bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Battery Equalizer Circuits for Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Alvarez-Diazcomas Alfredo , Estévez-Bén Adyr A. , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal , Martínez-Prado Miguel-Angel , Carrillo-Serrano Roberto V. , Thenozhi Suresh
Published: October 2020

Electric vehicles (EVs) are an alternative to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, as they can reduce the environmental impact of transportation. The bottleneck for EVs is the high-voltage battery pack, which utilizes most of the space and increases the weight of the vehicle. Currently, the main challenge for the electronics industry is the cell equalization of the battery pack. This paper gives an overview of the research works related to battery equalizer circuits (BECs) used in EV applications. Several simulations were carried out for the main BEC topologies with the same initial conditions. The results obtained were used to perform a quantitative analysis between these schemes. Moreover, this review highlights important issues, challenges, variables and parameters associated with the battery pack equalizers and provides recommendations for future investigations. We think that this work will lead to an increase in efforts on the development of an advanced BEC for EV applications.
Lithium-Ion Battery SoC Equilibrium: An Artificial Potential Field-Based Method
Authors: Liao Hongtao , Jiang Fu , Jin Cheng , Wu Yue , Li Heng , Liu Yongjie , Huang Zhiwu , Peng Jun
Published: October 2020

Battery balance methods are the key technology to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the energy storage systems. Nevertheless, convenient balance methods experience slow convergence and difficult to adapt to quick charging applications. To solve the problem, in this paper, an artificial potential field-based lithium-ion battery balance method is proposed. Firstly, a cyber-physical model of the battery equalization system is proposed, in which the physical layer models the circuit components and the cyber layer represents the communication topology between the batteries. Then the virtual force function is established by artificial potential field to attract the voltage and state-of-charge of each cell to nominal values. With a feedback control law, the charging current of the battery is reasonably distributed to realize the rapid balance among batteries. The experimental results verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Phase Voltage-Oriented Control of a PMSG Wind Generator for Unity Power Factor Correction
Authors: Tsai Ming-Fa , Tseng Chung-Shi , Lin Bor-Yuh
Published: October 2020

This paper presents the power factor control of a permanent magnet synchronous wind generator (PMSG) wind turbine using a phase voltage-oriented control (PVOC) scheme, which is different from the conventional rotor flux-oriented control (RFOC) method and without using a rotor position sensor or sensorless estimator. The proposed control system is operated in two separately synchronously rotating d-q frames. One is for a phase-locked loop (PLL) and the other is for the PVOC current control loop. A PI controller functioned as a low-pass filter in the PLL loop is designed for extracting the phase voltage angle for the coordinate transformation between the stationary α-β frame and the synchronously rotating d-q frame in the PVOC control loop. The d-q modeling of the PMSG with the three-phase voltage vector aligned on the d-axis is then derived and based on which an another PI controller followed by decoupling control is designed, so that the three-phase currents are in phase with the three-phase output voltages of the wind generator for unity power factor correction. The simulation results in PSIM show the performance of the proposed control system which is also experimentally verified by using a TI TMS320F28335 digital control chip.
Molecular Determinants of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Authors: Franco Diego
Published: October 2020

Cardiac arrhythmias are defined as electrical disorders of the pumping heart, including therein a wide range of physiopathological entities [...]
Comparative Study of the Restorative Effects of Forest and Urban Videos during COVID-19 Lockdown: Intrinsic and Benchmark Values
Authors: Zabini Federica , Albanese Lorenzo , Becheri Francesco Riccardo , Gavazzi Gioele , Giganti Fiorenza , Giovanelli Fabio , Gronchi Giorgio , Guazzini Andrea , Laurino Marco , Li Qing , Marzi Tessa , Mastorci Francesca , Meneguzzo Francesco , Righi Stefania , Viggiano Maria Pia
Published: October 2020

The prolonged lockdown imposed to contain the COrona VIrus Disease 19 COVID-19 pandemic prevented many people from direct contact with nature and greenspaces, raising alarms for a possible worsening of mental health. This study investigated the effectiveness of a simple and affordable remedy for improving psychological well-being, based on audio-visual stimuli brought by a short computer video showing forest environments, with an urban video as a control. Randomly selected participants were assigned the forest or urban video, to look at and listen to early in the morning, and questionnaires to fill out. In particular, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Form Y collected in baseline condition and at the end of the study and the Part II of the Sheehan Patient Rated Anxiety Scale (SPRAS) collected every day immediately before and after watching the video. The virtual exposure to forest environments showed effective to reduce perceived anxiety levels in people forced by lockdown in limited spaces and environmental deprivation. Although significant, the effects were observed only in the short term, highlighting the limitation of the virtual experiences. The reported effects might also represent a benchmark to disentangle the determinants of health effects due to real forest experiences, for example, the inhalation of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC).
Technostress Dark Side of Technology in the Workplace: A Scientometric Analysis
Authors: Bondanini Giorgia , Giorgi Gabriele , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Vega-Muñoz Alejandro , Andreucci-Annunziata Paola
Published: October 2020

This article aims to provide a critical review of the scientific research on technostress. As such, global references in this field are identified and highlighted in order to manage pre-existing knowledge and establish future ‘bridges’ among researchers, and to enhance the presently dispersed understanding of this subject. A scientometric meta-analysis of publications on technostress was conducted to achieve this objective. Mainstream journals from the Web of Science (WoS) were used to identify current topics, relevant journals, prolific authors, institutions, and countries, ‘schools of thought’ and the thematic areas around which current technostress debate revolves. In this article a significant contribution comes from the use of the scientific activity itself, together with scientometric meta-analysis techniques and the application of this scientific activity, its impact and relational character, to discover relevant countries, research organizations and authors which can constitute a global reference to demarcate this knowledge frontier, and who lead the ‘critical mass’ of global technostress researchers. This study also distinguishes between the relevant themes studied, with co-keywords plus bibliographic coupling citation, and examines the kind of stress the most prolific authors have considered and, therefore, to discover those topics which should be studied further to deepen this research field, in search of a post-disciplinary knowledge that allows unity of focus in technology and psychology.
Association of Short-Term Exposure to Meteorological Factors and Risk of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Zhihui , Meng Yongna , Xiang Hao , Lu Yuanan , Liu Suyang
Published: October 2020

(1) Background: Inconsistencies were observed in studies on the relationship between short-term exposure to meteorological factors and the risk of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to assess the overall effects of meteorological factors on the incidence of HFMD to help clarify these inconsistencies and serve as a piece of evidence for policy makers to determine relevant risk factors. (2) Methods: Articles published as of 24 October 2020, were searched in the four databases, namely, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and MEDLINE. We applied a meta-analysis to assess the impact of ambient temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and sunshine duration on the incidence of HFMD. We conducted subgroup analyses by exposure metrics, exposure time resolution, regional climate, national income level, gender, and age as a way to seek the source of heterogeneity. (3) Results: Screening by the given inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 28 studies were included in the analysis. We observed that the incidence of HFMD based on the single-day lag model is significantly associated with ambient temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and wind speed. In the cumulative lag model, ambient temperature and relative humidity significantly increased the incidence of HFMD as well. Subgroup analysis showed that extremely high temperature and relative humidity significantly increased the risk of HFMD. Temperate regions, high-income countries, and children under five years old are major risk factors for HFMD. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that various meteorological factors can increase the incidence of HFMD. Therefore, the general public, especially susceptible populations, should pay close attention to weather changes and take protective measures in advance.
Change in China’s SRB: A Dynamic Spatial Panel Approach
Authors: Ge Tingshuai , Mei Li , Tai Xiujun , Jiang Quanbao
Published: October 2020

There has been some research on factors affecting China’s rising sex ratio at birth (SRB), but the spatial dependence has been largely neglected. With China’s census and sample survey data and the dynamic spatial Durbin model; we analyzed the changes in SRB in China. We found that SRB and its influencing factors were spatially correlated at the provincial level. For direct effects; urbanization significantly reduced SRB in this region; while strict family planning policies increased SRB in the local region. For indirect effects; the increase in per capita Gross Domestic Product and urbanization led to an increase in the SRB of the neighboring regions through population mobility. By comparison; educational improvement in one region benefited the neighboring provinces and reduced SRB.
PFAS Environmental Pollution and Antioxidant Responses: An Overview of the Impact on Human Field
Authors: Bonato Marco , Corrà Francesca , Bellio Marta , Guidolin Laura , Tallandini Laura , Irato Paola , Santovito Gianfranco
Published: October 2020

Due to their unique properties, perfluorinated substances (PFAS) are widely used in multiple industrial and commercial applications, but they are toxic for animals, humans included. This review presents some available data on the PFAS environmental distribution in the world, and in particular in Europe and in the Veneto region of Italy, where it has become a serious problem for human health. The consumption of contaminated food and drinking water is considered one of the major source of exposure for humans. Worldwide epidemiological studies report the negative effects that PFAS have on human health, due to environmental pollution, including infertility, steroid hormone perturbation, thyroid, liver and kidney disorders, and metabolic disfunctions. In vitro and in vivo researches correlated PFAS exposure to oxidative stress effects (in mammals as well as in other vertebrates of human interest), produced by a PFAS-induced increase of reactive oxygen species formation. The cellular antioxidant defense system is activated by PFAS, but it is only partially able to avoid the oxidative damage to biomolecules.
Vitamin D and Calcium Milk Fortification in Pregnant Women with Periodontitis: A Feasibility Trial
Authors: Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye Amanda , Dias Santana Danilo , Guedes Cocate Paula , Benaim Camila , Teixeira dos Santos Pedro Paulo , Heitmann Berit Lilienthal , da Veiga Soares Carvalho Maria Cláudia , Maia Schlüssel Michael , Trindade de Castro Maria Beatriz , Kac Gilberto
Published: October 2020

This study aims to assess the acceptability, adherence, and retention of a feasibility trial on milk fortification with calcium and vitamin D (Ca + VitD) and periodontal therapy (PT) among low income Brazilian pregnant women with periodontitis (IMPROVE trial). This 2 × 2 factorial feasibility trial used a mixed-methods evaluation. In total, 69 pregnant women were randomly allocated to four groups: 1. fortified sachet with Ca+VitD and milk plus early PT (throughout gestation); 2. placebo and milk plus early PT; 3. fortified sachet with Ca+VitD and milk plus late PT after childbirth; 4. placebo and milk plus late PT. Data were collected via questionnaires, field notes, participant flow logs, treatment diary, and focal group discussions. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using appropriate descriptive statistics and content analysis, respectively. Eligibility rate (12%) was below the target of 15%, but participation (76.1%) and recruitment rate (2 women/week) exceeded the targets. Retention rate (78.6%) was slightly below the target (80%). Adherence to the PT was significantly higher in the early treatment groups (98.8%) compared to the late treatment groups (29%). All women accepted the random allocation, and baseline groups were balanced. There was no report of adverse events. This multi-component intervention is acceptable, well-tolerated, and feasible among low-risk pregnant women in Brazil.
Experts and Gamers on Immersion into Reconstructed Strongholds
Authors: Medyńska-Gulij Beata , Zagata Krzysztof
Published: October 2020

In this study, we have touched upon a problem in evaluating the method of immersion in specific historico-geographical virtual space constructed on the basis of traditional cartographic and graphic materials. We have obtained opinions from two groups of users on the perception of cultural objects reconstructed in a virtual reality previously unknown to them. To achieve our objective and answer the questions, we have adopted four main stages of research: to pinpoint concepts adopted by researchers by discussing two types of approach, to create a virtual reality application according to the scheme based on knowledge from analog sources and digital actions in several workspaces, to prepare and conduct a survey among experts and gamers, and to graphically juxtapose the results of the survey. The evaluation by experts in medieval strongholds and serious story game users of the specific ways of immersion in the VR of reconstructed buildings in the current area provides researchers with an extended view of its effectiveness and attractiveness as well as with suggestions for further design processes.
Ischemic Heart Disease Pathophysiology Paradigms Overview: From Plaque Activation to Microvascular Dysfunction
Authors: Severino Paolo , D'Amato Andrea , Pucci Mariateresa , Infusino Fabio , Adamo Francesco , Birtolo Lucia Ilaria , Netti Lucrezia , Montefusco Giulio , Chimenti Cristina , Lavalle Carlo , Maestrini Viviana , Mancone Massimo , Chilian William M. , Fedele Francesco
Published: October 2020

Ischemic heart disease still represents a large burden on individuals and health care resources worldwide. By conventions, it is equated with atherosclerotic plaque due to flow-limiting obstruction in large–medium sized coronary arteries. However, clinical, angiographic and autoptic findings suggest a multifaceted pathophysiology for ischemic heart disease and just some cases are caused by severe or complicated atherosclerotic plaques. Currently there is no well-defined assessment of ischemic heart disease pathophysiology that satisfies all the observations and sometimes the underlying mechanism to everyday ischemic heart disease ward cases is misleading. In order to better examine this complicated disease and to provide future perspectives, it is important to know and analyze the pathophysiological mechanisms that underline it, because ischemic heart disease is not always determined by atherosclerotic plaque complication. Therefore, in order to have a more complete comprehension of ischemic heart disease we propose an overview of the available pathophysiological paradigms, from plaque activation to microvascular dysfunction.
How the Pathological Microenvironment Affects the Behavior of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Bonifazi Martina , Di Vincenzo Mariangela , Caffarini Miriam , Mei Federico , Salati Michele , Zuccatosta Lina , Refai Majed , Mattioli-Belmonte Monica , Gasparini Stefano , Orciani Monia
Published: October 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic disease characterized by fibroblasts activation, ECM accumulation, and diffused alveolar inflammation. The role of inflammation in IPF is still controversial and its involvement may follow nontraditional mechanisms. It is seen that a pathological microenvironment may affect cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that may be able to sustain the inflamed microenvironment and influence the surrounding cells. Here MSCs have been isolated from fibrotic (IPF-MSCs) and control (C-MSCs) lung tissue; first cells were characterized and compared by the expression of molecules related to ECM, inflammation, and other interdependent pathways such as hypoxia and oxidative stress. Subsequently, MSCs were co-cultured between them and with NHLF to test the effects of the cellular crosstalk. Results showed that pathological microenvironment modified the features of MSCs: IPF-MSCs, compared to C-MSCs, express higher level of molecules related to ECM, inflammation, oxidative stress, and hypoxia; notably, when co-cultured with C-MSCs and NHLF, IPF-MSCs are able to induce a pathological phenotype on the surrounding cell types. In conclusion, in IPF the pathological microenvironment affects MSCs that in turn can modulate the behavior of other cell types favoring the progression of IPF.
Contradictory Effects of NLRP3 Inflammasome Regulatory Mechanisms in Colitis
Authors: Wagatsuma Kohei , Nakase Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

The inflammasome is an intracellular molecular complex, which is mainly involved in innate immunity. Inflammasomes are formed in response to danger signals, associated with infection and injury, and mainly regulate the secretion of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18. Inflammasome dysregulation is known to be associated with various diseases and conditions, and its regulatory mechanisms have become of great interest in recent years. In the colon, inflammasomes have been reported to be associated with autophagy and the microbiota, and their dysregulation contributes to colitis and. However, the detailed role of inflammasomes in inflammatory bowel disease is still under debate because the mechanisms that regulate the inflammasome are complex and the inflammasome components and cytokines show seemingly contradictory multiple effects. Herein, we comprehensively review the literature on inflammasome functioning in the colon and describe the complex interactions of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components with inflammatory cytokines, autophagy, and the microbiota in experimental colitis models and patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Ultra-Wideband Flexible Absorber in Microwave Frequency Band
Authors: Fan Shicheng , Song Yaoliang
Published: October 2020

In this paper, an ultra-wideband flexible absorber is proposed. Based on a summary of the absorption mechanism, using lossless air to replace the heavy lossy dielectric layer will not substantially impact the absorption. The dielectric layer is only a thin layer of polyimide. The proposed absorber is a sandwich structure. The surface is a layer of copper metal ring and wire, and it is loaded with chip resistors to expand the absorber bandwidth. Simulated results show that the bandwidth of the proposed absorber, with an absorptivity of more than 90%, is 2.55–10.07 GHz, with a relative bandwidth over 119.2%. When the electromagnetic wave has a wide incident angle, the absorber still maintains a high absorption. This absorber has been fabricated by FPC (flexible printed circuit) technology. The proposed absorber was attached to the cylinder and measured. The measurement results are roughly the same as the simulation results. The fabricated absorber is easy to carry and flexible, such that it can easily be conformed to irregular objects. The proposed absorber is polarization-insensitive, low profile, thin, and portable, so it is easier to apply in a variety of practical fields.
Fabrication, Mechanical Properties and In-Vitro Behavior of Akermanite Bioceramic
Authors: Tavangarian Fariborz , Zolko Caleb A. , Sadeghzade Sorour , Fayed Marwan , Davami Keivan
Published: October 2020

Pure nanocrystalline akermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) powder was synthesized by mechanical activation with subsequent annealing of talc, calcium carbonate, and silicate powders as the initial materials. Powder samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The results showed that pure nanocrystalline akermanite with a crystalline size of 35 nm was synthesized after ball milling the initial powders for 20 h with subsequent annealing at 900 °C for 1 h. Mechanical properties of bulk akermanite samples were studied as well. The results showed that the produced akermanite tablets sintered at 1200 °C for 5 h had a Young’s modulus of 3800 MPa, an ultimate compressive strength of 24.7 MPa, and a density of 2.489 g/cm3. The in-vitro behavior of the produced akermanite was evaluated by soaking the samples in an SBF solution. The results showed that the produced akermanite had the apatite formation ability on its surface and can be a good candidate for bone tissue engineering applications.
Synthesis of Porous Proton Ion Conducting Solid Polymer Blend Electrolytes Based on PVA: CS Polymers: Structural, Morphological and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Nofal Muaffaq M. , Aziz Shujahadeen B. , Hadi Jihad M. , Abdulwahid Rebar T. , Dannoun Elham M. A. , Marif Ayub Shahab , Al-Zangana Shakhawan , Zafar Qayyum , Brza M. A. , Kadir M. F. Z.
Published: October 2020

In this study, porous cationic hydrogen (H+) conducting polymer blend electrolytes with an amorphous structure were prepared using a casting technique. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), chitosan (CS), and NH4SCN were used as raw materials. The peak broadening and drop in intensity of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the electrolyte systems established the growth of the amorphous phase. The porous structure is associated with the amorphous nature, which was visualized through the field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images. The enhancement of DC ionic conductivity with increasing salt content was observed up to 40 wt.% of the added salt. The dielectric and electric modulus results were helpful in understanding the ionic conductivity behavior. The transfer number measurement (TNM) technique was used to determine the ion (tion) and electron (telec) transference numbers. The high electrochemical stability up to 2.25 V was recorded using the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) technique.
Prediction of Important Factors for Bleeding in Liver Cirrhosis Disease Using Ensemble Data Mining Approach
Authors: Aleksić Aleksandar , Nedeljković Slobodan , Jovanović Mihailo , Ranđelović Miloš , Vuković Marko , Stojanović Vladica , Radovanović Radovan , Ranđelović Milan , Ranđelović Dragan
Published: October 2020

The main motivation to conduct the study presented in this paper was the fact that due to the development of improved solutions for prediction risk of bleeding and thus a faster and more accurate diagnosis of complications in cirrhotic patients, mortality of cirrhosis patients caused by bleeding of varices fell at the turn in the 21th century. Due to this fact, an additional research in this field is needed. The objective of this paper is to develop one prediction model that determines most important factors for bleeding in liver cirrhosis, which is useful for diagnosis and future treatment of patients. To achieve this goal, authors proposed one ensemble data mining methodology, as the most modern in the field of prediction, for integrating on one new way the two most commonly used techniques in prediction, classification with precede attribute number reduction and multiple logistic regression for calibration. Method was evaluated in the study, which analyzed the occurrence of variceal bleeding for 96 patients from the Clinical Center of Nis, Serbia, using 29 data from clinical to the color Doppler. Obtained results showed that proposed method with such big number and different types of data demonstrates better characteristics than individual technique integrated into it.
Lipopeptide Epimers and a Phthalide Glycerol Ether with AChE Inhibitory Activities from the Marine-Derived Fungus Cochliobolus Lunatus SCSIO41401
Authors: Dai Yu , Li Kunlong , She Jianglian , Zeng Yanbo , Wang Hao , Liao Shengrong , Lin Xiuping , Yang Bin , Wang Junfeng , Tao Huaming , Dai Haofu , Zhou Xuefeng , Liu Yonghong
Published: October 2020

A pair of novel lipopeptide epimers, sinulariapeptides A (1) and B (2), and a new phthalide glycerol ether (3) were isolated from the marine algal-associated fungus Cochliobolus lunatus SCSIO41401, together with three known chromanone derivates (4–6). The structures of the new compounds, including the absolute configurations, were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic methods, experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and Mo2 (OAc)4-induced ECD methods. The new compounds 1–3 showed moderate inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), with IC50 values of 1.3–2.5 μM, and an in silico molecular docking study was also performed.
Genetics of Marine Organisms Associated with Human Health
Authors: Herak Bosnar Maja , Ćetković Helena , Harcet Matija
Published: November 2020

The aim of this special issue was to provide insight into the field of research on genetics and genomics of marine organisms linked with human health [...]
Ring-Shaped Baffle Effect on Separation Performance of Lithium Carbonate Micro Particles in a Centrifugal Classifier
Authors: Kim Moonjeong , Cha Jemyung , Go Jeung Sang
Published: October 2020

In this work, a centrifugal classifier for separating lithium carbonate particles, used as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, was investigated. This work numerically evaluates the internal flow and particle separation performance of the centrifugal classifier. The complex turbulent flow field in the classifier is key to understanding particle motion. A Reynolds stress model, to describe air flow field, and a discrete phase model, to track particle motion, were applied to a numerical simulation. Design parameters such as mass flow rate and rotor speed were investigated, and a ring-shaped baffle, in particular, was designed to investigate the effects of flow and particle separation in the centrifugal classifier. The simple geometry of the baffle changes the movement direction of unseparated particles to the rotor cage region, and increases the local air velocity in the separation zone. The numerical analysis results were verified through a baffle experiment.
Performance Evaluation of a Commercial Real-Time PCR Assay and of an In-House Real-Time PCR for Trypanosoma cruzi DNA Detection in a Tropical Medicine Reference Center, Northern Italy
Authors: Longoni Silvia Stefania , Pomari Elena , Antonelli Alberto , Formenti Fabio , Silva Ronaldo , Tais Stefano , Scarso Salvatore , Rossolini Gian Maria , Angheben Andrea , Perandin Francesca
Published: October 2020

Chagas disease, a neglected protozoal disease endemic in Latin America, is also currently considered an emerging threat in nonendemic areas because of population movements. The detection of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA is increasingly being considered as important evidence to support Chagas disease diagnoses. However, further performance evaluation of molecular assays is useful for a standardization of strategy considering the whole process in routine diagnosis, especially for the different settings such as endemic and nonendemic countries. Seventy-five samples were collected from subjects screened for Chagas disease in Italy. The DNA was isolated from blood using automated extraction. We evaluated the performance of the commercial RealCycler® CHAG kit (pmPCR) based on satellite DNA (SatDNA) and of an in-house real-time PCR (ihPCR) targeting Sat and kinetoplast (k) DNAs, using the concordance of two serology assays as a reference standard. The sensitivity of kDNA and SatDNA tests by ihPCR and SatDNA by pmPCR were 14.29% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.38 to 26.22), 7.14% (95% CI 1.98 to 17.29), and 7.14% (95% CI 1.98 to 17.29), respectively. Specificity was 100% for all PCR assays and targets. Overall, our results suggest that the preferred approach for clinical laboratories is to combine the kDNA and SatDNA as targets in order to minimize false-negative results increasing sensitivity.
Effect of Fungi on Metabolite Changes in Kimchi During Fermentation
Authors: Seo Seung-Ho , Park Seong-Eun , Kim Eun-Ju , Cho Kwang-Moon , Kwon Sun Jae , Son Hong-Seok
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of fungi on kimchi metabolites during fermentation. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) based metabolite profiling approach in combination with principal component analysis (PCA) is performed to differentiate metabolites produced by fungi or bacteria. To avoid bacterial growth, kimchi is treated with 100 μg/mL of ampicillin every three days from 30 to 50 days of fermentation. The relative content of the major fungi at 50 days of fermentation, between the control group and the ampicillin treatment group, was not significantly different. The administration of ampicillin changed the metabolites in kimchi by affecting the growth of kimchi bacteria. Based on the pattern of change of each metabolite, the changed metabolites are grouped into four categories: (1) metabolites produced or consumed by fungi, (2) metabolites involving both fungi and bacteria, (3) metabolites produced or consumed by bacteria, and (4) metabolites of undetermined origin. Alanine, thymine, galacturonic acid, and malonic acid can be regarded as the metabolites produced by fungi between 30 and 50 days of fermentation. In contrast, malic acid, oxaloacetic acid, galactitol, glucose, and mannitol are presumed to be the metabolites mainly consumed by fungi. This study is meaningful as the first study conducted by inhibiting growth of bacteria to identify the metabolites contributed by fungi or bacteria in the kimchi fermentation process. These results could be used to make customized kimchi that controls the production of desired metabolites by selectively controlling the formation of microbial communities in the kimchi industry.
Wine Intake in the Framework of a Mediterranean Diet and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases: A Short Literature Review of the Last 5 Years
Authors: Minzer Simona , Estruch Ramon , Casas Rosa
Published: October 2020

Dietary habits are a determining factor of the higher incidence and prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In the aim to find a possible preventive and intervention strategy, the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been proposed as an effective approach. Within the MedDiet, moderate wine consumption with meals is a positive item in the MedDiet score; however, recent studies have reported a dose-response association between alcohol consumption and higher risk of a large number of NCDs. This review aimed to evaluate the association between NCDs and wine consumption in the framework of the MedDiet, with a simple review of 22 studies of the highest-level literature published over the last five years. We found that the information regarding the effects of wine in different health outcomes has not varied widely over the past five years, finding inconclusive results among the studies evaluated. Most of the literature agrees that light to moderate wine intake seems to have beneficial effects to some extent in NCDs, such as hypertension, cancer, dyslipidemia and dementia, but no definitive recommendations can be made on a specific dose intake that can benefit most diseases.
Understanding the Deactivation Phenomena of Small-Pore Mo/H-SSZ-13 during Methane Dehydroaromatisation
Authors: Agote-Arán Miren , Kroner Anna B. , Wragg David S. , Sławiński Wojciech A. , Briceno Martha , Islam Husn U. , Sazanovich Igor V. , Rivas María E. , Smith Andrew W. J. , Collier Paul , Lezcano-González Inés , Beale Andrew M.
Published: October 2020

Small pore zeolites have shown great potential in a number of catalytic reactions. While Mo-containing medium pore zeolites have been widely studied for methane dehydroaromatisation (MDA), the use of small pore supports has drawn limited attention due to the fast deactivation of the catalyst. This work investigates the structure of the small pore Mo/H-SSZ-13 during catalyst preparation and reaction by operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), in situ synchrotron powder diffraction (SPD), and electron microscopy; then, the results are compared with the medium pore Mo/H-ZSM-5. While SPD suggests that during catalyst preparation, part of the MoOx anchors inside the pores, Mo dispersion and subsequent ion exchange was less effective in the small pore catalyst, resulting in the formation of mesopores and Al2(MOO4)3 particles. Unlike Mo/H-ZSM-5, part of the Mo species in Mo/H-SSZ-13 undergoes full reduction to Mo0 during MDA, whereas characterisation of the spent catalyst indicates that differences also exist in the nature of the formed carbon deposits. Hence, the different Mo speciation and the low performance on small pore zeolites can be attributed to mesopores formation during calcination and the ineffective ion exchange into well dispersed Mo-oxo sites. The results open the scope for the optimisation of synthetic routes to explore the potential of small pore topologies.
Anti-Proliferative Activity of A Hydrophilic Extract of Manna from Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl through Mitochondrial Pathway-Mediated Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Restivo Ignazio , Tesoriere Luisa , Frazzitta Anna , Livrea Maria Antonia , Attanzio Alessandro , Allegra Mario
Published: October 2020

Manna is produced from the spontaneous solidification of the sap of some Fraxinus species, and, owing its content in mannitol, is used in medicine as a mild laxative. Manna is also a rich source of characteristic bio-phenols with reducing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study assesses the activity of a hydrophilic extract of manna (HME) on cellular and molecular events in human colon-rectal cancer cells. HME showed a time- and concentration-dependent anti-proliferative activity, measured by MTT assay, in all the cell lines examined, namely Caco-2, HCT-116 and HT-29. The amounts of HME that caused 50% of cell death after a 24 h treatment were 8.51 ± 0.77, 10.73 ± 1.22 and 28.92 ± 1.99 mg manna equivalents/mL, respectively; no toxicity was observed in normally differentiated Caco-2 intestinal cells. Hydroxytyrosol, a component of HME known for its cytotoxic effects on colon cancer cells, was ineffective, at least at the concentration occurring in the extract. Through flow-cytometric techniques and Western blot analysis, we show that HME treatment causes apoptosis, assessed by phosphatidylserine exposure, as well as a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, an intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increases in the levels of cleaved PARP-1, caspase 3 and Bax, and a decrease in Bcl-2 expression. Moreover, HME interferes with cell cycle progression, with a block at the G1/S transition. In conclusion, the phytocomplex extracted from manna exerts an anti-proliferative activity on human colon cancer cells through the activation of mitochondrial pathway-mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Our data may suggest that manna could have the potential to exert chemo-preventive effects for the intestine.
Lactobacillus plantarum PMO 08 as a Probiotic Starter Culture for Plant-Based Fermented Beverages
Authors: Oh Young Joo , Kim Tae Seok , Moon Hwang Woo , Lee So Young , Lee Sang Yun , Ji Geun Eog , Hwang Keum Taek
Published: October 2020

Lactobacillus plantarum PMO 08 was evaluated as a starter culture for plant-based probiotic beverages. Its viability under various culture conditions and acidification ability in standardized tomato medium, fermentation parameters, and beverage properties were assessed. Lactobacillus plantarum PMO 08 could grow under various culture conditions; there was a high correlation between the incubation time to reach the optimal conditions and the inoculation concentration of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (r2 = 0.997). Acidity (0.958 ± 0.002%) and LAB count (9.78 ± 0.14 Log10 CFU/mL) were significantly higher when fermented with L. plantarum than with the yogurt starter culture. A survival rate of 96% and 95% in artificial gastric juice and artificial intestinal juice, respectively, indicated that the probiotic requirements were met. The total polyphenol and glutamine content, and antioxidant activity increased after fermentation. The proline content significantly increased in L. plantarum PMO 08- fermented beverage. Thus, L. plantarum PMO 08 is an effective starter culture for non-dairy probiotic beverages whose functional quality may be improved by fermentation.
Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking, Antiapoptotic and Caspase-3 Inhibition of New 1,2,3-Triazole/Bis-2(1H)-Quinolinone Hybrids
Authors: El-Sheref Essmat M. , Aly Ashraf A. , Alshammari Mohammed B. , Brown Alan B. , Abdel-Hafez Sara Mohamed Naguib , Abdelzaher Walaa Yehia , Bräse Stefan , Abdelhafez ElShimaa M. N.
Published: October 2020

A series of novel 1,2,3-triazoles hybridized with two quinolin-2-ones, was designed and synthesized through click reactions. The structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated by NMR, IR, and mass spectra in addition to elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were assessed for their antiapoptotic activity in testis, as testicular torsion is the main cause of male infertility. This effect was studied in light of decreasing tissue damage induced by I/R in the testis of rats using N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antiapoptotic reference. Compounds 6a–c were the most active antiapoptotic hybrids with significant measurements for malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the apoptotic biomarkers (testicular testosterone, TNFα, and caspase-3) in comparison to the reference. A preliminary mechanistic study was performed to improve the antiapoptotic activity through caspase-3 inhibition. A compound assigned as 6-methoxy-4-(4-(((2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-4-yl)oxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)quinolin-2(1H)-one (6c) was selected as a representative of the most active hybrids in comparison to NAC. Assay of cytochrome C for 6c revealed an attenuation of cytochrome C level about 3.54 fold, comparable to NAC (4.13 fold). In caspases-3,8,9 assays, 6c was found to exhibit more potency and selectivity toward caspase-3 than other caspases. The testicular histopathological investigation was carried out on all targeted compounds 6a–g, indicating a significant improvement in the spermatogenesis process for compounds 6a–c if compared to the reference relative to the control. Finally, molecular docking studies were done at the caspase-3 active site to suggest possible binding modes. Hence, it could conceivably be hypothesized that compounds 6a–c could be considered good lead candidate compounds as antiapoptotic agents.
Natural Compounds as Guides for the Discovery of Drugs Targeting G-Protein-Coupled Receptors
Authors: Serrano-Marín Joan , Reyes-Resina Irene , Martínez-Pinilla Eva , Navarro Gemma , Franco Rafael
Published: October 2020

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which constitute the most populous family of the human proteome, are the target of 35–45% of approved therapeutic drugs. This review focuses on natural products (excluding peptides) that target GPCRs. Natural compounds identified so far as agonists, antagonists or allosteric modulators of GPCRs have been found in all groups of existing living beings according to Whittaker’s Five Kingdom Classification, i.e., bacteria (monera), fungi, protoctists, plants and animals. Terpenoids, alkaloids and flavonoids are the most common chemical structures that target GPCRs whose endogenous ligands range from lipids to epinephrine, from molecules that activate taste receptors to molecules that activate smell receptors. Virtually all of the compounds whose formula is displayed in this review are pharmacophores with potential for drug discovery; furthermore, they are expected to help expand the number of GPCRs that can be considered as therapeutic targets.
Terahertz Optical Bistability in the Metal Nanoparticles-Graphene Nanodisks-Quantum Dots Hybrid Systems
Authors: Tohari Mariam M.
Published: October 2020

We theoretically investigate the optical bistability in the metal nanoparticles-graphene nanodisks-quantum dots hybrid plasmonic system in the infrared regime of the electromagnetic radiation. The quantum dot is considered to be a three-level atomic-like system of Λ type interacting with probe and control fields. By using the standard model of the optical bistability where a nonlinear medium is situated in an optical ring cavity, we numerically solve the equation of motion for the density matrix elements that describe the dynamics of the system in steady-state conditions along with the boundary conditions of the cavity to analyze the optical bistability of the system. The effect of the geometrical features of the system and the parameters of the interacting fields including the strength and detuning of the fields on the optical bistability behavior are investigated. Our proposed hybrid plasmonic system shows an ultralow-threshold controllable optical bistability, providing a promising platform for optical bistable devices at the terahertz, such as all-optical switches and biosensors.
Food Sources and Dietary Quality in Small Island Developing States: Development of Methods and Policy Relevant Novel Survey Data from the Pacific and Caribbean
Authors: Haynes Emily , Bhagtani Divya , Iese Viliamu , Brown Catherine , Fesaitu Jioje , Hambleton Ian , Badrie Neela , Kroll Florian , Guell Cornelia , Brugulat-Panes Anna , Saint Ville Arlette , Benjamin-Neelon Sara , Foley Louise , Samuels Thelma , Wairiu Morgan , Forouhi Nita , Unwin Nigel , on behalf of the Community Food and Health (CFaH) Team
Published: October 2020

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have high and increasing rates of diet-related diseases. This situation is associated with a loss of food sovereignty and an increasing reliance on nutritionally poor food imports. A policy goal, therefore, is to improve local diets through improved local production of nutritious foods. Our aim in this study was to develop methods and collect preliminary data on the relationships between where people source their food, their socio-demographic characteristics and dietary quality in Fiji and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in order to inform further work towards this policy goal. We developed a toolkit of methods to collect individual-level data, including measures of dietary intake, food sources, socio-demographic and health indicators. Individuals aged ≥15 years were eligible to participate. From purposively sampled urban and rural areas, we recruited 186 individuals from 95 households in Fiji, and 147 individuals from 86 households in SVG. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used to investigate associations. The mean dietary diversity score, out of 10, was 3.7 (SD1.4) in Fiji and 3.8 (SD1.5) in SVG. In both settings, purchasing was the most common way of sourcing food. However, 68% (Fiji) and 45% (SVG) of participants regularly (>weekly) consumed their own produce, and 5% (Fiji) and 33% (SVG) regularly consumed borrowed/exchanged/bartered food. In regression models, independent positive associations with dietary diversity (DD) were: borrowing/exchanging/bartering food (β = 0.73 (0.21, 1.25)); age (0.01 (0.00, 0.03)); and greater than primary education (0.44 (0.06, 0.82)). DD was negatively associated with small shop purchasing (−0.52 (95% CIs −0.91, −0.12)) and rural residence (−0.46 (−0.92, 0.00)). The findings highlight associations between dietary diversity and food sources and indicate avenues for further research to inform policy actions aimed at improving local food production and diet.
Mechanisms Mediating Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Delta-Tocotrienol and Tart Cherry Anthocyanins in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Harlan Lexie , Mena London T. , Ramalingam Latha , Jayarathne Shasika , Shen Chwan-Li , Moustaid-Moussa Naima
Published: October 2020

Chronic low-grade inflammation is a primary characteristic of obesity and can lead to other metabolic complications including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Several anti-inflammatory dietary bioactives decrease inflammation that accompanies metabolic diseases. We are specifically interested in delta-tocotrienol, (DT3) an isomer of vitamin E, and tart cherry anthocyanins (TCA), both of which possess individual anti-inflammatory properties. We have previously demonstrated that DT3 and TCA, individually, reduced systemic and adipose tissue inflammation in rodent models of obesity. However, whether these compounds have combinatorial effects has not been determined yet. Hence, we hypothesize that a combined treatment of DT3 and TCA will have great effects in reducing inflammation in adipocytes, and that these effects are mediated via the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB), a major inflammatory transcription factor. We used 3T3-L1 adipocytes and treated them with 1–5 µM doses of DT3 along with tart cherry containing 18–36 µg anthocyanin/mL, to assess effects on inflammation. Neither DT3 nor TCA, nor their combinations had toxic effects on adipocytes. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (IL-6) and p-65 (subunit of NFkB) were reduced at the protein level in media collected from adipocytes with both individual and combined treatments. Additionally, other downstream targets of NFkB including macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (Mip2), and Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox2) were also significantly downregulated (p ≤ 0.05) when treated with individual and combined doses of DT3 and TCA with no additional combinatorial effects. In summary, DT3 and TCA individually, are beneficial in reducing inflammation with no additional combinatorial effects.