bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home-Based Parent–Child Interaction Therapy to Prevent Child Maltreatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Abrahamse Mariëlle E. , Tsang Vionna M. W. , Lindauer Ramón J. L.
Published: August 2021

High treatment attrition and limited reach of mental health services for at-risk families remains an important problem in order to effectively address the global concern of child maltreatment and child disruptive behavior problems. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a home-based and time-limited adaptation of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Twenty families with children (70% boys) aged between three and seven years were randomly assigned to an immediate treatment group (IT, n = 10) or a waitlist control group (WL, n = 10). After receiving treatment and compared to mothers in the WL group, mothers in the IT group reported fewer child behavior problems and more improved parenting skills. Although initial analyses revealed no significant differences, additional analyses showed a significant decrease in the primary outcome of the study, namely child abuse potential, between the baseline and follow-up assessment for the total treated sample. A low treatment attrition rate (15%) was found, indicating higher accessibility of treatment for families. Findings suggest that the brief home-based PCIT is a potentially effective intervention to prevent child maltreatment and disruptive behavior problems in at-risk families. Results also reinforce the importance of addressing the specific needs of these families to increase treatment effectiveness.
Bioelectric Effect of a Microcurrent Toothbrush on Plaque Removal
Authors: Lee Ji-Hyun , Ha Jin-Hee
Published: August 2021

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a microcurrent toothbrush (approved by the US Food and Drug Administration [FDA]), which employs a superimposed alternating and direct electric current, named as a Proxywave® technology, similar to the intensity of the biocurrent, in plaque removal and reducing gingivitis by biofilm removal through the bioelectric effect. This study enrolled 40 volunteers with gingivitis. Dental observations were made every two weeks, before and after the use of each toothbrush. We randomly assigned participants into two groups: one group used the Proxywave® toothbrush (PB) for two weeks followed by the control toothbrush (CB) for two weeks, while the other group used the CB for two weeks followed by the PB. The participants had a two-week washout period. If the toothbrush used earlier has had an effect on the bacterial flora in the oral cavity, this is to remove this effect and return it to its previous state. During each dental visit, we recorded plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) scores. The PI and GI scores were significantly lower in both the PB and the CB (p < 0.05). Considering the PI, there was no significant difference between the toothbrushes on all the surfaces. Considering the GI, the PB showed a significant decrease in the interproximal surface, compared to the CB (p < 0.05). The PB showed a significant decrease in the interproximal GI and had a beneficial effect in the interproximal area where the bristles could not reach. No adverse events were observed in the participants during the clinical trial. The microcurrent toothbrush is a device that can be safely used for plaque removal.
Spatial Disparities of COVID-19 Cases and Fatalities in United States Counties
Authors: Jackson Sarah L. , Derakhshan Sahar , Blackwood Leah , Lee Logan , Huang Qian , Habets Margot , Cutter Susan L.
Published: August 2021

This paper examines the spatial and temporal trends in county-level COVID-19 cases and fatalities in the United States during the first year of the pandemic (January 2020–January 2021). Statistical and geospatial analyses highlight greater impacts in the Great Plains, Southwestern and Southern regions based on cases and fatalities per 100,000 population. Significant case and fatality spatial clusters were most prevalent between November 2020 and January 2021. Distinct urban–rural differences in COVID-19 experiences uncovered higher rural cases and fatalities per 100,000 population and fewer government mitigation actions enacted in rural counties. High levels of social vulnerability and the absence of mitigation policies were significantly associated with higher fatalities, while existing community resilience had more influential spatial explanatory power. Using differences in percentage unemployment changes between 2019 and 2020 as a proxy for pre-emergent recovery revealed urban counties were hit harder in the early months of the pandemic, corresponding with imposed government mitigation policies. This longitudinal, place-based study confirms some early urban–rural patterns initially observed in the pandemic, as well as the disparate COVID-19 experiences among socially vulnerable populations. The results are critical in identifying geographic disparities in COVID-19 exposures and outcomes and providing the evidentiary basis for targeting pandemic recovery.
Decreased Brain pH and Pathophysiology in Schizophrenia
Authors: Park Hae-Jeong , Choi Inyeong , Leem Kang-Hyun
Published: August 2021

Postmortem studies reveal that the brain pH in schizophrenia patients is lower than normal. The exact cause of this low pH is unclear, but increased lactate levels due to abnormal energy metabolism appear to be involved. Schizophrenia patients display distinct changes in mitochondria number, morphology, and function, and such changes promote anaerobic glycolysis, elevating lactate levels. pH can affect neuronal activity as H+ binds to numerous proteins in the nervous system and alters the structure and function of the bound proteins. There is growing evidence of pH change associated with cognition, emotion, and psychotic behaviors. Brain has delicate pH regulatory mechanisms to maintain normal pH in neurons/glia and extracellular fluid, and a change in these mechanisms can affect, or be affected by, neuronal activities associated with schizophrenia. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the cause and effect of decreased brain pH in schizophrenia based on postmortem human brains, animal models, and cellular studies. The topic includes the factors causing decreased brain pH in schizophrenia, mitochondria dysfunction leading to altered energy metabolism, and pH effects on the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. We also review the acid/base transporters regulating pH in the nervous system and discuss the potential contribution of the major transporters, sodium hydrogen exchangers (NHEs), and sodium-coupled bicarbonate transporters (NCBTs), to schizophrenia.
TRPM2 Oxidation Activates Two Distinct Potassium Channels in Melanoma Cells through Intracellular Calcium Increase
Authors: Ferrera Loretta , Barbieri Raffaella , Picco Cristiana , Zuccolini Paolo , Remigante Alessia , Bertelli Sara , Fumagalli Maria Rita , Zifarelli Giovanni , La Porta Caterina A. M. , Gavazzo Paola , Pusch Michael
Published: August 2021

Tumor microenvironments are often characterized by an increase in oxidative stress levels. We studied the response to oxidative stimulation in human primary (IGR39) or metastatic (IGR37) cell lines obtained from the same patient, performing patch-clamp recordings, intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) imaging, and RT-qPCR gene expression analysis. In IGR39 cells, chloramine-T (Chl-T) activated large K+ currents (KROS) that were partially sensitive to tetraethylammonium (TEA). A large fraction of KROS was inhibited by paxilline—a specific inhibitor of large-conductance Ca2+-activated BK channels. The TEA-insensitive component was inhibited by senicapoc—a specific inhibitor of the Ca2+-activated KCa3.1 channel. Both BK and KCa3.1 activation were mediated by an increase in [Ca2+]i induced by Chl-T. Both KROS and [Ca2+]i increase were inhibited by ACA and clotrimazole—two different inhibitors of the calcium-permeable TRPM2 channel. Surprisingly, IGR37 cells did not exhibit current increase upon the application of Chl-T. Expression analysis confirmed that the genes encoding BK, KCa3.1, and TRPM2 are much more expressed in IGR39 than in IGR37. The potassium currents and [Ca2+]i increase observed in response to the oxidizing agent strongly suggest that these three molecular entities play a major role in the progression of melanoma. Pharmacological targeting of either of these ion channels could be a new strategy to reduce the metastatic potential of melanoma cells, and could complement classical radio- or chemotherapeutic treatments.
Analogs of a Natural Peptaibol Exert Anticancer Activity in Both Cisplatin- and Doxorubicin-Resistant Cells and in Multicellular Tumor Spheroids
Authors: Casagrande Naike , Borghese Cinzia , Gabbatore Laura , Morbiato Laura , De Zotti Marta , Aldinucci Donatella
Published: August 2021

Peptaibols, by disturbing the permeability of phospholipid membranes, can overcome anticancer drug resistance, but their natural hydrophobicity hampers their administration. By a green peptide synthesis protocol, we produced two water-soluble analogs of the peptaibol trichogin GA IV, termed K6-Lol and K6-NH2. To reduce production costs, we successfully explored the possibility of changing the naturally occurring 1,2-aminoalcohol leucinol to a C-terminal amide. Peptaibol activity was evaluated in ovarian cancer (OvCa) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) cell lines. Peptaibols exerted comparable cytotoxic effects in cancer cell lines that were sensitive—and had acquired resistance—to cisplatin and doxorubicin, as well as in the extrinsic-drug-resistant OvCa 3-dimensional spheroids. Peptaibols, rapidly taken up by tumor cells, deeply penetrated and killed OvCa-spheroids. They led to cell membrane permeabilization and phosphatidylserine exposure and were taken up faster by cancer cells than normal cells. They were resistant to proteolysis and maintained a stable helical structure in the presence of cancer cells. In conclusion, these promising results strongly point out the need for further preclinical evaluation of our peptaibols as new anticancer agents.
Star-Shaped Poly(furfuryl glycidyl ether)-Block-Poly(glyceryl glycerol ether) as an Efficient Agent for the Enhancement of Nifuratel Solubility and for the Formation of Injectable and Self-Healable Hydrogel Platforms for the Gynaecological Therapies
Authors: Ziemczonek Piotr , Gosecka Monika , Gosecki Mateusz , Marcinkowska Monika , Janaszewska Anna , Klajnert-Maculewicz Barbara
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we present novel well-defined unimolecular micelles constructed a on poly(furfuryl glycidyl ether) core and highly hydrophilic poly(glyceryl glycerol ether) shell, PFGE-b-PGGE. The copolymer was synthesized via anionic ring-opening polymerization of furfuryl glycidyl ether and (1,2-isopropylidene glyceryl) glycidyl ether, respectively. MTT assay revealed that the copolymer is non-cytotoxic against human cervical cancer endothelial (HeLa) cells. The copolymer thanks to furan moieties in its core is capable of encapsulation of nifuratel, a hydrophobic nitrofuran derivative, which is a drug applied in the gynaecology therapies that shows a broad antimicroorganism spectrum. The study shows high loading capacity of the copolymer, i.e., 146 mg of nifuratel per 1 g of copolymer. The load unimolecular micelles were characterized using DLS and TEM microscopy and compared with the reference glyceryl glycerol ether homopolymer sample. The presence of numerous 1,2-diol moieties in the shell of PFGE-b-PGG macromolecules enabled the formation of reversible cross-links with 2-acrylamidephenylboronic acid-based polyacrylamide. The obtained hydrogels were both injectable and self-healable, which was confirmed with a rheological study.
Effects of HMGB1 on Tricellular Tight Junctions via TGF-β Signaling in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ohwada Kizuku , Konno Takumi , Kohno Takayuki , Nakano Masaya , Ohkuni Tsuyoshi , Miyata Ryo , Kakuki Takuya , Kondoh Masuo , Takano Kenichi , Kojima Takashi
Published: August 2021

The airway epithelium of the human nasal mucosa acts as a physical barrier that protects against inhaled substances and pathogens via bicellular and tricellular tight junctions (bTJs and tTJs) including claudins, angulin-1/LSR and tricellulin. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) increased by TGF-β1 is involved in the induction of nasal inflammation and injury in patients with allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. However, the detailed mechanisms by which this occurs remain unknown. In the present study, to investigate how HMGB1 affects the barrier of normal human nasal epithelial cells, 2D and 2.5D Matrigel culture of primary cultured human nasal epithelial cells were pretreated with TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor EW-7197 before treatment with HMGB1. Knockdown of angulin-1/LSR downregulated the epithelial barrier. Treatment with EW-7197 decreased angulin-1/LSR and concentrated the expression at tTJs from bTJs and increased the epithelial barrier. Treatment with a binder to angulin-1/LSR angubindin-1 decreased angulin-1/LSR and the epithelial barrier. Treatment with HMGB1 decreased angulin-1/LSR and the epithelial barrier. In 2.5D Matrigel culture, treatment with HMGB1 induced permeability of FITC-dextran (FD-4) into the lumen. Pretreatment with EW-7197 prevented the effects of HMGB1. HMGB1 disrupted the angulin-1/LSR-dependent epithelial permeability barriers of HNECs via TGF-β signaling in HNECs.
Numerical-Experimental Plastic-Damage Characterisation of Additively Manufactured 18Ni300 Maraging Steel by Means of Multiaxial Double-Notched Specimens
Authors: Silva Tiago , Gregório Afonso , Silva Filipe , Xavier José , Reis Ana , Rosa Pedro , de Jesus Abílio
Published: August 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) has become a viable option for producing structural parts with a high degree of geometrical complexity. Despite such trend, accurate material properties, under diversified testing conditions, are scarce or practically non-existent for the most recent additively manufactured (AMed) materials. Such data gap may compromise component performance design, through numerical simulation, especially enhanced by topological optimisation of AMed components. This study aimed at a comprehensive characterisation of laser powder bed fusion as-built 18Ni300 maraging steel and its systematic comparison to the conventional counterpart. Multiaxial double-notched specimens demonstrated a successful depiction of both plastic and damage behaviour under different stress states. Tensile specimens with distinct notch configurations were also used for high stress triaxiality range characterisation. This study demonstrates that the multiaxial double-notched specimens constitute a viable option towards the inverse plastic behaviour calibration of high-strength additively manufactured steels in distinct state of stress conditions. AMed maraging steel exhibited higher strength and lower ductility than the conventional material.
Theranostic Applications of Nanoparticle-Mediated Photoactivated Therapies
Authors: Sharma Shalini , Zvyagin Andrei , Roy Indrajit
Published: August 2021

Nanoparticle-mediated light-activated therapies, such as photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy, are earnestly being viewed as efficient interventional strategies against several cancer types. Theranostics is a key hallmark of cancer nanomedicine since it allows diagnosis and therapy of both primary and metastatic cancer using a single nanoprobe. Advanced in vivo diagnostic imaging using theranostic nanoparticles not only provides precise information about the location of tumor/s but also outlines the narrow time window corresponding to the maximum tumor-specific drug accumulation. Such information plays a critical role in guiding light-activated therapies with high spatio-temporal accuracy. Furthermore, theranostics facilitates monitoring the progression of therapy in real time. Herein, we provide a general review of the application of theranostic nanoparticles for in vivo image-guided light-activated therapy in cancer. The imaging modalities considered here include fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging, thermal imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and single-photon emission computed tomography. The review concludes with a brief discussion about the broad scope of theranostic light-activated nanomedicine.
Differential Effects of Oleuropein and Hydroxytyrosol on Aggregation and Stability of CFTR NBD1-ΔF508 Domain
Authors: Robinson Christopher S. , Wyderko Jennifer A. , Vang Yeng , Martin Galen , Youker Robert T.
Published: August 2021

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is caused by loss of function mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The folding and assembly of CFTR is inefficient. Deletion of F508 in the first nucleotide binding domain (NBD1-ΔF508) further disrupts protein stability leading to endoplasmic reticulum retention and proteasomal degradation. Stabilization and prevention of NBD1-ΔF508 aggregation is critical to rescuing the folding and function of the entire CFTR channel. We report that the phenolic compounds Oleuropein and Hydroxytryosol reduce aggregation of NBD1-ΔF508. The NBD1-ΔF508 aggregate size was smaller in the presence of Hydroxytryosol as determined by dynamic light scattering. Neither phenolic compound increased the thermal stability of NBD1-ΔF508 as measured by differential scanning fluorimetry. Interestingly, Hydroxytyrosol inhibited the stabilizing effect of the indole compound BIA, a known stabilizer, on NBD1-ΔF508. Molecular docking studies predicted that Oleuropein preferred to bind in the F1-type core ATP-binding subdomain in NBD1. In contrast, Hydroxytyrosol preferred to bind in the α4/α5/α6 helical bundle of the ABCα subdomain of NBD1 next to the putative binding site for BIA. This result suggests that Hydroxytyrosol interferes with BIA binding, thus providing an explanation for the antagonistic effect on NBD1 stability upon incubation with both compounds. To our knowledge, these studies are the first to explore the effects of these two phenolic compounds on the aggregation and stability of NBD1-ΔF508 domain of CFTR.
The Method of Computing Diameter of Nano Wood Powder Based on Geometric Figure Fitting
Authors: Zhao Lei , Yang Xueling , Ma Jun , Wang Jianhua
Published: August 2021

Computing the diameter of nanometer wood powder is the key step of intelligently acquiring wood powder mesh during processing and production in the wood powder manufacturing industry. To obtain the micro image of nano wood powder, the method of hole filling is adopted to fill the binary image of wood powder particles. The contours of wood powder particles are extracted with the use of the edge detection operator, and the control experiment is carried out accordingly. The shape line method is adopted while fitting the geometric shape of wood powder particles, and the longest side or diameter of the figure is solved so as to obtain the diameter. In addition, based on the conversion standard, the mesh number of particles is calculated. The method presented in this study is expected to facilitate the automation of wood powder pellet processing industry, whereas the method is also found to have optimal applicability and reference significance for the measurement of other sorts of particles.
Assessment of Padding Elements Wear of Belt Conveyors Working in Combination of Rubber–Quartz–Metal Condition
Authors: Romek Dawid , Ulbrich Dariusz , Selech Jaroslaw , Kowalczyk Jakub , Wlad Roksana
Published: August 2021

Elements of belt conveyors, like other machine parts, are subject to wear processes. The conveyors transporting the spoil in the quartz sand mine are exposed to accelerated wear due to the effect of quartz on metal elements. Intensive wear of metal parts leads to downtime and the need to replace damage parts which generates additional costs. Therefore, it is important to perform surface treatment of metal elements, which will allow to extend the operation time of belt conveyors by reducing wear. The main objective of the article is to determine the impact of the pad welding process of the surface layer of metal elements on the abrasive wear of elements working in the metal–quartz sand–rubber conditions used in belt conveyors. In this research study, three different types of electrodes were used for pad welding the surface. The wear results obtained on the test stand were compared to wear of the basic element without surface treatment. The average wear value of the samples padded with electrode 3 was about 25% lower than the samples without surface treatment. The main mechanism of sample wear was the abrasion process due to the interaction between the steel surface and hard sand particles. The results presented in the article are important not only for belt conveyor elements but also for other machine parts where it is desirable to reduce abrasive wear.
Enhancement of Y5−xPrxSb3−yMy (M = Sn, Pb) Electrodes for Lithium- and Sodium-Ion Batteries by Structure Disordering and CNTs Additives
Authors: Pavlyuk Volodymyr , Ciesielski Wojciech , Pavlyuk Nazar , Kulawik Damian , Balińska Agnieszka , Kluziak Karolina
Published: August 2021

The maximally disordered (MD) phases with the general formula Y5−xPrxSb3−yMy (M = Sn, Pb) are formed with partial substitution of Y by Pr and Sb by Sn or Pb in the binary Y5Sb3 compound. During the electrochemical lithiation and sodiation, the formation of Y5-xPrxSb3-yMyLiz and Y5−xPrxSb3−yMyNaz maximally disordered–high entropy intermetallic phases (MD-HEIP), as the result of insertion of Li/Na into octahedral voids, were observed. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are an effective additive to improve the cycle stability of the Y5−xPrxSb3−yMy (M = Sn, Pb) anodes for lithium-ion (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Modification of Y5−xPrxSb3−ySny alloys by carbon nanotubes allowed us to significantly increase the discharge capacity of both types of batteries, which reaches 280 mAh · g−1 (for LIBs) and 160 mAh · g−1 (for SIBs), respectively. For Y5−xPrxSb3−yPby alloys in which antimony is replaced by lead, these capacities are slightly smaller and are 270 mAh · g−1 (for LIBs) and 155 mAh · g−1 (for SIBs), respectively. Results show that structure disordering and CNT additives could increase the electrode capacities up to 30% for LIBs and up to 25% for SIBs.
Processing Optimization and Toxicological Evaluation of “Lead-Free” Piezoceramics: A KNN-Based Case Study
Authors: Iacomini Antonio , Tamayo-Ramos Juan Antonio , Rumbo Carlos , Urgen Irem , Mureddu Marzia , Mulas Gabriele , Enzo Stefano , Garroni Sebastiano
Published: August 2021

Due to the ever-increasing limitations of the use of lead-based materials, the manufacturing of lead-free piezoceramics with competitive piezoelectric properties and established nontoxicity is considered a priority for the scientific and industrial community. In this work, a lead-free system based on sodium potassium niobate (KNN), opportunely modified with MgNb2O6 (MN), was prepared through a combination of a mechanochemical activation method and air sintering, and its toxicity was evaluated. The effect of the mechanical processing on the microstructure refinement of the processed powders was established by X-ray diffraction and the average crystallite size content of the Nb2O5 species was evaluated. The experimental evidence was rationalized using a phenomenological model which permitted us to obtain the amount of powder processed at each collision and to optimize the activation step of the pre-calcined reagents. This influenced the final density and piezoresponse of the as-sintered pellets, which showed optimal properties compared with other KNN systems. Their toxicological potential was evaluated through exposure experiments to the pulverized KNN-based pellets, employing two widely used human and environmental cellular models. The in vitro assays proved, under the selected conditions, the absence of cytotoxicity of KNN-bases systems here studied.
Effects of Double-Stage Annealing Parameters on Tensile Mechanical Properties of Initial Aging Deformed GH4169 Superalloy
Authors: Wang Guanqiang , Chen Mingsong , Lin Yongcheng , Lou Yumin , Li Hongbin , Ma Yanyong , Zou Zonghuai , Chen Quan , Xia Yuchi
Published: August 2021

This study takes large size samples after hot-upsetting as research objects and aims to investigate the optimization double-stage annealing parameters for improving the mechanical properties of hot-upsetting samples. The double-stage annealing treatments and uniaxial tensile tests for hot-upsetting GH4169 superalloy were finished firstly. Then, the fracture mode was also studied. The results show that the strength of hot-upsetting GH4169 superalloy can be improved by the double-stage annealing treatment, but the effect of annealing parameters on the elongation of GH4169 alloy at high temperature and room temperature is not significant. The fracture mode of annealed samples at high-temperature and room-temperature tensile tests is a mixture of shear fracture and quasi-cleavage fracture while that of hot-upsetting sample is a shear fracture. The macroscopic expressions for the two fracture modes belong to ductile fracture. Moreover, it is also found that the improvement of strength by the double-stage annealing treatment is greater than the single-stage annealing treatment. This is because the homogeneity of grains plays an important role in the improvement of strength for GH4169 superalloy when the average grain size is similar. Based on a comprehensive consideration, the optimal annealing route is determined as 900 °C × 9–12 h(water cooling) + 980 °C × 60 min(water cooling).
The Correlation Analysis of Microstructure and Tribological Characteristics of In Situ VCp Reinforced Iron-Based Composite
Authors: Zhang Yun , Lai Richen , Chen Qiang , Liu Zhen , Li Ruiqing , Chen Jufei , Chen Pinghu
Published: August 2021

In this study, four kinds of heat treatments were performed to obtain a certain amount of retained austenite, which can result in good toughness and low brittleness accompanied with wear resistance of an in situ VC particle reinforced iron-based composite (VCFC). Microstructure, mechanical properties and wear resistance of the samples under heat treatment of QP, QPT, MQP and MQPT were compared. The experimental results indicated that there is a huge difference in microstructure between MQPT and the other heat treatments. High-proportion retained austenite and white net-like precipitates of M7C3 carbide existed in the MQPT-treated sample, but thick M7C3 carbide with brittleness was discovered in the other sample. Thereby, high-proportion retained austenite contributed to its low hardness of 634 HV and high tensile strength of 267 MPa, while a maximum hardness of 705.5 HV and a minimum tensile strength of 205 MPa were exhibited in the QPT-treated sample with a V-rich carbide of high hardness, a Cr-rich carbide of brittleness and a high-proportion martensite. Meanwhile, a phase transformation from retained austenite to martensite could increase the hardness and enhance wear resistance based on the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect; its wear rate was only 1.83 × 10−6 mm−3/(N·m). However, the wear rates of the samples under QP, QPT and MQP heat treatments increased by 16.4%, 44.3% and 41.0%, respectively. The wear mechanism was a synergistic effect of the adhesive wear mechanism and the abrasive wear mechanism. The adhesive wear mechanism was mainly considered in the MQPT-treated sample to reduce the wear rate attributed to high-proportion retained austenite and the existence of wear debris with a W element on the surface of the wear track. However, the abrasive wear mechanism could exist in the other samples because of a lot of thick, brittle M7C3, thereby resulting in a higher wear rate due to immediate contact between the designed material and the counterpart.
Electrochemical Investigation of Curcumin–DNA Interaction by Using Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles–Ionic Liquids Based Composite Electrodes
Authors: Uca Merve , Eksin Ece , Erac Yasemin , Erdem Arzum
Published: August 2021

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HaP) and ionic liquid (IL) modified pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs) are newly developed in this assay. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were applied to examine the microscopic and electrochemical characterization of HaP and IL-modified biosensors. The interaction of curcumin with nucleic acids and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) samples was investigated by measuring the changes at the oxidation signals of both curcumin and guanine by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique. The optimization of curcumin concentration, DNA concentration, and the interaction time was performed. The interaction of curcumin with PCR samples was also investigated by gel electrophoresis.
Biomimetic Scaffolds Obtained by Electrospinning of Collagen-Based Materials: Strategies to Hinder the Protein Denaturation
Authors: Montalbano Giorgia , Tomasina Clarissa , Fiorilli Sonia , Camarero-Espinosa Sandra , Vitale-Brovarone Chiara , Moroni Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

The use of biomaterials and scaffolds to boost bone regeneration is increasingly gaining interest as a complementary method to the standard surgical and pharmacological treatments in case of severe injuries and pathological conditions. In this frame, the selection of biomaterials and the accurate assessment of the manufacturing procedures are considered key factors in the design of constructs able to resemble the features of the native tissue and effectively induce specific cell responses. Accordingly, composite scaffolds based on type-I-collagen can mimic the composition of bone extracellular matrix (ECM), while electrospinning technologies can be exploited to produce nanofibrous matrices to resemble its architectural organization. However, the combination of collagen and electrospinning reported several complications due to the frequent denaturation of the protein and the variability of results according to collagen origin, concentration, and solvent. In this context, the strategies optimized in this study enabled the preparation of collagen-based electrospun scaffolds characterized by about 100 nm fibers, preserving the physico-chemical properties of the protein thanks to the use of an acetic acid-based solvent. Moreover, nanoparticles of mesoporous bioactive glasses were combined with the optimized collagen formulation, proving the successful design of composite scaffolds resembling the morphological features of bone ECM at the nanoscale.
Effect of Defects on Progressive Failure Behavior of Plain Weave Textile Composites
Authors: Woo Kyeongsik , Lim Jae Hyuk , Han Cheolheui
Published: August 2021

Various types of internal defects occur during manufacturing and handling of composite materials. It is practically impossible to manufacture composite structures without defects, making it crucial to understand the effect of defects on their failure behavior to maintain structural safety. In this work, the effect of pre-defects on the failure behavior of plain weave textile composites was studied. Unit cell configurations with symmetric, in-phase, and shifted fiber tow arrangements were considered. Inter-laced warp and fill tows and matrix pockets of plain weave unit cells were modeled in three-dimensional finite elements, and cohesive elements were inserted between all bulk elements to account for the fracture modes of the fiber and matrix direction failure of warp and fill tows, matrix pocket failure, and interface failure. Unit cell models containing pre-defects of voids, tow-matrix pocket separation, warp-fill tow separation, and cracks in the warp and fill tows were analyzed, and their effects on progressive failure behavior were investigated in terms of the interaction between fiber tow arrangements and defects. Results indicated that initial failure occurred in matrix-direction failure mode in fill tows, whereas fiber tow-matrix pocket separation was the major failure mode under uniaxial tensile load. Furthermore, failure behavior was found to be highly dependent on the fiber tow arrangement pattern and the location of pre-defects.
The Leucine Catabolite and Dietary Supplement β-Hydroxy-β-Methyl Butyrate (HMB) as an Epigenetic Regulator in Muscle Progenitor Cells
Authors: Cavallucci Virve , Pani Giovambattista
Published: August 2021

β-Hydroxy-β-Methyl Butyrate (HMB) is a natural catabolite of leucine deemed to play a role in amino acid signaling and the maintenance of lean muscle mass. Accordingly, HMB is used as a dietary supplement by sportsmen and has shown some clinical effectiveness in preventing muscle wasting in cancer and chronic lung disease, as well as in age-dependent sarcopenia. However, the molecular cascades underlying these beneficial effects are largely unknown. HMB bears a significant structural similarity with Butyrate and β-Hydroxybutyrate (βHB), two compounds recognized for important epigenetic and histone-marking activities in multiple cell types including muscle cells. We asked whether similar chromatin-modifying actions could be assigned to HMB as well. Exposure of murine C2C12 myoblasts to millimolar concentrations of HMB led to an increase in global histone acetylation, as monitored by anti-acetylated lysine immunoblotting, while preventing myotube differentiation. In these effects, HMB resembled, although with less potency, the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor Sodium Butyrate. However, initial studies did not confirm a direct inhibitory effect of HMB on HDACs in vitro. β-Hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body produced by the liver during starvation or intense exercise, has a modest effect on histone acetylation of C2C12 cells or in vitro HDAC inhibitor activities, and, unlike Butyrate and HMB, did not interfere with myotube formation in a myoblast differentiation assay. Instead, βHB dramatically increased lysine β-hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb) of histone tails, an epigenetic mark associated with fasting responses and muscle catabolic states. However, when C2C12 cells were exposed to βHB in the presence of equimolar HMB this chromatin modification was drastically reduced, pointing to a role for HMB in attenuating ketosis-associated muscle wasting. In conclusion, while their mechanistic underpinnings remain to be clarified, these preliminary observations highlight novel and potentially important activities of HMB as an epigenetic regulator and βHB antagonist in muscle precursor cells, to be further explored in their biomedical implications.
Fabrication of Microstructured Surface Topologies for the Promotion of Marine Bacteria Biofilm
Authors: Droumpali Ariadni , Hübner Jörg , Gram Lone , Taboryski Rafael
Published: August 2021

Several marine bacteria of the Roseobacter group can inhibit other microorganisms and are especially antagonistic when growing in biofilms. This aptitude to naturally compete with other bacteria can reduce the need for antibiotics in large-scale aquaculture units, provided that their culture can be promoted and controlled. Micropatterned surfaces may facilitate and promote the biofilm formation of species from the Roseobacter group, due to the increased contact between the cells and the surface material. Our research goal is to fabricate biofilm-optimal micropatterned surfaces and investigate the relevant length scales for surface topographies that can promote the growth and biofilm formation of the Roseobacter group of bacteria. In a preliminary study, silicon surfaces comprising arrays of pillars and pits with different periodicities, diameters, and depths were produced by UV lithography and deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) on polished silicon wafers. The resulting surface microscale topologies were characterized via optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Screening of the bacterial biofilm on the patterned surfaces was performed using green fluorescent staining (SYBR green I) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Our results indicate that there is a correlation between the surface morphology and the spatial organization of the bacterial biofilm.
Practical Application of the Mineralogical Mapping Method for Stratigraphy of the Cretaceous Deposits of Southern Primorye (Russian Far East)
Authors: Mozherovsky Anatoly V.
Published: August 2021

Highly ordered mixed-layer formations of chlorite–smectite (corrensite) and mica–smectite (rectorite) were found in the volcanogenic–sedimentary rocks of Southern Primorye. They have shown a rather narrow “living” time interval (Cretaceous–Paleogene). The associations of corrensite and rectorite with chlorite, mica, kaolinite, and laumontite have great value in labeling. Their study would determine the time and thickness parameters of sedimentation conditions, the nature of the transformation stages, the physicochemical and climatic parameters of the accumulation of the depositional material, and the geological history and stratigraphic construction of Mesozoic–Cenozoic volcanogenic–sedimentary rocks of the Primorye Region.
Implication of Mineralogy and Isotope Data on the Origin of the Permian Basic Volcanic Rocks of the Hronicum (Slovakia, Western Carpathians)
Authors: Spišiak Ján , Vozárová Anna , Vozár Jozef , Ferenc Štefan , Šimonová Viera , Butek Juraj
Published: August 2021

The paper presents new geochemical data of the basic to intermediate volcanic rocks from the Hronic unit. The studied rocks are strongly altered and the primary mineral composition (clinopyroxenes, amphiboles, spinels, biotites, and plagioclases) is preserved only in some localities. The clinopyroxene corresponds to augite and primary amphiboles to pargasites. Spinels have a chemical composition similar to spinels from volcanic rocks. According to chemical composition, the studied basalts correspond to rift-related continental tholeiites. 143Nd/144Nd vs. 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratios of the basalts are scattered around the value of 143Nd/144Nd for CHUR, where 143Nd/144Nd ratios are relatively stable and 87Sr/86Sr values are relatively varied. According to isotopic ratio of 207Pb/204Pb vs. 206Pb/204Pb, the basalt analyses lie in the field of EMII (mantle source enriched with crustal materials). The new results of U-Pb LA-ICP-MS dating of apatite point to an age 254 ± 23 Ma (Lopingian).
Fluorescent Phthalocyanine-Encapsulated Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles: Their Deployment as Therapeutic Agents in the NIR Region
Authors: Borlan Raluca , Stoia Daria , Gaina Luiza , Campu Andreea , Marc Gabriel , Perde-Schrepler Maria , Silion Mihaela , Maniu Dana , Focsan Monica , Astilean Simion
Published: August 2021

In recent times, researchers have aimed for new strategies to combat cancer by the implementation of nanotechnologies in biomedical applications. This work focuses on developing protein-based nanoparticles loaded with a newly synthesized NIR emitting and absorbing phthalocyanine dye, with photodynamic and photothermal properties. More precisely, we synthesized highly reproducible bovine serum albumin-based nanoparticles (75% particle yield) through a two-step protocol and successfully encapsulated the NIR active photosensitizer agent, achieving a good loading efficiency of 91%. Making use of molecular docking simulations, we confirm that the NIR photosensitizer is well protected within the nanoparticles, docked in site I of the albumin molecule. Encouraging results were obtained for our nanoparticles towards biomedical use, thanks to their negatively charged surface (−13.6 ± 0.5 mV) and hydrodynamic diameter (25.06 ± 0.62 nm), favorable for benefitting from the enhanced permeability and retention effect; moreover, the MTT viability assay upholds the good biocompatibility of our NIR active nanoparticles. Finally, upon irradiation with an NIR 785 nm laser, the dual phototherapeutic effect of our NIR fluorescent nanoparticles was highlighted by their excellent light-to-heat conversion performance (photothermal conversion efficiency 20%) and good photothermal and size stability, supporting their further implementation as fluorescent therapeutic agents in biomedical applications.
Noble Metal Nanoparticles Stabilized by Hyper-Cross-Linked Polystyrene as Effective Catalysts in Hydrogenation of Arenes
Authors: Bakhvalova Elena S. , Pinyukova Arina O. , Mikheev Alexey V. , Demidenko Galina N. , Sulman Mikhail G. , Bykov Alexey V. , Nikoshvili Linda Z. , Kiwi-Minsker Lioubov
Published: August 2021

This work is addressing the arenes’ hydrogenation—the processes of high importance for petrochemical, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Noble metal (Pd, Pt, Ru) nanoparticles (NPs) stabilized in hyper-cross-linked polystyrene (HPS) were shown to be active and selective catalysts in hydrogenation of a wide range of arenes (monocyclic, condensed, substituted, etc.) in a batch mode. HPS effectively stabilized metal NPs during hydrogenation in different medium (water, organic solvents) and allowed multiple catalyst reuses.
Doubly Decarboxylative Synthesis of 4-(Pyridylmethyl)chroman-2-ones and 2-(Pyridylmethyl)chroman-4-ones under Mild Reaction Conditions
Authors: Bojanowski Jan , Albrecht Anna
Published: August 2021

The doubly decarboxylative Michael–type addition of pyridylacetic acid to chromone-3-carboxylic acids or coumarin-3-carboxylic acids has been developed. This protocol has been realized under Brønsted base catalysis, providing biologically interesting 4-(pyridylmethyl)chroman-2-ones and 2-(pyridylmethyl)chroman-4-ones in good or very good yields. The decarboxylative reaction pathway has been confirmed by mechanistic studies. Moreover, attempts to develop an enantioselective variant of the cascade are also described.
Recent Advances on O-Ethoxycarbonyl and O-Acyl Protected Cyanohydrins
Authors: Torres Domínguez Héctor Manuel , Hernández Villaverde Luis Mauricio , Le Lagadec Ronan
Published: August 2021

Ethoxycarbonyl cyanohydrins and O-acyl cyanohydrins are examples of O-protected cyanohydrins in which the protecting group presents an electrophilic center, contributing to additional reaction pathways. The first section of this review describes recent advances on the synthesis of O-ethoxycarbonyl and O-acyl protected cyanohydrins. Reactions using KCN or alkyl cyanoformates as the cyanide ion source are described, as well as organic and transition metal catalysis used in their preparation, including asymmetric cyanation. In a second part, transformations, and synthetic applications of O-ethoxycarbonyl/acyl cyanohydrins are presented. A variety of structures has been obtained starting from such protected cyanohydrins and, in particular, the synthesis of oxazoles, 1,4-diketones, 1,3-diketones, 2-vinyl-2-cyclopentenones through various methods are discussed.
The Changes in Antioxidant Activity of Selected Flavonoids and Caffeine Depending on the Dosage and Form of Thiamine
Authors: Piechocka Justyna , Gramza-Michałowska Anna , Szymandera-Buszka Krystyna
Published: August 2021

Phenolic compounds and thiamine may serve as therapies against oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is important to note that these components show high instability under changing conditions. The study’s aim was to determine the impact of the thiamine concentration (hydrochloride—TH and pyrophosphate—TP; in the range 0.02 to 20 mg/100 g on the indices of the chelating properties and reducing power, and free radicals scavenging indices of EGCG, EGC, ECG and caffeine added from 0.04 to 6.0 mg/100 g. Our research confirmed that higher concentrations of TH and TP can exhibit significant activity against the test antioxidant indices of all components. When above 5.0 mg/100 g of thiamine was used, the radical scavenging abilities of the compound decreased in the following order: EGCG > ECG > EGC > caffeine. The highest correlation was found for the concentration of thiamine pyrophosphate to 20.0 mg/100 g and EGCG. Knowledge of the impact of factors associated with the concentration of both EGCG, EGC, ECG or caffeine and thiamine on their activity could carry weight in regulating the quality supplemented foods, especially of nutrition support for people of all ages were oral, enteral tube feeding and parenteral nutrition).
Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Computational Studies of Novel Tri-Aryl Imidazole-Benzene Sulfonamide Hybrids as Promising Selective Carbonic Anhydrase IX and XII Inhibitors
Authors: Al-Wahaibi Lamya H. , Youssif Bahaa G. M. , Taher Ehab S. , Abdelazeem Ahmed H. , Abdelhamid Antar A. , Marzouk Adel A.
Published: August 2021

A novel series of tri-aryl imidazole derivatives 5a–n carrying benzene sulfonamide moiety has been designed for their selective inhibitory against hCA IX and XII activity. Six compounds were found to be potent and selective CA IX inhibitors with the order of 5g > 5b > 5d > 5e > 5g > 5n (Ki = 0.3–1.3 μM, and selectivity ratio for hCA IX over hCA XII = 5–12) relative to acetazolamide (Ki = 0.03 μM, and selectivity ratio for hCA IX over hCA XII = 0.20). The previous sixth inhibitors have been further investigated for their anti-proliferative activity against four different cancer cell lines using MTT assay. Compounds 5g and 5b demonstrated higher antiproliferative activity than other tested compounds (with GI50 = 2.3 and 2.8 M, respectively) in comparison to doxorubicin (GI50 = 1.1 M). Docking studies of these two compounds adopted orientation and binding interactions with a higher liability to enter the active side pocket CA-IX selectively similar to that of ligand 9FK. Molecular modelling simulation showed good agreement with the acquired biological evaluation.
Design, Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation of Substituted Cinnamic Acid Bearing 2-Quinolone Hybrid Derivatives
Authors: Abu Almaaty Ali H. , Elgrahy Nermeen A. , Fayad Eman , Abu Ali Ola A. , Mahdy Ahmed R. E. , Barakat Lamiaa A. A. , El Behery Mohammed
Published: August 2021

A new series of hybrid molecules containing cinnamic acid and 2-quinolinone derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass analyses. All the synthesized hybrid molecules were assessed for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against more than one cancer cell lines. Compound 3-(3,5-dibromo-7,8-dihydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxoquinolin-1(2H)-ylamino)-3-phenylacrylic acid (5a) with IC50 = 1.89 μM against HCT-116 was proved to the most potent compound in this study, as compared to standard drug staurosporin. DNA flow cytometry assay of compound 5a revealed G2/M phase arrest and pre-G1 apoptosis. Annexin V-FITC showed that the percentage of early and late apoptosis was increased. The results of topoisomerase enzyme inhibition activity showed that the hybrid molecule 5a displays potent inhibitory activity compared with control.
Archive for Research in Child Health (ARCH) and Baby Gut: Study Protocol for a Remote, Prospective, Longitudinal Pregnancy and Birth Cohort to Address Microbiota Development and Child Health
Authors: Haddad Eliot N. , Comstock Sarah S.
Published: August 2021

The infant gut microbiome is shaped by numerous factors such as diet and the maternal microbiota and is also associated with later atopy and obesity. The Archive for Research in Child Health and Baby Gut (ARCHBG) cohort was established in 2015 to (1) understand how the development of the infant gut microbiota is associated with atopy, obesity, and gastrointestinal disease and (2) characterize the associations of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and infant diet with the development of the gut microbiota. Study participants for ARCHBG are convenience samples recruited through two pipelines in Lansing and Traverse City, Michigan: (1) Archive for Research in Child Health (ARCHGUT) and (2) BABYGUT. A total of (n = 51) mother–infant dyads have been enrolled to date. This prospective cohort study collects maternal pre-pregnancy fecal samples, maternal data, child fecal samples at four timepoints (one week, six months, 12 months, and 24 months), and child data up to five years of age. All samples and data are collected remotely by mail, phone, or drop-off at select locations. Of all participants enrolled, 76.5% (n = 39) of infants have a complete record of stool samples. At least 88.2% (n = 45) of fecal samples were submitted at each timepoint. ARCHBG will allow for a nuanced understanding of the temporal development of the infant gut microbiome and numerous child health outcomes.