bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anorexia Nervosa—What Has Changed in the State of Knowledge about Nutritional Rehabilitation for Patients over the Past 10 Years? A Review of Literature
Authors: Jowik Katarzyna , Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor Marta , Słopień Agnieszka
Published: October 2021

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psycho-metabolic disorder with a high risk of somatic complications such as refeeding syndrome (RFS) and carries the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric illnesses. To date, the consensus on the care for patients with AN has been based on recommendations for a combination of alimentation and psychotherapy. It is important to establish an initial caloric intake that will provide weight gain and minimize the risk of complications in the treatment of undernourished patients. Research over the past few years suggests that current treatment recommendations may be too stringent and should be updated. The aim of this paper is to systematize the current reports on nutritional rehabilitation in AN, to present the results of studies on the safe supplementation of patients and its potential impact on improving prognosis and the healing process. This review of literature, from 2011–2021, describes the changing trend in the nutritional protocols used and the research on their efficacy, safety, and long-term effects. In addition, it presents previous reports on the potential benefits of introducing vitamin, pro-and prebiotic and fatty acid supplementation.
The Influence of Supplementation with Zinc in Micro and Nano Forms on the Metabolism of Fatty Acids in Livers of Rats with Breast Cancer
Authors: Stawarska Agnieszka , Czerwonka Małgorzata , Jelińska Małgorzata , Piasecka Iga , Bobrowska-Korczak Barbara
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc supplementation (in the form of nano or microparticles) on the profile and metabolism of fatty acids in the liver microsomes of rats with induced breast cancer. The activity of desaturases (Δ5, Δ6, Δ9) and the level of cholesterol and its oxidized derivatives were measured. The aim of this study was also to determine the effect of various forms of zinc supplements on rats that were on 5-, 12- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (5-, 12- and 15-HETE) and hydroxyoctadecadienoic (HODE) acids, and the level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Female Spraque-Dawley rats (n = 24) were divided into 2 groups that were supplemented with zinc in the micro form (342 nm) or nano form (99 nm) particles, respectively, and a group with a standard diet (control group). All animals received 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene twice for the induction of breast cancer. Dietary nano-Zn supplementation increased vaccenic acid content (p = 0.032) and decreased Δ6-desaturase activity (p = 0.006), whereas micro-Zn increased cholesterol (p = 0.006), ∑COPs (total cholesterol-oxidation products) (p = 0.019) and PGE2 (p = 0.028) content. Dietary enrichment with Zn microparticles resulted in lower concentrations of the metabolites 15-, 12- and 5-HETE and HODE. Our study indicates that the effect of zinc supplementation on the metabolism of fatty acids in the liver microsomes under neoplastic conditions depends on the form in which it is administered.
Outcomes of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of the SoMe Social Media Literacy Program for Improving Body Image-Related Outcomes in Adolescent Boys and Girls
Authors: Gordon Chloe S. , Jarman Hannah K. , Rodgers Rachel F. , McLean Siân A. , Slater Amy , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Paxton Susan J.
Published: October 2021

Although the negative effect of social media use among youth on body image and eating concerns has been established, few classroom-based resources that can decrease these effects through targeting social media literacy skills have been developed. This study aimed to test the efficacy of SoMe, a social media literacy body image, dieting, and wellbeing program for adolescents, through a cluster randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 892; Mage = 12.77, SD = 0.74; range 11–15; 49.5% male) were randomized by school (n = 8) to receive either weekly SoMe (n = 483) or control sessions (lessons as usual; n = 409) over 4 weeks in their classroom. Participants completed surveys at four timepoints (baseline, 1-week post-intervention, and 6- and 12-month follow-up) assessing body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, strategies to increase muscles (primary outcomes), self-esteem and depressive symptoms (secondary outcomes), and internalization of appearance ideals and appearance comparison (exploratory outcomes). Modest positive intervention effects were found in dietary restraint and depressive symptoms at 6-month follow-up in girls but few positive effects emerged for boys. The findings provide only preliminary support for a social media literacy intervention, but suggest the usefulness of both identifying those who benefit most from a universally delivered intervention and the need to refine the intervention to maximize intervention effects.
Inadequate Intake of Dietary Fibre in Adolescents, Adults, and Elderlies: Results of Slovenian Representative SI. Menu Study
Authors: Seljak Barbara Koroušić , Valenčič Eva , Hristov Hristo , Hribar Maša , Lavriša Živa , Kušar Anita , Žmitek Katja , Krušič Sanja , Gregorič Matej , Blaznik Urška , Ferjančič Blaž , Bertoncelj Jasna , Korošec Mojca , Pravst Igor
Published: October 2021

Dietary fibre has proven to promote healthy body mass and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. To date, in Slovenia, there were only a few outdated studies of dietary fibre intake; therefore, we explored the dietary fibre intake using food consumption data collected in the SI.Menu project. Following the EU Menu methodology, data were collected on representative samples of adolescents, adults, and elderlies using a general questionnaire, a food propensity questionnaire, and two 24 h recalls. The results indicate that the intake of dietary fibre in Slovenia is lower than recommended. The proportion of the population with inadequate fibre intakes (<30 g/day) was 90.6% in adolescents, 89.6% in adults, and 83.9% in elderlies, while mean daily fibre intakes were 19.5, 20.9, and 22.4 g, respectively. Significant determinants for inadequate dietary fibre intake were sex in adolescents and adults, and body mass index in adults. The main food groups contributing to dietary fibre intake were bread and other grain products, vegetables and fruits, with significant differences between population groups. Contribution of fruits and vegetables to mean daily dietary fibre intake was highest in elderlies (11.6 g), followed by adults (10.6 g) and adolescents (8.5 g). Public health strategies, such as food reformulation, promoting whole-meal alternatives, consuming whole foods of plant origin, and careful planning of school meals could beneficially contribute to the overall dietary fibre intake in the population.
The Effect of Weight-Loss Interventions on Cervical and Chin Subcutaneous Fat Depots; the CENTRAL Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tsaban Gal , Bilitzky-Kopit Avital , Yaskolka Meir Anat , Zelicha Hila , Gepner Yftach , Shelef Ilan , Orr Omri , Chassidim Yoash , Sarusi Benjamin , Ceglarek Uta , Stumvoll Michael , Blüher Matthias , Stampfer Meir J. , Shai Iris , Schwarzfuchs Dan
Published: October 2021

Accumulation of cervical and chin subcutaneous adipose tissues (SAT) represent known phenotypes of obesity. We aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of these fat storages to long-term weight-loss directed lifestyle-intervention and to assess their relations to bodily-adiposity, insulin-resistance, and cardiometabolic risk; We randomly assigned 278 participants with abdominal-obesity/dyslipidemia to low-fat or Mediterranean/low-carbohydrate diets +/− physical-activity. All participants underwent an 18 month whole-body magnetic resonance imaging follow-up, from which we assessed cervical and chin SAT-areas; Participants (age = 48 years; 90% men; body-mass-index = 30.9 kg/m2) had an 18-month adherence-rate of 86%. Cervical-SAT and chin-SAT decreased after 6-months (−13.1% and −5.3%, respectively, p < 0.001). After 18-months only cervical-SAT remained decreased compared to baseline (−5%, p < 0.001). Cervical and chin-SAT 18-month changes were associated with changes in weight (r = 0.70, r = 0.66 respectively; <0.001 for both) and visceral-adipose-tissue (VAT; r = 0.35, r = 0.42 respectively; <0.001 for both). After adjustment to VAT, waist-circumference, or weight-changes, chin-SAT 18-month reduction was associated with favorable changes in fasting-glucose (β = 0.10; p = 0.05), HbA1c (β = 0.12; p = 0.03), and homeostasis-model-assessment-of-insulin-resistance (β = 0.12; p = 0.03). Cervical-SAT 18-month reduction was associated with decreased triglycerides (β = 0.16; p = 0.02) and leptin (β = 0.19; p = 0.01) independent of VAT; Cervical and chin-SATs are dynamic fat depots that correspond with weight-loss and are associated with changes in cardiometabolic profile. In long-term, chin-SAT displays a larger rebound compared with cervical-SAT. Chin-SAT accumulation is associated with in insulin-resistance, independent of central obesity. (ClinicalTrials identifier NCT01530724)
Circulating Structurally Related (-)-Epicatechin Metabolite Species and Levels after Sustained Intake of a Cocoa Powder High in Polyphenols Are Comparable to Those Achieved after a Single Dose
Authors: Barrera-Reyes Paloma K. , Cortés-Fernández de Lara Josué , Poquet Laure , Redeuil Karine , Kussmann Martin , Silva-Zolezzi Irma , Tejero Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2021

Background: While the bioavailability of cocoa polyphenols, particularly of the monomer (-)-epicatechin, has been investigated after a single-dose intake, the effect of sustained cocoa consumption on the metabolic profile of the structurally related (-)-epicatechin metabolites (SREMs) has not been investigated. Methods: A randomized, controlled crossover clinical trial in healthy young adults (18–40 year) was conducted to evaluate SREMs after consumption of a single-dose and after daily consumption of 1.3 g of polyphenol-rich cocoa powder for 28 days. The circulating SREMs were measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Results: Twenty subjects (eleven males and nine females) were enrolled. The SREMs concentrations increased to 1741 ± 337 nM after a single-dose and to 1445 ± 270 nM after sustained supplementation. Sulfate conjugates showed higher levels in females (p < 0.05). The epicatechin-3′-glucuronide (E3′G) and epicatechin-3′-sulfate (E3′S) were the most abundant metabolites in all subjects. A high intra-individual correlation (r = 0.72, p < 0.001) between SREMs concentrations after single-dose and sustained supplementation was observed. The antioxidant capacity of plasma did not change in response to the intervention and was not correlated with any of the SREMs. Conclusion: The individual SREMs profile and concentrations after a 28-day supplementation are comparable to those after a single dose.
Polyphenols, the Healthy Brand of Olive Oil: Insights and Perspectives
Authors: Finicelli Mauro , Squillaro Tiziana , Galderisi Umberto , Peluso Gianfranco
Published: October 2021

Given their beneficial potential on human health, plant food bioactive molecules are important components influencing nutrition. Polyphenols have been widely acknowledged for their potentially protective role against several complex diseases. In particular, the polyphenols of olive oil (OOPs) emerge as the key components of many healthy diets and have been widely studied for their beneficial properties. The qualitative and quantitative profile defining the composition of olive oil phenolic molecules as well as their absorbance and metabolism once ingested are key aspects that need to be considered to fully understand the health potential of these molecules. In this review, we provide an overview of the key aspects influencing these variations by focusing on the factors influencing the biosynthesis of OOPs and the findings about their absorption and metabolism. Despite the encouraging evidence, the health potential of OOPs is still debated due to limitations in current studies. Clinical trials are necessary to fully understand and validate the beneficial effects of olive oil and OOPs on human health. We provide an update of the clinical trials based on olive oil and/or OOPs that aim to understand their beneficial effects. Tailored studies are needed to standardize the polyphenolic distribution and understand the variables associated with phenol-enriched OO. An in-depth knowledge of the steps that occur following polyphenol ingestion may reveal useful insights to be used in clinical settings for the prevention and treatment of many diseases.
Whole Cow’s Milk but Not Lactose Can Induce Symptoms in Patients with Self-Reported Milk Intolerance: Evidence of Cow’s Milk Sensitivity in Adults
Authors: Carroccio Antonio , Soresi Maurizio , Mantia Beatrice , Fayer Francesca , La Blasca Francesco , Seidita Aurelio , D’Alcamo Alberto , Florena Ada , Tinè Chiara , Garlisi Chiara , Mansueto Pasquale
Published: October 2021

Background: Lactose intolerance is the most frequent food intolerance, but many subjects with self-reported milk intolerance (SRMI) are asymptomatic at lactose hydrogen breath test (LHBT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of lactose intolerance in SRMI patients and their clinical characteristics. Methods: In a retrospective study, the clinical records of 314 SRMI patients (259 females, mean age: 39.1 ± 13.5 years) were reviewed; 102 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) served as controls. In a prospective study, 42 SRMI patients, negatives at the LHBT, underwent a double-blind, placebo-controlled (DBPC) whole cow’s milk challenge. Results: In the retrospective study, only 178 patients (56%) were lactose maldigesters and intolerant at LHBT; 68% of the subjects with SRMI were suffering from IBS; 74% reported dyspepsia (p = 0.0001 vs. IBS controls); and weight loss was recorded in 62 SRMI patients (20%) (p = 0.01 vs. IBS controls). Duodenal histology showed intra-epithelial lymphocytosis in about 60% of cases. In the prospective study, 36 patients (86%) experienced symptoms during the DBPC cow’s milk challenge, and only 4 patients (9%) reacted to placebo (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: A percentage of SRMI patients were not suffering from lactose intolerance. DBPC revealed that SRMI patients had clinical reactions when exposed to whole cow’s milk.
Pathophysiology of Vascular Calcification and Bone Loss: Linked Disorders of Ageing?
Authors: Cannata-Andía Jorge B. , Carrillo-López Natalia , Messina Osvaldo D. , Hamdy Neveen A. T. , Panizo Sara , Ferrari Serge L. ,   on behalf of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) Working Group on Bone and Cardiovascular Diseases
Published: October 2021

Vascular Calcification (VC), low bone mass and fragility fractures are frequently observed in ageing subjects. Although this clinical observation could be the mere coincidence of frequent age-dependent disorders, clinical and experimental data suggest that VC and bone loss could share pathophysiological mechanisms. Indeed, VC is an active process of calcium and phosphate precipitation that involves the transition of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into osteoblast-like cells. Among the molecules involved in this process, parathyroid hormone (PTH) plays a key role acting through several mechanisms which includes the regulation of the RANK/RANKL/OPG system and the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, the main pathways for bone resorption and bone formation, respectively. Furthermore, some microRNAs have been implicated as common regulators of bone metabolism, VC, left ventricle hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis. Elucidating the common mechanisms between ageing; VC and bone loss could help to better understand the potential effects of osteoporosis drugs on the CV system.
Relationship between Depressive Symptomatology, Physical Activity, and Response to Online Health Messages
Authors: Gibbs Jason , Swann-Thomsen Hillary E. , Aubuchon-Endsley Nicki L.
Published: October 2021

Although physical activity interventions are efficacious for decreasing depressive symptomatology severity, there are several barriers to accessing treatment, supporting the need for intervention delivery in more accessible and cost-effective modes. However, individuals may respond defensively to health messages if perceiving them as threatening, and thereby fail to change behaviors. Although online, health-based interventions are effective in leading to behavior change, limited research has been conducted to identify ways in which people respond differently to online health messages. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how individuals differ in their acceptance and interpretation of online health-related messages as threatening, as well as their desire to improve health behaviors based on their current depressive and physical activity levels. A total of 197 participants (MAGE = 36.17 years, SDAGE = 12.52 years) drawn from Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) were asked to read a message regarding the importance of physical activity for health. Their defensiveness and behavior change intentionality were evaluated in relation to physical activity and depressive symptomatology. Individuals who engaged in less physical activity were more accepting of the health message, more likely to find the article threatening, agree that less exercise was related to negative health issues, and agree they should increase their physical activity. Individuals with higher self-ratings of depressive symptomatology were less accepting of the health message, found the article more threatening, and believed it to be less important to increase their physical activity levels. However, neither physical activity nor depression symptom severity were related to whether an individual would actually increase their physical activity. There was no statistically significant correlation between physical activity and depression. Explanations for these findings are provided.
Tumor-Agnostic Biomarkers: Heed Caution, and Why Cell of Origin Still Matters
Authors: Tan Aaron C.
Published: October 2021

Since the very beginnings of cancer therapy with chemotherapy, tumors have been treated according to the organ or tissue of origin. The advent of precision medicine however, has recently led to growing promise for tumor-agnostic biomarkers for targeted therapies and immunotherapies, such as NTRK fusions. Despite this, prominent examples such as BRAF V600E mutations in melanoma compared to colorectal cancer, in which the site of tumor origin dramatically influences the efficacy of targeted therapies, heeds caution against disregarding the importance of cell of origin. Indeed, another illustrative example, is the almost complete absence outside of cancers originating from the lung of the classical activating EGFR mutations—exon 19 deletions and exon 21 L858R mutations. Consequently, an understanding of lineage dependency and lineage-survival oncogenes may still offer significant mechanistic insights into the malignant transformation of tumors to ultimately identify further therapeutic vulnerabilities.
In Vitro Evaluation of a Solid Supersaturated Self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (Super-SNEDDS) of Aprepitant for Enhanced Solubility
Authors: Nazlı Hakan , Mesut Burcu , Özsoy Yıldız
Published: October 2021

Aprepitant (APR) belongs to Class II of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) because of its low aqueous solubility. The objective of the current work is to develop self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) of APR to enhance its aqueous solubility. Preformulation studies involving screening of excipients for solubility and emulsification efficiency were carried out. Pseudo ternary phase diagrams were constructed with blends of oil (Imwitor® 988), cosolvent (Transcutol® P), and various surfactants (Kolliphor® RH40, Kolliphor® ELP, Kolliphor® HS15). The prepared SNEDDS were characterized for droplet size and nanoemulsion stability after dilution. Supersaturated SNEDDS (super-SNEDDS) were prepared to increase the quantity of loaded APR into the formulations. HPMC, PVP, PVP/VA, and Soluplus® were used as polymeric precipitation inhibitors (PPI). PPIs were added to the formulations at 5% and 10% by weight. The influence of the PPIs on drug precipitation was investigated. In vitro lipolysis test was carried out to simulate digestion of formulations in the gastrointestinal tract. Optimized super-SNEDDS were formulated into free-flowing granules by adsorption on the porous carriers such as Neusilin® US2. In vitro dissolution studies of solid super-SNEDDS formulation revealed an increased dissolution rate of the drug due to enhanced solubility. Consequently, a formulation to improve the solubility and potentially bioavailability of the drug was developed.
Opioid Analgesia and Opioid-Induced Adverse Effects: A Review
Authors: Paul Alok K. , Smith Craig M. , Rahmatullah Mohammed , Nissapatorn Veeranoot , Wilairatana Polrat , Spetea Mariana , Gueven Nuri , Dietis Nikolas
Published: October 2021

Opioids are widely used as therapeutic agents against moderate to severe acute and chronic pain. Still, these classes of analgesic drugs have many potential limitations as they induce analgesic tolerance, addiction and numerous behavioural adverse effects that often result in patient non-compliance. As opium and opioids have been traditionally used as painkillers, the exact mechanisms of their adverse reactions over repeated use are multifactorial and not fully understood. Older adults suffer from cancer and non-cancer chronic pain more than younger adults, due to the physiological changes related to ageing and their reduced metabolic capabilities and thus show an increased number of adverse reactions to opioid drugs. All clinically used opioids are μ-opioid receptor agonists, and the major adverse effects are directly or potentially connected to this receptor. Multifunctional opioid ligands or peripherally restricted opioids may elicit fewer adverse effects, as shown in preclinical studies, but these results need reproducibility from further extensive clinical trials. The current review aims to overview various mechanisms involved in the adverse effects induced by opioids, to provide a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and, ultimately, to help develop an effective therapeutic strategy to better manage pain.
Past HIV-1 Medications and the Current Status of Combined Antiretroviral Therapy Options for HIV-1 Patients
Authors: Weichseldorfer Matthew , Reitz Marvin , Latinovic Olga S.
Published: October 2021

Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) is treatment with a combination of several antiretroviral drugs that block multiple stages in the virus replication cycle. An estimated 60% of the 38 million HIV-1 patients globally receive some form of cART. The benefits of cART for controlling HIV-1 replication, transmission, and infection rates have led to its universal recommendation. Implementation has caused a substantial reduction in morbidity and mortality of persons living with HIV-1/AIDS (PLWHA). More specifically, standard cART has provided controlled, undetectable levels of viremia, high treatment efficacy, reduction in pill burden, and an improved lifestyle in HIV-1 patients overall. However, HIV-1 patients living with AIDS (HPLA) generally show high viral loads upon cART interruption. Latently infected resting CD4+ T cells remain a major barrier to curing infected patients on long-term cART. There is a critical need for more effective compounds and therapies that not only potently reactivate latently infected cells, but also lead to the death of these reactivated cells. Efforts are ongoing to better control ongoing viral propagation, including the identification of appropriate animal models that best mimic HIV-1 pathogenesis, before proceeding with clinical trials. Limited toxicity profiles, improved drug penetration to certain tissues, and extended-release formulations are needed to cover gaps in existing HIV-1 treatment options. This review will cover past, current, and new cART strategies recently approved or in ongoing development.
Synthesis, Drug Release, and Antibacterial Properties of Novel Dendritic CHX-SrCl2 and CHX-ZnCl2 Particles
Authors: Sun Rui , Zhang Jiaxin , Whiley Robert A. , Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Cattell Michael J.
Published: October 2021

This work demonstrated for the first time the synthesis of novel chlorhexidine particles containing strontium and zinc, to provide an effective, affordable, and safe intervention in the treatment of recurrent infections found in Medicine and Dentistry. The CHX-SrCl2 and CHX-ZnCl2 particles were synthesized by co-precipitation of chlorhexidine diacetate (CHXD) and zinc chloride or strontium chloride, where particle size was manipulated by controlling processing time and temperature. The CHX-ZnCl2 and CHX-SrCl2 particles were characterized using SEM, FTIR, and XRD. UV-Vis using artificial saliva (pH 4 and pH 7) was used to measure the drug release and ICP-OES ion release. The antibacterial properties were examined against P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and F. nucleatum subsp. Polymorphum, and cytotoxicity was evaluated using mouse fibroblast L929 cells. The novel particles were as safe as commercial CHXD, with antibacterial activity against a range of oral pathogens. UV-Vis results run in artificial saliva (pH 4 and pH 7) indicated a higher release rate in acidic rather than neutral conditions. The CHX-ZnCl2 particles provided the functionality of a smart Zinc and CHX release, with respect to environmental pH, allowing responsive antibacterial applications in the field of medicine and dentistry.
Chromatic Dispersion Equalization FIR Digital Filter for Coherent Receiver
Authors: Wu Zicheng , Li Sida , Huang Zhiping , Shen Fangqi , Zhao Yongjie
Published: October 2021

Chromatic dispersion equalization (CDE) in coherent optical communication systems is extremely critical for subsequent digital signal processing (such as frequency offset estimation and carrier phase recovery). Various methods mentioned in the published literature are not satisfactory when the signal bandwidth is limited. This paper proposes a way of using singular value decomposition least square (SVDLS) to obtain the optimal tap weight of the CDE filter and a method to introduce the adaptive mutation particle swarm optimizer (AMPSO) algorithm into the CDE. We show that the two proposed approaches are based on the best approximation of the frequency domain response of the designed and ideal CDE filter. Compared with the traditional CDE method, which needs to be implemented in the full frequency band, the two methods can be implemented in the narrow frequency band. The simulation shows that the effective bandwidth of the baseband signal is limited by squared-root-raised-cosine (SRRC) pulse shaping with a roll-off factor of 0.25 in different modulation formats (DP-QPSK, DP-16 QAM, DP-64 QAM) when the number of taps of the filter is 131, which is 37.5% less than the full frequency band. The designed filter is superior to the existing filter in terms of filtering effect and implementation complexity.
A Study of Phytochemistry, Genoprotective Activity, and Antitumor Effects of Extracts of the Selected Lamiaceae Species
Authors: Oalđe Pavlović Mariana , Kolarević Stoimir , Đorđević Jelena , Jovanović Marić Jovana , Lunić Tanja , Mandić Marija , Kračun Kolarević Margareta , Živković Jelena , Alimpić Aradski Ana , Marin Petar D. , Šavikin Katarina , Vuković-Gačić Branka , Božić Nedeljković Biljana , Duletić-Laušević Sonja
Published: October 2021

This study was designed to evaluate the genoprotective, antigenotoxic, as well as antitumor potential of methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of Melissa officinalis, Mentha × piperita, Ocimum basilicum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Satureja montana (Lamiaceae), in different model systems. The polyphenols in these extracts were quantified both spectrophotometrically and using HPLC-DAD technique, while DPPH assay was used to assess the antioxidant activity. The genoprotective potential was tested on pUC19 Escherichia coli XL1-blue, and the antigenotoxicity on Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 and human lung fibroblasts, while the antitumor activity was assessed on colorectal cancer cells. Rosmarinic acid, quercetin, rutin, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside were among the identified compounds. Methanolic extracts had the best DPPH-scavenging and SOS-inducing activities, while ethanolic extracts exhibited the highest antigenotoxicity. Additionally, all extracts exhibited genoprotective potential on plasmid DNA. The antitumor effect was mediated by modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) production, and exhibition of genotoxic effects on tumor cells, especially with O. basilicum ethanolic extract. Generally, the investigated extracts were able to provide antioxidant protection for the acellular, prokaryotic, and normal human DNA, while also modulating the production of ROS and NO in tumor cells, leading to genotoxicity toward these cells and their decrease in proliferation.
Plant Growth Regulators INCYDE and TD-K Underperform in Cereal Field Trials
Authors: van Voorthuizen Matthew J. , Song Jiancheng , Novák Ondřej , Jameson Paula E.
Published: October 2021

Using plant growth regulators to alter cytokinin homeostasis with the aim of enhancing endogenous cytokinin levels has been proposed as a strategy to increase yields in wheat and barley. The plant growth regulators INCYDE and CPPU inhibit the cytokinin degrading enzyme cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX), while TD-K inhibits the process of senescence. We report that the application of these plant growth regulators in wheat and barley field trials failed to enhance yields, or change the components of yields. Analyses of the endogenous cytokinin content showed a high concentration of trans-zeatin (tZ) in both wheat and barley grains at four days after anthesis, and statistically significant, but probably biologically insignificant, increases in cisZ-O-glucoside, along with small decreases in cZ riboside (cZR), dihydro Z (DHZ), and DHZR and DHZOG cytokinins, following INCYDE application to barley at anthesis. We discuss possible reasons for the lack of efficacy of the three plant growth regulators under field conditions and comment on future approaches to manipulating yield in the light of the strong homeostatic mechanisms controlling endogenous cytokinin levels.
FFF 3D Printing in Electronic Applications: Dielectric and Thermal Properties of Selected Polymers
Authors: Kalaš David , Šíma Karel , Kadlec Petr , Polanský Radek , Soukup Radek , Řeboun Jan , Hamáček Aleš
Published: October 2021

The present study is a focused and comprehensive analysis of the dielectric and thermal properties of twenty-four 3D printed polymers suitable for fused filament fabrication (FFF) in electronic applications. The selected polymers include various thermoplastic elastomers, such as thermoplastics based on polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS-T). Their overall thermal behavior, including oxidation stability, glass transition, and melting temperature, was explored using simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Considering their intended usage in electronic applications, the dielectric strength (Ep) and surface/volume resistivity (ρs/ρv) were comprehensively tested according to IEC 60243-1 and IEC 62631-3, respectively. The values of the dielectric constant (ε’) and loss factor (ε”) were also determined by broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS). While, on the one hand, exceptional dielectric properties were observed for some thermoplastic elastomers, the materials based on PCs, on the other hand, stood out from the others due to their high oxidation stability and above average dielectric properties. The low-cost materials based on PETG or ABS-T did not achieve thermal properties similar to those of the other tested polymers; nevertheless, considering the very reasonable price of these polymers, the obtained dielectric properties are promising for undemanding electronic applications.
Effects of UV-C and Edible Nano-Coating as a Combined Strategy to Preserve Fresh-Cut Cucumber
Authors: Zambrano-Zaragoza María L. , Quintanar-Guerrero David , González-Reza Ricardo M. , Cornejo-Villegas María A. , Leyva-Gómez Gerardo , Urbán-Morlán Zaida
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of UV-C disinfection treatment and a nano-coating lemon essential oil nanocapsules. The nanocapsules were prepared by ionic gelation with an alginate-pectin wall and the lemon essential oil had a particle size of 219 ± 22 nm and a zeta potential of −7.91 ± 0.18 mV. The lemon essential oil had an encapsulation efficiency of 68.19 ± 1.18%. The fresh-cut cucumber was stored for 15 days at 4 °C. Six formulations of nanocapsules were evaluated, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was used as matrix polysaccharide in four coatings. Three formulations were treated with UV-C at 4.5 kJ/m2. The results showed that the combination of UV-C and nano-coatings (lemon essential oil = 200 mg/L) increased the shelf life by up to 15 days. Using UV-C and nano-coatings, the ∆E value was 7.12 at the end of the storage period, while the Control samples had an ∆E of 28.1. With nano-coating treatment, the amount of polyphenols decreased by 23% within 9 days. In contrast, with combined UV-C and nano-coating treatment, the amount of polyphenols was reduced by 38.84% within 15 days. The antioxidant capacity remained stable at 459 μmol TE/100 g for the fresh product when the combined treatment was used. A good correlation was also observed between the increasing of the fruit’s shelf life and decreasing of its enzymatic activity. The inclusion of UV-C treatment contributed to the reduction in the initial total bacteria at 3.30 log CFU/g and its combination with nano-coatings helped in the control of microbial growth during storage.
Bioactive Poly(lactic acid)–Cocoa Bean Shell Composites for Biomaterial Formulation: Preparation and Preliminary In Vitro Characterization
Authors: Garcia-Brand Andres J. , Morales Maria A. , Hozman Ana Sofia , Ramirez Andres C. , Cruz Luis J. , Maranon Alejandro , Muñoz-Camargo Carolina , Cruz Juan C. , Porras Alicia
Published: October 2021

The unique lignocellulosic and solvent-extractive chemical constituents of most natural fibers are rich in natural polymers and bioactive molecules that can be exploited for biomaterial formulation. However, although natural fibers’ main constituents have been already incorporated as material reinforcement and improve surface bioactivity of polymeric materials, the use of the whole natural fibers as bioactive fillers remains largely unexplored. Thus, we put forward the formulation of natural fiber filling and functionalization of biomaterials by studying the chemical composition of cocoa bean shells (CBS) and proposing the fabrication and characterization of polylactic acid (PLA) and CBS-based composite by solvent-casting. As was expected from previous studies of agro-industrial wastes, the main components of CBS were to cellulose (42.23 wt.%), lignin (22.68 wt.%), hemicellulose (14.73 wt.%), and solvent extractives (14.42 wt.%). Structural analysis (FTIR) confirms the absence of covalent bonding between materials. Thermal degradation profiles (DSC and TGA) showed similar mass losses and thermal-reaction profiles for lignocellulosic-fibers-based composites. The mechanical behavior of the PLA/CBS composite shows a stiffer material behavior than the pristine material. The cell viability of Vero cells in the presence of the composites was above 94%, and the hemolytic tendency was below 5%, while platelet aggregation increased up to 40%. Antioxidant activity was confirmed with comparable 2,2-diphe-277 nyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free-radical scavenging than Vitamin C even for PLA/CBS composite. Therefore, the present study elucidates the significant promise of CBS for bioactive functionalization in biomaterial-engineering, as the tested composite exhibited high biocompatibility and strong antioxidant activity and might induce angiogenic factors’ release. Moreover, we present an eco-friendly alternative to taking advantage of chocolate-industry by-products.
New Approach Study on Dry Coal Cleaning System with Two-Stage Corona Electrostatic Processes for High-Sulfur Low-Grade Fine Coals
Authors: Liu Chengyuan , Wang Qingyue
Published: October 2021

Corona electrostatic separation can remove inorganic materials from coal, reduce coal ash content and sulfur content and improve coal quality, reduce air pollution caused by smoke dust, SOX, and COX. The performance of corona electrostatic separation technology in cleaning a middle ash medium-ash, high-sulfur coal was experimentally investigated. The electrode voltage, drum rotational speed, and feeding speed were tested, whereas other parameters were maintained constant during the experiment. The results indicate that the performance of this technology in cleaning medium-ash, high-sulfur coal can be improved by optimizing the process parameters. The results demonstrate that corona electrostatic separation is effective for the beneficiation of this grade coal. In addition, the efficiency of coal cleaning is significantly improved by adding the second stage beneficiation to clean the middlings out from the first stage beneficiation. In this study, the first stage of beneficiation recovered 38.00% (by weight) of clean coal (ash content below 20%), and the second stage recovered 48.58% (by weight) of clean coal, improving the overall separation efficiency from 0.69 to 1.74. Furthermore, the sulfur content was reduced from 4.71% (raw coal) to 3.53% (clean coal). Our result show that corona electrostatic separation can effectively reject inorganic sulfur from raw coal, and the two-stage separate is also very helpful for coal purification.
Ammonium and Phosphate Recovery in a Three Chambered Microbial Electrolysis Cell: Towards Obtaining Struvite from Livestock Manure
Authors: Cerrillo Míriam , Burgos Laura , Noguerol Joan , Riau Victor , Bonmatí August
Published: October 2021

Ammonia and phosphate, which are present in large quantities in waste streams such as livestock manure, are key compounds in fertilization activities. Their recovery will help close natural cycles and take a step forward in the framework of a circular economy. In this work, a lab-scale three-chambered microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) has been operated in continuous mode for the recovery of ammonia and phosphate from digested pig slurry in order to obtain a nutrient concentrated solution as a potential source of fertilizer (struvite). The maximum average removal efficiencies for ammonium and phosphate were 20% ± 4% and 36% ± 10%, respectively. The pH of the recovered solution was below 7, avoiding salt precipitation in the reactor. According to Visual MINTEQ software modelling, an increase of pH value to 8 outside the reactor would be enough to recover most of the potential struvite (0.21 mmol L−1 d−1), while the addition of up to 0.2 mM of magnesium to the nutrient recovered solution would enhance struvite production from 5.6 to 17.7 mM. The application of three-chambered MECs to the recovery of nutrients from high strength wastewater is a promising technology to avoid ammonia production through industrial processes or phosphate mineral extraction and close nutrient natural cycles.
Wastewater Treatment Using Constructed Wetland: Current Trends and Future Potential
Authors: Hassan Ikrema , Chowdhury Saidur R. , Prihartato Perdana K. , Razzak Shaikh A
Published: October 2021

Constructed wetlands (CW) is an environmentally friendly technique for removing pollutants from wastewater and has been applied to municipal wastewater, petroleum refinery wastewater, agriculture drainage, acid mine drainage, etc. The past decade has seen a remarkable number of innovations in the exponentially growing field of microbiology. This manuscript covers a critical review of key aspects of CW, such as various types of CW, the contaminants and their removal mechanisms, degradation pathways, challenges and opportunities, materials, applications, and theory with a focus on recent advances in the last three decades. In addition, an attempt has been taken to project future advances in the field of CW and facilitate these advances by framing key unsolved problems in CW. Guidelines are prepared for the fast-growing CW field through the standardization of key design aspects. This review covers the evaluation of the current state-of-the-art of CW technology and provides definitions and performance metric nomenclature in an effort to unify the fast-growing CW community. It also contains an outlook on the emerging trends in CW and proposes future research and development directions.
Multiple Buddhisms in Ladakh: Strategic Secularities and Missionaries Fighting Decline
Authors: Williams-Oerberg Elizabeth , Schedneck Brooke , Gleig Ann
Published: October 2021

During fieldwork in Ladakh in July–August 2018, three authors from Asian studies, anthropology, and religious studies backgrounds researched “multiple Buddhisms” in Ladakh, India. Two case studies are presented: a Buddhist monastery festival by the Drikung Kagyü Tibetan Buddhist sect, and a Theravada monastic complex, called Mahabodhi International Meditation Center (MIMC). Through the transnational contexts of both of these case studies, we argue that Buddhist leaders adapt their teachings to appeal to specific audiences with the underlying goal of preserving the tradition. The Buddhist monastery festival engages with both the scientific and the magical or mystical elements of Buddhism for two very different European audiences. At MIMC, a secular spirituality mixes with Buddhism for international tourists on a meditation retreat. Finally, at MIMC, Thai Buddhist monks learn how to fight the decline of Buddhism through missionizing Theravada Buddhism in this land dominated by Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Paying attention to this multiplicity—to “multiple Buddhisms”—we argue, makes space for the complicated, ambiguous, and at times contradictory manner in which Buddhism is positioned in regards to secularism and secularity.
Estimating Crop Biophysical Parameters Using Machine Learning Algorithms and Sentinel-2 Imagery
Authors: Kganyago Mahlatse , Mhangara Paidamwoyo , Adjorlolo Clement
Published: October 2021

Global food security is critical to eliminating hunger and malnutrition. In the changing climate, farmers in developing countries must adopt technologies and farming practices such as precision agriculture (PA). PA-based approaches enable farmers to cope with frequent and intensified droughts and heatwaves, optimising yields, increasing efficiencies, and reducing operational costs. Biophysical parameters such as Leaf Area Index (LAI), Leaf Chlorophyll Content (LCab), and Canopy Chlorophyll Content (CCC) are essential for characterising field-level spatial variability and thus are necessary for enabling variable rate application technologies, precision irrigation, and crop monitoring. Moreover, robust machine learning algorithms offer prospects for improving the estimation of biophysical parameters due to their capability to deal with non-linear data, small samples, and noisy variables. This study compared the predictive performance of sparse Partial Least Squares (sPLS), Random Forest (RF), and Gradient Boosting Machines (GBM) for estimating LAI, LCab, and CCC with Sentinel-2 imagery in Bothaville, South Africa and identified, using variable importance measures, the most influential bands for estimating crop biophysical parameters. The results showed that RF was superior in estimating all three biophysical parameters, followed by GBM which was better in estimating LAI and CCC, but not LCab, where sPLS was relatively better. Since all biophysical parameters could be achieved with RF, it can be considered a good contender for operationalisation. Overall, the findings in this study are significant for future biophysical product development using RF to reduce reliance on many algorithms for specific parameters, thus facilitating the rapid extraction of actionable information to support PA and crop monitoring activities.
Evapotranspiration Changes over the European Alps: Consistency of Trends and Their Drivers between the MOD16 and SSEBop Algorithms
Authors: Castelli Mariapina
Published: October 2021

In the Alps, understanding how climate change is affecting evapotranspiration (ET) is relevant due to possible implications on water availability for large lowland areas of Europe. Here, changes in ET were studied based on 20 years of MODIS data. MOD16 and operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop) products were compared with eddy-covariance data and analyzed for trend detection. The two products showed a similar relationship with ground observations, with RMSE between 0.69 and 2 mm day−1, and a correlation coefficient between 0.6 and 0.83. A regression with the potential drivers of ET showed that, for climate variables, ground data were coherent with MOD16 at grassland sites, where r2 was 0.12 for potential ET, 0.17 for precipitation, and 0.57 for air temperature, whereas ground data agreed with SSEBop at forest sites, with an r2 of 0.46 for precipitation, no correlation with temperature, and negative correlation with potential ET. Interestingly, ground-based correlation corresponded to SSEBop for leaf area index (LAI), while it matched with MOD16 for land surface temperature (LST). Through the trend analysis, both MOD16 and SSEBop revealed positive trends in the south-west, and negative trends in the south and north-east. Moreover, in summer, positive trends prevailed at high elevations for grasslands and forests, while negative trends dominated at low elevations for croplands and grasslands. However, the Alpine area share with positive ET trends was 16.6% for MOD16 and 3.9% for SSEBop, while the share with negative trends was 1.2% for MOD16 and 15.3% for SSEBop. A regression between trends in ET and in climate variables, LST, and LAI indicated consistency, especially between ET, temperature, and LAI increase, but low correlation. Overall, the discrepancies in the trends, and the fact that none of the two products outperformed the other when compared to ground data, suggest that, in the Alps, SSEBop and MOD16 might not be accurate enough to be a robust basis to study ET changes.
When a Generalized Linear Model Meets Bayesian Maximum Entropy: A Novel Spatiotemporal Ground-Level Ozone Concentration Retrieval Method
Authors: Mei Yingying , Li Jiayi , Xiang Deping , Zhang Jingxiong
Published: October 2021

In China, ground-level ozone has shown an increasing trend and has become a serious ambient pollutant. An accurate spatiotemporal distribution of ground-level ozone concentrations (GOCs) is urgently needed. Generalized linear models (GLMs) and Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) models are practical for predicting GOCs. However, GLMs have limited capacity to capture temporal variations and can miss some short-term and regional patterns, while the performance of BME models may degrade in cases of sparse or imperfect monitoring networks. Thus, to predict nationwide 1 km monthly average GOCs for China, we designed a novel hybrid model containing three modules. (1) A GLM was established to accurately describe the variability in GOCs in the space domain. (2) A BME model incorporating GLM residuals was employed to capture the temporal variability of GOCs in detail. (3) A combination of GLM and BME models was developed based on the specific broad range of each submodel. According to the cross-validation results, the hybrid model exhibited superior performance, with coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.67. The predictive performance of the large-scale and high-resolution hybrid model is superior to that in previous studies. The nationwide spatiotemporal variability of the GOCs derived from the hybrid model shows that they are valuable indicators for ground-level ozone pollution control and prevention in China.