bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and DFT Studies of κ2C,N-Hypercoordinated Oxazoline Organotins: Monomer Constructs for Stable Polystannanes
Authors: Bender Desiree N. , Lough Alan J. , Wylie R. Stephen , Gossage Robert A. , Foucher Daniel A.
Published: May 2020

Tetraorganotin tin(IV) compounds containing a flexible or rigid (4: Ph3Sn-CH2-C6H4-R; 7: Ph3SnC6H4-R, R = 2-oxazolinyl) chelating oxazoline functionality were prepared in good yields by the reaction of lithiated oxazolines and Ph3SnCl. Reaction of 7 with excess HCl resulted in the isolation of the tin monochlorido compound, 9 (ClSn[Ph2]C6H4-R). Conversion of the triphenylstannanes 7 and 4 into their corresponding dibromido species was successfully achieved from the reaction with Br2 to yield 10 (Br2Sn[Ph]C6H4-R) and 11 (Br2Sn[Ph]-CH2-C6H4-R), respectively. X-ray crystallography of 4, 7, 9, 10, and 11 reveal that all structures adopt a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry around Sn in the solid state. Compound 4, with an additional methylene spacer group, displays a comparatively long Sn–N bond distance compared to the dibromido tin species, 11. Several DFT methods were compared for accuracy in predicting the solid-state geometries of compounds 4, 7, 9–11. Compounds 10 and 11 were further converted into the corresponding dihydrides (12: H2Sn[Ph]C6H4-R, 13: H2Sn[Ph]-CH2-C6H4-R), via Br–H exchange, in high yield by reaction with NaBH4. Polymerization of 12 or 13 with a late transition metal catalyst produced a low molecular weight polystannane (14: –[Sn[Ph]C6H4-R]n–, Mw = 10,100 Da) and oligostannane (15: –[Sn[Ph]-CH2-C6H4-R]n–, Mw = 3200 Da), respectively.
Verification of Underlying Genetic Cause in a Cohort of Russian Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia Using Targeted Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Semenova Anna E. , Sergienko Igor V. , García-Giustiniani Diego , Monserrat Lorenzo , Popova Anna B. , Nozadze Diana N. , Ezhov Marat V.
Published: May 2020

Russian patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) were screened for pathogenic mutations using targeted next generation sequencing. Genetic testing was performed in 52 probands with definite or probable FH based on the Dutch lipid clinic network criteria (DLCN score ≥ 6). Blood samples were studied by massive parallel sequencing (Illumina HiSeq 1500 platform) using a custom capture library related to dyslipidemia and premature atherosclerosis. Mutations considered to be responsible for monogenic FH were identified in 48% of the probands: 24 with mutations in the LDLR gene and two with a mutation in the APOB gene. There were 22 pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations in LDLR, eight of which have not been previously described in the literature. Four patients with a clinical picture of homozygous FH had two heterozygous LDLR mutations. Although mutation-negative patients had highly elevated total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, only half of them had a family history of hypercholesterolemia. With respect to heterozygous FH, mutation-positive patients had higher maximum total cholesterol levels (p = 0.01), more severe carotid atherosclerotic lesions, and a higher percentage of premature peripheral artery disease (p = 0.03) than mutation-negative ones. However, the number of patients who suffered from myocardial infarction was similar between the two groups.
Effect of Marine Macroalga Enteromorpha sp. Enriched with Zn(II) and Cu(II) ions on the Digestibility, Meat Quality and Carcass Characteristics of Growing Pigs
Authors: Michalak Izabela , Chojnacka Katarzyna , Korniewicz Daniel
Published: May 2020

In the present study, the effect of macroalga Enteromorpha sp. enriched with Zn(II) and Cu(II) ions on daily amounts of feces and urine excreted by growing pigs, apparent fecal nutrient digestibility and daily nitrogen balance and retention, meat quality and the slaughter value of carcasses was examined. The duration of feeding experiments was 87 days. In the control group, the requirement for zinc and copper was covered by inorganic salts, whereas in the experimental group algae enriched with these elements via biosorption were supplemented. No effect of Enteromorpha sp. on the increase in digestibility of dry matter, dry organic matter, crude protein, crude fat and nitrogen-free extractives was observed. Statistically significant differences concerned only the digestibility of crude ash. The daily amount of excreted feces and urine did not differ significantly between groups. Meat from pigs in the algal group was characterized by a lower water absorption and drip loss and contained less fat and more protein than meat from the control group. Furthermore, a slight darkening of the meat was observed. The weight of the liver was lower in pigs from the algal group. Enriched macroalga Enteromorpha sp. may be introduced into pig nutrition as a feed material as an alternative to inorganic salts.
Entrepreneurial Finance: Insights from English Language Training Market in Vietnam
Authors: Pham Thanh-Hang , Ho Manh-Toan , Vuong Thu-Trang , Nguyen Manh-Cuong , Vuong Quan-Hoang
Published: May 2020

Entrepreneurship plays an indispensable role in the economic development and poverty reduction of emerging economies like Vietnam. The rapid development of technologies during the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) has a significant impact on business in every field, especially in the innovation-focused area of entrepreneurship. However, the topic of entrepreneurial activities with technology applications in Vietnam is under-researched. In addition, the body of literature regarding entrepreneurial finance tends to focus on advanced economies, while mostly neglecting the contextual differences in developing nations. Therefore, this research contributes to these topics by investigating the main characteristics of a high potential market for entrepreneurs in Vietnam, which is the English language training market (ELTM). It also aims at indicating the impacts of technology on the entrepreneurial firms within this market, with an emphasis on financing sources. To answer the research questions, this study employs a qualitative analysis and conducts 12 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs and researchers in the field. The key findings in our study highlight the main contributing factors to the growth of the market, both universally and context-specific for a developing nation like Vietnam. It also lists the leaders in each market segment and the industry’s potential profit margin. The results also show that most entrepreneurs in the ELTM utilized private sources of finance rather than external ones, such as bank loans. It again confirms the idea from previous works that even with the rapid development of the economic and technological landscape, entrepreneurial activities in general barely benefit from additional sources of funding. However, it also points out the distinct characteristics of the ELTM that may influence these financing issues; for example, English training services usually collect revenues from customers before delivering their classes. This is of advantage for entrepreneurs in this area and helps significantly reduce the financial barriers. These findings, which are among the first attempts to contribute to a better understanding of entrepreneurial opportunities in the Industry 4.0 in Vietnam, provide valuable insights for policymakers and entrepreneurs, as well as investors.
Review of Multiaxial Testing for Very High Cycle Fatigue: From ‘Conventional’ to Ultrasonic Machines
Authors: Costa Pedro , Nwawe Richard , Soares Henrique , Reis Luís , Freitas Manuel , Chen Yong , Montalvão Diogo
Published: May 2020

Fatigue is one of the main causes for in service failure of mechanical components and structures. With the development of new materials, such as high strength aluminium or titanium alloys with different microstructures from steels, materials no longer have a fatigue limit in the classical sense, where it was accepted that they would have ‘infinite life’ from 10 million (107) cycles. The emergence of new materials used in critical mechanical parts, including parts obtained from metal additive manufacturing (AM), the need for weight reduction and the ambition to travel greater distances in shorter periods of time, have brought many challenges to design engineers, since they demand predictability of material properties and that they are readily available. Most fatigue testing today still uses uniaxial loads. However, it is generally recognised that multiaxial stresses occur in many full-scale structures, being rare the occurrence of pure uniaxial stress states. By combining both Ultrasonic Fatigue Testing with multiaxial testing through Single-Input-Multiple-Output Modal Analysis, the high costs of both equipment and time to conduct experiments have seen a massive improvement. It is presently possible to test materials under multiaxial loading conditions and for a very high number of cycles in a fraction of the time compared to non-ultrasonic fatigue testing methods (days compared to months or years). This work presents the current status of ultrasonic fatigue testing machines working at a frequency of 20 kHz to date, with emphasis on multiaxial fatigue and very high cycle fatigue. Special attention will be put into the performance of multiaxial fatigue tests of classical cylindrical specimens under tension/torsion and flat cruciform specimens under in-plane bi-axial testing using low cost piezoelectric transducers. Together with the description of the testing machines and associated instrumentation, some experimental results of fatigue tests are presented in order to demonstrate how ultrasonic fatigue testing can be used to determine the behaviour of a steel alloy from a railway wheel at very high cycle fatigue regime when subjected to multiaxial tension/torsion loadings.
Lower Bounds, and Exact Enumeration in Particular Cases, for the Probability of Existence of a Universal Cycle or a Universal Word for a Set of Words
Authors: Chen Herman Z. Q. , Kitaev Sergey , Sun Brian Y.
Published: May 2020

A universal cycle, or u-cycle, for a given set of words is a circular word that contains each word from the set exactly once as a contiguous subword. The celebrated de Bruijn sequences are a particular case of such a u-cycle, where a set in question is the set A n of all words of length n over a k-letter alphabet A. A universal word, or u-word, is a linear, i.e., non-circular, version of the notion of a u-cycle, and it is defined similarly. Removing some words in A n may, or may not, result in a set of words for which u-cycle, or u-word, exists. The goal of this paper is to study the probability of existence of the universal objects in such a situation. We give lower bounds for the probability in general cases, and also derive explicit answers for the case of removing up to two words in A n , or the case when k = 2 and n ≤ 4 .
Analysis of the Message Propagation Speed in VANET with Disconnected RSUs
Authors: Mahmood Dhari Ali , Horváth Gábor
Published: May 2020

Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs), which are networks of communicating vehicles, provide the essential infrastructure for intelligent transportation systems. Thanks to the significant research efforts to develop the technological background of VANETs, intelligent transportation systems are nowadays becoming a reality. The emergence of VANETs has triggered a lot of research aimed at developing mathematical models in order to gain insight into the dynamics of the communication and to support network planning. In this paper we consider the message propagation speed on the highway, where messages can be exchanged not only between the vehicles, but also between the road-side infrastructure and the vehicles as well. In our scenario, alert messages are generated by a static message source constantly. Relying on an appropriately defined Markov renewal process, we characterize the message passing process between the road-side units, derive the speed of the message propagation, and provide the transient distribution of the distance where the message is available. Our results make it possible to determine the optimal distance between road-side units (RSUs) and to calculate the effect of speed restrictions on message propagation.
Risk Management for Bonds with Embedded Options
Authors: Díaz Antonio , Tolentino Marta
Published: May 2020

This paper examines the behavior of the interest rate risk management measures for bonds with embedded options and studies factors it depends on. The contingent option exercise implies that both the pricing and the risk management of bonds requires modelling future interest rates. We use the Ho and Lee (HL) and Black, Derman, and Toy (BDT) consistent interest rate models. In addition, specific interest rate measures that consider the contingent cash-flow structure of these coupon-bearing bonds must be computed. In our empirical analysis, we obtained evidence that effective duration and effective convexity depend primarily on the level of the forward interest rate and volatility. In addition, the higher the interest rate change and the lower the volatility, the greater the differences in pricing of these bonds when using the HL or BDT models.
Discussion of “Accurate and Efficient Explicit Approximations of the Colebrook Flow Friction Equation Based on the Wright ω-Function” by Dejan Brkić and Pavel Praks, Mathematics 2019, 7, 34; doi:10.3390/math7010034
Authors: Niazkar Majid
Published: May 2020

Estimating the Darcy–Weisbach friction factor is crucial to various engineering applications. Although the literature has accepted the Colebrook–White formula as a standard approach for this prediction, its implicit structure brings about an active field of research seeking for alternatives more suitable in practice. This study mainly attempts to increase the precision of two explicit equations proposed by Brkić and Praks. The results obviously demonstrate that the modified relations outperformed the original ones from nine out of 10 accuracy evaluation criteria. Finally, one of the improved equations estimates closer friction factors to those obtained by the Colebrook–White formula among 18 one-step explicit equations available in the literature based on three of the considered criteria.
Biochemical and Genomic Characterization of the Cypermethrin-Degrading and Biosurfactant-Producing Bacterial Strains Isolated from Marine Sediments of the Chilean Northern Patagonia
Authors: Aguila-Torres Patricia , Maldonado Jonathan , Gaete Alexis , Figueroa Jaime , González Alex , Miranda Richard , González-Stegmaier Roxana , Martin Carolina , González Mauricio
Published: May 2020

Pesticides cause severe environmental damage to marine ecosystems. In the last ten years, cypermethrin has been extensively used as an antiparasitic pesticide in the salmon farming industry located in Northern Patagonia. The objective of this study was the biochemical and genomic characterization of cypermethrin-degrading and biosurfactant-producing bacterial strains isolated from cypermethrin-contaminated marine sediment samples collected in southern Chile (MS). Eleven strains were isolated by cypermethrin enrichment culture techniques and were identified by 16S rDNA gene sequencing analyses. The highest growth rate on cypermethrin was observed in four isolates (MS13, MS15a, MS16, and MS19) that also exhibited high levels of biosurfactant production. Genome sequence analyses of these isolates revealed the presence of genes encoding components of bacterial secondary metabolism, and the enzymes esterase, pyrethroid hydrolase, and laccase, which have been associated with different biodegradation pathways of cypermethrin. These novel cypermethrin-degrading and biosurfactant-producing bacterial isolates have a biotechnological potential for biodegradation of cypermethrin-contaminated marine sediments, and their genomes contribute to the understanding of microbial lifestyles in these extreme environments.
Graph-Directed Approach for Downselecting Toxins for Experimental Structure Determination
Authors: Mansbach Rachael A. , Chakraborty Srirupa , Travers Timothy , Gnanakaran S.
Published: May 2020

Conotoxins are short, cysteine-rich peptides of great interest as novel therapeutic leads and of great concern as lethal biological agents due to their high affinity and specificity for various receptors involved in neuromuscular transmission. Currently, of the approximately 6000 known conotoxin sequences, only about 3% have associated structural characterization, which leads to a bottleneck in rapid high-throughput screening (HTS) for identification of potential leads or threats. In this work, we combine a graph-based approach with homology modeling to expand the library of conotoxin structures and to identify those conotoxin sequences that are of the greatest value for experimental structural characterization. The latter would allow for the rapid expansion of the known structural space for generating high quality template-based models. Our approach generalizes to other evolutionarily-related, short, cysteine-rich venoms of interest. Overall, we present and validate an approach for venom structure modeling and experimental guidance and employ it to produce a 290%-larger library of approximate conotoxin structures for HTS. We also provide a set of ranked conotoxin sequences for experimental structure determination to further expand this library.
A Metabolomic Approach for Predicting Diurnal Changes in Cortisol
Authors: Eshima Jarrett , Davis Trenton J. , Bean Heather D. , Fricks John , Smith Barbara S.
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The dysregulation of cortisol secretion has been associated with a number of mental health and mood disorders. However, diagnostics for mental health and mood disorders are behavioral and lack biological contexts. Objectives: The goal of this work is to identify volatile metabolites capable of predicting changes in total urinary cortisol across the diurnal cycle for long-term stress monitoring in psychological disorders. Methods: We applied comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry to sample the urinary volatile metabolome using an untargeted approach across three time points in a single day for 60 subjects. Results: The finalized multiple regression model includes 14 volatile metabolites and 7 interaction terms. A review of the selected metabolites suggests pyrrole, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and 1-iodo-2-methylundecane may originate from endogenous metabolic mechanisms influenced by glucocorticoid signaling mechanisms. Conclusion: This analysis demonstrated the feasibility of using specific volatile metabolites for the prediction of secreted cortisol across time.
Mineralogy of Skarn Ores from Băița-Bihor, Northern Apuseni Mountains, Romania: A Case Study of Cu-, Bi-, and Sn-minerals
Authors: Tămaș Călin Gabriel , Andrii Mădălina-Paula
Published: May 2020

The Antoniu, Antoniu North, and Blidar Contact orebodies from the Băița-Bihor skarn deposit, Romania have been investigated using optical and electron microscopy. Electron probe microanalyses were acquired on samples from the Blidar Contact orebody. Bornite is the most abundant Cu-sulfide and hosts native bismuth, joséite-B, emplectite, and wittichenite. Kësterite and ferrokësterite were identified for the first time in the Băița-Bihor deposit; the occurrence of stannite was also confirmed. Temperatures of ore deposition in the Blidar Contact orebody are constrained from the compositions of sphalerite-kësterite and sphalerite-ferrokësterite pairs at 287 ± 25 °C to 310 ± 35 °C, and 447 ± 17 °C to 503 ± 68 °C, respectively.
LeTetR Positively Regulates 3-Hydroxylation of the Antifungal HSAF and Its Analogs in Lysobacter enzymogenes OH11
Authors: Yu Lingjun , Khetrapal Vimmy , Liu Fengquan , Du Liangcheng
Published: May 2020

The biocontrol agent Lysobacter enzymogenes OH11 produces several structurally distinct antibiotic compounds, including the antifungal HSAF (Heat Stable Antifungal Factor) and alteramides, along with their 3-dehydroxyl precursors (3-deOH). We previously showed that the 3-hydroxylation is the final step of the biosynthesis and is also a key structural moiety for the antifungal activity. However, the procedure through which OH11 regulates the 3-hydroxylation is still not clear. In OH11, the gene orf3232 was predicted to encode a TetR regulator (LeTetR) with unknown function. Here, we deleted orf3232 and found that the LeTetR mutant produced very little HSAF and alteramides, while the 3-deOH compounds were not significantly affected. The production of HSAF and alteramides was restored in orf3232-complemented mutant. qRT-PCR showed that the deletion of orf3232 impaired the transcription of a putative fatty acid hydroxylase gene, orf2195, but did not directly affect the expression of the HSAF biosynthetic gene cluster (hsaf). When an enzyme extract from E. coli expressing the fatty acid hydroxylase gene, hsaf-orf7, was added to the LeTetR mutant, the production of HSAF and alteramides increased by 13–14 fold. This study revealed a rare function of the TetR family regulator, which positively controls the final step of the antifungal biosynthesis and thus controls the antifungal activity of the biocontrol agent.
PET Imaging of [11C]MPC-6827, a Microtubule-Based Radiotracer in Non-Human Primate Brains
Authors: Damuka Naresh , Czoty Paul W. , Davis Ashley T. , Nader Michael A. , Nader Susan H. , Craft Suzanne , Macauley Shannon L. , Galbo Lindsey K. , Epperly Phillip M. , Whitlow Christopher T. , Davenport April T. , Martin Thomas J. , Daunais James B. , Mintz Akiva , Solingapuram Sai Kiran Kumar
Published: May 2020

Dysregulation of microtubules is commonly associated with several psychiatric and neurological disorders, including addiction and Alzheimer’s disease. Imaging of microtubules in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET) could provide valuable information on their role in the development of disease pathogenesis and aid in improving therapeutic regimens. We developed [11C]MPC-6827, the first brain-penetrating PET radiotracer to image microtubules in vivo in the mouse brain. The aim of the present study was to assess the reproducibility of [11C]MPC-6827 PET imaging in non-human primate brains. Two dynamic 0–120 min PET/CT imaging scans were performed in each of four healthy male cynomolgus monkeys approximately one week apart. Time activity curves (TACs) and standard uptake values (SUVs) were determined for whole brains and specific regions of the brains and compared between the “test” and “retest” data. [11C]MPC-6827 showed excellent brain uptake with good pharmacokinetics in non-human primate brains, with significant correlation between the test and retest scan data (r = 0.77, p = 0.023). These initial evaluations demonstrate the high translational potential of [11C]MPC-6827 to image microtubules in the brain in vivo in monkey models of neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Biogenesis of Prism-Like Silver Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nappa Cabbage Extract and Their p-Nitrophenol Sensing Activity
Authors: Banua Jomaris , Han Jeong In
Published: May 2020

The present study aimed to explore the eco-friendly synthesis of prism-like silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2ONPs) from nappa cabbage extract and its p-nitrophenol sensing activity. The prepared Ag2ONPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning spectroscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet (UV)–visible light spectral analysis (UV–Vis). p-Nitrophenol sensing properties of the prepared nanoparticles were also determined using a simple I–V method. The results showed that the as-prepared Ag2ONPs have a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystalline nature and a prism-like morphology with particle size in the range 21.61–92.26 nm. The result also showed a high intensity of the (111) facet, making the Ag2ONP–carbon black/nickel foam electrode (Ag2ONP–C/NFE) exhibit a high-performance response to p-nitrophenol spanning a wide range of concentrations from 1.0 mM to 0.1 pM and a response time of around 5 s, indicating a high potential for water treatment applications.
Effects of Structure and Constituent of Prussian Blue Analogs on Their Application in Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhao Dongni , Lu Yuezhen , Ma Dongge
Published: May 2020

The importance of advanced energy-conversion devices such as water electrolysis has manifested dramatically over the past few decades because it is the current mainstay for the generation of green energy. Anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water splitting is one of the biggest obstacles because of its extremely high kinetic barrier. Conventional OER catalysts are mainly noble-metal oxides represented by IrO2 and RuO2, but these compounds tend to have poor sustainability. The attention on Prussian blue (PB) and its analogs (PBA) in the field of energy conversion systems was concentrated on their open-framework structure, as well as its varied composition comprised of Earth-abundant elements. The unique electronic structure of PBA enables its promising catalytic potential, and it can also be converted into many other talented compounds or structures as a precursor. This undoubtedly provides a new approach for the design of green OER catalysts. This article reviews the recent progress of the application of PBA and its derivatives in OER based on in-depth studies of characterization techniques. The structural design, synthetic strategy, and enhanced electrochemical properties are summarized to provide an outlook for its application in the field of OER. Moreover, due to the similarity of the reaction process of photo-driven electrolysis of water and the former one, the application of PBA in photoelectrolysis is also discussed.
Dopant-Free Triazatruxene-Based Hole Transporting Materials with Three Different End-Capped Acceptor Units for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kil Da Rim , Lu Chunyuan , Ji Jung-Min , Kim Chul Hoon , Kim Hwan Kyu
Published: May 2020

A series of dopant-free D-π-A structural hole-transporting materials (HTMs), named as SGT-460, SGT-461, and SGT-462, incorporating a planner-type triazatruxene (TAT) core, thieno[3,2-b]indole (TI) π-bridge and three different acceptors, 3-ethylthiazolidine-2,4-dione (ED), 3-(dicyano methylidene)indan-1-one (DI), and malononitrile (MN), were designed and synthesized for application in perovskite solar cells (PrSCs). The effect of three acceptor units in star-shaped D-π-A structured dopant-free HTMs on the photophysical and electrochemical properties and the photovoltaic performance were investigated compared to the reference HTM of 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis[N,N-di(4-methoxyphenyl)amino]-9,9′-spirobifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD). Their highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels were positioned for efficient hole extraction from a MAPbCl3−xIx layer (5.43 eV). The hole mobility values of the HTMs without dopants were determined to be 7.59 × 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1, 5.13 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1, and 7.61 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 for SGT-460-, SGT-461-, and SGT-462-based films. The glass transition temperature of all HTMs showed higher than that of the spiro-OMeTAD. As a result, the molecular engineering of a planer donor core, π-bridge, and end-capped acceptor led to good hole mobility, yielding 11.76% efficiency from SGT-462-based PrSCs, and it provides a useful insight into the synthesis of the next-generation of HTMs for PrSC application.
The Impact of Malnutrition on Acute Muscle Wasting in Frail Older Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Pourhassan Maryam , Rommersbach Nikola , Lueg Gero , Klimek Christiane , Schnatmann Mirja , Liermann Dieter , Janssen Gregor , Wirth Rainer
Published: May 2020

Very little is known about the effect of malnutrition on short-term changes of body composition, particularly muscle, among older hospitalized patients. We sought to investigate the association of malnutrition as assessed by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria with changes of thigh muscle mass and muscle strength among older patients during hospitalization. Forty-one patients (age range 66–97 years, 73% female) participated in this prospective longitudinal observational study. Nutritional status was evaluated using the GLIM criteria on admission and at discharge. Functional status and mid-thigh magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of cross-sectional area (CSA) were conducted on admission and before discharge. In all, 17% were malnourished and 83% had no malnutrition. Mean mid-thigh muscle CSA declined by 7.0 cm2 (−9%) in malnourished patients during hospitalization (p = 0.008) and remained unchanged among non-malnourished patients (−1%, p = 0.390). Mean mid-thigh CSA of subcutaneous and intermuscular fat did not change significantly during hospitalization in both groups. Malnourished subjects lost 10% of handgrip strength (−1.8 kg) and 12% of knee extension strength (−1.5 kg) during hospitalization. However, the magnitude of both changes did not differ between groups. In a stepwise multiple regression analysis, malnutrition and changes in body weight during hospitalization were the major independent risk factors for the reduction of muscle CSA. Malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria was significantly and independently associated with acute muscle wasting in frail older patients during 2-week hospitalization.
Dietary Protein, Fiber and Coffee Are Associated with Small Intestine Microbiome Composition and Diversity in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Hussain Shehnaz K. , Dong Tien S. , Agopian Vatche , Pisegna Joseph R. , Durazo Francisco A. , Enayati Pedram , Sundaram Vinay , Benhammou Jihane N. , Noureddin Mazen , Choi Gina , Ayoub Walid S. , Lagishetty Venu , Elashoff David , Goodman Marc T. , Jacobs Jonathan P.
Published: May 2020

The gut microbiome is a key factor in chronic liver disease progression. In prior research, we found that the duodenal microbiome was associated with sex, ethnicity, and cirrhosis complications. Here, we examined the association between diet and the duodenal microbiome in patients with liver cirrhosis. This study included 51 participants who completed a detailed food frequency questionnaire and donated duodenal biopsies for microbiome characterization by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Data were analyzed for alpha diversity, beta diversity, and association of taxa abundance with diet quality and components using QIIME 2 pipelines. Diet quality was assessed through calculation of the Healthy Eating Index 2010. Participants with higher adherence to protein recommendations exhibited increased microbial richness and evenness (p = 0.03) and a different microbial profile compared to those with lower adherence (p = 0.03). Prevotella-9 and Agathobacter were increased in association with increased protein adherence. Fiber consumption was also associated with the duodenal microbial profile (p = 0.01), with several taxa exhibiting significantly decreased or increased abundance in association with fiber intake. Coffee drinking was associated with microbial richness and evenness (p = 0.001), and there was a dose–response association between coffee drinking and relative abundance of Veillonella (p = 0.01). We conclude that protein, fiber, and coffee are associated with diversity and composition of the duodenal microbiome in liver cirrhosis.
Thiamine Deficiency in Adolescents with Eating Disorders: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bahat Hilla , Reisler Gad , Brandriss Nurit , Bar-Chaim Adina , Goldman Michael
Published: May 2020

Background: Pediatric eating disorders (PED) patients are prone to nutritional deficiencies. Thiamine deficiency is well described in other malnutrition states but is not routinely screened for in PED. In the current study we evaluated the prevalence of thiamine deficiency among PED patients on their first admission to an outpatient day hospital for eating disorders (DH). Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we measured whole blood thiamine pyrophosphate concentrations (TPP) in addition to a routine laboratory workup in 69 girls on their first admission to DH. Two subgroup analyses were performed: (I) Patients with a previous dietary intervention (“diet” group, n = 30) or naïve-to-treatment patients (“naïve” group, n = 39) and (II) Type of PED: Restrictive (group R, n = 44) or binge-eating/purging (group BP, n = 25). Results: Thiamine deficiency was identified in four girls (6%), all in the “naïve” group. Three of them had BP, and one had R. Patients in the “diet” group had a significantly higher TPP compared to the “naïve” group (55.5 µg/L vs. 46.7 µg/L, p = 0.004). TPP levels returned to normal after two weeks of the treatment program in all deficient patients. Conclusion: Thiamine deficiency was uncommon among PED patients and was easily replenished. Screening for deficiency should be performed among treatment-naïve patients. Keynotes: Whole blood thiamine pyrophosphate concentrations (TPP) are seldom screened for among PED patients. In the current study, we detected thiamine deficiency in only 6% of patients on their first admission to an outpatient day hospital for eating disorders. All deficient patients did not have a recent dietary intervention. We recommend considering screening for thiamine deficiency in treatment-naïve PED patients.
The Effect of Ursodeoxycholic Acid on Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Bom-Taeck , Kim Kwang-Min , Kim Kyu-Nam
Published: May 2020

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Several animal studies have reported that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in the intestine. We hypothesized that UDCA may be effective against dyspeptic symptoms and SIBO in patients with FD. We conducted this randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of UDCA in FD patients with SIBO. Twenty-four patients diagnosed with FD and SIBO based on lactulose breath test (LBT) were randomly assigned to either a UDCA treatment group or an untreated group. The treatment group received 100 mg of UDCA three times per day for two months; the untreated group was monitored for two months without intervention. After two months in both groups, we reevaluated LBT and FD symptoms using the Nepean dyspepsia index-K. FD symptoms in the UDCA-treated group were significantly reduced after two months compared with baseline and FD symptom scores between the UDCA-treated and untreated groups showed statistically significant differences after two months. In addition, the total methane gas levels for 90 minutes in LBT were significantly decreased after two months compared with baseline in the UDCA-treated group. In this preliminary exploratory study, we found that two months of UDCA treatment resulted in FD symptom improvement and reduced methane values during 90 minutes on the LBT, suggesting that methane-producing SIBO were associated with symptoms of dyspepsia and that UDCA was helpful in these patients. These findings need to be validated via large-scale controlled and well-designed studies.
Histidine: A Systematic Review on Metabolism and Physiological Effects in Human and Different Animal Species
Authors: Moro Joanna , Tomé Daniel , Schmidely Philippe , Demersay Tristan-Chalvon , Azzout-Marniche Dalila
Published: May 2020

Histidine is an essential amino acid (EAA) in mammals, fish, and poultry. We aim to give an overview of the metabolism and physiological effects of histidine in humans and different animal species through a systematic review following the guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). In humans, dietary histidine may be associated with factors that improve metabolic syndrome and has an effect on ion absorption. In rats, histidine supplementation increases food intake. It also provides neuroprotection at an early stage and could protect against epileptic seizures. In chickens, histidine is particularly important as a limiting factor for carnosine synthesis, which has strong anti-oxidant effects. In fish, dietary histidine may be one of the most important factors in preventing cataracts. In ruminants, histidine is a limiting factor for milk protein synthesis and could be the first limiting AA for growth. In excess, histidine supplementation can be responsible for eating and memory disorders in humans and can induce growth retardation and metabolic dysfunction in most species. To conclude, the requirements for histidine, like for other EAA, have been derived from growth and AA composition in tissues and also have specific metabolic roles depending on species and dietary levels.
A Serious Game Approach to Improve Food Behavior in Families—A Pilot Study
Authors: Skouw Sigrid , Suldrup Anja , Olsen Annemarie
Published: May 2020

The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of a specially developed serious game to improve food behavior in families with children aged 5–13 years using mixed methods. Fourteen families were randomized into a game-group and a non-game-group and divided into age groups (game-children (GC), game-parents (GP), non-game-children (nGC), and non-game-parents (nGP)). The families completed a baseline test, a three-week intervention period with or without a game element, and a follow-up test. Qualitative results showed a positive change in food behavior in all families. Quantitative results mainly showed an effect in food neophobia as a decrease was seen in all groups; however, it was only significant (p < 0.05) in three groups (GP, nGC, nGP). No changes were seen in willingness to taste, and only limited changes in liking and number of words used to describe the stimuli. In conclusion, qualitative results showed positive change in the children’s food behavior in most families, indicating a positive effect of performing tastings and tasks together as a family—regardless of the presence of a game element. However, this was not as clear in the quantitative data, indicating that current quantitative tools are less suited to measure complex concepts like willingness to taste.
A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis Investigates Associations Between Gut Microbiota and Celiac Disease
Authors: García-Santisteban Iraia , Cilleros-Portet Ariadna , Moyua-Ormazabal Elisabet , Kurilshikov Alexander , Zhernakova Alexandra , Garcia-Etxebarria Koldo , Fernandez-Jimenez Nora , Bilbao Jose Ramon
Published: May 2020

Celiac disease (CeD) is a complex immune-mediated inflammatory condition triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Literature suggests that alterations in gut microbiota composition and function precede the onset of CeD. Considering that microbiota is partly determined by host genetics, we speculated that the genetic makeup of CeD patients could elicit disease development through alterations in the intestinal microbiota. To evaluate potential causal relationships between gut microbiota and CeD, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis (2SMR). Exposure data were obtained from the raw results of a previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) of gut microbiota and outcome data from summary statistics of CeD GWAS and Immunochip studies. We identified a number of putative associations between gut microbiota single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with CeD. Regarding bacterial composition, most of the associated SNPs were related to Firmicutes phylum, whose relative abundance has been previously reported to be altered in CeD patients. In terms of functional units, we linked a number of SNPs to several bacterial metabolic pathways that seemed to be related to CeD. Overall, this study represented the first 2SMR approach to elucidate the relationship between microbiome and CeD.
External Validation of Equations to Estimate Resting Energy Expenditure in 2037 Children and Adolescents with and 389 without Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bedogni Giorgio , Bertoli Simona , De Amicis Ramona , Foppiani Andrea , De Col Alessandra , Tringali Gabriella , Marazzi Nicoletta , De Cosmi Valentina , Agostoni Carlo , Battezzati Alberto , Sartorio Alessandro
Published: May 2020

We performed an external cross-validation study of 10 equations to estimate resting energy expenditure (REE) in 2037 children with and 389 without obesity. Inclusion criteria were Caucasian ethnicity, age ≤ 18 years, and availability of REE. REE was measured using indirect calorimetry. The correct classification fraction (CCF) of an equation was defined as the fraction of subjects whose estimated REE was within 10% of measured REE. The Molnár equation was the most accurate REE prediction equation with CCFs of 0.70 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.76) in girls without obesity, 0.64 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.66) in girls with obesity, 0.76 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.83) in boys without obesity, and 0.66 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.69) in boys with obesity. The Mifflin equation was the second most accurate equation with CCFs of 0.67 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.73) in girls without obesity, 0.61 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.64) in girls with obesity, 0.75 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.82) in boys without obesity, and 0.66 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.69) in boys with obesity.
Model-Based Scale-up Methodologies for Pharmaceutical Granulation
Authors: Jang Eun Ha , Park Yun Sang , Kim Min-Soo , Choi Du Hyung
Published: May 2020

In the pharmaceutical industry, it is a major challenge to maintain consistent quality of drug products when the batch scale of a process is changed from a laboratory scale to a pilot or commercial scale. Generally, a pharmaceutical manufacturing process involves various unit operations, such as blending, granulation, milling, tableting and coating and the process parameters of a unit operation have significant effects on the quality of the drug product. Depending on the change in batch scale, various process parameters should be strategically controlled to ensure consistent quality attributes of a drug product. In particular, the granulation may be significantly influenced by scale variation as a result of changes in various process parameters and equipment geometry. In this study, model-based scale-up methodologies for pharmaceutical granulation are presented, along with data from various related reports. The first is an engineering-based modeling method that uses dimensionless numbers based on process similarity. The second is a process analytical technology-based modeling method that maintains the desired quality attributes through flexible adjustment of process parameters by monitoring the quality attributes of process products in real time. The third is a physics-based modeling method that involves a process simulation that understands and predicts drug quality through calculation of the behavior of the process using physics related to the process. The applications of these three scale-up methods are summarized according to granulation mechanisms, such as wet granulation and dry granulation. This review shows that these model-based scale-up methodologies provide a systematic process strategy that can ensure the quality of drug products in the pharmaceutical industry.
Reduced Graphene Oxide/Poly(Pyrrole-co-Thiophene) Hybrid Composite Materials: Synthesis, Characterization, and Supercapacitive Properties
Authors: Shah Anwar ul Haq Ali , Ullah Sami , Bilal Salma , Rahman Gul , Seema Humaira
Published: May 2020

Reduced graphene oxide/poly(pyrrol-co-thiophene) (RGO/COP), prepared by facile in-situ oxidative copolymerization, is reported as a new hybrid composite material with improved supercapacitance performance as compared to the respective homopolymers and their composites with RGO. The as-prepared hybrid materials were characterized with ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The electrochemical behavior and energy storage properties of the materials were tested by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD), and electrostatic impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques in 0.5 M H2SO4. The specific capacitance (Csp) for RGO/COP calculated from the CV curve was 467 F/g at a scan rate of 10 mV/s. While the Csp calculated from the GCD was 417 F/g at a current density of 0.81 A/g. The energy density calculated was 86.4 Wh/kg with a power density of 630 W/kg. The hybrid composite exhibits good cyclic stability with 65% capacitance retention after 1000 cycles at a scan rate of 100 mV/s. The present work brings a significance development of RGO/COP composites to the electrode materials for pseudocapacitive application.
Intelligent Poly(N-Isopropylmethacrylamide) Hydrogels: Synthesis, Structure Characterization, Stimuli-Responsive Swelling Properties, and Their Radiation Decomposition
Authors: Ilić-Stojanović Snežana , Urošević Maja , Nikolić Ljubiša , Petrović Djordje , Stanojević Jelena , Najman Stevo , Nikolić Vesna
Published: May 2020

Poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (p(NiPMAm)) is one of the lesser known homopolymers that has significant potential for designing new “intelligent” materials. The aims of this work were the synthesis a series of cross-linked p(NiPMAm) hydrogels by the free radical polymerization method and the application of gamma-ray radiation for additional cross-linking. The synthesized p(NiPMAm) hydrogels were structurally characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The amount of unreacted monomers was analyzed using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) to evaluate conversion of monomers into polymers. The swelling behavior was monitored in dependence of pH and temperature changes. The previous aim of gamma-ray radiation was the further the cross-linkage of the obtained hydrogel sample in the gelatinous, paste-like state, but the gamma-ray radiation caused decomposition. After absorbing irradiation doses, they transformed into the liquid phase. The results obtained by the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) method indicated that only oligomers and monomers were present in the irradiated liquid material, without molecules with a higher average molar mass, i.e., that the decomposition of the hydrogels occurred. Additionally, the irradiated liquid material was analyzed using the static headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HSS-GC/MS) and gas chromatography/flame ionization detection (HSS-GC/FID) methods. The presence of unchanged initiator molecule and a dominant amount of four new molecules that were different from homopolymers and the reactant (monomer and cross-linker) were determined.
The Ophthalmic Performance of Hydrogel Contact Lenses Loaded with Silicone Nanoparticles
Authors: Tran Nguyen-Phuong-Dung , Yang Ming-Chien
Published: May 2020

In this study, silicone nanoparticles (SiNPs) were prepared from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) via the sol-gel process. The resultant SiNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). These SiNPs were then blended with 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NVP) before polymerizing into hydrogel contact lenses. All hydrogels were subject to characterization, including equilibrium water content (EWC), contact angle, and oxygen permeability (Dk). The average diameter of SiNPs was 330 nm. The results indicated that, with the increase of SiNPs content, the oxygen permeability increased, while the EWC was affected insignificantly. The maximum oxygen permeability attained was 71 barrer for HEMA-NVP lens containing 1.2 wt% of SiNPs with an EWC of 73%. These results demonstrate that by loading a small amount of SiNPs, the Dk of conventional hydrogel lenses can be improved greatly. This approach would be a new method to produce oxygen-permeable contact lenses.