bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric Analysis and Optimization of Radially Layered Cylindrical Piezoceramic/Epoxy Composite Transducers
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Qin Lei , Li Weijie , Song Weibin
Published: November 2018

Radially layered cylindrical piezoceramic/epoxy composite transducers have been designed by integrating the excellent performance of piezoelectric/polymer composites and the radial radiation ability of cylindrical configurations, which are promising in developing novel ultrasonic and underwater sound techniques. Our previous study has explored the effects of the external resistance on the electromechanical characteristics of the transducer, and obtained some valuable findings. To clearly understand the electromechanical characteristics of the transducer and to guide the device design, in this paper, parametric analysis was performed to reveal the effects of multiple key factors on the electromechanical characteristics. These factors include material parameters of epoxy layers, piezoceramic material types, and locations of piezoceramic rings. In order to better analyze the influence of these factors, a modified theoretical model, in which every layer has different geometric and material parameters, was developed based on the model given in the previous work. Furthermore, the reliability of the model was validated by the ANSYS simulation results and the experimental results. The present investigation provides some helpful guidelines to design and optimize the radially layered cylindrical piezoceramic/epoxy composite transducers.
Characterizing Longitudinal Changes in the Impedance Spectra of In-Vivo Peripheral Nerve Electrodes
Authors: Straka Malgorzata M. , Shafer Benjamin , Vasudevan Srikanth , Welle Cristin , Rieth Loren
Published: November 2018

Characterizing the aging processes of electrodes in vivo is essential in order to elucidate the changes of the electrode–tissue interface and the device. However, commonly used impedance measurements at 1 kHz are insufficient for determining electrode viability, with measurements being prone to false positives. We implanted cohorts of five iridium oxide (IrOx) and six platinum (Pt) Utah arrays into the sciatic nerve of rats, and collected the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) up to 12 weeks or until array failure. We developed a method to classify the shapes of the magnitude and phase spectra, and correlated the classifications to circuit models and electrochemical processes at the interface likely responsible. We found categories of EIS characteristic of iridium oxide tip metallization, platinum tip metallization, tip metal degradation, encapsulation degradation, and wire breakage in the lead. We also fitted the impedance spectra as features to a fine-Gaussian support vector machine (SVM) algorithm for both IrOx and Pt tipped arrays, with a prediction accuracy for categories of 95% and 99%, respectively. Together, this suggests that these simple and computationally efficient algorithms are sufficient to explain the majority of variance across a wide range of EIS data describing Utah arrays. These categories were assessed over time, providing insights into the degradation and failure mechanisms for both the electrode–tissue interface and wire bundle. Methods developed in this study will allow for a better understanding of how EIS can characterize the physical changes to electrodes in vivo.
Aluminum Patterned Electroplating from AlCl3–[EMIm]Cl Ionic Liquid towards Microsystems Application
Authors: Al Farisi Muhammad Salman , Hertel Silvia , Wiemer Maik , Otto Thomas
Published: November 2018

Electroplating process is being used to deposit a relatively thick film of metallic materials for various microsystems applications, such as for the wafer-level bonding sealing frame and as a thermal actuator. Recently, the Al electroplating process from ionic liquid has been an attractive deposition method for anti-corrosion coatings. To extend the utilization of the film, in particular for microsystems application, a microstructure formation by patterned electroplating of Al from AlCl 3 –1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ((EMIm)Cl) ionic liquid is investigated in this study. The influences of each deposition parameters to the electroplating process as well as the resulting surface morphology are evaluated. Electroplated Al deposits on both Au and Al seed layers are both studied. It is also found that a recurrent galvanic pulse plating process yields in a higher current efficiency. Finally, Al electroplating on a 2 µm-trenched 100 mm-wafer is also demonstrated.
Superhydrophobic Water-Solid Contact Triboelectric Generator by Simple Spray-On Fabrication Method
Authors: Chung Jihoon , Heo Deokjae , Kim Banseok , Lee Sangmin
Published: November 2018

Energy harvesting is a method of converting energy from ambient environment into useful electrical energy. Due to the increasing number of sensors and personal electronics, energy harvesting technologies from various sources are gaining attention. Among energy-harvesting technologies, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) was introduced as a device that can effectively generate electricity from mechanical motions by contact-electrification. Particularly, liquid-solid contact TENGs, which use the liquid itself as a triboelectric material, can overcome the inevitable friction wear between two solid materials. Using a commercial aerosol hydrophobic spray, liquid-solid contact TENGs, with a superhydrophobic surface (contact angle over 160°) can be easily fabricated with only a few coating processes. To optimize the fabrication process, the open-circuit voltage of sprayed superhydrophobic surfaces was measured depending on the number of coating processes. To demonstrate the simple fabrication and applicability of this technique on random 3D surfaces, a liquid-solid contact TENG was fabricated on the brim of a cap (its complicated surface structure is due to the knitted strings). This simple sprayed-on superhydrophobic surface can be a possible solution for liquid-solid contact TENGs to be mass produced and commercialized in the future.
Ultrasonic Based Tissue Modelling and Engineering
Authors: Olofsson Karl , Hammarström Björn , Wiklund Martin
Published: November 2018

Systems and devices for in vitro tissue modelling and engineering are valuable tools, which combine the strength between the controlled laboratory environment and the complex tissue organization and environment in vivo. Device-based tissue engineering is also a possible avenue for future explant culture in regenerative medicine. The most fundamental requirements on platforms intended for tissue modelling and engineering are their ability to shape and maintain cell aggregates over long-term culture. An emerging technology for tissue shaping and culture is ultrasonic standing wave (USW) particle manipulation, which offers label-free and gentle positioning and aggregation of cells. The pressure nodes defined by the USW, where cells are trapped in most cases, are stable over time and can be both static and dynamic depending on actuation schemes. In this review article, we highlight the potential of USW cell manipulation as a tool for tissue modelling and engineering.
Graphite and Diamond Formation in the Carbide–Oxide–Carbonate Interactions (Experimental Modeling under Mantle P,T-Conditions)
Authors: Bataleva Yuliya , Palyanov Yuri , Borzdov Yuri , Novoselov Ivan , Bayukov Oleg
Published: November 2018

Experimental modeling of the formation of graphite and diamond as a result of carbide–fluid interactions was performed in the Fe3C–SiO2–Al2O3–(Mg,Ca)CO3 systems at 6.3 and 7.5 GPa and 1100–1650 °C. In the experiments with ƒO2-gradient (7.5 GPa, 1250–1350 °C), graphite + magnesiowüstite + garnet ± cohenite assemblage was formed. Graphite was produced through the redox interactions of carbide with carbonate or CO2 (reducing conditions), and redox reactions of magnesiowüstite and CO2 (oxidizing conditions). At 1450–1650 °C, crystallization of graphite, garnet, magnesiowüstite and ferrospinel, as well as generation of Fe2+,3+-rich carbonate–silicate melt occurred. This melt, saturated with carbon, acted as a medium of graphite crystallization and diamond growth on seeds. In the experiments without ƒO2-gradient (6.3 GPa), decarbonation reactions with the formation of CO2-fluid and Fe,Mg,Ca-silicates, as well as C0-producing redox reactions of CO2-fluid with cohenite were simultaneously realized. As a result, graphite (± diamond growth) was formed in assemblage with Fe2+,Fe3+,Mg-silicates and magnetite (1100–1200 °C), or with Fe3+-rich garnet and orthopyroxene (1300–1500 °C). It has been established that a potential mechanism for the crystallization of graphite or diamond growth is the oxidation of cohenite by CO2-fluid to FeO and Fe3O4, accompanied by the extraction of carbon from Fe3C and the corresponding reduction of CO2 to C0.
Petrology of Chromitites in the Higashi-Akaishi Ultrahigh-Pressure (UHP) Peridotite Complex, Japan: Toward Understanding of General Features of the UHP Chromitites
Authors: Miura Makoto , Arai Shoji , Mizukami Tomoyuki , Shmelev Vladimir , Ishimaru Satoko
Published: November 2018

Ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) chromitites containing UHP minerals such as coesite and diamond have been reported from some ophiolites in Tibet and the Polar Urals. Their nature, i.e., origin, P-T path and abundance, however, are still controversial and left unclear. Here we describe chromitites in the Higashi-akaishi (HA) ultramafic complex in the Cretaceous Sanbagawa metamorphic belt, Japan, which experienced UHP condition (up to 3.8 GPa) at the peak metamorphism via subduction, in order to understand the nature of UHP chromitites. The HA peridotites typically contain garnets and are associated with eclogites, and their associated chromitites are expected to have experienced the UHP metamorphism. The Higashi-akaishi (HA) chromitites show banded to massive structures and are concordant to foliation of the surrounding peridotite. Chromian spinels in the chromitite and surrounding peridotites were sometimes fractured by deformation, and contain various inclusions, i.e., blade- and needle-like diopside lamellae, and minute inclusions of pyroxenes, olivine, and pargasite. The peculiar UHP minerals, such as coesite and diamond, have not been found under the microscope and the Raman spectrometer. Spinels in the HA chromitites show high Cr#s (0.7 to 0.85), and low Ti contents (<0.1 wt %), suggesting a genetic linkage to an arc magma. The HA chromitites share the basic petrographic and chemical features (i.e., diopside lamellae and arc-related spinel chemistry) with the UHP chromitites from Tibet and the Polar Urals. This suggests that some of the characteristics of the UHP chromitite can be obtained by compression, possibly via deep subduction, of low-P chromitite.
Breakage Characterization of Grinding Media Based on Energy Consumption and Particle Size Distribution: Hexagons versus Cylpebs
Authors: Wu Caibin , Liao Ningning , Shi Guiming , Zhu Liangliang
Published: November 2018

The grinding performance of hexagon grinding media particles has been compared with that of cylpebs grinding media particles. A batch grinding test was conducted using equal masses of hexagons and cylpebs. The particle size distribution and energy consumption during grinding of the ground product were analyzed, and the relationships among the specific surface area, bulk density, energy consumption, and t10 value are discussed. Under the same grinding conditions, the grinding capacity of hexagons was inferior to that of cylpebs. However, as the particle size of the feed became finer, the grinding effect of hexagons became more apparent. At the same time, the qualified particles content in the ground product was higher when using hexagons than when using cylpebs. The relationship between the specific surface area and energy consumption during grinding was consistent with the regular pattern of grinding fineness and energy consumption. In addition, the bulk density of minerals decreases with an increase in grinding energy. The same conclusion was obtained when −0.425 mm tungsten ore was used as a sample for validation. The flotation experiment result has carried out that hexagons as grinding media have a better flotation indicator than cylpebs in the same grinding fineness. It is demonstrated that although the grinding capacity of hexagons is inferior to that of cylpebs, less overgrinding occurs when using hexagons than when using cylpebs. For tungsten ore grinding, hexagons act as a finer grinding media than cylpebs.
Petrology, Geochronology and Geochemistry of Late Triassic Alkaline Rocks of the Bailinchuan District in Liaodong Peninsula, Northeast China
Authors: Cheng Xihui , Xu Jiuhua , Wei Hao , Yang Fuquan , Zhang Hui , Zhang Guorui
Published: November 2018

The Bailinchuan alkaline syenite (BAS) is located in the easternmost part of the Triassic alkaline magmatic belt along the northern North China Craton (NCC). Based on a detailed study of the zircon U–Pb age, petrological, and geochemical data of the complex, the characteristics of the magmas system, petrogenesis and the nature of mantle source provide new constraints on the origin and tectonic setting of the Triassic alkaline belt. The BAS is composed of alkaline syenite and/or aegirine-nepheline syenite, with zircon U–Pb age of 226–229 Ma. Aegirine, Na-rich augite, biotite, orthoclase, and nepheline are the major minerals. Most of the zircons selected for the analysis show fine-scale to weak oscillatory growth zoning in CL images, suggesting a magmatic origin. Mineralogy, petrology and geochemical studies show that the parental magma of the BAS is SiO2-undersaturated, potassic, and is characterized by high contents of CaO, Fe2O3, K2O, Na2O. The BAS originated from a phlogopite-rich, enriched lithospheric mantle source in a garnet-stable area. The occurrence of the BAS, together with many other alkaline complexes of similar ages (235–209 Ma) in the northern NCC during the Late Triassic implies that the lithospheric mantle beneath the northern NCC was previously metasomatized by melts/fluids. Bailinchuan Late Triassic syenites were formed in a post-collisional extensional setting, which provides time constraints on the major geodynamic setting at the northern NCC.
A Novel Method for the Determination of Vancomycin in Serum by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Its Application in Patients with Diabetic Foot Infections
Authors: Liu Min , Yang Zhi-Hui , Li Guo-Hui
Published: November 2018

A novel, precise, and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (Q-trap-MS) method was developed, optimized, and validated for determination of vancomycin in human serum using norvancomycin as an internal standard. Effect of different parameters on the analysis was evaluated. ZORBAX SB-C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) using water (containing 0.1% formic acid, v/v)–acetonitrile (containing 0.1% formic acid, v/v) as a mobile phase was chosen. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration ranges of 1 to 2000 ng/mL for vancomycin. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for vancomycin were 0.3 and 1.0 ng/mL. Recoveries were between 87.2 and 102.3%, which gave satisfactory precision. A total of 100 serum samples (from 50 patients with diabetic foot proven Gram-positive infection and 50 nondiabetic patients with pneumonia requiring hospitalization and antibiotic therapy) were analyzed by this method. The trough vancomycin concentrations of diabetic foot infection (DFI) patients and nondiabetic patients were 8.20 ± 2.83 μg/mL (range: 4.80–14.2 μg/mL) and 15.80 ± 5.43 μg/mL (range: 8.60–19.5 μg/mL), respectively. The method is sensitive, precise, and reproducible, it could be applied for routine laboratory analysis of vancomycin in serum samples.
State-of-the-Art Extraction Methodologies for Bioactive Compounds from Algal Biome to Meet Bio-Economy Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Sosa-Hernández Juan Eduardo , Escobedo-Avellaneda Zamantha , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Welti-Chanes Jorge
Published: November 2018

Over the years, significant research efforts have been made to extract bioactive compounds by applying different methodologies for various applications. For instance, the use of bioactive compounds in several commercial sectors such as biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, nutraceutical and chemical industries, has promoted the need of the most suitable and standardized methods to extract these bioactive constituents in a sophisticated and cost-effective manner. In practice, several conventional extraction methods have numerous limitations, e.g., lower efficacy, high energy cost, low yield, etc., thus urges for new state-of-the-art extraction methodologies. Thus, the optimization along with the integration of efficient pretreatment strategies followed by traditional extraction and purification processes, have been the primary goal of current research and development studies. Among different sources, algal biome has been found as a promising and feasible source to extract a broader spectrum of bioactive compounds with point-of-care application potentialities. As evident from the literature, algal bio-products includes biofuels, lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments, enzymes, polysaccharides, and proteins. The recovery of products from algal biomass is a matter of constant development and progress. This review covers recent advancements in the extraction methodologies such as enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and pressurized-liquid extraction (PLF) along with their working mechanism for extracting bioactive compounds from algal-based sources to meet bio-economy challenges and opportunities. A particular focus has been given to design characteristics, performance evaluation, and point-of-care applications of different bioactive compounds of microalgae. The previous and recent studies on the anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral potentialities of algal-based bioactive compounds have also been discussed with particular reference to the mechanism underlying the effects of these active constituents with the related pathways. Towards the end, the information is also given on the possible research gaps, future perspectives and concluding remarks.
Molecular Modeling and In Vitro Studies of a Neutral Oxime as a Potential Reactivator for Acetylcholinesterase Inhibited by Paraoxon
Authors: De Paula Reuel L. , De Almeida Joyce S. F. D. , Cavalcante Samir F. A. , Gonçalves Arlan S. , Simas Alessandro B. C. , Franca Tanos C. C. , Valis Martin , Kuca Kamil , Nepovimova Eugenie , Granjeiro José M.
Published: November 2018

The present work aimed to compare the small, neutral and monoaromatic oxime, isatin-3-oxime (isatin-O), to the commercial ones, pralidoxime (2-PAM) and obidoxime, in a search for a new potential reactivator for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibited by the pesticide paraoxon (AChE/POX) as well as a novel potential scaffold for further synthetic modifications. The multicriteria decision methods (MCDM) allowed the identification of the best docking poses of those molecules inside AChE/POX for further molecular dynamic (MD) studies, while Ellman’s modified method enabled in vitro inhibition and reactivation assays. In corroboration with the theoretical studies, our experimental results showed that isatin-O have a reactivation potential capable of overcoming 2-PAM at the initial moments of the assay. Despite not achieving better results than obidoxime, this molecule is promising for being an active neutral oxime with capacity of crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB), to reactivate AChE/POX inside the central and peripheral nervous systems. Moreover, the fact that isatin-O can also act as anticonvulsant makes this molecule a possible multipotent reactivator. Besides, the MCDM method showed to be an accurate method for the selection of the best docking poses generated in the docking studies.
Phenolic Profiles, Antioxidant Capacities, and Inhibitory Effects on Digestive Enzymes of Different Kiwifruits
Authors: Li Hong-Yi , Yuan Qin , Yang Yu-Ling , Han Qiao-Hong , He Jing-Liu , Zhao Li , Zhang Qing , Liu Shu-Xiang , Lin De-Rong , Wu Ding-Tao , Qin Wen
Published: November 2018

In order to obtain high-quality kiwifruits with health-promoting characteristics, physicochemical properties, phenolic profiles, antioxidant capacities, and inhibitory effects on digestive enzymes (pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase), of fourteen different types of kiwifruit obtained from China were systematically investigated and compared. Noticeable variations in the fruits’ physicochemical properties and phenolic profiles were observed among them. The total phenolic content of Actinidia chinensis cv. Hongshi, A. chinensis cv. Jinshi, and A. chinensis cv. Jinlong were 16.52 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g DW (dry weight), 13.38 ± 0.20 mg GAE/g DW, and 11.02 ± 0.05 mg GAE/g DW, respectively, which were much higher than those of the other tested kiwifruits. According to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, phenolic compounds, including procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2, (−)-epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and quercetin-3-rhamnoside, were found to be the major compounds in kiwifruits, while procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2, and chlorogenic acid were the most abundant phenolic compounds. Furthermore, all the tested kiwifruits exerted remarkable antioxidant capacities and inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase. Indeed, A. chinensis cv. Hongshi, Actinidia chinensis cv. Jinshi, and Actinidia chinensis cv. Jinlong exhibited much better antioxidant capacities and inhibitory effects on digestive enzymes than those of the other tested kiwifruits. Particularly, A. polygama showed the highest inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase. Therefore, Actinidia chinensis cv. Hongshi, Actinidia chinensis cv. Jinshi, and Actinidia chinensis cv. Jinlong, as well as A. polygama could be important dietary sources of natural antioxidants and natural inhibitors against pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase, which is helpful for meeting the growing demand for high-quality kiwifruits with health-promoting characteristics in China.
Influence of Hydroxyl Functional Group on the Structure and Stability of Xanthone: A Computational Approach
Authors: Freitas Vera L. S. , Ribeiro da Silva Maria D. M. C.
Published: November 2018

The present work addresses computational research focused on the energetic and structural properties of four isomers monohydroxyxanthone, using the G3(MP2)//B3LYP method, in order to evaluate the influence of the hydroxyl (—OH moiety) functional group on the xanthone molecule. The combination of these computational results with previous experimental data of these compounds enabled the determination of their enthalpies, entropies and Gibbs energies of formation, in the gaseous phase, and consequently to infer about the relative thermodynamic stability of the four isomers. Other issues were also addressed for the hydroxyxanthone isomers, namely the conformational and the tautomeric equilibrium analysis of the optimized molecular structures, the frontier orbitals, and the electrostatic potential energy maps. Complementarily, an energetic study of the intramolecular O — H ⋯ O hydrogen bond for 1-hydroxanthone was also performed.
Ionic Exchange Resins and Hydrogels for Capturing Metal Ions in Selected Sweet Dessert Wines
Authors: Tamasi Gabriella , Pardini Alessio , Bonechi Claudia , Donati Alessandro , Casolaro Mario , Leone Gemma , Consumi Marco , Cini Renzo , Magnani Agnese , Rossi Claudio
Published: November 2018

Samples of sweet and dessert wines, Vin Santo (VSR) from Malvasia grapes, and Granello (GR) from Sauvignon grapes were collected and analyzed for the content of selected macro- and micro-nutrients (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) and of Pb. GR wines had low levels for Fe, Cu and Zn, when compared to VSR and in particular Zn was two orders of magnitude lower. Methods to decrease the content of Zn and Cu in VSR, as well as those for reducing, at the same time, the concentrations of Ca, Mg and K in both VSR and GR, to avoid the formation of opalescence and depots of metal tartrates, were studied. Synthetic hydrogels containing l-histidine residue were tested. The overall relative lowering effects were by ca 4, 23, and 12% for K, Mg and Ca contents, and ca 6, 27 and 10%, for Mn, Cu and Zn contents, in GR wine samples. Commercial ion exchange resin Lanxess Lewatit L-207 and L-208 were then assayed, being legally allowed in the agro-food industry. The L-207 resin revealed great lowering effects on the concentrations of Mn, Cu and Zn, being 75, 91 and 97%, respectively, in VSR wines and 77, 76 and 92%, respectively, in GR wines. The content of Zn was reduced from 49.3 ± 1.2 mg/L in the original wine, down to 1.1 ± 0.1 mg/L, within 48 h soaking. The effects on the character of the dessert wines by the resin L-207 was also taken under control, measuring pH and color index. The color index changed by ca 15% and pH by ca 6% upon treatment of VSR wine with L-207 resins (48 h).
Genetic Transformation of Recalcitrant Cassava by Embryo Selection and Increased Hormone Levels
Authors: Lentz Ezequiel Matías , Eisner Sabrina , McCallum Emily Jane , Schlegel Kim , Campos Francisco de Assis de Paiva , Gruissem Wilhelm , Vanderschuren Hervé
Published: November 2018

Genetic engineering is considered to be an important tool for the improvement of cassava. Cassava is a highly heterozygous crop species for which conventional breeding is a lengthy and tedious process. Robust transformation is based on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of friable embryogenic callus (FEC). Production of FEC is genotype-dependent and considered to be a major bottleneck for the genetic transformation of cassava. As a consequence, routine genetic transformation has only been established for a handful of cassava cultivars. Therefore, development of procedures enabling efficient production of high-quality cassava FEC is required to allow the translation of research from the model cultivar to farmer-preferred cassava cultivars. Here we study the FEC production capacity of Brazilian cassava cultivars and report the modification of the protocol for the genetic transformation of Verdinha (BRS 222), a recalcitrant cultivar with high potential for protein production that is extensively used by farmers in Brazil.
Thermo-Sensitive Nanomaterials: Recent Advance in Synthesis and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sánchez-Moreno Paola , De Vicente Juan , Nardecchia Stefania , Marchal Juan A. , Boulaiz Houria
Published: November 2018

Progress in nanotechnology has enabled us to open many new fronts in biomedical research by exploiting the peculiar properties of materials at the nanoscale. The thermal sensitivity of certain materials is a highly valuable property because it can be exploited in many promising applications, such as thermo-sensitive drug or gene delivery systems, thermotherapy, thermal biosensors, imaging, and diagnosis. This review focuses on recent advances in thermo-sensitive nanomaterials of interest in biomedical applications. We provide an overview of the different kinds of thermoresponsive nanomaterials, discussing their potential and the physical mechanisms behind their thermal response. We thoroughly review their applications in biomedicine and finally discuss the current challenges and future perspectives of thermal therapies.
lncRNA Expression after Irradiation and Chemoexposure of HNSCC Cell Lines
Authors: Guglas Kacper , Kolenda Tomasz , Teresiak Anna , Kopczyńska Magda , Łasińska Izabela , Mackiewicz Jacek , Mackiewicz Andrzej , Lamperska Katarzyna
Published: November 2018

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cause of cancer mortality in the world. To improve the quality of diagnostics and patients’ treatment, new and effective biomarkers are needed. Recent studies have shown that the expression level of different types of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is dysregulated in HNSCC and correlates with many biological processes. In this study, the response of lncRNAs in HNSCC cell lines after exposure to irradiation and cytotoxic drugs was examined. The SCC-040, SCC-25, FaDu, and Cal27 cell lines were treated with different radiation doses as well as exposed to cisplatin and doxorubicin. The expression changes of lncRNAs after exposure to these agents were checked by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Target prediction was performed using available online tools and classified into specific biological processes and cellular pathways. The results indicated that the irradiation, as well as chemoexposure, causes changes in lncRNA expression and the effect depends on the cell line, type of agents as well as their dose. After irradiation using the dose of 5 Gy significant dysregulation of 4 lncRNAs, 10 Gy-5 lncRNAs, and 20 Gy-3 lncRNAs, respectively, were observed in all cell lines. Only lncRNAs Zfhx2as was down-regulated in all cell lines independently of the dose used. After cisplatin exposure, 14 lncRNAs showed lower and only two higher expressions. Doxorubicin resulted in lower expressions of eight and increased four of lncRNAs. Common effects of cytotoxic drugs were observed in the case of antiPEG11, BACE1AS, PCGEM1, and ST7OT. Analysis of the predicted targets for dysregulated lncRNAs indicated that they are involved in important biological processes, regulating cellular pathways connected with direct response to irradiation or chemoexposure, cellular phenotype, cancer initiating cells, and angiogenesis. Both irradiation and chemoexposure caused specific changes in lncRNAs expression. However, the common effect is potentially important for cellular response to the stress and survival. Further study will show if lncRNAs are useful tools in patients’ treatment monitoring.
Chronic Consumption of Fructose Induces Behavioral Alterations by Increasing Orexin and Dopamine Levels in the Rat Brain
Authors: Franco-Pérez Javier , Manjarrez-Marmolejo Joaquín , Ballesteros-Zebadúa Paola , Neri-Santos Adriana , Montes Sergio , Suarez-Rivera Norma , Hernández-Cerón Miguel , Pérez-Koldenkova Vadim
Published: November 2018

It has been widely described that chronic intake of fructose causes metabolic alterations which can be associated with brain function impairment. In this study, we evaluated the effects of fructose intake on the sleep–wake cycle, locomotion, and neurochemical parameters in Wistar rats. The experimental group was fed with 10% fructose in drinking water for five weeks. After treatment, metabolic indicators were quantified in blood. Electroencephalographic recordings were used to evaluate the sleep architecture and the spectral power of frequency bands. Likewise, the locomotor activity and the concentrations of orexin A and monoamines were estimated. Our results show that fructose diet significantly increased the blood levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Fructose modified the sleep–wake cycle of rats, increasing the waking duration and conversely decreasing the non-rapid eye movement sleep. Furthermore, these effects were accompanied by increases of the spectral power at different frequency bands. Chronic consumption of fructose caused a slight increase in the locomotor activity as well as an increase of orexin A and dopamine levels in the hypothalamus and brainstem. Specifically, immunoreactivity for orexin A was increased in the ventral tegmental area after the intake of fructose. Our study suggests that fructose induces metabolic changes and stimulates the activity of orexinergic and dopaminergic neurons, which may be responsible for alterations of the sleep–wake cycle.
Short-Term Effects of Healthy Eating Pattern Cycling on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Pooled Results from Two Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: O’Connor Lauren E. , Li Jia , Sayer R. Drew , Hennessy Jane E. , Campbell Wayne W.
Published: November 2018

Adherence to healthy eating patterns (HEPs) is often short-lived and can lead to repetitive attempts of adopting—but not maintaining—HEPs. We assessed effects of adopting, abandoning, and readopting HEPs (HEP cycling) on cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVD-RF). We hypothesized that HEP cycling would improve, worsen, and again improve CVD-RF. Data were retrospectively pooled for secondary analyses from two randomized, crossover, controlled feeding trials (n = 60, 52 ± 2 years, 30.6 ± 0.6 kg/m2) which included two 5–6 week HEP interventions (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension-style or Mediterranean-style) separated by a four-week unrestricted eating period. Ambulatory and fasting blood pressures (BP), fasting serum lipids, lipoproteins, glucose, and insulin were measured before and during the last week of HEP interventions. Fasting systolic BP and total cholesterol decreased (−6 ± 1 mm Hg and −19 ± 3 mg/dL, respectively, p < 0.05), returned to baseline, then decreased again (−5 ± 1 mm Hg and −13 ± 3 mg/dL, respectively, p < 0.05) when adopting, abandoning, and readopting a HEP; magnitude of changes did not differ. Ambulatory and fasting diastolic BP and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations followed similar patterns; glucose and insulin remained unchanged. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations decreased with initial adoption but not readoption (−13 ± 3 and −6 ± 3, respectively, interaction p = 0.020). Healthcare professionals should encourage individuals to consistently consume a HEP for cardiovascular health but also encourage them to try again if a first attempt is unsuccessful or short-lived.
Gluten-Free Diet and Its ‘Cousins’ in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Rej Anupam , Sanders David Surendran
Published: November 2018

Functional disorders are common, with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) being the commonest and most extensively evaluated functional bowel disorder. It is therefore paramount that effective therapies are available to treat this common condition. Diet appears to play a pivotal role in symptom generation in IBS, with a recent interest in the role of dietary therapies in IBS. Over the last decade, there has been a substantial increase in awareness of the gluten-free diet (GFD), with a recent focus of the role of a GFD in IBS. There appears to be emerging evidence for the use of a GFD in IBS, with studies demonstrating the induction of symptoms following gluten in patients with IBS. However, there are questions with regards to which components of wheat lead to symptom generation, as well as the effect of a GFD on nutritional status, gut microbiota and long-term outcomes. Further studies are required, although the design of dietary studies remain challenging. The implementation of a GFD should be performed by a dietitian with a specialist interest in IBS, which could be achieved via the delivery of group sessions.
The Relationship between Vitamin D Status and the Menstrual Cycle in Young Women: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Łagowska Karolina
Published: November 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum vitamin D levels and to compare these with the menstrual cycle in young women with different body weights. Methods: Eighty-four students were recruited into the study of which 77 remained at the study’s completion. Women were assigned to one of two subgroups, according to their 25-hydroxy vitamin D test level [25(OH)D] in which 60 women had low 25(OH)D levels (LD < 30 ng/mL) and 17 had normal levels (ND > 30 ng/mL ≤ 80 ng/mL). Results: In the LD group, 40% of participants reported having long cycles, 27% were classified as having oligomenorrhoea, and 13% as having amenorrhoea. In the ND group, only 12% reported menstrual cycle disorders, 6% had oligomenorrhoea, and 6% had amenorrhoea. Women who did not meet the recommended level of 30 ng/mL of 25(OH)D had almost five times the odds of having menstrual cycle disorders as women who were above the recommended vitamin D level. Conclusion: A relationship was demonstrated between the frequency of menstrual disorders and low levels of vitamin D. Supplementation is necessary in women with low levels of vitamin D in order to compensate for this deficiency and to assess its effect in regulating menstrual disorders.
Supplementation with Beef Extract Improves Exercise Performance and Reduces Post-Exercise Fatigue Independent of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Hsu Tsung-Hsien , Chiu Chien-Chao , Wang Yu-Chih , Chen Ter-Hsin , Chen Yi-Hsun , Lee Yen-Peng , Hung Shao-Wen , Wu Chean-Ping , Chuang Hsiao-Li
Published: November 2018

Beef extract (BE) is a nutritional supplement obtained by cooking beef meat. Compared with traditional chicken essence or clam extract, BE is cheaper to produce and may be used for wound healing, as a chemotherapy supplement, or to prevent fatigue. In this study, we evaluated the potential beneficial effects of BE on exercise performance and the related role of the gut microbiota. Pathogen-free male BALB/c mice were divided into three groups to receive vehicle or BE (0, 12.3, or 24.6 mL/kg) by oral gavage for 28 days. Exercise performance was evaluated using forelimb grip strength, swimming time to exhaustion, and physiological levels of fatigue-related biomarkers (serum lactate, blood urea nitrogen, and glucose levels) after physical challenges. BE supplementation elevated endurance and grip strength in a dose-dependent manner; significantly decreased lactate and blood urea nitrogen levels after physical challenge; and significantly increased muscle glycogen content. The germ-free mice supplemented with BE or an equal-calorie portion of albumin did not show significant differences from the other groups in exercise performance and levels of related biomarkers. Therefore, BE supplementation improved endurance and reduced fatigue, which might be related to BE composition, but had no correlation with the gut microbiota.
Sleep Duration and Sleep Quality Associated with Dietary Index in Free-Living Very Old Adults
Authors: Štefan Lovro , Radman Ivan , Podnar Hrvoje , Vrgoč Goran
Published: November 2018

The main purpose of the present study was to determine the associations between sleep duration and sleep quality with respect to dietary habits. In this cross-sectional study, 810 free-living older adults aged ≥85 years were recruited from six neighborhoods from the city of Zagreb. Diet, sleep duration and sleep quality were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. The associations between sleep duration and sleep quality with respect to dietary habits were examined using generalized estimating equations with Poisson regression analyses. After adjusting for body-mass index, self-rated health, psychological distress, physical activity, socioeconomic status, chronic disease/s, sex and age, we revealed that ‘short’ (<7 h; Rate Ratio (RR) = 0.43; 95% CI(confident interval) 0.30 to 0.64) and ‘long’ (>8 h; RR = 0.26; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.48) sleep durations and ‘good’ sleep quality (RR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.20) were associated with a ‘moderate-to-high’ healthy diet. When sleep duration and sleep quality were entered simultaneously into Model 3, ‘short’ (RR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.44 and ‘long’ (RR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.52) sleep duration and ‘good’ sleep quality (RR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.25) remained associated with a ‘moderate-to-high’ healthy diet. Our study shows that both ‘short’ and ‘long’ sleep duration and ‘good’ sleep quality are associated with ‘moderate-to-high’ healthy diets.
The Impact of Maternal Pre-Pregnancy Body Weight and Gestational Diabetes on Markers of Folate Metabolism in the Placenta
Authors: Martino Jole , Segura Maria Teresa , García-Valdés Luz , Padilla M C. , Rueda Ricardo , McArdle Harry J. , Budge Helen , Symonds Michael E. , Campoy Cristina
Published: November 2018

Dietary methyl donors, including folate, may modify the placenta and size at birth but the influence of maternal body weight has not been widely investigated. We therefore examined whether maternal or fetal folate status, together with indices of placental folate transport, were modulated by either maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI i.e., overweight: 25 ≤ BMI < 30 or obesity: BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and/or gestational diabetes mellitus (GD). We utilised a sub-sample of 135 pregnant women participating in the Spanish PREOBE survey for our analysis (i.e., 59 healthy normal weight, 29 overweight, 22 obese and 25 GD). They were blood sampled at 34 weeks gestation, and, at delivery, when a placental sample was taken together with maternal and cord blood. Placental gene expression of folate transporters and DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) were all measured. Folate plasma concentrations were determined with an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay. Food diaries indicated that folate intake was unaffected by BMI or GD and, although all women maintained normal folate concentrations (i.e., 5–16 ng/mL), higher BMIs were associated with reduced maternal folate concentrations at delivery. Umbilical cord folate was not different, reflecting an increased concentration gradient between the mother and her fetus. Placental mRNA abundance for the folate receptor alpha (FOLR1) was reduced with obesity, whilst DNMT1 was increased with raised BMI, responses that were unaffected by GD. Multi-regression analysis to determine the best predictors for placental FOLR1 indicated that pre-gestational BMI had the greatest influence. In conclusion, the placenta’s capacity to maintain fetal folate supply was not compromised by either obesity or GD.
Experimental Evidence of the Antitumor, Antimetastatic and Antiangiogenic Activity of Ellagic Acid
Authors: Ceci Claudia , Lacal Pedro M. , Tentori Lucio , De Martino Maria Gabriella , Miano Roberto , Graziani Grazia
Published: November 2018

Ellagic acid (EA) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound endowed with strong antioxidant and anticancer properties that is present in high quantity in a variety of berries, pomegranates, and dried fruits. The antitumor activity of EA has been mostly attributed to direct antiproliferative and apoptotic effects. Moreover, EA can inhibit tumour cell migration, extra-cellular matrix invasion and angiogenesis, all processes that are crucial for tumour infiltrative behaviour and the metastatic process. In addition, EA may increase tumour sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The aim of this review is to summarize the in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence supporting the anticancer activity of pure EA, its metabolites, and EA-containing fruit juice or extracts in a variety of solid tumour models. The EA oral administration as supportive therapy to standard chemotherapy has been recently evaluated in small clinical studies with colorectal or prostate cancer patients. Novel formulations with improved solubility and bioavailability are expected to fully develop the therapeutic potential of EA derivatives in the near future.
Reply: “Comment on: The Vitamin D–Folate Hypothesis as an Evolutionary Model for Skin Pigmentation: An Update and Integration of Current Ideas, Nutrients 2018, 10, 554”
Authors: Jones Patrice , Lucock Mark , Veysey Martin , Beckett Emma
Published: November 2018

We thank Elias and Williams for their interest in our review [...]
Primary Design of Extended Interaction Klystron with Multi-Gap Cavity at 225 GHz
Authors: Zhang Kaichun , Chen Ke , Xu Qian , Xu Wangju , Xiong Neng , Chen Xiaoxing , Liu Diwei
Published: November 2018

The analytical expressions of the beam–wave coupling coefficients and the beam loading conductance for a 2π mode in a multi-gap cavity is proposed as a circuit of the extended interaction klystron (EIK), are derived by space-charge wave theory. The mechanism of the beam–wave synchronization and the coupling in the multi-gap cavity at 225 GHz are studied in detail by calculating the coupling coefficient and the normalized beam loading conductance as a function of gap number, gap dimension, and beam voltage as well as the perveance. The stability of the circuit is analyzed by considering the quality factor of the electron beam. It is found that the stability of the operating 2π mode is more sensitive to the beam voltage and gap number. Based on the theory and analysis, a 5-gap coupled cavity is proposed as a section of EIK’s circuit. A low voltage EIK with a 4-cavity circuit at 225 GHz is designed and is simulated by a particle-in-cell (PIC) code. The EIK can achieve a maximum output power of ~36 W with more than 30 dB gain at 225 GHz.
Emerging and Dynamic Biomedical Uses of Ferritin
Authors: Chiou Brian , Connor James R.
Published: November 2018

Ferritin, a ubiquitously expressed protein, has classically been considered the main iron cellular storage molecule in the body. Owing to the ferroxidase activity of the H-subunit and the nucleation ability of the L-subunit, ferritin can store a large amount of iron within its mineral core. However, recent evidence has demonstrated a range of abilities of ferritin that extends well beyond the scope of iron storage. This review aims to discuss novel functions and biomedical uses of ferritin in the processes of iron delivery, delivery of biologics such as chemotherapies and contrast agents, and the utility of ferritin as a biomarker in a number of neurological diseases.
Co-Administered Polymeric Nano-Antidotes for Improved Photo-Triggered Response in Glioblastoma
Authors: Kydd Janel , Jadia Rahul , Rai Prakash
Published: November 2018

Polymer-based nanoparticles (NPs) are useful vehicles in treating glioblastoma because of their favorable characteristics such as small size and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, as well as reduced immunogenicity and side effects. The use of a photosensitizer drug such as Verteporfin (BPD), in combination with a pan-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), Cediranib (CED), encapsulated in NPs will provide the medical field with new research on the possible ways to treat glioblastoma. Concomitant administration of BPD and CED NPs have the potential to induce dual photocytotoxic and cytostatic effects in U87 MG cells by (1) remotely triggering BPD through photodynamic therapy by irradiating laser at 690 nm and subsequent production of reactive oxygen species and (2) inhibiting cell proliferation by VEGFR interference and growth factor signaling mechanisms which may allow for longer progression free survival in patients and fewer systemic side effects. The specific aims of this research were to synthesize, characterize and assess cell viability and drug interactions for polyethylene-glycolated (PEGylated) polymeric based CED and BPD NPs which were less than 100 nm in size for enhanced permeation and retention effects. Synergistic effects were found using the co-administered therapies compared to the individual drugs. The major goal of this research was to investigate a new combination of photodynamic-chemotherapy drugs in nano-formulation for increased efficacy in glioblastoma treatment at reduced concentrations of therapeutics for enhanced drug delivery in vitro.