bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“In Initiative Overload”: Australian Perspectives on Promoting Physical Activity in the Workplace from Diverse Industries
Authors: Chau Josephine Y. , Engelen Lina , Kolbe-Alexander Tracy , Young Sarah , Olsen Heidi , Gilson Nicholas , Burton Nicola W. , Bauman Adrian E. , Brown Wendy J.
Published: February 2019

Introduction: With two thirds of adults in paid employment and one third physically inactive, workplaces are an important setting for promoting more physical activity. We explored the attitudes and practices of employees and managers from different industries towards sitting and moving at work, to inform the development of acceptable solutions for encouraging businesses to adopt activity-promoting workplaces. Method: We conducted focus groups with employees and structured interviews with upper/middle managers from 12 organisations in a range of industries (e.g., education, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, insurance, mining). Topics focused on past and current workplace health and wellness initiatives, workplace culture and environment related to physical activity, responsibility for employee physical activity patterns at work, and enablers of/barriers to activity promoting workplaces. Results: Physical activity was not an explicit priority in existing occupational health and wellness initiatives. Instead, there was a strong focus on education about preventing and managing injuries, such as manual handling among non-office workers and desk-based ergonomics for office workers. Physical activity was viewed as a strategy for maintaining work ability and preventing injury, particularly in blue-collar staff, rather than for chronic disease prevention. Managers noted structural/organisational barriers/enablers to promoting physical activity at work (e.g., regulations, costs, competing concerns), while employees tended to focus on individual constraints such as time and geographic location. The issues of "initiative overload" and making physical activity a part of “business as usual” emerged as strong themes from employees and managers. Conclusions: While there is stakeholder enthusiasm for creating activity-promoting workplaces, multi-level support is needed to make physical activity an integral part of day-to-day business. The synergism between occupational health and safety priorities could be leveraged to facilitate the creation of activity-promoting workplaces.
Impact of Adolescents’ Screen Time and Nocturnal Mobile Phone-Related Awakenings on Sleep and General Health Symptoms: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Foerster Milena , Henneke Andrea , Chetty-Mhlanga Shala , Röösli Martin
Published: February 2019

Nocturnal media use has been linked to adolescents’ sleeping problems in cross-sectional studies which do not address reverse causality. To prospectively assess the new occurrence of sleep problems or health symptoms in relation to electronic media use and nocturnal mobile phone use, we used data from the longitudinal Swiss HERMES (Health Effects Related to Mobile phone usE in adolescentS) cohort on 843 children from 7th to 9th grade. Logistic regression models were fitted and adjusted for relevant confounders. Adolescents reporting at baseline and follow-up at least one nocturnal awakenings from their own mobile phone per month were more likely to have developed restless sleep (Odds Ratio (OR): 5.66, 95% Confidence Interval: 2.24–14.26) and problems falling asleep (3.51, 1.05–11.74) within one year compared to adolescents without nocturnal awakenings. A similar pattern was observed for developing symptoms, although somewhat less pronounced in terms of the magnitude of the odds ratios. With respect to high screen time at baseline and follow-up, associations were observed for falling asleep (2.41, 1.41–4.13), exhaustibility (1.76, 1.02–3.03), lack of energy (1.76, 1.04–2.96) and lack of concentration (2.90, 1.55–5.42). Our results suggest a detrimental effect of screen time and mobile phone-related awakenings on sleep problems and related health symptoms. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously with respect to adolescents’ natural changes in circadian rhythm, which may coincidence with an increase in mobile phone and media use.
Measuring the Burden of Disease Due to Preterm Birth Complications in Korea Using Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY)
Authors: Kim Hyun Joo , Jo Min-Woo , Bae Seok-Hwan , Yoon Seok-Jun , Lee Jin Yong
Published: February 2019

The premature birth rate in Korea has increased from 13.5% in 2008 to 15.7% in 2013. The complications of premature birth are a major determinant of neonatal mortality and morbidities. The purpose of this study was to estimate the burden of premature birth in Korea using disability-adjusted life years (DALY). DALY consists of years of life lost (YLL) and years lost due to disability (YLD). In this study, preterm birth complications refer to nine diseases: P07, P22, P25, P26, P27, P28, P52, P77, P612, and H351 (International Classification of Diseases—10th Revision). YLL was calculated using mortality data from the 2012 National Health Insurance Data. YLD is a function of the prevalence, disability weight (DW), and duration of each complication. DW was determined by the Korean Disability Weight Study for National Burden of Disease in Korea 2013/2015. The burden of premature birth in Korea is 79,574 DALY (YLL: 43,725; YLD: 35,849). The burden for men (DALY: 43,603; YLL: 24,004; YLD: 19,599) is higher than that of women (DALY: 35,970; YLL: 19,720; YLD: 16,250). This study could provide essential data for evaluating the effects of policies intended to reduce preterm birth.
Oxidative-Inflammatory Stress in Immune Cells from Adult Mice with Premature Aging
Authors: Garrido Antonio , Cruces Julia , Ceprián Noemí , Vara Elena , de la Fuente Mónica
Published: February 2019

Oxidative and inflammatory stresses are closely related processes, which contribute to age-associated impairments that affect the regulatory systems such as the immune system and its immunosenescence. Therefore, the aim of this work was to confirm whether an oxidative/inflammatory stress occurs in immune cells from adult mice with premature aging, similar to that shown in leukocytes from chronologically old animals, and if this results in immunosenescence. Several oxidants/antioxidants and inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in peritoneal leukocytes from adult female CD1 mice in two models of premature aging—(a) prematurely aging mice (PAM) and (b) mice with the deletion of a single allele (hemi-zygotic: HZ) of the tyrosine hydroxylase (th) gene (TH-HZ), together with cells from chronologically old animals. Several immune function parameters were also studied in peritoneal phagocytes and lymphocytes. The same oxidants and antioxidants were also analyzed in spleen and thymus leukocytes. The results showed that the immune cells of PAM and TH-HZ mice presented lower values of antioxidant defenses and higher values of oxidants/pro-inflammatory cytokines than cells from corresponding controls, and similar to those in cells from old animals. Moreover, premature immunosenescence in peritoneal leukocytes from both PAM and TH-HZ mice was also observed. In conclusion, adult PAM and TH-HZ mice showed oxidative stress in their immune cells, which would explain their immunosenescence.
Cancer-Specifically Re-Spliced TSG101 mRNA Promotes Invasion and Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Chua Huey-Huey , Kameyama Toshiki , Mayeda Akila , Yeh Te-Huei
Published: February 2019

TSG101 (Tumor susceptibility 101) gene and its aberrantly spliced isoform, termed TSG101∆154-1054, are tightly linked to tumorigenesis in various cancers. The aberrant TSG101∆154-1054 mRNA is generated from cancer-specific re-splicing of mature TSG101 mRNA. The TSG101∆154-1054 protein protects the full-length TSG101 protein from ubiquitin-mediated degradation, implicating TSG101∆154-1054 protein in the progression of cancer. Here, we confirmed that the presence of TSG101∆154-1054 mRNA indeed caused an accumulation of the TSG101 protein in biopsies of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which was recapitulated by the overexpression of TSG101∆154-1054 in the NPC cell line TW01. We demonstrate the potential function of the TSG101∆154-1054 protein in the malignancy of human NPC with scratch-wound healing and transwell invasion assays. By increasing the stability of the TSG101 protein, TSG101∆154-1054 specifically enhanced TSG101-mediated TW01 cell migration and invasion, suggesting the involvement in NPC metastasis in vivo. This finding sheds light on the functional significance of TSG101∆154-1054 generation via re-splicing of TSG101 mRNA in NPC metastasis and hints at its potential importance as a therapeutic target.
Semaphorin 3C as a Therapeutic Target in Prostate and Other Cancers
Authors: Hui Daniel H.F. , Tam Kevin J. , Jiao Ivy Z.F. , Ong Christopher J.
Published: February 2019

The semaphorins represent a large family of signaling molecules with crucial roles in neuronal and cardiac development. While normal semaphorin function pertains largely to development, their involvement in malignancy is becoming increasingly evident. One member, Semaphorin 3C (SEMA3C), has been shown to drive a number of oncogenic programs, correlate inversely with cancer prognosis, and promote the progression of multiple different cancer types. This report surveys the body of knowledge surrounding SEMA3C as a therapeutic target in cancer. In particular, we summarize SEMA3C’s role as an autocrine andromedin in prostate cancer growth and survival and provide an overview of other cancer types that SEMA3C has been implicated in including pancreas, brain, breast, and stomach. We also propose molecular strategies that could potentially be deployed against SEMA3C as anticancer agents such as biologics, small molecules, monoclonal antibodies and antisense oligonucleotides. Finally, we discuss important considerations for the inhibition of SEMA3C as a cancer therapeutic agent.
A Thermostable Monoacylglycerol Lipase from Marine Geobacillus sp. 12AMOR1: Biochemical Characterization and Mutagenesis Study
Authors: Tang Wei , Lan Dongming , Zhao Zexin , Li Shuang , Li Xiuting , Wang Yonghua
Published: February 2019

Lipases with unique substrate specificity are highly desired in biotechnological applications. In this study, a putative marine Geobacillus sp. monoacylglycerol lipase (GMGL) encoded gene was identified by a genomic mining strategy. The gene was expressed in Escherichia coli as a His-tag fusion protein and purified by affinity chromatography with a yield of 264 mg per liter fermentation broth. The recombinant GMGL shows the highest hydrolysis activity at 60 °C and pH 8.0, and the half-life was 60 min at 70 °C. The GMGL is active on monoacylglycerol (MAG) substrate but not diacylglycerol (DAG) or triacylglycerol (TAG), and produces MAG as the single product in the esterification reaction. Modeling structure analysis showed that the catalytic triad is formed by Ser97, Asp196 and His226, and the flexible cap region is constituted by residues from Ala120 to Thr160. A mutagenesis study on Leu142, Ile145 and Ile170 located in the substrate binding tunnel revealed that these residues were related with its substrate specificity. The kcat/Km value toward the pNP-C6 substrate in mutants Leu142Ala, Ile145Ala and Ile170Phe increased to 2.3-, 1.4- and 2.2-fold as compared to that of the wild type, respectively.
Supramolecular Gel as the Template for Catalysis, Inorganic Superstructure, and Pharmaceutical Crystallization
Authors: Dawn Arnab
Published: February 2019

A supramolecular gel is a fascinating combination of flexibility and orderliness. While the supramolecular nature of crosslinking contributes towards the adaptivity and the reversibility of the system, orderliness at the molecular level amplifies the functional output and induces extraordinary selectivity into the system. Therefore, use of supramolecular gels as the soft template is an emerging area of research, which includes but not limited to catalysis of a chemical or a photochemical process, transcription of gel property to a substrate, or even controlling the nucleation of drug molecules. This review aims to highlight the template effect of supramolecular gels in the above-mentioned areas relevant to novel fundamental chemistry, technology, and healthcare.
Pulse Oximetry Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Defects: A Life-Saving Test for All Newborn Babies
Authors: Ewer Andrew K.
Published: February 2019

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the commonest congenital malformations and remain a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity in the developed world [...]
A Compact Quick-Release Solid Target System for the TRIUMF TR13 Cyclotron
Authors: Zeisler Stefan , Clarke Benjamin , Kumlin Joel , Hook Brian , Varah Samuel , Hoehr Cornelia
Published: February 2019

A new solid target system for the TRIUMF TR13 cyclotron that can accommodate target discs with a 1-2-mm thickness and a 28-mm diameter has been developed. The target system design is based on a modified clamping mechanism of a KF-40 vacuum connector, and comprises an easy and quick ejection mechanism for the target plate. The new quick-release target system decreases the retrieval time of the irradiated target to less than 1 minute and is expected to reduce the radiation burden to operating staff by a factor of ~10.
Targeting Immune Signaling Checkpoints in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Giannopoulos Krzysztof
Published: February 2019

The modest successes of targeted therapies along with the curative effects of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stimulate the development of new immunotherapies. One of the promising methods of immunotherapy is the activation of immune response by the targeting of negative control checkpoints. The two best-known inhibitory immune checkpoints are cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and the programmed cell death protein 1 receptor (PD-1). In AML, PD-1 expression is observed in T-cell subpopulations, including T regulatory lymphocytes. Increased PD-1 expression on CD8+ T lymphocytes may be one of the factors leading to dysfunction of cytotoxic T cells and inhibition of the immune response during the progressive course of AML. Upregulation of checkpoint molecules was observed after alloHSCT and therapy with hypomethylating agents, pointing to a potential clinical application in these settings. Encouraging results from recent clinical trials (a response rate above 50% in a relapsed setting) justify further clinical use. The most common clinical trials employ two PD-1 inhibitors (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) and two anti-PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) monoclonal antibodies (atezolizumab and durvalumab). Several other inhibitors are under development or in early phases of clinical trials. The results of these clinical trials are awaited with great interest in, as they may allow for the established use of checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of AML.
Tailoring Electro/Optical Properties of Transparent Boron-Doped Carbon Nanowalls Grown on Quartz
Authors: Pierpaoli Mattia , Ficek Mateusz , Rycewicz Michał , Sawczak Mirosław , Karczewski Jakub , Ruello Maria Letizia , Bogdanowicz Robert
Published: February 2019

Carbon nanowalls (CNWs) have attracted much attention for numerous applications in electrical devices because of their peculiar structural characteristics. However, it is possible to set synthesis parameters to vary the electrical and optical properties of such CNWs. In this paper, we demonstrate the direct growth of highly transparent boron-doped nanowalls (B-CNWs) on optical grade fused quartz. The effect of growth temperature and boron doping on the behavior of boron-doped carbon nanowalls grown on quartz was studied in particular. Temperature and boron inclusion doping level allow for direct tuning of CNW morphology. It is possible to operate with both parameters to obtain a transparent and conductive film; however, boron doping is a preferred factor to maintain the transparency in the visible region, while a higher growth temperature is more effective to improve conductance. Light transmittance and electrical conductivity are mainly influenced by growth temperature and then by boron doping. Tailoring B-CNWs has important implications for potential applications of such electrically conductive transparent electrodes designed for energy conversion and storage devices.
A Multi-Bioassay Integrated Approach to Assess the Antifouling Potential of the Cyanobacterial Metabolites Portoamides
Authors: Antunes Jorge , Pereira Sandra , Ribeiro Tiago , Plowman Jeffrey E. , Thomas Ancy , Clerens Stefan , Campos Alexandre , Vasconcelos Vitor , Almeida Joana R.
Published: February 2019

The cyclic peptides portoamides produced by the cyanobacterium Phormidium sp. LEGE 05292 were previously isolated and their ability to condition microcommunities by allelopathic effect was described. These interesting bioactive properties are, however, still underexplored as their biotechnological applications may be vast. This study aims to investigate the antifouling potential of portoamides, given that a challenge in the search for new environmentally friendly antifouling products is to find non-toxic natural alternatives with the ability to prevent colonization of different biofouling species, from bacteria to macroinvertebrates. A multi-bioassay approach was applied to assess portoamides antifouling properties, marine ecotoxicity and molecular mode of action. Results showed high effectiveness in the prevention of mussel larvae settlement (EC50 = 3.16 µM), and also bioactivity towards growth and biofilm disruption of marine biofouling bacterial strains, while not showing toxicity towards both target and non-target species. Antifouling molecular targets in mussel larvae include energy metabolism modifications (failure in proton-transporting ATPases activity), structural alterations of the gills and protein and gene regulatory mechanisms. Overall, portoamides reveal a broad-spectrum bioactivity towards diverse biofouling species, including a non-toxic and reversible effect towards mussel larvae, showing potential to be incorporated as an active ingredient in antifouling coatings.
Chemical Diversity and Biological Activities of Marine Sponges of the Genus Suberea: A Systematic Review
Authors: El-Demerdash Amr , Atanasov Atanas G. , Horbanczuk Olaf K. , Tammam Mohamed A. , Abdel-Mogib Mamdouh , Hooper John N. A. , Sekeroglu Nazim , Al-Mourabit Ali , Kijjoa Anake
Published: February 2019

Marine natural products (MNPs) continue to be in the spotlight in the global drug discovery endeavor. Currently, more than 30,000 structurally diverse secondary metabolites from marine sources have been isolated, making MNPs a profound, renewable source to investigate novel drug compounds. Marine sponges of the genus Suberea (family: Aplysinellidae) are recognized as producers of bromotyrosine derivatives, which are considered distinct chemotaxonomic markers for the marine sponges belonging to the order Verongida. This class of compounds exhibits structural diversity, ranging from simple monomeric molecules to more complex molecular scaffolds, displaying a myriad of biological and pharmacological potentialities. In this review, a comprehensive literature survey covering the period of 1998–2018, focusing on the chemistry and biological/pharmacological activities of marine natural products from marine sponges of the genus Suberea, with special attention to the biogenesis of the different skeletons of halogenated compounds, is presented.
Strain Compensation Constitutive Model and Parameter Optimization for Nb-Contained 316LN
Authors: Li Jingdan , Liu Jiansheng
Published: February 2019

Hot deformation behavior of Nb-contained 316LN was investigated using a series of compression tests performed on a Gleeble-1500D simulator at temperature of 950–1200 °C and strain rate of 0.01~1 s−1. Based on the strain compensation method, a modified Arrhenius constitutive model considering the comprehensive effects of temperature, strain rate, and strain on flow stress was established, and the accuracy of the proposed model was evaluated by introducing correlation coefficient (R) and average relative error (AARE). The values of R and AARE were calculated as 0.995 and 4.48%, respectively, proving that the modified model has a high accuracy in predicting the flow stress of Nb-contained 316LN. The microstructure evolution and the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) mechanism of the experimental material were explicated by optical microscopy (OM), electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) characterized by subgrain evolution and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) featured by grain boundary nuclei are two main dynamic recrystallization (DRX) mechanisms of Nb-contained 316LN. Furthermore, based on the results of microstructure analyses, optimum parameters were obtained as temperature ranges of 1100~1200 °C and strain rate ranges of 0.01~1 s−1.
Evaluation of Energy-Based Model Generated Strain Signals for Carbon Steel Spring Fatigue Life Assessment
Authors: Kong Yat Sheng , Abdullah Shahrum , Schramm Dieter , Omar Mohd Zaidi , Mohamed Haris Sallehuddin
Published: February 2019

This paper presents the evaluation of the automobile coil-spring strain-displacement relationship for strain signals generation and fatigue life predictions. The development of a strain and spring vertical displacement relationship is significant because measuring vehicle wheel displacements and forces are complex and costly. Hence, there is a need to estimate the strain data using alternative measurement, such as vibration signals. In this analysis, strain and acceleration data were collected from a vehicle that has travelled on different road conditions. Through the material elastic strain energy and spring potential energy relationship, a coil-spring parameterise strain-displacement relationship has been developed and evaluated using a scatter band and correlation approach. Using this proposed model, the strain time histories were obtained based on acceleration data. For fatigue life analysis, most of the predicted fatigue life was distributed in the acceptable range using the scatter band approach where the data correlated at coefficient of determination value (R2) of 0.8788. With a suitable correlation value, this analysis proposed an alternative strain generation method for suspension coil spring fatigue life prediction, which could significantly shorten the spring development time.
Korean Thistle (Cirsium japonicum var. maackii (Maxim.) Matsum.): A Potential Dietary Supplement against Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wagle Aditi , Seong Su Hui , Shrestha Srijan , Jung Hyun Ah , Choi Jae Sue
Published: February 2019

In the search for natural products having a dual inhibitory action on diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, this study investigated the activity of different parts of Korean thistle (Cirsium japonicum var. maackii (Maxim.) Matsum), and its fractional constituents by in vitro enzymatic and in silico molecular docking studies. Cirsium maackii has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases. The ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions of a leaf extract showed α-glucosidase and BACE1 inhibitory activity, respectively. Furthermore, the isolated compound, luteolin, exhibited concentration-dependent non-competitive inhibition against both α-glucosidase and BACE1 (IC50 = 51.27 ± 1.23 and 13.75 ± 0.26 μM; Ki value = 52.04 and 14.76 μM, respectively). Moreover, docking studies showed that luteolin formed a strong hydrogen bond with the peripheral binding amino acid residues, and hydrophobic interactions with the α-glucosidase and BACE1 enzymes. Therefore, Korean thistle may act as an important dietary supplement against diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, especially the leaves, because of the preponderance of the active component, luteolin, making Korean thistle a promising candidate for more detailed in vitro and in vivo studies.
Effect of Molecular Composition of Head Group and Temperature on Micellar Properties of Ionic Surfactants with C12 Alkyl Chain
Authors: Oremusová Jarmila , Vitková Zuzana , Vitko Anton , Tárník Marián , Miklovičová Eva , Ivánková Oľga , Murgaš Ján , Krchňák Daniel
Published: February 2019

The paper analyses influences of the temperature and hydrophilic groups on micellar properties of ionic surfactants with 12-carbonic hydrophobic chains. The aim is to assess the impact of hydrophilic groups and temperature on thermodynamic parameters and micellization. This knowledge is indispensable for the formulation of new dosage forms. The method uses conductometric measurements. The following hydrophilic groups are analyzed: trimethylammonium bromide, trimethylammonium chloride, ethyldimethylammonium bromide, didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, pyridinium chloride, benzyldimethyl-ammonium chloride, methylephedrinium bromide, cis and trans-[(2-benzyloxy)-cyclohexyl-methyl]-N, N-dimethylammonium bromide, sodium sulphate and lithium sulphate. Except for a few cases, there is a good agreement between values of critical micellar concentrations (CMC) and critical vesicle concentration (CVC) obtained here and those which were obtained by other authors and/or by other physicochemical methods. Values of the CMC are compared with respect to the molar masses of hydrophilic groups. It was found that CMC values increased non-linearly with increasing system temperature. The degrees of counterion binding and thermodynamic parameters, like the standard molar Gibbs energy, enthalpy and entropy of micellization are determined and discussed in detail. The results obtained will be incorporated into in silico processes of modeling and design of optimal dosage forms, a current interdisciplinary research focus of the team.
New G-Quadruplex-Forming Oligodeoxynucleotides Incorporating a Bifunctional Double-Ended Linker (DEL): Effects of DEL Size and ODNs Orientation on the Topology, Stability, and Molecularity of DEL-G-Quadruplexes
Authors: Marzano Maria , Falanga Andrea Patrizia , D’Errico Stefano , Pinto Brunella , Roviello Giovanni Nicola , Piccialli Gennaro , Oliviero Giorgia , Borbone Nicola
Published: February 2019

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are unusual secondary structures of DNA occurring in guanosine-rich oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) strands that are extensively studied for their relevance to the biological processes in which they are involved. In this study, we report the synthesis of a new kind of G4-forming molecule named double-ended-linker ODN (DEL-ODN), in which two TG4T strands are attached to the two ends of symmetric, non-nucleotide linkers. Four DEL-ODNs differing for the incorporation of either a short or long linker and the directionality of the TG4T strands were synthesized, and their ability to form G4 structures and/or multimeric species was investigated by PAGE, HPLC–size-exclusion chromatography (HPLC–SEC), circular dichroism (CD), and NMR studies in comparison with the previously reported monomeric tetra-ended-linker (TEL) analogues and with the corresponding tetramolecular species (TG4T)4. The structural characterization of DEL-ODNs confirmed the formation of stable, bimolecular DEL-G4s for all DEL-ODNs, as well as of additional DEL-G4 multimers with higher molecular weights, thus suggesting a way towards the obtainment of thermally stable DNA nanostructures based on reticulated DEL-G4s.
A Novel TiZrHfMoNb High-Entropy Alloy for Solar Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Shen Huahai , Zhang Jianwei , Hu Jutao , Zhang Jinchao , Mao Yiwu , Xiao Haiyan , Zhou Xiaosong , Zu Xiaotao
Published: February 2019

An equiatomic TiZrHfMoNb high-entropy alloy (HEA) was developed as a solar thermal energy storage material due to its outstanding performance of hydrogen absorption. The TiZrHfMoNb alloy transforms from a body-centered cubic (BCC) structure to a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure during hydrogen absorption and can reversibly transform back to the BCC structure after hydrogen desorption. The theoretical calculations demonstrated that before hydrogenation, the BCC structure for the alloy has more stable energy than the FCC structure while the FCC structure is preferred after hydrogenation. The outstanding hydrogen absorption of the reversible single-phase transformation during the hydrogen absorption–desorption cycle improves the hydrogen recycling rate and the energy efficiency, which indicates that the TiZrHfMoNb alloy could be an excellent candidate for solar thermal energy storage.
Straightforward Immobilization of Phosphonic Acids and Phosphoric Acid Esters on Mesoporous Silica and Their Application in an Asymmetric Aldol Reaction
Authors: Weinberger Christian , Heckel Tatjana , Schnippering Patrick , Schmitz Markus , Guo Anpeng , Keil Waldemar , Marsmann Heinrich C. , Schmidt Claudia , Tiemann Michael , Wilhelm René
Published: February 2019

The combined benefits of moisture-stable phosphonic acids and mesoporous silica materials (SBA-15 and MCM-41) as large-surface-area solid supports offer new opportunities for several applications, such as catalysis or drug delivery. We present a comprehensive study of a straightforward synthesis method via direct immobilization of several phosphonic acids and phosphoric acid esters on various mesoporous silicas in a Dean–Stark apparatus with toluene as the solvent. Due to the utilization of azeotropic distillation, there was no need to dry phosphonic acids, phosphoric acid esters, solvents, or silicas prior to synthesis. In addition to modeling phosphonic acids, immobilization of the important biomolecule adenosine monophosphate (AMP) on the porous supports was also investigated. Due to the high surface area of the mesoporous silicas, a possible catalytic application based on immobilization of an organocatalyst for an asymmetric aldol reaction is discussed.
Determination of Transport Properties of Glycol-Based NanoFluids Derived from Surface Functionalized Graphene
Authors: Saeed Ebtisam , Piñeiro Manuel M. , Hermida-Merino Carolina , Pastoriza-Gallego María José
Published: February 2019

Suspensions of nanometric-sized graphene platelets have been proposed recently as potential heat exchange working fluids, due to their remarkably enhanced thermal profile. Nevertheless, their use presents serious long-term stability issues. Due to this limitation, the nanoplatelets surface chemical functionalization has been postulated as a promising alternative to solve this problem. In this work, graphene nanoplatelets were functionalized following an oxidation-reduction process, and then dispersed in glycol as base fluid. The nanoparticles chemical profile was determined using XPS (x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). The thermo-physical properties characterization of these nanofluids was performed by determining their viscosity and thermal conductivity, because of their impact on practical applications related with fluid flow and heat transfer. The effect of temperature and shearing time on viscosity were analyzed. Viscosity was measured with a stress-controlled rheometer. All samples show shear-thinning behavior with a very remarkable influence of temperature in their viscoelastic profile.
Development of a Quality Score for the Home Food Environment Using the Home-IDEA2 and the Healthy Eating Index-2010
Authors: Hibbs-Shipp Sarah K. , Boles Richard E. , Johnson Susan L. , McCloskey Morgan L. , Hobbs Savannah , Bellows Laura L.
Published: February 2019

The home food environment (HFE) is an important factor in the development of food preferences and habits in young children, and the availability of foods within the home reflects dietary intake in both adults and children. Therefore, it is important to consider the holistic quality of the HFE. The purpose of this study was to apply the Healthy Eating Index (HEI; a measure of diet quality in conformance to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans) algorithm to the Home-IDEA2, a valid and reliable food inventory checklist, to develop a Home-IDEA2 HEI Score. After an initial score was developed, it was psychometrically tested for content, criterion, and construct validity. Content validity testing resulted in 104 foods being retained. Internal criterion testing demonstrated that 42 foods (40%) changed component scores by >5%; however, no single food changed a total Home-IDEA2 HEI score by >5%. Testing of hypothetical HFEs resulted in a range of scores in the expected directions, establishing sensitivity to varied HFEs. This study resulted in a validated methodology to assess the overall quality of the HFE, thus contributing a novel approach for examining home food environments. Future research can test interventions modifying the HFE quality to improve individual dietary intake.
The Impact of Low-FODMAPs, Gluten-Free, and Ketogenic Diets on Gut Microbiota Modulation in Pathological Conditions
Authors: Reddel Sofia , Putignani Lorenza , Del Chierico Federica
Published: February 2019

The gut microbiota performs several essential protective, structural, and metabolic functions for host health. The maintenance of a beneficial microbiota requires a homeostatic equilibrium within microbial communities, and between the microorganisms and the host. The gut microbiota composition may be affected by external factors, among them diet habits may be considered most important. In some pathological conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease (CD), or neurological disorders (ND), specific dietary regimens as low-fermentable, oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAPs), ketogenic (KD), and gluten-free (GFD) diets are considered therapeutic. These kinds of diets are characterized by a reduction or exclusion of a specific nutrient from the entire dietary pattern. Despite these alimentary regimens showing beneficial effects on disease symptoms, they can affect microbiota composition, especially if they are protracted for a long time. To date, only a few studies have reported the effects of these diets on gut microbiota. In this review, we discuss the effects of low-FODMAPs, KD, and GFD on gut microbiota modulation in pathological conditions, advancing the possibility of depicting a balanced diet and developing personalized dietary intervention protocols.
Prevention of Recurrent Acute Otitis Media in Children Through the Use of Lactobacillus salivarius PS7, a Target-Specific Probiotic Strain
Authors: Cárdenas Nivia , Martín Virginia , Arroyo Rebeca , López Mario , Carrera Marta , Badiola Carlos , Jiménez Esther , Rodríguez Juan M.
Published: February 2019

Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common bacterial infections in children. Empiric antibiotherapy leads to increasing antimicrobial resistance rates among otopathogens and may impair the correct development of the microbiota in early life. In this context, probiotics seem to be an attractive approach for preventing recurrent AOM (rAOM) through the restoration of the middle ear and nasopharyngeal microbiota. The aim of this study was the selection of a probiotic strain (Lactobacillus salivarius PS7), specifically tailored for its antagonism against otopathogens. Since L. salivarius PS7 was safe and displayed a strong antimicrobial activity against otopathogens, its efficacy in preventing rAOM was assessed in a trial involving 61 children suffering from rAOM. Children consumed daily ~1 × 109 CFU of L. salivarius PS7, and the number of AOM episodes were registered and compared with that observed in the previous 6 and 12 months. The microbiota of samples collected from the external auditory canal samples was quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. The number of AOM episodes during the intervention period decreased significantly (84%) when compared to that reported during the 6 months period before the probiotic intervention. In conclusion, L. salivarius PS7 is a promising strain for the prevention of rAOM in infants and children.
Eating Behaviours and Food Cravings; Influence of Age, Sex, BMI and FTO Genotype
Authors: Abdella Hanan M. , El Farssi Hameida O. , Broom David R. , Hadden Dawn A. , Dalton Caroline F.
Published: February 2019

Previous studies indicate that eating behaviours and food cravings are associated with increased BMI and obesity. However, the interaction between these behaviours and other variables such as age, sex, BMI and genetics is complex. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between eating behaviours and food cravings, and to examine the influence of age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) genotype on these relationships. A total of 475 participants (252 female, 223 male, BMI: 25.82 ± 6.14 kg/m2, age: 30.65 ± 14.20 years) completed the revised 18-question version of the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18) to assess cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating and emotional eating, and the Food Cravings Inventory (FCI) to assess cravings for fatty food, sweet food, carbohydrates and fast food. DNA samples were genotyped for the rs9939609 polymorphism in the obesity-linked gene FTO. Questionnaire data was analysed for associations between the TFEQ-R18 and FCI subscales for the whole study group, and the group divided by sex, genotype and age (≤25 years versus >25 years). Finally, mediation analysis was used to explore the relationships between BMI, cognitive restraint and food cravings. FTO AA + AT genotype was associated with increased BMI, but not with differences in eating behavior scores or food craving scores; age was associated with increased BMI and decreases in food craving scores in which this effect was stronger in women compared to men. Increased cognitive restraint was associated with decreased food craving scores in the ≤25 years group. Mediation analysis demonstrated that in this group the association between BMI and reduced food cravings was mediated by cognitive restraint indicating that in this age group individuals use cognitive restraint to control their food cravings. The positive correlation between age and BMI confirms previous results but the findings of this study show that age, sex, FTO genotype and BMI have an influence on the relationships between eating behaviours and food cravings and that these variables interact.
Personalized Nutrient Profiling of Food Patterns: Nestlé’s Nutrition Algorithm Applied to Dietary Intakes from NHANES
Authors: Mainardi Fabio , Drewnowski Adam , Green Hilary
Published: February 2019

Nutrient profiling (NP) models have been used to assess the nutritional quality of single foods. NP methodologies can also serve to assess the quality of total food patterns. The objective of this study was to construct a personalized nutrient-based scoring system for diet quality and optimal calories. The new Nestlé Nutrition Algorithm (NNA) is based on age and gender-specific healthy ranges for energy and nutrient intakes over a 24 h period. To promote nutrient balance, energy and nutrient intakes either below or above pre-defined healthy ranges are assigned lower diet quality scores. NNA-generated diet quality scores for female 2007–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants were compared to their Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2010 scores. Comparisons involved correlations, joint contingency tables, and Bland Altman plots. The NNA approach showed good correlations with the HEI 2010 scores. NNA mean scores for 7 days of two exemplary menu plans (MyPlate and DASH) were 0.88 ± 0.05 (SD) and 0.91 ± 0.02 (SD), respectively. By contrast, diets of NHANES participants scored 0.45 ± 0.14 (SD) and 0.48 ± 0.14 on first and second days, respectively. The NNA successfully captured the high quality of MyPlate and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) menu plans and the lower quality of diets actually consumed in the US.
Neurological Manifestations of Neuropathy and Ataxia in Celiac Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mearns Elizabeth S. , Taylor Aliki , Thomas Craig Kelly J. , Puglielli Stefanie , Cichewicz Allie B. , Leffler Daniel A. , Sanders David S. , Lebwohl Benjamin , Hadjivassiliou Marios
Published: February 2019

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated gastrointestinal disorder driven by innate and adaptive immune responses to gluten. Patients with CD are at an increased risk of several neurological manifestations, frequently peripheral neuropathy and gluten ataxia. A systematic literature review of the most commonly reported neurological manifestations (neuropathy and ataxia) associated with CD was performed. MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and conference proceedings were systematically searched from January 2007 through September 2018. Included studies evaluated patients with CD with at least one neurological manifestation of interest and reported prevalence, and/or incidence, and/or clinical outcomes. Sixteen studies were included describing the risk of gluten neuropathy and/or gluten ataxia in patients with CD. Gluten neuropathy was a neurological manifestation in CD (up to 39%) in 13 studies. Nine studies reported a lower risk and/or prevalence of gluten ataxia with a range of 0%–6%. Adherence to a gluten-free diet appeared to improve symptoms of both neuropathy and ataxia. The prevalence of gluten neuropathy and gluten ataxia in patients with CD varied in reported studies, but the increased risk supports the need for physicians to consider CD in patients with ataxia and neurological manifestations of unknown etiology.
R. verniciflua and E. ulmoides Extract (ILF-RE) Protects against Chronic CCl4-Induced Liver Damage by Enhancing Antioxidation
Authors: Lee Hwa-Young , Lee Geum-Hwa , Yoon Young , Chae Han-Jung
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to characterize the protective effects of R. verniciflua extract (ILF-R) and E. ulmoides extract (ILF-E), the combination called ILF-RE, against chronic CCl4-induced liver oxidative injury in rats, as well as to investigate the mechanism underlying hepatoprotection by ILF-RE against CCl4-induced hepatic dysfunction. Chronic hepatic stress was induced via intraperitoneal (IP) administration of a mixture of CCl4 (0.2 mL/100 g body weight) and olive oil [1:1(v/v)] twice a week for 4 weeks to rats. ILF-RE was administered orally at 40, 80, and 120 mg/kg to rats for 4 weeks. Alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and lipid peroxidation assays were performed, and total triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels were quantified. Furthermore, ER stress and lipogenesis-related gene expression including sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and P-AMPK were assessed. ILF-RE markedly protected against liver damage by inhibiting oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity including glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. Furthermore, hepatic dyslipidemia was regulated after ILF-RE administration. Moreover, hepatic lipid accumulation and its associated lipogenic genes, including those encoding SREBP-1 and FAS, were regulated after ILF-RE administration. This was accompanied by regulation of ER stress response signaling, suggesting a mechanism underlying ILF-RE-mediated hepatoprotection against lipid accumulation. The present results indicate that ILF-RE exerts hepatoprotective effects against chronic CCl4-induced dysfunction by suppressing hepatic oxidative stress and lipogenesis, suggesting that ILF-RE is a potential preventive/therapeutic natural product in treating hepatoxicity and associated dysfunction.
Investigation of the Quantity of Exhaled Aerosols Released into the Environment during Nebulisation
Authors: McGrath James A. , O’Sullivan Andrew , Bennett Gavin , O’Toole Ciarraí , Joyce Mary , Byrne Miriam A. , MacLoughlin Ronan
Published: February 2019

Background: Secondary inhalation of medical aerosols is a significant occupational hazard in both clinical and homecare settings. Exposure to fugitive emissions generated during aerosol therapy increases the risk of the unnecessary inhalation of medication, as well as toxic side effects. Methods: This study examines fugitively-emitted aerosol emissions when nebulising albuterol sulphate, as a tracer aerosol, using two commercially available nebulisers in combination with an open or valved facemask or using a mouthpiece with and without a filter on the exhalation port. Each combination was connected to a breathing simulator during simulated adult breathing. The inhaled dose and residual mass were quantified using UV spectrophotometry. Time-varying fugitively-emitted aerosol concentrations and size distributions during nebulisation were recorded using aerodynamic particle sizers at two distances relative to the simulated patient. Different aerosol concentrations and size distributions were observed depending on the interface. Results: Within each nebuliser, the facemask combination had the highest time-averaged fugitively-emitted aerosol concentration, and values up to 0.072 ± 0.001 mg m−3 were recorded. The placement of a filter on the exhalation port of the mouthpiece yielded the lowest recorded concentrations. The mass median aerodynamic diameter of the fugitively-emitted aerosol was recorded as 0.890 ± 0.044 µm, lower the initially generated medical aerosol in the range of 2–5 µm. Conclusions: The results highlight the potential secondary inhalation of exhaled aerosols from commercially available nebuliser facemask/mouthpiece combinations. The results will aid in developing approaches to inform policy and best practices for risk mitigation from fugitive emissions.
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Biocomposites Made of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and Potato Pulp Powder
Authors: Righetti Maria Cristina , Cinelli Patrizia , Mallegni Norma , Stäbler Andreas , Lazzeri Andrea
Published: February 2019

The thermal and mechanical properties of biocomposites of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) containing 5 wt % of valerate units, with 20 wt % of potato pulp powder were investigated in order (i) to obtain information on possible miscibility/compatibility between the biopolymers and the potato pulp, and (ii) to quantify how the addition of this filler modifies the properties of the polymeric material. The potato pulp powder utilized is a residue of processing for the production and extraction of starch. The final aim of this study is the preparation of PHBV based materials with reduced cost, thanks to biomass valorization, in agreement with the circular economy policy, as result of the incorporation of agricultural organic waste. The results showed that the potato pulp powder does not act as reinforcement, but rather as filler for the PHBV polymeric matrix. A moderate loss in mechanical properties is detected (decrease in elastic modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break), which regardless still meets the technical requirements indicated for rigid packaging production. In order to improve the mechanical response of the PHBV/potato pulp powder biocomposites, surface treatment of the potato pulp powder with bio-based and petroleum-based waxes was investigated. Good enhancement of the mechanical properties was achieved with the natural carnauba and bee waxes.