bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mayo Endoscopic Score and Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index Are Equally Effective for Endoscopic Activity Evaluation in Ulcerative Colitis Patients in a Real Life Setting
Authors: Pagnini Cristiano , Di Paolo Maria Carla , Mariani Benedetta Maria , Urgesi Riccardo , Pallotta Lorella , Vitale Mario Alessandro , Villotti Giuseppe , d’Alba Lucia , De Cesare Maria Assunta , Di Giulio Emilio , Graziani Maria Giovanna
Published: May 2021

The role of endoscopic evaluation in ulcerative colitis (UC) is well recognized, but a universally accepted gold standard for endoscopic activity evaluation is still lacking, and many scores have been proposed to this purpose. Among these, the Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES) and the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index (UCEIS) are currently the most used in trials and clinical practice. The aim of the study is to evaluate feasibility and performance of MES and UCEIS among expert endoscopists with no specific expertise in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), in a single hospital center. Two minutes video recordings, from colonoscopy of 12 UC patients, were observed and scored, according to MES and UCEIS, by seven hospital gastroenterologists with experience in digestive endoscopy and no particular expertise in IBD. Knowledge and utilization of the two scores were investigated. Inter-observer agreement and agreement with an IBD-expert gastroenterologist of the same center (central reader), and correlation between the two scores, was calculated. Among the endoscopists, MES was much more known and currently used than UCEIS. Both the scores displayed a similar good performance. Agreement with central reader was moderate for MES and UCEIS, and interobserver agreement was good, for both MES and UCEIS. Correlation between the two scores was very good both for central reader and for the hospital endoscopists. This single center study confirmed potential feasibility and usefulness of MES and UCEIS for assessment of endoscopic activity in UC patients in a real-life setting.
Family History and Searching for Hidden Trauma—A Personal Commentary
Authors: Bifulco Antonia
Published: May 2021

Background: Searching family history is now popular through increased internet access coinciding with a need for understanding identity. Prior unresolved war trauma can help explain impacts on subsequent generations and the need to search for family narrative, particularly in refugee families. This paper explores the search for trauma narratives through personal family history research, with links to community groups. Method: The author’s own Polish family history research provides examples of trauma and loss from World War II in Poland. This is supplemented by quotes from an existing interview study of second-generation Poles to amplify themes and indicate their wider community relevance.
Work-Related Stressors among the Healthcare Professionals in the Fever Clinic Centers for Individuals with Symptoms of COVID-19
Authors: Alyahya Saad , AboGazalah Fouad
Published: May 2021

Work-related stress can affect the quality of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the relationship between selected work-related stressors and stress levels among healthcare professionals providing preventive and curative services to people with COVID-19 symptoms in the Fever Clinics in Saudi Arabia. A systematic random sampling using an online questionnaire approach was used to select healthcare professionals in the Fever Clinics in Saudi Arabia during September 2020. Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire including data on their sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, role conflict and ambiguity, social support, and stress. The results showed that role conflict and ambiguity were significant risk factors for stress, and social support was negatively associated with stress levels. Additionally, younger and non-Saudi healthcare professionals exhibited higher stress levels than their older and Saudi counterparts. In conclusion, role conflict, ambiguity, and social support can predict the risk of stress among healthcare professionals in the Fever Clinics in Saudi Arabia.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Lignin-Based Biopolymer from Ulex europaeus: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Bonilla Andrés F. , Bonilla Diego A.
Published: May 2021

Invasive plant species are a global environmental threat since they affect native species and can modify ecosystems, which negatively impacts human health and world economics. The aim of this preliminary study was to synthesize and characterize a new lignin-based biopolymer from gorse (Ulex europaeus), a globally widespread invasive plant. The lignin extraction was carried out through base/acid and solvent-based methodologies to compare the reaction yield. Subsequent polymerization of the extracted lignin was performed by glycine condensation in a 70% 1,4-dioxane solution with H2O2 and CaCl2 as catalysts. The extraction and polymerization products were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermal and stability properties of the new biopolymer were determined by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and a soil burial test. The alkaline extraction process of lignin resulted in a higher yield than the process using an organic solvent. In comparison to the extracted lignin, the novel biopolymer showed different absorption bands that are characteristic of tensions and flexions of alkenes, amine, and amide groups. Additionally, thermal properties revealed peaks corresponding to decomposition and dehydration reactions, endothermic processes and a glass transition temperature of ≈259 °C. Potential biodegradation was observed. A new polymeric, possibly cross-linked, thermally stable material with a potentially high degree of crystallinity was synthesized from a renewable raw material, which might contribute to the gorse management according to the concept of novel ecosystem, as well as the reduction in contamination by other polymeric materials.
Different csrA Expression Levels in C versus K-12 E. coli Strains Affect Biofilm Formation and Impact the Regulatory Mechanism Presided by the CsrB and CsrC Small RNAs
Authors: Carzaniga Thomas , Falchi Federica A. , Forti Francesca , Antoniani Davide , Landini Paolo , Briani Federica
Published: May 2021

Escherichia coli C is a strong biofilm producer in comparison to E. coli K-12 laboratory strains due to higher expression of the pgaABCD operon encoding the enzymes for the biosynthesis of the extracellular polysaccharide poly-β-1,6-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG). The pgaABCD operon is negatively regulated at the post-transcriptional level by two factors, namely CsrA, a conserved RNA-binding protein controlling multiple pathways, and the RNA exonuclease polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase). In this work, we investigated the molecular bases of different PNAG production in C-1a and MG1655 strains taken as representative of E. coli C and K-12 strains, respectively. We found that pgaABCD operon expression is significantly lower in MG1655 than in C-1a; consistently, CsrA protein levels were much higher in MG1655. In contrast, we show that the negative effect exerted by PNPase on pgaABCD expression is much stronger in C-1a than in MG1655. The amount of CsrA and of the small RNAs CsrB, CsrC, and McaS sRNAs regulating CsrA activity is dramatically different in the two strains, whereas PNPase level is similar. Finally, the compensatory regulation acting between CsrB and CsrC in MG1655 does not occur in E. coli C. Our results suggest that PNPase preserves CsrA-dependent regulation by indirectly modulating csrA expression.
Phenomenological Modeling of Formic Acid Fractionation of Sugarcane Bagasse by Integration of Operation Parameters as an Extended Combined Severity Factor
Authors: Chang Xiaogang , Zhang Jingzhi , Wu Ruchun , Zhao Xuebing
Published: May 2021

In order to more conveniently simulate and optimize the solubilization of sugarcane bagasse components during formic acid (FA) fractionation, an extended combined severity factor (CSFext) was defined to integrate various operation parameters as a single factor. Two phenomenological models based on Arrhenius and Logistic equations were further used to describe the phenomenological kinetics. Different data-processing methods were compared to fit the severity parameters and model constants. Both Arrhenius-based and Logistic-based models show satisfying fitting results, though the values of Arrhenius-based CSFext (A-CSFext) and Logistic-based CSFext (L-CSFext) were somewhat different under the same fractionation condition. The solubilization of biomass components increased with CSFext, but two distinct stages could be observed with inflection points at A-CSFext of 42 or L-CSFext of 43, corresponding to bulk and residual solubilization stages, respectively. For the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic solids, the highest initial enzymatic glucan conversion (EGC@6h) was obtained at A-CSFext of 39–40 or A-CSFext of 40–41; however, for a long hydrolysis period (72 h), relatively high glucan conversion (EGC@72h) was observed at A-CSFext of 42–43 or A-CSFext of 43–44. Post-treatment for deformylation with a small amount of lime could help to recover the cellulose digestibility.
Applications of Hybrid Polymers Generated from Living Anionic Ring Opening Polymerization
Authors: Goff Jonathan , Sulaiman Santy , Arkles Barry
Published: May 2021

Increasingly precise control of polymer architectures generated by “Living” Anionic Ring-Opening Polymerization (Living AROP) is leading to a broad range of commercial advanced material applications, particularly in the area of siloxane macromers. While academic reports on such materials remain sparse, a significant portion of the global population interacts with them on a daily basis—in applications including medical devices, microelectronics, food packaging, synthetic leather, release coatings, and pigment dispersions. The primary driver of this increased utilization of siloxane macromers is their ability to incorporate the properties of silicones into organic structures in a balanced manner. Compared to organic polymers, the differentiating properties of silicones—low Tg, hydrophobicity, low surface energy, and high free molal space—logically lend themselves to applications in which low modulus, release, permeability to oxygen and moisture, and tactile interaction are desired. However, their mechanical, structural and processing properties have until recently precluded practical applications. This review presents applications of “Living” AROP derived polymers from the perspective of historical technology development. Applications in which products are produced on a commercial scale—defined as not only offered for sale, but sold on a recurrent basis—are emphasized. Hybrid polymers with intriguing nanoscale morphology and potential applications in photoresist, microcontact printing, biomimetic soft materials, and liquid crystals are also discussed. Previously unreported work by the authors is provided in the context of this review.
Effect of Salt Stress on Growth and Metabolite Profiles of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) along Three Growth Stages
Authors: Monroy-Velandia Daissy , Coy-Barrera Ericsson
Published: May 2021

Colombia is the main producer of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.), a plant known for its various consumption practices and medicinal properties. This plant is generally grown in eroded soils and is considered moderately tolerant to unfavorable conditions, such as nutrient-poor soils or high salt concentrations. Most studies conducted on this plant focus on fruit production and composition because it is the target product, but a small number of studies have been conducted to describe the effect of abiotic stress, e.g., salt stress, on growth and biochemical responses. In order to better understand the mechanism of inherent tolerance of this plant facing salt stress, the present study was conducted to determine the metabolic and growth differences of P. peruviana plants at three different BBCH-based growth substages, varying salt conditions. Hence, plants were independently treated with two NaCl solutions, and growth parameters and LC-ESI-MS-derived semi-quantitative levels of metabolites were then measured and compared between salt treatments per growth substage. A 90 mM NaCl treatment caused the greatest effect on plants, provoking low growth and particular metabolite variations. The treatment discrimination-driving feature classification suggested that glycosylated flavonols increased under 30 mM NaCl at 209 substages, withanolides decreased under 90 mM NaCl at 603 and 703 substages, and up-regulation of a free flavonol at all selected stages can be considered a salt stress response. Findings locate such response into a metabolic context and afford some insights into the plant response associated with antioxidant compound up-regulation.
A New Approach for Controlling Mesoporosity in Activated Carbon by the Consecutive Process of Air Oxidation, Thermal Destruction of Surface Functional Groups, and Carbon Activation (the OTA Method)
Authors: Lawtae Panuwat , Tangsathitkulchai Chaiyot
Published: May 2021

A new and simple method, based entirely on a physical approach, was proposed to produce activated carbon from longan fruit seed with controlled mesoporosity. This method, referred to as the OTA, consisted of three consecutive steps of (1) air oxidation of initial microporous activated carbon of about 30% char burn-off to introduce oxygen surface functional groups, (2) the thermal destruction of the functional groups by heating the oxidized carbon in a nitrogen atmosphere at a high temperature to increase the surface reactivity due to increased surface defects by bond disruption, and (3) the final reactivation of the resulting carbon in carbon dioxide. The formation of mesopores was achieved through the enlargement of the original micropores after heat treatment via the CO2 gasification, and at the same time new micropores were also produced, resulting in a larger increase in the percentage of mesopore volume and the total specific surface area, in comparison with the production of activated carbon by the conventional two-step activation method using the same activation time and temperature. For the activation temperatures of 850 and 900 °C and the activation time of up to 240 min, it was found that the porous properties of activated carbon increased with the increase in activation time and temperature for both preparation methods. A maximum volume of mesopores of 0.474 cm3/g, which accounts for 44.1% of the total pore volume, and a maximum BET surface area of 1773 m2/g was achieved using three cycles of the OTA method at the activation temperature of 850 °C and 60 min activation time for each preparation cycle. The two-step activation method yielded activated carbon with a maximum mesopore volume of 0.270 cm3/g (33.0% of total pore volume) and surface area of 1499 m2/g when the activation temperature of 900 °C and a comparable activation time of 240 min were employed. Production of activated carbon by the OTA method is superior to the two-step activation method for better and more precise control of mesopore development.
Lipase-Catalyzed Production of Sorbitol Laurate in a “2-in-1” Deep Eutectic System: Factors Affecting the Synthesis and Scalability
Authors: Delavault André , Opochenska Oleksandra , Laneque Laura , Soergel Hannah , Muhle-Goll Claudia , Ochsenreither Katrin , Syldatk Christoph
Published: May 2021

Surfactants, such as glycolipids, are specialty compounds that can be encountered daily in cleaning agents, pharmaceuticals or even in food. Due to their wide range of applications and, more notably, their presence in hygiene products, the demand is continuously increasing worldwide. The established chemical synthesis of glycolipids presents several disadvantages, such as lack of specificity and selectivity. Moreover, the solubility of polyols, such as sugars or sugar alcohols, in organic solvents is rather low. The enzymatic synthesis of these compounds is, however, possible in nearly water-free media using inexpensive and renewable building blocks. Using lipases, ester formation can be achieved under mild conditions. We propose, herein, a “2-in-1” system that overcomes solubility problems, as a Deep Eutectic System (DES) made of sorbitol and choline chloride replaces either a purely organic or aqueous medium. For the first time, 16 commercially available lipase formulations were compared, and the factors affecting the conversion were investigated to optimize this process, owing to a newly developed High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Evaporative Light Scattering Detector (HPLC-ELSD) method for quantification. Thus, using 50 g/L of lipase formulation Novozym 435® at 50 °C, the optimized synthesis of sorbitol laurate (SL) allowed to achieve 28% molar conversion of 0.5 M of vinyl laurate to its sugar alcohol monoester when the DES contained 5 wt.% water. After 48h, the de novo synthesized glycolipid was separated from the media by liquid–liquid extraction, purified by flash-chromatography and characterized thoroughly by one- and two-dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments combined to Mass Spectrometry (MS). In completion, we provide initial proof of scalability for this process. Using a 2.5 L stirred tank reactor (STR) allowed a batch production reaching 25 g/L in a highly viscous two-phase system.
Mining the Royal Jelly Proteins: Combinatorial Hexapeptide Ligand Library Significantly Improves the MS-Based Proteomic Identification in Complex Biological Samples
Authors: Matuszewska Eliza , Matysiak Joanna , Rosiński Grzegorz , Kędzia Elżbieta , Ząbek Weronika , Zawadziński Jarosław , Matysiak Jan
Published: May 2021

Royal jelly (RJ) is a complex, creamy secretion produced by the glands of worker bees. Due to its health-promoting properties, it is used by humans as a dietary supplement. However, RJ compounds are not fully characterized yet. Hence, in this research, we aimed to broaden the knowledge of the proteomic composition of fresh RJ. Water extracts of the samples were pre-treated using combinatorial hexapeptide ligand libraries (ProteoMinerTM kit), trypsin-digested, and analyzed by a nanoLC-MALDI-TOF/TOF MS system. To check the ProteoMinerTM performance in the MS-based protein identification, we also examined RJ extracts that were not prepared with the ProteoMinerTM kit. We identified a total of 86 proteins taxonomically classified to Apis spp. (bees). Among them, 74 proteins were detected in RJ extracts pre-treated with ProteoMinerTM kit, and only 50 proteins were found in extracts non-enriched with this technique. Ten of the identified features were hypothetical proteins whose existence has been predicted, but any experimental evidence proves their in vivo expression. Additionally, we detected four uncharacterized proteins of unknown functions. The results of this research indicate that the ProteoMinerTM strategy improves proteomic identification in complex biological samples. Broadening the knowledge of RJ composition may contribute to the development of standards and regulations, enhancing the quality of RJ, and consequently, the safety of its supplementation.
Ternary Quantum Dots in Chemical Analysis. Synthesis and Detection Mechanisms
Authors: Muñoz Raybel , Santos Eva M. , Galan-Vidal Carlos A. , Miranda Jose M. , Lopez-Santamarina Aroa , Rodriguez Jose A.
Published: May 2021

Ternary quantum dots (QDs) are novel nanomaterials that can be used in chemical analysis due their unique physicochemical and spectroscopic properties. These properties are size-dependent and can be adjusted in the synthetic protocol modifying the reaction medium, time, source of heat, and the ligand used for stabilization. In the last decade, several spectroscopic methods have been developed for the analysis of organic and inorganic analytes in biological, drug, environmental, and food samples, in which different sensing schemes have been applied using ternary quantum dots. This review addresses the different synthetic approaches of ternary quantum dots, the sensing mechanisms involved in the analyte detection, and the predominant areas in which these nanomaterials are used.
LC-ESI/LTQ-Orbitrap-MS Based Metabolomics in Evaluation of Bitter Taste of Arbutus unedo Honey
Authors: Montoro Paola , D’Urso Gilda , Kowalczyk Adam , Tuberoso Carlo Ignazio Giovanni
Published: May 2021

Strawberry tree honey is a high-value honey from the Mediterranean area and it is characterised by a typical bitter taste. To possibly identify the secondary metabolites responsible for the bitter taste, the honey was fractionated on a C18 column and the individual fractions were subjected to sensory analysis and then analysed by liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry in negative ion mode, using a mass spectrometer with an electrospray source coupled to a hybrid high resolution mass analyser (LC-ESI/LTQ-Orbitrap-MS). A chemometric model obtained by preliminary principal component analysis (PCA) of LC-ESI/LTQ-Orbitrap-MS data allowed the identification of the fractions that caused the perception of bitterness. Subsequently, a partial least squares (PLS) regression model was built. The studies carried out with multivariate analysis showed that unedone (2-(1,2-dihydroxypropyl)-4,4,8-trimethyl-1-oxaspiro [2.5] oct-7-en-6-one) can be considered responsible for the bitter taste of strawberry tree honey. Confirmation of the bitter taste of unedone was obtained by sensory evaluation of a pure standard, allowing it to be added to the list of natural compounds responsible for giving the sensation of bitterness to humans.
The Transcriptome of SH-SY5Y at Single-Cell Resolution: A CITE-Seq Data Analysis Workflow
Authors: Mercatelli Daniele , Balboni Nicola , Giorgio Francesca De , Aleo Emanuela , Garone Caterina , Giorgi Federico Manuel
Published: May 2021

Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing (CITE-seq) is a recently established multimodal single cell analysis technique combining the immunophenotyping capabilities of antibody labeling and cell sorting with the resolution of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). By simply adding a 12-bp nucleotide barcode to antibodies (cell hashing), CITE-seq can be used to sequence antibody-bound tags alongside the cellular mRNA, thus reducing costs of scRNA-seq by performing it at the same time on multiple barcoded samples in a single run. Here, we illustrate an ideal CITE-seq data analysis workflow by characterizing the transcriptome of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line, a widely used model to study neuronal function and differentiation. We obtained transcriptomes from a total of 2879 single cells, measuring an average of 1600 genes/cell. Along with standard scRNA-seq data handling procedures, such as quality checks and cell filtering procedures, we performed exploratory analyses to identify most stable genes to be possibly used as reference housekeeping genes in qPCR experiments. We also illustrate how to use some popular R packages to investigate cell heterogeneity in scRNA-seq data, namely Seurat, Monocle, and slalom. Both the CITE-seq dataset and the code used to analyze it are freely shared and fully reusable for future research.
Specific Absorption Rate Dependency on the Co2+ Distribution and Magnetic Properties in CoxMn1-xFe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Narayanaswamy Venkatesha , Al-Omari Imaddin A. , Kamzin Aleksandr S. , Issa Bashar , Tekin Huseyin O. , Khourshid Hafsa , Kumar Hemant , Mallya Ambresh , Sambasivam Sangaraju , Obaidat Ihab M.
Published: May 2021

Mixed ferrite nanoparticles with compositions CoxMn1-xFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0) were synthesized by a simple chemical co-precipitation method. The structure and morphology of the nanoparticles were obtained by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The average crystallite sizes decreased with increasing x, starting with 34.9 ± 0.6 nm for MnFe2O4 (x = 0) and ending with 15.0 ± 0.3 nm for CoFe2O4 (x = 1.0). TEM images show an edge morphology with the majority of the particles having cubic geometry and wide size distributions. The mixed ferrite and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles have an inverse spinel structure indicated by the splitting of A1g peak at around 620 cm−1 in Raman spectra. The intensity ratios of the A1g(1) and A1g(2) peaks indicate significant redistribution of Co2+ and Fe3+ cations among tetrahedral and octahedral sites in the mixed ferrite nanoparticles. Magnetic hysterics loops show that all the particles possess significant remnant magnetization and coercivity at room temperature. The mass-normalized saturation magnetization is highest for the composition with x = 0.8 (67.63 emu/g), while CoFe2O4 has a value of 65.19 emu/g. The nanoparticles were PEG (poly ethylene glycol) coated and examined for the magneto thermic heating ability using alternating magnetic field. Heating profiles with frequencies of 333.45, 349.20, 390.15, 491.10, 634.45, and 765.95 kHz and 200, 250, 300, and 350 G field amplitudes were obtained. The composition with x = 0.2 (Co0.2Mn0.8Fe2O4) with saturation magnetization 57.41 emu/g shows the highest specific absorption rate (SAR) value of 190.61 W/g for 10 mg/mL water dispersions at a frequency of 765.95 kHz and 350 G field strength. The SAR values for the mixed ferrite and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles increase with increasing concentration of particle dispersions, whereas for MnFe2O4, nanoparticles decrease with increasing the concentration of particle dispersions. SARs obtained for Co0.2Mn0.8Fe2O4 and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles fixed in agar ferrogel dispersions at frequency of 765.95 kHz and 350 G field strength are 140.35 and 67.60 W/g, respectively. This study shows the importance of optimizing the occupancy of Co2+ among tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the spinel system, concentration of the magnetic nanoparticle dispersions, and viscosity of the surrounding medium on the magnetic properties and heating efficiencies.
Surface Modification Using Polydopamine-Coated Liquid Metal Nanocapsules for Improving Performance of Graphene Paper-Based Thermal Interface Materials
Authors: Gao Jingyao , Yan Qingwei , Tan Xue , Lv Le , Ying Jufeng , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Yang Minghui , Du Shiyu , Wei Qiuping , Xue Chen , Li He , Yu Jinhong , Lin Cheng-Te , Dai Wen , Jiang Nan
Published: May 2021

Given the thermal management problem aroused by increasing power densities of electronic components in the system, graphene-based papers have raised considerable interest for applications as thermal interface materials (TIMs) to solve interfacial heat transfer issues. Significant research efforts have focused on enhancing the through-plane thermal conductivity of graphene paper; however, for practical thermal management applications, reducing the thermal contact resistance between graphene paper and the mating surface is also a challenge to be addressed. Here, a strategy aimed at reducing the thermal contact resistance between graphene paper and the mating surface to realize enhanced heat dissipation was demonstrated. For this, graphene paper was decorated with polydopamine EGaIn nanocapsules using a facile dip-coating process. In practical TIM application, there was a decrease in the thermal contact resistance between the TIMs and mating surface after decoration (from 46 to 15 K mm2 W−1), which enabled the decorated paper to realize a 26% enhancement of cooling efficiency compared with the case without decoration. This demonstrated that this method is a promising route to enhance the heat dissipation capacity of graphene-based TIMs for practical electronic cooling applications.
Poly(ethylene glycol)-Alendronate-Coated Magnetite Nanoparticles Do Not Alter Cardiovascular Functions and Red Blood Cells’ Properties in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Oleksa Viktoriia , Bernátová Iveta , Patsula Vitalii , Líšková Silvia , Bališ Peter , Radošinská Jana , Mičurová Andrea , Kluknavský Michal , Jasenovec Tomáš , Radošinská Dominika , Macková Hana , Horák Daniel
Published: May 2021

In this study, magnetite nanoparticles were prepared and coated with poly(ethylene glycol) terminated by alendronate to ensure firm binding to the iron oxide surface. Magnetic nanoparticles, designated as magnetite coated with poly(ethylene glycol)-alendronate (Fe3O4@PEG-Ale), were characterized in terms of number-average (Dn) and hydrodynamic (Dh) size, ζ-potential, saturation magnetization, and composition. The effect of particles on blood pressure, vascular functions, nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide production in the tissues of spontaneously hypertensive rats, as well as the effect on red blood cell (RBC) parameters, was investigated after intravenous administration (1 mg Fe3O4/kg of body weight). Results showed that Fe3O4@PEG-Ale particles did negatively affect blood pressure, heart rate and RBC deformability, osmotic resistance and NO production. In addition, Fe3O4@PEG-Ale did not alter functions of the femoral arteries. Fe3O4@PEG-Ale induced increase in superoxide production in the kidney and spleen, but not in the left heart ventricle, aorta and liver. NO production was reduced only in the kidney. In conclusion, the results suggest that acute intravenous administration of Fe3O4@PEG-Ale did not produce negative effects on blood pressure regulation, vascular function, and RBCs in hypertensive rats.
Advancement in Graphene-Based Materials and Their Nacre Inspired Composites for Armour Applications—A Review
Authors: Naveen Jesuarockiam , Jawaid Mohammad , Goh Kheng Lim , Reddy Degalhal Mallikarjuna , Muthukumar Chandrasekar , Loganathan Tamil Moli , Reshwanth Koduri Naga Ganapathy Lakshmi
Published: May 2021

The development of armour systems with higher ballistic resistance and light weight has gained considerable attention as an increasing number of countries are recognising the need to build up advanced self-defence system to deter potential military conflicts and threats. Graphene is a two dimensional one-atom thick nanomaterial which possesses excellent tensile strength (130 GPa) and specific penetration energy (10 times higher than steel). It is also lightweight, tough and stiff and is expected to replace the current aramid fibre-based polymer composites. Currently, insights derived from the study of the nacre (natural armour system) are finding applications on the development of artificial nacre structures using graphene-based materials that can achieve high toughness and energy dissipation. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential of graphene-based nanomaterials with regard to the penetration energy, toughness and ballistic limit for personal body armour applications. This review addresses the cutting-edge research in the ballistic performance of graphene-based materials through theoretical, experimentation as well as simulations. The influence of fabrication techniques and interfacial interactions of graphene-based bioinspired polymer composites for ballistic application are also discussed. This review also covers the artificial nacre which is shown to exhibit superior mechanical and toughness behaviours.
Recent Advances in Nutrition and Diabetes
Authors: Ojo Omorogieva
Published: May 2021

The prevalence of diabetes is on the increase worldwide, being one of the fastest growing international health emergencies in the 21st century [...]
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistances of Salmonella spp. Isolated from Wild Boars in Liguria Region, Italy
Authors: Razzuoli Elisabetta , Listorti Valeria , Martini Isabella , Migone Laura , Decastelli Lucia , Mignone Walter , Berio Enrica , Battistini Roberta , Ercolini Carlo , Serracca Laura , Andreoli Tiziana , Dellepiane Monica , Adriano Daniela , Pitti Monica , Meloni Daniela , Modesto Paola
Published: May 2021

Salmonella spp. is an important zoonotic agent. Wild boars might host this pathogen in the intestinal tract and might represent a risk for Salmonella spp. transmission to humans. Wild boars are widely spread in Liguria, due to the environmental characteristics of the region. The aim of the study was the isolation, typing, and investigation of antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated strains of Salmonella spp. During the 2013–2017 hunting seasons, 4335 livers of wild boars were collected and analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp. A total of 260 strains of Salmonella spp. were isolated and characterized, with a prevalence of 6%. The isolated strains belonged to all six Salmonella enterica subspecies. Most of them were identified as Salmonella enterica subs. enterica of which 31 different serotypes were identified. The dominating serotype identified was S. Enteritidis. The antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolated strains were analyzed against sixteen molecules. Of the isolated strains, 94.6% were resistant to at least one of the tested antimicrobials. This study showed the circulation of resistant Salmonella spp. strains in the wild boar population living in this area of Italy, underling the potential risk for these animals to disseminate this pathogen and its antimicrobial resistances.
Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids in ADHD and in Other Neuropsychiatric Conditions: A Multiple Case Presentation
Authors: Chiappedi Matteo
Published: May 2021

Neurodevelopmental disorders are seen quite commonly by general pediatricians. They should be managed with a multi-professional approach. The potential beneficial effect of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has been reported in recent literature, but guidelines describing their use in everyday practice are still lacking. We describe four cases as examples of the possible integration of a supplementation with PUFAs in the management of four relatively common clinical situations (i.e., children too young to receive pharmacological treatment for ADHD, children with nonspecific neurodevelopmental disorders, children whose parents refuse consent for pharmacological treatment of ADHD, and children for whom methylphenidate is not sufficient to achieve expected results).
A 15-Year Ecological Comparison for the Hiring Dynamics of Minnesota Pharmacies between 2006 and 2020
Authors: Schommer Jon C. , Olson Anthony W. , Lee SuHak , Gaither Caroline A. , Schondelmeyer Stephen W.
Published: May 2021

Labor market forces in pharmacy are affected by frictional unemployment (job turnover), structural employment forces that require new skill sets for employees, and hiring practices that integrate technology or less costly labor such as pharmacy technicians. The objectives of this study were to describe hiring trends for both the pharmacist and technician workforces in licensed pharmacies on a biennial basis from 2006 through 2020 using data collected in Minnesota. Ecological comparisons were made between the survey years using descriptive statistics. For open-ended questions added to the 2020 survey, content analysis was applied. Demand for technicians increased which might be due to the expansion of their roles into activities that had been reserved for the pharmacist. Pharmacies reportedly would like to hire pharmacists to meet the demand for new services that pharmacists can provide. However, respondents articulated that this is not feasible under current economic pressures. This represents a lost opportunity for transformation in pharmacy that would establish pharmacists’ roles in the rapidly transforming health care value chain. We conclude that hiring dynamics in pharmacies are being driven more by economic and organizational shifts than meeting the demand for services that pharmacists can provide.
Opioid-Induced In-Hospital Deaths: A 10-Year Review of Australian Coroners’ Cases Exploring Similarities and Lessons Learnt
Authors: Smoker Nicholas , Kirsopp Ben , Johnson Jacinta Lee
Published: May 2021

Although opioids are the cornerstone of moderate-to-severe acute pain management they are appropriately recognised as high-risk medicines. Patient and health service delivery factors can contribute to an increased risk of death associated with excessive sedation and respiratory impairment. Despite increasing awareness of opioid-induced ventilation impairment (OIVI), no reliable method consistently identifies individual characteristics and factors that increase mortality risk due to respiratory depression events. This study assessed similarities in available coronial inquest cases reviewing opioid-related deaths in Australian hospitals from 2010 to 2020. Cases included for review were in-hospital deaths that identified patient factors, clinical errors and service delivery factors that resulted in opioid therapy contributing to the death. Of the 2879 coroner’s inquest reports reviewed across six Australian states, 15 met the criteria for inclusion. Coroner’s inquest reports were analysed qualitatively to identify common themes, contributing patient and service delivery factors and recommendations. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise shared features between cases. All cases included had at least one, but often more, service delivery factors contributing to the death, including insufficient observations, prescribing/administration error, poor escalation and reduced communication. Wider awareness of the individual characteristics that pose increased risk of OIVI, greater uptake of formal, evidence-based pain management guidelines and improved documentation and observations may reduce OIVI mortality rates.
Generalized Resonance Sensor Based on Fiber Bragg Grating
Authors: Chen Xinxin , Wang Enbo , Jiang Yali , Zhan Hui , Li Hongwei , Lyu Guohui , Sun Shuli
Published: May 2021

In response to the difficulty of weak detection of early bearing damage, resonance demodulation technology and the principle of fiber Bragg grating sensing strain were combined to design a fiber Bragg grating generalized resonance sensor, which can extract the weak pulse signal of weak detection of early bearing’s early damage from rolling bearing. First, a principle of resonance dynamics of second-order mechanical systems based on fiber Bragg grating and generalized resonance principles is proposed. Second, the basic structure of the sensor is designed. Then, ANSYS finite element simulation is used to analyze the natural frequency of the sensor. Finally, the natural frequency value of the sensor was obtained through experiments. The experimental results of proof-of-principle show that the experimental results are consistent with the theoretical predictions. The theoretical model is accurate, which verifies the feasibility of the sensor.
Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) Hemagglutinin Effect on Immune Response In Vivo
Authors: Balčiūnaitė-Murzienė Gabrielė , Miknienė Zoja , Ragažinskienė Ona , Juodžiukynienė Nomeda , Savickas Arūnas , Savickienė Nijolė , Pangonytė Dalia
Published: May 2021

Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) is used in traditional and conventional medicine. However, there is lack of data on the biological activities of primary plant metabolite lectins. The aim of our experiment was to find out how lectin LysM (lysine motif), which was previously purified, affects the immune response in vivo. Eight-week-old BALB/c male mice (n = 15) received four weekly 250 μg/kg peritonial injections of purified Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) roots’ LysM lectin. The control animal group (n = 15) received 50 μL peritoneal injections of fresh Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) root tincture, and the negative control animal group (n = 15) received 50 μL peritoneal injections of physiological solution. At the fifth experimental week, the animals were sedated with carbon dioxide, and later euthanized by cervical dislocation, and then their blood and spleen samples were collected. The leukocytes’ formula and lymphocytes’ count was estimated in blood samples, the T lymphocytes’ density was evaluated in spleen zones. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference between each group was observed in the leukocytes’ formula (monocytes’ percentage, also little, medium and giant size lymphocytes). The purple coneflower fresh roots’ tincture significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the T lymphocytes’ quantity in peritoneal lymphoid sheaths (PALS) compared with the physiological solution injection’s group (p < 0.05) and the lectin injection’s group (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, lectin injections caused a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the T lymphocytes in a spleen PALS zone, compared with the physiological solution and tincture injection’s group. Our data suggests that LysM lectin acts as an immunostimulant, while fresh purple coneflower tincture causes immunosuppression.
Rheometer Evidences for the Co-Curing Effect of a Bismaleimide in Conjunction with the Accelerated Sulfur on Natural Rubber/Chloroprene Rubber Blends
Authors: Pöschl Marek , Gopi Sathi Shibulal , Stoček Radek , Kratina Ondřej
Published: May 2021

The rheometer curing curves of neat natural rubber (NR) and neat chloroprene rubber (CR) with maleide F (MF) exhibit considerable crosslinking torque at 180 °C. This indicates that MF can crosslink both these rubbers via Alder-ene reactions. Based on this knowledge, MF has been introduced as a co-crosslinking agent for a 50/50 blend of NR and CR in conjunction with accelerated sulfur. The delta (Δ) torque obtained from the curing curves of a blend with the addition of 1 phr MF was around 62% higher than those without MF. As the content of MF increased to 3 phr, the Δ torque was further raised to 236%. Moreover, the mechanical properties, particularly the tensile strength of the blend with the addition of 1 phr MF in conjunction with the accelerated sulfur, was around 201% higher than the blend without MF. The overall tensile properties of the blends cured with MF were almost retained even after ageing the samples at 70 °C for 72 h. This significant improvement in the curing torque and the tensile properties of the blends indicates that MF can co-crosslink between NR and CR via the Diels–Alder reaction.
Synthesis and Characterization of Block Copolymers of Poly(silylene diethynylbenzen) and Poly(silylene dipropargyl aryl ether)
Authors: Gao Man , Shang Chengyuan , Li Jixian , Han Gang , Tang Junkun , Yuan Qiaolong , Huang Farong
Published: May 2021

Poly(silylene diethynylbenzene)–b–poly(silylene dipropargyloxy diphenyl propane) copolymer (ABA-A), poly(silylene diethynylbenzene)–b–poly(silylene dipropargyloxy diphenyl ether) copolymer (ABA-O), and a contrast poly(silylene diethynylbenzene) with equivalent polymerization degree were synthesized through Grignard reactions. The structures and properties of the copolymers were investigated via hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Haake torque rheometer, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and mechanical tests. The results show that the block copolymers possess comprehensive properties, especially good processability and good mechanical properties. The processing windows of these copolymers are wider than 58 °C. The flexural strength of the cured ABA-A copolymer reaches as high as 40.2 MPa. The degradation temperatures at 5% weight loss (Td5) of the cured copolymers in nitrogen are all above 560 °C.
A LoRa-Based Multisensor IoT Platform for Agriculture Monitoring and Submersible Pump Control in a Water Bamboo Field
Authors: Kuo Yaw-Wen , Wen Wei-Ling , Hu Xue-Fen , Shen Ying-Ting , Miao Shen-Yun
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a long-range (LoRa)-based Internet of Things (IoT) system that consists of a series of IoT units in the field, as well as several servers for agriculture monitoring and pump control in water bamboo fields. Four types of IoT units were developed in accordance with the application’s need based on LoRa technology. Front- and back-end servers were constructed for data delivery, storage, and visualization, forming a complete solution. Another key feature is making a traditional submersible pump programmable with one IoT unit attached to the magnetic contactor in the electricity distribution box. Moreover, this paper presents design details of the proposed system and field experiment results for function validation. This IoT system is the first step in our project of revealing the relationship between farming and environmental reaction. This makes proposing a new farming procedure possible in the future.
Ten Year Clinical and Aesthetic Outcomes of an Immediately Placed and Restored Implant in the Anterior Maxilla: A Case Report
Authors: Arora Himanshu , Ivanovski Sašo
Published: May 2021

The nature of immediate implant placement followed by an immediate restoration protocol makes it particularly suited to the anterior maxilla. In addition to saving treatment time and avoiding additional surgical procedures, this protocol has been reported to improve aesthetic outcomes by supporting the peri-implant tissues during the implant healing phase through the use of a provisional restoration. This case report documents the use of this protocol in a patient with a failing maxillary anterior tooth and reports on the soft and hard tissue changes over an observation period of 10 years. An implant was immediately placed after removal of a failing maxillary central incisor followed by the provision of a screw retained provisional crown on the same day. A definitive restoration was placed after a 3-month healing period. Not only did this protocol manage to maintain peri-implant bone levels over the 10-year follow-up period, excellent aesthetic outcomes and very limited soft tissue recession were observed with the use of this technique.
Restoring the Past, Forging the Present: Scapegoating and Redemption in Calvaire and These Are The Names
Authors: Versteeg Peter G. A. , Koster Edwin
Published: May 2021

This article is a comparison of two works of fiction, a film and a novel, that both address the question of how people deal with intense memories of tragic events from their past. Both works are characterized by crucial references to religious phenomena. In the Belgian cult horror film Calvaire and the bestselling Dutch novel These Are The Names, stories are told about the desire to restore what was lost. In order to deal with past realities, the characters in these works of fiction impose the past, in an imaginative form, upon the present, which inevitably seems to create violence and conflict. The introduction of violence, and the way this violence destroys identities as a means to restore a lost world, calls the possibility and credibility of restoration into question. In order to explore the phenomenon of restoration, we introduce a concept of substitution (inspired by René Girard) to investigate the power of violence in these two narratives. In Calvaire, violence leads to the perversion of identity, ultimately leading to the latter’s destruction, yet at the same time it can be understood to result in love and absolution. In These Are The Names, sacrificing acts first seem to bring a new beginning but in the end redemption is substituted by accusations of severe crimes. However, in this novel the past is also present in such a way that lost identities could be restored. How both stories look at the relation between past and present and in which way they present the possibility of restoring painful events, will be our main questions.