bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress in Developing Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3C-Like Protease
Authors: Li Qingxin , Kang CongBao
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The viral outbreak started in late 2019 and rapidly became a serious health threat to the global population. COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Several therapeutic options have been adopted to prevent the spread of the virus. Although vaccines have been developed, antivirals are still needed to combat the infection of this virus. SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus, and its genome encodes polyproteins that can be processed into structural and nonstructural proteins. Maturation of viral proteins requires cleavages by proteases. Therefore, the main protease (3 chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) or Mpro) encoded by the viral genome is an attractive drug target because it plays an important role in cleaving viral polyproteins into functional proteins. Inhibiting this enzyme is an efficient strategy to block viral replication. Structural studies provide valuable insight into the function of this protease and structural basis for rational inhibitor design. In this review, we describe structural studies on the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. The strategies applied in developing inhibitors of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 and currently available protein inhibitors are summarized. Due to the availability of high-resolution structures, structure-guided drug design will play an important role in developing antivirals. The availability of high-resolution structures, potent peptidic inhibitors, and diverse compound scaffolds indicate the feasibility of developing potent protease inhibitors as antivirals for COVID-19.
Production, Reserves, and Processing of Feldspar and Feldspathoid Rocks in the Czech Republic from 2005 to 2019—An Overview
Authors: Zahradník Jan , Jirásek Jakub , Starý Jaromír , Sivek Martin
Published: August 2020

This paper aims to characterize and interpret the trends in reserves, resources, and mine production of feldspar and feldspathoid rocks during 2005–2019 in the Czech Republic. With over 101 Mt of total resources and 22 Mt of reserves, feldspar belongs to the crucial industrial minerals of the Czech Republic. With annual outputs of approximately 400–450 kt of feldspars and 20–35 kt of feldspathoid rocks (nepheline syenite), the Czech Republic ranks among the top European and world feldspar producers. Most of the production comes from leucocratic granitoid rocks (key active deposit: Krásno-Vysoký Kámen), followed by sedimentary rocks (key active deposit: Halámky), and granitic pegmatites (key active deposit: Luženičky). Nepheline syenite is mined at a single deposit. All deposits are extracted from open pits (quarries). Ongoing geological prospecting and exploration for new deposits are increasing available reserves and resources. The feldspar raw materials are used in the domestic glass and ceramic industries, while more than 50% is exported, generally to Poland and Germany.
Hydrologic and Water Quality Modeling of the Pebble Mine Project Pit Lake and Downstream Environment after Mine Closure
Authors: Maest Ann , Prucha Robert , Wobus Cameron
Published: August 2020

The Pebble Project in Alaska is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper deposits. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) proposes a 20-year open-pit extraction, sulfide flotation, and deposition of separated pyritic tailings and potentially acid-generating waste rock in the pit at closure. The pit will require perpetual pump and treat management. We conducted geochemical and integrated groundwater–surface water modeling and streamflow mixing calculations to examine alternative conceptual models and future mine abandonment leading to failure of the water management scheme 100 years after mine closure. Using EIS source water chemistry and volumes and assuming a well-mixed pit lake, PHREEQC modeling predicts an acidic (pH 3.5) pit lake with elevated copper concentrations (130 mg/L) under post-closure conditions. The results are similar to water quality in the Berkeley Pit in Montana, USA, another porphyry copper deposit pit lake in rocks with low neutralization potential. Integrated groundwater–surface water modeling using MIKE SHE examined the effects of the failure mode for the proposed 20-year and reasonably foreseeable 78-year expansion. Simulations predict that if pumping fails, the 20-year pit lake will irreversibly overtop within 3 to 4 years and mix with the South Fork Koktuli River, which contains salmon spawning and rearing habitat. The 78-year pit lake overtops more rapidly, within 1 year, and discharges into Upper Talarik Creek. Mixing calculations for the 20-year pit show that this spillover would lead to exceedances of Alaska’s copper surface water criteria in the river by a factor of 500–1000 times at 35 miles downstream. The combined modeling efforts show the importance of examining long-term failure modes, especially in areas with high potential impacts to stream ecological services.
Effect of Reducing Agent on Solution Synthesis of Li3V2(PO4)3 Cathode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Yaghtin Ali , Masoudpanah Seyyed Morteza , Hasheminiasari Masood , Salehi Amirhossein , Safanama Dorsasadat , Ong Chong Kim , Adams Stefan , Reddy Mogalahalli V.
Published: August 2020

In this study, Li3V2(PO4)3 (LVP) powders are prepared by a solution synthesis method. The effects of two reducing agents on crystal structure and morphology and electrochemical properties are investigated. Preliminary studies on reducing agents such as oxalic acid and citric acid, are used to reduce the vanadium (V) precursor. The oxalic acid-assisted synthesis induces smaller particles (30 nm) compared with the citric acid-assisted synthesis (70 nm). The LVP powders obtained by the oxalic acid exhibit a higher specific capacity (124 mAh g−1 at 1C) and better cycling performance (122 mAh g−1 following 50 cycles at 1C rate) than those for the citric acid. This is due to their higher electronic conductivity caused by carbon coating and downsizing the particles. The charge-discharge plateaus obtained from cyclic voltammetry are in good agreement with galvanostatic cycling profiles.
Physalis alkekengi L. Extract Reduces the Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis in Endothelial Vascular Cells Exposed to Hyperglycemia
Authors: Vicas Laura Gratiela , Jurca Tunde , Baldea Ioana , Filip Gabriela Adriana , Olteanu Diana , Clichici Simona Valeria , Pallag Annamaria , Marian Eleonora , Micle Otilia , Crivii Carmen Bianca , Suciu Tudor , Craciun Izabela , Gligor Felicia Gabriela , Muresan Mariana
Published: August 2020

To find new natural remedies in diabetes, this study investigated the biological activity of two extracts obtained from the fruits (PhyF) and herba (PhyH) of Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii L. on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to normo- and hyperglycemic conditions. The biological effect was quantified by malondialdehyde, IL-31 and IL-33 levels in correlation with physico-chemical characterization and antioxidant activity. Additionally, from PhyP extract, the caspase-3, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nuclear transcription factor NFkB expressions were evaluated. HPLC analysis revealed a significant number of phenolic compounds, especially in PhyF extract, with a good antioxidant activity as highlighted by TEAC, CUPRAC or DPPH methods. On HUVECS cells, the extracts were not toxic even at high concentrations. Particularly PhyF extract, diminished lipid peroxidation and inhibited the IL-31 and IL-33 secretions induced by hyperglycemia. The inhibitory effect on proinflammatory cytokines was noticed after both doses of PhyF extract in parallel with the upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Moreover, PhyF, especially in a low dose, reduced caspase-3 active form. These experimental findings suggest that Physalis fruits extract exerted beneficial effects in hyperglycemia by inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis being a good adjuvant option in diabetes.
Antifungal Activity of Phenolic and Polyphenolic Compounds from Different Matrices of Vitis vinifera L. against Human Pathogens
Authors: Simonetti Giovanna , Brasili Elisa , Pasqua Gabriella
Published: August 2020

Phenolic compounds, the most widely distributed class of natural products in the plants, show several biological properties including antifungal activity. Phenolics contained in grapes can be classified in two main groups, flavonoids and non-flavonoids compounds. Variability and yield extraction of phenolic and polyphenolic compounds from different matrices of Vitis vinifera depends of cultivar, climate, soil condition and process technology. Unripe grapes, berry skins and seeds, leaves, canes and stems and not-fermented and fermented pomaces represent large reusable and valuable wastes from agricultural and agro-industrial processes. This review summarizes studies that examine the extraction method, chemical characterization, and antifungal activity of phenolic and polyphenolic compounds from edible and non-edible V. vinifera matrices against human fungal pathogens. In the world, around one billion people have fungal diseases related to skin, nail or hair and around 150 million have systemic diseases caused by fungi. Few studies on antifungal activity of plant extracts have been performed. This review provides useful information for the application of V. vinifera phenolics in the field of antifungals for human use.
Cellulose Acetate Fabrics Loaded with Rhodamine B Hydrazide for Optical Detection of Cu(II)
Authors: Morsi Rania E. , Elsawy Moataz , Manet Ilse , Ventura Barbara
Published: August 2020

In this work, different materials were fabricated from cellulose acetate, loaded with rhodamine B hydrazide and tested as Cu(II) optical sensor. We prepared membranes displaying a sub-micron porous structure using the phase inversion technique, clusters of fibers with varying diameter depending on the preparation procedure using electrospinning, and casted films presenting a smooth non porous structure. Loading of rhodamine B hydrazide on the fabrics after their production was found to be the best procedure to ensure the stability of the dye in the polymeric materials. Absorption and emission analysis of the solid substrates revealed the presence of the dye on the porous fabrics and allowed to choose the most suited materials and loading conditions to test their response towards Cu(II) ions. Reaction of the loaded rhodamine B hydrazide with Cu(II) was confirmed by absorption and emission spectroscopies and by confocal fluorescence imaging, through detection of the product rhodamine B. The results point to promising sensing applications of the prepared composite materials.
IDH1 Targeting as a New Potential Option for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Treatment—Current State and Future Perspectives
Authors: Crispo Fabiana , Pietrafesa Michele , Condelli Valentina , Maddalena Francesca , Bruno Giuseppina , Piscazzi Annamaria , Sgambato Alessandro , Esposito Franca , Landriscina Matteo
Published: August 2020

Cholangiocarcinoma is a primary malignancy of the biliary tract characterized by late and unspecific symptoms, unfavorable prognosis, and few treatment options. The advent of next-generation sequencing has revealed potential targetable or actionable molecular alterations in biliary tumors. Among several identified genetic alterations, the IDH1 mutation is arousing interest due to its role in epigenetic and metabolic remodeling. Indeed, some IDH1 point mutations induce widespread epigenetic alterations by means of a gain-of-function of the enzyme, which becomes able to produce the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate, with inhibitory activity on α-ketoglutarate-dependent enzymes, such as DNA and histone demethylases. Thus, its accumulation produces changes in the expression of several key genes involved in cell differentiation and survival. At present, small-molecule inhibitors of IDH1 mutated enzyme are under investigation in preclinical and clinical phases as promising innovative treatments for IDH1-mutated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas. This review examines the molecular rationale and the results of preclinical and early-phase studies on novel pharmacological agents targeting mutant IDH1 in cholangiocarcinoma patients. Contextually, it will offer a starting point for discussion on combined therapies with metabolic and epigenetic drugs, to provide molecular support to target the interplay between metabolism and epigenetics, two hallmarks of cancer onset and progression.
Cytotoxic and Anti-Plasmodial Activities of Stephania dielsiana Y.C. Wu Extracts and the Isolated Compounds
Authors: Knockleby James , Pradines Bruno , Gendrot Mathieu , Mosnier Joel , Nguyen Thanh Tam , Trinh Thi Thuy , Lee Hoyun , Le Phuong Mai
Published: August 2020

Natural products remain a viable source of novel therapeutics, and as detection and extraction techniques improve, we can identify more molecules from a broader set of plant tissues. The aim of this study was an investigation of the cytotoxic and anti-plasmodial activities of the methanol extract from Stephania dielsiana Y.C. Wu leaves and its isolated compounds. Our study led to the isolation of seven alkaloids, among which oxostephanine (1) is the most active against several cancer cell lines including HeLa, MDA-MB231, MDA-MB-468, MCF-7, and non-cancer cell lines, such as 184B5 and MCF10A, with IC50 values ranging from 1.66 to 4.35 μM. Morever, oxostephanine (1) is on average two-fold more active against cancer cells than stephanine (3), having a similar chemical structure. Cells treated with oxostephanine (1) are arrested at G2/M cell cycle, followed by the formation of aneuploidy and apoptotic cell death. The G2/M arrest appears to be due, at least in part, to the inactivation of Aurora kinases, which is implicated in the onset and progression of many forms of human cancer. An in-silico molecular modeling study suggests that oxostephanine (1) binds to the ATP binding pocket of Aurora kinases to inactivate their activities. Unlike oxostephanine (1), thailandine (2) is highly effective against only the triple-negative MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. However, it showed excellent selectivity against the cancer cell line when compared to its effects on non-cancer cells. Furthermore, thailandine (2) showed excellent anti-plasmodial activity against both chloroquine-susceptible 3D7 and chloroquine-resistant W2 Plasmodium falciparum strains. The structure–activity relationship of isolated compound was also discussed in this study. The results of this study support the traditional use of Stephania dielsiana Y.C. Wu and the lead molecules identified can be further optimized for the development of highly effective and safe anti-cancer and anti-plasmodial drugs.
Chemical Characterisation and Antihypertensive Effects of Locular Gel and Serum of Lycopersicum esculentum L. var. “Camone” Tomato in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Marcolongo Paola , Gamberucci Alessandra , Tamasi Gabriella , Pardini Alessio , Bonechi Claudia , Rossi Claudio , Giunti Roberta , Barone Virginia , Borghini Annalisa , Fiorenzani Paolo , Frosini Maria , Valoti Massimo , Pessina Federica
Published: August 2020

Blood pressure control in hypertensive subjects calls for changes in lifestyle, especially diet. Tomato is widely consumed and rich in healthy components (i.e., carotenoids, vitamins and polyphenols). The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and antihypertensive effects of locular gel reconstituted in serum of green tomatoes of “Camone” variety. Tomato serum and locular gel were chemically characterised. The antihypertensive effects of the locular gel in serum, pure tomatine, and captopril, administered by oral gavage, were investigated for 4 weeks in male spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats. Systolic blood pressure and heart rate were monitored using the tail cuff method. Body and heart weight, serum glucose, triglycerides and inflammatory cytokines, aorta thickness and liver metabolising activity were also assessed. Locular gel and serum showed good tomatine and polyphenols content. Significant reductions in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as in inflammatory blood cytokines and aorta thickness, were observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats treated both with locular gel in serum and captopril. No significant effects were observed in normotensive rats. Green tomatoes locular gel and serum, usually discarded during tomato industrial processing, are rich in bioactive compounds (i.e., chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and rutin, as well as the glycoalkaloids, α-tomatine and dehydrotomatine) that can lower in vivo blood pressure towards healthier values, as observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Serum Metabolic Profiling Reveals Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Intake of Black Ginseng Extracts in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Kim Ye Jin , Lee Dae Young , Park Ho-Eun , Yoon Dahye , Lee Bumkyu , Kim Jae Geun , Im Kyung-Hoan , Lee Young-Seob , Lee Wan-Kyu , Kim Jae Kwang
Published: August 2020

Black ginseng (BG) has better health benefits than white ginseng. The intake of BG changes the levels of metabolites, such as amino acids, fatty acids, and other metabolites. However, there is no research on the effect of BG extract intake on the metabolic profile of dog serum. In this study, serum metabolic profiling was conducted to investigate metabolic differences following the intake of BG extracts in beagle dogs. The beagle dogs were separated into three groups and fed either a regular diet (RD, control), RD with a medium concentration of BG extract (BG-M), or RD with a high concentration of BG extract (BG-H). Differences were observed among the three groups after the dogs ingested the experimental diet for eight weeks. The concentrations of alanine, leucine, isoleucine, and valine changed with the intake of BG extracts. Furthermore, levels of glycine and β-alanine increased in the BG-H group compared to the control and BG-M groups, indicating that BG extracts are associated with anti-inflammatory processes. Our study is the first to demonstrate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of BG extract in beagle dogs. Glycine and β-alanine are proposed as candidate serum biomarkers in dogs that can discriminate between the effects of ingesting BG-H.
Recent Advances in Polymeric Nanoparticle-Encapsulated Drugs against Intracellular Infections
Authors: Sánchez Arturo , Mejía Susana P. , Orozco Jahir
Published: August 2020

Polymeric nanocarriers (PNs) have demonstrated to be a promising alternative to treat intracellular infections. They have outstanding performance in delivering antimicrobials intracellularly to reach an adequate dose level and improve their therapeutic efficacy. PNs offer opportunities for preventing unwanted drug interactions and degradation before reaching the target cell of tissue and thus decreasing the development of resistance in microorganisms. The use of PNs has the potential to reduce the dose and adverse side effects, providing better efficiency and effectiveness of therapeutic regimens, especially in drugs having high toxicity, low solubility in the physiological environment and low bioavailability. This review provides an overview of nanoparticles made of different polymeric precursors and the main methodologies to nanofabricate platforms of tuned physicochemical and morphological properties and surface chemistry for controlled release of antimicrobials in the target. It highlights the versatility of these nanosystems and their challenges and opportunities to deliver antimicrobial drugs to treat intracellular infections and mentions nanotoxicology aspects and future outlooks.
Coupling Ultrafiltration-Based Processes to Concentrate Phenolic Compounds from Aqueous Goji Berry Extracts
Authors: Conidi Carmela , Drioli Enrico , Cassano Alfredo
Published: August 2020

In this work, a membrane-based process for the purification and concentration of antioxidant compounds from aqueous Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) berry extracts was investigated. The aqueous extract was previously clarified with hollow fiber ultrafiltration (UF) membranes in order to remove suspended solids and β-carotene and to produce a clarified extract enriched in phenolic compounds. Then, three UF flat sheet polyamide membranes with a molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) in the range 1000–3500 Da were tested to purify and concentrate phenolic compounds from the clarified extract. The effect of MWCO and transmembrane pressure (TMP) on the performance of selected membranes in terms of productivity and selectivity towards total dissolved solids (TDS), total phenolic compounds (TPC), total carbohydrates (TC) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) was evaluated. Experimental results indicated that the 2500 Da membrane exhibited a lower fouling index, higher cleaning efficiency, lower rejection towards carbohydrates (lower than 30%) and higher rejection towards phenolic compounds (higher than 50%) in comparison to the other investigated membranes. The inclusion of a diafiltration process in the treatment of the clarified extract with this membrane in a spiral-wound configuration improved the concentration of sugar compounds in the permeate stream and increased the purification of phenolic compounds in the retentate fraction.
Enhancement of Electromagnetic Wave Shielding Effectiveness of Carbon Fibers via Chemical Composition Transformation Using H2 Plasma Treatment
Authors: Kim Hyun-Ji , Kang Gi-Hwan , Kim Sung-Hoon , Park Sangmoon
Published: August 2020

H2 plasma treatment was performed on carbon-based nonwoven fabrics (c-NFs) in a 900 W microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system at 750 °C and 40 Torr. Consequently, the electromagnetic wave shielding effectiveness (SE) of the c-NFs was significantly enhanced across the operating frequency range of 0.04 to 20.0 GHz. We compared the electromagnetic wave SE of the H2 plasma-treated c-NFs samples with that of native c-NFs samples coated with nano-sized Ag particles. Despite having a lower surface electrical conductivity, H2 plasma-treated c-NFs samples exhibited a considerably higher electromagnetic wave SE than the Ag-coated c-NFs samples, across the relatively high operating frequency range of 7.0 to 20.0 GHz. The carbon component of H2 plasma-treated c-NFs samples increased significantly compared with the oxygen component. The H2 plasma treatment transformed the alcohol-type (C–O–H) compounds formed by carbon-oxygen bonds on the surface of the native c-NFs samples into ether-type (C–O–C) compounds. On the basis of these results, we proposed a mechanism to explain the electromagnetic wave SE enhancement observed in H2 plasma-treated c-NFs.
Toxicity of Carbon Nanomaterials and Their Potential Application as Drug Delivery Systems: In Vitro Studies in Caco-2 and MCF-7 Cell Lines
Authors: Garriga Rosa , Herrero-Continente Tania , Palos Miguel , Cebolla Vicente L. , Osada Jesús , Muñoz Edgar , Rodríguez-Yoldi María Jesús
Published: August 2020

Carbon nanomaterials have attracted increasing attention in biomedicine recently to be used as drug nanocarriers suitable for medical treatments, due to their large surface area, high cellular internalization and preferential tumor accumulation, that enable these nanomaterials to transport chemotherapeutic agents preferentially to tumor sites, thereby reducing drug toxic side effects. However, there are widespread concerns on the inherent cytotoxicity of carbon nanomaterials, which remains controversial to this day, with studies demonstrating conflicting results. We investigated here in vitro toxicity of various carbon nanomaterials in human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells. Carbon nanohorns (CNH), carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon nanoplatelets (CNP), graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (GO) and nanodiamonds (ND) were systematically compared, using Pluronic F-127 dispersant. Cell viability after carbon nanomaterial treatment followed the order CNP < CNH < RGO < CNT < GO < ND, being the effect more pronounced on the more rapidly dividing Caco-2 cells. CNP produced remarkably high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Furthermore, the potential of these materials as nanocarriers in the field of drug delivery of doxorubicin and camptothecin anticancer drugs was also compared. In all cases the carbon nanomaterial/drug complexes resulted in improved anticancer activity compared to that of the free drug, being the efficiency largely dependent of the carbon nanomaterial hydrophobicity and surface chemistry. These fundamental studies are of paramount importance as screening and risk-to-benefit assessment towards the development of smart carbon nanomaterial-based nanocarriers.
Effects of Time-Restricted Feeding during Ramadan on Dietary Intake, Body Composition and Metabolic Outcomes
Authors: Osman Farhana , Haldar Sumanto , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar
Published: August 2020

Ramadan fasting is a form of time-restricted feeding which combines a fast and feast period daily for a duration of one month every year. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink consumption from dawn till sunset and this change in the meal schedule and frequency results in significant changes to the composition of the diet, such as energy and nutrient intake. These changes in dietary habits and their corresponding effects on cardiometabolic disease risk are compiled in this review. Ramadan fasting shows limited benefits to body composition via reductions in body mass in both healthy and obese individuals, although the results are often found to be transient and heterogeneous. There is, however, a more consistent improvement in blood lipid profile during Ramadan fasting, which often lasts beyond the Ramadan period. The results for glucose homeostasis, on the contrary, are more conflicting and inconclusive. The heterogeneity in the findings from the various studies can be generally attributed to cultural variations in dietary habits, differences in the duration of fasting due to seasonal/climatic differences at various geographical locations, age, gender and socioeconomic status, as well as other health and lifestyle factors of the various study populations.
A Snapshot of European Children’s Eating Habits: Results from the Fourth Round of the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI)
Authors: Williams Julianne , Buoncristiano Marta , Nardone Paola , Rito Ana Isabel , Spinelli Angela , Hejgaard Tatjana , Kierkegaard Lene , Nurk Eha , Kunešová Marie , Musić Milanović Sanja , García-Solano Marta , Gutiérrez-González Enrique , Brinduse Lacramioara Aurelia , Cucu Alexandra , Fijałkowska Anna , Farrugia Sant’Angelo Victoria , Abdrakhmanova Shynar , Pudule Iveta , Duleva Vesselka , Yardim Nazan , Gualtieri Andrea , Heinen Mirjam , Bel-Serrat Silvia , Usupova Zhamyla , Peterkova Valentina , Shengelia Lela , Hyska Jolanda , Tanrygulyyeva Maya , Petrauskiene Ausra , Rakhmatullaeva Sanavbar , Kujundzic Enisa , Ostojic Sergej M. , Weghuber Daniel , Melkumova Marina , Spiroski Igor , Starc Gregor , Rutter Harry , Rathmes Giulia , Bunge Anne Charlotte , Rakovac Ivo , Boymatova Khadichamo , Weber Martin , Breda João
Published: August 2020

Consuming a healthy diet in childhood helps to protect against malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This cross-sectional study described the diets of 132,489 children aged six to nine years from 23 countries participating in round four (2015–2017) of the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). Children’s parents or caregivers were asked to complete a questionnaire that contained indicators of energy-balance-related behaviors (including diet). For each country, we calculated the percentage of children who consumed breakfast, fruit, vegetables, sweet snacks or soft drinks “every day”, “most days (four to six days per week)”, “some days (one to three days per week)”, or “never or less than once a week”. We reported these results stratified by country, sex, and region. On a daily basis, most children (78.5%) consumed breakfast, fewer than half (42.5%) consumed fruit, fewer than a quarter (22.6%) consumed fresh vegetables, and around one in ten consumed sweet snacks or soft drinks (10.3% and 9.4%, respectively); however, there were large between-country differences. This paper highlights an urgent need to create healthier food and drink environments, reinforce health systems to promote healthy diets, and continue to support child nutrition and obesity surveillance.
Pathogens Manipulating Tick Behavior—Through a Glass, Darkly
Authors: Benelli Giovanni
Published: August 2020

Pathogens can manipulate the phenotypic traits of their hosts and vectors, maximizing their own fitness. Among the phenotypic traits that can be modified, manipulating vector behavior represents one of the most fascinating facets. How pathogens infection affects behavioral traits of key insect vectors has been extensively investigated. Major examples include Plasmodium, Leishmania and Trypanosoma spp. manipulating the behavior of mosquitoes, sand flies and kissing bugs, respectively. However, research on how pathogens can modify tick behavior is patchy. This review focuses on current knowledge about the behavioral changes triggered by Anaplasma, Borrelia, Babesia, Bartonella, Rickettsia and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infection in tick vectors, analyzing their potential adaptive significance. As a general trend, being infected by Borrelia and TBEV boosts tick mobility (both questing and walking activity). Borrelia and Anaplasma infection magnifies Ixodes desiccation resistance, triggering physiological changes (Borrelia: higher fat reserves; Anaplasma: synthesis of heat shock proteins). Anaplasma infection also improves cold resistance in infected ticks through synthesis of an antifreeze glycoprotein. Being infected by Anaplasma, Borrelia and Babesia leads to increased tick survival. Borrelia, Babesia and Bartonella infection facilitates blood engorgement. In the last section, current challenges for future studies are outlined.
The Circulation of Type F Clostridium perfringens among Humans, Sewage, and Ruditapes philippinarum (Asari Clams)
Authors: Yanagimoto Keita , Uematsu Kosei , Yamagami Takaya , Haramoto Eiji
Published: August 2020

Clostridium perfringens is an important pathogen that is responsible for gastroenteritis; the causative agent for the symptoms is C. perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), which is mainly produced by type F C. perfringens. Since shellfishes may gather C. perfringens in the water environment, this study estimated the potential circulation of type F C. perfringens among humans, sewage, and Ruditapes philippinarum (asari clams) as a result of sewage pollution. A comparison of the characteristics among the isolates from 86 sewage influents, 36 effluents, 76 asari clams, and 37 humans was conducted. Serotyping, cpe genotyping, and toxin genotyping showed that C. perfringens with a plasmid IS1151 sequence downstream of cpe was predominant among sewage influents, effluents, humans, and asari clams. Multilocus sequence typing suggested that some isolates from a human, sewage influents, effluents, and asari clams were linked to each other. These results demonstrated that asari clams are the necessary infection sources of C. perfringens responsible for carriers and foodborne diseases, and that these pathogens from humans infected by asari clams can pollute the water environment. It is useful to assess bacteria such as C. perfringens isolates from sewage to estimate the trend of those from the community.
Education and Research during Pandemics: Illustrated by the Example of Experimental Biocomposites Research
Authors: Das Oisik , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: August 2020

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State of the Art on Biomaterials for Soft Tissue Augmentation in the Oral Cavity. Part I: Natural Polymers-Based Biomaterials
Authors: Toledano Manuel , Toledano-Osorio Manuel , Carrasco-Carmona Álvaro , Vallecillo Cristina , Lynch Christopher D. , Osorio María T. , Osorio Raquel
Published: August 2020

Oral soft tissue thickening or grafting procedures are often necessary to cover tooth recession, re-establish an adequate width of keratinized tissue, correct mucogingival deformities improving esthetics, prepare a site for an implant or prosthetics, for ridge preservation procedures, and soft tissue contouring around dental implants. Gingival recession and root or implant exposure are commonly associated and have led to mucogingival deficiencies that have traditionally been treated with free gingival grafts and autogenous soft tissue grafts. The latter represents the gold standard in acquiring a functionally adequate zone of keratinized attached gingiva. However, soft tissue substitutes are more usually employed because they lessen morbidity and abbreviate surgical time. This review is aimed at assessing oral soft tissue augmentation techniques and biomaterials used from existing literature, principally concerning scaffolds from both human and animal-based tissue derivatives matrices. In order to avoid the use of human donor tissue, the xenogenic collagen matrices are proposed for soft tissue augmentation. In general, all of them have provided the remodeling processes and enhanced the formation of new connective tissue within the matrix body.
Methods Used for the Compaction and Molding of Ceramic Matrix Composites Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Meshalkin Valerii P. , Belyakov Alexey V.
Published: August 2020

Ceramic matrix composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes are becoming increasingly popular in industry due to their astonishing mechanical properties and taking into account the fact that advanced production technologies make carbon nanotubes increasingly affordable. In the present paper, the most convenient contemporary methods used for the compaction of molding masses composed of either technical ceramics or ceramic matrix composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes are surveyed. This stage that precedes debinding and sintering plays the key role in getting pore-free equal-density ceramics at the scale of mass production. The methods include: compaction in sealed and collector molds, cold isostatic and quasi-isostatic compaction; dynamic compaction methods, such as magnetic pulse, vibration, and ultrasonic compaction; extrusion, stamping, and injection; casting from aqueous and non-aqueous slips; tape and gel casting. Capabilities of mold-free approaches to produce precisely shaped ceramic bodies are also critically analyzed, including green ceramic machining and additive manufacturing technologies.
For Whom the Bell Tolls: Practitioners’ Views on Bell-Ringing Practice in Contemporary Society in New South Wales (Australia)
Authors: Parker Murray , Spennemann Dirk H.R.
Published: August 2020

For centuries, religious buildings have been using bells to call the faithful to prayer. Bell-ringing activity on church premises does not serve a purely religious function, however, as people in the community may perceive this activity secularly, attributing their own meanings and significances towards these sounds. If bell ringing (or the actual sound) were found to have great significance to a specific community, denomination, or a regionality bracket, this may have future implications in any management of these resources. There is a need to hear the voices of the actual practitioners and their perceptions regarding what they, their congregations, and their host communities feel. This paper represents the first large-scale assessment of the views of practitioners of five major Christian denominations with regards to bell-ringing practice and its role in contemporary society.
Deep Learning-Based Object Classification and Position Estimation Pipeline for Potential Use in Robotized Pick-and-Place Operations
Authors: Soltan Sergey , Oleinikov Artemiy , Demirci M. Fatih , Shintemirov Almas
Published: August 2020

Accurate object classification and position estimation is a crucial part of executing autonomous pick-and-place operations by a robot and can be realized using RGB-D sensors becoming increasingly available for use in industrial applications. In this paper, we present a novel unified framework for object detection and classification using a combination of point cloud processing and deep learning techniques. The proposed model uses two streams that recognize objects on RGB and depth data separately and combines the two in later stages to classify objects. Experimental evaluation of the proposed model including classification accuracy compared with previous works demonstrates its effectiveness and efficiency, making the model suitable for real-time applications. In particular, the experiments performed on the Washington RGB-D object dataset show that the proposed framework has 97.5% and 95% fewer parameters compared to the previous state-of-the-art multimodel neural networks Fus-CNN, CNN Features and VGG3D, respectively, with the cost of approximately 5% drop in classification accuracy. Moreover, the inference of the proposed framework takes 66.11%, 32.65%, and 28.77% less time on GPU and 86.91%, 51.12%, and 50.15% less time on CPU in comparison to VGG3D, Fus-CNN, and CNN Features. The potential applicability of the developed object classification and position estimation framework was then demonstrated on an experimental robot-manipulation setup realizing a simplified object pick-and-place scenario. In approximately 95% of test trials, the system was able to accurately position the robot over the detected objects of interest in an automatic mode, ensuring stable cyclic execution with no time delays.
Investigating Detection of Floating Plastic Litter from Space Using Sentinel-2 Imagery
Authors: Themistocleous Kyriacos , Papoutsa Christiana , Michaelides Silas , Hadjimitsis Diofantos
Published: August 2020

Plastic litter floating in the ocean is a significant problem on a global scale. This study examines whether Sentinel-2 satellite images can be used to identify plastic litter on the sea surface for monitoring, collection and disposal. A pilot study was conducted to determine if plastic targets on the sea surface can be detected using remote sensing techniques with Sentinel-2 data. A target made up of plastic water bottles with a surface measuring 3 m × 10 m was created, which was subsequently placed in the sea near the Old Port in Limassol, Cyprus. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to acquire multispectral aerial images of the area of interest during the same time as the Sentinel-2 satellite overpass. Spectral signatures of the water and the plastic litter after it was placed in the water were taken with an SVC HR1024 spectroradiometer. The study found that the plastic litter target was easiest to detect in the NIR wavelengths. Seven established indices for satellite image processing were examined to determine whether they can identify plastic litter in the water. Further, the authors examined two new indices, the Plastics Index (PI) and the Reversed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (RNDVI) to be used in the processing of the satellite image. The newly developed Plastic Index (PI) was able to identify plastic objects floating on the water surface and was the most effective index in identifying the plastic litter target in the sea.
Dynamic Influence Elimination and Chlorophyll Content Diagnosis of Maize Using UAV Spectral Imagery
Authors: Qiao Lang , Gao Dehua , Zhang Junyi , Li Minzan , Sun Hong , Ma Junyong
Published: August 2020

In order to improve the diagnosis accuracy of chlorophyll content in maize canopy, the remote sensing image of maize canopy with multiple growth stages was acquired by using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a spectral camera. The dynamic influencing factors of the canopy multispectral images of maize were removed by using different image segmentation methods. The chlorophyll content of maize in the field was diagnosed. The crop canopy spectral reflectance, coverage, and texture information are combined to discuss the different segmentation methods. A full-grown maize canopy chlorophyll content diagnostic model was created on the basis of the different segmentation methods. Results showed that different segmentation methods have variations in the extraction of maize canopy parameters. The wavelet segmentation method demonstrated better advantages than threshold and ExG index segmentation methods. This method segments the soil background, reduces the texture complexity of the image, and achieves satisfactory results. The maize canopy multispectral band reflectance and vegetation index were extracted on the basis of the different segmentation methods. A partial least square regression algorithm was used to construct a full-grown maize canopy chlorophyll content diagnostic model. The result showed that the model accuracy was low when the image background was not removed (Rc2 (the determination coefficient of calibration set) = 0.5431, RMSEF (the root mean squared error of forecast) = 4.2184, MAE (the mean absolute error) = 3.24; Rv2 (the determination coefficient of validation set) = 0.5894, RMSEP (the root mean squared error of prediction) = 4.6947, and MAE = 3.36). The diagnostic accuracy of the chlorophyll content could be improved by extracting the maize canopy through the segmentation method, which was based on the wavelet segmentation method. The maize canopy chlorophyll content diagnostic model had the highest accuracy (Rc2 = 0.6638, RMSEF = 3.6211, MAE = 2.89; Rv2 = 0.6923, RMSEP = 3.9067, and MAE = 3.19). The research can provide a feasible method for crop growth and nutrition monitoring on the basis of the UAV platform and has a guiding significance for crop cultivation management.
The Sentinel-3 OLCI Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index (OTCI): Algorithm Improvements, Spatiotemporal Consistency and Continuity with the MERIS Archive
Authors: Pastor-Guzman J. , Brown L. , Morris H. , Bourg L. , Goryl P. , Dransfeld S. , Dash J.
Published: August 2020

The Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) on-board Sentinel-3 (2016–present) was designed with similar mechanical and optical characteristics to the Envisat Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) (2002–2012) to ensure continuity with a number of land and marine biophysical products. The Sentinel-3 OLCI Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index (OTCI) is an indicator of canopy chlorophyll content and is intended to continue the legacy of the Envisat MERIS Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index (MTCI). Despite spectral similarities, validation and verification of consistency is essential to inform the user community about the product’s accuracy, uncertainty, and fitness for purpose. This paper aims to: (i) describe the theoretical basis of the Sentinel-3 OTCI and (ii) evaluate the spatiotemporal consistency between the Sentinel-3 OTCI and the Envisat MTCI. Two approaches were used to conduct the evaluation. Firstly, agreement between the Sentinel-3 OTCI and the Envisat MTCI archive was assessed over the Committee for Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Land Product Validation (LPV) core validation sites, enabling the temporal consistency of the two products to be investigated. Secondly, intercomparison of monthly Level-3 Sentinel-3 OTCI and Envisat MTCI composites was carried out to evaluate the spatial distribution of differences across the globe. In both cases, the agreement was quantified with statistical metrics (R2, NRMSD, bias) using an Envisat MTCI climatology based on the MERIS archive as the reference. Our results demonstrate strong agreement between the products. Specifically, high 1:1 correspondence (R2 >0.88), low global mean percentage difference (−1.86 to 0.61), low absolute bias (<0.1), and minimal error (NRMSD ~0.1) are observed. The temporal profiles reveal consistency in the expected range of values, amplitudes, and seasonal trajectories. Biases and discrepancies may be attributed to changes in land management practices, land cover change, and extreme climatic events occurred during the time gap between the missions; however, this requires further investigation. This research confirms that Sentinel-3 OTCI dataset can be used along with the Envisat MTCI to provide a data coverage over the last 20 years.
Performances of Vegetation Indices on Paddy Rice at Elevated Air Temperature, Heat Stress, and Herbicide Damage
Authors: Ryu Jae-Hyun , Jeong Hoejeong , Cho Jaeil
Published: August 2020

Spectral reflectance-based vegetation indices have sensitive characteristics to crop growth and health conditions. The performance of each vegetation index to a certain condition is different and needs to be interpreted, correspondingly. This study aimed to assess the most suitable vegetation index to identify the crop response against elevated air temperatures, heat stress, and herbicide damage. The spectral reflectance, yield components, and growth parameters such as plant height, leaf area index (LAI), and above-ground dry matter of paddy rice, which was cultivated in a temperature gradient field chamber to simulate global warming conditions, were observed from 2016 to 2018. The relationships between the vegetation indices and the crop parameters were assessed considering stress conditions. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) represented the changes in plant height (R-square = 0.93) and the LAI (R-square = 0.901) before the heading stage. Furthermore, the NDVI and the cumulative growing degree days had a Sigmoid curve and an R-square value of 0.937 under the normal growth case, but it decreased significantly in the herbicide damage case. This characteristic was useful for detecting the damaged crop growth condition. Additionally, to estimate the grain yield of paddy rice, the medium resolution imaging spectrometer (MERIS) terrestrial chlorophyll index was better: R-square = 0.912; root mean square error = 95.69 g/m2. Photochemical reflectance index was sensitive to physiological stress caused by the heatwave, and it decreased in response to extremely high air temperatures. These results will contribute towards determining vegetation indices under stress conditions and how to effectively utilize them.