bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on an Artificial Lateral Line System Based on a Bionic Hair Sensor with Resonant Readout
Authors: Yang Bo , Zhang Ting , Liang Zhuoyue , Lu Chengfu
Published: October 2019

Inspired by the lateral line system of fish, an artificial lateral line system based on bionic hair sensor with resonant readout is presented in this paper. An artificial lateral line system, which possesses great application potential in the field of gas flow visualization, includes two different sensors: a superficial neuromast and a canal neuromast flow velocity sensor, which are used to measure the constant and oscillatory air flow velocity, respectively. The sensitive mechanism of two artificial lateral line sensors is analyzed, and a finite element simulation is implemented to verify the structural design. Then the control circuit of the artificial lateral line system is designed, employing a demodulation algorithm of oscillatory signal based on the least mean square error algorithm, which is used to calculate the oscillatory air flow velocity. Finally, the experiments are implemented to assess the performance of the two artificial lateral line systems. The experimental results show that the artificial lateral line system, which can be used to measure the constant and oscillatory air flow velocity, has a minimum threshold of 0.785 mm/s in the measurement of oscillatory air flow velocity. Moreover, the artificial canal neuromast lateral line system can filter out low-frequency disturbance and has good sensitivity for high-frequency flow velocity.
Fiber Taper-Based Mach–Zehnder Interferometer for Ethanol Concentration Measurement
Authors: Liao Changrui , Zhu Feng , Zhou Peng , Wang Ying
Published: October 2019

We present a new type of fiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer based on a fiber taper and a pair of inner air bubbles for highly sensitive ethanol concentration measurement. The experimental results show there is a nonlinear relationship between the wavelength shift of the dip located near 1485 nm and the ethanol concentration but in the concentration range from 0.3 to 0.7 it can be seen as a linear response with a sensitivity of 28 nm/vol.
Recent Advances in Continuous-Flow Particle Manipulations Using Magnetic Fluids
Authors: Xuan Xiangchun
Published: October 2019

Magnetic field-induced particle manipulation is simple and economic as compared to other techniques (e.g., electric, acoustic, and optical) for lab-on-a-chip applications. However, traditional magnetic controls require the particles to be manipulated being magnetizable, which renders it necessary to magnetically label particles that are almost exclusively diamagnetic in nature. In the past decade, magnetic fluids including paramagnetic solutions and ferrofluids have been increasingly used in microfluidic devices to implement label-free manipulations of various types of particles (both synthetic and biological). We review herein the recent advances in this field with focus upon the continuous-flow particle manipulations. Specifically, we review the reported studies on the negative magnetophoresis-induced deflection, focusing, enrichment, separation, and medium exchange of diamagnetic particles in the continuous flow of magnetic fluids through microchannels.
Nanometer Gap in Electromechanical Converters—A Way to Achieve an Extremely High Energy Density
Authors: Baginsky Igor L. , Kostsov Edward G.
Published: October 2019

The analysis of electromechanical energy converters based on metal-thin film ferroelectric (with a large specific capacitance)-nanogap-moving electrode structures was performed. It was shown that the density of the energy being converted and its absolute value increase with the decreasing gap value between the surfaces of the ferroelectric and the metallic moving electrode up to nanometer values. The effects limiting the growth of this energy were established, and the limiting value of the energy density transformed in the nanogap of these structures was determined to be about 1.6 × 1010 J/m3, which is 4 orders of magnitude higher than the energy density in inductive converters. The experimental verification of this model based on the data for micromotors fabricated on these structures is given.
Electroosmotic Flow of Viscoelastic Fluid in a Nanochannel Connecting Two Reservoirs
Authors: Mei Lanju , Qian Shizhi
Published: October 2019

Electroosmotic flow (EOF) of viscoelastic fluid with Linear Phan-Thien–Tanner (LPTT) constitutive model in a nanochannel connecting two reservoirs is numerically studied. For the first time, the influence of viscoelasticity on the EOF and the ionic conductance in the micro-nanofluidic interconnect system, with consideration of the electrical double layers (EDLs), is investigated. Regardless of the bulk salt concentration, significant enhancement of the flow rate is observed for viscoelastic fluid compared to the Newtonian fluid, due to the shear thinning effect. An increase in the ionic conductance of the nanochannel occurs for the viscoelastic fluid. The enhancement of the ionic conductance is significant under the overlapping EDLs condition.
The Human Milk Microbiota is Modulated by Maternal Diet
Authors: Padilha Marina , Danneskiold-Samsøe Niels Banhos , Brejnrod Asker , Hoffmann Christian , Cabral Vanessa Pereira , Iaucci Julia de Melo , Sales Cristiane Hermes , Fisberg Regina Mara , Cortez Ramon Vitor , Brix Susanne , Taddei Carla Romano , Kristiansen Karsten , Saad Susana Marta Isay
Published: October 2019

Human milk microorganisms contribute not only to the healthy development of the immune system in infants, but also in shaping the gut microbiota. We evaluated the effect of the maternal diet during pregnancy and during the first month of lactation on the human milk microbiota in a cross-sectional study including 94 healthy lactating women. Microbiota composition was determined by 16S rDNA profiling and nutrient intake assessed through food questionnaires. Thirteen genera were present in at least 90% of all samples, with three genera present in all samples: Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Corynebacterium. Cluster analysis indicated two distinct compositions: one marked by a high abundance of Streptococcus (cluster 1), and other by a high abundance of Staphylococcus (cluster 2). A global association with milk microbiota diversity was observed for vitamin C intake during pregnancy (p = 0.029), which was higher for cluster 2 individuals (cluster 2 median = 232 mg/d; cluster 1 = 175 mg/d; p = 0.02). Positive correlations were found between Bifidobacterium in the milk and intake of polyunsaturated and linoleic fatty acids during the lactation period (p < 0.01). We show that maternal diet influences the human milk microbiota, especially during pregnancy, which may contribute in shaping the gut microbiota.
Responses of Rhizosphere Fungal Communities to the Sewage Sludge Application into the Soil
Authors: Ondreičková Katarína , Gubišová Marcela , Piliarová Michaela , Horník Miroslav , Matušinský Pavel , Gubiš Jozef , Klčová Lenka , Hudcovicová Martina , Kraic Ján
Published: October 2019

Due to the increasing sewage sludge production in the world and problems with its disposal, an application of sludge to the soil appears to be a suitable solution considering its fertilizer properties and ability to improve the soil physical conditions. On the other hand, the sludge may also contain undesirable and toxic substances. Since soil microorganisms are sensitive to environmental changes, they can be used as indicators of soil quality. In this study, we used sewage sludge (SS) from two municipal wastewater treatment plants (SS-A and SS-B) in the dose of 5 t/ha and 15 t/ha in order to determine possible changes in the fungal community diversity, especially arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), in the rhizosphere of Arundo donax L. Rhizosphere samples were collected in summer and autumn for two consecutive years and the fungal diversity was examined using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and 18S rDNA sequencing. Fungal alpha diversity was more affected by SS-A than SS-B probably due to the higher heavy metal content. However, based on principal component analysis and ANOSIM, significant changes in overall fungal diversity were not observed. Simultaneously, 18S rDNA sequencing showed that more various fungal taxa were detected in the sample with sewage sludge than in the control. Glomus sp. as a representative of AMF was the most represented. Moreover, Funneliformis in both samples and Rhizophagus in control with Septoglomus in the sludge sample were other representatives of AMF. Our results indicate that the short-term sewage sludge application into the soil does not cause a shift in the fungal community composition.
Profiling Bacterial Diversity and Potential Pathogens in Wastewater Treatment Plants Using High-Throughput Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Oluseyi Osunmakinde Cecilia , Selvarajan Ramganesh , Mamba Bhekie B. , Msagati Titus A.M.
Published: October 2019

Next-generation sequencing provides new insights into the diversity and structure of bacterial communities, as well as the fate of pathogens in wastewater treatment systems. In this study, the bacterial community structure and the presence of pathogenic bacteria in three wastewater treatment plants across Gauteng province in South Africa were studied. The physicochemical results indicated that the quality of wastewater varies considerably from one plant to the others. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Chloroflexi were the dominant phyla across the three wastewater treatment plants, while Alphaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacilli, and Clostridia were the dominant classes. The dominant bacterial functions were highly associated with carbohydrate, energy, and amino acid metabolism. In addition, potential pathogenic bacterial members identified from the influent/effluent samples included Roseomonas, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Clostridium, Mycobacterium, Methylobacterium, and Aeromonas. The results of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size analysis also confirmed that these bacterial pathogens were significantly abundant in the wastewater treatment systems. Further, the results of this study highlighted that the presence of bacterial pathogens in treated effluent pose a potential contamination risk, transmitted through soil, agriculture, water, or sediments. There is thus a need for continuous monitoring of potential pathogens in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in order to minimize public health risk.
Shift of Aromatic Profile in Probiotic Hemp Drink Formulations: A Metabolomic Approach
Authors: Nissen Lorenzo , Demircan Büşra , Taneyo-Saa Danielle Laure , Gianotti Andrea
Published: October 2019

Vegetal drinks as a substitute for milk consumption are raising striking interest in the food industry. Soy and rice drinks are the most successful milk substitutes but are low in protein and fiber contents, are rich in sugars, and their cultivation systems are unsustainable; thus, alternative vegetal sources to resolve these limits must be found. A winning candidate could be hemp seed, which is a powerhouse of nutrients, is sugarless, rich in fiber and proteins, and little land and nutrients demanding. The aim is to develop novel drinks obtained from hemp seeds mixed or not with soy and rice and fermented with probiotics (Lactobacillus fermentum, Lb. plantarum, and Bifidobacterium bifidum). The drinks were characterized for their microbial growth, by means of culture-dependent and -independent techniques, and for their volatilome, by means of solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) analysis. The results showed that hemp seed drinks have a specific aroma and its compounds are dependent on the type of formulation and to the probiotic used. For example, in hemp seed drinks, 2-heptanol, 2-methyl, 2,4-decadienal, 2-butanone, 3-hydroxy, 2,3-butanedione, and propanoic acid were fine descriptors of probiotics fermentations. Multivariate analysis of volatile metabolites and their correlation to some physiological parameters and nutritional values offered a novel approach to assess the quality of functional hemp drinks which could result in a decisional tool for industrial applications.
Internal and External Microbial Community of the Thitarodes Moth, the Host of Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Authors: Liang Yi , Hong Yuehui , Mai Zhanhua , Zhu Qijiong , Guo Lianxian
Published: October 2019

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a widely known medicinal entomogenous fungus, which parasitizes the soil-borne larva of Thitarodes (Hepialidae, Lepidoptera) distributed in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and its adjacent areas. Previous research has involved artificial cultivation of Chinese cordyceps (the fungus-caterpillar complex), but it is difficult to achieve large-scale cultivation because the coupling relation between the crucial microbes and their hosts is not quite clear. To clarify the influence of the internal microbial community on the occurrence of Chinese cordyceps, in this study, the unfertilized eggs of Thitarodes of different sampling sites were chosen to analyze the bacterial and fungal communities via 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing for the first time. The results showed that for bacteria, 348 genera (dominant genera include Wolbachia, Spiroplasma, Carnobacterium, Sphingobium, and Acinetobacter) belonging to 26 phyla (dominant phyla include Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Tenericutes, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Bacteroidetes), 58 classes, 84 orders, and 120 families were identified from 1294 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The dominant bacterial genus (Spiroplasma) may be an important bacterial factor promoting the occurrence of Chinese cordyceps. For fungi, 289 genera, mainly including Aureobasidium, Candida, and Cryptococcus, were identified, and they belonged to 5 phyla (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, Glomeromycota, and Zygomycota), 26 classes, 82 orders, and 165 families. Eight bacterial OTUs and 12 fungal OTUs were shared among all of the detected samples and were considered as core species. Among them, Wolbachia, Spiroplasma, Carnobacterium, Aureobasidium, and Phoma may play important roles in helping the host larva to digest foods, adapt to extreme environments, or resist pathogens. On the other hand, the external (soil) microbial community was synchronously and comparatively analyzed. Comparative analysis revealed that external microbial factors might play a more significant role in the occurrence of Chinese cordyceps, owing to the significant differences revealed by α-diversity and β-diversity analyses among different groups. In summary, the results of this study may contribute to the large-scale cultivation of Chinese cordyceps.
Validation of Digital Rock Physics Algorithms
Authors: Lin Rongrong , Thomsen Leon
Published: October 2019

With a detailed microscopic image of a rock sample, one can determine the corresponding 3-D grain geometry, forming a basis to calculate the elastic properties numerically. The issues which arise in such a calculation include those associated with image resolution, the registration of the digital numerical grid with the digital image, and grain anisotropy. Further, there is a need to validate the numerical calculation via experiment or theory. Because of the geometrical complexity of the rock, the best theoretical test employs the Hashin–Shtrikman result that, for an aggregate of two isotropic components with equal shear moduli, the bulk modulus is uniquely determined, independent of the micro-geometry. Similarly, for an aggregate of two isotropic components with a certain combination of elastic moduli defined herein, the Hashin–Shtrikman formulae give a unique result for the shear modulus, independent of the micro-geometry. For a porous, saturated rock, the solid incompressibility may be calculated via an “unjacketed” test, independent of the micro-geometry. Any numerical algorithm proposed for digital rock physics computation should be validated by successfully confirming these theoretical predictions. Using these tests, we validate a previously published staggered-grid finite difference damped time-stepping algorithm to calculate the static properties of digital rock models.
Recent Advances in the Discovery of Novel Antiprotozoal Agents
Authors: Lee Seong-Min , Kim Min-Sun , Hayat Faisal , Shin Dongyun
Published: October 2019

Parasitic diseases have serious health, social, and economic impacts, especially in the tropical regions of the world. Diseases caused by protozoan parasites are responsible for considerable mortality and morbidity, affecting more than 500 million people worldwide. Globally, the burden of protozoan diseases is increasing and is been exacerbated because of a lack of effective medication due to the drug resistance and toxicity of current antiprotozoal agents. These limitations have prompted many researchers to search for new drugs against protozoan parasites. In this review, we have compiled the latest information (2012–2017) on the structures and pharmacological activities of newly developed organic compounds against five major protozoan diseases, giardiasis, leishmaniasis, malaria, trichomoniasis, and trypanosomiasis, with the aim of showing recent advances in the discovery of new antiprotozoal drugs.
Antioxidant Activity of Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) Cultivar Leaves: Differences across the Vegetative Stage and the Application of Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Páscoa Ricardo N.M.J. , Gomes Maria João , Sousa Clara
Published: October 2019

Blueberries production has increased in the last few years boosted somehow by the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for a healthier nutrition and their recognized potential to treat several diseases. The production increase lead to high amounts of discarded leaves that could be very valuable. In this context, the antioxidant activity of Vaccinium spp. leaves, by means of the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was determined. Adult leaves of twenty-seven Vaccinium cultivars collected in three geographic regions and three seasons of the year were included. The antioxidant activity was additionally estimated with near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and data transferability across the regions and seasons was evaluated. The TPC, TFC and TAC ranged from 39.6–272.8 mg gallic acid, 41.2–269.1 mg catechin and 22.6–124.8 mM Trolox per g of dry leaf, respectively. Globally through the seasons, the higher values of the three parameters were obtained in December. Regarding the geographic region, region A provided the cultivars with the higher antioxidant content. Titan was the cultivar with higher TPC and TAC and Misty the one with the higher TFC. NIR spectroscopy combined with the partial least squares analysis was able to successfully predict the antioxidant activity with coefficients of determination and range error ratios ranging from 0.84–0.99 and 11.2–26.8. Despite some identified limitations on data transferability, NIR spectroscopy proved to be a reliable, low cost and quick method to predict the antioxidant activity of the considered cultivar leaves.
Characterization of Volatile Component Changes in Jujube Fruits during Cold Storage by Using Headspace-Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Yang Lvzhu , Liu Jie , Wang Xinyu , Wang Rongrong , Ren Fang , Zhang Qun , Shan Yang , Ding Shenghua
Published: October 2019

Volatile components in jujube fruits from Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dongzao (DZ) and Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Jinsixiaozao (JS) were analyzed under different cold storage periods via headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS). Results identified 53 peaks that corresponded to 47 compounds and were mostly alcohols, aldehydes, esters, and ketones. Differences in the volatile components of jujube fruits were revealed in topographic plots and fingerprints. For DZ, 3-pentanone was the characteristic component of fresh fruits. After storage for 15 days, dipropyl disulfide became the most special substance. Moreover, when stored for 30 and 45 days, the fruits had some same volatile components, like 2-pentyl furan and diallyl sulfide. However, for DZ stored for 60 days, esters were the prominent constituent of the volatile components, simultaneously, some new alcohols appeared. For JS, 2-ethyl furan was the representative of fresh fruits, and 2-butoxyethanol content was the most abundant after 15 and 30 days of storage. Different from that in DZ, the content of ester in JS increased after storage for 45 days. Substances such as amyl acetate dimer, methyl salicylate, and linalool greatly contributed to the jujube flavor during the late storage period. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that fresh samples and refrigerated fruits were effectively distinguished. Heat map clustering analysis displayed the similarity of volatile components in different samples and was in accordance with PCA results. Hence, the volatile components of jujube fruits can be readily identified via HS-GC-IMS, and jujube fruits can be classified at different periods based on the difference of volatile components.
Observations on the Effects of Residualization and Dehalogenation on the Utility of N-Succinimidyl Ester Acylation Agents for Radioiodination of the Internalizing Antibody Trastuzumab
Authors: Chitneni Satish K. , Koumarianou Eftychia , Vaidyanathan Ganesan , Zalutsky Michael R.
Published: October 2019

Trastuzumab is an antibody used for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-overexpressing breast cancers. Since trastuzumab is an internalizing antibody, two factors could play an important role in achieving high uptake and prolonged retention of radioactivity in HER2-positive tumors after radioiodination—residualizing capacity after receptor-mediated internalization and susceptibility to dehalogenation. To evaluate the contribution of these two factors, trastuzumab was radiolabeled using the residualizing reagent N-succinimidyl 4-guanidinomethyl-3-[*I]iodobenzoate ([*I]SGMIB) and the nonresidualizing reagent N-succinimidyl-3-[*I]iodobenzoate ([*I]SIB), both of which are highly dehalogenation-resistant. Paired-label uptake and intracellular retention of [125I]SGMIB-trastuzumab and [131I]SIB-trastuzumab was compared on HER2-expressing BT474 human breast carcinoma cells. Tumor uptake and normal tissue distribution characteristics for the two labeled conjugates were assessed in mice bearing BT474M1 xenografts. The internalization and intracellular retention of initially-bound radioactivity in BT474 cells was similar for the two labeled conjugates up to 4 h, but were significantly higher for [125I]SGMIB-trastuzumab at 6 and 24 h. Similarly, [*I]SGMIB labeling resulted in significantly higher uptake and retention of radioactivity in BT474M1 xenografts at all studied time points. Moreover, tumor-to-tissue ratios for [125I]SGMIB-trastuzumab were consistently higher than those for [131I]SIB-trastuzumab starting at 12 h postinjection. Thus, optimal targeting of HER2-positive breast cancers with a radioiodinated trastuzumab conjugate requires an acylation agent that imparts residualizing capacity in addition to high stability towards dehalogenation in vivo.
Computer-Aided Chemotaxonomy and Bioprospecting Study of Diterpenes of the Lamiaceae Family
Authors: Barbosa Silva Cavalcanti Andreza , Costa Barros Renata Priscila , Costa Vicente Carlos de Oliveira , Sobral da Silva Marcelo , Fechine Tavares Josean , Scotti Luciana , Scotti Marcus Tullius
Published: October 2019

Lamiaceae is one of the largest families of angiosperms and is classified into 12 subfamilies that are composed of 295 genera and 7775 species. It presents a variety of secondary metabolites such as diterpenes that are commonly found in their species, and some of them are known to be chemotaxonomic markers. The aim of this work was to construct a database of diterpenes and to use it to perform a chemotaxonomic analysis among the subfamilies of Lamiaceae, using molecular descriptors and self-organizing maps (SOMs). The 4115 different diterpenes corresponding to 6386 botanical occurrences, which are distributed in eight subfamilies, 66 genera, 639 different species and 4880 geographical locations, were added to SistematX. Molecular descriptors of diterpenes and their respective botanical occurrences were used to generate the SOMs. In all obtained maps, a match rate higher than 80% was observed, demonstrating a separation of the Lamiaceae subfamilies, corroborating with the morphological and molecular data proposed by Li et al. Therefore, through this chemotaxonomic study, we can predict the localization of a diterpene in a subfamily and assist in the search for secondary metabolites with specific structural characteristics, such as compounds with potential biological activity.
Preparation of Progesterone Co-Crystals Based on Crystal Engineering Strategies
Authors: Zeng Huahui , Xiong Jing , Zhao Zhuang , Qiao Jingyi , Xu Duanjie , Miao Mingsan , He Lan , Wu Xiangxiang
Published: October 2019

Three co-formers of 2-chloro-4-nitroaniline (CNA), 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), and 4,4′-biphenol (DOD) were selected to prepare the co-crystal of progesterone (PROG) based on crystal engineering strategies. These co-crystals were successfully obtained via slow evaporation from different solutions and were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Different binding networks were observed in the co-crystal structures of PROG. The PROG-CNA co-crystal had the fastest rates and highest concentrations of PROG in PBS solution compared with PROG or other co-crystals in the dissolution experiments. This might be attributable to more stable and abundant interactions between the PROG and CNA molecules. Our investigations provide positive support for the selection of suitable co-formers using crystal engineering strategies.
Lipidomic Analysis of the Protective Effects of Shenling Baizhu San on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats
Authors: Deng Yuanjun , Pan Maoxing , Nie Huan , Zheng Chuiyang , Tang Kairui , Zhang Yupei , Yang Qinhe
Published: October 2019

Shenling Baizhu San (SLBZS), a famous traditional Chinese medicine, has been demonstrated to exert protective effects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but its exact mechanisms have not been well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of SLBZS in a rat model of NAFLD using lipidomics and to evaluate the role of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in the mechanism of SLBZS against NAFLD. The rat model of NAFLD was induced by high-fat feeding. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS)-based untargeted lipidomics approach was applied to analyze hepatic lipid alterations, and the SIRT1-selective inhibitor EX 527 was used to inhibit SIRT expression in the liver. The results of body and biochemical parameters, as well as histological changes, indicated that SLBZS administration exerted protective effects against NAFLD. Lipidomic analysis showed that 30 lipid species were effectively regulated by SLBZS administration in rats fed a high-fat diet. Pathway analysis indicated that glycerophospholipid metabolism and glycerolipid metabolism were potential target pathways closely involved in the mechanism of SLBZS against NAFLD. Moreover, the beneficial effects of SLBZS on hepatic steatosis, some biochemical parameters and hepatic lipid species were partly diminished by SIRT1 inhibition. In conclusion, our results suggested that SLBZS administration could effectively alter some hepatic lipid species in rats fed a high-fat diet, which was mainly associated with the regulation of glycerophospholipid and glycerolipid metabolism. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of SLBZS on hepatic lipid metabolism may be at least partly attributed to SIRT1 activation in the liver.
Urea Derivative Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydroxyalkylation of Hydroxyindoles with Isatins
Authors: Wu Hao , Wang Liming , Zhang Junwei , Jin Ying
Published: October 2019

The enantioselective transformations of indoles preferentially take place in the more-reactive azole ring. However, the methods for the enantioselective functionalization of the indole benzene ring are scarce. In this paper, a series of bifunctional (thio)urea derivatives were used to organocatalyze the enantioselective Friedel-Crafts hydroxyalkylation of indoles with isatins. The resulting products were obtained in good yields (65–90%) with up to 94% enantiomer excess (ee). The catalyst type and the substrate scope were broadened in this methodology.
Development and Validation of a Sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS Method for the Measurement of Gardneramine in Rat Plasma and Tissues and Its Application to Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution Study
Authors: Zhao Nan , Tan Hao-ran , Chen Qi-li , Sun Qi , Wang Lin , Song Yang , Olounfeh Kamara Mohamed , Meng Fan-hao
Published: October 2019

As a novel monoterpenoid indole alkaloid, gardneramine has been confirmed to possess excellent nervous depressive effects. However, there have been no reports about the measurement of gardneramine in vitro and in vivo. The motivation of this study was to establish and validate a specific, sensitive, and robust analytical method based on UHPLC-MS/MS for quantification of gardneramine in rat plasma and various tissues after intravenous administration. The analyte was extracted from plasma and tissue samples by protein precipitation with methanol using theophylline as an internal standard (I.S.). The analytes were separated on an Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column using a gradient elution of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Gardneramine and I.S. were detected and quantified using positive electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with transitions of m/z 413.1→217.9 for gardneramine and m/z 181.2→124.1 for I.S. Perfect linearity range was 1–2000 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient (r2) of ≥0.990. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 1.0 ng/mL was adequate for application to different preclinical studies. The method was successfully applied for determination of gardneramine in bio-samples.
Removal of Mercury (II) by EDTA-Functionalized Magnetic CoFe2O4@SiO2 Nanomaterial with Core-Shell Structure
Authors: Xia Kai , Guo Yongfu , Shao Qijun , Zan Qu , Bai Renbi
Published: October 2019

In order to reduce the difficulty and risk of operation, decrease the preparation time and improve the adsorption performance of magnetic nano-silicon adsorbent with core-shell structure, a carboxylated CoFe2O4@SiO2 was prepared by EDTA-functionalized method using a safe, mild and simple hydrothermal method. The results show that the prepared material of CoFe2O4@SiO2-EDTA has a maximum adsorption capacity of 103.3 mg/g for mercury ions (Hg(II)) at pH = 7. The adsorption process of Hg(II) is a chemical reaction involving chelation and single-layer adsorption, and follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models. Moreover, the removal of Hg(II) is a spontaneous and exothermic reaction. The material characterization, before and after adsorption, shows that CoFe2O4@SiO2-EDTA has excellent recyclability, hydrothermal stability and fully biodegradable properties. To summarize, it is a potential adsorption material for removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions in practical applications.
Interface Interactions in Conjugated Polymer Composite with Metal Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Atisme Tsegaye Belege , Yu Chin-Yang , Tseng Eric Nestor , Chen Yi-Che , Shu Pei-Kai , Chen Shih-Yun
Published: October 2019

This study presents the preparation, characterization, and properties of a new composite containing cerium oxide nanoparticles and a conjugated polymer. CeO2 nanoparticles prepared using the co-precipitation method were dispersed into the conjugated polymer, prepared using the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction. The interface interactions between the two components and the resultant optoelectronic properties of the composite are demonstrated. According to transmission electron microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, the dispersion of CeO2 nanoparticles in the polymer matrix strongly depends on the CeO2 nanoparticle concentration and results in different degrees of charge transfer. The photo-induced charge transfer and recombination processes were studied using steady-state optical spectroscopy, which shows a significant fluorescence quenching and red shifting in the composite. The higher photo-activity of the composite as compared to the single components was observed and explained. Unexpected room temperature ferromagnetism was observed in both components and all composites, of which the origin was attributed to the topology and defects.
Ce-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride Derived from Metal Organic Frameworks as a Visible Light-Responsive Photocatalyst for H2 Production
Authors: Zhang Liangjing , Jin Zhengyuan , Huang Shaolong , Zhang Yiyue , Zhang Mei , Zeng Yu-Jia , Ruan Shuangchen
Published: October 2019

Novel fibrous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) derivatives prepared from metal organic frameworks (MOFs) were doped with Ce3+ (Ce-C3N4) as photocatalytic materials. Ce-C3N4 was characterized using various techniques, revealing its high specific surface area, excellent photocatalytic activity, and stability for H2 evolution under visible light irradiation. The fluorine modified samples show superior photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation, which is due to the presence of more active sites and enhanced absorption of solar energy. This work provides a new synthetic route for MOF-derived g-C3N4 that can be doped with different metal ions. The fluorine modified Ce-C3N4 is an efficient photocatalyst with potential for many applications related to energy and the environment.
Synergy of Chemo- and Photodynamic Therapies with C60 Fullerene-Doxorubicin Nanocomplex
Authors: Grebinyk Anna , Prylutska Svitlana , Chepurna Oksana , Grebinyk Sergii , Prylutskyy Yuriy , Ritter Uwe , Ohulchanskyy Tymish Y. , Matyshevska Olga , Dandekar Thomas , Frohme Marcus
Published: October 2019

A nanosized drug complex was explored to improve the efficiency of cancer chemotherapy, complementing it with nanodelivery and photodynamic therapy. For this, nanomolar amounts of a non-covalent nanocomplex of Doxorubicin (Dox) with carbon nanoparticle C60 fullerene (C60) were applied in 1:1 and 2:1 molar ratio, exploiting C60 both as a drug-carrier and as a photosensitizer. The fluorescence microscopy analysis of human leukemic CCRF-CEM cells, in vitro cancer model, treated with nanocomplexes showed Dox’s nuclear and C60’s extranuclear localization. It gave an opportunity to realize a double hit strategy against cancer cells based on Dox’s antiproliferative activity and C60’s photoinduced pro-oxidant activity. When cells were treated with 2:1 C60-Dox and irradiated at 405 nm the high cytotoxicity of photo-irradiated C60-Dox enabled a nanomolar concentration of Dox and C60 to efficiently kill cancer cells in vitro. The high pro-oxidant and pro-apoptotic efficiency decreased IC50 16, 9 and 7 × 103-fold, if compared with the action of Dox, non-irradiated nanocomplex, and C60’s photodynamic effect, correspondingly. Hereafter, a strong synergy of therapy arising from the combination of C60-mediated Dox delivery and C60 photoexcitation was revealed. Our data indicate that a combination of chemo- and photodynamic therapies with C60-Dox nanoformulation provides a promising synergetic approach for cancer treatment.
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Potential of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized Using the Spruce Bark Extract
Authors: Tanase Corneliu , Berta Lavinia , Coman Năstaca Alina , Roșca Ioana , Man Adrian , Toma Felicia , Mocan Andrei , Nicolescu Alexandru , Jakab-Farkas László , Biró Domokos , Mare Anca
Published: October 2019

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in Pharmacy and Medicine. In particular, AgNPs synthesized and mediated by plant extracts have shown topossess several biological activities. In the present study, AgNPs were synthesized using Picea abies L. stem bark extract as reducing agent. Factors, such as metal ion solution, pH, and time, which play a role in the AgNPs synthesis, were assessed. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Further, the study has been extended to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of AgNPs. The broad peak obtained at 411–475 nm (UV-Vis spectroscopy), and the color change pattern, confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. TEM results showed spherical or rarely polygonal AgNPs with an average size of 44 nm at pH = 9. The AgNPs showed antioxidant activity and antibacterial effect against human pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results show that spruce bark extract is suitable for obtaining AgNPs, with antibacterial and antioxidant activity.
Physical Activity and/or High Protein Intake Maintains Fat-Free Mass in Older People with Mild Disability; the Fukuoka Island City Study: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Takae Rie , Hatamoto Yoichi , Yasukata Jun , Kose Yujiro , Komiyama Takaaki , Ikenaga Masahiro , Yoshimura Eiichi , Yamada Yosuke , Ebine Naoyuki , Higaki Yasuki , Tanaka Hiroaki
Published: October 2019

Body composition changes with age, with fat mass (FM) increasing and fat-free mass (FFM) decreasing. Higher physical activity and high or adequate protein intake are thought to be beneficial in preventing the loss of skeletal muscle mass in the elderly. We aimed to investigate the relationships between physical activity, protein intake, and FFM in older people with mild disability. Total energy expenditure (TEE) under free-living conditions was assessed using the doubly-labelled water (DLW) method, and physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer. Dietary intake was assessed using a self-recorded food intake diary during the DLW period. Percent FFM was significantly positively correlated with protein intake and physical activity level (PAL) after adjustment for age and sex (protein intake r = 0.652, p < 0.001, PAL r = 0.345, p = 0.011). In multiple linear regression analysis, when PAL, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), or protein intake were included, 31%, 32%, and 55%, respectively, of the variation in %FFM was explained. Moreover, the addition of both PAL/MVPA and protein intake explained 61%/60%, respectively, of the variation in %FFM. Either protein intake above the currently recommended level or higher levels of physical activity would be beneficial for the maintenance of high %FFM.
Plant-Based Meat Substitutes in the Flexitarian Age: An Audit of Products on Supermarket Shelves
Authors: Curtain Felicity , Grafenauer Sara
Published: October 2019

Demand for plant-based meat substitutes is growing globally for nutritional and environmental reasons, with Australia the third-fastest growing vegan market worldwide. This study aimed to profile and compare plant-based meat substitutes (mimicking meat) with equivalent meat products, and 2015 data. An audit undertaken in May (updated in September 2019) from four metropolitan Sydney supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, IGA), collected nutrition information and Health Star Rating (HSR) from 137 products (50 burgers, 10 mince, 29 sausages, 24 chicken, 9 seafood, 15 other). Mean (± standard deviation (SD)) and median (range) was calculated for nutrients and HSR. Plant-based options were generally lower in kilojoules, total and saturated fat, higher in carbohydrate, sugars, and dietary fibre compared with meat. Only 4% of products were low in sodium (58–1200 mg/100 g). Less than a quarter of products (24%) were fortified with vitamin B12, 20% with iron, and 18% with zinc. HSR featured on 46% (3.6–4.4 stars). On-pack claims were vegetarian/vegan/plant-based (80%), protein (63%), non-genetically modified/organic (34%), gluten free (28%). Product numbers increased five-fold (↑429%) in four years. The plant protein trend has prompted innovation in meat substitutes, however wide nutrient ranges and higher sodium levels highlights the importance of nutrition guidelines in their development to ensure equivalence with animal-based proteins.
Immunomodulatory Effect of Gut Microbiota-Derived Bioactive Peptides on Human Immune System from Healthy Controls and Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Fernández-Tomé Samuel , Marin Alicia C. , Ortega Moreno Lorena , Baldan-Martin Montserrat , Mora-Gutiérrez Irene , Lanas-Gimeno Aitor , Moreno-Monteagudo José Andrés , Santander Cecilio , Sánchez Borja , Chaparro María , Gisbert Javier P. , Bernardo David
Published: October 2019

Bioactive peptides secreted by probiotic Bifidobacterium longum (peptide B7) and opportunistic pathogen Bacteroides fragilis (peptide B12) modulate the intestinal cytokine milieu in health. Here, we characterized their capacity to modulate both the mucosal cytokine production and the phenotype of circulating antigen presenting cells (APCs) in active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The IBD mucosa produced higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines referred to healthy controls (HCs). Peptides B7 and B12, however, did not ameliorate the mucosal cytokine milieu in IBD. Human circulating APCs (B-cells, monocytes, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), and conventional dendritic cells (cDCs)) were characterized by flow cytometry in presence/absence of the peptides. Circulating B-cells, monocytes, and cDCs from IBD patients were more activated than those from HCs. Peptide B7, but not B12, decreased CCR2 expression on all APC subsets from HC, but not IBD patients. Moreover, both peptides tend to further increase their pro-inflammatory profile in IBD. In summary, IBD patients display mucosal and circulating APC pro-inflammatory properties. Peptide B7 immunomodulatory capacity elicited over circulating APCs from HC, but not IBD patients, suggests the presence of disrupted modulatory mechanisms for this peptide in IBD. Future studies should address the effect of bacteria-derived immunomodulatory peptides in non-inflamed (quiescent) IBD patients.
Association between the Prognostic Nutritional Index and Dietary Intake in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Heart Failure: Findings from NHANES III
Authors: Sattler Elisabeth L. P. , Ishikawa Yuta , Trivedi-Kapoor Rupal , Zhang Donglan , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Dunbar Sandra B.
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to examine the association between nutritional status and dietary intake in community-dwelling older adults with heart failure (HF). A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES III data was conducted. The analytic sample was comprised of n = 445 individuals aged 50+ years with congestive HF (54.4% male, 22.9% non-Hispanic Black, 43.8% low-income). Nutritional status was measured using the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI). Participants were classified by PNI quintiles with lower PNI scores indicating lower nutritional status. Participants in quintile 5 showed significantly greater intakes of energy, protein, vegetables, magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, red meat, saturated fat, and sodium. In multivariate analyses, increased intake of red meat (β = 0.253, p = 0.040) and vegetables (β = 0.255, p = 0.038) was associated with significantly better nutritional status. In the absence of comprehensive nutritional guidance for HF patients, it appears that small increases in energy, protein (red meat), and vegetable consumption are associated with improved nutritional status.
Dissipation Triggers Dynamical Two-Stream Instability
Authors: Andersson Nils , Schmitt Andreas
Published: October 2019

Two coupled, interpenetrating fluids suffer instabilities beyond certain critical counterflows. For ideal fluids, an energetic instability occurs at the point where a sound mode inverts its direction due to the counterflow, while dynamical instabilities only occur at larger relative velocities. Here, we discuss two relativistic fluids, one of which is dissipative. Using linearized hydrodynamics, we show that, in this case, the energetic instability turns dynamical, i.e., there is an exponentially growing mode, and this exponential growth only occurs in the presence of dissipation. This result is general and does not rely on an underlying microscopic theory. It can be applied to various two-fluid systems, for instance, in the interior of neutron stars. We also point out that, under certain circumstances, the two-fluid system exhibits a mode analogous to the r-mode in neutron stars that can become unstable for arbitrarily small values of the counterflow.
Development of Folate-Functionalized PEGylated Zein Nanoparticles for Ligand-Directed Delivery of Paclitaxel
Authors: Soe Zar Chi , Ou Wenquan , Gautam Milan , Poudel Kishwor , Kim Bo Kyun , Pham Le Minh , Phung Cao Dai , Jeong Jee-Heon , Jin Sung Giu , Choi Han-Gon , Ku Sae Kwang , Yong Chul Soon , Kim Jong Oh
Published: October 2019

In this study, we investigated the active targeted delivery of a hydrophobic drug, paclitaxel (PTX), via receptor-mediated endocytosis by folate receptors expressed on cancer cells using a protein-based nanoparticle system. PTX was loaded on zein nanoparticles and conjugated with folate (PTX/Zein-FA) to estimate its chemotherapeutic efficacy in folate receptor-expressing KB cancer cells. PTX/Zein-FA nanoparticles were successfully developed, with a nanoparticle size of ~180 nm and narrow polydispersity index (~0.22). Accelerated release of PTX in an acidic environment was observed for PTX/Zein-FA. An in vitro cellular study of PTX/Zein-FAs in KB cells suggested that PTX/Zein-FA improved the cytotoxic activity of PTX on folate receptors overexpressed in cancer cells by inducing proapoptotic proteins and inhibiting anti-apoptotic proteins. In addition, PTX/Zein-FA exhibited anti-migratory properties and could alter the cell cycle profile of KB cells. A549 cells, which are folate receptor-negative cancer cells, showed no significant enhancement in the in vitro cellular activities of PTX/Zein-FA. We describe the antitumor efficacy of PTX/Zein-FA in KB tumor-bearing mice with minimum toxicity in healthy organs, and the results were confirmed in comparison with free drug and non-targeted nanoparticles.
Transcutaneous Delivery of Immunomodulating Pollen Extract-Galactomannan Conjugate by Solid-in-Oil Nanodispersions for Pollinosis Immunotherapy
Authors: Kong Qingliang , Higasijima Kouki , Wakabayashi Rie , Tahara Yoshiro , Kitaoka Momoko , Obayashi Hiroki , Hou Yanting , Kamiya Noriho , Goto Masahiro
Published: October 2019

Japanese cedar pollinosis is a type I allergic disease and has already become a major public health problem in Japan. Conventional subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) cannot meet patients’ needs owing to the side effects caused by both the use of conventional whole antigen molecules in the pollen extract and the administration routes. To address these issues, a surface-modified antigen and transcutaneous administration route are introduced in this research. First, the pollen extract (PE) was conjugated to galactomannan (PE-GM) to mask immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding epitopes in the PE to avoid side effects. Second, as a safer alternative to SCIT and SLIT, transcutaneous immunotherapy (TCIT) with a solid-in-oil (S/O) nanodispersion system carrying PE-GM was proposed. Hydrophilic PE-GM was efficiently delivered through mouse skin using S/O nanodispersions, reducing the antibody secretion and modifying the type 1 T helper (Th1)/ type 2 T helper (Th2) balance in the mouse model, thereby demonstrating the potential to alleviate Japanese cedar pollinosis.