bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Obesity-Related Anthropometric Factors on Cardiovascular Risks of Homeless Adults in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Ching-Lin , Chen Mingchih , Liu Chih-Kuang
Published: September 2020

Homelessness is a pre-existing phenomenon in society and an important public health issue that national policy strives to solve. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important health problem of the homeless. This cross-sectional study explored the effects of four obesity-related anthropometric factors—body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)—on cardiovascular disease risks (expressed by three CVD markers: hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia) among homeless adults in Taipei and compared the relevant results with ordinary adults in Taiwan. The research team sampled homeless adults over the age of 20 in Taipei City in 2018 and collected 297 participants. Through anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, and blood tests, we calculated the obesity-related indicators of the participants and found those at risks of cardiovascular disease. The results showed that the prevalence of hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia in homeless adults was significantly higher than that of ordinary adults in Taiwan. Among the four obesity-related indicators, WHtR showed the strongest association with the prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, followed by WHR, both of which showed stronger association than traditional WC and BMI indicators. It can be inferred that abdominal obesity characterized by WHtR is a key risk factor for hypertension and hyperlipidemia in homeless adults in Taiwan. We hope that the results will provide medical clinical references and effectively warn of cardiovascular disease risks for the homeless in Taiwan.
NADPH Oxidase 5 Is Essential for Molting and Oviposition in a Rice Planthopper Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Peng Lu-Yao , Dai Zhen-Wei , Yang Rui-Rui , Zhu Zhen , Wang Wei , Zhou Xiang , Bao Yan-Yuan
Published: September 2020

The brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens is a typical monophagous insect herbivore that feeds exclusively on rice sap. This insect pest causes serious damage to rice crops throughout East Asian countries. Chemical control remains the first choice for managing N. lugens populations; however, the use of insecticides has given rise to planthopper resurgence and additional environmental risks. Nilaparvata lugens is a model insect of Hemiptera because its whole genome sequence has been elucidated and is susceptible to RNA interference. In this study, our findings revealed that a superoxide-generating gene, NADPH oxidase 5 (Nox5), is essential for molting and oviposition in a Hemipteran insect Nilaparvata lugens. Knockdown of Nox5 transcript levels by RNA interference in 2nd–5th-instar nymphs results in significantly lethal deficits in the molting transitions from nymph–nymph and nymph–adult. Nox5 knockdown leads to a reduction of hydrogen peroxide in female ovaries and failure of oviposition from the insect ovipositor into the rice leaf sheath. Here, we provide in vivo evidence demonstrating that Nox5 is a key enzyme for regulating molting and oviposition in this insect species.
Visualization of the Anisotropy of the Velocity Dispersion and Characteristics of the Multi-Velocity Continuum in the Regions of Multi-Stream Flows of Gas-Dust Media with Polydisperse Dust
Authors: Bezborodov Mikhail A. , Eremin Mikhail A. , Korolev Vitaly V. , Kovalenko Ilya G. , Zhukova Elena V.
Published: September 2020

Collisionless media devoid of intrinsic stresses, for example, a dispersed phase in a multiphase medium, have a much wider variety of space-time structures and features formed in them than collisional media, for example, a carrier, gas, or liquid phase. This is a consequence of the fact that evolution in such media occurs in phase space, i.e., in a space of greater dimensions than the usual coordinate space. As a consequence, the process of the formation of features in collisionless media (clustering or vice versa, a loss of continuity) can occur primarily in the velocity space, which, in contrast to the features in the coordinate space (folds, caustics, or voids), is poorly observed directly. To identify such features, it is necessary to use visualization methods that allow us to consider, in detail, the evolution of the medium in the velocity space. This article is devoted to the development of techniques that allow visualizing the degree of anisotropy of the velocity fields of collisionless interpenetrating media. Simultaneously tracking the behavior of different fractions in such media is important, as their behavior can be significantly different. We propose three different techniques for visualizing the anisotropy of velocity fields using the example of two- and three-continuum dispersed media models. We proposed the construction of spatial distributions of eccentricity fields (scalar fields), or fields of principal directions of the velocity dispersion tensor (tensor fields). In the first case, we used some simple eccentricity functions for dispersion tensors for two fractions simultaneously, which we call surrogate entropy. In the second case, to visualize the anisotropy of the velocity fields of three fractions simultaneously, we used an ordered array (3-vector) of eccentricities for the color representation through decomposition in three basic colors. In the case of a multi-stream flow, we used cluster analysis methods to identify sections of a multi-stream flow (beams) and used glyphs to visualize the entire set of beams (vector-tensor fields).
EFE-Mediated Ethylene Synthesis Is the Major Pathway in the Citrus Postharvest Pathogen Penicillium digitatum during Fruit Infection
Authors: Ballester Ana-Rosa , González-Candelas Luis
Published: September 2020

Penicillium digitatum is the main fungal postharvest pathogen of citrus fruit under Mediterranean climate conditions. The role of ethylene in the P. digitatum–citrus fruit interaction is unclear and controversial. We analyzed the involvement of the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent ethylene-forming enzyme (EFE)-encoding gene (efeA) of P. digitatum on the pathogenicity of the fungus. The expression of P. digitatumefeA parallels ethylene production during growth on PDA medium, with maximum levels reached during sporulation. We generated ΔefeA knockout mutants in P. digitatum strain Pd1. These mutants showed no significant defect on mycelial growth or sporulation compared to the parental strain. However, the knockout mutants did not produce ethylene in vitro. Citrus pathogenicity assays showed no differences in virulence between the parental and ΔefeA knockout mutant strains, despite a lack of ethylene production by the knockout mutant throughout the infection process. This result suggests that ethylene plays no role in P. digitatum pathogenicity. Our results clearly show that EFE-mediated ethylene synthesis is the major ethylene synthesis pathway in the citrus postharvest pathogen P. digitatum during both in vitro growth on PDA medium and the infection process, and that this hormone is not necessary for establishing P. digitatum infection in citrus fruit. However, our results also indicate that ethylene produced by P. digitatum during sporulation on the fruit surface may influence the development of secondary fungal infections.
Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pharmacists Working in United Arab Emirates: Findings from Focus Group Discussions—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Rahma Azhar T. , Elbarazi Iffat , Ali Bassam R. , Patrinos George P. , Ahmed Luai A. , Al Maskari Fatma
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: Genomics and pharmacogenomics are relatively new fields in medicine in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Understanding the knowledge, attitudes and current practices among pharmacists is an important pillar to establish the roadmap for implementing genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics; (2) Methods: A qualitative method was used, with focus group discussions (FGDs) being conducted among pharmacists working in public and private hospitals in Abu Dhabi Emirate. Snowball sampling was used. Thematic inductive analysis was performed by two researchers independently. NVIVO software was used to establish the themes; (3) Results: Lack of knowledge of genomics and pharmacogenomics among pharmacists was one of the most prominent findings. Therefore, the role of pharmacist in making the right decisions was highlighted to be a barrier for pharmacogenomics implementation in the UAE. Pharmacists have a positive attitude toward pharmacogenomics, but they are preoccupied with concern of confidentiality. In addition, religion and culture shadowed their attitudes toward genetic testing; (4) Conclusions: It is highly recommended to introduce new courses and training workshops for healthcare providers to improve the opportunities for genomics and pharmacogenomics application in the UAE. Pharmacists agreed that the health authorities should take the lead for improving trust and confidence in the system for a better future in the era of genomics and pharmacogenomics.
Capital Structure and Firm Performance in Australian Service Sector Firms: A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Ahmed Rafiuddin , Bhuyan Rafiqul
Published: September 2020

Using cross-sectional panel data over eleven years (2009–2019), or 1001 firm-year observations, this study examines the relationship between capital structure and firm performance of service sector firms from Australian stock market. Unlike other studies, in this study directional causalities of all performance measures were used to identify the cause of firm performance. The study finds that long-term debt dominates debt choices of Australian service sector companies. Although the finding is to some extent similar to trends in debt financed operations observed in companies in developed and developing countries, the finding is unexpected because the sectoral and institutional borrowing rules and regulations in Australia are different from those in other parts of the world.
Corporate Governance and Firm Performance: A Comparative Analysis between Listed Family and Non-Family Firms in Japan
Authors: Koji Kojima , Adhikary Bishnu Kumar , Tram Le
Published: September 2020

This study aims to explore the relationship between corporate governance and financial performance of publicly listed family and non-family firms in the Japanese manufacturing industry. The study obtains data from Bloomberg over the period 2014–2018 and covers 1412 firms comprising of 861 non-family and 551 family firms. Our results show that family firms outperform non-family counterparts in terms of return on assets (ROA) and Tobin’s Q when a univariate analysis is invoked. On multivariate analysis, family firms show superior performance to non-family firms with Tobin’s Q. However, family ownership negates firm performance when ROA is taken into account. Regarding the impact of governance elements on Tobin’s Q, institutional shareholding appears to be a significant and positive factor for promoting the performance of both family and non-family firms. Furthermore, board size encourages the performance of non-family firms, while such influence is not observed for family firms. In terms of ROA, foreign ownership inspires the performance of both family and non-family firms. Moreover, government ownership stimulates the performance of family firms, while board independence significantly negates the same. Besides, we find that the performance of family firms run by the founder’s descendants is superior to that of family firms run by the founder. These findings have critical policy implications for family firms in Japan.
The Implications of Derisking: The Case of Malta, a Small EU State
Authors: Grima Simon , Baldacchino Peter J. , Abela Jeremy Mercieca , Spiteri Jonathan V.
Published: September 2020

In this study, we explore the emerging derisking phenomenon by identifying and analysing the main factors that are affected by, and the implications of, the derisking process by focusing on the key drivers and implications of derisking specific to Malta. To do this, we carried out 32 interviews with individuals who have a good or excellent level of expertise in derisking and administered a survey, completed by 296 participants who were filtered to ensure their level of expertise, resulting in 285 valid participant surveys. In total, between the interviews and the survey, we had 317 valid participants. Findings showed that to maximise the effectiveness of derisking, one needs to find the right balance of adequately managing risks without extinguishing business needs. This implies a need for the regulations to be balanced and proportionate. This study is a relevant contributor to future derisking to be conducted in Malta and serves as a benchmark for further studies. Moreover, this research project accentuates the need for increased awareness, knowledge and expertise of derisking in Malta. Consequently, the provision of education to professionals is important so that such professionals are able to keep abreast with all the latest developments regarding derisking and AML/CFT (antimoney laundering and combatting the financing of terrorism).
A Study on the Impact of Capitalization on the Profitability of Banks in Emerging Markets: A Case of Pakistan
Authors: Haris Muhammad , Tan Yong , Malik Ali , Ain Qurat Ul
Published: September 2020

A strong capitalized position of financial institutions is essential to ensure their solvency. Because of their unique nature, banks must always keep an optimum level of capital to ensure smooth banking earnings. Consequently, it is mandatory for all types of banks operating in Pakistan to keep a minimum amount of required capital along with capital adequacy to remain solvent and profitable. Therefore, using three measures of capitalization, i.e., the Capital Ratio (CR), Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), and Minimum Capital Requirement (MCR), and four measures of profitability, i.e., Return on Avg. Assets (ROAA), Return on Avg. Equity (ROAE), Net Interest Margin (NIMAR), and Profit Margin (NMAR), this study contributes to the existing literature on the relationship between the capitalization and profitability of 29 Pakistani banks over the period of 2007–2018. The results, based on the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) system estimator technique, reported an inverted U-shaped relationship between the two capitalization measures, i.e., CR and CAR, and the four profitability measures, i.e., ROAA, ROAE, NIMAR, and NMAR. This indicates that profitability increases with an increase in capitalization up to a certain level, while beyond that level, a further increase in capitalization decreases profitability. The results also indicate that banks who maintain their MCR have higher profitability than those who do not.
Thermo-Fluid-Dynamic Modeling of the Melt Pool during Selective Laser Melting for AZ91D Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Shen Hongyao , Yan Jinwen , Niu Xiaomiao
Published: September 2020

A three dimensional finite element model (FEM) was established to simulate the temperature distribution, flow activity, and deformation of the melt pool of selective laser melting (SLM) AZ91D magnesium alloy powder. The latent heat in phase transition, Marangoni effect, and the movement of laser beam power with a Gaussian energy distribution were taken into account. The influence of the applied linear laser power on temperature distribution, flow field, and the melt-pool dimensions and shape, as well as resultant densification activity, was investigated and is discussed in this paper. Large temperature gradients and high cooling rates were observed during the process. A violent flow occurred in the melt pool, and the divergent flow makes the melt pool wider and longer but shallower. With the increase of laser power, the melt pool’s size increases, but the shape becomes longer and narrower. The width of the melt pool in single-scan experiment is acquired, which is in good agreement with the results predicted by the simulation (with error of 1.49%). This FE model provides an intuitive understanding of the complex physical phenomena that occur during SLM process of AZ91D magnesium alloy. It can help to select the optimal parameters to improve the quality of final parts and reduce the cost of experimental research.
Delay Stability of n-Firm Cournot Oligopolies
Authors: Matsumoto Akio , Szidarovszky Ferenc
Published: September 2020

The dynamic behavior of n-firm oligopolies is examined without product differentiation and with linear price and cost functions. Continuous time scales are assumed with best response dynamics, in which case the equilibrium is asymptotically stable without delays. The firms are assumed to face both implementation and information delays. If the delays are equal, then the model is a single delay case, and the equilibrium is oscillatory stable if the delay is small, at the threshold stability is lost by Hopf bifurcation with cyclic behavior, and for larger delays, the trajectories show expanding cycles. In the case of the non-equal delays, the stability switching curves are constructed and the directions of stability switches are determined. In the case of growth rate dynamics, the local behavior of the trajectories is similar to that of the best response dynamics. Simulation studies verify and illustrate the theoretical findings.
Numerical Simulation and Multi-Objective Optimization of Partition Cooling in Hot Stamping of the Automotive B-Pillar Based on RSM and NSGA-II
Authors: Cui Maomao , Wang Zhao , Wang Leigang , Huang Yao
Published: September 2020

In this study, the simulation and optimization of the partition cooling in the hot stamping process was carried out for an automotive B-pillar through minimizing the maximum thickening rate and the maximum thinning rate located in the rapid and slow cooling zones. The optimization was implemented by investigating the process parameters such as friction coefficient, sheet austenitizing temperature, holding time, heating zone temperature, the upper binder force and the lower binder force. The optimal Latin hypercube design (OLHD), the response surface methodology (RSM) and the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) were combined to establish the relationship between process parameters and form quality objectives. After multi-objective optimization, the maximum thickening rate and the maximum thinning rate of the slow cooling zone and rapid cooling zone were 11.1% and 12.4%, 4.7% and 7.1%, respectively. Afterwards, the simulation was performed according to the optimized parameter combinations to analyze the temperature field, microstructure, tensile strength, hardness, thickening rate and thinning rate, and forming quality. Moreover, the hot stamping test and experimental results showed that the microstructure of the ferrite and pearlite structure was uniformly distributed in the slow cooling zone, and its tensile strength reached 680 MPa, the elongation was 11.4% and the hardness was 230.56 HV, while the lath martensite structure was obtained in the rapid cooling zone, with tensile strength of up to 1390 MPa, elongation of about 7.0% and hardness reaching 478.78 HV. The results of thickness, microstructure, tensile strength and the hardness test correspond well with the simulation results.
A Review and Perspective for the Development of Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG)-Based Self-Powered Neuroprosthetics
Authors: Wang Hao , Wu Tianzhun , Zeng Qi , Lee Chengkuo
Published: September 2020

Neuroprosthetics have become a powerful toolkit for clinical interventions of various diseases that affect the central nervous or peripheral nervous systems, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), functional electrical stimulation (FES), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), by electrically stimulating different neuronal structures. To prolong the lifetime of implanted devices, researchers have developed power sources with different approaches. Among them, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is the only one to achieve direct nerve stimulations, showing great potential in the realization of a self-powered neuroprosthetic system in the future. In this review, the current development and progress of the TENG-based stimulation of various kinds of nervous systems are systematically summarized. Then, based on the requirements of the neuroprosthetic system in a real application and the development of current techniques, a perspective of a more sophisticated neuroprosthetic system is proposed, which includes components of a thin-film TENG device with a biocompatible package, an amplification circuit to enhance the output, and a self-powered high-frequency switch to generate high-frequency current pulses for nerve stimulations. Then, we review and evaluate the recent development and progress of each part.
Resistance Profiling and Molecular Characterization of Extended-Spectrum/Plasmid-Mediated AmpC β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Healthy Broiler Chickens in South Korea
Authors: Song Hyun-Ju , Moon Dong Chan , Mechesso Abraham Fikru , Kang Hee Young , Kim Mi Hyun , Choi Ji-Hyun , Kim Su-Jeong , Yoon Soon-Seek , Lim Suk-Kyung
Published: September 2020

We aimed to identify and characterize extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-and/or plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamase (pAmpC)-producing Escherichia coli isolated from healthy broiler chickens slaughtered for human consumption in Korea. A total of 332 E. coli isolates were identified from 339 cloacal swabs in 2019. More than 90% of the isolates were resistant to multiple antimicrobials. ESBL/pAmpC-production was noted in 14% (46/332) of the isolates. Six of the CTX-M-β-lactamase-producing isolates were found to co-harbor at least one plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance gene. We observed the co-existence of blaCMY-2 and mcr-1 genes in the same isolate for the first time in Korea. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the majority of blaCMY-2-carrying isolates belonged to subgroup D. Conjugation confirmed the transferability of blaCTX-M and blaCMY-2 genes, as well as non-β-lactam resistance traits from 60.9% (28/46) of the ESBL/pAmpC-producing isolates to a recipient E. coli J53. The ISECP, IS903, and orf477 elements were detected in the upstream or downstream regions. The blaCTX-M and blaCMY-2 genes mainly belonged to the IncI1, IncHI2, and/or IncFII plasmids. Additionally, the majority of ESBL/pAmpC-producing isolates exhibited heterogeneous PFGE profiles. This study showed that healthy chickens act as reservoirs of ESBL/pAmpC-producing E. coli that can potentially be transmitted to humans.
A Novel Cytotoxic Conjugate Derived from the Natural Product Podophyllotoxin as a Direct-Target Protein Dual Inhibitor
Authors: Hernández Ángela-Patricia , Díez Paula , García Pablo A. , Pérez-Andrés Martín , Ortega Pablo , Jambrina Pablo G. , Díez David , Castro María Ángeles , Fuentes Manuel
Published: September 2020

Natural products are the ideal basis for the design of novel efficient molecular entities. Podophyllotoxin, a naturally occurring cyclolignan, is an example of natural product which displays a high versatility from a biological activity point of view. Based on its unique chemical structure, different derivatives have been synthesized presenting the original antitumoral properties associated with the compound, i.e., the tubulin polymerization inhibition and arising anti-topoisomerase II activity from structural modifications on the cyclolignan skeleton. In this report, we present a novel conjugate or hybrid which chemically combines both biological activities in one single molecule. Chemical design has been planned based in our lead compound, podophyllic aldehyde, as an inhibitor of tubulin polymerization, and in etoposide, an approved antitumoral drug targeting topoisomerase II. The cytotoxicity and selectivity of the novel synthetized hybrid has been evaluated in several cell lines of different solid tumors. In addition, these dual functional effects of the novel compound have been also evaluated by molecular docking approaches.
Design, Synthesis and Functional Analysis of Cyclic Opioid Peptides with Dmt-Tic Pharmacophore
Authors: Sarkar Arijit , Adamska-Bartlomiejczyk Anna , Piekielna-Ciesielska Justyna , Wtorek Karol , Kluczyk Alicja , Borics Attila , Janecka Anna
Published: September 2020

The opioid receptors are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family and are known to modulate a variety of biological functions, including pain perception. Despite considerable advances, the mechanisms by which opioid agonists and antagonists interact with their receptors and exert their effect are still not completely understood. In this report, six new hybrids of the Dmt-Tic pharmacophore and cyclic peptides, which were shown before to have a high affinity for the µ-opioid receptor (MOR) were synthesized and characterized pharmacologically in calcium mobilization functional assays. All obtained ligands turned out to be selective antagonists of the δ-opioid receptor (DOR) and did not activate or block the MOR. The three-dimensional structural determinants responsible for the DOR antagonist properties of these analogs were further investigated by docking studies. The results indicate that these compounds attach to the DOR in a slightly different orientation with respect to the Dmt-Tic pharmacophore than Dmt-TicΨ[CH2-NH]Phe-Phe-NH2 (DIPP-NH2[Ψ]), a prototypical DOR antagonist peptide. Key pharmacophoric contacts between the DOR and the ligands were maintained through an analogous spatial arrangement of pharmacophores, which could provide an explanation for the predicted high-affinity binding and the experimentally observed functional properties of the novel synthetic ligands.
Effect of Daily Intake of Green Tea Catechins on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Baba Yoshitake , Inagaki Shun , Nakagawa Sae , Kaneko Toshiyuki , Kobayashi Makoto , Takihara Takanobu
Published: September 2020

Epidemiological studies in Japan, including the Nakajima study and the Tsurugaya study, have indicated that green tea consumption may improve cognitive impairment. Catechins, which are typical polyphenols contained in green tea, have been reported to have antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. However, their impact on human cognitive function remains unclear. Therefore, we performed a double-blind, randomized, controlled study to investigate the effect of 336.4 mg of decaffeinated green tea catechins (GTC) on cognitive function after a single dose and after 12 weeks of daily intake. This study included Japanese adults between the ages of 50 and 69 years with a Mini-Mental State Examination Japanese version score of >24 and self-assessed cognitive decline. The Cognitrax testing battery was used to evaluate cognitive function. The incorrect response rate on the Continuous Performance Test significantly decreased after a single dose of GTC. After 12 weeks of daily GTC intake, the response time for Part 4 of the 4-part Continuous Performance Test, which is a two-back test, was shortened. These results suggest that daily intake of GTC might have beneficial effects on working memory.
Aptamer-Based In Vivo Therapeutic Targeting of Glioblastoma
Authors: Cesarini Valeriana , Scopa Chiara , Silvestris Domenico Alessandro , Scafidi Andrea , Petrera Valerio , Del Baldo Giada , Gallo Angela
Published: September 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive, infiltrative, and lethal brain tumor in humans. Despite the extensive advancement in the knowledge about tumor progression and treatment over the last few years, the prognosis of GBM is still very poor due to the difficulty of targeting drugs or anticancer molecules to GBM cells. The major challenge in improving GBM treatment implicates the development of a targeted drug delivery system, capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and specifically targeting GBM cells. Aptamers possess many characteristics that make them ideal novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of GBM. They are short single-stranded nucleic acids (RNA or ssDNA) able to bind to a molecular target with high affinity and specificity. Several GBM-targeting aptamers have been developed for imaging, tumor cell isolation from biopsies, and drug/anticancer molecule delivery to the tumor cells. Due to their properties (low immunogenicity, long stability, and toxicity), a large number of aptamers have been selected against GBM biomarkers and tested in GBM cell lines, while only a few of them have also been tested in in vivo models of GBM. Herein, we specifically focus on aptamers tested in GBM in vivo models that can be considered as new diagnostic and/or therapeutic tools for GBM patients’ treatment.
Key Applications and Potential Limitations of Ionic Liquid Membranes in the Gas Separation Process of CO2, CH4, N2, H2 or Mixtures of These Gases from Various Gas Streams
Authors: Elhenawy Salma , Khraisheh Majeda , AlMomani Fares , Hassan Mohamed
Published: September 2020

Heightened levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) have prompted research into techniques for their capture and separation, including membrane separation, chemical looping, and cryogenic distillation. Ionic liquids, due to their negligible vapour pressure, thermal stability, and broad electrochemical stability have expanded their application in gas separations. This work provides an overview of the recent developments and applications of ionic liquid membranes (ILMs) for gas separation by focusing on the separation of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrogen (N2), hydrogen (H2), or mixtures of these gases from various gas streams. The three general types of ILMs, such as supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs), ionic liquid polymeric membranes (ILPMs), and ionic liquid mixed-matrix membranes (ILMMMs) for the separation of various mixed gas systems, are discussed in detail. Furthermore, issues, challenges, computational studies and future perspectives for ILMs are also considered. The results of the analysis show that SILMs, ILPMs, and the ILMMs are very promising membranes that have great potential in gas separation processes. They offer a wide range of permeabilities and selectivities for CO2, CH4, N2, H2 or mixtures of these gases. In addition, a comparison was made based on the selectivity and permeability of SILMs, ILPMs, and ILMMMs for CO2/CH4 separation based on a Robeson’s upper bound curves.
Ionic Liquids as Antifungal Agents for Wood Preservation
Authors: Croitoru Catalin , Roata Ionut Claudiu
Published: September 2020

Ionic liquids represent a class of highly versatile organic compounds used extensively in the last decade for lignocellulose biomass fractionation and dissolution, as well as property modifiers for wood materials. This review is dedicated to the use of ionic liquids as antifungal agents for wood preservation. Wood preservation against fungal attack represents a relatively new domain of application for ionic liquids, emerging in the late 1990s. Comparing to other application domains of ionic liquids, this particular one has been relatively little researched. Ionic liquids may be promising as wood preservatives due to their ability to swell wood, which translates into better penetration ability and fixation into the bulk of the wood material than other conventional antifungal agents, avoiding leaching over time. The antifungal character of ionic liquids depends on the nature of their alkyl-substituted cation, on the size and position of their substituents, and of their anion. It pertains to a large variety of wood-colonizing fungi, both Basidiomycetes and Fungiimperfecti.
Silver Nanoparticles Alter Cell Viability Ex Vivo and in Vitro and Induce Proinflammatory Effects in Human Lung Fibroblasts
Authors: Löfdahl Anna , Jern Andreas , Flyman Samuel , Kåredal Monica , Karlsson Hanna L , Larsson-Callerfelt Anna-Karin
Published: September 2020

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are commonly used in commercial and medical applications. However, AgNPs may induce toxicity, extracellular matrix (ECM) changes and inflammatory responses. Fibroblasts are key players in remodeling processes and major producers of the ECM. The aims of this study were to explore the effect of AgNPs on cell viability, both ex vivo in murine precision cut lung slices (PCLS) and in vitro in human lung fibroblasts (HFL-1), and immunomodulatory responses in fibroblasts. PCLS and HFL-1 were exposed to AgNPs with different sizes, 10 nm and 75 nm, at concentrations 2 µg/mL and 10 μg/mL. Changes in synthesis of ECM proteins, growth factors and cytokines were analyzed in HFL-1. Ag10 and Ag75 affected cell viability, with significantly reduced metabolic activities at 10 μg/mL in both PCLS and HFL-1 after 48 h. AgNPs significantly increased procollagen I synthesis and release of IL-8, prostaglandin E2, RANTES and eotaxin, whereas reduced IL-6 release was observed in HFL-1 after 72 h. Our data indicate toxic effects of AgNP exposure on cell viability ex vivo and in vitro with altered procollagen and proinflammatory cytokine secretion in fibroblasts over time. Hence, careful characterizations of AgNPs are of importance, and future studies should include timepoints beyond 24 h.
Photoactive Tungsten-Oxide Nanomaterials for Water-Splitting
Authors: Shabdan Yerkin , Markhabayeva Aiymkul , Bakranov Nurlan , Nuraje Nurxat
Published: September 2020

This review focuses on tungsten oxide (WO3) and its nanocomposites as photoactive nanomaterials for photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) applications since it possesses exceptional properties such as photostability, high electron mobility (~12 cm2 V−1 s−1) and a long hole-diffusion length (~150 nm). Although WO3 has demonstrated oxygen-evolution capability in PEC, further increase of its PEC efficiency is limited by high recombination rate of photogenerated electron/hole carriers and slow charge transfer at the liquid–solid interface. To further increase the PEC efficiency of the WO3 photocatalyst, designing WO3 nanocomposites via surface–interface engineering and doping would be a great strategy to enhance the PEC performance via improving charge separation. This review starts with the basic principle of water-splitting and physical chemistry properties of WO3, that extends to various strategies to produce binary/ternary nanocomposites for PEC, particulate photocatalysts, Z-schemes and tandem-cell applications. The effect of PEC crystalline structure and nanomorphologies on efficiency are included. For both binary and ternary WO3 nanocomposite systems, the PEC performance under different conditions—including synthesis approaches, various electrolytes, morphologies and applied bias—are summarized. At the end of the review, a conclusion and outlook section concluded the WO3 photocatalyst-based system with an overview of WO3 and their nanocomposites for photocatalytic applications and provided the readers with potential research directions.
Purified Gymnemic Acids from Gymnema inodorum Tea Inhibit 3T3-L1 Cell Differentiation into Adipocytes
Authors: Saiki Papawee , Kawano Yasuhiro , Ogi Takayuki , Klungsupya Prapaipat , Muangman Thanchanok , Phantanaprates Wimonsri , Kongchinda Papitchaya , Pinnak Nantaporn , Miyazaki Koyomi
Published: September 2020

Gymnema inodorum (GI) is an indigenous medicinal plant and functional food in Thailand that has recently helped to reduce plasma glucose levels in healthy humans. It is renowned for the medicinal properties of gymnemic acid and its ability to suppress glucose absorption. However, the effects of gymnemic acids on adipogenesis that contribute to the accumulation of adipose tissues associated with obesity remain unknown. The present study aimed to determine the effects of gymnemic acids derived from GI tea on adipogenesis. We purified and identified GiA-7 and stephanosides C and B from GI tea that inhibited adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. These compounds also suppressed the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparγ)-dependent genes, indicating that they inhibit lipid accumulation and the early stage of 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Only GiA-7 induced the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) and pparγ coactivator 1 alpha (Pgc1α), suggesting that GiA-7 induces mitochondrial activity and beige-like adipocytes. This is the first finding of stephanosides C and B in Gymnema inodorum. Our results suggested that GiA-7 and stephanosides C and B from GI tea could help to prevent obesity.
A National e-Health Program for the Prevention and Management of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence in Greece
Authors: Tragomalou Athanasia , Moschonis George , Kassari Penio , Papageorgiou Ifigeneia , Genitsaridi Sofia-Maria , Karampatsou Sofia , Manios Yannis , Charmandari Evangelia
Published: September 2020

Obesity in childhood and adolescence represents one of the most challenging public health problems of the 21st century owing to its epidemic proportions worldwide and the associated significant morbidity, mortality and public health costs. In Greece, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence exceeds 30–35%. To address the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in our country, we developed the ‘National e-Health Program for the Prevention and Management of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence’, which provides specific and detailed guidance to all primary health care physicians about the personalized management of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. In the present study we evaluated 2400 children and adolescents [mean age ± SEM: 10.10 ± 0.09 years.; Males: 1088, Females: 1312; Obesity (n = 1370, 57.1%), Overweight (n = 674, 28.1%), normal BMI (n = 356, 14.8%)], who followed the personalized multi-disciplinary management plan specified by the ‘National e-Health Program for the Prevention and Management of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence’, and were studied prospectively for 1 year. We demonstrated that at the end of the first year, the prevalence of obesity decreased by 32.1%, the prevalence of overweight decreased by 26.7%, and the cardiometabolic risk factors improved significantly. These findings indicate that our National e-Health Program is effective at reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence after one year of intervention in the largest sample size reported to date.
Health Professionals’ and Health Professional Trainees’ Views on Addictive Eating Behaviours: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Burrows Tracy , Verdejo-Garcia Antonio , Carter Adrian , Brown Robyn M. , Andrews Zane B. , Dayas Chris V. , Hardman Charlotte A. , Loxton Natalie , Sumithran Priya , Whatnall Megan
Published: September 2020

Despite increasing research on the concept of addictive eating, there is currently no published evidence on the views of health professionals who potentially consult with patients presenting with addictive eating behaviours, or of students training to become health professionals. This study aimed to explore the views and understanding of addictive eating behaviours among health professionals and health professionals in training and to identify potential gaps in professional development training. An international online cross-sectional survey was conducted in February–April 2020. The survey (70 questions, 6 key areas) assessed participants’ opinions and clinical experience of addictive eating; opinions on control, responsibility, and stigma relating to addictive eating; and knowledge of addictive eating and opinions on professional development training. In total, 142 health professionals and 33 health professionals in training completed the survey (mean age 38.1 ± 12.5 years, 65% from Australia/16% from the U.K.) Of the health professionals, 47% were dietitians and 16% were psychologists. Most participants (n = 126, 72%) reported that they have been asked by individuals about addictive eating. Half of the participants reported that they consider the term food addiction to be stigmatising for individuals (n = 88). Sixty percent (n = 105) reported that they were interested/very interested in receiving addictive eating training, with the top two preferred formats being online and self-paced, and face-to-face. These results demonstrate that addictive eating is supported by health professionals as they consult with patients presenting with this behaviour, which supports the views of the general community and demonstrates a need for health professional training.
Non-Viral Targeted Nucleic Acid Delivery: Apply Sequences for Optimization
Authors: Wang Yanfang , Wagner Ernst
Published: September 2020

In nature, genomes have been optimized by the evolution of their nucleic acid sequences. The design of peptide-like carriers as synthetic sequences provides a strategy for optimizing multifunctional targeted nucleic acid delivery in an iterative process. The optimization of sequence-defined nanocarriers differs for different nucleic acid cargos as well as their specific applications. Supramolecular self-assembly enriched the development of a virus-inspired non-viral nucleic acid delivery system. Incorporation of DNA barcodes presents a complementary approach of applying sequences for nanocarrier optimization. This strategy may greatly help to identify nucleic acid carriers that can overcome pharmacological barriers and facilitate targeted delivery in vivo. Barcode sequences enable simultaneous evaluation of multiple nucleic acid nanocarriers in a single test organism for in vivo biodistribution as well as in vivo bioactivity.
Imaging of the Effect of Alcohol-Containing Media on the Performance of Hypromellose Hydrophilic Matrix Tablets: Comparison of Direct Compression and Regular Grades of Polymer
Authors: Mawla Nihad , Hanley Sarah , Walton Karl , Kaialy Waseem , Hussain Tariq , Ward Adam , Brown Jonathan , Conway Barbara R. , Timmins Peter , Asare-Addo Kofi
Published: September 2020

As the ingestion of drug products with alcohol could have adverse effects on the release of drugs from dosage forms, it is important to understand the mechanisms underpinning the influence on drug release by evaluating the effect of alcohol-containing media on the behaviour of pharmaceutical excipients. In this work, the effect of hydroalcoholic media containing up to 40% v/v absolute ethanol was evaluated, employing both the regular (CR) and direct compression grades (DC) of hypromellose. X-ray microtomography (XµT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used as complementary techniques in determining the influence of the media composition on the ability of the CR and DC polymers to form and evolve the gel layer that controls drug release. Particle and powder properties of the polymer were characterised to determine any relationship to performance in hydroalcoholic media. Triboelectrification results showed the CR grade formulation to charge electropositively whereas the DC grade charged electronegatively. The flow properties also showed the DC grade to have a superior flow as compared to its CR counterpart. Differences in particle morphology between the grades influenced charging and flow behaviour of the powders; however, it did not seem to impact significantly either on the mechanical strength or the drug release properties of the compacted formulation using the model drug propranolol HCl. XµT and MRI imaging were successfully used as complementary techniques in determining the gel layer/hydration layer thickness measurements as the layer developed, as well as following ingress of hydroalcoholic media and its impact on the dry core. The result showed that although differences were present in the gel layer thickness potentially due to differences in particle morphology, this also did not impact significantly on the dissolution process, especially in acidic and hydroalcoholic media.
Correlation between Elemental Composition/Mobility and Skin Cell Proliferation of Fibrous Nanoclay/Spring Water Hydrogels
Authors: García-Villén Fátima , Sánchez-Espejo Rita , Borrego-Sánchez Ana , Cerezo Pilar , Cucca Lucia , Sandri Giuseppina , Viseras César
Published: September 2020

Inorganic hydrogels formulated with spring waters and clay minerals are used to treat musculoskeletal disorders and skin affections. Their underlying mechanism of action for skin disorders is not clear, although it is usually ascribed to the chemical composition of the formulation. The aim of this study was to assess the composition and in vitro release of elements with potential wound healing effects from hydrogels prepared with two nanoclays and natural spring water. In vitro Franz cell studies were used and the element concentration was measured by inductively coupled plasma techniques. Biocompatibility studies were used to evaluate the potential toxicity of the formulation against fibroblasts. The studied hydrogels released elements with known therapeutic interest in wound healing. The released ratios of some elements, such as Mg:Ca or Zn:Ca, played a significant role in the final therapeutic activity of the formulation. In particular, the proliferative activity of fibroblasts was ascribed to the release of Mn and the Zn:Ca ratio. Moreover, the importance of formulative studies is highlighted, since it is the optimal combination of the correct ingredients that makes a formulation effective.
Effects of Poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) on the Microstructure, Thermal, Rheological, and Mechanical Properties of Thermotropic Liquid Crystalline Polyester Blends
Authors: Lee Sang Hoon , Jeon Ha-Bin , Hwang Gyu-Hyun , Kwon Young Seung , Lee Ji-Su , Park Gyu-Tae , Kim Soo-Yeon , Kang Ha-Eun , Choi Eun-Ji , Jang Sun-Hwa , Lee Youn Eung , Jeong Young Gyu
Published: September 2020

In this study, a series of thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester (TLCP)-based blends containing 1–30 wt% poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PEGMA) were fabricated by masterbatch-assisted melt-compounding. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a uniformly dispersed microfibrillar structure for the TLCP component in cryogenically-fractured blends, without any phase-separated domains. The FT-IR spectra showed that the carbonyl stretching bands of TLCP/PEGMA blends shifted to higher wavenumbers, suggesting the presence of specific interactions and/or grafting reactions between carboxyl/hydroxyl groups of TLCP and glycidyl methacrylate groups of PEGMA. Accordingly, the melting and crystallization temperatures of the PEGMA component in the blends were greatly lowered compared to the TLCP component. The thermal decomposition peak temperatures of the PEGMA and TLCP components in the blends were characterized as higher than those of neat PEGMA and neat TLCP, respectively. From the rheological data collected at 300 °C, the shear moduli and complex viscosities for the blend with 30 wt% PEGMA were found to be much higher than those of neat PEGMA, which supports the existence of PEGMA-g-TLCP formed during the melt-compounding. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA) analyses demonstrated that the storage moduli of the blends decreased slightly with the PEGMA content up to 3 wt%, increased at the PEGMA content of 5 wt%, and decreased again at PEGMA contents above 7 wt%. The maximum storage moduli for the blend with 5 wt% PEGMA are interpreted to be due to the reinforcing effect of PEGMA-g-TLCP copolymers.