction of plant material and polymer impregnation in one process proved to be an effective and functional method, as both the obtained plant extracts and impregnated polymers showed the expected properties.
Antimicrobial Activity of Lignin and Lignin-Derived Cellulose and Chitosan Composites against Selected Pathogenic and Spoilage Microorganisms
Authors: Alzagameem Abla , Klein Stephanie Elisabeth , Bergs Michel , Do Xuan Tung , Korte Imke , Dohlen Sophia , Hüwe Carina , Kreyenschmidt Judith , Kamm Birgit , Larkins Michael , Schulze Margit
Published: April 2019

The antiradical and antimicrobial activity of lignin and lignin-based films are both of great interest for applications such as food packaging additives. The polyphenolic structure of lignin in addition to the presence of O-containing functional groups is potentially responsible for these activities. This study used DPPH assays to discuss the antiradical activity of HPMC/lignin and HPMC/lignin/chitosan films. The scavenging activity (SA) of both binary (HPMC/lignin) and ternary (HPMC/lignin/chitosan) systems was affected by the percentage of the added lignin: the 5% addition showed the highest activity and the 30% addition had the lowest. Both scavenging activity and antimicrobial activity are dependent on the biomass source showing the following trend: organosolv of softwood > kraft of softwood > organosolv of grass. Testing the antimicrobial activities of lignins and lignin-containing films showed high antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at 35 °C and at low temperatures (0–7 °C). Purification of kraft lignin has a negative effect on the antimicrobial activity while storage has positive effect. The lignin release in the produced films affected the activity positively and the chitosan addition enhances the activity even more for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Testing the films against spoilage bacteria that grow at low temperatures revealed the activity of the 30% addition on HPMC/L1 film against both B. thermosphacta and P. fluorescens while L5 was active only against B. thermosphacta. In HPMC/lignin/chitosan films, the 5% addition exhibited activity against both B. thermosphacta and P. fluorescens.
Investigations on the Properties and Performance of Mixed-Matrix Polyethersulfone Membranes Modified with Halloysite Nanotubes
Authors: Mozia Sylwia , Grylewicz Amanda , Zgrzebnicki Michał , Darowna Dominika , Czyżewski Adam
Published: April 2019

Ultrafiltration (UF) polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were prepared by wet phase inversion method. Commercial halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in the amount of 0.5–4 wt % vs PES (15 wt %) were introduced into the casting solution containing the polymer and N,N-dimethylformamide as a solvent. The morphology, physicochemical properties and performance of the membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), zeta potential, porosity and contact angle analyses, as well as permeability measurements. Moreover, the antifouling properties of the membranes were evaluated during UF of a model solution of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The research revealed a positive influence of modification with HNTs on hydrophilicity, water permeability and antifouling properties of the PES membranes. The most significant improvement of permeability was obtained in case of the membrane containing 2 wt % of HNTs, whereas the highest fouling resistance was observed for 0.5 wt % HNTs content. It was found that a good dispersion of HNTs can be obtained only at loadings below 2 wt %. Based on the results a relation between severity of membrane fouling and surface roughness was proved. Moreover, an increase of the roughness of the modified membranes was found to be accompanied by an increase of isoelectric point values.