bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kynurenine/Tryptophan Ratio as a Potential Blood-Based Biomarker in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Mandarano Martina , Orecchini Elena , Bellezza Guido , Vannucci Jacopo , Ludovini Vienna , Baglivo Sara , Tofanetti Francesca Romana , Chiari Rita , Loreti Elisabetta , Puma Francesco , Sidoni Angelo , Belladonna Maria Laura
Published: April 2021

The enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) degrade tryptophan (Trp) into kynurenine (Kyn) at the initial step of an enzymatic pathway affecting T cell proliferation. IDO1 is highly expressed in various cancer types and associated with poor prognosis. Nevertheless, the serum Kyn/Trp concentration ratio has been suggested as a marker of cancer-associated immune suppression. We measured Kyn and Trp in blood samples of a wide cohort of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, before they underwent surgery, and analyzed possible correlations of the Kyn/Trp ratio with either IDO1 expression or clinical–pathological parameters. Low Kyn/Trp significantly correlated with low IDO1 expression and never-smoker patients; while high Kyn/Trp was significantly associated with older (≥68 years) patients, advanced tumor stage, and squamous cell carcinoma (Sqcc), rather than the adenocarcinoma (Adc) histotype. Moreover, high Kyn/Trp was associated, among the Adc group, with higher tumor stages (II and III), and, among the Sqcc group, with a high density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. A trend correlating the high Kyn/Trp ratio with the probability of recurrences from NSCLC was also found. In conclusion, high serum Kyn/Trp ratio, associated with clinical and histopathological parameters, may serve as a serum biomarker to optimize risk stratification and therapy of NSCLC patients.
Should Contrast-Enhanced Harmonic Endoscopic Ultrasound Be Incorporated into the International Consensus Guidelines to Determine the Appropriate Treatment of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm?
Authors: Yamazaki Tomohiro , Takenaka Mamoru , Omoto Shunsuke , Yoshikawa Tomoe , Ishikawa Rei , Okamoto Ayana , Nakai Atsushi , Minaga Kosuke , Kamata Ken , Yamao Kentaro , Komeda Yoriaki , Watanabe Tomohiro , Nishida Naoshi , Kamei Keiko , Matsumoto Ippei , Takeyama Yoshifumi , Chikugo Takaaki , Chiba Yasutaka , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to investigate whether the incorporation of contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound (CH-EUS) into the international consensus guidelines (ICG) for the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) could improve its malignancy diagnostic value. In this single-center retrospective study, 109 patients diagnosed with IPMN who underwent preoperative CH-EUS between March 2010 and December 2018 were enrolled. We analyzed each malignancy diagnostic value (sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV)) by replacing fundamental B-mode EUS with CH-EUS as the recommended test for patients with worrisome features (WF) (the CH-EUS incorporation ICG) and comparing the results to those obtained using the 2017 ICG. The malignancy diagnostic values as per the 2017 ICG were 78.9%, 42.3%, 60.0%, and 64.7% for Se, Sp, PPV, and NPV, respectively. The CH-EUS incorporation ICG plan improved the malignancy diagnostic values (Se 78.9%/Sp, 53.8%/PPV, 65.2%/NPV 70.0%). CH-EUS may be useful in determining the appropriate treatment strategies for IPMN.
A Bioinformatics Analysis Identifies the Telomerase Inhibitor MST-312 for Treating High-STMN1-Expressing Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Szu-Jen , Yang Pei-Ming
Published: April 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a relatively chemo-resistant tumor. Several multi-kinase inhibitors have been approved for treating advanced HCC. However, most HCC patients are highly refractory to these drugs. Therefore, the development of more effective therapies for advanced HCC patients is urgently needed. Stathmin 1 (STMN1) is an oncoprotein that destabilizes microtubules and promotes cancer cell migration and invasion. In this study, cancer genomics data mining identified STMN1 as a prognosis biomarker and a therapeutic target for HCC. Co-expressed gene analysis indicated that STMN1 expression was positively associated with cell-cycle-related gene expression. Chemical sensitivity profiling of HCC cell lines suggested that High-STMN1-expressing HCC cells were the most sensitive to MST-312 (a telomerase inhibitor). Drug–gene connectivity mapping supported that MST-312 reversed the STMN1-co-expressed gene signature (especially BUB1B, MCM2/5/6, and TTK genes). In vitro experiments validated that MST-312 inhibited HCC cell viability and related protein expression (STMN1, BUB1B, and MCM5). In addition, overexpression of STMN1 enhanced the anticancer activity of MST-312 in HCC cells. Therefore, MST-312 can be used for treating STMN1-high expression HCC.
A Highly Effective Route for Real-Time Traffic Using an IoT Smart Algorithm for Tele-Surgery Using 5G Networks
Authors: Abujassar Radwan S. , Yaseen Husam , Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, networks use many different paths to exchange data. However, our research will construct a reliable path in the networks among a huge number of nodes for use in tele-surgery using medical applications such as healthcare tracking applications, including tele-surgery which lead to optimizing medical quality of service (m-QoS) during the COVID-19 situation. Many people could not travel due to the current issues, for fear of spreading the covid-19 virus. Therefore, our paper will provide a very trusted and reliable method of communication between a doctor and his patient so that the latter can do his operation even from a far distance. The communication between the doctor and his/her patient will be monitored by our proposed algorithm to make sure that the data will be received without delay. We test how we can invest buffer space that can be used efficiently to reduce delays between source and destination, avoiding loss of high-priority data packets. The results are presented in three stages. First, we show how to obtain the greatest possible reduction in rate variability when the surgeon begins an operation using live streaming. Second, the proposed algorithm reduces congestion on the determined path used for the online surgery. Third, we have evaluated the affection of optimal smoothing algorithm on the network parameters such as peak-to-mean ratio and delay to optimize m-QoS. We propose a new Smart-Rout Control algorithm (s-RCA) for creating a virtual smart path between source and destination to transfer the required data traffic between them, considering the number of hops and link delay. This provides a reliable connection that can be used in healthcare surgery to guarantee that all instructions are received without any delay, to be executed instantly. This idea can improve m-QoS in distance surgery, with trusted paths. The new s-RCA can be adapted with an existing routing protocol to track the primary path and monitor emergency packets received in node buffers, for direct forwarding via the demand path, with extended features.
Uncoiling the Human Cochlea—Physical Scala Tympani Models to Study Pharmacokinetics Inside the Inner Ear
Authors: Schurzig Daniel , Fröhlich Max , Raggl Stefan , Scheper Verena , Lenarz Thomas , Rau Thomas S.
Published: April 2021

In the field of cochlear implantation, artificial/physical models of the inner ear are often employed to investigate certain phenomena like the forces occurring during implant insertions. Up to now, no such models are available for the analysis of diffusion processes inside the cochlea although drug delivery is playing an increasingly important role in this field. For easy access of the cochlea along its whole profile, e.g., for sequential sampling in an experimental setting, such a model should ideally be longitudinal/uncoiled. Within this study, a set of 15 micro-CT imaging datasets of human cochleae was used to derive an average representation of the scala tympani. The spiral profile of this model was then uncoiled along different trajectories, showing that these trajectories influence both length and volume of the resulting longitudinal model. A volumetric analysis of the average spiral model was conducted to derive volume-to-length interrelations for the different trajectories, which were then used to generate two tubular, longitudinal scala tympani models with volume and length properties matching the original, spiral profile. These models can be downloaded for free and used for reproducible and comparable simulative and experimental investigations of diffusion processes within the inner ear.
Retrotransposons as Drivers of Mammalian Brain Evolution
Authors: Ferrari Roberto , Grandi Nicole , Tramontano Enzo , Dieci Giorgio
Published: April 2021

Retrotransposons, a large and diverse class of transposable elements that are still active in humans, represent a remarkable force of genomic innovation underlying mammalian evolution. Among the features distinguishing mammals from all other vertebrates, the presence of a neocortex with a peculiar neuronal organization, composition and connectivity is perhaps the one that, by affecting the cognitive abilities of mammals, contributed mostly to their evolutionary success. Among mammals, hominids and especially humans display an extraordinarily expanded cortical volume, an enrichment of the repertoire of neural cell types and more elaborate patterns of neuronal connectivity. Retrotransposon-derived sequences have recently been implicated in multiple layers of gene regulation in the brain, from transcriptional and post-transcriptional control to both local and large-scale three-dimensional chromatin organization. Accordingly, an increasing variety of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions are being recognized to be associated with retrotransposon dysregulation. We review here a large body of recent studies lending support to the idea that retrotransposon-dependent evolutionary novelties were crucial for the emergence of mammalian, primate and human peculiarities of brain morphology and function.
Effect of Applied Pressure on the Electrical Resistance of Carbon Nanotube Fibers
Authors: Barnett Chris J. , McGettrick James D. , Gangoli Varun Shenoy , Kazimierska Ewa , Orbaek White Alvin , Barron Andrew R.
Published: April 2021

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be spun into fibers as potential lightweight replacements for copper in electrical current transmission since lightweight CNT fibers weigh <1/6th that of an equivalently dimensioned copper wire. Experimentally, it has been shown that the electrical resistance of CNT fibers increases with longitudinal strain; however, although fibers may be under radial strain when they are compressed during crimping at contacts for use in electrical current transport, there has been no study of this relationship. Herein, we apply radial stress at the contact to a CNT fiber on both the nano- and macro-scale and measure the changes in fiber and contact resistance. We observed an increase in resistance with increasing pressure on the nanoscale as well as initially on the macro scale, which we attribute to the decreasing of axial CNT…CNT contacts. On the macro scale, the resistance then decreases with increased pressure, which we attribute to improved radial contact due to the closing of voids within the fiber bundle. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) show that applied pressure on the fiber can damage the π–π bonding, which could also contribute to the increased resistance. As such, care must be taken when applying radial strain on CNT fibers in applications, including crimping for electrical contacts, lest they operate in an unfavorable regime with worse electrical performance.
The Role of Inorganic-Organic Bio-Fillers Containing Kraft Lignin in Improvement in Functional Properties of Polyethylene
Authors: Bula Karol , Klapiszewski Łukasz , Piasecki Adam , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: April 2021

In this study, MgO-lignin (MgO-L) dual phase fillers with varying amounts of lignin as well as pristine lignin and magnesium oxide were used as effective bio-fillers to increase the ultraviolet light protection and enhance the barrier performance of low density polyethylene (LDPE) thin sheet films. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to check the crystalline structure of the studied samples, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to determine morphological characteristics. The results of optical spectrometry in the range of UV light indicated that LDPE/MgO-L (1:5 wt/wt) composition exhibited the best protection factor, whereas LDPE did not absorb ultraviolet waves. Moreover, the addition of hybrid filler decreased the oxygen permeability factor and water vapor transmission compared with neat LDPE and its composites with pristine additives, such as lignin and magnesium oxide. The strong influence of the microstructure on thin sheet films was observed in the DSC results, as double melting peaks were detected only for LDPE compounded with inorganic-organic bio-fillers: LDPE/MgO-L.
Approach of Pavement Surface Layer Degradation Caused by Tire Contact Using Semi-Analytical Model
Authors: Manyo Edem Yawo , Picoux Benoit , Reynaud Philippe , Tautou Rémi , Nelias Daniel , Allou Fatima , Petit Christophe
Published: April 2021

New methods of degradations on the pavement’s surface, such as top-down cracking and delamination, caused by the repeated passage of heavy vehicles led to questions about the impact of the contact between the tire and the pavement. In fact, to increase the service life of the structures, future road design methods must have a precise knowledge of the consequences of the contact parameters on the state of stress and deformation in the pavement. In this paper, tractive rolling contact under the effect of friction is modeled by Kalker’s theory using a semi-analytical method (SAM). A tire profile is performed thanks to a digitization by fringes or a photogrammetry technique. The effect of rolling on the main surface extension deformations is then highlighted to study top cracking. At the end of the SAM calculation, contact areas are closed to 200 μdef, exceeding the allowable micro-deformation limit for the initiation of cracking. In addition, results on the main strain directions also give information on the direction of cracking (initiation of longitudinal or transverse cracks). The cracking then becomes evident, leading to a reduced service life.
Transforming Pt-SnO2 Nanoparticles into Pt-SnO2 Composite Nanoceramics for Room-Temperature Hydrogen-Sensing Applications
Authors: Liu Ming , Wang Caochuang , Li Pengcheng , Cheng Liang , Hu Yongming , Xiong Yao , Guo Shishang , Gu Haoshuang , Chen Wanping
Published: April 2021

Many low-dimensional nanostructured metal oxides (MOXs) with impressive room-temperature gas-sensing characteristics have been synthesized, yet transforming them into relatively robust bulk materials has been quite neglected. Pt-decorated SnO2 nanoparticles with 0.25–2.5 wt% Pt were prepared, and highly attractive room-temperature hydrogen-sensing characteristics were observed for them all through pressing them into pellets. Some pressed pellets were further sintered over a wide temperature range of 600–1200 °C. Though the room-temperature hydrogen-sensing characteristics were greatly degraded in many samples after sintering, those samples with 0.25 wt% Pt and sintered at 800 °C exhibited impressive room-temperature hydrogen-sensing characteristics comparable to those of their counterparts of as-pressed pellets. The variation of room-temperature hydrogen-sensing characteristics among the samples was explained by the facts that the connectivity between SnO2 grains increases with increasing sintering temperature, and Pt promotes oxidation of SnO2 at high temperatures. These results clearly demonstrate that some low-dimensional MOX nanocrystals can be successfully transformed into bulk MOXs with improved robustness and comparable room-temperature gas-sensing characteristics.
Prompt Determination of the Mechanical Properties of Industrial Polypropylene Sandwich Pipes
Authors: Vidinejevs Sergejs , Chatys Rafal , Aniskevich Andrey , Jamroziak Krzysztof
Published: April 2021

A simple and prompt method to determine the mechanical properties of industrial multilayer extrusion polypropylene pipes for a gravity sewer network is suggested. The engineering formulas included for calculating the permissible thickness and relative position of a foam core in the pipes are based on a linear-elastic approximation and the rule of mixtures. The applicability of the approximation was justified experimentally during investigation of the effective tensile characteristics of single- and multilayer pipes and each layer specimen by using traditional tests and finite-element calculations. The results obtained were used to formulate engineering recommendations for calculations of this type.
Assessment of Mechanical, Thermal and Durability Properties of High-Volume GGBS Blended Concrete Exposed to Cryogenic Conditions
Authors: Lee Giyeol , Na Okpin
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study is to suggest the optimum mix design with a high volume of GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag) replacement and the procedure of the cryogenic test to consider mechanical and thermal properties, and durability performance. To decide the optimum mix design, four mix designs with high-volume of GGBS replacement were suggested, in terms of the slump and retention time. Based on the test results, with respect to the workability and compressive strength, the mixtures with 65% of GGBS (C40-2 and C40-4) were better than the mixtures with 50% and 60% of GGBS (C40-1 and C40-3). After selecting two mixtures, two types of cryogenic test methods were conducted under one-cycle cryogenic condition (Test A) and 50-cycles cryogenic condition (Test B). As a result, in Test A, the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the C40-2 and C40-4 mixtures tended to be decreased over time, because of the volume expansion of ice crystals contained in the capillary pores. In Test B, the mechanical properties of the C40-4 mixture were better than those of the C40-2 mixture, in terms of the reduction rate of compressive strength and elastic modulus. In the view of the heat of hydration, the semi-adiabatic test was conducted. In the results, the C40-4 mixture was better to control the thermal cracks. Thus, the C40-4 mixture would be more suitable for cryogenic concrete and this procedure could be helpful to decide the mixture of cryogenic concrete. In the future, the long-term performance of cryogenic concrete needs to be investigated.
Theoretical Local Buckling Behavior of Thin-Walled UHPC Flanges Subjected to Pure Compressions
Authors: Lee Jeonghwa , Kim Seungjun , Lee Keesei , Kang Young Jong
Published: April 2021

To enhance structural performance of concrete and reduce its self-weight, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) with superior structural performance has been developed. As UHPC members with 180 MPa or above of the compressive strength can be designed, a rational assessment of thin-walled UHPC structural member may be required to prevent unexpected buckling failure that has not been considered while designing conventional concrete members. In this study, theoretical local buckling behavior of the thin-walled UHPC flanges was investigated using geometrical and material nonlinear analysis with imperfections (GMNIA). For the failure criteria of UHPC, a concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) model was applied to the analysis. Additionally, an elastic-perfectly plastic material model for steel materials was considered as a reference to establish differences in local buckling behavior between the UHPC and steel flanges. Finite element approaches were compared and verified based on test data in the literature. Finally, this study offers several important findings on theoretical local buckling and local bending behavior of UHPC flanges. The inelastic local buckling behavior of UHPC flanges was mainly affected by crack propagation due to its low tensile strength. Based on this study, possibility of the local buckling of UHPC flanges was discussed.
Electromagnetic Properties of Steel Fibres for Use in Cementitious Composites, Fibre Detection and Non-Destructive Testing
Authors: Künzel Karel , Papež Václav , Carrera Kristýna , Konrád Petr , Mára Michal , Kheml Přemysl , Sovják Radoslav
Published: April 2021

This paper deals with the description, measurement, and use of electromagnetic properties of ferromagnetic fibres used as dispersed fibre reinforcement in composite mixtures. Firstly, the fibres’ magnetic properties are shown, and a method of measuring the hysteresis loop of fibres is proposed. The results from the measurements are presented and a discussion of the influence of measured parameters on the fibres’ orientation in a magnetic field is performed. Furthermore, methods of non-destructive estimation, of their amount and orientation in the composite specimens, are discussed. The main experimental goal of this paper is to show the relationship between this non-destructive method’s results and the destructive flexural strength measurements. The method is sensitive enough to provide information related to fibre reinforcement.
Polymeric Nanocarriers: A Transformation in Doxorubicin Therapies
Authors: Butowska Kamila , Woziwodzka Anna , Borowik Agnieszka , Piosik Jacek
Published: April 2021

Doxorubicin, a member of the anthracycline family, is a common anticancer agent often used as a first line treatment for the wide spectrum of cancers. Doxorubicin-based chemotherapy, although effective, is associated with serious side effects, such as irreversible cardiotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. Those often life-threatening adverse risks, responsible for the elongation of the patients’ recuperation period and increasing medical expenses, have prompted the need for creating novel and safer drug delivery systems. Among many proposed concepts, polymeric nanocarriers are shown to be a promising approach, allowing for controlled and selective drug delivery, simultaneously enhancing its activity towards cancerous cells and reducing toxic effects on healthy tissues. This article is a chronological examination of the history of the work progress on polymeric nanostructures, designed as efficient doxorubicin nanocarriers, with the emphasis on the main achievements of 2010–2020. Numerous publications have been reviewed to provide an essential summation of the nanopolymer types and their essential properties, mechanisms towards efficient drug delivery, as well as active targeting stimuli-responsive strategies that are currently utilized in the doxorubicin transportation field.
Impact of Thermal Properties on Crystalline Structure, Polymorphism and Morphology of Polymer Matrices in Composites
Authors: Raimo Maria
Published: April 2021

Morphological analysis at different levels is fundamental to understand properties of materials, as these latter are dictated not only by the chemical composition but also by the shape. Solid structures arise from a balance between thermodynamic and kinetic factors, which, especially for polymer composites, depend also on interactions amongst components. In particular, morphology is strongly affected by the heat transfer pattern during crystallization and by the difference in thermal behavior between polymer matrix and filler. Polymers show a spherulitic structure, arising from the start of crystallization in several points of the liquid phase. Within a general rounded shape, spherulites show variability in growth patterns, morphology, and geometry of boundaries. The appearance and the number of spherulites, as well as their growth mechanism, may vary not only in dependence of the chemical composition and the crystalline structures but also, for a same polymer, in consequence of experimental conditions and incorporation of fillers. This article reviews the crystallization process of polymer matrices in the framework of crystal growth and heat transport theories, and explains microstructural differences between composites and neat matrices on the basis of the differences in thermal capacity and conductivity between polymers and additives.
Cytotoxic Activity of Piperazin-2-One-Based Structures: Cyclic Imines, Lactams, Aminophosphonates, and Their Derivatives
Authors: Iwanejko Jakub , Samadaei Mahzeiar , Pinter Matthias , Senfter Daniel , Madlener Sibylle , Kochel Andrzej , Rohr-Udilova Nataliya , Wojaczyńska Elżbieta
Published: April 2021

N-Heterocycles are considered as desirable scaffolds for the development of novel lead compounds for anticancer drug research. Among them, phosphorus-containing amino-derivatives play a crucial role. A series of imines and products of their further reactions with P-nucleophiles were obtained starting from vicinal bisamines. Reaction of ethylenediamine and α-carbonyl esters yielded in novel unexpected products, which structures were confirmed by crystallographic measurements. The cytotoxic activity evaluation was done on a variety of cell lines including HUH7, AKH12, DAOY, UW228-2, D283, D425, and U251. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used as control. Two of the tested compounds, bearing TADDOL-derived, and trifluoromethyl substituents showed a significant effect on cell viability, though comparable to nonmalignant cells.
Hydrophobically Modified Isosorbide Dimethacrylates as a Bisphenol-A (BPA)-Free Dental Filling Material
Authors: Marie Bilal , Clark Raymond , Gillece Tim , Ozkan Seher , Jaffe Michael , Ravindra Nuggehalli M.
Published: April 2021

A series of bio-based hydrophobically modified isosorbide dimethacrylates, with para-, meta-, and ortho- benzoate aromatic spacers (ISBGBMA), are synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as potential dental restorative resins. The new monomers, isosorbide 2,5-bis(4-glyceryloxybenzoate) dimethacrylate (ISB4GBMA), isosorbide 2,5-bis(3-glyceryloxybenzoate) dimethacrylate (ISB3GBMA), and isosorbide 2,5-bis(2-glyceryloxybenzoate) dimethacrylate (ISB2GBMA), are mixed with triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and photopolymerized. The resulting polymers are evaluated for the degree of monomeric conversion, polymerization shrinkage, water sorption, glass transition temperature, and flexural strength. Isosorbide glycerolate dimethacrylate (ISDGMA) is synthesized, and Bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (BisGMA) is prepared, and both are evaluated as a reference. Poly(ISBGBMA/TEGDMA) series shows lower water sorption (39–44 µg/mm3) over Poly(ISDGMA/TEGDMA) (73 µg/mm3) but higher than Poly(BisGMA/TEGDMA) (26 µg/mm3). Flexural strength is higher for Poly(ISBGBMA/TEGDMA) series (37–45 MPa) over Poly(ISDGMA/TEGDMA) (10 MPa) and less than Poly(BisGMA/TEGDMA) (53 MPa) after immersion in phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) for 24 h. Poly(ISB2GBMA/TEGDMA) has the highest glass transition temperature at 85 °C, and its monomeric mixture has the lowest viscosity at 0.62 Pa·s, among the (ISBGBMA/TEGDMA) polymers and monomer mixtures. Collectively, this data suggests that the ortho ISBGBMA monomer is a potential bio-based, BPA-free replacement for BisGMA, and could be the focus for future study.
Omega-3-Rich Oils from Marine Side Streams and Their Potential Application in Food
Authors: Pateiro Mirian , Domínguez Rubén , Varzakas Theodoros , Munekata Paulo E. S. , Movilla Fierro Elena , Lorenzo José M.
Published: April 2021

Rapid population growth and increasing food demand have impacts on the environment due to the generation of residues, which could be managed using sustainable solutions such as the circular economy strategy (waste generated during food processing must be kept within the food chain). Reusing discarded fish remains is part of this management strategy, since they contain high-value ingredients and bioactive compounds that can be used for the development of nutraceuticals and functional foods. Fish side streams such as the head, liver, or skin or the cephalothorax, carapace, and tail from shellfish are important sources of oils rich in omega-3. In order to resolve the disadvantages associated with conventional methods, novel extraction techniques are being optimized to improve the quality and the oxidative stability of these high-value oils. Positive effects on cardiovascular and vision health, diabetes, cancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, and immune system improvement are among their recognized properties. Their incorporation into different model systems could contribute to the development of functional foods, with market benefits for consumers. These products improve the nutritional needs of specific population groups in a scenario where noncommunicable diseases and pandemic crises are responsible for several deaths worldwide.
The Prospective Use of Brazilian Marine Macroalgae in Schistosomiasis Control
Authors: Stein Erika M. , Tajú Sara G. , Miyasato Patrícia A. , de Freitas Rafaela P. , Tallarico Lenita de F. , dos Santos Guilherme S. , Luiz Giovana L. F. , Rofatto Henrique K. , da Silva Fábio N. V. , Colepicolo Pio , Macedo Arthur L. , Carollo Carlos A. , Nakano Eliana
Published: April 2021

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects more than 250 million people. The treatment is limited to praziquantel and the control of the intermediate host with the highly toxic molluscicidal niclosamide. Marine algae are a poorly explored and promising alternative that can provide lead compounds, and the use of multivariate analysis could contribute to quicker discovery. As part of our search for new natural compounds with which to control schistosomiasis, we screened 45 crude extracts obtained from 37 Brazilian seaweed species for their molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria glabrata embryos and schistosomicidal activities against Schistosoma mansoni. Two sets of extracts were taxonomically grouped for metabolomic analysis. The extracts were analyzed by GC–MS, and the data were subjected to Pattern Hunter and Pearson correlation tests. Overall, 22 species (60%) showed activity in at least one of the two models. Multivariate analysis pointed towards 3 hits against B. glabrata veliger embryos in the Laurencia/Laurenciella set, 5 hits against B. glabrata blastula embryos, and 31 against S. mansoni in the Ochrophyta set. Preliminary annotations suggested some compounds such as triquinane alcohols, prenylated guaianes, dichotomanes, and xenianes. Despite the putative identification, this work presents potential candidates and can guide future isolation and identification.
Bioprospecting of Less-Polar Constituents from Endemic Brown Macroalga Fucus virsoides J. Agardh from the Adriatic Sea and Targeted Antioxidant Effects In Vitro and In Vivo (Zebrafish Model)
Authors: Jerković Igor , Cikoš Ana-Marija , Babić Sanja , Čižmek Lara , Bojanić Krunoslav , Aladić Krunoslav , Ul’yanovskii Nikolay V. , Kosyakov Dmitry S. , Lebedev Albert T. , Čož-Rakovac Rozelindra , Trebše Polonca , Jokić Stela
Published: April 2021

The endemic brown macroalga Fucus virsoides J. Agardh from the Adriatic Sea was in the focus of the present research. The volatiles of fresh (FrFv) and air-dried (DrFv) samples of F. virsoides obtained by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and hydrodistillation (HD) were analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector and mass spectrometry (GC-FID/MS). The major HS-FrFv compound was pentadecane (61.90–71.55%) followed by pentadec-1-ene (11.00–7.98%). In HS-DrFv, pentadec-1-ene was not present, and few lower aliphatic compounds appeared, as well as benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol. In HD-FrFv, particularly abundant were alkenes (such as pentadec-1-ene (19.32%), or (E)-pentadec-7-ene (8.35%)). In HD-DrFv, more oxidation products were present (e.g., carbonyl compounds such as tridecanal (18.51%)). The fatty acids profile of freeze-dried sample (FdFv) after conversion to methyl esters was determined by GC-FID, and oleic acid was dominant (42.28%), followed by arachidonic acid (15.00%). High-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (HPLC-ESI-HRMS) was used for the screening of less polar fractions (F3 and F4) of F. virsoides. Mono- and diglycerides of stearic, palmitic, oleic, and arachidonic acids were found. Terpenoids and steroids comprised the compounds C20H30(32)O2 and C29H48O(2). Among carotenoids, fucoxanthin was identified. Chlorophyll derivatives were also found (C55H74(72)N4O(5-7)), dominated by pheophytin a. The antioxidant activity of the fractions was investigated by in vitro assays (oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), reduction of radical cation (ABTS•+), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) and by in vivo zebrafish model (along with fish embryotoxicity). In vitro experiments proved good radical scavenging abilities of F3 and F4 fractions, which were additionally supported by the protective effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in zebrafish embryos.
The Kinetics of Chitosan Degradation in Organic Acid Solutions
Authors: Sikorski Dominik , Gzyra-Jagieła Karolina , Draczyński Zbigniew
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a comparative study on chitosan degradation in organic acid solutions according to their different dissociation characteristics. More precisely, the aim of the study was to determine the kinetics of the degradation process depending on the different acid dissociation constants (pKa values). The scientists involved in chitosan to date have focused mainly on acetic acid solutions. Solutions of lactic, acetic, malic, and formic acids in concentrations of 3% wt. were used in this research. The progress of degradation was determined based on the intrinsic viscosity measurement, GPC/SEC chromatographic analysis, and their correlation. Changes in the viscosity parameters were performed at a temperature of 20 °C ± 1 °C and a timeframe of up to 168 h (7 days). The chemical structure and DDA of the initial chitosan were analyzed using 1H-NMR spectroscopy analysis. The results of this study can be considered of high importance for the purpose of electrospinning, production of micro- and nano-capsules for drug delivery, and other types of processing. Understanding the influence of the dissociation constant of the solvent on the kinetics of chitosan degradation will allow the selection of an appropriate medium, ensuring an effective and stable spinning process, in which the occurrence of polymer degradation is unfavorable.
Fatigue Improvement of AlSi10Mg Fabricated by Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion through Heat Treatment
Authors: Sajadi Felix , Tiemann Jan-Marc , Bandari Nooshin , Cheloee Darabi Ali , Mola Javad , Schmauder Siegfried
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to identify an optimal heat-treatment parameter set for an additively manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy in terms of increasing the hardness and eliminating the anisotropic microstructural characteristics of the alloy in as-built condition. Furthermore, the influence of these optimized parameters on the fatigue properties of the alloy was investigated. In this respect, microstructural characteristics of an AlSi10Mg alloy manufactured by laser-based powder bed fusion in non-heat-treated and heat-treated conditions were investigated. Their static and dynamic mechanical properties were evaluated, and fatigue behavior was explained by a detailed examination of fracture surfaces. The majority of the microstructure in the non-heat-treated condition was composed of columnar grains oriented parallel to the build direction. Further analysis revealed a high fraction of pro-eutectic α-Al. Through heat treatment, the alloy was successfully brought to its peak-hardened condition, while eliminating the anisotropic microstructural features. Yield strength and ductility increased simultaneously after heat treatment, which is due to the relief of residual stresses, preservation of refined grains, and introduction of precipitation strengthening. The fatigue strength, calculated at 107 cycles, improved as well after heat treatment, and finally, detailed fractography revealed that a more ductile fracture mechanism occurred in the heat-treated condition compared to the non-heat-treated condition.
A Preliminary Analysis of the Wear Pathways of Sliding Contacts on Temporomandibular Joint Total Joint Replacement Prostheses
Authors: Pinto-Borges Henrique , Carvalho Oscar , Henriques Bruno , Silva Filipe , Ramos António , Souza Júlio C. M.
Published: April 2021

In the last years, several materials and design have been assessed in an attempt to improve the mechanical performance of temporomandibular joint total joint replacement (TMJ TJR) prostheses. However, the wear of the TMJ TJR condyle to the polymer-based fossa component during loading and sliding movements. That promotes the release of debris and risks of toxicity to the surrounding tissues. The purpose of this study was to perform a narrative literature review on the wear of TMJ TJR sliding contacts and potential toxicity of metallic debris to the patients. Previous studies reported a significant deterioration of the sliding contact surfaces of TMJ TJR prostheses. Material loss as a result of wear can cause a TMJ TJR condyle/fossa mismatch and the modification of the contact pressure and chewing loading. As a further consequence of wear, metal particles are released to the surrounding tissues with a high risk of local tissue and systemic toxicity through the bloodstream. The presence of particles induces the stimulation of inflammatory reactions depending on the concentration and size of debris. Thus, CoCr-based condyle release metallic ions and sub-micron particles that can be engulfed by macrophages or internalized by other tissue cells. The wear and material loss of TMJ TJR could be decreased by design optimization and novel materials with low friction and contact pressure. That consequently decrease the amount of metallic ions and particles to the surrounding tissues, preventing peri-prosthetic inflammatory reactions.
Warpage Analysis and Control of Thin-Walled Structures Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Lu Xufei , Chiumenti Michele , Cervera Miguel , Tan Hua , Lin Xin , Wang Song
Published: April 2021

Thin-walled structures are of great interest because of their use as lightweight components in aeronautical and aerospace engineering. The fabrication of these components by additive manufacturing (AM) often produces undesired warpage because of the thermal stresses induced by the manufacturing process and the components’ reduced structural stiffness. The objective of this study is to analyze the distortion of several thin-walled components fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). Experiments are performed to investigate the sensitivity of the warpage of thin-walled structures fabricated by LPBF to different design parameters such as the wall thickness and the component height in several open and closed shapes. A 3D-scanner is used to measure the residual distortions in terms of the out-of-plane displacement. Moreover, an in-house finite element software is firstly calibrated and then used to enhance the original design in order to minimize the warpage induced by the LPBF printing process. The outcome of this shows that open geometries are more prone to warping than closed ones, as well as how vertical stiffeners can mitigate component warpage by increasing stiffness.
Targeted and Untargeted Metabolic Profiling to Discover Bioactive Compounds in Seaweeds and Hemp Using Gas and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Nørskov Natalja P. , Bruhn Annette , Cole Andrew , Nielsen Mette Olaf
Published: April 2021

Greenhouse gas emissions are a global problem facing the dairy/beef industry. Novel feed additives consisting of seaweeds and hemp containing bioactive compounds are theorized to reduce enteric methane emissions. In this study we aimed to investigate the metabolic profiles of brown, red and green seaweeds and hemp using gas chromatography and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. We used targeted and untargeted approaches, quantifying known halomethanes and phenolics, as well as identifying potentially novel bioactive compounds with anti-methanogenic properties. The main findings were: (a) Asparagopsis taxiformis contained halomethanes, with high concentrations of bromoform (4200 µg/g DW), six volatile halocarbons were tentatively identified; (b) no halomethanes were detected in the other studied seaweeds nor in hemp; (c) high concentrations of lignans were measured in hemp; (d) a high numbers of sulfated phenolic acids and unidentified sulfuric acid-containing compounds were detected in all seaweeds; (e) flavonoid glucosides and glucuronides were mainly identified in hemp; and (f) the condensed tannin gallocatechin was tentatively identified in Fucus sp. Using the combined metabolomics approach, an overview and in-depth information on secondary metabolites were provided. Halomethanes of Asparagopsis sp. have already been shown to be anti-methanogenic; however, metabolic profiles of seaweeds such as Dictyota and Sargassum have also been shown to contain compounds that may have anti-methanogenic potential.
Sexual Dimorphism of Metabolite Profiles in Pigs Depends on the Genetic Background
Authors: Peukert Manuela , Zimmermann Sebastian , Egert Björn , Weinert Christoph H. , Schwarzmann Thomas , Brüggemann Dagmar A.
Published: April 2021

The study aimed to investigate possible systematic effects in the basic underlying variability of individual metabolomic data. In this context, the extent of gender- and genotype-dependent differences reflected in the metabolic composition of three tissues in fattening pigs was determined. The 40 pigs belonged to the genotypes PIx(LWxGL) and PIxGL with gilts and boars, respectively. Blood and tissue samples from M. longissimus dorsi and liver were directly taken at the slaughtering plant and directed to GC × GC qMS metabolite analysis. Differences were observed for various metabolite classes like amino acids, fatty acids, sugars, or organic acids. Gender-specific differences were much more pronounced than genotype-related differences, which could be due to the close genetic relation of the fattening pigs. However, the metabolic dimorphism between gilts and boars was found to be genotype-dependent, and vice versa metabolic differences between genotypes were found to be gender-dependent. Most interestingly, integration into metabolic pathways revealed different patterns for carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) usage in boars and gilts. We suppose a stronger N-recycling and increased energy metabolism in boars, whereas, in gilts, more N is presumably excreted and remaining carbon skeletons channeled into lipogenesis. Associations of metabolites to meat quality factors confirmed the applicability of metabolomics approaches for a better understanding about the impact of drivers (e.g., gender, age, breed) on physiological processes influencing meat quality. Due to the huge complexity of the drivers-traits-network, the derivation of independent biomarkers for meat quality prediction will hardly be possible.
Genetic Environments of Plasmid-Mediated blaCTXM-15 Beta-Lactamase Gene in Enterobacteriaceae from Africa
Authors: Awosile Babafela B. , Agbaje Michael
Published: April 2021

The most widely distributed blaCTX-M gene on a global scale is blaCTX-M-15. The dissemination has been associated with clonal spread and different types of mobile genetic elements. The objective of this review was to describe the genetic environments of the blaCTX-M-15 gene detected from Enterobacteriaceae in published literature from Africa. A literature search for relevant articles was performed through PubMed, AJOL, and Google Scholar electronic databases; 43 articles from 17 African countries were included in the review based on the eligibility criteria. Insertion sequences were reported as part of the genetic environment of blaCTX-M-15 gene in 32 studies, integrons in 13 studies, and plasmids in 23 studies. In this review, five insertion sequences including ISEcp1, IS26, orf447, IS903, and IS3 have been detected which are associated with the genetic environment of blaCTX-M-15 in Africa. Seven different genetic patterns were seen in the blaCTX-M-15 genetic environment. Insertion sequence ISEcp1 was commonly located upstream of the end of the blaCTX-M-15 gene, while the insertion sequence orf477 was located downstream. In some studies, ISEcp1 was truncated upstream of blaCTX-M-15 by insertion sequences IS26 and IS3. The class 1 integron (Intl1) was most commonly reported to be associated with blaCTX-M-15 (13 studies), with Intl1/dfrA17–aadA5 being the most common gene cassette array. IncFIA-FIB-FII multi-replicons and IncHI2 replicon types were the most common plasmid replicon types that horizontally transferred the blaCTX-M-15 gene. Aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes, and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes were commonly collocated with the blaCTX-M-15 gene on plasmids. This review revealed the predominant role of ISEcp1, Intl1 and IncF plasmids in the mobilization and continental dissemination of the blaCTX-M-15 gene in Africa.
Long Term Impact of Conjugate Vaccines on Haemophilus influenzae Meningitis: Narrative Review
Authors: Slack Mary Paulina Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

H. influenzae serotype b (Hib) used to be the commonest cause of bacterial meningitis in young children. The widespread use of Hib conjugate vaccine has profoundly altered the epidemiology of H. influenzae meningitis. This short review reports on the spectrum of H. influenzae meningitis thirty years after Hib conjugate vaccine was first introduced into a National Immunization Program (NIP). Hib meningitis is now uncommon, but meningitis caused by other capsulated serotypes of H. influenzae and non-typeable strains (NTHi) should be considered. H. influenzae serotype a (Hia) has emerged as a significant cause of meningitis in Indigenous children in North America, which may necessitate a Hia conjugate vaccine. Cases of Hie, Hif, and NTHi meningitis are predominantly seen in young children and less common in older age groups. This short review reports on the spectrum of H. influenzae meningitis thirty years after Hib conjugate vaccine was first introduced into a NIP.
Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Anticancer Potential of Sideritis niveotomentosa: Endemic Wild Species of Turkey
Authors: Şimşek Sezer Ela Nur , Uysal Tuna
Published: April 2021

Sideritis niveotomentosa Hub. -Mor. is a local endemic species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. In this study, GC/MS analysis, total antioxidant capacity and anticancer effects of different extracts obtained from S. niveotomentosa were investigated comparatively. Total phenolic contents of extracts were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, total flavonoid contents by aluminum chloride method, and also the free radical scavenging activities of the extracts by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assay. The cytotoxic effect of the extracts was studied via MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay on DLD1, HL60 and ARH77 cell lines. Pro-apoptotic gene expression levels were also tested in the most sensitive cell line ARH77 by Real-Time PCR. The expression levels of 4 pro-apoptotic genes, APAF, BAX, CASP3, and HRK were found to be upregulated in ARH77 cells that were treated extracts. Results showed that methanolic extracts contain more phenolic content than acetone extracts, consistent with DPPH results. As a result, Sideritis niveotomentosa extracts, especially methanolic extracts, are rich in phenolic content and have a strong radical scavenging effect. In addition, the extracts showed selective effects on cell lines. This study is pioneering in terms of future studies, and the findings provide hope for future experimentation.