bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid Biopsies: Applications for Cancer Diagnosis and Monitoring
Authors: Martins Ivana , Ribeiro Ilda Patrícia , Jorge Joana , Gonçalves Ana Cristina , Sarmento-Ribeiro Ana Bela , Melo Joana Barbosa , Carreira Isabel Marques
Published: February 2021

The minimally—or non-invasive detection of circulating tumor-derived components in biofluids, such as blood, liquid biopsy is a revolutionary approach with significant potential for the management of cancer. Genomic and transcriptomic alterations can be accurately detected through liquid biopsies, which provide a more comprehensive characterization of the heterogeneous tumor profile than tissue biopsies alone. Liquid biopsies could assist diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection, and hold great potential to complement current surveilling strategies to monitor disease evolution and treatment response in real-time. In particular, these are able to detect minimal residual disease, to predict progression, and to identify mechanisms of resistance, allowing to re-orient treatment strategies in a timelier manner. In this review we gathered current knowledge regarding the role and potential of liquid biopsies for the diagnosis and follow-up of cancer patients. The presented findings emphasize the strengths of liquid biopsies, revealing their chance of improving the diagnosis and monitoring of several tumor types in the near future. However, despite growing evidence supporting their value as a management tool in oncology, some limitations still need to be overcome for their implementation in the routine clinical setting.
Social Contact with Family and Non-Family Members Differentially Affects Physical Activity: A Parallel Latent Growth Curve Modeling Approach
Authors: Nemoto Yuta , Sakurai Ryota , Matsunaga Hiroko , Murayama Yoh , Hasebe Masami , Nishi Mariko , Narita Miki , Fujiwara Yoshinori
Published: February 2021

Background: Social contact leads to an increased likelihood of engaging in physical activity (PA). However, the influence of social contact on PA would be different depending on the social contact source. This study aimed to identify the association of changes in social contact with family and non-family members with the change in PA using a parallel latent growth curve modeling. Methods: Participants were randomly selected from among residents in the study area age ≥ 20 years (n = 7000). We conducted mail surveys in 2014, 2016, and 2019. The 1365 participants completed all surveys. PA was assessed with validated single-item physical activity measure. Social contact was assessed by summing frequencies of face-to-face and non-face-to-face contacts with family/relatives not living with the participant and friends/neighbors. Parallel latent growth curve modeling was used to assess the cross-sectional, prospective, and parallel associations of social contact with PA change. Results: There was a positive cross-sectional association between contact with friends/neighbors and PA, whereas prospective and parallel associations between contact with family/relatives and PA. Conclusion: Contacting friends/neighbors did not predict the change in PA, and a high frequency of contact with family/relatives at baseline and increasing contact with family/relatives was associated with increased PA over 5-year.
Mental Health Burden of German Cancer Patients before and after the Outbreak of COVID-19: Predictors of Mental Health Impairment
Authors: Bäuerle Alexander , Musche Venja , Schmidt Kira , Schweda Adam , Fink Madeleine , Weismüller Benjamin , Kohler Hannah , Herrmann Ken , Tewes Mitra , Schadendorf Dirk , Skoda Eva-Maria , Teufel Martin
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to analyze individual changes in cancer patients’ mental health before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, and to explore predictors of mental health impairment. Over a two-week period (16–30 March 2020), 150 cancer patients in Germany participated in this study. Validated instruments assessed demographic and medical data, depression and anxiety symptoms (PHQ-2, GAD-2), distress (DT), and health status (EQ-5D-3L). All instruments were adapted to measure the individual mental health before the COVID-19 outbreak. COVID-19-related fear, trust in governmental actions to face COVID-19, and the subjective level of information regarding COVID-19 were measured. Cancer patients showed a significant increase in depression and anxiety symptoms and distress, while health status deteriorated since the COVID-19 outbreak. Increased depression and generalized anxiety symptoms were predicted by COVID-19-related fear. Trust in governmental actions to face COVID-19 and COVID-19-related fear predicted increases in distress. Higher subjective levels of information predicted less increasing anxiety symptoms and distress. Present data suggests that cancer patients experienced a significant increase in mental health burden since the COVID-19 outbreak. Observed predictors of mental health impairment and protective factors should be addressed, and appropriate interventions established, to maintain mental health of cancer patients during the pandemic.
Young People’s Behavioral Intentions towards Low-Carbon Travel: Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Hu Xiaojian , Wu Nan , Chen Nuo
Published: February 2021

With the rapid development of China’s economy and the rapid growth of the population, the demand for traffic is gradually changing from slow to fast, and the traffic congestion, air pollution, climate change and public health problems are becoming increasingly prominent. As residents’ willingness for low-carbon travel plays a crucial role in alleviating the problems caused by traffic, many studies pay attention to this aspect, but young people are still an obviously neglected group in the study of willingness for low-carbon travel. The novelty of this study lies in the extension of environmental concern and perceived moral obligation to the theory of planned behavior to explore the factors influencing young people’s low-carbon travel behavioral intention. The structural equation modeling is validated with a sample of 235 young respondents. The results show that attitude, perceived behavior control, environmental concern and perceived moral obligation have a significant positive correlation with young people’s low-carbon travel behavioral intention, while subjective norm has not. By revealing young people’s intention of low-carbon travel, this study could help to enhance the understanding of young people’s low-carbon travel choices, and could provide guidance for how to guide young people to choose low-carbon travel in the future.
The Impact of Equity Financing on the Performance of Capital-Constrained Supply Chain under Consumers’ Low-Carbon Preference
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Xiu Guoyi , Shahzad Fakhar , Duan Caiquan
Published: February 2021

The reduction in carbon emissions by industrial enterprises is an important means for promoting environmental protection and achieving sustainable development. To determine the impact of carbon emissions reduction on supply chain operation and financing decision-making, in this study we designed three financing strategies, i.e., bank loan financing, equity financing, and hybrid financing (a combination of bank loan financing and equity financing), for a manufacturer (leader) and a low-carbon supply chain composed of a capital-constrained retailer, constructed Stackelberg game models, solved the equilibrium results under each financing strategy using the reverse recursion method, and revealed the financing preference of the supply chain member companies through comparative analysis. The results showed that the increase in the consumers’ low-carbon preference and equity financing ratio have positive impacts on supply chain equilibrium, a result that is opposite that for the impact of the interest rate of bank loan financing; additionally, the abovementioned three factors jointly determine the profit of the manufacturer of the low-carbon supply chain, while the retailer’s profit is affected by the equity dividend ratio. Finally, we present the conditions for the financing preference of the manufacturer and the retailer. The findings of this study can provide references for low-carbon supply chain companies to make appropriate management decisions.
Oral Health Related Behaviors in Relation to DMFT Indexes of Teenagers in an Urban Area of North-West Poland—Dental Caries Is Still a Common Problem
Authors: Milona Marta , Janiszewska-Olszowska Joanna , Szmidt Monika , Kłoda Karolina , Olszowski Tomasz
Published: February 2021

Caries has a negative influence on health and is still a public health problem among children and adolescents in Poland. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of dietary habits, oral hygiene behaviors and the frequency of usage of dental services with the dental caries index in teenagers in North-West Poland. The study enrolled 264 children (147M/117F) aged 15. Participants filled out a questionnaire regarding age, sex, frequency of visits to the dentist, dietary habits and oral hygiene behaviors, and the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) was calculated. Caries was found in 88.6% of subjects. The lower or no caries experience group (DMFT ≤ 5) comprised of 180 subjects, while higher caries experience (DMFT > 5) was found in 84 teenagers and was significantly inversely associated with tooth brushing after the last meal (OR = 0.45; 95% CI:0.21–0.97; p = 0.04) and the daily use of dental floss (OR = 0.12; 95% CI:0.01–0.92; p = 0.04). There is an emerging need for the implementation of effective caries prevention and recovery programs in Poland. Health promotion focusing on oral hygiene behaviors should be disseminated more widely because lower caries experience was demonstrated in teenagers declaring healthy oral habits. Another important need is the development of multi-sectorial actions aiming at the improvement of dietary habits.
Nonprofits and Pass-Throughs: Performance Comparison
Authors: Hull Robert , Van Dalsem Shane
Published: February 2021

This paper’s purpose is to compare nonprofits with pass-throughs in terms of valuation, leverage, and growth. To achieve this purpose, we use the Capital Structure Model. This model determines maximum firm valuation through incorporating real data (tax rates, credit spreads, and historical growth rates). Since this is the first study to offer our particular set results on valuation, leverage and growth, our findings are value-additive in terms of the comparative research on nonprofits and pass-throughs. The new and scientific value of our findings are further established by robust tests that modify values for key variables. Major findings include the following. Nonprofits have over a fifty percent valuation advantage over pass-throughs and achieve a four times greater increase in dollar value when going from nongrowth to growth. The latter accomplishments are attained with a smaller before-tax plowback ratio and less retained earnings. Such achievements occur because nonprofits are not taxed on earnings retained for growth. While nonprofits have somewhat greater optimal leverage ratios than pass-throughs, they gain a bit less in dollars added from debt unless growth rates increase as projected when tax rates are lowered. Nonprofits gain less percentage-wise from debt because their unlevered firm value is greater than pass-throughs.
Saline-Soil Deformation Extraction Based on an Improved Time-Series InSAR Approach
Authors: Xiang Wei , Zhang Rui , Liu Guoxiang , Wang Xiaowen , Mao Wenfei , Zhang Bo , Fu Yin , Wu Tingting
Published: February 2021

Significant seasonal fluctuations could occur in the regional scattering characteristics and surface deformation of saline soil, and cause decorrelation, which limits the application of the conventional time-series InSAR (TS-InSAR). For extending the saline-soil deformation monitoring capability, this paper presents an improved TS-InSAR approach, based on the interferometric coherence statistics and high-coherence interferogram refinement. By constructing a network of the refined interferograms, high-accuracy ground deformation can be extracted through the weighted least square estimation and the coherent target refinement. To extract the high-accuracy deformation of a representative saline soil area in the Qarhan Salt Lake, 119 C-band Sentinel-1A images collected between May 2015 and May 2020 are selected as the data source. Subsequently, 845 refined interferograms are selected from all possible interferograms to conduct the network inversion, based on the related thresholds (the temporal baseline <49 days, the average spatial coherences >0.5, respectively). Compared with the conventional TS-InSAR measurements, both the accuracy and reliability of the extracted deformation results of the saline soil increased dramatically. Furthermore, the testing results indicate that the improved TS-InSAR method has advantages on the deformation extraction in the saline soil region, and is adaptive to reflecting the typical seasonal variations of the saline soil.
Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Uchiyama Ryoka , Toyoda Eriko , Maehara Miki , Wasai Shiho , Omura Haruka , Watanabe Masahiko , Sato Masato
Published: February 2021

Osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) is a chronic degenerative disease and progresses with an imbalance of cytokines and macrophages in the joint. Studies regarding the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a point-of-care treatment for OAK have reported on its effect on tissue repair and suppression of inflammation but few have reported on its effect on macrophages and macrophage polarization. Based on our clinical experience with two types of PRP kits Cellaid Serum Collection Set P type kit (leukocyte-poor-PRP) and an Autologous Protein Solution kit (APS leukocyte-rich-PRP), we investigated the concentrations of humoral factors in PRPs prepared from the two kits and the effect of humoral factors on macrophage phenotypes. We found that the concentrations of cell components and humoral factors differed between PRPs purified using the two kits; APS had a higher concentration of M1 and M2 macrophage related factors. The addition of PRP supernatants to the culture media of monocyte-derived macrophages and M1 polarized macrophages revealed that PRPs suppressed M1 macrophage polarization and promoted M2 macrophage polarization. This research is the first to report the effect of PRPs purified using commercial kits on macrophage polarization.
Differential Response of Lung Cancer Cells, with Various Driver Mutations, to Plant Polyphenol Resveratrol and Vitamin D Active Metabolite PRI-2191
Authors: Maj Ewa , Maj Beata , Bobak Klaudia , Gos Michalina , Chodyński Michał , Kutner Andrzej , Wietrzyk Joanna
Published: February 2021

Plant polyphenols and vitamins D exhibit chemopreventive and therapeutic anticancer effects. We first evaluated the biological effects of the plant polyphenol resveratrol (RESV) and vitamin D active metabolite PRI-2191 on lung cancer cells having different genetic backgrounds. RESV and PRI-2191 showed divergent responses depending on the genetic profile of cells. Antiproliferative activity of PRI-2191 was noticeable in EGFRmut cells, while RESV showed the highest antiproliferative and caspase-3-inducing activity in KRASmut cells. RESV upregulated p53 expression in wtp53 cells, while downregulated it in mutp53 cells with simultaneous upregulation of p21 expression in both cases. The effect of PRI-2191 on the induction of CYP24A1 expression was enhanced by RESV in two KRASmut cell lines. The effect of RESV combined with PRI-2191 on cytokine production was pronounced and modulated. RESV cooperated with PRI-2191 in regulating the expression of IL-8 in EGFRmut cells, while OPN in KRASmut cells and PD-L1 in both cell subtypes. We hypothesize that the differences in response to RESV and PRI-2191 between EGFRmut and KRASmut cell lines result from the differences in epigenetic modifications since both cell subtypes are associated with the divergent smoking history that can induce epigenetic alterations.
Effects of Structural Isomers of Spermine on the Higher-Order Structure of DNA and Gene Expression
Authors: Kitagawa Tomoki , Nishio Takashi , Yoshikawa Yuko , Umezawa Naoki , Higuchi Tsunehiko , Shew Chwen-Yang , Kenmotsu Takahiro , Yoshikawa Kenichi
Published: February 2021

Polyamines are involved in various biological functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, gene regulation, etc. Recently, it was found that polyamines exhibit biphasic effects on gene expression: promotion and inhibition at low and high concentrations, respectively. Here, we compared the effects of three naturally occurring tetravalent polyamines, spermine (SPM), thermospermine (TSPM), and N4-aminopropylspermidine (BSPD). Based on the single DNA observation with fluorescence microscopy together with measurements by atomic force microscopy revealed that these polyamines induce shrinkage and then compaction of DNA molecules, at low and high concentrations, respectively. We also performed the observation to evaluate the effects of these polyamine isomers on the activity of gene expression by adapting a cell-free luciferase assay. Interestingly, the potency of their effects on the DNA conformation and also on the inhibition of gene expression activity indicates the highest for TSPM among spermine isomers. A numerical evaluation of the strength of the interaction of these polyamines with negatively charged double-strand DNA revealed that this ordering of the potency corresponds to the order of the strength of the attractive interaction between phosphate groups of DNA and positively charged amino groups of the polyamines.
Derma-Hc, a New Developed Herbal Formula, Ameliorates Cutaneous Lichenification in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Nam Yeon Kyung , Kim Mi Hye , Ha In Jin , Yang Woong Mo
Published: February 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic cutaneous disorder that is characterized by severe eczematous inflammation, swelling, and lichenification. Activation of T helper (Th)-22 cells by allergens leads to epidermal hyperplasia with hyperkeratosis at the chronic phase of AD. Derma-Hc is composed of five natural herbs with anti-AD effects, such as Astragalus membranaceus BUNGE, Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq., Cryptotympana pustulata Fabr., Angelica sinensis Diels, Arctium lappa L. In this study, the ameliorative effect of Derma-Hc on cutaneous lichenification in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzne (DNCB)-induced AD was investigated. The dorsal skin of mice was sensitized with DNCB to induce AD-like skin lesions. The dermatitis score and frequency of scratching were evaluated. Thickness of epidermis and dermis was measured by staining with H&E. In addition, infiltration of the mast cell was observed by staining with toluidine blue. Then, desmosomal cadherin, DSC1 was examined by immunofluorescence. Pathological mechanisms involved in lichenification were analyzed in AD-like skin lesions and TNF-α + IFN-γ-treated with human keratinocytes including keratinocyte differentiation genes and JAK1-STAT3 signaling pathway with IL-22 by RT-PCR and western blotting. Topical treatment of Derma-Hc improved AD-like symptoms such as dryness, edema and lichenefication and decreased the number of scratches. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that Derma-Hc significantly inhibited epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, and mast cells infiltration. In addition, the level of DSC1 was highly expressed in the epidermis by Derma-Hc. Moreover, mRNA expression level of FLG, an epidermal differentiation complex gene, was recovered by Derma-Hc treatment. KLK5 and KLK7 were markedly reduced to normalize keratinocyte differentiation in dorsal skin tissues and human keratinocytes. On the other hand, Derma-Hc restored expression level of SPINK5. In addition, Derma-Hc inhibited IL-22 via the blockade of JAK1-STAT3 signal pathway. Taken together, Derma-Hc, a natural herbal formula, regulated keratinocyte differentiation and inhibited epidermal hyperplasia with hyperkeratosis. Therefore, Derma-Hc could be a promising candidate for treating chronic AD through modulating signaling of IL-22-associated skin lichenification.
MicroRNAs Modulate Signaling Pathways in Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Mazziotta Chiara , Lanzillotti Carmen , Iaquinta Maria Rosa , Taraballi Francesca , Torreggiani Elena , Rotondo John Charles , Otòn-Gonzalez Lucia , Mazzoni Elisa , Frontini Francesca , Bononi Ilaria , De Mattei Monica , Tognon Mauro , Martini Fernanda
Published: February 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified in many adult tissues and they have been closely studied in recent years, especially in view of their potential use for treating diseases and damaged tissues and organs. MSCs are capable of self-replication and differentiation into osteoblasts and are considered an important source of cells in tissue engineering for bone regeneration. Several epigenetic factors are believed to play a role in the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, including microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are small, single-stranded, non-coding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides that are able to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis by binding the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of target mRNAs, which can be subsequently degraded or translationally silenced. MiRNAs control gene expression in osteogenic differentiation by regulating two crucial signaling cascades in osteogenesis: the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and the Wingless/Int-1(Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathways. This review provides an overview of the miRNAs involved in osteogenic differentiation and how these miRNAs could regulate the expression of target genes.
Injury-Induced Innate Immune Response During Segment Regeneration of the Earthworm, Eisenia andrei
Authors: Bodó Kornélia , Kellermayer Zoltán , László Zoltán , Boros Ákos , Kokhanyuk Bohdana , Németh Péter , Engelmann Péter
Published: February 2021

Regeneration of body parts and their interaction with the immune response is a poorly understood aspect of earthworm biology. Consequently, we aimed to study the mechanisms of innate immunity during regeneration in Eisenia andrei earthworms. In the course of anterior and posterior regeneration, we documented the kinetical aspects of segment restoration by histochemistry. Cell proliferation peaked at two weeks and remitted by four weeks in regenerating earthworms. Apoptotic cells were present throughout the cell renewal period. Distinct immune cell (e.g., coelomocyte) subsets were accumulated in the newly-formed blastema in the close proximity of the apoptotic area. Regenerating earthworms have decreased pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) (e.g., TLR, except for scavenger receptor) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) (e.g., lysenin) mRNA patterns compared to intact earthworms. In contrast, at the protein level, mirroring regulation of lysenins became evident. Experimental coelomocyte depletion caused significantly impaired cell divisions and blastema formation during anterior and posterior regeneration. These obtained novel data allow us to gain insight into the intricate interactions of regeneration and invertebrate innate immunity.
Molecular Docking Studies and Biological Evaluation of Berberine–Benzothiazole Derivatives as an Anti-Influenza Agent via Blocking of Neuraminidase
Authors: Kumar Manu , Chung Sang-Min , Enkhtaivan Ganuskh , Patel Rahul V. , Shin Han-Seung , Mistry Bhupendra M.
Published: February 2021

In this study, we have introduced newly synthesized substituted benzothiazole based berberine derivatives that have been analyzed for their in vitro and in silico biological properties. The activity towards various kinds of influenza virus strains by employing the cytopathic effect (CPE) and sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Several berberine–benzothiazole derivatives (BBDs), such as BBD1, BBD3, BBD4, BBD5, BBD7, and BBD11, demonstrated interesting anti-influenza virus activity on influenza A viruses (A/PR/8/34, A/Vic/3/75) and influenza B viral (B/Lee/40, and B/Maryland/1/59) strain, respectively. Furthermore, by testing neuraminidase activity (NA) with the neuraminidase assay kit, it was identified that BBD7 has potent neuraminidase activity. The molecular docking analysis further suggests that the BBD1–BBD14 compounds’ antiviral activity may be because of interaction with residues of NA, and the same as in oseltamivir.
Precipitate Evolution in 22Cr25NiWCuCo(Nb) Austenitic Heat-Resistant Stainless Steel during Heat Treatment at 1200 °C
Authors: Yang Sheng-Min , Wu Jing-Lin , Pan Yeong-Tsuen , Lin Dong-Yih
Published: February 2021

In this study, 22Cr25NiWCuCo(Nb) heat-resistant steel specimens with high Cr and Ni contents were adopted to investigate the effect of Nb content on thermal and precipitation behavior. Differential scanning calorimetry profiles revealed that the melting point of the 22Cr25NiWCuCo(Nb) steel specimens decreased slightly with the Nb content. After heat treatment at 1200 °C for 2 h, the precipitates dissolved in a Nb-free steel matrix. In addition, the Z phase (CrNb(C, N)) and MX (Nb(C, N), (Cr, Fe)(C, N), and NbC) could be observed in the Nb-containing steel specimens. The amount and volume fraction of the precipitates increased with the Nb content, and the precipitates were distributed heterogeneously along the grain boundary and inside the grain. Even when the heat treatment duration was extended to 6 h, the austenitic grain size and precipitates became coarser; the volume fraction of the precipitates also increased at 1200 °C. The Z phase, rather than the MX phase, became the dominant precipitates at this temperature.
Application of Gene Expression Programming (GEP) for the Prediction of Compressive Strength of Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Ali Khan Mohsin Ali , Zafar Adeel , Akbar Arslan , Javed Muhammad Faisal , Mosavi Amir
Published: February 2021

For the production of geopolymer concrete (GPC), fly-ash (FA) like waste material has been effectively utilized by various researchers. In this paper, the soft computing techniques known as gene expression programming (GEP) are executed to deliver an empirical equation to estimate the compressive strength fc′ of GPC made by employing FA. To build a model, a consistent, extensive and reliable data base is compiled through a detailed review of the published research. The compiled data set is comprised of 298 fc′ experimental results. The utmost dominant parameters are counted as explanatory variables, in other words, the extra water added as percent FA (%EW), the percentage of plasticizer (%P), the initial curing temperature (T), the age of the specimen (A), the curing duration (t), the fine aggregate to total aggregate ratio (F/AG), the percentage of total aggregate by volume ( %AG), the percent SiO2 solids to water ratio (% S/W) in sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) solution, the NaOH solution molarity (M), the activator or alkali to FA ratio (AL/FA), the sodium oxide (Na2O) to water ratio (N/W) for preparing Na2SiO3 solution, and the Na2SiO3 to NaOH ratio (Ns/No). A GEP empirical equation is proposed to estimate the fc′ of GPC made with FA. The accuracy, generalization, and prediction capability of the proposed model was evaluated by performing parametric analysis, applying statistical checks, and then compared with non-linear and linear regression equations.
The Shape of the (15,3)-Arc of PG(2,7)
Authors: Innamorati Stefano , Zannetti Mauro
Published: February 2021

Marcugini et al. proved, by computer-based proof, the unicity of the maximum (k,3)-arc in PG(2,7). In this paper, we show how the (15,3)-Arc in PG(2,7) may be described using only geometrical properties. The description we provide, believing it is novel, relies on the union of a conic and a complete external quadrangle.
Analysis of the Relationship between Tobacco Smoking and Physical Activity in Adolescence: A Gender Specific Study
Authors: Maric Dora , Bianco Antonino , Kvesic Ivan , Sekulic Damir , Zenic Natasa
Published: February 2021

Background and Objective: Although smoking and the physical activity level (PAL) are important determinants of health status in adolescence, there is a lack of information on the relationship between smoking and PAL in early adolescence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gender-specific relationship between smoking and PAL in 14-to-16-year-old adolescents. Materials and Methods: The sample included 650 adolescents (337 girls, 14.7 ± 0.5 years at first testing wave) from Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the first testing wave, participants were tested using structured questionnaires. Second testing was commenced after approximately 20 months (16.4 ± 0.6 years). The variables were age, gender, socioeconomic status, living environment, cigarette smoking (predictors), and PAL (criterion). Predictors were measured at the first wave, and criterion at the first-wave and second-wave. Results: For girls, smoking was negatively correlated to PAL at the first-wave (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.55–0.95) and at the second-wave (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.71–0.96). No significant association between smoking and PAL was found for boys. Results suggest that adolescent boys and girls do not follow the equal trajectories when it comes to relationships between smoking and PAL. Conclusions: In developing promotional public health actions related to a decrease of smoking and increase of PAL, a gender-specific approach is highly recommended. Further studies analyzing the cause–effect relationship between consumption of other types of psychoactive substances and PAL in this age group are warranted.
Evaluating Critical Influencing Factors of Desalination by Membrane Distillation Process—Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making
Authors: Anqi Ali E. , Mohammed Azam A.
Published: February 2021

Water desalination by membrane distillation (MD) can be affected by a wide range of operating parameters. The present work uses combinational approach of Analytical Hierarch process (AHP) and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy process (Fuzzy-AHP) to identify the most important parameters in the MD desalination. Five process parameters and key-performance indicators, named derivable outputs (DOs), are considered, along with the critical factors affecting these DOs in the current study. The DOs and the critical influencing factors (CIFs) are selected based on their experimental feasibility. The investigation involves five DOs, which are liquid entry pressure, thermal power consumption, permeate quality, permeate flux, and pumping (feed circulation) power. A total of twenty-five critical influencing factor were associated with the DOs. The identification of the DOs and CIFs was based on the literature review, and further analyses were performed. Both methods, AHP and Fuzzy-AHP, determined six extremely important CIFs in the desalination MD, which are feed temperature, feed concentration, or feed salinity; feed flow rate; membrane hydrophobicity; pore size; and membrane material. Moderately important CIFs are found to be four by both methods. These common CIFs are feed solution properties, membrane thickness, feed channel geometry, and pressure difference along the feed channel. Finally, the least preferred CIFs are four common in both methods that are MD configuration, duration of test, specific heat of feed solution, and viscosity.
Towards Manufacturing of Ultrafine-Laminated Structures in Metallic Tubes by Accumulative Extrusion Bonding
Authors: Standley Matthew R. , Knezevic Marko
Published: February 2021

A severe plastic deformation process, termed accumulative extrusion bonding (AEB), is conceived to steady-state bond metals in the form of multilayered tubes. It is shown that AEB can facilitate bonding of metals in their solid-state, like the process of accumulative roll bonding (ARB). The AEB steps involve iterative extrusion, cutting, expanding, restacking, and annealing. As the process is iterated, the laminated structure layer thicknesses decrease within the tube wall, while the tube wall thickness and outer diameter remain constant. Multilayered bimetallic tubes with approximately 2 mm wall thickness and 25.25 mm outer diameter of copper-aluminum are produced at 52% radial strain per extrusion pass to contain eight layers. Furthermore, tubes of copper-copper are produced at 52% and 68% strain to contain two layers. The amount of bonding at the metal-to-metal interfaces and grain structure are measured using optical microscopy. After detailed examination, only the copper-copper bimetal deformed to 68% strain is found bonded. The yield strength of the copper-copper tube extruded at 68% improves from 83 MPa to 481 MPa; a 480% increase. Surface preparation, as described by the thin film theory, and the amount of deformation imposed per extrusion pass are identified and discussed as key contributors to enact successful metal-to-metal bonding at the interface. Unlike in ARB, bonding in AEB does not occur at ~50% strain revealing the significant role of more complex geometry of tubes relative to sheets in solid-state bonding.
Experimental Review on Friction Stir Welding of Aluminium Alloys with Nanoparticles
Authors: Vimalraj Cyril , Kah Paul
Published: February 2021

To reduce environmental impacts and ensure competitiveness, the fabrication and construction sectors focus on minimizing energy and material usage, which leads to design requirements for complex structures by joining of similar and dissimilar materials. Meeting these industrial demands requires compatible materials with improved properties such as good weight-to-strength ratios, where aluminum (Al) and its alloys are competing candidates for various complex applications. However, joining Al with fusion welding processes leads to joint deterioration. Friction stir welding (FSW) produces joints at temperatures below the melting temperature, thus avoiding flaws associated with high heat input, yet requires improvement in the resultant joint properties. Recent studies have shown that nanoparticle reinforcement in FSW joints can improve weld properties. The main focus of this study is to critically review similar and dissimilar friction stir welding of AA5083 and AA6082 with carbide and oxide nanoparticle reinforcement. The study also discusses the effect of welding parameters on reinforcement particles and the effect of nanoparticle reinforcement on weld microstructure and properties, as well as development trends using nanoparticles in FSW. Analysis shows that friction stir welding parameters have a significant influence on the dispersion of the reinforcement nanoparticles, which contributes to determining the joint properties. Moreover, the distributed nanoparticles aid in grain refinement and improve joint properties. The type, amount and size of reinforcement nanoparticles together with the welding parameters significantly influence the joint properties and microstructures in similar and dissimilar Al welds. However, research is still required to determine the strengthening mechanism used by nanoparticles and to assess other nanoparticle additions in FSW of Al alloys.
Antireflective and Superhydrophilic Structure on Graphite Written by Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Lou Rui , Li Guangying , Wang Xu , Zhang Wenfu , Wang Yishan , Zhang Guodong , Wang Jiang , Cheng Guanghua
Published: February 2021

Antireflection and superhydrophilicity performance are desirable for improving the properties of electronic devices. Here, we experimentally provide a strategy of femtosecond laser preparation to create micro-nanostructures on the graphite surface in an air environment. The modified graphite surface is covered with abundant micro-nano structures, and its average reflectance is measured to be 2.7% in the ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared regions (250 to 2250 nm). The wettability transformation of the surface from hydrophilicity to superhydrophilicity is realized. Besides, graphene oxide (GO) and graphene are proved to be formed on the sample surface. This micro-nanostructuring method, which demonstrates features of high efficiency, high controllability, and hazardous substances zero discharge, exhibits the application for functional surface.
Posture Dynamic Modeling and Stability Analysis of a Magnetic Driven Dual-Spin Spherical Capsule Robot
Authors: Yang Huiyuan , Zhang Yongshun , Liu Zhenhu , Liu Xu , Liu Guanxi
Published: February 2021

In order to realize the intervention operation in the unstructured and ample environments such as stomach and colon, a dual-spin spherical capsule robot (DSCR) driven by pure magnetic torque generated by the universal rotating magnetic field (URMF) is proposed. The coupled magnetic torque, the viscoelastic friction torque, and the gravity torque were analyzed. Furthermore, the posture dynamic model describing the electric-magnetic-mechanical-liquid coupling dynamic behavior of the DSCR in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was established. This model is a second-order periodic variable coefficient dynamics equation, which should be regarded as an extension of the Lagrange case for the dual-spin body system under the fixed-point motion, since the external torques were applied. Based on the Floquet–Lyapunov theory, the stability domain of the DSCR for the asymptotically stable motion and periodic motion were obtained by investigating the influence of the angular velocity of the URMF, the magnetic induction intensity, and the centroid deviation. Research results show that the DSCR can realize three kinds of motion, which are asymptotically stable motion, periodic motion, and chaotic motion, according to the distribution of the system characteristic multipliers. Moreover, the posture stability of the DSCR can be improved by increasing the angular velocity of the URMF and reducing the magnetic induction intensity.
Development of a Mobile Analytical Chemistry Workstation Using a Silicon Electrochromatography Microchip and Capacitively Coupled Contactless Conductivity Detector
Authors: Wang Yineng , Cao Xi , Messina Walter , Hogan Anna , Ugwah Justina , Alatawi Hanan , van Zalen Ed , Moore Eric
Published: February 2021

Capillary electrochromatography (CEC) is a separation technique that hybridizes liquid chromatography (LC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). The selectivity offered by LC stationary phase results in rapid separations, high efficiency, high selectivity, minimal analyte and buffer consumption. Chip-based CE and CEC separation techniques are also gaining interest, as the microchip can provide precise on-chip control over the experiment. Capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) offers the contactless electrode configuration, and thus is not in contact with the solutions under investigation. This prevents contamination, so it can be easy to use as well as maintain. This study investigated a chip-based CE/CEC with C4D technique, including silicon-based microfluidic device fabrication processes with packaging, design and optimization. It also examined the compatibility of the silicon-based CEC microchip interfaced with C4D. In this paper, the authors demonstrated a nanofabrication technique for a novel microchip electrochromatography (MEC) device, whose capability is to be used as a mobile analytical equipment. This research investigated using samples of potassium ions, sodium ions and aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Three Pseudomonas Species Isolated from the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Tissues, Mantle Fluid, and the Overlying Estuarine Water Column
Authors: Pathak Ashish , Stothard Paul , Chauhan Ashvini
Published: February 2021

The eastern oysters serve as important keystone species in the United States, especially in the Gulf of Mexico estuarine waters, and at the same time, provide unparalleled economic, ecological, environmental, and cultural services. One ecosystem service that has garnered recent attention is the ability of oysters to sequester impurities and nutrients, such as nitrogen (N), from the estuarine water that feeds them, via their exceptional filtration mechanism coupled with microbially-mediated denitrification processes. It is the oyster-associated microbiomes that essentially provide these myriads of ecological functions, yet not much is known on these microbiota at the genomic scale, especially from warm temperate and tropical water habitats. Among the suite of bacterial genera that appear to interplay with the oyster host species, pseudomonads deserve further assessment because of their immense metabolic and ecological potential. To obtain a comprehensive understanding on this aspect, we previously reported on the isolation and preliminary genomic characterization of three Pseudomonas species isolated from minced oyster tissue (P. alcaligenes strain OT69); oyster mantle fluid (P. stutzeri strain MF28) and the water collected from top of the oyster reef (P. aeruginosa strain WC55), respectively. In this comparative genomic analysis study conducted on these three targeted pseudomonads, native to the eastern oyster and its surrounding environment, provided further insights into their unique functional traits, conserved gene pools between the selected pseudomonads, as well as genes that render unique characteristics in context to metabolic traits recruited during their evolutionary history via horizontal gene transfer events as well as phage-mediated incorporation of genes. Moreover, the strains also supported extensively developed resistomes, which suggests that environmental microorganisms native to relatively pristine environments, such as Apalachicola Bay, Florida, have also recruited an arsenal of antibiotic resistant gene determinants, thus posing an emerging public health concern.
Reversal of Multidrug Resistance by Apolipoprotein A1-Modified Doxorubicin Liposome for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: An Duopeng , Yu Xiaochen , Jiang Lijing , Wang Rui , He Peng , Chen Nanye , Guo Xiaohan , Li Xiang , Feng Meiqing
Published: February 2021

Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a major problem in cancer therapy and is characterized by the overexpression of p-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux pump, upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins or downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins. In this study, an Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1)-modified cationic liposome containing a synthetic cationic lipid and cholesterol was developed for the delivery of a small-molecule chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin (Dox) to treat MDR tumor. The liposome-modified by ApoA1 was found to promote drug uptake and elicit better therapeutic effects than free Dox and liposome in MCF-7/ADR cells. Further, loading Dox into the present ApoA1-liposome systems enabled a burst release at the tumor location, resulting in enhanced anti-tumor effects and reduced off-target effects. More importantly, ApoA1-lip/Dox caused fewer adverse effects on cardiac function and other organs in 4T1 subcutaneous xenograft models. These features indicate that the designed liposomes represent a promising strategy for the reversal of MDR in cancer treatment.
Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of Amphiphilic 1,4-Dihydropyridines and Preparation of Magnetoliposomes
Authors: Petrichenko Oksana , Plotniece Aiva , Pajuste Karlis , Rucins Martins , Dimitrijevs Pavels , Sobolev Arkadij , Sprugis Einars , Cēbers Andrejs
Published: February 2021

This study was focused on the estimation of the targeted modification of 1,4-DHP core with (1) different alkyl chain lengths at 3,5-ester moieties of 1,4-DHP (C12, C14 and C16); (2) N-substituent at position 1 of 1,4-DHP (N-H or N-CH3); (3) substituents of pyridinium moieties at positions 2 and 6 of 1,4-DHP (H, 4-CN and 3-Ph); (4) substituent at position 4 of 1,4-DHP (phenyl and napthyl) on physicochemical properties of the entire molecules and on the characteristics of the obtained magnetoliposomes formed by them. It was shown that thermal behavior of the tested 1,4-DHP amphiphiles was related to the alkyl chains length, the elongation of which decreased their transition temperatures. The properties of 1,4-DHP amphiphile monolayers and their polar head areas were determined. The packing parameters of amphiphiles were in the 0.43–0.55 range. It was demonstrated that the structure of 1,4-DHPs affected the physicochemical properties of compounds. “Empty” liposomes and magnetoliposomes were prepared from selected 1,4-DHP amphiphiles. It was shown that the variation of alkyl chains length or the change of substituents at positions 4 of 1,4-DHP did not show a significant influence on properties of liposomes.
Food Patterns among Chinese Immigrants Living in the South of Spain
Authors: Badanta Bárbara , de Diego-Cordero Rocío , Tarriño-Concejero Lorena , Vega-Escaño Juan , González-Cano-Caballero María , García-Carpintero-Muñoz María Ángeles , Lucchetti Giancarlo , Barrientos-Trigo Sergio
Published: February 2021

This article aims to explore the food patterns of Chinese immigrants living in Spain and to understand the factors associated with these behaviors. This qualitative ethnographic study included 133 Chinese immigrants; using interviews with scripts were based on the National Health Survey of Spain. Three categories were defined: “Differences between Chinese food and Western food”; “Products and dishes consumed by Chinese immigrants” and “Modification of eating habits”. Participants found a remarkable difference between eastern (i.e., vegetables and rice) and western (i.e., dairy, high-fat, bread) foods. They also experienced a change in their eating habits, mostly related to acculturation and lack of time. Chinese immigrants have different eating patterns as compared to the native population in Spain and this information could help in future healthcare strategies. Knowing the food culture could infer aspects, such as insertion or integration, and promoting health and well-being.
Impact of Supplementation and Nutritional Interventions on Pathogenic Processes of Mood Disorders: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Hoepner Cara , McIntyre Roger , Papakostas George
Published: February 2021

This narrative review was conducted using searches of the PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar databases from inception to November 2019. Clinical trials and relevant articles were identified by cross-referencing major depressive disorder (and/or variants) with the following terms: folate, homocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), L-acetylcarnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, L-tryptophan, zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, and inositol. Manual reviews of references were also performed using article reference lists. Abnormal levels of folate, homocysteine, and SAMe have been shown to be associated with a higher risk of depression. Numerous studies have demonstrated antidepressant activity with L-methylfolate and SAMe supplementation in individuals with depression. Additionally, the amino acids L-acetylcarnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, and L-tryptophan have been implicated in the development of depression and shown to exert antidepressant effects. Other agents with evidence for improving depressive symptoms include zinc, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10. Potential biases and differences in study designs within and amongst the studies and reviews selected may confound results. Augmentation of antidepressant medications with various supplements targeting nutritional and physiological factors can potentiate antidepressant effects. Medical foods, particularly L-methylfolate, and other supplements may play a role in managing depression in patients with inadequate response to antidepressant therapies.