bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Luminescence Properties and Judd–Ofelt Analysis of Various ErF3 Concentration-Doped BaF2 Crystals
Authors: Racu Andrei , Stef Marius , Buse Gabriel , Nicoara Irina , Vizman Daniel
Published: July 2021

The influence of erbium ion concentration on the optical properties of BaF2:ErF3 crystals was investigated. Four ErF3 concentration (0.05, 0.08, 0.15 and 0.5 mol% ErF3)-doped BaF2 crystals were obtained using the Bridgman technique. Room temperature optical absorption in the 250–850 nm spectral range was measured, and the photoluminescence (PL) and decay times were also investigated. The Judd–Ofelt (JO) approximation was used, taking into account four absorption peaks (at 377, 519, 653 and 802 nm). The JO intensity parameters, Ωt (t = 2, 4, 6), were calculated. The influence of the ErF3 concentration on the JO parameters, branching ratio, radiative transition probability and radiative lifetime were studied. The obtained results were compared with measured values and with those reported in the literature. Under excitation at 380 nm, the well-known green (539 nm) and red (668 nm) emissions were obtained. The calculated and experimental radiative lifetimes were in millisecond range for green and red emissions. The intensity of the PL spectra varied with the Er3+ ion concentration. The emission intensity increased linearly or exponentially, depending on the ErF3 concentration. Under excitation at 290 nm, separate to the green and red emissions, a new UV emission band (at 321 nm) was obtained. Other research has not reported the UV emission or the influence of ErF3 concentration on emission behavior.
Comparative Study of Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms for Predicting the Compressive Strength of Concrete at High Temperature
Authors: Ahmad Ayaz , Ostrowski Krzysztof Adam , Maślak Mariusz , Farooq Furqan , Mehmood Imran , Nafees Afnan
Published: July 2021

High temperature severely affects the nature of the ingredients used to produce concrete, which in turn reduces the strength properties of the concrete. It is a difficult and time-consuming task to achieve the desired compressive strength of concrete. However, the application of supervised machine learning (ML) approaches makes it possible to initially predict the targeted result with high accuracy. This study presents the use of a decision tree (DT), an artificial neural network (ANN), bagging, and gradient boosting (GB) to forecast the compressive strength of concrete at high temperatures on the basis of 207 data points. Python coding in Anaconda navigator software was used to run the selected models. The software requires information regarding both the input variables and the output parameter. A total of nine input parameters (water, cement, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, fly ash, superplasticizers, silica fume, nano silica, and temperature) were incorporated as the input, while one variable (compressive strength) was selected as the output. The performance of the employed ML algorithms was evaluated with regards to statistical indicators, including the coefficient correlation (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), and root mean square error (RMSE). Individual models using DT and ANN gave R2 equal to 0.83 and 0.82, respectively, while the use of the ensemble algorithm and gradient boosting gave R2 of 0.90 and 0.88, respectively. This indicates a strong correlation between the actual and predicted outcomes. The k-fold cross-validation, coefficient correlation (R2), and lesser errors (MAE, MSE, and RMSE) showed better performance than the ensemble algorithms. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted in order to check the contribution of each input variable. It has been shown that the use of the ensemble machine learning algorithm would enhance the performance level of the model.
A Non-Flammable Zwitterionic Ionic Liquid/Ethylene Carbonate Mixed Electrolyte for Lithium-Ion Battery with Enhanced Safety
Authors: Guan Zeliang , Zhang Zhijun , Du Binyang , Peng Zhangquan
Published: July 2021

Today, the requirement for clean, highly efficient, and safe energy seems to be higher and higher due to non-renewable energy and pollution of the environment. At this moment, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) look like a reliable solution for this dilemma since they have huge energy density. However, the flammability of the conventional electrolyte used in the LIBs is one of critical disadvantages of LIBs, which compromises the safety issue of LIBs. Herein, we reported a non-flammable zwitterionic ionic liquid-based electrolyte named TLPEC, which was fabricated by simply mixing a novel zwitterionic ionic liquid TLP (93 wt%) and ethylene carbonate (EC, 7 wt%). The TLPEC electrolyte exhibited a wide electrochemical potential window of 1.65–5.10 V and a robust ionic conductivity of 1.0 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 20 °C, which renders TLPEC to be a suitable electrolyte for LIBs with enhanced safety performance. The LIBs, with TLPEC as the electrolyte, exhibited an excellent performance in terms of excellent rate capability, cycling stability, and high specific capacity at 25 and 60 °C, which were attributed to the stability and high ionic conductivity of TLPEC electrolyte during cycling as well as the excellent interface compatibility of TLPEC electrolyte with lithium anode.
Down to the Bone: A Novel Bio-Inspired Design Concept
Authors: Buccino Federica , Aiazzi Irene , Casto Alessandro , Liu Bingqi , Sbarra Maria Chiara , Ziarelli Giovanni , Vergani Laura Maria , Bagherifard Sara
Published: July 2021

The solutions provided through natural evolution of living creatures serve as an ingenious source of inspiration for many technological and applicative fields. Along these lines, bone-inspired concepts lead to fascinating advances in product design, architecture and garments, thanks to the bone’s exceptional combination of strength, toughness and lightness. Structural applications are inspired by the bone’s ability to resist fracture under a large spectrum of forces, while the high surface area and pore connectivity of bone architecture present exciting opportunities from an aesthetic point of view. Behind these inspirations, a disruptive common belief emerges: “down to the bone”, a journey in search of equality, universality and substantiality. Herein, we explore the current state of the art in bone-inspired applications in these fields, considering the two major categories of structural and aesthetic inspirations and discussing further technological developments.
On the Implicit Equation of Conics and Quadrics Offsets
Authors: Caravantes Jorge , Diaz-Toca Gema M. , Fioravanti Mario , Gonzalez-Vega Laureano
Published: July 2021

A new determinantal representation for the implicit equation of offsets to conics and quadrics is derived. It is simple, free of extraneous components and provides a very compact expanded form, these representations being very useful when dealing with geometric queries about offsets such as point positioning or solving intersection purposes. It is based on several classical results in “A Treatise on the Analytic Geometry of Three Dimensions” by G. Salmon for offsets to non-degenerate conics and central quadrics.
Multiscale Modelling of β-Adrenergic Stimulation in Cardiac Electromechanical Function
Authors: Doste Ruben , Bueno-Orovio Alfonso
Published: July 2021

β-adrenergic receptor stimulation (β-ARS) is a physiological mechanism that regulates cardiovascular function under stress conditions or physical exercise. Triggered during the so-called “fight-or-flight” response, the activation of the β-adrenergic receptors located on the cardiomyocyte membrane initiates a phosphorylation cascade of multiple ion channel targets that regulate both cellular excitability and recovery and of different proteins involved in intracellular calcium handling. As a result, β-ARS impacts both the electrophysiological and the mechanical response of the cardiomyocyte. β-ARS also plays a crucial role in several cardiac pathologies, greatly modifying cardiac output and potentially causing arrhythmogenic events. Mathematical patient-specific models are nowadays envisioned as an important tool for the personalised study of cardiac disease, the design of tailored treatments, or to inform risk assessment. Despite that, only a reduced number of computational studies of heart disease have incorporated β-ARS modelling. In this review, we describe the main existing multiscale frameworks to equip cellular models of cardiac electrophysiology with a β-ARS response. We also outline various applications of these multiscale frameworks in the study of cardiac pathology. We end with a discussion of the main current limitations and the future steps that need to be taken to adapt these models to a clinical environment and to incorporate them in organ-level simulations.
Improving the Authentication with Built-In Camera Protocol Using Built-In Motion Sensors: A Deep Learning Solution
Authors: Benegui Cezara , Ionescu Radu Tudor
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we propose an enhanced version of the Authentication with Built-in Camera (ABC) protocol by employing a deep learning solution based on built-in motion sensors. The standard ABC protocol identifies mobile devices based on the photo-response non-uniformity (PRNU) of the camera sensor, while also considering QR-code-based meta-information. During registration, users are required to capture photos using their smartphone camera. The photos are sent to a server that computes the camera fingerprint, storing it as an authentication trait. During authentication, the user is required to take two photos that contain two QR codes presented on a screen. The presented QR code images also contain a unique probe signal, similar to a camera fingerprint, generated by the protocol. During verification, the server computes the fingerprint of the received photos and authenticates the user if (i) the probe signal is present, (ii) the metadata embedded in the QR codes is correct and (iii) the camera fingerprint is identified correctly. However, the protocol is vulnerable to forgery attacks when the attacker can compute the camera fingerprint from external photos, as shown in our preliminary work. Hence, attackers can easily remove their PRNU from the authentication photos without completely altering the probe signal, resulting in attacks that bypass the defense systems of the ABC protocol. In this context, we propose an enhancement to the ABC protocol, using motion sensor data as an additional and passive authentication layer. Smartphones can be identified through their motion sensor data, which, unlike photos, is never posted by users on social media platforms, thus being more secure than using photographs alone. To this end, we transform motion signals into embedding vectors produced by deep neural networks, applying Support Vector Machines for the smartphone identification task. Our change to the ABC protocol results in a multi-modal protocol that lowers the false acceptance rate for the attack proposed in our previous work to a percentage as low as 0.07%. In this paper, we present the attack that makes ABC vulnerable, as well as our multi-modal ABC protocol along with relevant experiments and results.
Alternative Initial Probability Tables for Elicitation of Bayesian Belief Networks
Authors: Phillipson Frank , Langenkamp Peter , Wolthuis Reinder
Published: July 2021

Bayesian Belief Networks are used in many fields of application. Defining the conditional dependencies via conditional probability tables requires the elicitation of expert belief to fill these tables, which grow very large quickly. In this work, we propose two methods to prepare these tables based on a low number of input parameters using specific structures and one method to generate the table using probability tables of each relation of a child node with a certain parent. These tables can be used further as a starting point for elicitation.
Entropy Generation Analysis and Radiated Heat Transfer in MHD (Al2O3-Cu/Water) Hybrid Nanofluid Flow
Authors: Parveen Nabeela , Awais Muhammad , Awan Saeed Ehsan , Khan Wasim Ullah , He Yigang , Malik Muhammad Yousaf
Published: July 2021

This research concerns the heat transfer and entropy generation analysis in the MHD axisymmetric flow of Al2O3-Cu/H2O hybrid nanofluid. The magnetic induction effect is considered for large magnetic Reynolds number. The influences of thermal radiations, viscous dissipation and convective temperature conditions over flow are studied. The problem is modeled using boundary layer theory, Maxwell’s equations and Fourier’s conduction law along with defined physical factors. Similarity transformations are utilized for model simplification which is analytically solved with the homotopy analysis method. The h-curves up to 20th order for solutions establishes the stability and convergence of the adopted computational method. Rheological impacts of involved parameters on flow variables and entropy generation number are demonstrated via graphs and tables. The study reveals that entropy in system of hybrid nanofluid affected by magnetic induction declines for β while it enhances for Bi, R and λ. Moreover, heat transfer rate elevates for large Bi with convective conditions at surface.
Inkjet-Printed Highly Conductive Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): Poly(styrenesulfonate) Electrode for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Liu Yadong , Xie Juxuan , Liu Lihui , Fan Kai , Zhang Zixuan , Chen Shiyan , Chen Shufen
Published: July 2021

Recently, inkjet printing technology has attracted much attention due to the advantages of drop-on-demand deposition, low-cost and large-area production for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. However, there are still some problems in industrial production and practical application, such as the complexity of ink modulation, high-quality films with homogeneous morphology, and the re-dissolution phenomenon at interfaces. In this work, a printable poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) ink is developed and obtains an adjustable viscosity. Finally, a patterned PEDOT:PSS electrode is fabricated by inkjet printing, and achieves a high conductivity of 1213 S/cm, a transparency of 86.8% and a uniform morphology without coffee-ring effect. Furthermore, the vacuum-evaporated and solution-processed OLEDs are fabricated based on this electrode and demonstrate a current efficiency of 61 cd/A, which is comparable to that of the indium tin oxide counterpart. This work confirms the feasibility of inkjet printing technology to prepare patterned electrodes and expects that it can be used to fabricate highly efficient optoelectronic devices.
A MEMS Fabrication Process with Thermal-Oxide Releasing Barriers and Polysilicon Sacrificial Layers for AlN Lamb-Wave Resonators to Achieve fs·Qm > 3.42 × 1012
Authors: Zhao Jicong , Zhu Zheng , Sun Haiyan , Lv Shitao , Wang Xingyu , Song Chenguang
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) processing technology for Aluminum Nitride (AlN) Lamb-wave resonators (LWRs). Two LWRs with different frequencies of 402.1 MHz and 2.097 GHz by varying the top interdigitated (IDT) periods were designed and fabricated. To avoid the shortcomings of the uncontrollable etching of inactive areas during the releasing process and to improve the fabrication yield, a thermal oxide layer was employed below the platted polysilicon sacrificial layer, which could define the miniaturized release cavities well. In addition, the bottom Mo electrode that was manufactured had a gentle inclination angle, which could contribute to the growth of the high-quality AlN piezoelectric layer above the Mo layer and effectively prevent the device from breaking. The measured results show that the IDT-floating resonators with 12 μm and 2 μm electrode periods exhibit a motional quality factor (Qm) as high as 4382 and 1633. The series resonant frequency (fs)·Qm values can reach as high as 1.76 × 1012 and 3.42 × 1012, respectively. Furthermore, Al is more suitable as the top IDT material of the AlN LWRs than Au, and can contribute to achieving an excellent electrical performances due to the smaller density, smaller thermo-elastic damping (TED), and larger acoustic impedance difference between Al and AlN.
Preparation and Evaluation of Novel Folate Isonitrile 99mTc Complexes as Potential Tumor Imaging Agents to Target Folate Receptors
Authors: Feng Junhong , Zhang Xuran , Ruan Qing , Jiang Yuhao , Zhang Junbo
Published: July 2021

In order to seek novel technetium-99m folate receptor-targeting agents, two folate derivatives (CN5FA and CNPFA) were synthesized and radiolabeled to obtain [99mTc]Tc-CN5FA and [99mTc]Tc-CNPFA complexes, which exhibited high radiochemical purity (>95%) without purification, hydrophilicity, and good stability in vitro. The KB cell competitive binding experiments indicated that [99mTc]Tc-CN5FA and [99mTc]Tc-CNPFA had specificity to folate receptor. Biodistribution studies in KB tumor-bearing mice illustrated that [99mTc]Tc-CN5FA and [99mTc]Tc-CNPFA had specific tumor uptake. Compared with [99mTc]Tc-CN5FA, the tumor/muscle ratios of [99mTc]Tc-CNPFA were higher, resulting in a better SPECT/CT imaging background. According to the results, the two 99mTc complexes have potential as tumor imaging agents to target folate receptors.
Polysaccharide Structures and Their Hypocholesterolemic Potential
Authors: Silva Inês M. V. , Machado Fernanda , Moreno Maria João , Nunes Cláudia , Coimbra Manuel A. , Coreta-Gomes Filipe
Published: July 2021

Several classes of polysaccharides have been described to have hypocholesterolemic potential, namely cholesterol bioaccessibility and bioavailability. This review will highlight the main mechanisms by which polysaccharides are known to affect cholesterol homeostasis at the intestine, namely the effect (i) of polysaccharide viscosity and its influence on cholesterol bioaccessibility; (ii) on bile salt sequestration and its dependence on the structural diversity of polysaccharides; (iii) of bio-transformations of polysaccharides and bile salts by the gut microbiota. Different quantitative structure–hypocholesterolemic activity relationships have been explored depending on the mechanism involved, and these were based on polysaccharide physicochemical properties, such as sugar composition and ramification degree, linkage type, size/molecular weight, and charge. The information gathered will support the rationalization of polysaccharides’ effect on cholesterol homeostasis and highlight predictive rules towards the development of customized hypocholesterolemic functional food.
Studies on the Processes of Electron Capture and Clustering of Benzyl Chloride by Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Wolańska Izabela , Budzyńska Edyta , Puton Jarosław
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the results of the study on the course of the benzyl chloride (BzCl) ionization process in a drift tube ion mobility spectrometer (DT IMS) in which nitrogen was used as the carrier gas. BzCl ionization follows the dissociative electron capture mechanism. The chloride ions produced in this process take part in the formation of cluster ions. Using DT IMS allows for estimation of the value of the electron attachment rate for BzCl and the equilibrium constant for the cluster ion formation. The basic experimental method used in this work was to analyze drift time spectra obtained for the introduction of the sample to the spectrometer with the drift gas. The theoretical interpretation of the results is based on the mathematical description of the ion transport. This description takes into account the phenomenon of diffusion, as well as the processes of formation and dissociation of ionic clusters occurring during the movement of ions in the drift section.
Hypocalcemia and Vitamin D Deficiency in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Lactose Intolerance
Authors: Jasielska Martyna , Grzybowska-Chlebowczyk Urszula
Published: July 2021

Background: A diet restricted in dairy products can cause calcium and vitamin D deficiency and, secondarily, lead to malnutrition and low bone mass. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency in children with inflammatory bowel diseases and lactose intolerance (LI). Material and Methods: A total of 107 patients were enrolled to the study (mean age 14.07 ± 3.58 years; 46.7% boys): 43 with Crohn’s disease (CD), 31 with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 33 with functional abdominal pain (AP-FGID). Hydrogen breath test with lactose and laboratory tests to assess the calcium-phosphate metabolism were performed in all patients. The results of densitometry were interpreted in 37 IBD patients. Results: LI was diagnosed in 23.2% patients with CD, 22.6% with UC, and 21.2% children with AP-FGID, (p = 0.9). Moreover, 9.5% patients with CD, in 21.4% with UC, and in 51.5% with AP-FGID had optimal concentration of 25(OH)D (p = 0.0002). Hypocalcemia was diagnosed in 21% of patients with CD, 16.1% with UC patients, AP-FGID patients had normal calcium levels (p = 0.02). There was no difference in concentrations of total calcium, phosphorus, and 25(OH)D between patients on low-lactose diet and normal diet (p > 0.05). BMD Z-score ≤ −1 SD was obtained by 12 CD patients (48%), and 6 with UC (50%). Conclusion: The use of a low-lactose diet in the course of lactose intolerance in children with inflammatory bowel diseases has no effect on the incidence of calcium-phosphate disorders and reduced bone mineral density.
Poor Dietary Quality and Patterns Are Associated with Higher Perceived Stress among Women of Reproductive Age in the UK
Authors: Khaled Karim , Hundley Vanora , Tsofliou Fotini
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between stress and diet quality/patterns among women of reproductive age in UK. In total, 244 reproductive aged women participated in an online survey consisting of the European Prospective into Cancer and Nutrition food frequency questionnaire in addition to stress, depression, physical-activity, adiposity, and socioeconomic questions. An a-priori diet quality index was derived by assessing the adherence to Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMD). A-posteriori dietary-patterns (DPs) were explored through factor analysis. Regression models were used to assess the predictors of the DPs. Participants mainly had medium (n = 113) aMD adherence. Higher stress levels were reported by participants with low aMD adherence. Participants with high aMD adherence were of normal BMI. Factor analysis revealed three DPs: fats and oils, sugars, snacks, alcoholic-beverages, red/processed meat, and cereals (DP-1), fish and seafood, eggs, milk and milk-products (DP-2), and fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds (DP-3). Regression models showed that DP-1 was positively associated with stress (p = 0.005) and negatively with age (p = 0.004) and smoking (p = 0.005). DP-2 was negatively associated with maternal educational-level (p = 0.01) while DP-3 was negatively associated with stress (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.001), and white ethnicity (p = 0.01). Stress was negatively associated with healthy diet quality/patterns among reproductive aged women.
Nutrient Profiles of Dishes Consumed by the Adequate and High-Salt Groups in the 2014–2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey, Japan
Authors: Takimoto Hidemi , Okada Emiko , Takebayashi Jun , Tada Yuki , Yoshizaki Takahiro , Yokoyama Yuri , Ishimi Yoshiko
Published: July 2021

Dish-based nutrient profile analyses are essential for setting goals to achieve a balanced diet. In 2014, the Japanese government proposed the “Healthy Meal” criteria, which requires a salt content of 3 g/650 kcal per meal. To examine the current intake status of a nationally representative sample, we conducted a series of secondary analyses of the 2014–2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey data. Participants (aged 18–74 years) were grouped as “high-salt” consumers if their salt intake was 3 g/650 kcal or higher and “adequate” consumers if they consumed less than 3 g/650 kcal. A total of 13,615 participants were identified as “adequate” consumers and 22,300 as “high-salt” consumers. The median salt intake in the “high-salt” group was 11.3 g/day, while that in the “adequate” group was 7.5 g/day. Almost all dishes consumed by the “adequate” group had significantly high energy and fat content but low salt content, compared with those consumed by the “high-salt” group. For example, the median energy, fat, and salt contents in the main dishes consumed by the “adequate” group were 173 kcal, 10.4 g, and 0.9 g/dish, respectively, while those in the main dishes consumed by the “high-salt” group were 159 kcal, 8.9 g, and 1.1 g/dish, respectively. Examples of balanced dishes that are low in both salt and fat content can be proposed to help improve the Japanese consumers’ dietary behavior.
Reduced Liver-Specific PGC1a Increases Susceptibility for Short-Term Diet-Induced Weight Gain in Male Mice
Authors: Morris E. Matthew , Noland Roberto D. , Ponte Michael E. , Montonye Michelle L. , Christianson Julie A. , Stanford John A. , Miles John M. , Hayes Matthew R. , Thyfault John P.
Published: July 2021

The central integration of peripheral neural signals is one mechanism by which systemic energy homeostasis is regulated. Previously, increased acute food intake following the chemical reduction of hepatic fatty acid oxidation and ATP levels was prevented by common hepatic branch vagotomy (HBV). However, possible offsite actions of the chemical compounds confound the precise role of liver energy metabolism. Herein, we used a hepatocyte PGC1a heterozygous (LPGC1a) mouse model, with associated reductions in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and respiratory capacity, to assess the role of liver energy metabolism in systemic energy homeostasis. LPGC1a male, but not female, mice had a 70% greater high-fat/high-sucrose (HFHS) diet-induced weight gain compared to wildtype (WT) mice (p < 0.05). The greater weight gain was associated with altered feeding behavior and lower activity energy expenditure during the HFHS diet in LPGC1a males. WT and LPGC1a mice underwent sham surgery or HBV to assess whether vagal signaling was involved in the HFHS-induced weight gain of male LPGC1a mice. HBV increased HFHS-induced weight gain (85%, p < 0.05) in male WT mice, but not LPGC1a mice. These data demonstrate a sex-specific role of reduced liver energy metabolism in acute diet-induced weight gain, and the need for a more nuanced assessment of the role of vagal signaling in short-term diet-induced weight gain.
Correlates of Transitions in Food Insecurity Status during the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Ethnically Diverse Households in Central Texas
Authors: Janda Kathryn M. , Ranjit Nalini , Salvo Deborah , Nielsen Aida , Lemoine Pablo , Casnovsky Joy , van den Berg Alexandra
Published: July 2021

Food insecurity increased substantially in the USA during the early stages of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to identify potential sociodemographic and food access-related factors that were associated with continuing or transitioning into food insecurity in a diverse population. An electronic survey was completed by 367 households living in low-income communities in Central Texas during June–July 2020. Multinomial logistic regression models were developed to examine the associations among food insecurity transitions during COVID-19 and various sociodemographic and food access-related factors, including race/ethnicity, children in the household, loss of employment/wages, language, and issues with food availability, accessibility, affordability, and stability during the pandemic. Sociodemographic and food access-related factors associated with staying or becoming newly food insecure were similar but not identical. Having children in the household, changes in employment/wages, changing shopping location due to food availability, accessibility and/or affordability issues, issues with food availability, and stability of food supply were associated with becoming newly food insecure and staying food insecure during the pandemic. Identifying as Latino and/or Black was associated with staying food insecure during COVID-19. These findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic did not create new food insecurity disparities. Rather, the pandemic exacerbated pre-existing disparities.
Individual Behavioral Reactions in the Context of Food Sensitivities in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder before and after an Oligoantigenic Diet
Authors: Yorgidis Elena , Beiner Lisa , Blazynski Nicola , Schneider-Momm Katja , Clement Hans-Willi , Rauh Reinhold , Schulz Eberhard , Clement Christina , Fleischhaker Christian
Published: July 2021

The influence of food intake on behavior problems of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was already described in the early 20th century. Eliminating food components by using the Oligoantigenic Diet (OD) leads to reduction of ADHD symptoms for more than two-thirds of patients. The aim of our study was to reveal how to identify foods having an impact on ADHD symptomatology. Therefore, 28 children with ADHD participating in this uncontrolled, open trial were examined before and after a restricted elimination diet. They kept a daily 24-h recall nutrition and behavior journal and filled out the abbreviated Conners’ scale (ACS) to identify foods which increased ADHD symptoms. The study was completed by 16 children (13 m/3 f). After four weeks of elimination diet the individual food sensitivities were identified in a reintroduction phase. A repetitive increase of ADHD symptoms by at least two points in ACS after food introduction hints at food sensitivity. Twenty-seven food sensitivity reactions were identified. Most of the participants were sensitive to more than one food. Food intolerances could not be identified without preceding OD. The combination of OD and subsequent food challenge appears as a valid method to identify individual food sensitivity in ADHD.
Efficacy and Safety of Sesame Oil Cake Extract on Memory Function Improvement: A 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Jung Su-Jin , Jung Eun-Soo , Ha Ki-Chan , Baek Hyang-Im , Park Yu-Kyung , Han Soog-Kyoung , Chae Soo-Wan , Lee Seung-Ok , Chung Young-Chul
Published: July 2021

The goal of treatment for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is to reduce the existing clinical symptoms, delay the progression of cognitive impairment and prevent the progression to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). At present, there is no effective drug therapy for AD treatment. However, early intake of dietary supplements may be effective in alleviating and delaying the MCI. This study aims to evaluate the effects of sesame oil cake extract (SOCE) supplementation on cognitive function in aged 60 years or older adults with memory impairment. A total of 70 subjects received either SOCE (n = 35) or placebo (n = 35) for 12 weeks based on random 1:1 assignment to these two groups. Cognitive function was evaluated by a computerized neurocognitive function test (CNT), and changes in the concentrations of plasma amyloid β (Aβ) proteins and urine 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine) were investigated before and after the experiment. Verbal learning test index items of the CNT improved markedly in the SOCE group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, plasma amyloid-β (1–40) and amyloid-β (1–42) levels in the SOCE group decreased significantly compared to that in the placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in urine 8-OHdG between the two groups (p > 0.05). Collectively, intake of SOCE for 12 weeks appears to have a beneficial effect on the verbal memory abilities and plasma β-amyloid levels of older adults with memory impairment.
Stability of Methylphenidate under Various pH Conditions in the Presence or Absence of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Aresti-Sanz Julia , Schwalbe Markus , Pereira Rob , Permentier Hjalmar , El Aidy Sahar
Published: July 2021

Methylphenidate is one of the most widely used oral treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug is mainly absorbed in the small intestine and has low bioavailability. Accordingly, a high interindividual variability in terms of response to the treatment is known among ADHD patients treated with methylphenidate. Nonetheless, very little is known about the factors that influence the drug’s absorption and bioavailability. Gut microbiota has been shown to reduce the bioavailability of a wide variety of orally administered drugs. Here, we tested the ability of small intestinal bacteria to metabolize methylphenidate. In silico analysis identified several small intestinal bacteria to harbor homologues of the human carboxylesterase 1 enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of methylphenidate in the liver into the inactive form, ritalinic acid. Despite our initial results hinting towards possible bacterial hydrolysis of the drug, up to 60% of methylphenidate is spontaneously hydrolyzed in the absence of bacteria and this hydrolysis is pH-dependent. Overall, our results indicate that the stability of methylphenidate is compromised under certain pH conditions in the presence or absence of gut microbiota.
Antibodies Enhance the Suppressive Activity of Extracellular Vesicles in Mouse Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity
Authors: Nazimek Katarzyna , Bustos-Morán Eugenio , Blas-Rus Noelia , Nowak Bernadeta , Totoń-Żurańska Justyna , Seweryn Michał T. , Wołkow Paweł , Woźnicka Olga , Szatanek Rafał , Siedlar Maciej , Askenase Philip W. , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco , Bryniarski Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

Previously, we showed that mouse delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) can be antigen-specifically downregulated by suppressor T cell-derived miRNA-150 carried by extracellular vesicles (EVs) that target antigen-presenting macrophages. However, the exact mechanism of the suppressive action of miRNA-150-targeted macrophages on effector T cells remained unclear, and our current studies aimed to investigate it. By employing the DTH mouse model, we showed that effector T cells were inhibited by macrophage-released EVs in a miRNA-150-dependent manner. This effect was enhanced by the pre-incubation of EVs with antigen-specific antibodies. Their specific binding to MHC class II-expressing EVs was proved in flow cytometry and ELISA-based experiments. Furthermore, by the use of nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy, we found that the incubation of macrophage-released EVs with antigen-specific antibodies resulted in EVs’ aggregation, which significantly enhanced their suppressive activity in vivo. Nowadays, it is increasingly evident that EVs play an exceptional role in intercellular communication and selective cargo transfer, and thus are considered promising candidates for therapeutic usage. However, EVs appear to be less effective than their parental cells. In this context, our current studies provide evidence that antigen-specific antibodies can be easily used for increasing EVs’ biological activity, which has great therapeutic potential.
Prevention and Treatment of Fungal Skin Infections Using Cationic Polymeric Films
Authors: Ho Fritz Ka-Ho , Bolhuis Albert , Delgado-Charro M. Begoña
Published: July 2021

Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection of skin, nails and hair. Treatments can be long and infections are often recurrent, and novel treatments are desirable. Here we tested the use of polymeric films that can be sprayed on the skin for the prevention and treatment of dermatophytosis. The two polymers selected were ABIL T Quat 60 and Eudragit E100, which were tested ex vivo using a porcine skin model, and in vitro using microbiological and microscopy techniques. Acceptability of the polymeric films was tested on the skin of healthy volunteers. The results showed that ABIL and Eudragit films prevented and treated fungal skin infections. Whilst polymer films may provide a physical barrier that prevents fungal colonization, it was shown that both polymers are active antifungals ex vivo and in vitro and have intrinsic antifungal activity. For ABIL, we also established that this polymer binds essential nutrients such as metal ions and sugars, thereby restricting the growth of fungi. When applied to healthy subjects’ skin, the polymeric films neither modified the skin color nor increased trans-epidermal water loss, suggesting a low potential for skin irritation, and the approach was generally found to be acceptable for use by the volunteers. In conclusion, we developed a novel strategy for the potential prevention and treatment of dermatophytosis.
The Influence of Formulation Components and Environmental Humidity on Spray-Dried Phage Powders for Treatment of Respiratory Infections Caused by Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Yan Wei , He Ruide , Tang Xiaojiao , Tian Bin , Liu Yannan , Tong Yigang , To Kenneth K. W. , Leung Sharon S. Y.
Published: July 2021

The feasibility of using respirable bacteriophage (phage) powder to treat lung infections has been demonstrated in animal models and clinical studies. This work investigated the influence of formulation compositions and excipient concentrations on the aerosol performance and storage stability of phage powder. An anti-Acinetobacter baumannii phage vB_AbaM-IME-AB406 was incorporated into dry powders consisting of trehalose, mannitol and L-leucine for the first time. The phage stability upon the spray-drying process, room temperature storage and powder dispersion under different humidity conditions were assessed. In general, powders prepared with higher mannitol content (40% of the total solids) showed a lower degree of particle merging and no sense of stickiness during sample handling. These formulations also provided better storage stability of phage with no further titer loss after 1 month and <1 log titer loss in 6 months at high excipient concentration. Mannitol improved the dispersibility of phage powders, but the in vitro lung dose dropped sharply after exposure to high-humidity condition (65% RH) for formulations with 20% mannitol. While previously collected knowledge on phage powder preparation could be largely extended to formulate A. baumannii phage into inhalable dry powders, the environmental humidity may have great impacts on the stability and dispersion of phage; therefore, specific attention is required when optimizing phage powder formulations for global distribution.
Lyoprotective Effects of Mannitol and Lactose Compared to Sucrose and Trehalose: Sildenafil Citrate Liposomes as a Case Study
Authors: de Jesús Valle María José , Alves Andreía , Coutinho Paula , Prata Ribeiro Maximiano , Maderuelo Cristina , Sánchez Navarro Amparo
Published: July 2021

The lyoprotective effects of mannitol and lactose have been evaluated in the production of sildenafil citrate liposomes. Liposomes were prepared by mixing the components under ultrasonic agitation, followed by a transmembrane pH gradient for remote drug loading. Mannitol and lactose, as compared to sucrose and trehalose, were used as the stabilizing agents, and different freeze-drying cycles were assayed. The remaining moisture and the thermal characteristics of the lyophilized samples were analyzed. Size, entrapment efficiency, biocompatibility, and cell internalization of original and rehydrated liposomes were compared. The type of additive did not affect the biocompatibility or cell internalization, but did influence other liposome attributes, including the thermal characteristics and the remaining moisture of the lyophilized samples. A cut-off of 5% (w/w) remaining moisture was an indicator of primary drying completion—information useful for scaling up and transfer from laboratory to large-scale production. Lactose increased the glass transition temperature to over 70 °C, producing lyoprotective effects similar to those obtained with sucrose. Based on these results, formulations containing liposomes lyophilized with lactose meet the FDA’s requirements and can be used as a biocompatible and biodegradable vehicle for the pulmonary delivery of therapeutic doses of sildenafil citrate.
Nanocarriers Used in Drug Delivery to Enhance Immune System in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Lôbo Giovanna C. N. B. , Paiva Karen L. R. , Silva Ana Luísa G. , Simões Marina M. , Radicchi Marina A. , Báo Sônia N.
Published: July 2021

Cancer, a group of diseases responsible for the second largest cause of global death, is considered one of the main public health problems today. Despite the advances, there are still difficulties in the development of more efficient cancer therapies and fewer adverse effects for the patients. In this context, nanobiotechnology, a materials science on a nanometric scale specified for biology, has been developing and acquiring prominence for the synthesis of nanocarriers that provide a wide surface area in relation to volume, better drug delivery, and a maximization of therapeutic efficiency. Among these carriers, the ones that stand out are those focused on the activation of the immune system. The literature demonstrates the importance of this system for anticancer therapy, given that the best treatment for this disease also activates the immune system to recognize, track, and destroy all remaining tumor cells.
Enhanced Cytotoxic Effect of TAT–PLGA-Embedded DOXO Carried by Biomimetic Magnetic Nanoparticles upon Combination with Magnetic Hyperthermia and Photothermia
Authors: Jabalera Ylenia , Sola-Leyva Alberto , Gaglio Salvatore Calogero , Carrasco-Jiménez María P. , Iglesias Guillermo R. , Perduca Massimiliano , Jimenez-Lopez Concepcion
Published: July 2021

The synergy between directed chemotherapy and thermal therapy (both magnetic hyperthermia and photothermia) mediated by a nanoassembly composed of functionalized biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles (BMNPs) with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOXO) covered by the polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), decorated with TAT peptide (here referred to as TAT–PLGA(DOXO-BMNPs)) is explored in the present study. The rationale behind this nanoassembly lies in an optimization of the nanoformulation DOXO-BMNPs, already demonstrated to be more efficient against tumor cells, both in vitro and in vivo, than systemic traditional therapies. By embedding DOXO-BMNPs into PLGA, which is further functionalized with the cell-penetrating TAT peptide, the resulting nanoassembly is able to mediate drug transport (using DOXO as a drug model) and behaves as a hyperthermic agent (induced by an alternating magnetic field (AMF) or by laser irradiation with a laser power density of 2 W/cm2). Our results obtained using the HepG2 cell line show that there is a synergy between chemotherapy and thermal therapy that results in a stronger cytotoxic effect when compared to that caused by the soluble DOXO. This is probably due to the enhanced DOXO release occurring upon the application of the thermal therapy, as well as the induced local temperature rise mediated by BMNPs in the nanoassembly following exposition to AMF or to near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. These results represent a proof of concept demonstrating that TAT–PLGA(DOXO-BMNPs) can be used to efficiently combine therapies against tumor cells, which is a step forward in the transition from systemic to local treatments.
Bioactivity-Guided Extract Optimization of Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus Leaves and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Phillyrin
Authors: Song Hwa-Young , Jeong Da-Eun , Lee Mina
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to identify the optimal extraction conditions for leaves of Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus. Inhibitory effects of various extracts on NO production were compared. Antioxidant evaluations for total phenol and flavonoid contents were carried out using various extracts of O. fragrans var. aurantiacus leaves obtained under optimal extraction conditions that showed the greatest effect on NO production. The optimal method for extracting O. fragrans var. aurantiacus leaves resulted in an extract named OP OFLE. OP OFLE showed DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities in a concentration-dependent manner. Phillyrin (PH) was isolated as a major compound from OP OFLE by HPLC/DAD analysis. OP OFLE and PH reduced inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein expression and downregulated proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 and HT-29 cells. To determine the signal pathway involved in the inhibition of NO production, a Western blot analysis was performed. Results showed that OP OFLE decreased phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase (pERK) 1/2 and the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Our results suggest that extracts of O. fragrans var. aurantiacus leaves and its major components have biological activities such as antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
Influence of Osmotic Pressure on Nanostructures in Thin Films of a Weakly-Segregated Block Copolymer and Its Blends with a Homopolymer
Authors: Chen Yi-Fang , Hong Jia-Wen , Chang Jung-Hong , Junisu Belda Amelia , Sun Ya-Sen
Published: July 2021

We studied the influence of osmotic pressure on nanostructures in thin films of a symmetric weakly-segregated polystyrene-block-poly (methyl methacrylate), P(S-b-MMA), block copolymer and its mixtures with a polystyrene (PS) homopolymer of various compositions. Thin films were deposited on substrates through surface neutralization. The surface neutralization results from the PS mats, which were oxidized and cross-linked by UV-light exposure. Thus, thermal annealing produced perpendicularly oriented lamellae and perforated layers, depending on the content of added PS chains. Nevertheless, a mixed orientation was obtained from cylinders in thin films, where a high content of PS was blended with the P(S-b-MMA). A combination of UV-light exposure and acetic acid rinsing was used to remove the PMMA block. Interestingly, the treatment of PMMA removal inevitably produced osmotic pressure and consequently resulted in surface wrinkling of perpendicular lamellae. As a result, a hierarchical structure with two periodicities was obtained for wrinkled films with perpendicular lamellae. The formation of surface wrinkling is due to the interplay between UV-light exposure and acetic acid rinsing. UV-light exposure resulted in different mechanical properties between the skin and the inner region of a film. Acetic acid rinsing produced osmotic pressure. It was found that surface wrinkling could be suppressed by reducing film thickness, increasing PS content and using high-molecular-weight P(S-b-MMA) BCPs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bioplastics Production from Starch and Lignocellulosic Components
Authors: Abe Mateus Manabu , Martins Júlia Ribeiro , Sanvezzo Paula Bertolino , Macedo João Vitor , Branciforti Marcia Cristina , Halley Peter , Botaro Vagner Roberto , Brienzo Michel
Published: July 2021

The accumulation of plastic wastes in different environments has become a topic of major concern over the past decades; therefore, technologies and strategies aimed at mitigating the environmental impacts of petroleum products have gained worldwide relevance. In this scenario, the production of bioplastics mainly from polysaccharides such as starch is a growing strategy and a field of intense research. The use of plasticizers, the preparation of blends, and the reinforcement of bioplastics with lignocellulosic components have shown promising and environmentally safe alternatives for overcoming the limitations of bioplastics, mainly due to the availability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility of such resources. This review addresses the production of bioplastics composed of polysaccharides from plant biomass and its advantages and disadvantages.