bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silica Coated Iron/Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as a Nano-Platform for T2 Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Mathieu Paul , Coppel Yannick , Respaud Marc , Nguyen Quyen T. , Boutry Sébastien , Laurent Sophie , Stanicki Dimitri , Henoumont Céline , Novio Fernando , Lorenzo Julia , Montpeyó David , Amiens Catherine
Published: December 2019

The growing concern over the toxicity of Gd-based contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) motivates the search for less toxic and more effective alternatives. Among these alternatives, iron–iron oxide (Fe@FeOx) core-shell architectures have been long recognized as promising MRI contrast agents while limited information on their engineering is available. Here we report the synthesis of 10 nm large Fe@FeOx nanoparticles, their coating with a 11 nm thick layer of dense silica and functionalization by 5 kDa PEG chains to improve their biocompatibility. The nanomaterials obtained have been characterized by a set of complementary techniques such as infra-red and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and zetametry, and magnetometry. They display hydrodynamic diameters in the 100 nm range, zetapotential values around −30 mV, and magnetization values higher than the reference contrast agent RESOVIST®. They display no cytotoxicity against 1BR3G and HCT116 cell lines and no hemolytic activity against human red blood cells. Their nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) profiles are typical for nanomaterials of this size and magnetization. They display high r2 relaxivity values and low r1 leading to enhanced r2/r1 ratios in comparison with RESOVIST®. All these data make them promising contrast agents to detect early stage tumors.
Graphitic Carbon Nitride Doped Copper–Manganese Alloy as High–Performance Electrode Material in Supercapacitor for Energy Storage
Authors: Siwal Samarjeet Singh , Zhang Qibo , Sun Changbin , Thakur Vijay Kumar
Published: December 2019

Here, we report the synthesis of copper–manganese alloy (CuMnO2) using graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) as a novel support material. The successful formation of CuMnO2-gCN was confirmed through spectroscopic, optical, and other characterization techniques. We have applied this catalyst as the energy storage material in the alkaline media and it has shown good catalytic behavior in supercapacitor applications. The CuMnO2-gCN demonstrates outstanding electrocapacitive performance, having high capacitance (817.85 A·g−1) and well-cycling stability (1000 cycles) when used as a working electrode material for supercapacitor applications. For comparison, we have also used the gCN and Cu2O-gCN for supercapacitor applications. This study proposes a simple path for the extensive construction of self-attaining double metal alloy with control size and uniformity in high-performance energy-storing materials.
Facile Preparation and Highly Efficient Catalytic Performances of Pd-Cu Bimetallic Catalyst Synthesized via Seed-Mediated Method
Authors: Zhan Fangke , Yin Juanjuan , Zhou Jingxin , Jiao Tifeng , Zhang Lexin , Xia Meirong , Bai Zhenhua , Peng Qiuming
Published: December 2019

With the rapid development of industry, the problem of environmental pollution has become increasingly prominent. Exploring and preparing green, efficient, and low cost catalysts has become the key challenge for scientists. However, some conventional preparation methods are limited by conditions, such as cumbersome operation, high energy consumption, and high pollution. Here, a simple and efficient seed-mediated method was designed and proposed to synthesize a highly efficient bimetallic catalyst for catalyzing nitro compounds. A Pd-Cu bimetallic composite (BCM) can be prepared by synthesizing the original seed crystal of precious metal palladium, then growing the mature nanocrystalline palladium and supporting the transition metal copper. Importantly, after eight consecutive catalytic cycles, the conversion of the catalyzed 2-NA was 84%, while the conversion of the catalyzed 4-NP was still 72%. And the catalytic first order rates of 2-NA and 4-NP constants were 0.015 s−1, and 0.069 s−1, respectively. Therefore, current research of nanocomposites catalyst showed great significance for serious environmental pollution problems and the protection of living environment, providing a new idea for the preparation of new bimetallic catalytic materials.
Microbial Nanotechnology: Challenges and Prospects for Green Biocatalytic Synthesis of Nanoscale Materials for Sensoristic and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Grasso Gerardo , Zane Daniela , Dragone Roberto
Published: December 2019

Nanomaterials are increasingly being used in new products and devices with a great impact on different fields from sensoristics to biomedicine. Biosynthesis of nanomaterials by microorganisms is recently attracting interest as a new, exciting approach towards the development of ‘greener’ nanomanufacturing compared to traditional chemical and physical approaches. This review provides an insight about microbial biosynthesis of nanomaterials by bacteria, yeast, molds, and microalgae for the manufacturing of sensoristic devices and therapeutic/diagnostic applications. The last ten-year literature was selected, focusing on scientific works where aspects like biosynthesis features, characterization, and applications have been described. The knowledge, challenges, and potentiality of microbial-mediated biosynthesis was also described. Bacteria and microalgae are the main microorganism used for nanobiosynthesis, principally for biomedical applications. Some bacteria and microalgae have showed the ability to synthetize unique nanostructures: bacterial nanocellulose, exopolysaccharides, bacterial nanowires, and biomineralized nanoscale materials (magnetosomes, frustules, and coccoliths). Yeasts and molds are characterized by extracellular synthesis, advantageous for possible reuse of cell cultures and reduced purification processes of nanomaterials. The intrinsic variability of the microbiological systems requires a greater protocols standardization to obtain nanomaterials with increasingly uniform and reproducible chemical-physical characteristics. A deeper knowledge about biosynthetic pathways and the opportunities from genetic engineering are stimulating the research towards a breakthrough development of microbial-based nanosynthesis for the future scaling-up and possible industrial exploitation of these promising ‘nanofactories’.
Decapsulation of Dextran by Destruction of Polyelectrolyte Microcapsule Nanoscale Shell by Bacillus subtilis Bacteria
Authors: Musin Egor V. , Kim Aleksandr L. , Dubrovskii Alexey V. , Kudryashova Ekaterina B. , Tikhonenko Sergey A.
Published: December 2019

One of the prerequisites of successful address delivery is controlling the release of encapsulated drugs. The new method of bacterial spore encapsulation in polyelectrolyte microcapsules allows for degrading the nanoscale membrane shell of microcapsules. The possibility of encapsulating spore forms of Bacillus subtilis in polystyrenesulfonate sodium/ polyallylamine hydrochloride (PSS/PAH) polyelectrolyte microcapsules was demonstrated. The activation and growth on a nutrient medium of encapsulated bacterial spores led to 60% degradation of the microcapsules nanoscale membrane shell. As a result, 18.5% of Fluorescein isothiocyanatedextran was encapsulated into polyelectrolyte microcapsules, and 28.6% of the encapsulated concentration of FITC-dextran was released into the solution.
Substrate Diameter-Dependent Photovoltaic Performance of Flexible Fiber-Type Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with TiO2 Nanoparticle/TiO2 Nanotube Array Photoanodes
Authors: Xiao Bing-Chang , Lin Lu-Yin
Published: December 2019

Fiber-type dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSCs) are attractive as an energy source of soft electronics due to low-costs, non-toxicity and especially, their indoor-weak-light workable features. The TiO2 nanotube array (TNA) can grow on flexible Ti wires directly using anodization technique, which is convenient and can provide better contact between substrate/TiO2. However, a systematic study of assembling efficient TNA on photoanode of FDSSC is limited. This study investigated the anodization voltage and time effects of growing TNA on Ti wires. TiO2 nanoparticles (TNP) are fabricated on TNA using dip-coating technique to compensate for low dye adsorption of TNA. Dip-coating rate is varied to optimize TNP thicknesses to provide effective dye adsorption and charge-transfer routes. The highest photon-to-electricity conversion efficiency (η) of 3.31% was obtained for FDSSCs with TNA/TNP photoanode prepared using 60 V as the anodization voltage and 40 cm/min as the dip-coating rate. The influence of titanium wire diameter on η of FDSSCs was studied. The bending test was carried out on flexible FDSSC assembled using plastic tube. The photocurrent retention of 84% is achieved for flexible FDSSC bended for 10 times. This work firstly provides facile ways to assemble efficient photoanode with composite TiO2 structures for FDSSC and opens new insights on studying titanium wire natures on FDSSC performance.
Depth-Sensing Indentation as a Micro- and Nanomechanical Approach to Characterisation of Mechanical Properties of Soft, Biological, and Biomimetic Materials
Authors: Perepelkin Nikolay V. , Borodich Feodor M. , Kovalev Alexander E. , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: December 2019

Classical methods of material testing become extremely complicated or impossible at micro-/nanoscale. At the same time, depth-sensing indentation (DSI) can be applied without much change at various length scales. However, interpretation of the DSI data needs to be done carefully, as length-scale dependent effects, such as adhesion, should be taken into account. This review paper is focused on different DSI approaches and factors that can lead to erroneous results, if conventional DSI methods are used for micro-/nanomechanical testing, or testing soft materials. We also review our recent advances in the development of a method that intrinsically takes adhesion effects in DSI into account: the Borodich–Galanov (BG) method, and its extended variant (eBG). The BG/eBG methods can be considered a framework made of the experimental part (DSI by means of spherical indenters), and the data processing part (data fitting based on the mathematical model of the experiment), with such distinctive features as intrinsic model-based account of adhesion, the ability to simultaneously estimate elastic and adhesive properties of materials, and non-destructive nature.
Highly Porous Amorphous Calcium Phosphate for Drug Delivery and Bio-Medical Applications
Authors: Sun Rui , Åhlén Michelle , Tai Cheuk-Wai , Bajnóczi Éva G. , de Kleijne Fenne , Ferraz Natalia , Persson Ingmar , Strømme Maria , Cheung Ocean
Published: December 2019

Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) has shown significant effects on the biomineralization and promising applications in bio-medicine. However, the limited stability and porosity of ACP material restrict its practical applications. A storage stable highly porous ACP with Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of over 400 m2/g was synthesized by introducing phosphoric acid to a methanol suspension containing amorphous calcium carbonate nanoparticles. Electron microscopy revealed that the porous ACP was constructed with aggregated ACP nanoparticles with dimensions of several nanometers. Large angle X-ray scattering revealed a short-range atomic order of <20 Å in the ACP nanoparticles. The synthesized ACP demonstrated long-term stability and did not crystallize even after storage for over 14 months in air. The stability of the ACP in water and an α-MEM cell culture medium were also examined. The stability of ACP could be tuned by adjusting its chemical composition. The ACP synthesized in this work was cytocompatible and acted as drug carriers for the bisphosphonate drug alendronate (AL) in vitro. AL-loaded ACP released ~25% of the loaded AL in the first 22 days. These properties make ACP a promising candidate material for potential application in biomedical fields such as drug delivery and bone healing.
Multifunctional PLA Blends Containing Chitosan Mediated Silver Nanoparticles: Thermal, Mechanical, Antibacterial, and Degradation Properties
Authors: Sonseca Agueda , Madani Salim , Rodríguez Gema , Hevilla Víctor , Echeverría Coro , Fernández-García Marta , Muñoz-Bonilla Alexandra , Charef Noureddine , López Daniel
Published: December 2019

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most commonly employed synthetic biopolymers for facing plastic waste problems. Despite its numerous strengths, its inherent brittleness, low toughness, and thermal stability, as well as a relatively slow crystallization rate represent some limiting properties when packaging is its final intended application. In the present work, silver nanoparticles obtained from a facile and green synthesis method, mediated with chitosan as a reducing and stabilizing agent, have been introduced in the oligomeric lactic acid (OLA) plasticized PLA in order to obtain nanocomposites with enhanced properties to find potential application as antibacterial food packaging materials. In this way, the green character of the matrix and plasticizer was preserved by using an eco-friendly synthesis protocol of the nanofiller. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results proved the modification of the crystalline structure as well as the crystallinity of the pristine matrix when chitosan mediated silver nanoparticles (AgCH-NPs) were present. The final effect over the thermal stability, mechanical properties, degradation under composting conditions, and antimicrobial behavior when AgCH-NPs were added to the neat plasticized PLA matrix was also investigated. The obtained results revealed interesting properties of the final nanocomposites to be applied as materials for the targeted application.
Wide-Angle Polarization-Independent Ultra-Broadband Absorber from Visible to Infrared
Authors: Liu Jing , Chen Wei , Zheng Jia-Chun , Chen Yu-Shan , Yang Cheng-Fu
Published: December 2019

We theoretically proposed and numerically analyzed a polarization-independent, wide-angle, and ultra-broadband absorber based on a multi-layer metasurface. The numerical simulation results showed that the average absorption rates were more than 97.2% covering the broad wavelength of 400~6000 nm (from visible light to mid-infrared light) and an absorption peak was 99.99%, whatever the polarization angle was changed from 0° to 90°. Also, as the incidence angle was swept from 0° to 55°, the absorption performance had no apparent change over the wavelength ranges of 400 to 6000 nm. We proved that the proposed metasurface structure was obviously advantageous to achieve impedance matching between the absorber and the free space as compared with conventionally continuous planar-film structures. The broadband and high absorption resulted from the strong localized surface plasmon resonance and superposition of resonant frequencies. As expectable the proposed absorber structure will hold great potential in plasmonic light harvesting, photodetector applications, thermal emitters and infrared cloaking.
Gram-Scale Synthesis of Bimetallic ZIFs and Their Thermal Conversion to Nanoporous Carbon Materials
Authors: Marpaung Freddy , Park Teahoon , Kim Minjun , Yi Jin Woo , Lin Jianjian , Wang Jie , Ding Bing , Lim Hyunsoo , Konstantinov Konstantin , Yamauchi Yusuke , Na Jongbeom , Kim Jeonghun
Published: December 2019

The hybrid metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with different Zn2+/Co2+ ratios are synthesized at room temperature with deionized water as the solvent. This use of deionized water can increase the yield of hybrid MOFs (up to 65–70%). After the pyrolysis, the obtained nanoporous carbons (NPCs) show a decrease in the surface area, in which the highest surface area is 655 m2 g−1. The as-prepared NPCs are subjected to activation with KOH in order to increase their surface area and convert cobalt nanoparticles (Co NPs) to Co oxides. These activated carbons are applied to electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) and pseudocapacitors due to the presence of CoO and Co3O4 nanoparticles in the carbon framework, leading to significantly enhanced specific capacitance as compared to that of pristine NPCs. This synthetic method can be utilized in future research to enhance pseudocapacitance further while maintaining the maximum surface area of the carbon materials.
Solid-State Solar Energy Conversion from WO3 Nano and Microstructures with Charge Transportation and Light-Scattering Characteristics
Authors: Moon Juyoung , Shin Woojun , Park Jung Tae , Jang Hongje
Published: December 2019

Solar energy conversion devices composed of highly crystalline gel polymers with disk-WO3 nanostructure and plate-WO3 microstructures (D-WO3 and P-WO3, respectively) exhibited higher power conversion efficiency than those with a gel electrolyte. In this study, D-WO3 and P-WO3 were prepared using a hydrothermal process and their structural and morphological features were investigated for application in solar energy conversion devices. The P-WO3 solid-state electrolyte significantly enhanced the cell performance owing to its charge transportation and light-scattering characteristics. The P-WO3 solid-state electrolyte showed a power conversion efficiency of 6.3%, which is higher than those of the gel (4.2%) and D-WO3 solid-state (5.5%) electrolytes. The electro-chemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), intensity-modulated voltage spectroscopy (IMVS), diffuse reflectance, and incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) analysis results showed that the P-WO3 solid-state electrolyte showed improved charge transportation and light scattering, and hence enhanced the cell performance.
The Impact of Having One Parent Absent on Children’ Food Consumption and Nutrition in China
Authors: Tian Xu , Wang Hui
Published: December 2019

The rapid economic and social development in the past decades has greatly increased the societal acceptance of divorce and non-marital pregnancies in China, which leads to a soaring number of single-parent children. This paper aimed to investigate the impact of having one parent absent on children’ food consumption and nutrition status. We extracted 1114 children from a longitudinal household survey data in China, all of which were observed twice. Using the Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Difference methods, we found that being raised by one parent does not have a negative effect on children’s food consumption and nutrition intake. On the contrary, single-parent families tend to provide more food to their children as a compensation for the absence of one parent and this compensation effect offsets the negative impact caused by declined family income. Particularly, urban, rich families had stronger compensation effect than other families with low and middle incomes.
Baked Bread Enhances the Immune Response and the Catabolism in the Human Body in Comparison with Steamed Bread
Authors: Wang Huisong , Pang Guangchang
Published: December 2019

It is unclear whether different processing methods change the biological functions of foods and how these functions are evaluated in the human body. Here, steamed bread and baked bread, the traditional staple foods in China and many Western countries, were made by steaming and baking, respectively, using one piece of fermented wheat dough and then consumed by 16 healthy young volunteers. By detecting 38 cytokines, 12 metabolic enzymes, glucose, lactate, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) in the serum, the cytokine network and central metabolic pathway network were investigated to compare the effects of the two staple foods on immunity and metabolism. Compared with steamed bread, baked bread increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of fractalkine and macrophage-derived chemokine, decreased (p < 0.05) the concentration of interleukin-1RA, increased (p < 0.05) the expression level of phosphofructokinase, and decreased (p < 0.05) the expression level of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the serum. Two network analyses indicated that baked bread, as compared to the steamed bread, enhanced communication between immune cells, increased catabolism, and decreased anabolism. Further, a correlation analysis of cytokines and metabolic enzymes suggested that the two staple foods may affect metabolism by regulating the secretion of cytokines. These findings highlight how the same raw food material processed by different methods may have different impacts on immunity and metabolism in humans.
Relationship of the Frequency, Distribution, and Content of Meals/Snacks to Glycaemic Control in Gestational Diabetes: The myfood24 GDM Pilot Study
Authors: Morris Michelle A. , Hutchinson Jayne , Gianfrancesco Carla , Alwan Nisreen A. , Carter Michelle C. , Scott Eleanor M. , Cade Janet E.
Published: December 2019

This study examines nutritional intakes in Gestational diabetes mellitus piloting the myfood24 tool, to explore frequency of meals/snacks, and daily distribution of calories and carbohydrates in relation to glycaemic control. A total of 200 women aged 20–43 years were recruited into this prospective observational study between February 2015 and February 2016. Diet was assessed using myfood24, a novel online 24-h dietary recall tool. Out of 200 women 102 completed both ≥1 dietary recalls and all blood glucose measurements. Blood glucose was self-measured as part of usual care. Differences between groups meeting and exceeding glucose targets in relation to frequency of meal/snack consumption and nutrients were assessed using chi-squared and Mann–Whitney tests. Women achieving a fasting glucose target <5.3 mmol/L, compared to those exceeding it, consumed three meals (92% vs. 78%: p = 0.04) and three snacks (10% vs. 4%: p = 0.06) per day, compared with two or less; and in relation to evening snacks, consumed a higher percentage of daily energy (6% vs. 5%: p = 0.03) and carbohydrates (8% vs. 6%: p = 0.01). Achieving glycaemic control throughout the day was positively associated with snacking (p = 0.008). Achieving glucose targets was associated with having more snacks across the day, and may be associated with frequency and distribution of meals and nutrients. A larger study is required to confirm this.
A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health?
Authors: Vigar Vanessa , Myers Stephen , Oliver Christopher , Arellano Jacinta , Robinson Shelley , Leifert Carlo
Published: December 2019

The current review aims to systematically assess the evidence related to human health outcomes when an organic diet is consumed in comparison to its conventional counterpart. Relevant databases were searched for articles published to January 2019. Clinical trials and observational research studies were included where they provided comparative results on direct or indirect health outcomes. Thirty-five papers met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Few clinical trials assessed direct improvements in health outcomes associated with organic food consumption; most assessed either differences in pesticide exposure or other indirect measures. Significant positive outcomes were seen in longitudinal studies where increased organic intake was associated with reduced incidence of infertility, birth defects, allergic sensitisation, otitis media, pre-eclampsia, metabolic syndrome, high BMI, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The current evidence base does not allow a definitive statement on the health benefits of organic dietary intake. However, a growing number of important findings are being reported from observational research linking demonstrable health benefits with organic food consumption. Future clinical research should focus on using long-term whole-diet substitution with certified organic interventions as this approach is more likely to determine whether or not true measurable health benefits exist.
Protective Effect of α-Linolenic Acid on Non-Alcoholic Hepatic Steatosis and Interleukin-6 and -10 in Wistar Rats
Authors: Jordão Candido Camila , Silva Figueiredo Priscila , Del Ciampo Silva Rafael , Candeloro Portugal Luciane , Augusto dos Santos Jaques Jeandre , Alves de Almeida Jeeser , de Barros Penteado Bruna , Albuquerque Dias Dhébora , Marcelino Gabriela , Pott Arnildo , Avellaneda Guimarães Rita de Cássia , Aiko Hiane Priscila
Published: December 2019

Consumption of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is related to improvement in the inflammatory response associated with decreases in metabolic disorders of obesity, such as low-grade inflammation and hepatic steatosis. Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) oil is a primary source of n-3 fatty acids (FAs) of plant origin, particularly α-linolenic acid, and provides an alternative for the ingestion of n-3 PUFA by persons allergic to, or wishing to avoid, animal sources. In our study, we evaluated the effect of the consumption of different lipidic sources on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in Wistar rats. We split 56 male rats into four groups that were fed for 60 days with the following diets: sesame oil, (SO, Sesamum indicum), linseed oil (LO), SO + LO (SLO), and a control group (CG) fed with animal fat. Our results reveal that the use of LO or SLO produced improvements in the hepatic tissue, such as lower values of aspartate aminotransferase, liver weight, and hepatic steatosis. LO and SLO reduced the weight of visceral fats, weight gain, and mediated the inflammation through a decrease in interleukin (IL)-6 and increase in IL-10. Though we did not detect any significant differences in the intestine histology and the purinergic system enzymes, the consumption of α-linolenic acid appears to contribute to the inflammatory and hepatic modulation of animals compared with a diet rich in saturated FAs and or unbalanced in n-6/n-3 PUFAs, inferring possible use in treatment of metabolic disorders associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
Decursin and Decursinol Angelate Suppress Adipogenesis through Activation of β-catenin Signaling Pathway in Human Visceral Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Park In Sil , Kim Boyun , Han Youngjin , Yang Hee , Cho Untack , Kim Se Ik , Kim Jong Hun , Yoon Park Jung Han , Lee Ki Won , Song Yong Sang
Published: December 2019

Visceral adiposity is closely associated with metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) has been reported to possess anti-obesity effects and higher amounts of coumarin compounds are present in AGN. However, the active compounds suppressing adipogenesis in AGN and mechanisms of action have not been investigated in adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) isolated from visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Among four coumarin compounds of AGN, decursin (D) and decursinol angelate (DA) significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation from ASCs. D and DA downregulated CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) at both mRNA and protein levels. Next, treatment with adipogenic differentiation medium (ADM) on ASCs downregulated β-catenin expression at protein level, while addition of D and DA could restore protein expression and nuclear translocation of β-catenin suppressed by ADM. D and DA treatment on ADM treated ASCs increased inhibitory phosphorylation of Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, thereby preventing β-catenin from degradation. Additionally, si-β-catenin transfection significantly upregulated protein expression of C/EBPα and PPARγ, alleviating the anti-adipogenic effect of D and DA on ADM treated ASCs. Overall, D and DA, active compounds from AGN, suppressed adipogenesis through activation of β-catenin signaling pathway in ASCs derived from human VAT, possibly using as natural anti-visceral adiposity agents.
A Review of the Immunomodulating Components of Maternal Breast Milk and Protection Against Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Nolan Lila S. , Parks Olivia B. , Good Misty
Published: December 2019

Breast milk contains immunomodulating components that are beneficial to newborns during maturation of their immune system. Human breast milk composition is influenced by an infant’s gestational and chronological age, lactation stage, and the mother and infant’s health status. Major immunologic components in human milk, such as secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) and growth factors, have a known role in regulating gut barrier integrity and microbial colonization, which therefore protect against the development of a life-threatening gastrointestinal illness affecting newborn infants called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Breast milk is a known protective factor in the prevention of NEC when compared with feeding with commercial formula. Breast milk supplements infants with human milk oligosaccharides, leukocytes, cytokines, nitric oxide, and growth factors that attenuate inflammatory responses and provide immunological defenses to reduce the incidence of NEC. This article aims to review the variety of immunomodulating components in breast milk that protect the infant from the development of NEC.
Ethnicity and Metabolic Syndrome: Implications for Assessment, Management and Prevention
Authors: Lear Scott A. , Gasevic Danijela
Published: December 2019

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of cardiometabolic risk factors that identifies people at increased risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While the global prevalence is 20%–25% of the adult population, the prevalence varies across different racial/ethnic populations. In this narrative review, evidence is reviewed regarding the assessment, management and prevention of MetS among people of different racial/ethnic groups. The most popular definition of MetS considers race/ethnicity for assessing waist circumference given differences in visceral adipose tissue and cardiometabolic risk. However, defining race/ethnicity may pose challenges in the clinical setting. Despite 80% of the world’s population being of non-European descent, the majority of research on management and prevention has focused on European-derived populations. In these studies, lifestyle management has proven an effective therapy for reversal of MetS, and randomised studies are underway in specific racial/ethnic groups. Given the large number of people at risk for MetS, prevention efforts need to focus at community and population levels. Community-based interventions have begun to show promise, and efforts to improve lifestyle behaviours through alterations in the built environment may be another avenue. However, careful consideration needs to be given to take into account the unique cultural context of the target race/ethnic group.
Characterizing the Composition of the Pediatric Gut Microbiome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Deering Kane E. , Devine Amanda , O’Sullivan Therese A. , Lo Johnny , Boyce Mary C. , Christophersen Claus T.
Published: December 2019

The consortium of trillions of microorganisms that live inside the human gut are integral to health. Little has been done to collate and characterize the microbiome of children. A systematic review was undertaken to address this gap (PROSPERO ID: CRD42018109599). MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched using the keywords: “healthy preadolescent children” and “gut microbiome” to 31 August 2018. Of the 815 journal articles, 42 met the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the relative abundance of bacteria at the phylum, family, and genus taxonomic ranks. α-diversity, short chain fatty acid concentrations, diet, 16S rRNA sequencing region, and geographical location were documented. The preadolescent gut microbiome is dominated at the phylum level by Firmicutes (weighted overall average relative abundance = 51.1%) and Bacteroidetes (36.0%); genus level by Bacteroides (16.0%), Prevotella (8.69%), Faecalibacterium (7.51%), and Bifidobacterium (5.47%). Geographic location and 16S rRNA sequencing region were independently associated with microbial proportions. There was limited consensus between studies that reported α-diversity and short chain fatty acids. Broadly speaking, participants from non-Western locations, who were less likely to follow a Westernized dietary pattern, had higher α-diversity and SCFA concentrations. Confirmatory studies will increase the understanding of the composition and functional capacity of the preadolescent gut microbiome.
Researching New Therapeutic Approaches for Abdominal Visceral Pain Treatment: Preclinical Effects of an Assembled System of Molecules of Vegetal Origin
Authors: Parisio Carmen , Lucarini Elena , Micheli Laura , Toti Alessandra , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Antonini Giulia , Panizzi Elena , Maidecchi Anna , Giovagnoni Emiliano , Lucci Jacopo , Ghelardini Carla
Published: December 2019

Abdominal pain is a frequent symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Although the knowledge of these pathologies is progressing, new therapeutic strategies continue to be investigated. In the present study, the effect of a system of molecules of natural origin (a medical device according to EU Directive 93/42/EC, engineered starting from Boswellia serrata resins, Aloe vera polysaccharides and Matricaria chamomilla and Melissa officinalis polyphenols) was evaluated against the intestinal damage and visceral pain development in DNBS-induced colitis model in rats. The system (250 and 500 mg kg−1) was orally administered once daily, starting three days before the injection of 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS) and for 14 days thereafter. The viscero-motor response (VMR) to colon-rectal balloon distension (CRD) was used as measure of visceral sensitivity. The product significantly reduced the VMR of DNBS-treated animals. Its effect on pain threshold was better than dexamethasone and mesalazine, and not lower than amitriptyline and otilonium bromide. At microscopic and macroscopic level, the tested system was more effective in protecting the intestinal mucosa than dexamethasone and mesalazine, promoting the healing of tissue lesions. Therefore, we suggest that the described system of molecules of natural origin may represent a therapeutic option to manage painful bowel diseases.
Repeatability of Taste Recognition Threshold Measurements with QUEST and Quick Yes–No
Authors: Höchenberger Richard , Ohla Kathrin
Published: December 2019

Taste perception, although vital for nutrient sensing, has long been overlooked in sensory assessments. This can, at least in part, be attributed to challenges associated with the handling of liquid, perishable stimuli, but also with scarce efforts to optimize testing procedures to be more time-efficient. We have previously introduced an adaptive, QUEST-based procedure to measure taste sensitivity thresholds that was quicker than other existing approaches, yet similarly reliable. Despite its advantages, the QUEST procedure lacks experimental control of false alarms (i.e., response bias) and psychometric function slope. Variations of these parameters, however, may also influence the threshold estimate. This raises the question as to whether a procedure that simultaneously assesses threshold, false-alarm rate, and slope might be able to produce threshold estimates with higher repeatability, i.e., smaller variation between repeated measurements. Here, we compared the performance of QUEST with a method that allows measurement of false-alarm rates and slopes, quick Yes–No (qYN), in a test–retest design for citric acid, sodium chloride, quinine hydrochloride, and sucrose recognition thresholds. We used complementary measures of repeatability, namely test–retest correlations and coefficients of repeatability. Both threshold procedures yielded largely overlapping thresholds with good repeatability between measurements. Together the data suggest that participants used a conservative response criterion. Furthermore, we explored the link between taste sensitivity and taste liking or which we found, however, no clear association.
Site-Specific 111In-Radiolabeling of Dual-PEGylated Porous Silicon Nanoparticles and Their In Vivo Evaluation in Murine 4T1 Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Lumen Dave , Näkki Simo , Imlimthan Surachet , Lambidis Elisavet , Sarparanta Mirkka , Xu Wujun , Lehto Vesa-Pekka , Airaksinen Anu J.
Published: December 2019

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been successfully used for improving circulation time of several nanomaterials but prolonging the circulation of porous silicon nanoparticles (PSi NPs) has remained challenging. Here, we report a site specific radiolabeling of dual-PEGylated thermally oxidized porous silicon (DPEG-TOPSi) NPs and investigation of influence of the PEGylation on blood circulation time of TOPSi NPs. Trans-cyclooctene conjugated DPEG-TOPSi NPs were radiolabeled through a click reaction with [111In]In-DOTA-PEG4-tetrazine (DOTA = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) and the particle behavior was evaluated in vivo in Balb/c mice bearing 4T1 murine breast cancer allografts. The dual-PEGylation significantly prolonged circulation of [111In]In-DPEG-TOPSi particles when compared to non-PEGylated control particles, yielding 10.8 ± 1.7% of the injected activity/g in blood at 15 min for [111In]In-DPEG-TOPSi NPs. The improved circulation time will be beneficial for the accumulation of targeted DPEG-TOPSi to tumors.
An Inhalable Theranostic System for Local Tuberculosis Treatment Containing an Isoniazid Loaded Metal Organic Framework Fe-MIL-101-NH2—From Raw MOF to Drug Delivery System
Authors: Wyszogrodzka-Gaweł Gabriela , Dorożyński Przemysław , Giovagnoli Stefano , Strzempek Weronika , Pesta Edyta , Węglarz Władysław P. , Gil Barbara , Menaszek Elżbieta , Kulinowski Piotr
Published: December 2019

The theranostic approach to local tuberculosis treatment allows drug delivery and imaging of the lungs for a better control and personalization of antibiotic therapy. Metal-organic framework (MOF) Fe-MIL-101-NH2 nanoparticles were loaded with isoniazid. To optimize their functionality a 23 factorial design of spray-drying with poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and leucine was employed. Powder aerodynamic properties were assessed using a twin stage impinger based on the dose emitted and the fine particle fraction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast capabilities were tested on porous lung tissue phantom and ex vivo rat lungs. Cell viability and uptake studies were conducted on murine macrophages RAW 246.9. The final product showed good aerodynamic properties, modified drug release, easier uptake by macrophages in relation to raw isoniazid-MOF, and MRI contrast capabilities. Starting from raw MOF, a fully functional inhalable theranostic system with a potential application in personalized tuberculosis pulmonary therapy was developed.
Development of a Resveratrol Nanosuspension Using the Antisolvent Precipitation Method without Solvent Removal, Based on a Quality by Design (QbD) Approach
Authors: Kuk Do-Hoon , Ha Eun-Sol , Ha Dong-Hyun , Sim Woo-Yong , Lee Seon-Kwang , Jeong Ji-Su , Kim Jeong-Soo , Baek In-hwan , Park Heejun , Choi Du Hyung , Yoo Jin-Wook , Jeong Seong Hoon , Hwang Sung-Joo , Kim Min-Soo
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to develop a resveratrol nanosuspension with enhanced oral bioavailability, based on an understanding of the formulation and process parameters of nanosuspensions and using a quality by design (QbD) approach. Particularly, the antisolvent method, which requires no solvent removal and no heating, is newly applied to prepare resveratrol nanosuspension. To ensure the quality of the resveratrol nanosuspensions, a quality target product profile (QTPP) was defined. The particle size (z-average, d90), zeta potential, and drug content parameters affecting the QTPP were selected as critical quality attributes (CQAs). The optimum composition obtained using a 3-factor, 3-level Box–Behnken design was as follows: polyvinylpyrrolidone vinyl acetate (10 mg/mL), polyvinylpyrrolidone K12 (5 mg/mL), sodium lauryl sulfate (1 mg/mL), and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE, 5% v/v) at a resveratrol concentration of 5 mg/mL. The initial particle size (z-average) was 46.3 nm and the zeta potential was −38.02 mV. The robustness of the antisolvent process using the optimized composition conditions was ensured by a full factorial design. The dissolution rate of the optimized resveratrol nanosuspension was significantly greater than that of the resveratrol raw material. An in vivo pharmacokinetic study in rats showed that the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC0–12h) and the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) respectively, than those of the resveratrol raw material. Therefore, the prepara values of the resveratrol nanosuspension were approximately 1.6- and 5.7-fold higher,tion of a resveratrol nanosuspension using the QbD approach may be an effective strategy for the development of a new dosage form of resveratrol, with enhanced oral bioavailability.
Correction: Therapeutic Effects in a Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Rat Model by Nose-To-Brain Delivery of Anti-TNF-Alpha siRNA with Cell-Penetrating Peptide-Modified Polymer Micelles. Pharmaceutics, 2019, 11(9), 478
Authors: Kanazawa Takanori , Kurano Takumi , Ibaraki Hisako , Takashima Yuuki , Suzuki Toyofumi , Seta Yasuo
Published: December 2019

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Electron Population Dynamics in Optically Pumped Asymmetric Coupled Ge/SiGe Quantum Wells: Experiment and Models
Authors: Ciano Chiara , Virgilio Michele , Bagolini Luigi , Baldassarre Leonetta , Rossetti Andrea , Pashkin Alexej , Helm Manfred , Montanari Michele , Persichetti Luca , Di Gaspare Luciana , Capellini Giovanni , Paul Douglas J. , Scalari Giacomo , Faist Jèrome , De Seta Monica , Ortolani Michele
Published: December 2019

n-type doped Ge quantum wells with SiGe barriers represent a promising heterostructure system for the development of radiation emitters in the terahertz range such as electrically pumped quantum cascade lasers and optically pumped quantum fountain lasers. The nonpolar lattice of Ge and SiGe provides electron–phonon scattering rates that are one order of magnitude lower than polar GaAs. We have developed a self-consistent numerical energy-balance model based on a rate equation approach which includes inelastic and elastic inter- and intra-subband scattering events and takes into account a realistic two-dimensional electron gas distribution in all the subband states of the Ge/SiGe quantum wells by considering subband-dependent electronic temperatures and chemical potentials. This full-subband model is compared here to the standard discrete-energy-level model, in which the material parameters are limited to few input values (scattering rates and radiative cross sections). To provide an experimental case study, we have epitaxially grown samples consisting of two asymmetric coupled quantum wells forming a three-level system, which we optically pump with a free electron laser. The benchmark quantity selected for model testing purposes is the saturation intensity at the 1→3 intersubband transition. The numerical quantum model prediction is in reasonable agreement with the experiments and therefore outperforms the discrete-energy-level analytical model, of which the prediction of the saturation intensity is off by a factor 3.
Improving Performance of Electrospun Nylon 6,6 Nanofiber Membrane for Produced Water Filtration via Solvent Vapor Treatment
Authors: Abd Halim Nur Syakinah , Wirzal Mohd Dzul Hakim , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Md Nordin Nik Abdul Hadi , Adi Putra Zulfan , Sambudi Nonni Soraya , Mohd Yusoff Abdull Rahim
Published: December 2019

Electrospun nanofiber membrane (NFM) has a high potential to be applied as a filter for produced water treatment due to its highly porous structure and great permeability. However, it faces fouling issues and has low mechanical properties, which reduces the performance and lifespan of the membrane. NFM has a low integrity and the fine mat easily detaches from the sheet. In this study, nylon 6,6 was selected as the polymer since it offers great hydrophilicity. In order to increase mechanical strength and separation performance of NFM, solvent vapor treatment was implemented where the vapor induces the fusion of fibers. The fabricated nylon 6,6 NFMs were treated with different exposure times of formic acid vapor. Results show that solvent vapor treatment helps to induce the fusion of overlapping fibers. The optimum exposure time for solvent vapor is 5 h to offer full retention of dispersed oil (100% of oil rejection), has 62% higher in tensile strength (1950 MPa) compared to untreated nylon 6,6 NFM (738 MPa), and has the final permeability closest to the untreated nylon 6,6 NFM (733 L/m2.h.bar). It also took more time to get fouled (220 min) compared to untreated NFM (160 min).
The Potential of Agglomerated Cork for Sandwich Structures: A Systematic Investigation of Physical, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Sergi Claudia , Tirillò Jacopo , Sarasini Fabrizio , Barbero Pozuelo Enrique , Sanchez Saez Sonia , Burgstaller Christoph
Published: December 2019

Considering the major role played by sandwich structures in many fields where high stiffness-to-weight ratio is required, the selection of a suitable core material is of paramount importance. In order to face the environmental problems related to waste disposal, the selection of an eco-friendly core material is now included in the design criteria of sandwich structures. Agglomerated cork is recognized as a good solution that combines satisfactory mechanical performances and eco-sustainability. Many research studies individually addressed cork’s morphological, thermal, and mechanical features without providing a comprehensive overview of the relationships that exist between them. In this work, the investigation of the peculiar cork morphology allowed learning more about its good insulation capacity and its impressive recovery capability. The use of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) clarified the influence of temperature on both flexural and compressive performances. The effect of testing parameters such as temperature and speed on agglomerated cork properties was validated through statistical analysis. Moreover, to highlight agglomerated cork advantages and drawbacks, the work provides also a comparison with more traditional polyvinylchloride (PVC) foams commonly used in industrial applications.
Microfibrillated Cellulose Suspension and Its Electrorheology
Authors: Choi Kisuk , Nam Jae Do , Kwon Seung Hyuk , Choi Hyoung Jin , Islam Md Sakinul , Kao Nhol
Published: December 2019

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) particles were synthesized by a low-pressure alkaline delignification process, and their shape and chemical structure were investigated by SEM and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, respectively. As a novel electrorheological (ER) material, the MFC particulate sample was suspended in insulating oil to fabricate an ER fluid. Its rheological properties—steady shear stress, shear viscosity, yield stress, and dynamic moduli—under electric field strength were characterized by a rotational rheometer. The MFC-based ER fluid demonstrated typical ER characteristics, in which the shear stresses followed the Cho–Choi–Jhon model well under electric field strength. In addition, the solid-like behavior of the ER fluid was investigated with the Schwarzl equation. The elevated value of both dynamic and elastic yield stresses at applied electric field strengths was well described using a power law model (~E1.5). The reversible and quick response of the ER fluid was also illustrated through the on–off test.