bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tri-Ponderal Mass Index: A Screening Tool for Risk of Central Fat Accumulation in Brazilian Preschool Children
Authors: Nascimento Viviane Gabriela , Bertoli Ciro João , Gallo Paulo Rogerio , Abreu Luiz Carlos de , Leone Claudio
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives: To verify the use of the tri-ponderalmass index (TMI) as a screening tool for risk of central fat accumulation in preschool children. Materials and Methods: An observational, analytical study was carried out on samples from children 2 to 5 years of age. The body mass index (BMI) and the tri-ponderalmass index (TMI: Weight/height3) were calculated. The waist circumference-to-height ratio (WHtR) was used to classify central fat accumulation risk. Preschoolers whose WHtRwas in the upper tertile of the sample were classified as at risk for central fat accumulation. A comparison of the two indicators (BMI and TMI) was made from the area under the receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) in the discrimination of the WHtR. Results: The sample used for analysis was 919 preschoolers. The mean age of the children was 3.9 years (SD = 0.7). The difference in AUC was 5% higher for TMI (p < 0.0001). In the individual analysis of the ROC curve of the TMI, favoring a higher sensitivity, the cutoff point of 14.0 kg/m3 showed a sensitivity of 99.3% (95% CI: 97.6–99.9). Conclusion: Considering WHtR as a marker of possible future metabolic risk among preschool children, TMI proved to be a useful tool, superior to BMI, in screening for risk of central fat accumulation in preschool children.
Techno-Economic Assessment in a Fluidized Bed Membrane Reactor for Small-Scale H2 Production: Effect of Membrane Support Thickness
Authors: Di Marcoberardino Gioele , Knijff Jasper , Binotti Marco , Gallucci Fausto , Manzolini Giampaolo
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates the influence of the support material and its thickness on the hydrogen flux in Palladium membranes in the presence of sweep gas in fluidized bed membrane reactors. The analysis is performed considering both ceramic and metallic supports with different properties. In general, ceramic supports are cheaper but suffer sealing problems, while metallic ones are more expensive but with much less sealing problems. Firstly, a preliminary analysis is performed to assess the impact of the support in the permeation flux, which shows that the membrane permeance can be halved when the H2 diffusion through the support is considered. The most relevant parameter which affects the permeation is the porosity over tortuosity ratio of the porous support. Afterward, the different supports are compared from an economic point of view when applied to a membrane reactor designed for 100 kg/day of hydrogen, using biogas as feedstock. The stainless steel supports have lower impact on the hydrogen permeation so the required membrane surface area is 2.6 m2 compared to 3.6 m2 of the best ceramic support. This ends up as 5.6 €/kg H2@20bar and 6.6 €/kg H2@700bar for the best stainless steel support, which is 3% lower than the price calculated for the best ceramic support.
Pilot-Scale Assessment of Urea as a Chemical Cleaning Agent for Biofouling Control in Spiral-Wound Reverse Osmosis Membrane Elements
Authors: Sanawar Huma , Bucs Szilárd S. , Pot Martin A. , Zlopasa Jure , Farhat Nadia M. , Witkamp Geert-Jan , Kruithof Joop C. , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , Vrouwenvelder Johannes S.
Published: September 2019

Routine chemical cleaning with the combined use of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) is carried out as a means of biofouling control in reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. The novelty of the research presented herein is in the application of urea, instead of NaOH, as a chemical cleaning agent to full-scale spiral-wound RO membrane elements. A comparative study was carried out at a pilot-scale facility at the Evides Industriewater DECO water treatment plant in the Netherlands. Three fouled 8-inch diameter membrane modules were harvested from the lead position of one of the full-scale RO units treating membrane bioreactor (MBR) permeate. One membrane module was not cleaned and was assessed as the control. The second membrane module was cleaned by the standard alkali/acid cleaning protocol. The third membrane module was cleaned with concentrated urea solution followed by acid rinse. The results showed that urea cleaning is as effective as the conventional chemical cleaning with regards to restoring the normalized feed channel pressure drop, and more effective in terms of (i) improving membrane permeability, and (ii) solubilizing organic foulants and the subsequent removal of the surface fouling layer. Higher biomass removal by urea cleaning was also indicated by the fact that the total organic carbon (TOC) content in the HCl rinse solution post-urea-cleaning was an order of magnitude greater than in the HCl rinse after standard cleaning. Further optimization of urea-based membrane cleaning protocols and urea recovery and/or waste treatment methods is proposed for full-scale applications.
Characterization and Assessment of a Novel Plate and Frame MD Module for Single Pass Wastewater Concentration–FEED Gap Air Gap Membrane Distillation
Authors: Schwantes Rebecca , Seger Jakob , Bauer Lorenz , Winter Daniel , Hogen Tobias , Koschikowski Joachim , Geißen Sven-Uwe
Published: September 2019

Membrane distillation (MD) is an up and coming technology for concentration and separation on the verge of reaching commercialization. One of the remaining boundaries is the lack of available full-scale MD modules and systems suitable to meet the requirements of potential industrial applications. In this work a new type of feed gap air gap MD (FGAGMD) plate and frame module is introduced, designed and characterized with tap water and NaCl–H2O solution. The main feature of the new channel configuration is the separation of the heating and cooling channel from the feed channel, enabling a very high recovery ratio in a single pass. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as flux, gained output ratio (GOR), recovery ratio and thermal efficiency are used to analyze the performance of the novel module concept within this work. A recovery rate of 93% was reached with tap water and between 32–53% with salt solutions ranging between 117 and 214 g NaCl/kg solution with this particular prototype module. Other than recovery ratio, the KPIs of the FGAGMD are similar to those of an air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) channel configuration. From the experimental results, furthermore, a new MD KPI was defined as the ratio of heating and cooling flow to feed flow. This RF ratio can be used for optimization of the module design and efficiency.
A Study of the Coefficient of Friction in Steel Sheets Forming
Authors: Trzepiecinski Tomasz
Published: September 2019

The aim of this paper was to compare the tribological properties of a deep drawing quality steel sheet using the three commonly used friction tests, i.e., the strip drawing test, draw bead test, and bending under tension test. All tests have been carried out using a specially designed friction simulator. The test material was a 0.8-mm-thick DC04 steel sheet, commonly used in the automotive industry. Uniaxial tensile tests have been carried out to characterise the mechanical properties of the specimens. Furthermore, measurements of the sheet surface topography have been carried out to characterise the tribological properties of the specimens. The friction tests have been conducted under different pressure and lubrication conditions, surface roughnesses of tools represented by counter-samples, and orientations of the specimens according to the direction of the sheet rolling. A comparative analysis of the results of the friction tests revealed different values of friction. In the strip drawing test, the value of the coefficient of friction decreases as the contact pressure increases for both dry and lubricated conditions. In the draw bead test, the specimens oriented along the rolling direction demonstrated a higher value of the coefficient of friction compared to the samples cut transverse to the rolling direction. In contrast to the strip drawing test, the specimens tested in the bending under tension test exhibit a tendency to an increase in the value of the coefficient of friction with the increasing contact pressure.
The Concentration of Asbestos Fibers in Bulk Samples and Its Variation with Grain Size
Authors: Militello Gaia M. , Sanguineti Elisa , Yus González Adrián , Mantovani Federico , Gaggero Laura
Published: September 2019

The aim of this work was to establish whether asbestos fibers homogeneously occur in the different fractions ground from naturally occurring asbestos lithotypes, and to calculate the contribution of fibers from each fraction to the overall concentration in the sample. Serpentinite, metabasalt, calc-schist, clay, debris material, and soil, were addressed. Grain size fractions below 20 mm were sieved at 2 mm and 0.106 mm; they were then were mechanically milled to obtain powders below 0.106 mm. The three powdered fractions were characterized using a scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy following M.D. 06/09/94. The still in use (in some cases), Italian normative M.D. 161/2012 specifies that analyses must be performed on the <2 mm fraction and the concentration (mg/kg) correlated with the weight of the whole sample <20 mm. However, the fiber counts yielded asbestos concentrations 50–60% lower compared with total asbestos analyses according to the new R.P.D. 120/2017. Consequently, there is a need to standardize the normative worldwide regulations for the management of asbestos-containing materials, by re-evaluation of sample preparation and quantification of asbestos.
Original Calibration of a Garnet Geobarometer in Metapelite
Authors: Wu Chun-Ming
Published: September 2019

In many metapelitic assemblages, plagioclase is either CaO-deficient or even absent. In such cases, all the widely applied, well-calibrated plagioclase-related geobarometers lose their usage. Fortunately, it has been found that a net-transfer reaction including intracrystalline Fe2+–Ca2+ exchange in garnet is pressure-sensitive, therefore, a garnet geobarometer can be empirically calibrated under pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions of 430~895 °C and 1~15 kbar. The chemical composition range of the calibrant garnet is XCa = 0.02~0.29 and XFe = 0.42~0.91, and covers the majority of garnet in metapelite. The total error of this geobarometer was estimated to be within ±1.3 kbar. The application of this garnet geobarometer to metamorphic terranes certifies its applicability, and this geobarometer can play a unique role, especially when plagioclase is absent or CaO-deficient. Metamorphic P–T conditions can be simultaneously determined by the garnet–biotite pair through the application of the present garnet geobarometer in combination with a well-calibrated garnet-biotite geothermometer.
Prospective (Bio)leaching of Historical Copper Slags as an Alternative to Their Disposal
Authors: Potysz Anna , Kierczak Jakub
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of (bio)hydrometallurgical methods for metal extraction from historical copper slags. Two types of slags (amorphous slag—AS, and crystalline slag—CS) were subjected to 24 to 48 h of leaching with: (i) Sulfuric acid at 0.1, 0.5, and 1 M concentrations at 1%, 5%, and 10% pulp densities (PDs); and (ii) normality equivalent (2 N) acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric, citric, and oxalic) at pulp densities ranging from 1% to 2%. Bioleaching experiments were performed within 21 days with Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans accompanied by an abiotic control (sterile growth medium). The results demonstrated that the most efficient treatment for amorphous and crystalline slag was bioleaching at 1% PD over 21 days, which led to extraction of Cu at rates of 98.7% and 52.1% for AS and CS, respectively. Among the chemical agents, hydrochloric acid was the most efficient and enabled 30.5% of Cu to be extracted from CS (1% PD, 48 h) and 98.8% of Cu to be extracted from AS (1% PD, 24 h). Slag residues after leaching were characterized by strong alteration features demonstrated by the complete dissolution of fayalite in the case of CS and the transformation of AS to amorphous silica and secondary gypsum. Based on this study, we conclude that amorphous slag is a more suitable candidate for potential metal recovery because of its generally high susceptibility to leaching and due to the generation of residue significantly depleted in metals as the end product. The inventory of economically relevant metals showed that 1 ton of historical copper slag contains metals valued at $47 and $135 for crystalline and amorphous slag, respectively, suggesting that secondary processing of such materials can potentially be both economically and environmentally viable.
Full-Scale Pore Structure and Fractal Dimension of the Longmaxi Shale from the Southern Sichuan Basin: Investigations Using FE-SEM, Gas Adsorption and Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry
Authors: Wang Xingmeng , Jiang Zhenxue , Jiang Shu , Chang Jiaqi , Zhu Lin , Li Xiaohui , Li Jitong
Published: September 2019

Pore structure determines the gas occurrence and storage properties of gas shale and is a vital element for reservoir evaluation and shale gas resources assessment. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry (HMIP), and low-pressure N2/CO2 adsorption were used to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize full-scale pore structure of Longmaxi (LM) shale from the southern Sichuan Basin. Fractal dimension and its controlling factors were also discussed in our study. Longmaxi shale mainly developed organic matter (OM) pores, interparticle pores, intraparticle pores, and microfracture, of which the OM pores dominated the pore system. The pore diameters are mainly distributed in the ranges of 0.4–0.7 nm, 2–20 nm and 40–200 μm. Micro-, meso- and macropores contribute 24%, 57% and 19% of the total pore volume (PV), respectively, and 64.5%, 34.6%, and 0.9% of the total specific surface area (SSA). Organic matter and clay minerals have a positive contribution to pore development. While high brittle mineral content can inhibit shale pore development. The fractal dimensions D1 and D2 which represents the roughness of the shale surface and irregularity of the space structure, respectively, are calculated based on N2 desorption data. The value of D1 is in the range of 2.6480–2.7334 (average of 2.6857), D2 is in the range of 2.8924–2.9439 (average of 2.9229), which indicates that Longmaxi shales have a rather irregular pore morphology as well as complex pore structure. Both PV and SSA positively correlated with fractal dimensions D1 and D2. The fractal dimension D1 decreases with increasing average pore diameter, while D2 is on the contrary. These results suggest that the small pores have a higher roughness surface, while the larger pores have a more complex spatial structure. The fractal dimensions of shale are jointly controlled by OM, clays and brittle minerals. The TOC content is the key factor which has a positive correlation with the fractal dimension. Clay minerals have a negative influence on fractal dimension D1, and positive influence D2, while brittle minerals show an opposite effect compared with clay minerals.
A Review on Coordination Properties of Thiol-Containing Chelating Agents Towards Mercury, Cadmium, and Lead
Authors: Bjørklund Geir , Crisponi Guido , Nurchi Valeria Marina , Cappai Rosita , Buha Djordjevic Aleksandra , Aaseth Jan
Published: September 2019

The present article reviews the clinical use of thiol-based metal chelators in intoxications and overexposure with mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). Currently, very few commercially available pharmaceuticals can successfully reduce or prevent the toxicity of these metals. The metal chelator meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) is considerably less toxic than the classical agent British anti-Lewisite (BAL, 2,3-dimercaptopropanol) and is the recommended agent in poisonings with Pb and organic Hg. Its toxicity is also lower than that of DMPS (dimercaptopropane sulfonate), although DMPS is the recommended agent in acute poisonings with Hg salts. It is suggested that intracellular Cd deposits and cerebral deposits of inorganic Hg, to some extent, can be mobilized by a combination of antidotes, but clinical experience with such combinations are lacking. Alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) has been suggested for toxic metal detoxification but is not considered a drug of choice in clinical practice. The molecular mechanisms and chemical equilibria of complex formation of the chelators with the metal ions Hg2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ are reviewed since insight into these reactions can provide a basis for further development of therapeutics.
Constituents and Anti-Hyperuricemia Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Herbal Formulae Erding Granule
Authors: Zhang Wugang , Du Wendi , Li Guofeng , Zhang Chen , Yang Wuliang , Yang Shilin , Feng Yulin , Chen Haifang
Published: September 2019

Erding granule (EDG) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has recently been identified as having anti-hypouricemic effects. However, the active components and underlying mechanism for this new indication have not been elucidated. Therefore, we compared the effects of different EDG extracts (water, 50% ethanol and 95% ethanol) on serum uric acid concentrations in the hyperuricemia model mouse. We also analyzed the constituents of different extracts by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) to observe the variation between the active and inactive products. Extract activity and target site were evaluated by assessing uric acid- and inflammation-suppressing effects along with evaluating ability to regulate the uric acid transporter. The results showed that the 50% ethanol extract (EDG-50) had an obvious serum uric acid concentration lowering effect compared with water (EDG-S) and the 95% ethanol extract (EDG-95). UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis showed that EDG-50 was compositionally different to EDG-S and EDG-95. EDG-50 showed dose-dependent effects on reducing uric acid, suppressing inflammation and regulating uric acid transporters. Moreover, western blot analysis showed that EDG-50 down-regulated GLUT9 and URAT1 expression, and up-regulated OAT1 expression. Therefore, our findings enable the preliminarily conclusion that EDG-50 lowers serum uric acid concentrations, mainly by down-regulating the expression of GLUT9 and URAT1 proteins and up-regulating the expression of OAT1 proteins. This provides a research basis for clinical use of EDG as an anti-hyperuricemic agent.
Piezoresistivity of InAsP Nanowires: Role of Crystal Phases and Phosphorus Atoms in Strain-Induced Channel Conductances
Authors: Kim In , Kim Han Seul , Ryu Hoon
Published: September 2019

Strong piezoresistivity of InAsP nanowires is rationalized with atomistic simulations coupled to Density Functional Theory. With a focal interest in the case of the As(75%)-P(25%) alloy, the role of crystal phases and phosphorus atoms in strain-driven carrier conductance is discussed with a direct comparison to nanowires of a single crystal phase and a binary (InAs) alloy. Our analysis of electronic structures presents solid evidences that the strong electron conductance and its sensitivity to external tensile stress are due to the phosphorous atoms in a Wurtzite phase, and the effect of a Zincblende phase is not remarkable. With several solid connections to recent experimental studies, this work can serve as a sound framework for understanding of the unique piezoresistive characteristics of InAsP nanowires.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial Screening, Homology Modeling, and Molecular Docking Studies of a New Series of Schiff Base Derivatives as Prospective Fungal Inhibitor Candidates
Authors: Toubi Yahya , Abrigach Farid , Radi Smaail , Souna Faiza , Hakkou Abdelkader , Alsayari Abdulrhman , Bin Muhsinah Abdullatif , Mabkhot Yahia N.
Published: September 2019

Twelve new Schiff base derivatives have been prepared by the condensation reaction of different amino substituted compounds (aniline, pyridin-2-amine, o-toluidine, 2-nitrobenzenamine, 4-aminophenol, and 3-aminopropanol) and substituted aldehydes such as nicotinaldehyde, o,m,p-nitrobenzaldehyde, and picolinaldehyde in ethanol using acetic acid as a catalyst. The envisaged structures of the all the synthesized ligands have been confirmed on the basis of their spectral analysis FT-IR, mass spectroscopy, 1H- and 13C-NMR. In vitro screening of their antibacterial and antifungal potential against Escherichia coli bacterium and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp albedinis (F.o.a) fungus, respectively, revealed that all the ligands showed no significant antibacterial activity, whereas most of them displayed good antifungal activity. Homology modeling and docking analysis were performed to explain the antifungal effect of the most and least active compound against two F.o.a fungus proteins.
Effects of Ethanol Concentration on Oral Aroma Release After Wine Consumption
Authors: Muñoz-González Carolina , Pérez-Jiménez María , Criado Celia , Pozo-Bayón María Ángeles
Published: September 2019

This paper evaluates, for the first time, the effects of ethanol concentration on the dynamics of oral (immediate and prolonged) aroma release after wine consumption. To do this, the intraoral aroma release of 10 panelists was monitored at two sampling points (0 and 4 min) after they rinsed their mouths with three rosé wines with different ethanol content (0.5% v/v, 5% v/v and 10% v/v) that were aromatized with six fruity esters (ethyl butanoate, isoamyl acetate, ethyl pentanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate and ethyl decanoate). Overall, the results indicated that the extent of the effects of ethanol content on the oral aroma release were influenced by the subject, the ethanolconcentration and the type of aroma compound. This effect was also different in the immediate than in the prolonged aroma release. In the first in-mouth aroma monitoring, an increase in the ethanol content provoked a higher release of the more polar and volatile esters (ethyl butanoate, ethyl pentanoate), but a lower release for the more apolar and less volatile esters (ethyl octanoate, ethyl decanoate). Regarding the prolonged oral aroma release, an increase of ethanol content in wine increased the oral aroma release of the six esters, which might also increase the fruity aroma persistence in the wines. Future works with a higher number of individuals will be needed to understand the mechanisms behind this phenomenon.
Carbon Nanoparticles Inhibit Α-Glucosidase Activity and Induce a Hypoglycemic Effect in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Shao Taili , Yuan Pingchuan , Zhu Lei , Xu Honggang , Li Xichen , He Shuguang , Li Ping , Wang Guodong , Chen Kaoshan
Published: September 2019

New, improved therapies to reduce blood glucose are required for treating diabetes mellitus (DM). Here, we investigated the use of a new nanomaterial candidate for DM treatment, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs). CNPs were prepared by carbonization using a polysaccharide from Arctium lappa L. root as the carbon source. The chemical structure and morphology of the CNPs were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. CNPs were spherical, 10-20 nm in size, consisting of C, H, O, and N, and featuring various functional groups, including C=O, C=C, C–O, and C–N. In vitro, the as-prepared CNPs could inhibit α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 0.5677 mg/mL, which is close to that of the reference drug acarbose. Moreover, in vivo hypoglycemic assays revealed that the CNPs significantly reduced fasting blood-glucose levels in mice with diabetes induced by high-fat diet and streptozocin, lowering blood glucose after intragastric administration for 42 days. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of CNPs exhibiting α-glucosidase inhibition and a hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mice. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of CNPs for diabetes.
Antioxidant Effect of Extracts from Native Chilean Plants on the Lipoperoxidation and Protein Oxidation of Bovine Muscle
Authors: Bridi Raquel , Giordano Ady , Peñailillo Maria Fernanda , Montenegro Gloria
Published: September 2019

The present study investigated the antioxidant potential and the ability to inhibit lipid and protein oxidation in bovine meat of four native Chilean species: canelo (Drimys winteri), nalca (Gunnera tinctoria), tiaca (Caldcluvia paniculata), and ulmo (Eucryphia cordifolia). Phenolic acids (gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, and coumaric) and flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, and rutin) were identified and quantified by HPLC-MS/MS. Drimys winteri extract exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity evaluated by oxygen radical absorption capacity-red pyrogallol method (ORAC-PGR) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. All extracts decreased lipid oxidation induced by 2,2’-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) derived peroxyl radicals by anywhere between 30% and 50% the. In addition, canelo and nalca extracts decreased spontaneous oxidation by around 57% and 37% in relation to the control group, being even more efficient than butylated hydroxyanisole (BHT) a synthetic antioxidant. Protein oxidation in the myofibrillar proteins was evaluated by the formation of protein carbonyls and loss of protein thiols. The canelo, ulmo, and nalca extracts decreased the formation of carbonyls by around 30%. Plant extracts and BHT did not show an antioxidant effect on protein thiol loss. However, tiaca and ulmo extracts exerted a pro-oxidant effect, favoring the oxidation of sulfhydryl groups. The oxidizing system induced structural changes in myofibrillar protein (SDS−PAGE). A protective effect on protein structure from the canelo extract can be observed during the incubation when compared to samples incubated with AAPH.
Combining DNA Barcoding and HPLC Fingerprints to Trace Species of an Important Traditional Chinese Medicine Fritillariae Bulbus
Authors: Zhong Yingchun , Wang Haiying , Wei Qianhe , Cao Rui , Zhang Hailong , He Yongzhi , Wang Lizhi
Published: September 2019

Fritillariae Bulbus is a precious Chinese herbal medicine that is grown at high elevation and used to relieve coughs, remove phlegm, and nourish the lungs. Historically, Fritillariae Bulbus has been divided into two odourless crude drugs: Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus and Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus. However, now the Chinese Pharmacopoeia has described five Fritillariae Bulbus—the new additions include Fritillariae Pallidiflorae Bulbus, Fritillariae Ussuriensis Bulbus, and Fritillariae Hupehensis Bulbus. Because the morphology of dried Fritillariae Bulbus is similar, it is difficult to accurately identify the different types of Fritillariae Bulbus. In the current study, we develop a method combining DNA barcoding and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to help distinguish Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus from other Fritillariae Bulbus and guarantee species traceability of the five types of Fritillariae Bulbus. We report on the validation of an integrated analysis method for plant species identification using DNA barcoding that is based on genetic distance, identification efficiency, inter- and intra-specific variation, calculated nearest distance, neighbour-joining tree and barcoding gap. Our results show that the DNA barcoding data successfully identified the five Fritillariae Bulbus by internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and ITS2, with the ability to distinguish the species origin of these Fritillariae Bulbus. ITS2 can serve as a potentially useful DNA barcode for the Fritillaria species. Additionally, the effective chemical constituents are identified by HPLC combined with a chemical identification method to classify Fritillaria. The HPLC fingerprint data and HCA (hierarchical clustering analysis) show that Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus is clearly different from Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus and Fritillariae Hupehensis Bulbus, but there is no difference between Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus, Fritillariae Ussuriensis Bulbus, and Fritillariae Pallidiflorae Bulbus. These results show that DNA barcoding and HPLC fingerprinting can discriminate between the five Fritillariae Bulbus types and trace species to identify related species that are genetically similar.
The Phenylethanol Glycoside Liposome Inhibits PDGF-Induced HSC Activation via Regulation of the FAK/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Shi-Lei , Ma Long , Zhao Jun , You Shu-Ping , Ma Xiao-Ting , Ye Xiao-Yan , Liu Tao
Published: September 2019

Cistanche tubulosa is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that is widely used to regulate immunity, and phenylethanol glycosides (CPhGs) are among the primary components responsible for this activity. However, the application of CPhGs is negatively affected by their poor absorption and low oral utilization. Targeted drug delivery is an important development direction for pharmaceutics. Previous studies have indicated that CPhGs could block the conduction of the signaling pathways in TGF-β1/smad and inhibit the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of CPhG liposomes by inhibiting HSC activation, promoting apoptosis, blocking the cell cycle, suppressing the conduction of signaling pathways in focal adhesion kinase(FAK)/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt), and determining their in vitro hepatoprotective activity. In vitro release studies demonstrated that CPhG liposomes have a sustained release effect compared to drug CPhGs. HSC proliferation was inhibited after treatment with the CPhG liposomes (29.45, 14.72, 7.36 µg/mL), with IC50 values of 42.54 µg/mL in the MTT assay. Different concentrations of the CPhG liposomes could inhibit HSC proliferation, promote apoptosis, and block the cell cycle. The MTT method showed an obvious inhibition of HSC proliferation after CPhG liposome and Recombinant Rat Platelet-derived growth factor-BB(rrPDGF-BB) treatment. The levels of collagen-1, metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1), α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and phosphorylated PI3K/Akt were downregulated, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) was upregulated, by pretreatment with different concentrations of CPhG liposomes. Moreover, 29.45 μg/mL of CPhG liposomes could decrease the expression of the FAK protein and the phosphorylated PI3K and Akt protein downstream of FAK by overexpression of the FAK gene. This experiment suggests that CPhG liposomes may inhibit the activation of HSCs by inhibiting FAK and then reducing the expression of phosphorylated Akt/PI3K, thereby providing new insights into the application of CPhGs for liver fibrosis.
TEMPO-Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibers: A Potential Bio-Based Superabsorbent for Diaper Production
Authors: Patiño-Masó Josefina , Serra-Parareda Ferran , Tarrés Quim , Mutjé Pere , Espinach F. , Delgado-Aguilar Marc
Published: September 2019

Single-use plastics are expected to disappear, mainly due to the rise of stricter regulations to combat their impact on the environment. As an example, the recent European Directive on Single-Use-Plastics (SUP) will be implemented between 2021 and 2024 and will directly prohibit the use of some SUP. Baby diapers are one of the most used single-used products in our daily lives, and it is estimated that most of the ~4000 diapers that each baby uses in their life go to landfill. Such diapers usually contain superabsorbent polymers (SAP) that are based on acrylic acid-acrylamide mixtures with high water retention capacity, but they are neither bio-based nor biodegradable. In this work, we have developed bio-based superabsorbent aerogels made of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and propose their potential use in baby diapers. TEMPO-oxidized CNF at different oxidation degrees were prepared and tested. The obtained CNF exhibited higher free swelling capacity (FSC) than the commercial fluff pulp (ranging from 117.62% to 245.21% higher) and also than the diaper absorbent, except for CNF-5 (ranging from 31.56% to 54.55%), even under compression. Overall, the present work shows a case study where CNF could have a potential application with market opportunities.
Multifunctional NaLnF4@MOF-Ln Nanocomposites with Dual-Mode Luminescence for Drug Delivery and Cell Imaging
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhao Chen , Gao Guoyang , Xu Linna , Wang Guofeng , Zhu Peifen
Published: September 2019

Multifunctional nanomaterials for bioprobe and drug carrier have drawn great attention for their applications in the early monitoring the progression and treatment of cancers. In this work, we have developed new multifunctional water-soluble NaLnF4@MOF-Ln nanocomposites with dual-mode luminescence, which is based on stokes luminescent mesoporous lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (MOFs-Y:Eu3+) and anti-stokes luminescent NaYF4:Tm3+/Yb3+ nanoparticles. The fluorescence mechanism and dynamics are investigated and the applications of these nanocomposites as bioprobes and drug carriers in the cancer imaging and treatment are explored. Our results demonstrate that these nanocomposites with the excellent two-color emission show great potential in drug delivery, cancer cell imaging, and treatment, which are attributed to the unique spatial structure and good biocompatibility characteristics of NaLnF4@MOF-Ln nanocomposites.
Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials
Authors: Benelli Giovanni
Published: September 2019

Nanomaterials possess stunning physical and chemical properties [...]
Synthesis of ZnO Hierarchical Structures and Their Gas Sensing Properties
Authors: Fan Chao , Sun Fazhe , Wang Xiaomei , Huang Zuzhen , Keshvardoostchokami Mina , Kumar Parveen , Liu Bo
Published: September 2019

Firecracker-like ZnO hierarchical structures (ZnO HS1) were synthesized by combining electrospinning with hydrothermal methods. Flower-like ZnO hierarchical structures (ZnO HS2) were prepared by a hydrothermal method using ultrasound-treated ZnO nanofibers (ZnO NFs) as raw material which has rarely been reported in previous papers. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope’s (TEM) images clearly indicated the existence of nanoparticles on the ZnO HS2 material. Both gas sensors exhibited high selectivity toward H2S gas over various other gases at 180 °C. The ZnO HS2 gas sensor exhibited higher H2S sensitivity response (50 ppm H2S, 42.298) at 180 °C than ZnO NFs (50 ppm H2S, 9.223) and ZnO HS1 (50 ppm H2S, 17.506) gas sensors. Besides, the ZnO HS2 sensor showed a shorter response time (14 s) compared with the ZnO NFs (25 s) and ZnO HS1 (19 s) gas sensors. The formation diagram of ZnO hierarchical structures and the gas sensing mechanism were evaluated. Apart from the synergistic effect of nanoparticles and nanoflowers, more point–point contacts between flower-like ZnO nanorods were advantageous for the excellent H2S sensing properties of ZnO HS2 material.
Conversion of Black Carbon Emitted from Diesel-Powered Merchant Ships to Novel Conductive Carbon Black as Anodic Material for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Choi Jae-Hyuk , Kim Dae-Yeong , Lee Won-Ju , Kang Jun
Published: September 2019

Waste soot generated from diesel engine of merchant ships has ≥ 2 µm agglomerates consisting of 30–50 nm spherical particles, whose morphology is identical to that of carbon black (CB) used in many industrial applications. In this study, we crystallized waste soot by heat treatment to transform it into a unique completely graphitic nano-onion structure, which is considerably different from that of commercial conductive CB. While commercial CB has a large specific surface area because of many surface micropores generated due to quenching by water-spraying in the production process, the heat-treated waste soot has a smooth micropore-free surface. Thus, the treated waste soot acquires the shape of CB but has a much smaller specific surface area. When the treated soot is used as a conductive material in lithium ion battery (LIB) half cells, the Coulombic efficiency of the entire anode is improved significantly owing to its low specific surface area; the electrochemical performance of the LIB is considerably enhanced compared to that of conventional conductive materials. Thus, polluting soot generated in marine propulsion can be transformed into a new class of CB with a unique structure by simple heat treatment; this soot can also be used as an inexpensive conductive material to enhance the LIB performance.
Interaction Mechanisms of Insensitive Explosive FOX-7 and Graphene Oxides from Ab Initio Calculations
Authors: Su Yan , Sun Yuanze , Zhao Jijun
Published: September 2019

Energetic material–graphene oxide (EM–GO) composites exhibit excellent thermal stability and insensitivity to mechanical stimuli. The interfacial interactions play an important role in affecting the structural and electrical properties of EM–GO composites. FOX-7 crystal with a wave-shaped layer structure is an ideal prototype system for matching with oxygen-rich GO monolayers to form FOX-7–GO composites. Here, we conducted a systematic investigation on FOX-7–GO composites by dispersion-corrected density functional approach. Our results revealed that there exists relatively strong interaction in the FOX-7–GO interface, which stems from the synergistic effect of interfacial charge transfer and hydrogen bonds. The electronic structure analyses demonstrated that GO can hybridize with FOX-7 to reduce charge accumulation on the FOX-7 surface. These theoretical results are useful for clarifying the interfacial effects on the sensitivity of FOX-7–GO composites.
Dietary Fat-Accelerating Leptin Signaling Promotes Protumorigenic Gastric Environment in Mice
Authors: Arita Seiya , Ogawa Takumi , Murakami Yuta , Kinoshita Yuta , Okazaki Masaharu , Inagaki-Ohara Kyoko
Published: September 2019

Excess of fat intake leads to obesity and causes a variety of metabolic diseases and cancer. We previously demonstrated that high-lard diet induces intestinal metaplasia, a precancerous lesion of the stomach mediated by leptin signaling. This study aims to investigate which kinds of dietary fat cause the intestinal metaplasia onset. We fed eight kinds of high-fat diets (HFDs) of animal or plant origin to mice evaluated their effect on gastric pathogenesis. Five types of dietary fat were divided according to their observed effects: Obese with high metaplasia (group I; beef tallow, lard, and hydrogenated coconut oil), non-obese with high metaplasia (group II; linseed oil), obese without metaplasia (group III; corn oil and olive oil), non-obese without metaplasia (group IV, soybean oil) and lean without metaplasia (group V; cocoa butter). The group I and II diets induced leptin, phosphorylated leptin receptor (ObR), signal transducer and activator 3 (STAT3), and increased intracellular β-catenin accumulation in the stomach. Moreover, mice fed these HFDs with 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), a gastric carcinogen, and further accelerated dysplasia in the stomach. Lactobacillus occupancy in the stomach increased in all HFDs except hydrogenated coconut oil. Our findings suggest that HFDs inducing leptin signaling accelerate the enhancement of protumorigenic gastric microenvironment independent of body mass gain or microbiome changes.
Acute/Subacute and Sub-Chronic Oral Toxicity of a Hidroxytyrosol-Rich Virgin Olive Oil Extract
Authors: Rodríguez-Lara Avilene , Mesa María Dolores , Aragón-Vela Jerónimo , Casuso Rafael A. , Casals Vázquez Cristina , Zúñiga Jesús M. , Huertas Jesús R.
Published: September 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the acute (one single dose), subacute (14 days), and sub-chronic (90 days) toxicity of an aqueous virgin olive oil (VOO) extract rich in hydroxytyrosol in rats. For acute/subacute toxicity, rats were divided into three groups. The control group received distilled water (n = 9), another experimental group received a single dose of 300 mg/kg (n = 3), and a third group received one dose of 2000 mg/kg (n = 4) during 14 days. The sub-chronic study included 60rats distributed in three groups (n = 20: 10 males and 10 females) receiving daily different three doses of the VOO extract in the drinking water during 90 days: (1) 100 mg/kg, (2) 300 mg/kg, and (3) 1000 mg/kg. In parallel, a fourth additional group (n = 20: 10 males and 10 females) did not receive any extract (control group). Clinical signs, body weight, functional observations of sensory and motor reactivity, hematological and biochemical analyses, and macroscopic and microscopic histopathology were evaluated. No adverse effects were observed after the administration of the different doses of the hydroxytyrosol-rich VOO extract, which suggests that the enrichment of VOO in its phenolic compound is safe, and can be used as functional foods for the treatment of chronic degenerative diseases.
Red Wine Grape Pomace Attenuates Atherosclerosis and Myocardial Damage and Increases Survival in Association with Improved Plasma Antioxidant Activity in a Murine Model of Lethal Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Rivera Katherine , Salas-Pérez Francisca , Echeverría Guadalupe , Urquiaga Inés , Dicenta Sara , Pérez Druso , de la Cerda Paula , González Leticia , Andia Marcelo E. , Uribe Sergio , Tejos Cristián , Martínez Gonzalo , Busso Dolores , Irarrázaval Pablo , Rigotti Attilio
Published: September 2019

A healthy dietary pattern and high quality nutrient intake reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. Red wine grape pomace (RWGP)—a rich natural source of dietary fiber and antioxidants—appears to be a potential functional food ingredient. The impact of a dietary supplementation with RWGP flour was evaluated in atherogenic diet-fed SR-B1 KO/ApoER61h/h mice, a model of lethal ischemic heart disease. SR-B1 KO/ApoER61h/h mice were fed with atherogenic (high fat, cholesterol, and cholic acid, HFC) diet supplemented with: (a) 20% chow (HFC-Control), (b) 20% RWGP flour (HFC-RWGP), or (c) 10% chow/10% oat fiber (HFC-Fiber); and survival time was evaluated. In addition, SR-B1 KO/ApoER61h/h mice were fed for 7 or 14 days with HFC-Control or HFC-RWGP diets and plasma lipid levels, inflammation, oxidative damage, and antioxidant activity were measured. Atherosclerosis and myocardial damage were assessed by histology and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. Supplementation with RWGP reduced premature death, changed TNF-α and IL-10 levels, and increased plasma antioxidant activity. Moreover, decreased atheromatous aortic and brachiocephalic plaque sizes and attenuated myocardial infarction and dysfunction were also observed. These results suggest that RWGP flour intake may be used as a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach, contributing to decreased progression of atherosclerosis, reduced coronary heart disease, and improved cardiovascular outcomes.
Ranked Importance of Childhood Obesity Determinants: Parents’ Views across Ethnicities in New Zealand
Authors: Glover Marewa , Wong Sally F. , Fa’alili-Fidow Jacinta , Derraik José G. B. , Taylor Rachael W. , Morton Susan M. B. , Tautolo El Shadan , Cutfield Wayne S.
Published: September 2019

Māori, Pacific, Indian, and New Zealand European pre-school children’s caregivers’ views on determinants of childhood obesity are needed to inform strategies that will reduce disparities in prevalence. Nineteen focus groups were conducted to explore the relative influence of factors contributing to body weight in children. Predetermined and participant-suggested factors were ranked. Discussion data were inductively analysed. The cost of healthy foods was the highest ranked factor across all groups. Ranked similarly were ease of access to takeaways and lack of time for food preparation. Cultural factors followed by screen time induced sedentariness in children and lack of time to ensure children exercised was next. Participant-raised factors included lack of familial, social, and health promotion support, and others’ behaviour and attitudes negatively impacting what children ate. All groups rejected stereotyping that blamed culture for higher obesity rates. Compared to the Māori and NZ European groups, the Pacific Island and Indian participants spoke of losing culture, missing extended family support, and not having access to culturally appropriate nutrition education or social support and services. Public health policies need to mitigate the negative effects of economic deprivation on food insecurity. Complementary interventions that increase access to healthier meal choices more often are needed.
Problematic Internet Use as a Predictor of Eating Disorders in Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Hinojo-Lucena Francisco-Javier , Aznar-Díaz Inmaculada , Cáceres-Reche María-Pilar , Trujillo-Torres Juan-Manuel , Romero-Rodríguez José-María
Published: September 2019

Problematic Internet use (PIU) has begun to be linked to the development of certain eating disorders. This uncontrolled use of the Internet is mainly found in the student population. The purposes of this paper were to determine PIU-related eating disorders in students from a systematic review of the literature and to analyze the incidence of PIU in eating disorders through a meta-analysis of the literature. We used two electronic databases (Web of Science and Scopus) from inception to June 2019. The systematic literature review was based on fixed inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 12 studies were identified (systematic review) and 10 studies for meta-analysis, which included 16,520 students. Different eating disorders were associated with PIU: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, food preoccupation, loss of control eating, and dieting. Furthermore, meta-analysis confirmed that PIU is a predictor of eating disorders in students. The groups of students with PIU presented a higher rate in the presence of eating disorders, these differences being significant. Finally, this study showed empirical evidence on the link between PIU and eating disorders. The need for prevention in childhood and adolescence is highlighted.
Leucine–Histidine Dipeptide Attenuates Microglial Activation and Emotional Disturbances Induced by Brain Inflammation and Repeated Social Defeat Stress
Authors: Ano Yasuhisa , Kita Masahiro , Kitaoka Shiho , Furuyashiki Tomoyuki
Published: September 2019

The number of patients with mental illnesses is rapidly increasing, and daily lifestyle is closely associated with the development of symptoms. It is suggested that inflammatory molecules derived from microglia play crucial roles for the pathophysiology of depression. In the present study, we discovered that leucine–histidine (LH) dipeptide suppressed activation of primary microglia. The effects of LH dipeptide orally administered were measured using tail suspension test (TST) in mice injected with lipopolysaccharide and social interaction test in mice received social defeat stress. LH dipeptide reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines upon stimulation in microglia. Orally administered LH dipeptide was delivered to the brain and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain and concomitant depression-like behavior in the TST. Moreover, oral administration of LH dipeptide suppressed the induction of depression- and anxiety-like behaviors induced by repeated social defeat stress. These results indicate that LH dipeptide suppressed the activation of microglia and ameliorated depression-associated emotional disturbances. Further, we found that LH dipeptide was abundant in various fermented products. Together with previous epidemiological reports that daily intake of these fermented foods is negatively associated with the incidence of psychiatric diseases, our findings suggest that food rich in LH dipeptide may improve mental health.