bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Corrosion Behavior of Reinforced Concrete with an Inhibitor by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Park JangHyun , Jung MyeongGyu
Published: September 2021

In this study, the effect of NaCl and LiNO2 content on the deterioration of embedded rebars in concrete due to corrosion was examined by measuring the natural potential and impedance. Wet–dry cycles were performed to accelerate the corrosion of embedded rebars in reinforced concrete, following which the potential and impedance corresponding to the cycles were measured. For the reinforced concrete containing only NaCl, the passive film of the embedded rebar surfaces deteriorated after two weeks of accelerated corrosion, and its polarization resistance decreased. When 0.6 M LiNO2 per NaCl was added, the reinforced concrete deteriorated at the same rate as the normal embedded rebars, and the polarization resistance was higher than the initial values. When 1.2 M LiNO2 per NaCl was added, the passive film of the embedded rebars remained intact even after 10 weeks of accelerated corrosion, protecting the rebars from deterioration.
Experimental Investigation on the Low Velocity Impact Response of Fibre Foam Metal Laminates
Authors: Jakubczak Patryk , Droździel Magda , Podolak Piotr , Pernas-Sánchez Jesus
Published: September 2021

The combination of fibre metal laminates (FML) and sandwich structures can significantly increase the performance under impact of FMLs. The goal of this work was to create a material that will combine the superior properties of FMLs and foam sandwich structures in terms of the impact resistance and simultaneously have lower density and fewer disadvantages related to the manufacturing. An extensive impact testing campaign has been done using conventional fibre metal laminates (carbon- and glass-based) and in the proposed fibre foam metal laminates to assess and compare their behaviour. The main difference was observed in the energy absorption mechanisms. The dominant failure mechanism for fibre foam laminates is the formation of delaminations and matrix cracks while in the conventional fibre metal laminate the main failure mode is fibre cracking due to high local stress concentrations. The reduction in the fibre cracking leads to a better after-impact resistance of this type of structure improving the safety of the structures manufactured with these materials.
Effect of Sc and Zr Additions on Recrystallization Behavior and Intergranular Corrosion Resistance of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloys
Authors: Xia Peng , Wang Shuncheng , Huang Huilan , Zhou Nan , Song Dongfu , Jia Yiwang
Published: September 2021

The recrystallization and intergranular corrosion behaviors impacted by the additions of Sc and Zr in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys are investigated. The stronger effect of coherent Al3(Sc1−xZrx) phases on pinning dislocation resulted in a lower degree of recrystallization in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Sc-Zr alloy, while the subgrain boundaries can escape from the pinning of Al3Zr phases and merge with each other, bringing about a higher degree of recrystallization in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr alloy. A low degree of recrystallization promotes the precipitation of grain boundary precipitates (GBPs) with a discontinuous distribution, contributing to the high corrosion resistance of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Sc-Zr alloy in the central layer. The primary Al3(Sc1−xZrx) phase promotes recrystallization due to particle-stimulated nucleation (PSN), and acts as the cathode to stimulate an accelerated electrochemical process between the primary Al3(Sc1−xZrx) particles and GBPs, resulting in a sharp decrease of the corrosion resistance in the surface layer of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Sc-Zr alloy.
Temperature Effects in an Acousto-Optic Modulator of Terahertz Radiation Based on Liquefied SF6 Gas
Authors: Nikitin Pavel A. , Gerasimov Vasily V. , Khasanov Ildus S.
Published: September 2021

The acousto-optic (AO) diffraction of terahertz (THz) radiation in liquefied sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) was investigated in various temperature regimes. It was found that with the increase in the temperature from +10 to +23 °C, the efficiency of the AO diffraction became one order higher at the same amplitude of the driving electrical signal. At the same time, the efficiency of the AO diffraction per 1 W of the sound power as well as the angular bandwidth of the efficient AO interaction were temperature independent within the measurement error. Increase of the resonant sound frequency with decreasing temperature and strong narrowing of the sound frequency bandwidth of the efficient AO interaction were detected.
Evaluation on the Efficiency of LED Energy Enterprises in China by Employing the DEA Model
Authors: Wang Kan , Zhang Yunpeng , Lei Li , Qiu Shuai
Published: September 2021

As an essential part of strategic emerging industry, the light emitting diode (LED) industry plays an important role in the development of a national economy as well as being a technology that is pivotal to energy saving and environmental protection. Due to the late start of China’s LED energy industry, there are few related studies, especially on the efficiency of China’s LED energy enterprises. The data envelopment analysis (DEA) method is widely used in efficiency measurement for its significant advantages in simplifying calculations and processing multiple input–output indicators. This study selected 34 Chinese LED energy enterprises, sorted out the various input and output indicators of each enterprise from 2017 to 2019, and calculated the technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency of each enterprise based on the CCR and BCC models of the DEA method. The result shows that, from 2017 to 2019, the overall technical efficiency of China’s LED energy enterprises continued to improve and that this was due to the LED energy enterprises’ emphasis on technology development. However, in terms of production scale, there is still a big gap between each enterprise and the optimal scale. On the one hand, studying the technical efficiency of China’s LED energy enterprises can measure whether an enterprise has reached the optimal input–output ratio; on the other hand, it can provide references for related stakeholders such as investment entities, regulatory agencies, and policy-making departments.
Fouling Mitigation via Chaotic Advection in a Flat Membrane Module with a Patterned Surface
Authors: Kim Kyung Tae , Park Jo Eun , Jung Seon Yeop , Kang Tae Gon
Published: September 2021

Fouling mitigation using chaotic advection caused by herringbone-shaped grooves in a flat membrane module is numerically investigated. The feed flow is laminar with the Reynolds number (Re) ranging from 50 to 500. In addition, we assume a constant permeate flux on the membrane surface. Typical flow characteristics include two counter-rotating flows and downwelling flows, which are highly influenced by the groove depth at each Re. Poincaré sections are plotted to represent the dynamical systems of the flows and to analyze mixing. The flow systems become globally chaotic as the groove depth increases above a threshold value. Fouling mitigation via chaotic advection is demonstrated using the dimensionless average concentration (c¯w*) on the membrane and its growth rate. When the flow system is chaotic, the growth rate of c¯w* drops significantly compared to that predicted from the film theory, demonstrating that chaotic advection is an attractive hydrodynamic technique that mitigates membrane fouling. At each Re, there exists an optimal groove depth minimizing c¯w* and the growth rate of c¯w*. Under the optimum groove geometry, foulants near the membrane are transported back to the bulk flow via the downwelling flows, distributed uniformly in the entire channel via chaotic advection.
Normally-Off p-GaN Gated AlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMTs with ALD-Grown Al2O3/AlN Composite Gate Insulator
Authors: Chiu Hsien-Chin , Liu Chia-Hao , Huang Chong-Rong , Chiu Chi-Chuan , Wang Hsiang-Chun , Kao Hsuan-Ling , Lin Shinn-Yn , Chien Feng-Tso
Published: September 2021

A metal–insulator–semiconductor p-type GaN gate high-electron-mobility transistor (MIS-HEMT) with an Al2O3/AlN gate insulator layer deposited through atomic layer deposition was investigated. A favorable interface was observed between the selected insulator, atomic layer deposition–grown AlN, and GaN. A conventional p-type enhancement-mode GaN device without an Al2O3/AlN layer, known as a Schottky gate (SG) p-GaN HEMT, was also fabricated for comparison. Because of the presence of the Al2O3/AlN layer, the gate leakage and threshold voltage of the MIS-HEMT improved more than those of the SG-HEMT did. Additionally, a high turn-on voltage was obtained. The MIS-HEMT was shown to be reliable with a long lifetime. Hence, growing a high-quality Al2O3/AlN layer in an HEMT can help realize a high-performance enhancement-mode transistor with high stability, a large gate swing region, and high reliability.
Droplet Transfer Induced Keyhole Fluctuation and Its Influence Regulation on Porosity Rate during Hybrid Laser Arc Welding of Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Wang Leilei , Zhao Yanqiu , Li Yue , Zhan Xiaohong
Published: September 2021

Hybrid laser arc welding (HLAW) features advantages such as higher welding speed and gap tolerance as well as smaller welding deformation and heat-affected zone than arc welding. Porosity in hybrid laser arc weld due to keyhole fluctuation tends to be the initial source of crack propagation, which will significantly diminish the weld performance. A high-speed imaging technique was adopted to record and analyze the droplet transfer and keyhole fluctuation behavior during hybrid laser arc welding of aluminum alloys. A heat transfer and fluid flow model of HLAW was established and validated for a perspective of the evolution process of droplet transfer and keyhole fluctuation. The relationship between keyhole fluctuation and weld porosity was also revealed. During the droplet transfer stage, liquid metal on the top surface of the weld pool flows toward the keyhole originated by globular transfer, and the keyhole fluctuates and decreases significantly, which has a higher tendency to form a bubble in the weld pool. The bubble evolves into porosity once trapped in the mush-zone near the trailing edge of the weld pool. Therefore, globular transfer during HLAW is the principal origin of keyhole fluctuation and weld porosity. Welding current has a significant influence on keyhole fluctuation and weld porosity rate. Droplet transfer frequency, keyhole fluctuation, and porosity rate increase with higher welding current under the globular transfer mode. The porosity rate shows a nearly positive correlation with the standard deviation of keyhole fluctuation.
Vital Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolites in Serum Involved in Energy Metabolism during Pubertal Molt of Mud Crab (Scylla paramamosain)
Authors: Li Wen-Feng , Li Shuang , Liu Jie , Wang Xiao-Fei , Chen Hui-Yun , Hao Hua , Wang Ke-Jian
Published: September 2021

Pubertal molt is a vital stage in the cultivation of mature female crabs in the aquacultural industry of Scylla paramamosain. Since fasting occurs during molting, which requires a large supply of energy, internal energy reserves are critical. However, the dynamics of energy supply during pubertal molt is not clear. This study focuses on the variations of carbohydrates and lipids in serum during the pubertal molt of S. paramamosain via a metabolomics approach. Eleven lipid or carbohydrate metabolic pathways were significantly influenced postmolt. A remarkable decrease in carbohydrates in serum suggested that free sugars were consumed for energy. A significant decrease in glucose and alpha-d-glucosamine 1-phosphate showed that chitin synthesis exhausted glycogen, resulting in insufficient glucose supply. An increase in l-carnitine and acetylcarnitine, and a significant decrease in 15 fatty acyls and 8 glycerophosphocholines in serum indicated that carnitine shuttle was stimulated, and β-oxidation was upregulated postmolt. In addition, astaxanthin, ponasterone A, and riboflavin in serum were significantly decreased postmolt. Eleven potential metabolite biomarkers were identified for pubertal molt. Taken together, carbohydrates and lipids were possibly major energy reserves in pubertal molt. This study suggests that an increase in carbohydrate and lipid levels in crab feed may alleviate the effects of fasting during molt and improve farm productivity in mature female crabs.
Geophysical Properties of Precambrian Igneous Rocks in the Gwanin Vanadiferous Titanomagnetite Deposit, Korea
Authors: Shin Seungwook , Cho Seongjun , Kim Euijun , Lee Jihyun
Published: September 2021

Precambrian igneous rocks (851–873 Ma) occur in Pocheon City, Korea. These rocks—crystallized during magmatic differentiation—formed vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) deposit. Vanadium is a crucial element in vanadium redox flow batteries that are most appropriate for large-scale energy storage systems. We investigated the VTM deposit to evaluate its size and the possible presence of a hidden orebody. We demonstrated laboratory experiments of density, susceptibility, resistivity, and chargeability of the Precambrian igneous rocks to enhance the interpretation accuracy of geophysical surveys. The rocks consisting of underground ore (UO), discovered ore (DO), gabbro (GA), monzodiorite (MD), and quartz monzodiorite (QMD) were sampled from drilling cores and outcrops. The average density values were UO: 4.57 g/cm3, DO: 3.63 g/cm3, GA: 3.26 g/cm3, MD: 3.18 g/cm3, and QMD: 2.85 g/cm3. The average susceptibility values were UO: 0.8175 SI, DO: 0.2317 SI, GA: 0.0780, MD: 0.0126 SI, and QMD: 0.0007. The average resistivity values were UO: 2 Ωm, DO: 36 Ωm, GA: 257 Ωm, MD: 4571Ωm, and QMD: 7801 Ωm. The chargeability values were UO: 143 mV/V, DO: 108 mV/V, GA: 79 mV/V, MD: 42 mV/V, and QMD: 9 mV/V. We found that the properties of the mineralized rocks are considerably different from those of the surrounding rocks. This result may facilitate the mineral exploration of VTM deposits.
Metabolomic Profiling of Biolayers on the Surface of Marble in Nature and Urban Environment. Case Study of Karelia and St. Petersburg
Authors: Sazanova Katerina V. , Zelenskaya Marina S. , Rodina Oksana A. , Shavarda Alexey L. , Vlasov Dmitry Yu
Published: September 2021

The formation of biolayers of various taxonomic and biochemical composition occurs on the rock surfaces under various environmental conditions. The composition of metabolites in various types of biolayers on the marble surface in natural outcrops and urban environment was studied. Metabolome profiling was fulfilled by GC-MS. It was found that communities in urban environment are much less biochemically diverse than in a quarry. The seasonal differences in metabolite network between samples dominate over taxonomic ones in biolayers with predomination of algae and cyanobacteria and in biolayers with predomination of fungi. The biolayers of different stage of soil formation are less susceptible to seasonal variability.
Antimicrobial Activity of Gemini Surfactants with Ether Group in the Spacer Part
Authors: Brycki Bogumil Eugene , Szulc Adrianna , Kowalczyk Iwona , Koziróg Anna , Sobolewska Ewelina
Published: September 2021

Due to their large possibility of the structure modification, alkylammonium gemini surfactants are a rapidly growing class of compounds. They exhibit significant surface, aggregation and antimicrobial properties. Due to the fact that, in order to achieve the desired utility effect, the minimal concentration of compounds are used, they are in line with the principle of greenolution (green evolution) in chemistry. In this study, we present innovative synthesis of the homologous series of gemini surfactants modified at the spacer by the ether group, i.e., 3-oxa-1,5-pentane-bis(N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromides). The critical micelle concentrations were determined. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of the synthesized compounds were determined against bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538; yeast Candida albicans ATCC 10231; and molds Aspergillus niger ATCC 16401 and Penicillium chrysogenum ATCC 60739. We also investigated the relationship between antimicrobial activity and alkyl chain length or the nature of the spacer. The obtained results indicate that the synthesized compounds are effective microbicides with a broad spectrum of biocidal activity.
Secondary Metabolites with Anti-Inflammatory Activities from One Actinobacteria Amycolatopsis taiwanensis
Authors: Su Yung-Shun , Wu Ming-Der , Chen Jih-Jung , Cheng Ming-Jen , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Chai Chee-Yin , Kwan Aij-Lie
Published: September 2021

Phytochemical investigation and chromatographic separation of extracts from one new actinobacteria strain Amycolatopsis taiwanensis that was isolated from soil of Yilan township, in the north of Taiwan, led to the isolation of nine new compounds, amycolataiwanensins A–I (1–9, resp.), and one new natural product, namely amycolataiwanensin J (10). The structures of the new compounds were unambiguously elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic-data analysis (1D- and 2D-NMR, MS, and UV) and comparison with literature data. The effect of some isolates on the inhibition of NO production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages was evaluated. Of the isolates, 3, 5, 7 and 8 exhibited potent anti-NO production activity, with IC50 values of 17.52, 12.31, 17.81 and 13.32 μM, respectively, compared to that of quercetin, an iNOS inhibitor with an IC50 value of 35.94 μM. This is the first report on indole metabolite from the genus Amycolatopsis.
Essential Oils from Bolivia. XV. Herzogole, an Original Monoterpene Benzodioxole from an Essential Oil from Pentacalia herzogii (Cabrera) Cuatrec
Authors: St-Gelais Alexis , Maldonado Eliana M. , Saavedra Gloria , Siles-Alvarado Samuel , Alsarraf Jérôme , Collin Guy , Pichette André
Published: September 2021

Over 15 years, with the support of a Canadian funding agency, the Universidad Mayor de San Simón, in Bolivia, undertook a large survey of aromatic plants of the South American country. More than a hundred species were studied under various aspects, including the production and characterization of essential oils. As part of this survey, the chemical composition of an essential oil sample obtained from Pentacalia herzogii (Asteraceae) growing wild in the High Valley region of the department of Cochabamba was determined by a combination of GC and GC-MS measurements. α-Pinene was the main constituent of this essential oil (34%), accompanied by limonene (22%) and germacrene D (7.5%) as well as an important fraction of methoxylated monoterpenoids. They were mainly isomers of thymol methyl ether, accounting for 13% of the chromatogram. A new quantitatively important compound (9%) was identified through NMR and chemical synthesis as 4-isopropyl-6-methylbenzo[d][1,3]dioxole, and designated herzogole, alongside the minor related compound 1-isopropyl-2,3-dimethoxy-5-methylbenzene. The monoterpene benzodioxole featured a distinctive green-phenolic aroma which could raise interest for fragrance use. Since these compounds were not known naturally, a biosynthetic mechanism of their formation was proposed and put in perspective to illustrate the metabolic originality of P. herzogii.
Bruguiera gymnorhiza (L.) Lam. at the Forefront of Pharma to Confront Zika Virus and Microbial Infections—An In Vitro and In Silico Perspective
Authors: Bibi Sadeer Nabeelah , Haddad Juliano G. , Oday Ezzat Mohammed , Desprès Philippe , Abdallah Hassan H. , Zengin Gokhan , Uysal Ahmet , El Kalamouni Chaker , Gallo Monica , Montesano Domenico , Mahomoodally Mohamad Fawzi
Published: September 2021

The recent emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil and the increasing resistance developed by pathogenic bacteria to nearly all existing antibiotics should be taken as a wakeup call for the international authority as this represents a risk for global public health. The lack of antiviral drugs and effective antibiotics on the market triggers the need to search for safe therapeutics from medicinal plants to fight viral and microbial infections. In the present study, we investigated whether a mangrove plant, Bruguiera gymnorhiza (L.) Lam. (B. gymnorhiza) collected in Mauritius, possesses antimicrobial and antibiotic potentiating abilities and exerts anti-ZIKV activity at non-cytotoxic doses. Microorganisms Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 70603, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300 (MRSA), Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076, Sarcina lutea ATCC 9341, Proteus mirabilis ATCC 25933, Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778 and Candida albicans ATCC 26555 were used to evaluate the antimicrobial properties. Ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol and streptomycin antibiotics were used for assessing antibiotic potentiating activity. ZIKVMC-MR766NIID (ZIKVGFP) was used for assessing anti-ZIKV activity. In silico docking (Autodock 4) and ADME (SwissADME) analyses were performed on collected data. Antimicrobial results revealed that Bruguiera twig ethyl acetate (BTE) was the most potent extract inhibiting the growth of all nine microbes tested, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.19–0.39 mg/mL. BTE showed partial synergy effects against MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa when applied in combination with streptomycin and ciprofloxacin, respectively. By using a recombinant ZIKV-expressing reporter GFP protein, we identified both Bruguiera root aqueous and Bruguiera fruit aqueous extracts as potent inhibitors of ZIKV infection in human epithelial A549 cells. The mechanisms by which such extracts prevented ZIKV infection are linked to the inability of the virus to bind to the host cell surface. In silico docking showed that ZIKV E protein, which is involved in cell receptor binding, could be a target for cryptochlorogenic acid, a chemical compound identified in B. gymnorhiza. From ADME results, cryptochlorogenic acid is predicted to be not orally bioavailable because it is too polar. Scientific data collected in this present work can open a new avenue for the development of potential inhibitors from B. gymnorhiza to fight ZIKV and microbial infections in the future.
Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and In Silico Study of Benzyloxybenzaldehyde Derivatives as Selective ALDH1A3 Inhibitors
Authors: Ibrahim Ali I. M. , Ikhmais Balqis , Batlle Elisabet , AbuHarb Waed K. , Jha Vibhu , Jaradat Khaled T. , Jiménez Rafael , Pequerul Raquel , Parés Xavier , Farrés Jaume , Pors Klaus
Published: September 2021

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3) has recently gained attention from researchers in the cancer field. Several studies have reported ALDH1A3 overexpression in different cancer types, which has been found to correlate with poor treatment recovery. Therefore, finding selective inhibitors against ALDH1A3 could result in new treatment options for cancer treatment. In this study, ALDH1A3-selective candidates were designed based on the physiological substrate resemblance, synthesized and investigated for ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3 and ALDH3A1 selectivity and cytotoxicity using ALDH-positive A549 and ALDH-negative H1299 cells. Two compounds (ABMM-15 and ABMM-16), with a benzyloxybenzaldehyde scaffold, were found to be the most potent and selective inhibitors for ALDH1A3, with IC50 values of 0.23 and 1.29 µM, respectively. The results also show no significant cytotoxicity for ABMM-15 and ABMM-16 on either cell line. However, a few other candidates (ABMM-6, ABMM-24, ABMM-32) showed considerable cytotoxicity on H1299 cells, when compared to A549 cells, with IC50 values of 14.0, 13.7 and 13.0 µM, respectively. The computational study supported the experimental results and suggested a good binding for ABMM-15 and ABMM-16 to the ALDH1A3 isoform. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that benzyloxybenzaldehyde might be considered a promising scaffold for further drug discovery aimed at exploiting ALDH1A3 for therapeutic intervention.
Fluorescein Hydrazide-Appended Metal–Organic Framework as a Chromogenic and Fluorogenic Chemosensor for Mercury Ions
Authors: Helal Aasif , Naeem Muhammed , Fettouhi Mohammed , Zahir Md. Hasan
Published: September 2021

In this work, we prepared a fluorescein hydrazide-appended Ni(MOF) (Metal–Organic Framework) [Ni3(BTC)2(H2O)3]·(DMF)3(H2O)3 composite, FH@Ni(MOF). This composite was well-characterized by PXRD (powder X-ray diffraction), FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), N2 adsorption isotherm, TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), and FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy). This composite was then tested with different heavy metals and was found to act as a highly selective and sensitive optical sensor for the Hg2+ ion. It was found that the aqueous emulsion of this composite produces a new peak in absorption at 583 nm, with a chromogenic change to a pink color visible to the naked eye upon binding with Hg2+ ions. In emission, it enhances fluorescence with a fluorogenic change to green fluorescence upon complexation with the Hg2+ ion. The binding constant was found to be 9.4 × 105 M−1, with a detection limit of 0.02 μM or 5 ppb. This sensor was also found to be reversible and could be used for seven consecutive cycles. It was also tested for Hg2+ ion detection in practical water samples from ground water, tap water, and drinking water.
Malvidin Protects against and Repairs Peptic Ulcers in Mice by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Fagundes Felipe Leonardo , Pereira Quélita Cristina , Zarricueta Melina Luzzi , dos Santos Raquel de Cássia
Published: September 2021

Peptic ulcer episodes cause damage to the stomach and intestine, with inflammatory cell infiltration and oxidative stress as the main players. In this study, we investigated the potential of anthocyanidin malvidin for preventive and curative peptic ulcer treatment. The anthocyanidin effects were examined in gastric ulcer mouse models induced by ethanol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ischemia-reperfusion (IR), acetic acid and duodenal ulcer induced by polypharmacy. Expression levels of oxidative and inflammatory genes were measured to investigate the mechanism of anthocyanin activity. At a dose of 5 mg·kg−1, Malvidin prevented gastric ulcer induction by ethanol, NSAID and repaired the tissue after 6 days of IR. Moreover, the anthocyanidin accelerated the healing of acetic acid-induced ulcer, increased the gene expression of EGF and COX-1, and downregulated MMP-9. Anthocyanin treatment mitigated the effect of polypharmacy on inflammation and oxidative stress observed in the intestine. Additionally, the compound downregulated cytokine expression and TLR4 and upregulated HMOX-1 and IL-10, exhibiting protective activity in the mouse gut. Malvidin thus prevented gastric and duodenal ulcers due to prominent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects on the gastrointestinal tract that were related to gene expression modulation and an increase in endogenous defense mechanisms.
Changes in Dietary Habits and Exercise Pattern of Korean Adolescents from Prior to during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kim So Young , Yoo Dae Myoung , Min Chanyang , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to investigate changes in the exercise pattern and dietary habits in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 12–18-year-old population in the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey data of 2019 and 2020 was enrolled. The exercise pattern and dietary habits of 105,600 participants (53,461 in the 2019 group and 52,139 in the 2020 group) were compared. The odds ratios (ORs) for the dietary habits and exercise pattern of the 2020 group compared to the 2019 group were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis with complex sampling. The odds of eating fruit, drinking soda, drinking sweet drinks, and consuming fast food were lower in the 2020 group than in the 2019 group (all p < 0.001). The odds of eating breakfast were higher in the 2020 group than in the 2019 group (all p < 0.001). The 2020 group showed lower odds of frequent vigorous and moderate aerobic exercise and higher odds of frequent anaerobic exercise than the 2019 group (all p < 0.001). During the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents consumed less fruit, soda, and sweet drinks, while they had more breakfast. The frequency of aerobic exercise was lower, while the frequency of anaerobic exercise were higher during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Total, Bioavailable, and Free 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Equally Associate with Adiposity Markers and Metabolic Traits in Mexican Adults
Authors: Rivera-Paredez Berenice , Hidalgo-Bravo Alberto , León-Reyes Guadalupe , León-Maldonado Leith S. , Aquino-Gálvez Arnoldo , Castillejos-López Manuel , Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , Flores Yvonne N. , Salmerón Jorge , Velázquez-Cruz Rafael
Published: September 2021

Epidemiological studies suggest a relationship between total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], adiposity, and metabolic traits. The bioavailability of 25(OH)D is regulated by the albumin, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), and variants of the GC gene. Therefore, it is not clear if bioavailable or free 25(OH)D offer additional benefits compared to total 25(OH)D when estimating the magnitude of these associations. Our aim was to evaluate the association between 25(OH)D (total, free and bioavailable) with adiposity and metabolic traits. This was a cross-sectional study of 1904 subjects from the Health Workers Cohort Study from Mexico. Free and bioavailable 25(OH)D were calculated based on VDBP and albumin determinations, using a formula adjusted for the GC gene diplotypes. Adiposity and metabolic traits were measured with standardized procedures. Free and bioavailable 25(OH)D levels correlated with total 25(OH)D, r = 0.71 and 0.70, respectively (p < 0.001). Total, bioavailable and free 25(OH)D levels were negatively associated with the adiposity marker (visceral adiposity index) and metabolic traits (metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, triglycerides, triglycerides/HDL-c ratio, and triglycerides/glucose index) in multivariate regression models (ORs = 0.73 to 0.96). Our findings suggest that free and bioavailable 25(OH)D do not offer additional advantages over total 25(OH)D regarding its association with adiposity and several metabolic traits in Mexican adults.
Low Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D Level Does Not Adversely Affect Bone Turnover in Prepubertal Children
Authors: Bilinski Wojciech J. , Szternel Lukasz , Siodmiak Joanna , Paradowski Przemyslaw T. , Domagalski Krzysztof , Sypniewska Grazyna
Published: September 2021

Both vitamin D and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) play essential roles in bone metabolism and may interact during prepubertal bone accrual. We investigated the association of low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (<20 ng/mL) with the circulating bone turnover markers, when compared to their interaction with IGF-1. Subjects and Methods: Serum 25(OH)D, IGF-I, P1NP (N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen), and CTX-1 (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen) were measured, and the bone turnover index (BTI) was calculated in 128 healthy children, aged 9–11 years. Results: Mean 25(OH)D concentration was 21.9 ± 4.9 ng/mL, but in 30.5% of participants it was <20 ng/mL (<50 nmol/L). We observed a trend for higher P1NP (p < 0.05) and IGF-1 (p = 0.08), towards lower 25(OH)D in tertiles. Levels of P1NP in the lowest 25(OH)D tertile (<20 ng/mL) were the highest, while CTX and BTI remained unchanged. Additionally, 25(OH)D negatively correlated with IGF-1, while the correlation with P1NP was not significant. A strong positive correlation of IGF-1 with P1NP and BTI but weak with CTX was observed. Low 25(OH)D (<20 ng/mL) explained 15% of the IGF-1 variance and 6% of the P1NP variance. Conclusions: Low levels of 25(OH)D do not unfavorably alter bone turnover. It seems that serum 25(OH)D level may not be an adequate predictor of bone turnover in children.
Treatment-Related Dysgeusia in Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Togni Lucrezia , Mascitti Marco , Vignini Arianna , Alia Sonila , Sartini Davide , Barlattani Alberta , Emanuelli Monica , Santarelli Andrea
Published: September 2021

Oral cancer is the most common tumor of the head and neck region. Its management is based on surgical and systemic therapies. Taste disorders represent the most common side effect of these treatments; indeed, dysgeusia is noted by 70% of oral cancer patients. Despite survival remaining the primary endpoint of cancer patients, taste impairments can cause psychological distress. This comprehensive review describes the last decade’s knowledge from the literature regarding taste alterations in patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. A total of 26 articles in English, including prospective, cross-sectional, and case–control studies, and clinical trials were evaluated. Literature analysis shows that anti-cancer treatments can destroy taste cells, decrease and alter their receptors, and interrupt nerve transmission. Furthermore, the tumour itself can destroy the oral mucosal lining, which encloses the taste buds. Dysgeusia typically occurs in 3–4 weeks of treatments, and usually taste sensation is recovered within 3–12 months. However, some patients exhibit incomplete or no recovery, even several years later. Thus, dysgeusia can become a chronic issue and negatively influence patients’ quality of life, worsening their dysphagia and their nutritional status. Physicians should be focused on preventing oncological treatment-related symptoms, offering the most suitable personalized support during therapy.
Nutrition and Cancer Risk from the Viewpoint of the Intestinal Microbiome
Authors: Tanaka Yoshimu , Shimizu Shin , Shirotani Masahiko , Yorozu Kensho , Kitamura Kunihiro , Oehorumu Masayuki , Kawai Yuichi , Fukuzawa Yoshitaka
Published: September 2021

There are various important factors in reducing the risk of cancer development and progression; these factors may correct an unbalanced intake of nutrients to maintain the living body’s homeostasis, detoxify toxic materials, acting as an external factor, and maintain and strengthen the body’s immune function. In a normal cell environment, nutrients, such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, are properly digested and absorbed into the body, and, as a result, an environment in which cancer can develop and progress is prevented. It is necessary to prevent toxic materials from entering the body and to detoxify poisons in the body. If these processes occur correctly, cells work normally, and genes cannot be damaged. The most important factor in the fight against cancer and prevention of the development and progression of cancer is the immune system. This requires a nutritional state in which the immune system works well, allowing the intestinal microbiome to carry out all of its roles. In order to grow intestinal microbiota, the consumption of prebiotics, such as organic vegetables, fruits, and dietary fiber, and probiotics of effective intestinal microbiota, such as fermented foods and supplements, is required. Symbiosis, in which these organisms work together, is an effective means of reducing the risk of cancer. In addition, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) using ultrafine bubble water, produced specially by the Association for Clinical Research of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Japan, is also useful for improving the nutritional condition and reducing the risk of cancer.
Relative Efficacy of Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 in Improving Vitamin D Status: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Balachandar Rakesh , Pullakhandam Raghu , Kulkarni Bharati , Sachdev Harshpal Singh
Published: September 2021

Background: Widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been documented globally. Commonly used interventions to address this deficiency include supplementation and/or fortification with either ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) or cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), but the relative efficacy of these two vitamers is unclear. The current study aimed to evaluate the relative efficacy of ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) for raising the serum levels of vitamin D metabolites and functional indicators including serum parathyroid (PTH) levels, isometric muscle strength, hand grip strength and bone mineral density. Methods: Randomized and non-randomized controlled studies evaluating relative efficacy of ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol were systematically reviewed to synthesize quantitative and qualitative evidence as per the recommendations of according to “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis” guidelines. Search terms were constructed on the basis of the “participants”, “intervention”, “control”, “outcome” and “study type” (PICOS) strategy to systematically search the popular electronic databases. Relevant data from studies meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were extracted and analyzed. Meta-regression, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate the influence of study-level characteristics including intervention dosage, frequency of dosing, interval between the last dose and test for outcome assessment, participant characteristics and analytical methods. Results: Apparently healthy human participants (n = 1277) from 24 studies were included for meta-analysis. The quantitative analysis suggested higher efficacy of cholecalciferol than ergocalciferol in improving total 25(OH)D (mean difference: 15.69, 95%CI: 9.46 to 21.93 nmol/L) and reducing PTH levels, consistently across variable participant demographics, dosage and vehicle of supplementation. Meta-regression suggested smaller differences in the efficacy of cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol at lower doses. Average daily dose was the single significant predictor of effect size, as revealed by multivariate meta-regression analysis. Conclusions: Compared to ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol intervention was more efficacious in improving vitamin D status (serum levels of total 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D3) and regulating PTH levels, irrespective of the participant demographics, dosage and vehicle of supplementation.
Coffee Increases Post-Exercise Muscle Glycogen Recovery in Endurance Athletes: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Loureiro Laís Monteiro Rodrigues , dos Santos Neto Eugênio , Molina Guilherme Eckhardt , Amato Angélica Amorim , Arruda Sandra Fernandes , Reis Caio Eduardo Gonçalves , da Costa Teresa Helena Macedo
Published: September 2021

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide and caffeine is known to improve performance in physical exercise. Some substances in coffee have a positive effect on glucose metabolism and are promising for post-exercise muscle glycogen recovery. We investigated the effect of a coffee beverage after exhaustive exercise on muscle glycogen resynthesis, glycogen synthase activity and glycemic and insulinemic response in a double-blind, crossover, randomized clinical trial. Fourteen endurance-trained men performed an exhaustive cycle ergometer exercise to deplete muscle glycogen. The following morning, participants completed a second cycling protocol followed by a 4-h recovery, during which they received either test beverage (coffee + milk) or control (milk) and a breakfast meal, with a simple randomization. Blood samples and muscle biopsies were collected at the beginning and by the end of recovery. Eleven participants were included in data analysis (age: 39.0 ± 6.0 years; BMI: 24.0 ± 2.3 kg/m2; VO2max: 59.9 ± 8.3 mL·kg−1·min−1; PPO: 346 ± 39 W). The consumption of coffee + milk resulted in greater muscle glycogen recovery (102.56 ± 18.75 vs. 40.54 ± 18.74 mmol·kg dw−1; p = 0.01; d = 0.94) and greater glucose (p = 0.02; d = 0.83) and insulin (p = 0.03; d = 0.76) total area under the curve compared with control. The addition of coffee to a beverage with adequate amounts of carbohydrates increased muscle glycogen resynthesis and the glycemic and insulinemic response during the 4-h recovery after exhaustive cycling exercise.
Adherence to a Fish-Rich Dietary Pattern Is Associated with Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Showing Low Viral Load: Implications for Nutritional Management
Authors: Ojeda-Granados Claudia , Panduro Arturo , Gonzalez-Aldaco Karina , Rivera-Iñiguez Ingrid , Campos-Medina Liliana , Roman Sonia
Published: September 2021

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is influenced by genetic (e.g., APOE polymorphisms) and environmental factors between the virus and the host. HCV modulates the host’s lipid metabolism but dietary components influence lipids and in vitro HCV RNA replication. Few data exist on the role of dietary features or patterns (DPs) in HCV infection. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the nutritional profiles of chronic HCV (CHC) and spontaneous clearance (SC) Mexican patients in the context of APOE alleles and their correlation with HCV-related variables. The fibrosis-related APOEε3 allele prevailed in CHC and SC patients, who had four DPs (“meat and soft drinks”, DP1; “processed animal and fried foods”, DP2; “Mexican-healthy”, DP3; and “fish-rich”, DP4). In CHC subjects, polyunsaturated fatty acid intake (PUFA ≥ 4.9%) was negatively associated, and fiber intake (≥21.5 g/day) was positively associated with a high viral load (p < 0.036). High adherence to fish-rich DP4 was associated with a higher frequency of CHC individuals consuming PUFA ≥ 4.9% (p = 0.004) and low viral load (p = 0.036), but a lower frequency of CHC individuals consuming fiber ≥21.5 g/day (p = 0.038). In SC and CHC individuals, modifying unhealthy DPs and targeting HCV-interacting nutrients, respectively, could be part of a nutritional management strategy to prevent further liver damage.
The Prevalence and Serological Association of Hepatitis D Virus Genotypes in Taiwan
Authors: Joseph Keva , Shabangu Ciniso Sylvester , Jang Tyng-Yuan , Huang Chung-Feng , Dai Chia-Yen , Huang Jee-Fu , Chuang Wan-Long , Yu Ming-Lung , Wang Shu-Chi
Published: September 2021

Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) is an RNA virus that requires the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to propagate into hepatocytes, with Genotype I being more prevalent globally. However, the prevalence of HDV genotypes in Taiwan is unknown. Accordingly, a cohort including 24 chronic HBV patients who received nucleos(t)ides (NUCs) between January 2002 and July 2018 was used to determine HDV genotypes and genotype specific serological association in chronic HBV carriers. HDV-positive genotypes in 18/24 (75%) males and 6/24 (25%) females were identified among chronic HBV patients. Viremia was lower in HDV-IV patients than in patients affected with other HDV genotypes (1.34 log10 copies/mL vs. 3.30 log10 copies/mL; p = 0.009). A logistics regression analysis revealed that HDV-IV was inversely proportional to HDV RNA (odds ratio [OR]/95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.370/0.164–0.830; p = 0.017). The serologic association study indicated lower levels of creatinine (p = 0.047) and HDV-RNA (p = 0.009) in the HDV-IV group than the non-HDV-IV group but did not indicate any significant differences in the AST, ALT, bilirubin levels or other laboratory test factors. The three genotypes evident in Taiwan were HDV-I (4/24, 16.7%), HDV-II (6/24, 25.0%), and HDV-IV (14/24, 58.3%), and HDV-IV is the predominant HDV genotype in Taiwan. These results anticipate a clear understanding of HDV genotype serological association in chronic HBV carriers.
Evaluation of 64Cu-Labeled New Anti-EGFR Antibody NCAB001 with Intraperitoneal Injection for Early PET Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer in Orthotopic Tumor-Xenografted Mice and Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroki , Watabe Tadashi , Igarashi Chika , Tachibana Tomoko , Hihara Fukiko , Waki Atsuo , Zhang Ming-Rong , Tashima Hideaki , Yamaya Taiga , Ooe Kazuhiro , Shimosegawa Eku , Hatazawa Jun , Yoshida Sei , Naito Kenichiro , Kurihara Hiroaki , Ueno Makoto , Ito Kimiteru , Higashi Tatsuya , Yoshii Yukie
Published: September 2021

Objectives: To improve the prognosis of pancreatic cancer, new imaging methods to identify tumor lesions at a size of <1 cm are urgently needed. To approach this clinical issue, we developed a new method to detect small tumor lesions in the pancreas (≥3 mm) by positron emission tomography (PET) using an intraperitoneally (ip)-administered 64Cu-labeled new anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody (encoded as NCAB001), called 64Cu-NCAB001 ipPET. Methods: NCAB001 was manufactured under cGMP conditions and labeled with 64Cu. The radiochemical and biological properties of 64Cu-NCAB001 were evaluated. Tumor uptake of an ip-administered 64Cu-NCAB001 in mice with orthotopic pancreatic tumor xPA1-DC xenografts was also evaluated. Pharmacokinetics and radiation dosimetry were examined using PET images acquired after the ip administration of 64Cu-NCAB001 into cynomolgus monkeys with pharmacologic safety monitoring. Results: Radio-chromatography, cell-binding assays, and biodistribution of 64Cu-NCAB001 in mice were identical to those of our previous data with clinically available cetuximab. Small tumor lesions in the pancreas (≥3 mm) of mice could be identified by 64Cu-NCAB001 ipPET. The ip administration of 64Cu-NCAB001 into monkeys was safely conducted using ultrasound imaging. PET images in monkeys showed that ip-administered 64Cu-NCAB001 was distributed throughout the intraperitoneal cavity for up to 6 h and cleared thereafter. Most of the radioactivity was distributed in the liver and the large intestine. The radioactivity around the pancreas became negligible 24 h after administration. The estimated human effective dose was 0.0174 mSv/MBq. Conclusion: Our data support the initiation of clinical trials of 64Cu-NCAB001 ipPET to transfer this promising tool for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancers.
A Drug Repurposing Approach for Antimalarials Interfering with SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2)
Authors: Coghi Paolo , Yang Li Jun , Ng Jerome P. L. , Haynes Richard K. , Memo Maurizio , Gianoncelli Alessandra , Wong Vincent Kam Wai , Ribaudo Giovanni
Published: September 2021

Host cell invasion by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is mediated by the interaction of the viral spike protein (S) with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through the receptor-binding domain (RBD). In this work, computational and experimental techniques were combined to screen antimalarial compounds from different chemical classes, with the aim of identifying small molecules interfering with the RBD-ACE2 interaction and, consequently, with cell invasion. Docking studies showed that the compounds interfere with the same region of the RBD, but different interaction patterns were noted for ACE2. Virtual screening indicated pyronaridine as the most promising RBD and ACE2 ligand, and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the predicted complex with the RBD. Bio-layer interferometry showed that artemisone and methylene blue have a strong binding affinity for RBD (KD = 0.363 and 0.226 μM). Pyronaridine also binds RBD and ACE2 in vitro (KD = 56.8 and 51.3 μM). Overall, these three compounds inhibit the binding of RBD to ACE2 in the μM range, supporting the in silico data.