bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Microstructure-Local Mechanical Properties in Friction Stir Welded 6082-T6 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Monajati Hossein , Zoghlami Mariem , Tongne Amevi , Jahazi Mohammad
Published: September 2020

The severe deformation and temperature paths in the stir zone, also called weld nugget, of friction stir welded joints result, at very local levels, in significant microstructural variations, such as major differences in grain size or precipitation. One of the most common features of friction stir welds is the presence of successive material layers, known as onion rings; however, little data is available on the mechanical properties of the different regions of the weld nugget, and particularly within the onion ring bands. Such information becomes very important for the integrity of large size friction stir welded structures. In the present study, a comprehensive characterization of onion rings produced during friction stir welding of a 6082-aluminum alloy was carried out. Advanced techniques such as in-situ SEM nanoindentation, EBSD, and high-resolution EDS were used to validate and compare the characteristics of the different bands in the onion rings. The analyses consisted of quantifying variations in grain size, precipitate composition and distribution, crystallographic orientations, and mechanical properties in each band. Furthermore, the tensile strengths of different regions of the weld nugget were evaluated using shear punch testing and correlated with those for the onion ring region in order to determine the impact of the presence of onion rings on weld nugget mechanical properties. The main difference between the alternate bands in the onion ring was found to be due to the difference in their grain size, misorientation, and precipitate content. It was also observed that the bands originate from the base metal and stir zone successively due to the nature of the stirring process, which pulls BM into SZ. Comparison of the shear punch testing results in different regions of the nugget revealed that, in spite of having local differences in the hardness of alternate bands in the onion ring, the presence of onion rings has no significant impact on the deterioration of the mechanical properties of the weld nugget.
Phage Therapy in Gastrointestinal Diseases
Authors: Gutiérrez Beatriz , Domingo-Calap Pilar
Published: September 2020

Gastrointestinal tract microbiota plays a key role in the regulation of the pathogenesis of several gastrointestinal diseases. In particular, the viral fraction, composed essentially of bacteriophages, influences homeostasis by exerting a selective pressure on the bacterial communities living in the tract. Gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases are mainly induced by bacteria, and have risen due to the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains. In the lack of effective treatments, phage therapy has been proposed as a clinical alternative to restore intestinal eubiosis, thanks to its immunomodulatory and bactericidal effect against bacterial pathogens, such as Clostridioides difficile in ulcerative colitis and invasive adherent Escherichia coli in Crohn’s disease. In addition, genetically modified temperate phages could be used to suppress the transcription of bacterial virulence factors. In this review, we will highlight the latest advances in research in the field, as well as the clinical trials based on phage therapy in the area of gastroenterology.
Altered Envelope Structure and Nanomechanical Properties of a C-Terminal Protease A-Deficient Rhizobium leguminosarum
Authors: Jun Dong , Idem Ubong , Dahms Tanya E. S.
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: Many factors can impact bacterial mechanical properties, which play an important role in survival and adaptation. This study characterizes the ultrastructural phenotype, elastic and viscoelastic properties of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae 3841 and the C-terminal protease A (ctpA) null mutant strain predicted to have a compromised cell envelope; (2) Methods: To probe the cell envelope, we used transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) force spectroscopy, and time-dependent AFM creep deformation; (3) Results: TEM images show a compromised and often detached outer membrane for the ctpA mutant. Muropeptide characterization by HPLC and MS showed an increase in peptidoglycan dimeric peptide (GlcNAc-MurNAc-Ala-Glu-meso-DAP-Ala-meso-DAP-Glu-Ala-MurNAc-GlcNAc) for the ctpA mutant, indicative of increased crosslinking. The ctpA mutant had significantly larger spring constants than wild type under all hydrated conditions, attributable to more highly crosslinked peptidoglycan. Time-dependent AFM creep deformation for both the wild type and ctpA mutant was indicative of a viscoelastic cell envelope, with best fit to the four-element Burgers model and generating values for viscoelastic parameters k1, k2, η1, and η2; (4) Conclusions: The viscoelastic response of the ctpA mutant is consistent with both its compromised outer membrane (TEM) and fortified peptidoglycan layer (HPLC/MS).
The Variety and Inscrutability of Polar Environments as a Resource of Biotechnologically Relevant Molecules
Authors: Rizzo Carmen , Lo Giudice Angelina
Published: September 2020

The application of an ever-increasing number of methodological approaches and tools is positively contributing to the development and yield of bioprospecting procedures. In this context, cold-adapted bacteria from polar environments are becoming more and more intriguing as valuable sources of novel biomolecules, with peculiar properties to be exploited in a number of biotechnological fields. This review aims at highlighting the biotechnological potentialities of bacteria from Arctic and Antarctic habitats, both biotic and abiotic. In addition to cold-enzymes, which have been intensively analysed, relevance is given to recent advances in the search for less investigated biomolecules, such as biosurfactants, exopolysaccharides and antibiotics.
The Effect of Carbon Defects in the Coal–Pyrite Vacancy on the Electronic Structure and Optical Properties: A DFT + U Study
Authors: Cheng Wei , Cheng Chen , Ke Baolin
Published: September 2020

Pyrite is a mineral often associated with coal in coal seams and is a major source of sulfur in coal. Coal–pyrite is widely distributed, easily available, low-cost, and non-toxic, and has high light absorption coefficient. So, it shows potential for various applications. In this paper, the density-functional theory (DFT + U) is used to construct coal–pyrite with carbon doped in the sulfur and iron vacancies of pyrite. The effects of different carbon defects, different carbon doping concentrations, and different doping distributions in the same concentration on the electronic structure and optical properties of coal–pyrite were studied. The results show that the absorption coefficient and reflectivity of coal–pyrite, when its carbon atom substitutes the iron and sulfur atoms in the sulfur and iron vacancies, are significantly higher than those of the perfect pyrite, indicating that coal–pyrite has potential for application in the field of photovoltaic materials. When carbon is doped in the sulfur vacancy, this impurity state reduces the width of the forbidden band; with the increase in the doping concentration, the width of the forbidden band decreases and the visible-light absorption coefficient increases. The distribution of carbon impurities impacts the band gap but has almost no effect on the light absorption coefficient, complex dielectric function, and reflectivity, indicating that the application of coal–pyrite to photovoltaic materials should mainly consider the carbon doping concentration instead of the distribution of carbon impurities. The research results provide a theoretical reference for the application of coal–pyrite in the field of photoelectric materials.
Recent Advances in Affinity MOF-Based Sorbents with Sample Preparation Purposes
Authors: Pérez-Cejuela Héctor Martínez , Herrero-Martínez José Manuel , Simó-Alfonso Ernesto F.
Published: September 2020

This review summarizes the recent advances concerning metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) modified with several biomolecules (e.g., amino acids, nucleobases, proteins, antibodies, aptamers, etc.) as ligands to prepare affinity-based sorbents for application in the sample preparation field. The preparation and incorporation strategies of these MOF-based affinity materials were described. Additionally, the different types of ligands that can be employed for the synthesis of these biocomposites and their application as sorbents for the selective extraction of molecules and clean-up of complex real samples is reported. The most important features of the developed biocomposites will be discussed throughout the text in different sections, and several examples will be also commented on in detail.
Geopolymer Carbon-Based for Ultra-Wideband Absorbent Applications
Authors: Vlasceanu Ioana Nicoleta , Gharzouni Ameni , Tantot Olivier , Martinod Edson , Rossignol Sylvie
Published: September 2020

Dimension reduction, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability are important factors in absorbent designs. Geopolymers represent an eco-friendly and cost-efficient solution for such applications, and the objective of this study is to develop new geopolymer-based composites with tailored dielectric properties. To develop such composites, different formulations based on three types of carbon and various surfactants are tested. The nonionic surfactant is preferred over the anionic surfactant. Dielectric investigations between 2 and 3.3 GHz are performed. The results reveal that the carbon content and its type (origin) have significant effects on the dielectric characteristics and less on the magnetic characteristics. Indeed, an increase in permittivity from 2 to 24 and an increase from 0.09 to 0.6 for loss tangent are shown with changes in the carbon content and type. A permittivity (ε) of 2.27 and loss (tan δ) of 0.19 are obtained for a pore size of 1.6 mm, for the carbon type with the lowest purity, and with a nonionic surfactant. Finally, it is shown that the addition of magnetite has little impact on the overall magnetic properties of the geopolymer.
A New Method for In-Situ Skin Penetration Analysis by Confocal Raman Microscopy
Authors: Krombholz Richard , Lunter Dominique
Published: September 2020

In the development of dermal drug formulations and cosmetics, understanding the penetration properties of the active ingredients is crucial. Given that widespread methods, including tape stripping, lack in spatial resolution, while being time- and labour-intensive, Confocal Raman Microscopy is a promising alternative. In optimizing topically applied formulations, or the development of generic formulations, comparative in-situ measurements have a huge potential of saving time and resources. In this work, we show our approach to in-situ skin penetration analysis by confocal Raman Microscopy. To analyse feasibility of the approach, we used caffeine solutions as model vehicles and tested the effectiveness of 1,2-pentanediol as a penetration enhancer for delivery to the skin.
Cytospyrone and Cytospomarin: Two New Polyketides Isolated from Mangrove Endophytic Fungus, Cytospora sp.
Authors: Wei Chengwen , Deng Qin , Sun Mengyu , Xu Jing
Published: September 2020

Two new polyketides, cytospyrone (1), cytospomarin (2), together with three known metabolites dimethoxyphtalide (3), integracin A (4) and integracin B (5), were isolated from the culture of Cytospora sp. from the Chinese mangrove Ceriops tagal. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), calculation of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and optical rotation (OR) data. Compound 2 displayed weak inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli GIM1.201 (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.35 mM). Compounds 4 and 5 displayed significant cytotoxicity against human cancer cell line HepG2 (IC50 values of 5.98 ±  0.12 µM and 9.97 ± 0.06 µM, respectively), more potent than the positive control 5-fluorouracil (IC50 value of 43.50 ± 3.69 µM).
Microbial Modifications of Androstane and Androstene Steroids by Penicillium vinaceum
Authors: Panek Anna , Łyczko Paulina , Świzdor Alina
Published: September 2020

The biotransformation of steroid compounds is a promising, environmentally friendly route to new pharmaceuticals and hormones. One of the reaction types common in the metabolic fate of steroids is Baeyer-Villiger oxidation, which in the case of cyclic ketones, such as steroids, leads to lactones. Fungal enzymes catalyzing this reaction, Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases (BVMOs), have been shown to possess broad substrate scope, selectivity, and catalytic performance competitive to chemical oxidation, being far more environmentally green. This study covers the biotransformation of a series of androstane steroids (epiandrosterone and androsterone) and androstene steroids (progesterone, pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, 19-OH-androstenedione, testosterone, and 19-nortestosterone) by the cultures of filamentous fungus Penicillium vinaceum AM110. The transformation was monitored by GC and the resulting products were identified on the basis of chromatographic and spectral data. The investigated fungus carries out effective Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of the substrates. Interestingly, introduction of the 19-OH group into androstenedione skeleton has significant inhibitory effect on the BVMO activity, as the 10-day transformation leaves half of the 19-OH-androstenedione unreacted. The metabolic fate of epiandrosterone and androsterone, the only 5α-saturated substrates among the investigated compounds, is more complicated. The transformation of these two substrates combined with time course monitoring revealed that each substrate is converted into three products, corresponding to oxidation at C-3 and C-17, with different time profiles and yields.
Value-Added Compound Recovery from Invasive Forest for Biofunctional Applications: Eucalyptus Species as a Case Study
Authors: Gullón Patricia , Gullón Beatriz , Astray Gonzalo , Munekata Paulo E. S. , Pateiro Mirian , Lorenzo José Manuel
Published: September 2020

From ancient times, the medicinal properties of the different Eucalyptus species are well known. In fact, plants from this family have been used in folk medicine as antiseptics, and to treat different ailments of the upper respiratory tract such as sinus congestion, common cold, or influenza. Moreover, other biological activities were described for Eucalyptus species such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In the last few decades, numerous investigations revealed that the compounds responsible for these properties are secondary metabolites that belonging to the group of phenolic compounds and are present in different parts of the plants such as leaves, bark, wood, fruits, and stumps. The increasing demand for natural compounds that can substitute synthetic antioxidants and the increase in resistance to traditional antibiotics have boosted the intense search for renewable natural sources containing substances with such bioactivities, as well as greener extraction technologies and avant-garde analytical methods for the identification of the target molecules. The literature data used in this paper were collected via Scopus (2001–2020) using the following search terms: Eucalyptus, extraction methods, phenolic compounds, and biological activities. This review collects the main studies related to the recovery of value-added compounds from different Eucalyptus species, as well as their biofunctional applications.
Synthesis, Characterization, Electrochemistry, Photoluminescence and Magnetic Properties of a Dinuclear Erbium(III)-Containing Monolacunary Dawson-Type Tungstophosphate: [{Er(H2O)(CH3COO)(P2W17O61)}2]16−
Authors: Ibrahim Masooma , Baksi Ananya , Peng Yan , Al-Zeidaneen Firas Khalil , Mbomekallé Israël M. , de Oliveira Pedro , Anson Christopher E.
Published: September 2020

Reaction of the trilacunary Wells−Dawson anion {α-P2W15O56}12− with ErIII ion in a 1 M LiOAc/HOAc buffer (pH 4.8) solution produces a dinuclear erbium(III) substituted sandwich-type structure [{Er(H2O)(CH3COO)(P2W17O61)}2]16− (1). The isolated compound was structurally characterized using single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and thermogravimetric analysis. The electrochemical, electrocatalytic, photoluminescence and magnetic properties of 1 were investigated.
Assessment of Techno-Functional and Nutraceutical Potential of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Seed Meal
Authors: Maldonado-Torres Ramón , Morales-Camacho Jocksan I. , López-Valdez Fernando , Huerta-González Luis , Luna-Suárez Silvia
Published: September 2020

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a widely consumed fruit all around the world. The industrial exploitation of tomato generates a lot of waste. Most of the utilization of tomato seeds waste is focused on animal feeding, as well as a food ingredient aimed to increase the protein content, and raw material for some organic bioactive component extraction. The aim of this work was to evaluate the techno-functional properties of tomato seed meal (TSM) and its nutraceutical properties after applying defatting processing (TSMD), and to evaluate the nutraceutical properties after a fermentation processing (TSMDF) by Lactobacillus sp. The results showed that, at alkaline conditions (pH 8–9), the techno-functional properties for TSM and TSMD improved. In comparison with TSM, TSMD showed higher water holding capacity (WHC ≈32%), higher oil holding capacity (OHC ≈13%), higher protein solubility (49–58%), more than 10 times foaming activity (FA), more than 50 times foam stability (Fst), as well as an improved emulsifying activity (EA) and emulsion stability (Est) wich were better at pH 9. Regarding the nutraceutical properties, after 48 h of fermentation (TSMDF), the antioxidant activity was doubled and a significant increase in the iron chelating activity was also observed. During the same fermentation time, the highest angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEI) was achieved (IC50 73.6 μg/mL), more than 10 times higher than TSMD, which leads to suggest that this fermented medium may be a powerful antihypertensive. Therefore, the strategy proposed in this study could be an option for the exploitation of tomato wastes.
Polymer-Supported Phosphoric, Phosphonic and Phosphinic Acids—From Synthesis to Properties and Applications in Separation Processes
Authors: Głowińska Agnieszka , Trochimczuk Andrzej W.
Published: September 2020

Efficient separation technologies are crucial to the environment and world economy. The challenge posed to scientists is how to engineer selectivity towards a targeted substrate, especially from multicomponent solutions. Polymer-supported reagents have gained a lot of attention in this context, as they eliminate a lot of inconveniences concerning widely used solvent extraction techniques. Nevertheless, the choice of an appropriate ligand for immobilization may be derived from the behavior of soluble compounds under solvent extraction conditions. Organophosphorus compounds play a significant role in separation science and technology. The features they possess, such as variable oxidation states, multivalence, asymmetry and metal-binding properties, highlight their status as a unique and versatile class of compounds, capable of selective separations proceeding through different mechanisms. This review provides a detailed survey of polymers containing phosphoric, phosphonic and phosphinic acid functionalities in the side chain and covers main advances in the preparation and application of these materials in separation science, including the most relevant synthesis routes (Arbuzov, Perkow, Mannich, Kabachnik-Fields reactions, etc.), as well as the main stages in the development of organophosphorus resins and the most important achievements in the field.
Methylation of Methyl 4-Hydroxy-2-thioxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylate: Synthetic, Crystallographic, and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Kovalenko Sergiy M. , Drushlyak Oleksandr G. , Shishkina Svitlana V. , Konovalova Irina S. , Mariutsa Illia O. , Bunyatyan Natalya D. , Kravchenko Dmitry V. , Ivanov Vladimir V. , Ivachtchenko Alexandre V. , Langer Thierry
Published: September 2020

Consecutive alkylation of 4-hydroxy-2-thioxo-1,2-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylate by CH3I has been investigated to establish regioselectivity of the reaction for reliable design and synthesis of combinatorial libraries. In the first stage, the product of S-methylation-methyl 4-hydroxy-2-(methylthio)quinoline-3-carboxylate was obtained. The subsequent alkylation with CH3I led to the formation of both O- and N-methylation products mixture-methyl 4-methoxy-2-(methylthio)quinoline-3-carboxylate and methyl 1-methyl-2-(methylthio)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylate with a predominance of O-methylated product. The structure of synthesized compounds was confirmed by means of elemental analysis, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, LC/MS, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The quantum chemical calculations of geometry and electron structure of methyl 4-hydroxy-2-(methylthio)quinoline-3-carboxylate’s anion were carried out. According to molecular docking simulations, the studied compounds can be considered as potent inhibitors of Hepatitis B Virus replication. Experimental in vitro biological studies confirmed that studied compounds demonstrated high inhibition of HBV replication in 10 µM concentration.
Development and Optimization of a High Sensitivity LC-MS/MS Method for the Determination of Hesperidin and Naringenin in Rat Plasma: Pharmacokinetic Approach
Authors: Araujo-León Jesús Alfredo , Ortiz-Andrade Rolffy , Vera-Sánchez Rivelino Armando , Oney-Montalvo Julio Enrique , Coral-Martínez Tania Isolina , Cantillo-Ciau Zulema
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop, optimize, and fully validate a high-sensitivity methodology using UHPLC-MS/MS to simultaneously quantify hesperidin and naringenin in microsamples (100 µL) of murine plasma after intragastric administration of single pure flavonoids and a mixture. The optimization process allowed for high sensitivity with detection limits of approximately picogram order using an electrospray ionization (ESI) source in negative mode and an experiment based on multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The validation parameters showed excellent linearity and detection limits, with a precision of less than 8% and a recovery of over 90%. This methodology was applied to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters for the administration of hesperidin and naringenin in individual form or in the form of a mixture. The results showed an absence of significant effects (p > 0.05) for Tmax and Cmax; however, the AUC presented significant differences (p < 0.05) for both flavonoids when administered as a mixture, showing an improved absorption ratio for both flavonoids.
Poly-(Lactic-co-Glycolic) Acid Nanoparticles for Synergistic Delivery of Epirubicin and Paclitaxel to Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Sharma Nikita , Kumari R. Mankamna , Gupta Nidhi , Syed Asad , Bahkali Ali H. , Nimesh Surendra
Published: September 2020

Combination therapy using chemically distinct drugs has appeared as one of the promising strategies to improve anticancer treatment efficiency. In the present investigation, poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles electrostatically conjugated with polyethylenimine (PEI)-based co-delivery system for epirubicin and paclitaxel (PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs) has been developed. The PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs exhibited a monodispersed size distribution with an average size of 240.93 ± 12.70 nm as measured through DLS and 70.8–145 nm using AFM. The zeta potential of 41.95 ± 0.65 mV from −17.45 ± 2.15 mV further confirmed the colloidal stability and PEI modification on PLGA nanoparticles. Encapsulation and loading efficiency along with in vitro release of drug for nanoparticles were done spectrophotometrically. The FTIR analysis of PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs revealed the involvement of amide moiety between polymer PLGA and PEI. The effect of nanoparticles on the cell migration was also corroborated through wound healing assay. The MTT assay demonstrated that PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs exhibited considerable anticancer potential as compared to the naïve drugs. Further, p53 protein expression analysed through western blot showed enhanced expression. This study suggests that combination therapy using PLGA-PEI-EPI-PTX NPs represent a potential approach and could offer clinical benefits in the future for lung cancer patients.
New Heteroleptic 3D Metal Complexes: Synthesis, Antimicrobial and Solubilization Parameters
Authors: Taj Muhammad Babar , Alkahtani Muneera D. F. , Ali Uzma , Raheel Ahmad , Alelwani Walla , Alnajeebi Afnan M. , Babteen Nouf Abubakr , Noor Sadia , Alshater Heba
Published: September 2020

The microbial resistance to current antibiotics is increasing day by day, which in turn accelerating the development of new effective drugs. Several studies have proved the high antimicrobial potential of the interaction of several organic ligands with a variety of metal ions. In the present study, a conventional method has been adopted in the synthesis of twelve new heteroleptic complexes of cobalt (II), nickel (II), copper (II) and zinc (II) using three aldimines, namely, (HL1 ((E)-2-((4-chloro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)-3,4-dimethyl-5-phenylcyclopent-2-en-1-one), HL2 ((Z)-3-((4-chlorobenzylidene)amino)-4-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzenesulfonic acid) HL3 (2,2′-((1,2-phenylenebis(azaneylylidene))bis(methaneylylidene))diphenol)) as primary ligands, while phenyl glycine was the secondary ligand. The synthesized compounds were characterized by UV-vis, IR and multinuclear (1H and 13C) NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and electrical conductance. The IR study revealed the coordination of the aldimine derivatives with the -OH and N atom of imine moiety. In contrary to this, the phenyl glycine coordinated to the metal ions via oxygen of carboxylate and nitrogen of the amino group. The spectroscopic analysis unveiled the tetrahedral geometry of the synthesized metal (II) complexes, except for ligand HL3 which exhibited octahedral geometry. The synthesized compounds generally showed antibacterial activity for all microbes, except Ni (II) complexes lacking sensitivity. Furthermore, to access the bioavailability, the synthesized complexes were screened for their solubilization in the micellar media of sodium lauryl sulphate. The metal complex–surfactant interaction was revealed by UV-vis spectroscopy and electrical conductivity measurements.
Synthesis of Organosilicon Ligands for Europium (III) and Gadolinium (III) as Potential Imaging Agents
Authors: Bruce James I. , O’Connell Patrick J. , Taylor Peter G. , Smith David P.T. , Adkin Roy C. , Pearson Victoria K.
Published: September 2020

The relaxivity of MRI contrast agents can be increased by increasing the size of the contrast agent and by increasing concentration of the bound gadolinium. Large multi-site ligands able to coordinate several metal centres show increased relaxivity as a result. In this paper, an “aza-type Michael” reaction is used to prepare cyclen derivatives that can be attached to organosilicon frameworks via hydrosilylation reactions. A range of organosilicon frameworks were tested including silsesquioxane cages and dimethylsilylbenzene derivatives. Michael donors with strong electron withdrawing groups could be used to alkylate cyclen on three amine centres in a single step. Hydrosilylation successfully attached these to mono-, di-, and tri-dimethylsilyl-substituted benzene derivatives. The europium and gadolinium complexes were formed and studied using luminescence spectroscopy and relaxometry. This showed the complexes to contain two bound water moles per lanthanide centre and T1 relaxation time measurements demonstrated an increase in relaxivity had been achieved, in particular for the trisubstituted scaffold 1,3,5-tris((pentane-sDO3A)dimethylsilyl)benzene-Gd3. This showed a marked increase in the relaxivity (13.1 r1p/mM−1s−1).
Activated Carbons and Their Evaluation in Electric Double Layer Capacitors
Authors: Kierzek Krzysztof , Gryglewicz Grażyna
Published: September 2020

This review presents a summary of the manufacturing of activated carbons (ACs) as electrode materials for electric double layer capacitors. Commonly used techniques of open and closed porosity determination (gas adsorption, immersion calorimetry, X-ray and neutrons scattering) were briefly described. AC production methods (laboratory and industrial) were detailed presented with the stress on advantages and drawbacks of each ones in the field of electrode materials of supercapacitor. We discussed all general parameters of the activation process and their influence on the production efficiency and the porous structure of ACs. We showed that porosity development of ACs is not the only factor influencing capacity properties. The role of pore size distribution, raw material origin, final carbon structure ordering, particles morphology and purity must be also taken into account. The impact of surface chemistry of AC was considered not only in the context of pseudocapacity but also other important factors, such as inter-particle conductivity, maximal operating voltage window and long-term stability.
Vertically-Oriented WS2 Nanosheets with a Few Layers and Its Raman Enhancements
Authors: Shin Yukyung , Kim Jayeong , Jang Yujin , Ko Eunji , Lee Nam-Suk , Yoon Seokhyun , Kim Myung Hwa
Published: September 2020

Vertically-oriented two-dimensional (2D) tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanosheets were successfully grown on a Si substrate at a temperature range between and 550 °C via the direct chemical reaction between WCl6 and S in the gas phase. The growth process was carefully optimized by adjusting temperature, the locations of reactants and substrate, and carrier gas flow. Additionally, vertically-oriented 2D WS2 nanosheets with a few layers were tested as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate for detecting rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules where enhancement occurs from chemical enhancement by charge transfer transition from semiconductor). Raman spectra of R6G molecules adsorbed on vertically-oriented 2D WS2 nanosheets exhibited strong Raman enhancement effects up to 9.2 times greater than that on the exfoliated WS2 monolayer flake sample. From our results, we suggest that the WS2 nanosheets can be an effective surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate for detecting target molecules.
The Influence of Cyclical Ketogenic Reduction Diet vs. Nutritionally Balanced Reduction Diet on Body Composition, Strength, and Endurance Performance in Healthy Young Males: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kysel Pavel , Haluzíková Denisa , Doležalová Radka Petráková , Laňková Ivana , Lacinová Zdeňka , Kasperová Barbora Judita , Trnovská Jaroslava , Hrádková Viktorie , Mráz Miloš , Vilikus Zdeněk , Haluzík Martin
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: The influence of ketogenic diet on physical fitness remains controversial. We performed a randomized controlled trial to compare the effect of cyclical ketogenic reduction diet (CKD) vs. nutritionally balanced reduction diet (RD) on body composition, muscle strength, and endurance performance. (2) Methods: 25 healthy young males undergoing regular resistance training combined with aerobic training were randomized to CKD (n = 13) or RD (n = 12). Body composition, muscle strength and spiroergometric parameters were measured at baseline and after eight weeks of intervention. (3) Results: Both CKD and RD decreased body weight, body fat, and BMI. Lean body mass and body water decreased in CKD and did not significantly change in RD group. Muscle strength parameters were not affected in CKD while in RD group lat pull-down and leg press values increased. Similarly, endurance performance was not changed in CKD group while in RD group peak workload and peak oxygen uptake increased. (4) Conclusions: Our data show that in healthy young males undergoing resistance and aerobic training comparable weight reduction were achieved by CKD and RD. In RD group; improved muscle strength and endurance performance was noted relative to neutral effect of CKD that also slightly reduced lean body mass.
Features of Serum Fatty Acids at Acute Ischemic Stroke Onset in Statin-Treated Patients with Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Mori Takahisa , Yoshioka Kazuhiro , Tanno Yuhei , Kasakura Shigen
Published: September 2020

In addition to diet therapy, statins are used to prevent cardiovascular disease in patients with hypercholesterolemia (HC). However, acute ischemic stroke (AIS) still occurs in statin-treated patients. How strictly statin-treated patients follow diet therapy before they experience AIS and whether they increase seafood consumption remains unknown. We investigated the serum concentrations and proportions (weight percentages: wt %) of fatty acids (FAs) at AIS onset in statin-treated patients (statin group), compared to those in non-treated patients with HC (6.465 mmol/L or higher) as controls (non-treated group). We included patients with AIS admitted between 2016 and 2019 within 24 h of AIS onset who underwent analysis of serum FAs. During the study period, 188 patients met the inclusion criteria: 133 in the statin group and 55 in the non-treated group. Interestingly, serum FA concentrations in the statin group were lower than those in the non-treated group. However, serum FA wt % in the statin group was almost identical to that in the non-treated group. In conclusion, statin-treated AIS patients had low FA concentrations and identical FA wt %, compared to non-treated AIS patients with HC.
Dietary Profile and Nutritional Status of the Roma Population Living in Segregated Colonies in Northeast Hungary
Authors: Llanaj Erand , Vincze Ferenc , Kósa Zsigmond , Sándor János , Diószegi Judit , Ádány Róza
Published: September 2020

Nutrition studies among Roma are scarce and to date no quantified dietary data are available. This report provides, for the first time, quantified dietary data and comprehensive anthropometric information for the Hungarian Roma (HR) population, with Hungarian general (HG) adults as reference. Data were obtained from a complex comparative health survey, involving 387 and 410 subjects of HR and HG populations, respectively. Using corporal measurements, body composition indicators were constructed, while daily nutrient intakes were evaluated in comparison with internationally accepted guidelines on nutrient requirements and recommended intakes. Associations between Roma ethnicity and nutrient intakes, as well as odds of achieving dietary recommendations were explored using regression models, adjusted for relevant covariates (i.e., age, gender, education, marital status and perceived financial status). Results showed occasional differences for selected nutrient intakes between the groups, with HR’s intake being less favorable. Total fat intake, predominantly animal-sourced, exceeded recommendations among HR (36.1 g, 95% confidence interval (CI): 35.2–37.0) and was not dissimilar to HG group (37.1 g, 95% CI: 36.3–38.0). Sodium intake among HR was significantly lower (5094.4 mg, 95% CI: 4866.0–5322.8) compared to HG (5644.0 mg, 95% CI: 5351.9–5936.0), but significantly greater than recommended intake in both groups. HR had greater estimated body fatness (25.6–35.1%) and higher average body mass index (BMI, 27.7 kg/m2, 95% CI: 26.9–28.4), compared to HG. In addition, HR had lower odds of achieving dietary recommendations (odds ratio (OR) = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67–0.97, p < 0.05). Findings warrant further research, while highlighting the importance of establishing and integrating Roma nutrition into national surveillance and monitoring systems for key dietary risk factors.
Anti-Diabetic Obesity Effects of Wasabia Japonica Matsum Leaf Extract on 45% Kcal High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice
Authors: Choi Beom-Rak , Kim Hyun-Jee , Lee Young-Joon , Ku Sae-Kwang
Published: September 2020

The present study examined the effects of Wasabi leaf (WL) on 45% Kcal high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mild diabetic obese mice. In particular, the hepatoprotective (i.e., liver weight, histopathology of liver, serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase) effects of 12 weeks of continuous oral administration of 250 mg/kg metformin, and 200, 100, or 50 mg/kg WL were investigated. In addition, the hypolipidemic (i.e., serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels), hypoglycemic (i.e., glycated hemoglobin, blood glucose and insulin levels, pancreatic weight, and immunohistochemical-histopathological analysis of the pancreas), and anti-obesity effects (i.e., body weight, mean food consumption, total and abdominal body fat mass, periovarian fat weight, and histopathology of the periovarian and abdominal wall adipocytes) were monitored. The liver and general antioxidant defense systems were also assessed by lipid metabolism-related gene expression. All diabetes manifestations and related complications, including obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), were dose-dependently reduced after 84 days of oral treatment with metformin or each of the three dosages of WL. In particular, 50 mg/kg WL showed effective suppression effects against HFD-induced diabetes and related complications of obesity, NAFLD, and hyperlipidemia, comparable to the effects of metformin.
Role of TRP Channels in Shaping the Gut Microbiome
Authors: Nagpal Ravinder , Mishra Santosh Kumar , Deep Gagan , Yadav Hariom
Published: September 2020

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channel family proteins are sensors for pain, which sense a variety of thermal and noxious chemicals. Sensory neurons innervating the gut abundantly express TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels and are in close proximity of gut microbes. Emerging evidence indicates a bi-directional gut–brain cross-talk in several entero-neuronal pathologies; however, the direct evidence of TRP channels interacting with gut microbial populations is lacking. Herein, we examine whether and how the knockout (KO) of TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels individually or combined TRPA1/V1 double-knockout (dKO) impacts the gut microbiome in mice. We detect distinct microbiome clusters among the three KO mouse models versus wild-type (WT) mice. All three TRP-KO models have reduced microbial diversity, harbor higher abundance of Bacteroidetes, and a reduced proportion of Firmicutes. Specifically distinct arrays in the KO models are determined mainly by S24-7, Bacteroidaceae, Clostridiales, Prevotellaceae, Helicobacteriaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Ruminococcaceae. A1KO mice have lower Prevotella, Desulfovibrio, Bacteroides, Helicobacter and higher Rikenellaceae and Tenericutes; V1KO mice demonstrate higher Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus, Desulfovibrio and Mucispirillum; and A1V1dKO mice exhibit higher Bacteroidetes, Bacteroides and S24-7 and lower Firmicutes, Ruminococcaceae, Oscillospira, Lactobacillus and Sutterella abundance. Furthermore, the abundance of taxa involved in biosynthesis of lipids and primary and secondary bile acids is higher while that of fatty acid biosynthesis-associated taxa is lower in all KO groups. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating distinct gut microbiome signatures in TRPA1, V1 and dKO models and should facilitate prospective studies exploring novel diagnostic/ therapeutic modalities regarding the pathophysiology of TRP channel proteins.
Community Pharmacists’ Perceptions of Patient Care Services within an Enhanced Service Network
Authors: Daly Christopher J. , Quinn Bryan , Mak Anna , Jacobs David M.
Published: September 2020

Background: Pharmacists are positioned as an accessible source of patient care services (PCS). Despite the adversity community pharmacies continue to face, the expanding opportunity of offering PCS continues to be a pathway forward. Objective: To identify community pharmacists’ perceptions to deliver PCS within an enhanced service network. Methods: One-on-one semi-structured phone interviews were conducted as part of a mixed-methods approach. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a consensus codebook to draft thematic findings. Participants were recruited from an electronic survey targeting community pharmacists from the New York chapters of the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN). Results: Twelve pharmacists were interviewed with four main themes identified. The majority of study participants were pharmacy owners (92%) devoting an average of 15 h/week to PCS and 8 h/week addressing social barriers. The main themes identified include: (1) perceptions of pharmacy profession, (2) reimbursement models and sustainability of PCS, (3) provision of patient care services, and (4) how PCS address social determinants of health. Conclusions: Offering PCS opportunities for patients is a direction many community pharmacists have embraced and are working to succeed. Ongoing research is needed focusing on community pharmacists’ self-perceptions of the clinical impact and role they hold in an evolving healthcare system.
Effects of Environment and Sowing Time on Growth and Yield of Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Cultivars in Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Tuttolomondo Teresa , Virga Giuseppe , Rossini Francesco , Anastasi Umberto , Licata Mario , Gresta Fabio , La Bella Salvatore , Santonoceto Carmelo
Published: September 2020

Cotton is one of the most important industrial crops in the world. Though widely cultivated in Sicily (Italy) in the past, cotton growth on the island has disappeared today due to a complex variety of agronomic, economic and socio-political reasons. In recent years, increased interest in natural fibers worldwide has led to a revival in cotton plants in the Mediterranean area. The aim of this paper was to assess the response of Gossypium hirsutum L. cultivars to different environments and sowing times. Elsa and Juncal were selected from the most promising cotton cultivars regarding earliness and productivity. Plants were tested with three sowing times and in two Sicilian environments. Cotton yield and yield components were significantly affected by experimental station, sowing time and cultivar. Lint yield of cultivars was 1.60 t ha−1 on average, and the highest value of 1.99 t ha−1 was obtained from an early sowing time. The three indices of agronomic earliness varied significantly based on treatments. In conclusion, the evaluation of response genotype-by-environment under different sowing times could represent a strategy to obtain optimal cotton seed and lint yields, although other general aspects, such as labor costs, land availability and capital resources, should be also considered when evaluating the reintroduction of the species in Sicily.
Phytoremediation of a Highly Arsenic Polluted Site, Using Pteris vittata L. and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Cantamessa Simone , Massa Nadia , Gamalero Elisa , Berta Graziella
Published: September 2020

Phytoremediation is a promising green technique for the restoration of a polluted environment, but there is often a gap between lab and field experiments. The fern, Pteris vittata L., can tolerate a high soil arsenic concentration and rapidly accumulate the metalloid in its fronds. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are mutualistic fungi that form a symbiosis with most land plants’ roots, improve their growth, and induce stress tolerance. This paper reports the results obtained using P. vittata inoculated with AMF, to extract Arsenic (As) from an industrial site highly contaminated also by other pollutants. Two experiments have been performed. In the first one, AMF colonized ferns were grown for two years under controlled conditions in soil coming from the metallurgic site. Positive effects on plant health and As phytoextraction and accumulation were detected. Then, considering these results, we performed a three year in situ experiment in the industrial site, to assess the remediation of As at two different depths. Our results show that the colonization of P. vittata with AMF improved the remediation process of As with a significant impact on the depth 0–0.2 m.
Photosynthetic Properties of Miscanthus condensatus at Volcanically Devastated Sites on Miyake-jima Island
Authors: Zhang Xiulong , Li Hao , Hu Xiaoxing , Zheng Pengyao , Hirota Mitsuru , Kamijo Takashi
Published: September 2020

How photosynthetic-related leaf traits of non-nitrogen (N)-fixing pioneer species respond to extreme habitat conditions of primary succession is still not well-elucidated, especially in volcanically N-deplete habitats. The effect of N-deplete soil on photosynthetic-related leaf traits can provide a basis for predicting how plants adjust their strategies to adapt to such habitats. To examine the responses of leaf traits to extreme conditions, we investigated Miscanthus condensatus (a non-N-fixing C4 pioneer grass) which grows on a volcanically devastated area on Miyake-jima Island, Japan, in which the volcanic ash has been deposited for 17–18 years since the 2000-year eruption. Leaf N content (Narea), light-saturated photosynthetic rate (Amax), and photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNUE) in three contrasting study sites: bare land (BL), shrub land gap (SLG), and shrub land under canopy (SLUC) were determined. Results indicated that compared to previous studies and internal comparison of Miyake Island, M. condensatus in BL was able to maintain a relatively high Amax, Narea and PNUE. The higher Amax was in part a result of the higher PNUE. This is a characteristic necessary for its successful growth in N-deplete soils. These results suggest that M. condensatus has photosynthetic-related advantages for adaptation to volcanically N-deplete habitats.
Epoxidation of Cardanol’s Terminal Double Bond
Authors: Kinaci Emre , Can Erde , Scala John J. La , Palmese Giuseppe R.
Published: September 2020

In this investigation, the terminal double bonds of the side chain epoxidized cardanol glycidyl ether (SCECGE) molecule were further epoxidized in the presence of Oxone® (potassium peroxomonosulfate) and fluorinated acetone. Regular methods for the double bond epoxidation are not effective on the terminal double bonds because of their reduced electronegativity with respect to internal double bonds. The terminal double bond functionality of the SCECGE was epoxidized to nearly 70%, increasing the epoxy functionality of SCECGE from 2.45 to 2.65 epoxies/molecule as measured using proton magnetic nuclear resonance (1H-NMR). This modified material—side chain epoxidized cardanol glycidyl ether with terminal epoxies (TE-SCECGE)—was thermally cured with cycloaliphatic curing agent 4-4′-methylenebis(cyclohexanamine) (PACM) at stoichiometry, and the cured polymer properties, such as glass transition temperature (Tg) and tensile modulus, were compared with SCECGE resin cured with PACM. The Tg of the material was increased from 52 to 69 °C as obtained via a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) while the tensile modulus of the material increased from 0.88 to 1.24 GPa as a result of terminal double bond epoxidation. In addition to highlighting the effects of dangling side groups in an epoxy network, this modest increase in Tg and modulus could be sufficient to significantly expand the potential uses of amine-cured cardanol-based epoxies for fiber reinforced composite applications.