bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (NTP) and Zirconia Primer Treatment on Shear Bond Strength between Y-TZP and Resin Cement
Authors: Ahn Jong-Ju , Kim Dae-Sung , Bae Eun-Bin , Kim Gyoo-Cheon , Jeong Chang-Mo , Huh Jung-Bo , Lee So-Hyoun
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTP) treatment on the sandblasting of mechanical method and zirconia primer of chemical method used to increase the bond strength between zirconia and resin cement. In this study, Y-TZP was divided into 4 groups according to the surface treatment methods as follows: Zirconia primer (Pr), NTP + Zirconia primer (NTP + Pr), Sandblasting + Zirconia primer (Sb + Pr), Sandblasting + NTP + Zirconia primer (Sb + NTP + Pr). Then, two types of resin cement (G-CEM LinkAce and Rely X-U200) were used to measure the shear bond strength (SBS) and they were divided into non-thermal cycling group and thermal cycling group for aging effect. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. The result of the surface energy (SE), there was no significant difference among the groups (p > 0.05). As a result of the SBS test, the Sb + Pr group had a significantly higher SBS value than the other groups regardless of the resin cement type (p < 0.05), and the decrease rate after thermal cycling treatment was the lowest. On the other hand, the NTP + Pr group showed significantly lower SBS values than the other groups except for the case of using Rely X-U200 (p < 0.05), and the reduction rate after thermal cycling was the highest. The Sb + NTP + Pr group did not differ significantly from the Pr group (p > 0.05). Within the limitations of two successive studies, treatment with NTP after sandblasting used for mechanical bond strength showed a positive effect on initial SBS. However, when NTP was treated before the zirconia primer used for the chemical bond strength, it showed a negative effect on SBS compared to other treatment methods, which was noticeable after the thermal cycling treatment.
Progressive Failure Characteristics of Brittle Rock under High-Strain-Rate Compression Using the Bonded Particle Model
Authors: Huang Xiaolin , Qi Shengwen , Zheng Bowen , Guo Songfeng , Liang Ning , Zhan Zhifa
Published: September 2020

This paper microscopically investigated progressive failure characteristics of brittle rock under high-strain-rate compression using the bonded particle model (BPM). We considered the intact sample and the flawed sample loaded by split Hopkinson pressure bar respectively. Results showed that the progressive failure characteristics of the brittle rock highly depended on the strain rate. The intact sample first experienced in microcracking, then crack coalescing, and finally splitting into fragments. The total number of the micro cracks, the proportion of the shear cracks, the number of fragments and the strain at the peak stress all increased with the increasing strain rate. Also, a transition existed for the failure of the brittle rock from brittleness to ductility as the strain rate increased. For the flawed sample, the microcracking initiation position and the types of the formed macro cracks were influenced by the flaw angle in the initial stage. However, propagation of these early-formed macro cracks were prohibited in the later stages. New micro cracks were produced and then coalesced into diagonal macro cracks which could all form ‘X’-shape failure configuration regardless of the incline angle of the flaw. We explored micromechanics on progressive failure characteristics of the brittle rock under dynamic loads.
Review of Tailoring Methods for Joints with Additively Manufactured Adherends and Adhesives
Authors: Frascio Mattia , Marques Eduardo André de Sousa , Carbas Ricardo João Camilo , da Silva Lucas Filipe Martins , Monti Margherita , Avalle Massimiliano
Published: September 2020

This review aims to assess the current modelling and experimental achievements in the design for additive manufacturing of bonded joints, providing a summary of the current state of the art. To limit its scope, the document is focused only on polymeric additive manufacturing processes. As a result, this review paper contains a structured collection of the tailoring methods adopted for additively manufactured adherends and adhesives with the aim of maximizing bonded joint performance. The intent is, setting the state of the art, to produce an overview useful to identify the new opportunities provided by recent progresses in the design for additive manufacturing, additive manufacturing processes and materials’ developments.
p-Laplacian Equations in

R
+
N

with Critical Boundary Nonlinearity
Authors: Miao Xu , Zhao Junfang , Liu Xiangqing
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we consider the following p-Laplacian equation in R+N with critical boundary nonlinearity. The existence of infinitely many solutions of the equation is proved via the truncation method.
Parameter Estimation and Hypothesis Testing of Geographically Weighted Multivariate Generalized Poisson Regression
Authors: Berliana Sarni Maniar , Purhadi  , Sutikno  , Rahayu Santi Puteri
Published: September 2020

We introduce a new multivariate regression model based on the generalized Poisson distribution, which we called geographically-weighted multivariate generalized Poisson regression (GWMGPR) model, and we present a maximum likelihood step-by-step procedure to obtain parameters for it. We use the maximum likelihood ratio test to examine the significance of the regression parameters and to define their critical region.
Fast Approximation for Scheduling One Machine
Authors: Alonso-Pecina Federico , Hernández José Alberto , Sigarreta José Maria , Vakhania Nodari
Published: September 2020

We propose an approximation algorithm for scheduling jobs with release and delivery times on a single machine with the objective to minimize the makespan. The algorithm is based on an implicit enumeration of the set of complete solutions in a search tree. By analyzing specific structural properties of the solutions created in each branch of the solution tree, a certain approximation factor of each solution from that branch is calculated. Our algorithm guarantees approximation factor 1+1/κ for a generated solution if there are κ jobs with a specified property in that solution (typically, the longer the length of the path from the root to the node representing that solution in the solution tree, the larger the κ value). We have carried out an extensive computational study to verify the practical performance of our algorithm and the effectiveness of the approximation factor provided by us. While our problem instances are generated randomly, we have discarded a considerable number of the instances, ones which were already solved optimally by the earlier known dominance rules. For the vast majority of the tested problem instances, within a short running time of our algorithm parameter κ becomes sufficiently large so that the approximation factor which the algorithm guarantees becomes better than that provided by the earlier known approximation algorithms.
A Stochastic Dominance-Based Approach for Hotel Selection under Probabilistic Linguistic Environment
Authors: Yu Su-min , Du Zhi-jiao , Lin Xu-dong , Luo Han-yang , Wang Jian-qiang
Published: September 2020

Online reviews of hotels reflect tourist perception and evaluation, which are becoming an important perspective of studying hotel selection. In this paper, we prefer to use a probabilistic linguistic term set (PLTS) to fully reveal evaluation grades and the corresponding probability distribution in the online reviews of hotels. In this way, we propose a novel stochastic dominance-based approach based on stochastic dominance degrees of PLTSs and a stochastic multi-criteria acceptability analysis (SMAA) method that tolerates missing information. Among them, first-, second-, and third-order stochastic dominance degrees of PLTSs are calculated on the premise that the dominance relationships between PLTSs can be defined based on first-, second-, and third-order stochastic dominance rules of PLTSs. Based on these basic researches, five hotels are selected as alternatives in our case study to verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed approach. In the end, data analysis illustrates the influence of parameter and linguistic scale functions and how to choose appropriate parameter values. Furthermore, comparative analysis with other methods shows the stability of the proposed approach.
Astaxanthin and other Nutrients from Haematococcus pluvialis—Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Mularczyk Malwina , Michalak Izabela , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

Bioactive compounds of natural origin are gaining increasing popularity. High biological activity and bioavailability, beneficial effects on health and safety of use are some of their most desirable features. Low production and processing costs render them even more attractive. Microorganisms have been used in the food, medicinal, cosmetic and energy industries for years. Among them, microalgae have proved to be an invaluable source of beneficial compounds. Haematococcus pluvialis is known as the richest source of natural carotenoid called astaxanthin. In this paper, we focus on the cultivation methods of this green microalga, its chemical composition, extraction of astaxanthin and analysis of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti–diabetic and anticancer activities. H. pluvialis, as well as astaxanthin can be used not only for the treatment of human and animal diseases, but also as a valuable component of diet and feed.
Effects of Age on Long-Term Functional Recovery in Patients with Stroke
Authors: Yoo Jae , Hong Bo , Jo Leechan , Kim Joon-Sung , Park Jung , Shin Bo , Lim Seong
Published: September 2020

Background and objectives: Age might be a determinant that limits functional recovery in patients with stroke. Here, we investigated the effect of age on functional recovery within 30 months after stroke onset. Materials and Methods: This retrospective longitudinal study enrolled 111 patients with first-ever stroke. Functional recovery was assessed at 2 weeks and at 1, 6, and 30 months after stroke onset using the modified Barthel Index (MBI), modified Rankin Score (mRS), functional ambulation category (FAC), muscle strength, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A generalized estimating equation analysis was performed. Results: With the MBI, function improved until 6 months after stroke onset in patients aged <70 years and until 1 month after stroke onset in patients ≥70 years. At 30 months after stroke, there was no significant change of MBI in patients aged <70 years, whereas there was a significant decline in older patients. With the mRS and FAC, function improved until 30 months after stroke onset in patients aged <70 years and until 1 month after stroke onset in older patients. Motor deficit, assessed using the Medical Research Council (MRC), improved significantly until 6 months after stroke onset in patients aged <70 years. There was a significant improvement in cognition (assessed using the MMSE) until 6 months after stroke onset in patients aged <70 years and until 1 month after stroke onset in older patients. Conclusions: Long-term functional recovery occurred for up to 30 months after stroke. Patients aged ≥70 years showed functional decline between 6 and 30 months after onset. These findings could be useful when measuring functional recovery after stroke.
Homogenization of Endosymbiont Communities Hosted by Equatorial Corals during the 2016 Mass Bleaching Event
Authors: Jain Sudhanshi S. , Afiq-Rosli Lutfi , Feldman Bar , Levy Oren , Phua Jun Wei , Wainwright Benjamin J. , Huang Danwei
Published: September 2020

Thermal stress drives the bleaching of reef corals, during which the endosymbiotic relationship between Symbiodiniaceae microalgae and the host breaks down. The endosymbiont communities are known to shift in response to environmental disturbances, but how they respond within and between colonies during and following bleaching events remains unclear. In 2016, a major global-scale bleaching event hit countless tropical reefs. Here, we investigate the relative abundances of Cladocopium LaJeunesse & H.J.Jeong, 2018 and Durusdinium LaJeunesse, 2018 within and among Pachyseris speciosa colonies in equatorial Singapore that are known to host both these Symbiodiniaceae clades. Bleached and unbleached tissues from bleaching colonies, as well as healthy colonies, during and following the bleaching event were sampled and analyzed for comparison. The nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were separately amplified and quantified using a SYBR Green-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method and Illumina high-throughput sequencing. We found Cladocopium to be highly abundant relative to Durusdinium. The relative abundance of Durusdinium, known to be thermally tolerant, was highest in post-bleaching healthy colonies, while bleached and unbleached tissues from bleaching colonies as well as tissue from healthy colonies during the event had depressed proportions of Durusdinium. Given the importance of Durusdinium for thermal tolerance and stress response, it is surprising that bleached tissue showed limited change over healthy tissue during the bleaching event. Moreover, colonies were invariably dominated by Cladocopium during bleaching, but a minority of colonies were Durusdinium-dominant during non-bleaching times. The detailed characterization of Symbiodiniaceae in specific colonies during stress and recovery will provide insights into this crucial symbiosis, with implications for their responses during major bleaching events.
Cell Plasticity and Genomic Structure of a Novel Filterable Rhizobiales Bacterium that Belongs to a Widely Distributed Lineage
Authors: Nakai Ryosuke , Naganuma Takeshi , Tazato Nozomi , Morohoshi Sho , Koide Tomomi
Published: September 2020

Rhizobiales bacterium strain IZ6 is a novel filterable bacterium that was isolated from a suspension filtrate (<0.22 µm) of soil collected in Shimane Prefecture, western Japan. Additional closely related isolates were recovered from filterable fractions of terrestrial environmental samples collected from other places in Japan; the Gobi Desert, north-central China; and Svalbard, Arctic Norway. These findings indicate a wide distribution of this lineage. This study reports the cell variation and genomic structure of IZ6. When cultured at lower temperatures (4 °C and 15 °C), this strain contained ultra-small cells and cell-like particles in the filtrate. PacBio sequencing revealed that this chromosome (3,114,641 bp) contained 3150 protein-coding, 51 tRNA, and three rRNA genes. IZ6 showed low 16S rRNA gene sequence identity (<97%) and low average nucleotide identity (<76%) with its closest known relative, Flaviflagellibacter deserti. Unlike the methylotrophic bacteria and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in related genera, there were no genes that encoded enzymes for one-carbon-compound utilization and nitrogen fixation in the IZ6 genome; the genes related to nitrate and nitrite reductase are retained and those related to the cell membrane function tend to be slightly enriched in the genome. This genomic information helps elucidate the eco-physiological function of a phenotypically heterogeneous and diverse Rhizobiales group.
Mechanical Activation on Bioleaching of Chalcopyrite: A New Insight
Authors: Cao Si-Ting , Zheng Xing-Fu , Nie Zhen-Yuan , Zhou Yu-Hang , Liu Hong-Chang , Chen Jian-Hua , Yang Hong-Ying , Xia Jin-Lan
Published: September 2020

Mechanical activation as a means of accelerating the mineral dissolution may play an important role in chalcopyrite bioleaching. In the present work, the mechanical activation by ball-milling with 10 min, 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min and 180 min time periods of bioleaching of chalcopyrite was studied, and then evaluated by a Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation. The results showed that the specific surface area increased sharply in the very beginning of mechanical activation and then increased slowly until the agglomeration of the particles occurred, while the chalcopyrite lattices increased with the mechanical activation. The reaction activity analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) increased slowly in 30 min, increased quickly in the following 90 min, and then decreased, while the hydrophobicity analyzed by contact angles of the chalcopyrite after activation showed less of a change. The results showed that after 15 days of bioleaching, the Cu leaching by Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans (S. thermosulfidooxidans) increased from 9.39% in the 0 min of mechanical activation to 87.41% in the 120 min of mechanical activation, and the copper leaching rate increased by about 78%. The DFT results provide solid proof that the activated chalcopyrite can be adsorbed more easily by cells with higher adsorption energies and stronger bonds.
Retrofractamide C Derived from Piper longum Alleviates Xylene-Induced Mouse Ear Edema and Inhibits Phosphorylation of ERK and NF-κB in LPS-Induced J774A.1
Authors: Lim Hyung Jin , Bak Seon Gyeong , Park Eun Jae , Ku Sae-Kwang , Lee Soyoung , Lee Seung Woong , Lee Kang Min , Lee Seung-Jae , Rho Mun-Chual
Published: September 2020

Many studies have reported the biological activities of retrofractamide C (RAC). However, few studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of RAC. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of RAC using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced J774A.1 cells and a xylene-induced mouse ear edema model. Treatment with RAC decreased LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) protein expression. It also downregulated the LPS-induced production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) but not tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). In the LPS-induced signaling pathway, RAC inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) or p38. In a xylene-induced mouse ear edema model, RAC treatment alleviated edema formation and inflammatory cell infiltration. In conclusion, the present study indicates that RAC has the potential to have anti-inflammatory effects and could be a prospective functional food.
Optimization of Extraction Conditions for Gracilaria gracilis Extracts and Their Antioxidative Stability as Part of Microfiber Food Coating Additives
Authors: Reboleira João , Ganhão Rui , Mendes Susana , Adão Pedro , Andrade Mariana , Vilarinho Fernanda , Sanches-Silva Ana , Sousa Dora , Mateus Artur , Bernardino Susana
Published: September 2020

Incorporation of antioxidant agents in edible films and packages often relies in the usage of essential oils and other concentrated hydrophobic liquids, with reliable increases in antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the overall composite, but with less desirable synthetic sources and extraction methods. Hydroethanolic extracts of commercially-available red macroalgae Gracilaria gracilis were evaluated for their antioxidant potential and phenolic content, as part of the selection of algal biomass for the enrichment of thermoplastic film coatings. The extracts were obtained through use of solid-liquid extractions, over which yield, DPPH radical reduction capacity, total phenolic content, and FRAP activity assays were measured. Solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time, and ethanol percentages were selected as independent variables, and response surface methodology (RSM) was then used to estimate the effect of each extraction condition on the tested bioactivities. These extracts were electrospun into polypropylene films and the antioxidant activity of these coatings was measured. Similar bioactivities were measured for both 100% ethanolic and aqueous extracts, revealing high viability in the application of both for antioxidant coating purposes, though activity losses as a result of the electrospinning process were above 60% in all cases.
Optimal Production of Protein Hydrolysates from Monkfish By-Products: Chemical Features and Associated Biological Activities
Authors: Vázquez José Antonio , Menduíña Araceli , Nogueira Margarita , Durán Ana I. , Sanz Noelia , Valcarcel Jesus
Published: September 2020

The aim of this work was the recovery of protein substrates from monkfish waste (heads and viscera) generated in the on-board processing of this species. Initially, the effect of pH, temperature, and protease concentration was studied on mixtures of a 1:1 ratio (w/v) of monkfish heads/water. The optimal conditions of proteolytic digestion were established at 57.4 °C, pH 8.31, [Alcalase] = 0.05% (v/w) for 3 h of hydrolysis. Later on, a set of hydrolysis at 5L-pH-stat reactor were run under the aforementioned conditions, confirming the validity of the optimization studies for the head and viscera of monkfish. Regarding the chemical properties of the fish protein hydrolysates (FPH), the yield of digestion was higher than 90% in both cases and the degrees of hydrolysis and the soluble protein content were not especially large (<20% and <45 g/L, respectively). In vitro digestibility was higher than 90% and the percentage of essential amino acids ranged from 40 to 42%. Antioxidant activities were higher in viscera FPH, and antihypertensive ability was superior in head FPH. The values of number average molecular weights (Mn) of monkfish hydrolysates were 600 Da in the viscera and 947 Da in the head. The peptide size distribution, obtained by size-exclusion chromatography, indicated that the largest presence of peptides below 1000 Da and 200 Da was observed in the viscera FPH.
Kaempferol as a Dietary Anti-Inflammatory Agent: Current Therapeutic Standing
Authors: Alam Waqas , Khan Haroon , Shah Muhammad Ajmal , Cauli Omar , Saso Luciano
Published: September 2020

Inflammation is a physiological response to different pathological, cellular or vascular damages due to physical, chemical or mechanical trauma. It is characterized by pain, redness, heat and swelling. Current natural drugs are carefully chosen as a novel therapeutic strategy for the management of inflammatory diseases. Different phytochemical constituents are present in natural products. These phytochemicals have high efficacy both in vivo and in vitro. Among them, flavonoids occur in many foods, vegetables and herbal medicines and are considered as the most active constituent, having the ability to attenuate inflammation. Kaempferol is a polyphenol that is richly found in fruits, vegetables and herbal medicines. It is also found in plant-derived beverages. Kaempferol is used in the management of various ailments but there is no available review article that can summarize all the natural sources and biological activities specifically focusing on the anti-inflammatory effect of kaempferol. Therefore, this article is aimed at providing a brief updated review of the literature regarding the anti-inflammatory effect of kaempferol and its possible molecular mechanisms of action. Furthermore, the review provides the available updated literature regarding the natural sources, chemistry, biosynthesis, oral absorption, metabolism, bioavailability and therapeutic effect of kaempferol.
Daurichromenic Acid from the Chinese Traditional Medicinal Plant Rhododendron dauricum Inhibits Sphingomyelin Synthase and Aβ Aggregation
Authors: Deepak Hadya Virupaksha , Swamy Mahadeva M. M. , Murai Yuta , Suga Yoshiko , Anetai Masaki , Yo Takuro , Kuragano Masahiro , Uwai Koji , Tokuraku Kiyotaka , Monde Kenji
Published: September 2020

Species of the genus Rhododendron have been used in traditional Chinese medicine, with the medicinal herb “Manshanfong” used as an expectorant and for the treatment of acute bronchitis. Daurichromenic acid (DCA), a constituent of Rhododendron dauricum, is a meroterpenoid with antibacterial, anti-HIV, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the mechanisms underlying these pharmacologic activities are poorly understood. To develop new drugs based on DCA, more information is required regarding its interactions with biomolecules. The present study showed that DCA inhibits the activity of the enzyme sphingomyelin synthase, with an IC50 of 4 µM. The structure–activity relationships between DCA and sphingomyelin synthase were evaluated using derivatives and cyclized hongoquercin A. In addition, DCA was found to inhibit amyloid β aggregation. These results may help in the design of effective drugs based on DCA.
Fatty Acid Composition of Cosmetic Argan Oil: Provenience and Authenticity Criteria
Authors: Miklavčič Milena Bučar , Taous Fouad , Valenčič Vasilij , Elghali Tibari , Podgornik Maja , Strojnik Lidija , Ogrinc Nives
Published: September 2020

In this work, fatty-acid profiles, including trans fatty acids, in combination with chemometric tools, were applied as a determinant of purity (i.e., adulteration) and provenance (i.e., geographical origin) of cosmetic grade argan oil collected from different regions of Morocco in 2017. The fatty acid profiles obtained by gas chromatography (GC) showed that oleic acid (C18:1) is the most abundant fatty acid, followed by linoleic acid (C18:2) and palmitic acid (C16:0). The content of trans-oleic and trans-linoleic isomers was between 0.02% and 0.03%, while trans-linolenic isomers were between 0.06% and 0.09%. Discriminant analysis (DA) and orthogonal projection to latent structure—discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed to discriminate between argan oils from Essaouira, Taroudant, Tiznit, Chtouka-Aït Baha and Sidi Ifni. The correct classification rate was highest for argan oil from the Chtouka-Aït Baha province (90.0%) and the lowest for oils from the Sidi Ifni province (14.3%), with an overall correct classification rate of 51.6%. Pairwise comparison using OPLS-DA could predictably differentiate (≥0.92) between the geographical regions with the levels of stearic (C18:0) and arachidic (C20:0) fatty acids accounting for most of the variance. This study shows the feasibility of implementing authenticity criteria for argan oils by including limit values for trans-fatty acids and the ability to discern provenance using fatty acid profiling.
The Effect of GD1a Ganglioside-Expressing Bacterial Strains on Murine Norovirus Infectivity
Authors: Zhu Yifan , Kawai Hiroki , Hashiba Satoshi , Amarasiri Mohan , Kitajima Masaaki , Okabe Satoshi , Sano Daisuke
Published: September 2020

In this study, we investigated the impact of GD1a-expressing bacterial strains on the infectivity of murine norovirus (MNV). Eligible bacterial strains were screened from a sewage sample using flow cytometry, and their genetic sequences of 16S rRNA were determined. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to analyze the binding between bacteria and MNV particles, and the plaque assay was used to assess the effects of GD1a-positive and negative strains on MNV infectivity. The result from ELISA shows that MNV particles are able to bind to both GD1a-positive and negative bacterial strains, but the binding to the GD1a-positive strain is more significant. The infectivity assay result further shows that the MNV infectious titer declined with an increasing concentration of GD1a-positive bacteria. The addition of anti-GD1a antibody in the infectivity assay led to the recovery of the MNV infectious titer, further confirming that the binding between MNV particles and bacterial GD1a ganglioside compromises MNV infectivity. Our findings highlight the role indigenous bacteria may play in the lifecycle of waterborne enteric viruses as well as the potential of exploiting them for virus transmission intervention and water safety improvement.
Molecular and Cellular Substrates for the Friedreich Ataxia. Significance of Contactin Expression and of Antioxidant Administration
Authors: Bizzoca Antonella , Caracciolo Martina , Corsi Patrizia , Magrone Thea , Jirillo Emilio , Gennarini Gianfranco
Published: September 2020

In this study, the neural phenotype is explored in rodent models of the spinocerebellar disorder known as the Friedreich Ataxia (FA), which results from mutations within the gene encoding the Frataxin mitochondrial protein. For this, the M12 line, bearing a targeted mutation, which disrupts the Frataxin gene exon 4 was used, together with the M02 line, which, in addition, is hemizygous for the human Frataxin gene mutation (Pook transgene), implying the occurrence of 82–190 GAA repeats within its first intron. The mutant mice phenotype was compared to the one of wild type littermates in regions undergoing differential profiles of neurogenesis, including the cerebellar cortex and the spinal cord by using neuronal (β-tubulin) and glial (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein) markers as well as the Contactin 1 axonal glycoprotein, involved in neurite growth control. Morphological/morphometric analyses revealed that while in Frataxin mutant mice the neuronal phenotype was significantly counteracted, a glial upregulation occurred at the same time. Furthermore, Contactin 1 downregulation suggested that changes in the underlying gene contributed to the disorder pathogenesis. Therefore, the FA phenotype implies an alteration of the developmental profile of neuronal and glial precursors. Finally, epigallocatechin gallate polyphenol administration counteracted the disorder, indicating protective effects of antioxidant administration.
Analysis of Hepatic Fibrosis Characteristics in Cirrhotic Patients with and without Hepatocellular Carcinoma by FTIR Spectral Imaging
Authors: Moreau Johanna , Bouzy Pascaline , Guillard Julien , Untereiner Valérie , Garnotel Roselyne , Marchal Aude , Gobinet Cyril , Terryn Christine , Sockalingum Ganesh D. , Thiéfin Gérard
Published: September 2020

The evolution of cirrhosis is marked by quantitative and qualitative modifications of the fibrosis tissue and an increasing risk of complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our purpose was to identify by FTIR imaging the spectral characteristics of hepatic fibrosis in cirrhotic patients with and without HCC. FTIR images were collected at projected pixel sizes of 25 and 2.7 μm from paraffinized hepatic tissues of five patients with uncomplicated cirrhosis and five cirrhotic patients with HCC and analyzed by k-means clustering. When compared to the adjacent histological section, the spectral clusters corresponding to hepatic fibrosis and regeneration nodules were easily identified. The fibrosis area estimated by FTIR imaging was correlated to that evaluated by digital image analysis of histological sections and was higher in patients with HCC compared to those without complications. Qualitative differences were also observed when fibrosis areas were specifically targeted at higher resolution. The partition in two clusters of the fibrosis tissue highlighted subtle differences in the spectral characteristics of the two groups of patients. These data show that the quantitative and qualitative changes of fibrosis tissue occurring during the course of cirrhosis are detectable by FTIR imaging, suggesting the possibility of subclassifying cirrhosis into different steps of severity.
Optimising Non-Patterned MoO3/Ag/MoO3 Anode for High-Performance Semi-Transparent Organic Solar Cells towards Window Applications
Authors: Chang Lichun , Duan Leiping , Sheng Ming , Yuan Jun , Yi Haimang , Zou Yingping , Uddin Ashraf
Published: September 2020

Semi-transparent organic solar cells (ST-OSCs) have attracted significant research attention, as they have strong potential to be applied in automobiles and buildings. For ST-OSCs, the transparent top electrode is an indispensable component, where the dielectric/metal/dielectric (D/M/D) structured electrode displayed a promising future due to its simplicity in the fabrication. In this work, by using the MoO3-/Ag-/MoO3-based D/M/D transparent electrode, we fabricated ST-OSCs based on the PM6:N3 active layer for the first time. In the device fabrication, the D/M/D transparent electrode was optimised by varying the thickness of the outer MoO3 layer. As a result, we found that increasing the thickness of the outer MoO3 layer can increase the average visible transmittance (AVT) but decrease the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device. The outer MoO3 layer with a 10 nm thickness was found as the optimum case, where its corresponding device showed the PCE of 9.18% with a high AVT of 28.94%. Moreover, the colour perception of fabricated ST-OSCs was investigated. All semi-transparent devices exhibited a neutral colour perception with a high colour rendering index (CRI) over 90, showing great potential for the window application.
A Human-Relevant 3D In Vitro Platform for an Effective and Rapid Simulation of Workplace Exposure to Nanoparticles: Silica Nanoparticles as Case Study
Authors: Di Cristo Luisana , Boccuni Fabio , Iavicoli Sergio , Sabella Stefania
Published: September 2020

In this contribution, we show the suitability of a 3D airway model, when coupled with a nebulizer system, for simulating workplace exposure to nanoparticles. As a proof of concept, workplace exposure to silica nanoparticles was experimentally measured in an occupational facility where nanoparticles are produced weekly, and compared with the official limit value for bulk silica materials. These values of potential exposure were simulated in a 3D airway model by nebulizing low doses (from 0.90 to 55 µg/cm2) of silica nanoparticles over a prolonged period (12 weeks of repeated exposure, 5 days per week). Overall, the results suggest the efficiency of the defense mechanisms of the respiratory system and the clearance of the breathed silica nanoparticles by the mucociliary apparatus in accordance with the recent in vivo data. This in vitro platform shows that the doses tested may correlate with the occupational exposure limit values. Such relationship could provide regulatory-oriented data useful for risk classification of nanomaterials.
Nanomaterials in Dentistry: State of the Art and Future Challenges
Authors: Bonilla-Represa Victoria , Abalos-Labruzzi Camilo , Herrera-Martinez Manuela , Guerrero-Pérez M. Olga
Published: September 2020

Nanomaterials are commonly considered as those materials in which the shape and molecular composition at a nanometer scale can be controlled. Subsequently, they present extraordinary properties that are being useful for the development of new and improved applications in many fields, including medicine. In dentistry, several research efforts are being conducted, especially during the last decade, for the improvement of the properties of materials used in dentistry. The objective of the present article is to offer the audience a complete and comprehensive review of the main applications that have been developed in dentistry, by the use of these materials, during the last two decades. It was shown how these materials are improving the treatments in mainly all the important areas of dentistry, such as endodontics, periodontics, implants, tissue engineering and restorative dentistry. The scope of the present review is, subsequently, to revise the main applications regarding nano-shaped materials in dentistry, including nanorods, nanofibers, nanotubes, nanospheres/nanoparticles, and zeolites and other orders porous materials. The results of the bibliographic analysis show that the most explored nanomaterials in dentistry are graphene and carbon nanotubes, and their derivatives. A detailed analysis and a comparative study of their applications show that, although they are quite similar, graphene-based materials seem to be more promising for most of the applications of interest in dentistry. The bibliographic study also demonstrated the potential of zeolite-based materials, although the low number of studies on their applications shows that they have not been totally explored, as well as other porous nanomaterials that have found important applications in medicine, such as metal organic frameworks, have not been explored. Subsequently, it is expected that the research effort will concentrate on graphene and zeolite-based materials in the coming years. Thus, the present review paper presents a detailed bibliographic study, with more than 200 references, in order to briefly describe the main achievements that have been described in dentistry using nanomaterials, compare and analyze them in a critical way, with the aim of predicting the future challenges.
Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms in Sex-Frailty Paradox
Authors: Arosio Beatrice , Guerini Franca Rosa , Costa Andrea Saul , Dicitore Alessandra , Ferri Evelyn , Mari Daniela , Torresani Erminio , Clerici Mario , Cesari Matteo , Vitale Giovanni
Published: September 2020

The “male-female health-survival paradox” evidences that the survival advantage observed in women is linked to higher rates of disability and poor health status compared to men, a phenomenon also called the “sex-frailty paradox”. The depletion of vitamin D seems to play a role in the fragilization of old persons, and genetic polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene seem to be involved in regulating the vitamin D pathway. This study correlated the VDR gene polymorphisms (FokI, ApaI, BsmiI, and TaqI) with frailty, computed by frailty index (FI), in 202 persons (127 women and 75 men, aged from 60 to 116 years), aiming to capture the involvement of vitamin D in the sex-frailty paradox. The results showed slightly higher FI (p = 0.05), lower levels of 25(OH)D (p = 0.04), and higher levels of parathyroid hormone PTH (p = 0.002) and phosphorus (p < 0.001) in women than in men. Interestingly, the ApaI minor allele (Aa + aa) showed a significant positive association with FI (p = 0.03) and a negative association with inorganic phosphorus values (p = 0.04) compared to AA genotype only in women, regardless of age. The exact mechanism and the causal role that, in old women, links ApaI polymorphism with frailty are still unclear. However, we could speculate that a specific genetic profiling, other than 25(OH)D levels, play a role in the sex-frailty paradox.
Moderate Wine Consumption Reduces Faecal Water Cytotoxicity in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Zorraquín-Peña Irene , González de Llano Dolores , Tamargo Alba , Moreno-Arribas M. Victoria , Bartolomé Begoña
Published: September 2020

There are some studies that suggest that moderate consumption of wine, as part of a healthy and balanced diet, has a favourable effect on intestinal health. This study evaluates the effect of moderate wine consumption on faecal water (FW) cytotoxicity as a parameter of gut health. To that end, faecal samples before and after a red wine intervention study (250 mL of wine/day, 4 weeks) in healthy volunteers (n = 8) and in a parallel control group (n = 3) were collected and assayed for in vitro FW cytotoxicity. Two reference compounds, phenol and p-cresol, were used for assessing the cytotoxicity assays using two colon epithelial cell lines (HT-29 and HCT 116) and different assay conditions (FW dilution and incubation time). For the two cell lines and all assay conditions, the means of percentage cell viability were higher (lower cytotoxicity) for samples collected after the red wine intervention than for those collected before, although significant (p < 0.05) differences were only found in certain assay conditions for both cell lines. Significant positive correlations between the percentage cell viability and the contents of some faecal metabolites (short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and phenolic acids (PA)) were found for the more resistant cell line (HCT 116), suggesting that the reduction in FW cytotoxicity observed after moderate red wine consumption was related to the production of microbial-derived metabolites such as SCFA and PA, whose faecal contents have been shown to increase after wine consumption. FW cytotoxicity can be deemed as a holistic biomarker that involves diet, gut microbiota and host.
Age, Gender and Season Are Good Predictors of Vitamin D Status Independent of Body Mass Index in Office Workers in a Subtropical Region
Authors: Wang Li-Kai , Hung Kuo-Chuan , Lin Yao-Tsung , Chang Ying-Jen , Wu Zhi-Fu , Ho Chung-Han , Chen Jen-Yin
Published: September 2020

This study aimed at determining the prevalence and predictors of hypovitaminosis D (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 30 ng/mL) among office workers in a subtropical region from an electronic hospital database. Totally, 2880 office workers aged 26–65 years who received health examinations with vitamin D status and total calcium concentrations at a tertiary referral center were retrospectively reviewed. Subjects were divided into groups according to genders, age (i.e., 26–35, 36–45, 46–55, 56–65), body-mass index (BMI) (i.e., obese BMI ≥ 30, overweight 25 ≤ BMI < 30, normal 20 ≤ BMI < 25, and underweight BMI < 20) and seasons (spring/winter vs. summer/autumn) for identifying the predictors of hypovitaminosis D. Corrected total calcium level <8.4 mg/dL is considered as hypocalcemia. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that females (AOR 2.33, (95% CI: 1.75, 3.09)), younger age (4.32 (2.98, 6.24), 2.82 (1.93, 4.12), 1.50 (1.03, 2.17)), and season (winter/spring) (1.55 (1.08, 2.22)) were predictors of hypovitaminosis D, whereas BMI was not in this study. Despite higher incidence of hypocalcemia in office workers with hypovitaminosis D (p < 0.001), there was no association between vitamin D status and corrected total calcium levels. A high prevalence (61.9%) of hypovitaminosis D among office workers in a subtropical region was found, highlighting the importance of this occupational health issue.
Sex-Dependent Wheel Running Effects on High Fat Diet Preference, Metabolic Outcomes, and Performance on the Barnes Maze in Rats
Authors: Yang Tiffany Y. , Gao Zijun , Liang Nu-Chu
Published: September 2020

Excessive and prolonged intake of highly palatable, high fat (HF) foods contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cognitive impairment. Exercise can restore energy homeostasis and suppress HF diet preference in rats. However, it is unclear if exercise confers similar protection against the detrimental outcomes associated with a chronic HF diet preference and feeding in both sexes. We used our wheel running (WR) and two-diet choice (chow vs. HF) paradigm to investigate the efficacy of exercise in reversing HF diet-associated metabolic and cognitive dysregulation in rats, hypothesizing that beneficial effects of exercise would be more pronounced in males. All WR rats showed HF diet avoidance upon running initiation, and males, but not females, had a prolonged reduction in HF diet preference. Moreover, exercise only improved glucose tolerance and insulin profile in males. Compared to sedentary controls, all WR rats improved learning to escape on the Barnes maze. Only WR females increased errors made during subsequent reversal learning trials, indicating a sex-dependent effect of exercise on behavioral flexibility. Taken together, our results suggest that exercise is more effective at attenuating HF-associated metabolic deficits in males, and highlights the importance of developing sex-specific treatment interventions for obesity and cognitive dysfunction.
The Impact of Diet, Nutrition and Nutraceuticals on Oral and Periodontal Health
Authors: Isola Gaetano
Published: September 2020

Oral and periodontal diseases can determine severe functional, phonatory and aesthetic impairments and are the main cause of adult tooth loss. They are caused by some specific bacteria that provoke an intense local inflammatory response and affect—with particular gravity—susceptible subjects, because of reasons related to genetics and lifestyles (e.g., smoking and home oral hygiene habits). They are more frequent in the disadvantaged segments of society and, in particular, in subjects who have difficulty accessing preventive services and dental care. Some systemic diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can increase their risk of development and progression. Recently, in addition to the obvious considerations of severe alterations and impairments for oral health and well-being, it has been noted that periodontitis can cause changes in the whole organism. Numerous clinical and experimental studies have highlighted the presence of a strong association between periodontitis and some systemic diseases, in particular, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, lung diseases and complications of pregnancy. The purpose of this editorial is to provide a current and thoughtful perspective on the relationship of diet and natural agents on oral, periodontal diseases, and chewing disorder preventions which may reflect good systemic conditions and related quality of life or to analyze indirect effects through the contribution of diet and nutrition to systemic health in order to obtain a modern diagnostic–therapeutic approach.
Intake of Dietary Salicylates from Herbs and Spices among Adult Polish Omnivores and Vegans
Authors: Gajewska Danuta , Kęszycka Paulina Katarzyna , Sandzewicz Martyna , Kozłowski Paweł , Myszkowska-Ryciak Joanna
Published: September 2020

There is a growing body of evidence that a diet rich in bioactive compounds from herbs and spices has the ability to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The consumption of herbs and spices is often overlooked in the studies on food intake. However, measurement of dietary intake of these products, as a source of bioactive compounds, including salicylates, has recently gained much significance. The aims of the study were (i) to assess the intake of herbs and spices at the individual level and (ii) to calculate the dietary salicylates intake from herbs and spices among adult omnivores and vegans. The study group consisted of 270 adults aged 19 to 67 years, including 205 women and 65 men. Among all, 208 individuals were following an omnivorous diet while 62 were vegans. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was designed to assess the habitual intake of 61 fresh and dried herbs and spices during the preceding three months. The five most frequently eaten herbs among omnivores were parsley, garlic, dill, marjoram and basil, while among vegans they were garlic, parsley, ginger, basil and dill. An average intake of all condiments included in the study was 22.4 ± 18.4 g/day and 25.8 ± 25.9 g/day for both omnivores and vegans, respectively (p = 0.007). Estimated medial salicylates intake was significantly higher among vegans (p = 0.000) and reached 5.82 mg/week vs. 3.13 mg/week for omnivores. Our study confirmed that herbs and spices are important sources of salicylates; however, the type of diet influenced their level in the diet. Vegans consume significantly more total salicylates than omnivores.