bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food Marketing as a Special Ingredient in Consumer Choices: The Main Insights from Existing Literature
Authors: Martinho Vítor João Pereira Domingues
Published: November 2020

The choices and preferences of food consumers are influenced by several factors, from those related to the socioeconomic, cultural, and health dimensions to marketing strategies. In fact, marketing is a determinant ingredient in the choices related to food consumption. Nonetheless, for an effective implementation of any marketing approach, the brands play a crucial role. Creating new brands in the food sector is not always easy, considering the relevant amount of these goods produced within the agricultural sector and in small food industries. The small dimension of the production units in these sectors hinders both brand creation and respective branding. In this context, it would seem important to analyse the relationships between food marketing and consumer choice, highlighting the role of brands in these frameworks. For this purpose, a literature review was carried out considering 147 documents from Scopus database for the topics of search “food marketing” and “choices” (search performed on 16 October 2020). As main insights, it is worth highlighting that the main issues addressed by the literature, concerning food marketing and consumer choices, are the following: economic theory; label and packaging; marketing strategies; agriculture and food industry; market segments; social dimensions; brand and branding. In turn, food marketing heavily conditions consumer choices; however, these related instruments are better manipulated by larger companies. In addition, this review highlights that bigger companies have dominant positions in these markets which are not always beneficial to the consumers’ objectives.
Phased Haplotype Resolution of the SLC6A4 Promoter Using Long-Read Single Molecule Real-Time (SMRT) Sequencing
Authors: Botton Mariana R. , Yang Yao , Scott Erick R. , Desnick Robert J. , Scott Stuart A.
Published: November 2020

The SLC6A4 gene has been implicated in psychiatric disorder susceptibility and antidepressant response variability. The SLC6A4 promoter is defined by a variable number of homologous 20–24 bp repeats (5-HTTLPR), and long (L) and short (S) alleles are associated with higher and lower expression, respectively. However, this insertion/deletion variant is most informative when considered as a haplotype with the rs25531 and rs25532 variants. Therefore, we developed a long-read single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing method to interrogate the SLC6A4 promoter region. A total of 120 samples were subjected to SLC6A4 long-read SMRT sequencing, primarily selected based on available short-read sequencing data. Short-read genome sequencing from the 1000 Genomes (1KG) Project (~5X) and the Genetic Testing Reference Material Coordination Program (~45X), as well as high-depth short-read capture-based sequencing (~330X), could not identify the 5-HTTLPR short (S) allele, nor could short-read sequencing phase any identified variants. In contrast, long-read SMRT sequencing unambiguously identified the 5-HTTLPR short (S) allele (frequency of 0.467) and phased SLC6A4 promoter haplotypes. Additionally, discordant rs25531 genotypes were reviewed and determined to be short-read errors. Taken together, long-read SMRT sequencing is an innovative and robust method for phased resolution of the SLC6A4 promoter, which could enable more accurate pharmacogenetic testing for both research and clinical applications.
DNMTs and Impact of CpG Content, Transcription Factors, Consensus Motifs, lncRNAs, and Histone Marks on DNA Methylation
Authors: Loaeza-Loaeza Jaqueline , Beltran Adriana S. , Hernández-Sotelo Daniel
Published: November 2020

DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) play an essential role in DNA methylation and transcriptional regulation in the genome. DNMTs, along with other poorly studied elements, modulate the dynamic DNA methylation patterns of embryonic and adult cells. We summarize the current knowledge on the molecular mechanism of DNMTs’ functional targeting to maintain genome-wide DNA methylation patterns. We focus on DNMTs’ intrinsic characteristics, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional modifications. Furthermore, we focus special attention on the DNMTs’ specificity for target sites, including key cis-regulatory factors such as CpG content, common motifs, transcription factors (TF) binding sites, lncRNAs, and histone marks to regulate DNA methylation. We also review how complexes of DNMTs/TFs or DNMTs/lncRNAs are involved in DNA methylation in specific genome regions. Understanding these processes is essential because the spatiotemporal regulation of DNA methylation modulates gene expression in health and disease.
Comparative Genomics Reveals Novel Target Genes towards Specific Control of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
Authors: Grynberg Priscila , Coiti Togawa Roberto , Dias de Freitas Leticia , Antonino Jose Dijair , Rancurel Corinne , Mota do Carmo Costa Marcos , Grossi-de-Sa Maria Fatima , Miller Robert N. G. , Brasileiro Ana Cristina Miranda , Messenberg Guimaraes Patricia , Danchin Etienne G. J.
Published: November 2020

Plant-parasitic nematodes cause extensive annual yield losses to worldwide agricultural production. Most cultivated plants have no known resistance against nematodes and the few bearing a resistance gene can be overcome by certain species. Chemical methods that have been deployed to control nematodes have largely been banned from use due to their poor specificity and high toxicity. Hence, there is an urgent need for the development of cleaner and more specific control methods. Recent advances in nematode genomics, including in phytoparasitic species, provide an unprecedented opportunity to identify genes and functions specific to these pests. Using phylogenomics, we compared 61 nematode genomes, including 16 for plant-parasitic species and identified more than 24,000 protein families specific to these parasites. In the genome of Meloidogyne incognita, one of the most devastating plant parasites, we found ca. 10,000 proteins with orthologs restricted only to phytoparasitic species and no further homology in protein databases. Among these phytoparasite-specific proteins, ca. 1000 shared the same properties as known secreted effectors involved in essential parasitic functions. Of these, 68 were novel and showed strong expression during the endophytic phase of the nematode life cycle, based on both RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analyses. Besides effector candidates, transcription-related and neuro-perception functions were enriched in phytoparasite-specific proteins, revealing interesting targets for nematode control methods. This phylogenomics analysis constitutes a unique resource for the further understanding of the genetic basis of nematode adaptation to phytoparasitism and for the development of more efficient control methods.
Diverse Roles of MAX1 Homologues in Rice
Authors: Marzec Marek , Situmorang Apriadi , Brewer Philip B. , Brąszewska Agnieszka
Published: November 2020

Cytochrome P450 enzymes encoded by MORE AXILLARY GROWTH1 (MAX1)-like genes produce most of the structural diversity of strigolactones during the final steps of strigolactone biosynthesis. The diverse copies of MAX1 in Oryza sativa provide a resource to investigate why plants produce such a wide range of strigolactones. Here we performed in silico analyses of transcription factors and microRNAs that may regulate each rice MAX1, and compared the results with available data about MAX1 expression profiles and genes co-expressed with MAX1 genes. Data suggest that distinct mechanisms regulate the expression of each MAX1. Moreover, there may be novel functions for MAX1 homologues, such as the regulation of flower development or responses to heavy metals. In addition, individual MAX1s could be involved in specific functions, such as the regulation of seed development or wax synthesis in rice. Our analysis reveals potential new avenues of strigolactone research that may otherwise not be obvious.
Changing Health Behavior with Social Technology? A Pilot Test of a Mobile App Designed for Social Support of Physical Activity
Authors: Kanstrup Anne Marie , Bertelsen Pernille Scholdan , Knudsen Casper
Published: November 2020

Mobile applications targeting people engaged in physical activity have increased. However, while research has identified social support as a key factor for people’s engagement in physical activity, most mobile health (mHealth) applications are designed for individual use. In this paper, we report on a research study exploring opportunities for designing mHealth to facilitate social support around physical activity. A mHealth application was designed, and pilot tested for eight weeks with healthcare professionals (n = 3) and two groups of citizens (n = 20) who were motivated but challenged physically due to various health conditions. Data was collected via online monitoring of the use of the mHealth application during the pilot test and via qualitative interviews with the participants before and after. The results support the idea that designing for social health support is important but so is identifying key challenges related to (i) the facilitation of technology-mediated social health support, especially to a target group that is living with health challenges, and (ii) finding a balance between social and health agendas that bring social support to the foreground for the participants.
Second Wave of COVID-19 Global Pandemic and Athletes’ Confinement: Recommendations to Better Manage and Optimize the Modified Lifestyle
Authors: Tayech Amel , Mejri Mohamed Arbi , Makhlouf Issam , Mathlouthi Ameni , Behm David G. , Chaouachi Anis
Published: November 2020

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease that has spread globally, resulting in the ongoing pandemic. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for COVID-19. Preventive measures to reduce the chances of contagion consist mainly of confinement, avoiding crowded places, social distancing, masks, and applying strict personal hygiene as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). After the first wave of infection in many countries, the potential effects of relaxing containment and physical distancing control measures suggest that as a result of these measures, a second wave of COVID-19 appears probable in these countries. In sport, the period of self-isolation, and quarantine, for COVID-19 affects the physical preparation of athletes as well as their mental health and quality of life to an even greater extent (i.e., nutrition, sleep, healthy lifestyle), and thus, relevant and practical recommendations are needed to help alleviate these physical and mental health concerns. Our review aims to summarize the physiological and psychological effects of detraining associated with athletes’ confinement during the proposed second wave of COVID-19. This article also proposes answers to questions that concern the advantages and disadvantages of different types of social media platforms, the importance of nutrition, and the effects of sleep disturbance on the health and modified lifestyle of athletes during this worldwide pandemic. Thus, this review provides some general guidelines to better manage their modified lifestyle and optimally maintain their physical and mental fitness with respect to measures taken during this restrictive proposed second wave of the COVID-19 confinement period.
Psychological Capital and Burnout in Teachers: The Mediating Role of Flourishing
Authors: Freire Carlos , Ferradás María del Mar , García-Bértoa Alba , Núñez José Carlos , Rodríguez Susana , Piñeiro Isabel
Published: November 2020

In keeping with the growth in the development of healthy environments in organizational contexts, in recent years, there has also been increasing interest in the identification of personal psychological resources that contribute to improved worker mental health. From this proactive approach, this study examines the mediating role of flourishing in the relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and burnout in teachers, a professional group that is particularly prone to suffering from this syndrome. A total of 1379 teachers from pre-school, primary, secondary, and vocational education systems participated in the study. The mediating effect of flourishing was determined via mediation analysis using the PROCESS macro. The results showed that flourishing partially mediates the negative effect of PsyCap on the three symptoms of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of professional accomplishment). These findings indicate that both PsyCap and flourishing may be effective personal resources in reducing teacher burnout. Therefore, in order to prevent burnout, it is advisable to design interventions that combine PsyCap and flourishing.
Diesel Particulate Matter 2.5 Induces Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Upregulation of SARS-CoV-2 Receptor during Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Alveolar Organoid Development
Authors: Kim Jung-Hyun , Kim Jeeyoung , Kim Woo Jin , Choi Yung Hyun , Yang Se-Ran , Hong Seok-Ho
Published: November 2020

Growing evidence links prenatal exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) with reduced lung function and incidence of pulmonary diseases in infancy and childhood. However, the underlying biological mechanisms of how prenatal PM2.5 exposure affects the lungs are incompletely understood, which explains the lack of an ideal in vitro lung development model. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have been successfully employed for in vitro developmental toxicity evaluations due to their unique ability to differentiate into any type of cell in the body. In this study, we investigated the developmental toxicity of diesel fine PM (dPM2.5) exposure during hPSC-derived alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) differentiation and three-dimensional (3D) multicellular alveolar organoid (AO) development. We found that dPM2.5 (50 and 100 μg/mL) treatment disturbed the AEC differentiation, accompanied by upregulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases and inflammation. Exposure to dPM2.5 also promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition during AEC and AO development via activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling, while dPM2.5 had no effect on surfactant protein C expression in hPSC-derived AECs. Notably, we provided evidence, for the first time, that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, a receptor to mediate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus clade 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry into target cells, and the cofactor transmembrane protease serine 2 were significantly upregulated in both hPSC-AECs and AOs treated with dPM2.5. In conclusion, we demonstrated the potential alveolar development toxicity and the increase of SARS-Cov-2 susceptibility of PM2.5. Our findings suggest that an hPSC-based 2D and 3D alveolar induction system could be a useful in vitro platform for evaluating the adverse effects of environmental toxins and for virus research.
Factors Associated with Smoking and Drinking among Early Adolescents in Vanuatu: A Cross-Sectional Study of Adolescents and Their Parents
Authors: Nakaseko Emi , Kotera Sayaka , Nakazawa Minato
Published: November 2020

This cross-sectional study determined whether various factors, such as parental behavior, attitude, and knowledge and sibling and peer behaviors, were associated with smoking and drinking among early adolescents in the Republic of Vanuatu. For this purpose, logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relative importance of the factors as well as the influences of the parents/guardians, siblings, and peers. The participants consisted of 157 seventh- and eighth-grade adolescents (mean age = 13.3 years; 52.2% girls), including their parents/guardians, from three public schools in Vanuatu. According to the results, the proportions of smokers and drinkers among the adolescents were 12.7% each, while the majority of the parents/guardians disapproved of underage smoking and drinking. In addition, peer influences (i.e., regularly smoking and/or drinking and offering tobacco and/or alcohol) was significantly associated with ever smoking and drinking, whereas parental and sibling influences did not have a significant impact on ever smoking and drinking. In sum, being given tobacco or alcohol from peers had the strongest association with ever smoking and drinking among the adolescents in this study. Thus, future school-based intervention programs should focus on enhancing early adolescents’ life skills, including the ability to resist offers of tobacco and/or alcohol from their peers.
Geospatial Analysis of Environmental Atmospheric Risk Factors in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Oliveira Mariana , Padrão André , Ramalho André , Lobo Mariana , Teodoro Ana Cláudia , Gonçalves Hernâni , Freitas Alberto
Published: November 2020

Despite the vast evidence on the environmental influence in neurodegenerative diseases, those considering a geospatial approach are scarce. We conducted a systematic review to identify studies concerning environmental atmospheric risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases that have used geospatial analysis/tools. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for all scientific studies that included a neurodegenerative disease, an environmental atmospheric factor, and a geographical analysis. Of the 34 included papers, approximately 60% were related to multiple sclerosis (MS), hence being the most studied neurodegenerative disease in the context of this study. Sun exposure (n = 13) followed by the most common exhaustion gases (n = 10 for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and n = 5 for carbon monoxide (CO)) were the most studied atmospheric factors. Only one study used a geospatial interpolation model, although 13 studies used remote sensing data to compute atmospheric factors. In 20% of papers, we found an inverse correlation between sun exposure and multiple sclerosis. No consensus was reached in the analysis of nitrogen dioxide and Parkinson’s disease, but it was related to dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This systematic review (number CRD42020196188 in PROSPERO’s database) provides an insight into the available evidence regarding the geospatial influence of environmental factors on neurodegenerative diseases.
A New Twist in Protein Kinase B/Akt Signaling: Role of Altered Cancer Cell Metabolism in Akt-Mediated Therapy Resistance
Authors: Götting Isabell , Jendrossek Verena , Matschke Johann
Published: November 2020

Cancer resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and molecular-targeted agents is a major obstacle to successful cancer therapy. Herein, aberrant activation of the phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway is one of the most frequently deregulated pathways in cancer cells and has been associated with multiple aspects of therapy resistance. These include, for example, survival under stress conditions, apoptosis resistance, activation of the cellular response to DNA damage and repair of radiation-induced or chemotherapy-induced DNA damage, particularly DNA double strand breaks (DSB). One further important, yet not much investigated aspect of Akt-dependent signaling is the regulation of cell metabolism. In fact, many Akt target proteins are part of or involved in the regulation of metabolic pathways. Furthermore, recent studies revealed the importance of certain metabolites for protection against therapy-induced cell stress and the repair of therapy-induced DNA damage. Thus far, the likely interaction between deregulated activation of Akt, altered cancer metabolism and therapy resistance is not yet well understood. The present review describes the documented interactions between Akt, its target proteins and cancer cell metabolism, focusing on antioxidant defense and DSB repair. Furthermore, the review highlights potential connections between deregulated Akt, cancer cell metabolism and therapy resistance of cancer cells through altered DSB repair and discusses potential resulting therapeutic implications.
Resident Memory T Cells and Their Role within the Liver
Authors: Ghilas Sonia , Valencia-Hernandez Ana-Maria , Enders Matthias H. , Heath William R. , Fernandez-Ruiz Daniel
Published: November 2020

Immunological memory is fundamental to maintain immunity against re-invading pathogens. It is the basis for prolonged protection induced by vaccines and can be mediated by humoral or cellular responses—the latter largely mediated by T cells. Memory T cells belong to different subsets with specialized functions and distributions within the body. They can be broadly separated into circulating memory cells, which pace the entire body through the lymphatics and blood, and tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells, which are constrained to peripheral tissues. Retained in the tissues where they form, TRM cells provide a frontline defense against reinfection. Here, we review this population of cells with specific attention to the liver, where TRM cells have been found to protect against infections, in particular those by Plasmodium species that cause malaria.
Effects of Austenitization Temperature and Pre-Deformation on CCT Diagrams of 23MnNiCrMo5-3 Steel
Authors: Schindler Ivo , Kawulok Rostislav , Opěla Petr , Kawulok Petr , Rusz Stanislav , Sojka Jaroslav , Sauer Michal , Navrátil Horymír , Pindor Lukáš
Published: November 2020

The combined effect of deformation temperature and strain value on the continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagram of low-alloy steel with 0.23% C, 1.17% Mn, 0.79% Ni, 0.44% Cr, and 0.22% Mo was studied. The deformation temperature (identical to the austenitization temperature) was in the range suitable for the wire rolling mill. The applied compressive deformation corresponded to the true strain values in an unusually wide range. Based on the dilatometric tests and metallographic analyses, a total of five different CCT diagrams were constructed. Pre-deformation corresponding to the true strain of 0.35 or even 1.0 had no clear effect on the austenite decomposition kinetics at the austenitization temperature of 880 °C. During the long-lasting cooling, recrystallization and probably coarsening of the new austenitic grains occurred, which almost eliminated the influence of pre-deformation on the temperatures of the diffusion-controlled phase transformations. Decreasing the deformation temperature to 830 °C led to the significant acceleration of the austenite → ferrite and austenite → pearlite transformations due to the applied strain of 1.0 only in the region of the cooling rate between 3 and 35 °C·s−1. The kinetics of the bainitic or martensitic transformation remained practically unaffected by the pre-deformation. The acceleration of the diffusion-controlled phase transformations resulted from the formation of an austenitic microstructure with a mean grain size of about 4 µm. As the analysis of the stress–strain curves showed, the grain refinement was carried out by dynamic and metadynamic recrystallization. At low cooling rates, the effect of plastic deformation on the kinetics of phase transformations was indistinct.
Erratum: Zhang, C. et al., The Effect of Substrate Biasing during DC Magnetron Sputtering on the Quality of VO2 Thin Films and Their Insulator–Metal Transition Behavior. Materials 2019, 12, 2160
Authors: Zhang Chunzi , Gunes Ozan , Li Yuanshi , Cui Xiaoyu , Mohammadtaheri Masoud , Wen Shi-Jie , Wong Rick , Yang Qiaoqin , Kasap Safa
Published: November 2020

The authors would like to correct a typographical error in their paper [...]
Simulation of Oil Well Drilling System Using Distributed–Lumped Modelling Technique
Authors: Athanasiou Panagiotis , Hadi Yaser
Published: November 2020

The strengths and torque of well-boiling hydrocarbons are of utmost significance. Boiling a well is one of the most critical steps in the discovery and production of oil and gas. The well’s boiling process is expensive because the drilling depth can be as much as 7000 meters. Any delay (breakdown time) in boiling costs a lot of money for hydrocarbon firms. Various boiler parameters are continuously tracked and regulated to avoid drilling delays. This paper focuses on the vibrations occurring at the bottom hole assembly (BHA) stick-slip. Two modelling methods, the lumped parameter model and the combination of the distributed–lumped (D–L) parameter model, were used and compared to the actual measurement performance. The D–L model was found to be more precise, particularly for long strings. Using the simulations, the most comprehensive modelling methodology is introduced.
Effects of Ornamental Plant Density and Mineral/Plastic Media on the Removal of Domestic Wastewater Pollutants by Home Wetlands Technology
Authors: Sandoval-Herazo Luis Carlos , Alvarado-Lassman Alejandro , López-Méndez María Cristina , Martínez-Sibaja Albino , Aguilar-Lasserre Alberto A. , Zamora-Castro Sergio , Marín-Muñiz José Luis
Published: November 2020

Wastewater treatment (WWT) is a priority around the world; conventional treatments are not widely used in rural areas owing to the high operating and maintenance costs. In Mexico, for instance, only 40% of wastewater is treated. One sustainable option for WWT is through the use of constructed wetlands (CWs) technology, which may remove pollutants using cells filled with porous material and vegetation that works as a natural filter. Knowing the optimal material and density of plants used per square meter in CWs would allow improving their WWT effect. In this study, the effect of material media (plastic/mineral) and plant density on the removal of organic/inorganic pollutants was evaluated. Low (three plants), medium (six plants) and high (nine plants) densities were compared in a surface area of 0.3 m2 of ornamental plants (Alpinia purpurata, Canna hybrids and Hedychium coronarium) used in polycultures at the mesocosm level of household wetlands, planted on the two different substrates. Regarding the removal of contaminants, no significant differences were found between substrates (p ≥ 0.05), indicating the use of plastic residues (reusable) is an economical option compared to typical mineral materials. However, differences (p = 0.001) in removal of pollutants were found between different plant densities. For both substrates, the high density planted CWs were able to remove COD in a range of 86–90%, PO4-P 22–33%, NH4-N in 84–90%, NO3-N 25–28% and NO2-N 38–42%. At medium density, removals of 79–81%, 26–32, 80–82%, 24–26%, and 39–41%, were observed, whereas in CWs with low density, the detected removals were 65–68%, 20–26%, 79–80%, 24–26% and 31–40%, respectively. These results revealed that higher COD and ammonia were removed at high plant density than at medium or low densities. Other pollutants were removed similarly in all plant densities (22–42%), indicating the necessity of hybrid CWs to increase the elimination of PO4-P, NO3-N and NO2-N. Moreover, high density favored 10 to 20% more the removal of pollutants than other plant densities. In addition, in cells with high density of plants and smaller planting distance, the development of new plant shoots was limited. Thus, it is suggested that the appropriate distance for this type of polyculture plants should be from 40 to 50 cm in expansion to real-scale systems in order to take advantage of the harvesting of species in these and allow species of greater foliage, favoring its growth and new shoots with the appropriate distance to compensate, in the short time, the removal of nutrients.
Novel Therapeutic Effects of Pterosin B on Ang II-Induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy
Authors: Lee Chang Youn , Park Han Ki , Lee Bok-Sim , Jeong Seongtae , Hyun Sung-Ae , Choi Jung-Won , Kim Sang Woo , Lee Seahyoung , Lim Soyeon , Hwang Ki-Chul
Published: November 2020

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is characterized by an abnormal increase in cardiac muscle mass in the left ventricle, resulting in cardiac dysfunction. Although various therapeutic approaches are being continuously developed for heart failure, several studies have suggested natural compounds as novel potential strategies. Considering relevant compounds, we investigated a new role for Pterosin B for which the potential life-affecting biological and therapeutic effects on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy are not fully known. Thus, we investigated whether Pterosin B can regulate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) using H9c2 cells. The antihypertrophic effect of Pterosin B was evaluated, and the results showed that it reduced hypertrophy-related gene expression, cell size, and protein synthesis. In addition, upon Ang II stimulation, Pterosin B attenuated the activation and expression of major receptors, Ang II type 1 receptor and a receptor for advanced glycation end products, by inhibiting the phosphorylation of PKC-ERK-NF-κB pathway signaling molecules. In addition, Pterosin B showed the ability to reduce excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species, critical mediators for cardiac hypertrophy upon Ang II exposure, by regulating the expression levels of NAD(P)H oxidase 2/4. Our results demonstrate the protective role of Pterosin B in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, suggesting it is a potential therapeutic candidate.
Lanthanide(III) Complexes of Cyclen Triacetates and Triamides Bearing Tertiary Amide-Linked Antennae
Authors: Kiraev Salauat R. , Mathieu Emilie , Siemens Fiona , Kovacs Daniel , Demeyere Ellen , Borbas K. Eszter
Published: November 2020

The coordination compounds of the trivalent lanthanide ions (Ln(III)) have unique photophysical properties. Ln(III) excitation is usually performed through a light-harvesting antenna. To enable Ln(III)-based emitters to reach their full potential, an understanding of how complex structure affects sensitization and quenching processes is necessary. Here, the role of the linker between the antenna and the metal binding fragment was studied. Four macrocyclic ligands carrying coumarin 2 or 4-methoxymethylcarbostyril sensitizing antennae linked to an octadentate macrocyclic ligand binding site were synthesized. Complexation with Ln(III) (Ln = La, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Yb and Lu) yielded species with overall −1, 0, or +2 and +3-charge. Paramagnetic 1H NMR spectroscopy indicated subtle differences between the coumarin- and carbostyril-carrying Eu(III) and Yb(III) complexes. Cyclic voltammetry showed that the effect of the linker on the Eu(III)/Eu(II) apparent reduction potential was dependent on the electronic properties of the N-substituent. The Eu(III), Tb(III) and Sm(III) complexes were all luminescent. Coumarin-sensitized complexes were poorly emissive; photoinduced electron transfer was not a major quenching pathway in these species. These results show that seemingly similar emitters can undergo very different photophysical processes, and highlight the crucial role the linker can play.
Smart Porous Multi-Stimulus Polysaccharide-Based Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Alvarado-Hidalgo Fernando , Ramírez-Sánchez Karla , Starbird-Perez Ricardo
Published: November 2020

Recently, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine studies have evaluated smart biomaterials as implantable scaffolds and their interaction with cells for biomedical applications. Porous materials have been used in tissue engineering as synthetic extracellular matrices, promoting the attachment and migration of host cells to induce the in vitro regeneration of different tissues. Biomimetic 3D scaffold systems allow control over biophysical and biochemical cues, modulating the extracellular environment through mechanical, electrical, and biochemical stimulation of cells, driving their molecular reprogramming. In this review, first we outline the main advantages of using polysaccharides as raw materials for porous scaffolds, as well as the most common processing pathways to obtain the adequate textural properties, allowing the integration and attachment of cells. The second approach focuses on the tunable characteristics of the synthetic matrix, emphasizing the effect of their mechanical properties and the modification with conducting polymers in the cell response. The use and influence of polysaccharide-based porous materials as drug delivery systems for biochemical stimulation of cells is also described. Overall, engineered biomaterials are proposed as an effective strategy to improve in vitro tissue regeneration and future research directions of modified polysaccharide-based materials in the biomedical field are suggested.
Sugar Profiling of Honeys for Authentication and Detection of Adulterants Using High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography
Authors: Islam Md Khairul , Sostaric Tomislav , Lim Lee Yong , Hammer Katherine , Locher Cornelia
Published: November 2020

Honey adulteration, where a range of sugar syrups is used to increase bulk volume, is a common problem that has significant negative impacts on the honey industry, both economically and from a consumer confidence perspective. This paper investigates High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) for the authentication and detection of sugar adulterants in honey. The sugar composition of various Australian honeys (Manuka, Jarrah, Marri, Karri, Peppermint and White Gum) was first determined to illustrate the variance depending on the floral origin. Two of the honeys (Manuka and Jarrah) were then artificially adulterated with six different sugar syrups (rice, corn, golden, treacle, glucose and maple syrup). The findings demonstrate that HPTLC sugar profiles, in combination with organic extract profiles, can easily detect the sugar adulterants. As major sugars found in honey, the quantification of fructose and glucose, and their concentration ratio can be used to authenticate the honeys. Quantifications of sucrose and maltose can be used to identify the type of syrup adulterant, in particular when used in combination with HPTLC fingerprinting of the organic honey extracts.
Implementing Green Analytical Methodologies Using Solid-Phase Microextraction: A Review
Authors: Billiard Kayla M. , Dershem Amanda R. , Gionfriddo Emanuela
Published: November 2020

Implementing green analytical methodologies has been one of the main objectives of the analytical chemistry community for the past two decades. Sample preparation and extraction procedures are two parts of analytical method development that can be best adapted to meet the principles of green analytical chemistry. The goal of transitioning to green analytical chemistry is to establish new methods that perform comparably—or superiorly—to traditional methods. The use of assessment tools to provide an objective and concise evaluation of the analytical methods’ adherence to the principles of green analytical chemistry is critical to achieving this goal. In this review, we describe various sample preparation and extraction methods that can be used to increase the greenness of a given analytical method. We gave special emphasis to modern microextraction technologies and their important contributions to the development of new green analytical methods. Several manuscripts in which the greenness of a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique was compared to other sample preparation strategies using the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), a green assessment tool, were reviewed.
Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Newborn Birth Weight for Mother with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or Overweight/Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Chun-Chi , Tung Yu-Tang , Chang Hua-Ching , Lin Chang-Hsien , Chen Yang-Ching
Published: November 2020

High birth weight indicates the future risk of obesity and increased fat mass in childhood. Maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or overweight are powerful predictors of high birth weight. Studies on probiotic supplementation during pregnancy have reported its benefits in modulating gut microbiota composition and improving glucose and lipid metabolism in pregnant women. Therefore, probiotic intervention during pregnancy was proposed to interrupt the transmission of obesity from mothers to newborns. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the effect of probiotic intervention in pregnant women with GDM or overweight on newborn birth weight. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases up to 18 December 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing pregnant women with GDM or overweight who received probiotic intervention during pregnancy with those receiving placebo were eligible for the analysis. Newborn birth weights were pooled to calculate the mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Two reviewers assessed the trial quality and extracted data independently. Seven RCTs involving 1093 participants were included in the analysis. Compared with the placebo, probiotics had little effect on newborn birth weight of pregnant women with GDM or overweight (mean difference = −10.27, 95% CI = −90.17 to 69.63, p = 0.801). The subgroup analysis revealed that probiotic intake by women with GDM decreased newborn birth weight, whereas probiotic intake by obese pregnant women increased newborn birth weight. Thus, no evidence indicates that probiotic intake by pregnant women with GDM or overweight can control newborn birth weight.
Evaluation of the Accurateness of the Nutritional Labels of Processed and Ultra-Processed Products Available in Supermarkets of Ecuador
Authors: Morales-Avilez Diana , Cruz-Casarrubias Carlos , Tolentino-Mayo Lizbeth , Encalada-Torres Lorena , Abril-Ulloa Victoria
Published: November 2020

Nutrition labeling is a public health tool that allows consumers to choose healthier foods and beverages. For this reason, there are protocols in place to monitor the food environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the consistency of nutrition labeling on packages for processed and ultra-processed products (UPPs) found at the main supermarkets in Cuenca, Ecuador. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in which we identified label components on the packages of 1725 foods and beverages—including the nutrition table, statement on sweeteners, ingredient list, and the traffic light (TL) label—and determined the degree of consistency between the indicators reported on the traffic light label and those obtained from the information in the nutrition table. We found that 24% of products had inconsistencies in the traffic light label, and 10.9% of products had inconsistencies in the indicator for sugar specifically. The majority of inconsistencies were in the medium indicators for sugar (K = 0.68) and fat (0.75). The products with a medium indicator for sugar had a 1.98 (p < 0.05, 95% CI 1.15, 3.39) times higher chance of having inconsistencies in comparison with the low indicator. Health authorities must create new guidelines to allow for continued monitoring of the nutrition and traffic light labels on products accessible to consumers.
Iodine Status and Thyroid Function in a Group of Seaweed Consumers in Norway
Authors: Aakre Inger , Tveito Evensen Lidunn , Kjellevold Marian , Dahl Lisbeth , Henjum Sigrun , Alexander Jan , Madsen Lise , Markhus Maria Wik
Published: November 2020

Seaweeds, or macroalgae, may be a good dietary iodine source but also a source of excessive iodine intake. The main aim in this study was to describe the iodine status and thyroid function in a group of macroalgae consumers. Two urine samples were collected from each participant (n = 44) to measure urinary iodine concentration (UIC) after habitual consumption of seaweed. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and peroxidase autoantibody (TPOAb), were measured in a subgroup (n = 19). A food frequency questionnaire and an iodine-specific 24 h recall were used to assess iodine intake and macroalgae consumption. The median (p25–p75) UIC was 1200 (370–2850) μg/L. Median (p25–p75) estimated dietary iodine intake, excluding macroalgae, was 110 (78–680) μg/day, indicating that seaweed was the major contributor to the iodine intake. TSH levels were within the reference values, but higher than in other comparable population groups. One third of the participants used seaweeds daily, and sugar kelp, winged kelp, dulse and laver were the most common species. Labelling of iodine content was lacking for a large share of the products consumed. This study found excessive iodine status in macroalgae consumers after intake of dietary seaweeds. Including macroalgae in the diet may give excessive iodine exposure, and consumers should be made aware of the risk associated with inclusion of macroalgae in their diet.
Dietary Assessment and Factors According to Fruits and Vegetables Intake in Korean Elderly People: Analysis of Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013–2018
Authors: Kwon Yong-Suk , Yang Yu-Yeong , Park Younghee , Park Yoo-Kyoung , Kim Sohye
Published: November 2020

This study analyzed dietary assessment and factors according to fruits and vegetables intake in Korean elderly people. We enrolled 8336 Korean elderly people aged ≥65 who participated in the dietary intake survey (24-h recall methods) of the 2013–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination (KNHANES). The intake of fruits and unsalted/non-starchy vegetables was 372.06 g/day. According to age group, the intake in the age group 65–74 years as 422.47 g/day, and the intake in the age group 75 years + was 301.12 g/day. Based on the intake of daily meals and snacks, the intake of fruits and unsalted/non-starchy vegetables was the highest in snack-eating individuals (480.96 g/day). The subjects who consumed more than the World Health Organization (WHO)/World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)’s plant food intake standards (over 400 g/day of intake of fruits and unsalted/non-starchy vegetables) were 35.47% of the elderly people. These results suggest that it is necessary to develop more fundamental strategies to increase fruits and vegetables intake among elderly people. Furthermore, the study outcomes are expected to provide basic information for developing education programs to improve the dietary life of Korean elderly people.
Malnutrition Prevalence according to the GLIM Criteria in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment
Authors: Steer Belinda , Loeliger Jenelle , Edbrooke Lara , Deftereos Irene , Laing Erin , Kiss Nicole
Published: November 2020

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in people with head and neck cancer (HCN) and is associated with poorer outcomes. However, variation in malnutrition diagnostic criteria has made translation of the most effective interventions into practice challenging. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in a HNC population according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and assess inter-rater reliability and predictive validity. A secondary analysis of data available for 188 patients with HNC extracted from two cancer malnutrition point prevalence studies was conducted. A GLIM diagnosis of malnutrition was assigned when one phenotypic and one etiologic criterion were present. Phenotypic criteria were ≥5% unintentional loss of body weight, body mass index (BMI), and subjective evidence of muscle loss. Etiologic criteria were reduced food intake, and presence of metastatic disease as a proxy for inflammation. The prevalence of malnutrition was 22.6% (8.0% moderately malnourished; 13.3% severely malnourished). Inter-rater reliability was classified as excellent for the GLIM criteria overall, as well as for each individual criterion. A GLIM diagnosis of malnutrition was found to be significantly associated with BMI but was not predictive of 30 day hospital readmission. Further large, prospective cohort studies are required in this patient population to further validate the GLIM criteria.
Beyond LKB1 Mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Defining LKB1less Phenotype to Optimize Patient Selection and Treatment
Authors: Borzi Cristina , Galli Giulia , Ganzinelli Monica , Signorelli Diego , Vernieri Claudio , Garassino Marina , Sozzi Gabriella , Moro Massimo
Published: November 2020

LKB1 is frequently mutated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). LKB1-mutated NSCLCs often have a dismal prognosis and receive lower benefit from the currently available therapies. LKB1 acts as a cell emergency brake in low-energy conditions, by modulating the activity of crucial anabolic enzymes. Thus, loss of LKB1 activity leads to the enhancement of tumor cell proliferation also under conditions of energy shortage. This unrestrained growth may be exploited as an Achilles heel in NSCLC, i.e., by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration. Recently, clinical trials have started to investigate the efficacy of metabolism-based treatments in NSCLCs. To date, enrollment of patients within these trials is based on LKB1 loss of function status, defined by mutation in the gene or by complete absence of immunohistochemical staining. However, LKB1 impairment could be the consequence of epigenetic regulations that partially or completely abrogate protein expression. These epigenetic regulations result in LKB1 wild-type tumors with aggressiveness and vulnerabilities similar to those of LKB1-mutated ones. In this review, we introduced the definition of the “LKB1less phenotype”, and we summarized all currently known features linked to this status, in order to optimize selection and treatment of NSCLC patients with impaired LKB1 function.
Silanized Silica-Encapsulated Calcium Carbonate@Natural Rubber Composites Prepared by One-Pot Reaction
Authors: Yu Yao , Zhang Junyi , Wang Hongzhen , Xin Zhenxiang
Published: November 2020

This article demonstrates the one-pot reaction, an efficient and environmentally friendly organic synthesis method, utilized to prepare the silanized silica-encapsulated calcium carbonate@natural rubber composites (SSC@NR), following first mixing the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) solution, silica (SiO2) sol solution and a small amount of Si-69 solution, to modify the surface of CaCO3 particles, and then wet mixing with natural rubber latex. The obtained silanized silica-encapsulated calcium carbonate (SSC) particles were tested by TGA, FTIR and XRD, to substantiate the effect of surface modification. Moreover, the effects of the amount of SSC on the Mooney viscosity, curing characteristics, physical and mechanical properties and dynamic mechanical properties of the SSC@NR were investigated. The results show that the surface of modified CaCO3 is effectively coated with SiO2 particles by means of physical and chemical combination, to achieve the effect of surface coating. When the optimum amount of SSC filler is 40 phr, the SSC can form better physical adsorption and chemical combination with the NR molecular chains and can be evenly dispersed in the rubber matrix, resulting in the conspicuous improvement of physical and mechanical properties, such as the tensile strength, tear strength, elongation at break and abrasion resistance. Meanwhile, the compound with SSC has preferable processability and dynamic mechanical properties.