bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colloidal Stability of Silica-Modified Magnetite Nanoparticles: Comparison of Various Dispersion Techniques
Authors: Dzhardimalieva Gulzhian , Bondarenko Lyubov , Illés Erzsébet , Tombácz Etelka , Tropskaya Nataliya , Magomedov Igor , Orekhov Alexander , Kydralieva Kamila
Published: December 2021

The production of stable and homogeneous batches during nanoparticle fabrication is challenging. Surface charging, as a stability determinant, was estimated for 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) coated pre-formed magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs). An important consideration for preparing stable and homogenous MNPs colloidal systems is the dispersion stage of pre-formed samples, which makes it feasible to increase the MNP reactive binding sites, to enhance functionality. The results gave evidence that the samples that had undergone stirring had a higher loading capacity towards polyanions, in terms of filler content, compared to the sonicated ones. These later results were likely due to the harsh effects of sonication (extremely high temperature and pressure in the cavities formed at the interfaces), which induced the destruction of the MNPs.
Development and Validity of a General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ) for Chinese Adults
Authors: Gao Zhibing , Wu Fei , Lv Gaoyaxin , Zhuang Xiangling , Ma Guojie
Published: December 2021

Nutrition knowledge refers to understanding concepts and processes related to nutrition and health, proven to be an essential determinant of healthy eating. However, partially due to the lack of nutrition knowledge and unhealthy eating patterns, more and more Chinese people face overweight, obesity, and a high risk of suffering from various chronic diseases. This study aimed to develop a general nutritional knowledge questionnaire (GNKQ) in a Chinese context to diagnose and improve nutrition knowledge education for Chinese people. The newly adapted questionnaire was based on the Turkey version of GNKQ, and absorbed dietary recommendations in a Chinese context. It was first validated by four nutrition experts, then tested by eleven volunteers (one public nutritionist, one preventive medicine graduate student, and nine psychology graduate students). Finally, the questionnaire was tested by 278 participants, including 175 adults, to determine internal consistency, content validity, and convergent validity. Moreover, the construct validity was evaluated by comparing the differences between 50 students in nutrition-related majors and 53 students in nutrition-unrelated majors. The final Chinese version of GNKQ kept 32 questions with 68 items after deleting some questions based on item difficulty and discrimination. The data showed that the overall internal consistency coefficient was 0.885, and the test-retest reliability was 0.769, p < 0.001. Students majoring in nutrition had larger scores than in nutrition-unrelated majors. The convergent validity for each demographic variable was consistent with previous studies, such as larger nutrition knowledge scores for females and those with a higher education. Therefore, the revised Chinese version of GNKQ showed good reliability and validity, indicating that it could be an effective tool to assess the nutrition knowledge of Chinese adults.
Effect on an Oral Nutritional Supplement with β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate and Vitamin D on Morphofunctional Aspects, Body Composition, and Phase Angle in Malnourished Patients
Authors: Cornejo-Pareja Isabel , Ramirez Maria , Camprubi-Robles Maria , Rueda Ricardo , Vegas-Aguilar Isabel Maria , Garcia-Almeida Jose Manuel
Published: December 2021

This is a retrospective study of data from clinical practice to observe the effect of a high-calorie, high-protein oral nutritional supplement (ONS) with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on nutritional status, body weight, and muscle-related parameters in 283 adult patients with or at risk of malnutrition under standard of care, 63% being cancer patients. They were recommended to increase physical activity and energy and protein intake from regular diet plus two servings per day of a specialized ONS enriched with HMB or standard ONS for up to 6 months. Dietary records, adherence and tolerance to ONS, nutritional status, body composition, handgrip strength, and blood analysis at the beginning and the end of the intervention were recorded. This program improved nutritional status from 100% malnourished or at risk of malnutrition at baseline to 80% well-nourished at final visit. It also increased body weight by 3.6–3.8 kg, fat-free mass by 0.9 to 1.3 kg, and handgrip strength by 4.7 to 6.2 kg. In a subgroup of patients (n = 43), phase angle (PhA), and body cell mass (BCM) increased only in the patients receiving the ONS enriched with HMB (0.95 (0.13) vs. −0.36 (0.4), and 2.98 (0.5) vs. −0.6 (1.5) kg, mean difference (SE) from baseline for PhA and BCM, respectively), suggesting the potential efficacy of this supplement on muscle health.
Vitamin D Deficiency Is Inversely Associated with Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance
Authors: Rafiq Shamaila , Jeppesen Per Bendix
Published: December 2021

The study was conducted to comprehensively assess the association of the concentration of vitamin D in the blood and insulin resistance in non-diabetic subjects. The objective was to pool the results from all observational studies from the beginning of 1980 to August 2021. PubMed, Medline and Embase were systematically searched for the observational studies. Filters were used for more focused results. A total of 2248 articles were found after raw search which were narrowed down to 32 articles by the systematic selection of related articles. Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMAIR) was used as the measure of insulin resistance and correlation coefficient was used as a measure of the relationship between vitamin D levels and the insulin resistance. Risk of bias tables and summary plots were built using Revman software version 5.3 while Comprehensive meta-analysis version 3 was used for the construction of forest plot. The results showed an inverse association between the status of vitamin D and insulin resistance (r = −0.217; 95% CI = −0.161 to −0.272; p = 0.000). A supplement of vitamin D can help reduce the risk of insulin resistance; however further studies, like randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the results.
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation and Their Association with Kidney Stone Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bargagli Matteo , Ferraro Pietro Manuel , Vittori Matteo , Lombardi Gianmarco , Gambaro Giovanni , Somani Bhaskar
Published: December 2021

Kidney stone disease is a multifactorial condition influenced by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as lifestyle and dietary habits. Although different monogenic polymorphisms have been proposed as playing a causal role for calcium nephrolithiasis, the prevalence of these mutations in the general population and their complete pathogenetic pathway is yet to be determined. General dietary advice for kidney stone formers includes elevated fluid intake, dietary restriction of sodium and animal proteins, avoidance of a low calcium diet, maintenance of a normal body mass index, and elevated intake of vegetables and fibers. Thus, balanced calcium consumption protects against the risk for kidney stones by reducing intestinal oxalate availability and its urinary excretion. However, calcium supplementation given between meals might increase urinary calcium excretion without the beneficial effect on oxalate. In kidney stone formers, circulating active vitamin D has been found to be increased, whereas higher plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol seems to be present only in hypercalciuric patients. The association between nutritional vitamin D supplements and the risk for stone formation is currently not completely understood. However, taken together, available evidence might suggest that vitamin D administration worsens the risk for stone formation in patients predisposed to hypercalciuria. In this review, we analyzed and discussed available literature on the effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on the risk for kidney stone formation.
Hesperidin Reduces Memory Impairment Associated with Adult Rat Hippocampal Neurogenesis Triggered by Valproic Acid
Authors: Aranarochana Anusara , Kaewngam Soraya , Anosri Tanaporn , Sirichoat Apiwat , Pannangrong Wanassanun , Wigmore Peter , Welbat Jariya Umka
Published: December 2021

Treatment with valproic acid (VPA) deteriorates hippocampal neurogenesis, which leads to memory impairment. Hesperidin (Hsd) is a plant-based bioflavonoid that can augment learning and memory. This study aimed to understand the effect of Hsd on the impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis and memory caused by VPA. The VPA (300 mg/kg) was administered by intraperitoneal injection twice daily for 14 days, and Hsd (100 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage once a day for 21 days. All rats underwent memory evaluation using the novel object location (NOL) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. Immunofluorescent staining of Ki-67, BrdU/NeuN, and doublecortin (DCX) was applied to determine hippocampal neurogenesis in cell proliferation, neuronal survival, and population of the immature neurons, respectively. VPA-treated rats showed memory impairments in both memory tests. These impairments resulted from VPA-induced decreases in the number of Ki-67-, BrdU/NeuN-, and DCX-positive cells in the hippocampus, leading to memory loss. Nevertheless, the behavioral expression in the co-administration group was improved. After receiving co-administration with VPA and Hsd, the numbers of Ki-67-, BrdU/NeuN-, and DCX-positive cells were improved to the normal levels. These findings suggest that Hsd can reduce the VPA-induced hippocampal neurogenesis down-regulation that results in memory impairments.
Influence of Elicitation and Drying Methods on Anti-Metabolic Syndrome, and Antimicrobial Properties of Extracts and Hydrolysates Obtained from Elicited Lovage (Levisticum officinale Koch)
Authors: Jakubczyk Anna , Złotek Urszula , Rybczyńska-Tkaczyk Kamila
Published: December 2021

This research aims to investigate the influence of elicitation and drying methods (natural, convection, microwave, and freeze-drying), with jasmonic acid (JA) and yeast extract (YE) on the biological activity of extracts and hydrolysates from lovage (Levisticum officinale Koch) leaves. The results indicate that the highest TPC was determined for hydrolysates obtained from JA-elicited microwave-dried lovage (24.96 mg/gDW). The highest ACE and lipase inhibitory activity was noted for PBS extract obtained from JA-elicited lovage after microwave drying (EC50 = 0.16 and 0.12 mg/mL, respectively). Ethanolic extract from JA-elicited lovage after freeze-drying was characterized by the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity (EC50 = 3.92 mg/mL) and the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (EC50 = 1.43 mg/mL) was noted for hydrolysates from control plants subjected to freeze-drying. The highest antimicrobial activity towards C. albicans yeasts was observed for microwave ethanolic extracts with minimal inhibition (MIC) and lethal (MLC) concentrations of 0.625 and 1.25 mg/mL, respectively.
Aptamer Applications in Neuroscience
Authors: Ozturk Meric , Nilsen-Hamilton Marit , Ilgu Muslum
Published: December 2021

Being the predominant cause of disability, neurological diseases have received much attention from the global health community. Over a billion people suffer from one of the following neurological disorders: dementia, epilepsy, stroke, migraine, meningitis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, prion disease, or brain tumors. The diagnosis and treatment options are limited for many of these diseases. Aptamers, being small and non-immunogenic nucleic acid molecules that are easy to chemically modify, offer potential diagnostic and theragnostic applications to meet these needs. This review covers pioneering studies in applying aptamers, which shows promise for future diagnostics and treatments of neurological disorders that pose increasingly dire worldwide health challenges.
Medical-Grade Honey Outperforms Conventional Treatments for Healing Cold Sores—A Clinical Study
Authors: Naik Piyu Parth , Mossialos Dimitris , Wijk Bas van , Novakova Petra , Wagener Frank A. D. T. G. , Cremers Niels A. J.
Published: December 2021

Cold sores are nasolabial blisters caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. Novel therapies demonstrating simultaneously antiviral activity and improved wound healing are warranted. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of medical-grade honey (MGH) for treating HSV-induced cold sores. A crossover trial was performed in patients with recurrent cold sores (n = 29). The majority (65.6%) of these patients experience four or more episodes per year, thus forming a valid self-control group. In this study, patients applied an MGH-based formulation (L-Mesitran Soft) on their cold sore at the onset of symptoms (62.1%) or appearing of blister (37.9%) and compared it to their conventional treatments. After complete healing, patients filled in a questionnaire evaluating healing, pain, and itching. The average absolute healing time was 72.4% slower with conventional treatment (10.0 days) compared to MGH (5.8 days). After MGH treatment, 86.2% of all patients experienced faster objective healing (6.9% similar and 6.9% slower) and the subjective healing score was higher in 79.3% of the patients (20.7% similar). If the patients normally experience pain and itching during their cold sores, these levels were lower with MGH therapy compared to conventional treatment in 72.7% and 71.4% of the patients, respectively. Moreover, 100% of the patients prefer MGH treatment over conventional treatment and will use it again on future cold sores. MGH is a promising alternative treatment for cold sores, likely by combining both increased antiviral and wound healing activities while alleviating pain and itching.
Distinct In Vitro Binding Profile of the Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 2 Antagonist [177Lu]Lu-OPS201 Compared to the Agonist [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE
Authors: Mansi Rosalba , Plas Pascale , Vauquelin Georges , Fani Melpomeni
Published: December 2021

Treatment of neuroendocrine tumours with the radiolabelled somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SST2) peptide agonist [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE is effective and well-established. Recent studies suggest improved therapeutic efficacy using the SST2 peptide antagonist [177Lu]Lu-OPS201. However, little is known about the cellular mechanisms that lead to the observed differences. In the present in vitro study, we compared kinetic binding, saturation binding, competition binding, cellular uptake and release of [177Lu]Lu-OPS201 versus [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE using HEK cells stably transfected with the human SST2. While [177Lu]Lu-OPS201 and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE exhibited comparable affinity (KD, 0.15 ± 0.003 and 0.08 ± 0.02 nM, respectively), [177Lu]Lu-OPS201 recognized four times more binding sites than [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE. Competition assays demonstrated that a high concentration of the agonist displaced only 30% of [177Lu]Lu-OPS201 bound to HEK-SST2 cell membranes; an indication that the antagonist binds to additional sites that are not recognized by the agonist. [177Lu]Lu-OPS201 showed faster association and slower dissociation than [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE. Whereas most of [177Lu]Lu-OPS201 remained at the cell surface, [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE was almost completely internalised inside the cell. The present data identified distinct differences between [177Lu]Lu-OPS201 and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE regarding the recognition of receptor binding sites (higher for [177Lu]Lu-OPS201) and their kinetics (faster association and slower dissociation of [177Lu]Lu-OPS201) that explain, to a great extent, the improved therapeutic efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-OPS201 compared to [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE.
Development of an MRI-Compatible Nasal Drug Delivery Method for Probing Nicotine Addiction Dynamics
Authors: Kumar Rajat , Mujica-Parodi Lilianne R. , Wenke Michael , Amgalan Anar , Lithen Andrew , Govindarajan Sindhuja T. , Makaryus Rany , Benveniste Helene , Strey Helmut H.
Published: December 2021

Substance abuse is a fundamentally dynamic disease, characterized by repeated oscillation between craving, drug self-administration, reward, and satiety. To model nicotine addiction as a control system, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible nicotine delivery system is needed to elicit cyclical cravings. Using a concentric nebulizer, inserted into one nostril, we delivered each dose equivalent to a single cigarette puff by a syringe pump. A control mechanism permits dual modes: one delivers puffs on a fixed interval programmed by researchers; with the other, subjects press a button to self-administer each nicotine dose. We tested the viability of this delivery method for studying the brain’s response to nicotine addiction in three steps. First, we established the pharmacokinetics of nicotine delivery, using a dosing scheme designed to gradually achieve saturation. Second, we lengthened the time between microdoses to elicit craving cycles, using both fixed-interval and subject-driven behavior. Finally, we demonstrate a potential application of our device by showing that a fixed-interval protocol can reliably identify neuromodulatory targets for pharmacotherapy or brain stimulation. Our MRI-compatible nasal delivery method enables the measurement of neural circuit responses to drug doses on a single-subject level, allowing the development of data-driven predictive models to quantify individual dysregulations of the reward control circuit causing addiction.
Amphipathic Small Molecule AZT Compound Displays Potent Inhibitory Effects in Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Gunasekaran Pethaiah , Han Ho Jin , Choi Jung hoon , Ryu Eun Kyoung , Park Nam Yeong , Bang Geul , La Yeo Kyung , Park Sunghyun , Hwang Kyubin , Kim Hak Nam , Kim Mi-Hyun , Jeon Young Ho , Soung Nak-Kyun , Bang Jeong Kyu
Published: December 2021

Cancer has been identified as a leading cause of death worldwide, and the increasing number of cancer cases threatens to shorten the average life expectancy of people. Recently, we reported a 3-azido-3-deoxythymidine (AZT)-based amphipathic small molecule, ADG-2e that revealed a notable potency against tumor metastasis. To evaluate the anticancer potential of ADG-2e, we assessed its anticancer potency in vitro and in vivo. Anticancer screening of ADG-2e against cervical cancer cells, HeLa CCL2, and BT549 mammary gland ductal carcinoma showed significant inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, mechanistic investigations revealed that cancer cell death presumably proceeded through an oncosis mechanistic pathway because ADG-2e treated cells showed severe damage on the plasma membrane, a loss of membrane integrity, and leakage of α-tubulin and β-actin. Finally, evaluation of the antitumorigenic potential of ADG-2e in mouse xenograft models revealed that this compound potentially inhibits cancer cell proliferation. Collectively, these findings suggest that ADG-2e can evolve as an anticancer agent, which may represent a model for nucleoside-based small molecule anticancer drug discovery.
Development and Application of a Mechanistic Cooling and Freezing Model of the Spin Freezing Step within the Framework of Continuous Freeze-Drying
Authors: Nuytten Gust , Revatta Susan Ríos , Van Bockstal Pieter-Jan , Kumar Ashish , Lammens Joris , Leys Laurens , Vanbillemont Brecht , Corver Jos , Vervaet Chris , De Beer Thomas
Published: December 2021

During the spin freezing step of a recently developed continuous spin freeze-drying technology, glass vials are rapidly spun along their longitudinal axis. The aqueous drug formulation subsequently spreads over the inner vial wall, while a cold gas flow is used for cooling and freezing the product. In this work, a mechanistic model was developed describing the energy transfer during each phase of spin freezing in order to predict the vial and product temperature change over time. The uncertainty in the model input parameters was included via uncertainty analysis, while global sensitivity analysis was used to assign the uncertainty in the model output to the different sources of uncertainty in the model input. The model was verified, and the prediction interval corresponded to the vial temperature profiles obtained from experimental data, within the limits of the uncertainty interval. The uncertainty in the model prediction was mainly explained (>96% of uncertainty) by the uncertainty in the heat transfer coefficient, the gas temperature measurement, and the equilibrium temperature. The developed model was also applied in order to set and control a desired vial temperature profile during spin freezing. Applying this model in-line to a continuous freeze-drying process may alleviate some of the disadvantages related to batch freeze-drying, where control over the freezing step is generally poor.
Assessing the Effects of VEGF Releasing Microspheres on the Angiogenic and Foreign Body Response to a 3D Printed Silicone-Based Macroencapsulation Device
Authors: Levey Ruth E. , Coulter Fergal B. , Scheiner Karina C. , Deotti Stefano , Robinson Scott T. , McDonough Liam , Nguyen Thanh T. , Steendam Rob , Canney Mark , Wylie Robert , Burke Liam P. , Dolan Eimear B. , Dockery Peter , Kelly Helena M. , Ghersi Giulio , Hennink Wim E. , Kok Robbert J. , O’Cearbhaill Eoin , Duffy Garry P.
Published: December 2021

Macroencapsulation systems have been developed to improve islet cell transplantation but can induce a foreign body response (FBR). The development of neovascularization adjacent to the device is vital for the survival of encapsulated islets and is a limitation for long-term device success. Previously we developed additive manufactured multi-scale porosity implants, which demonstrated a 2.5-fold increase in tissue vascularity and integration surrounding the implant when compared to a non-textured implant. In parallel to this, we have developed poly(ε-caprolactone-PEG-ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(L-lactide) multiblock copolymer microspheres containing VEGF, which exhibited continued release of bioactive VEGF for 4-weeks in vitro. In the present study, we describe the next step towards clinical implementation of an islet macroencapsulation device by combining a multi-scale porosity device with VEGF releasing microspheres in a rodent model to assess prevascularization over a 4-week period. An in vivo estimation of vascular volume showed a significant increase in vascularity (* p = 0.0132) surrounding the +VEGF vs. −VEGF devices, however, histological assessment of blood vessels per area revealed no significant difference. Further histological analysis revealed significant increases in blood vessel stability and maturity (** p = 0.0040) and vessel diameter size (*** p = 0.0002) surrounding the +VEGF devices. We also demonstrate that the addition of VEGF microspheres did not cause a heightened FBR. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the combination of VEGF microspheres with our multi-scale porous macroencapsulation device, can encourage the formation of significantly larger, stable, and mature blood vessels without exacerbating the FBR.
Hepatocyte-Specific Co-Delivery of Zinc Ions and Plasmid DNA by Lactosylated Poly(1-vinylimidazole) for Suppression of Insulin Receptor Internalization
Authors: Endo Akito , Asayama Shoichiro
Published: December 2021

The lactosylated poly(1-vinylimidazole) (PVIm-Lac) with various lactosylated degrees has been synthesized for the co-delivery of zinc ions (Zn) and plasmid DNA (pDNA). The Zn/DNA/PVIm-Lac complex formation has achieved the specific delivery of zinc ions to HepG2 cells. Especially, the resulting hepatocyte-specific delivery of zinc ions has increased the number of insulin receptors on the cell surface. Consequently, the Zn/DNA/PVIm-Lac complexes have suppressed insulin receptor internalization on the surface of the HepG2 cells, expecting to offer unique therapy to inhibit hepatic insulin clearance.
New Properties and Mitochondrial Targets of Polyphenol Agrimoniin as a Natural Anticancer and Preventive Agent
Authors: Fedotcheva Tatiana A. , Sheichenko Olga P. , Fedotcheva Nadezhda I.
Published: December 2021

Agrimoniin is a polyphenol from the group of tannins with antioxidant and anticancer activities. It is assumed that the anticancer action of agrimoniin is associated with the activation of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, but its mitochondrial targets have not been estimated. We examined the direct influence of agrimoniin on different mitochondrial functions, including the induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) as the primary mechanism of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Agrimoniin was isolated from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb by multistep purification. The content of agrimoniin in the resulting substance reached 80%, as determined by NMR spectroscopy. The cytotoxic effect of purified agrimoniin was confirmed on the cultures of K562 and HeLa cancer cells by the MTT assay. When tested on isolated rat liver mitochondria, agrimoniin at a low concentration (10 µM) induced the low-amplitude swelling, which was inhibited by the MPTP inhibitors ADP and cyclosporine A, activated the opening of MPTP by calcium ions and stimulated the respiration supported by succinate oxidation. Also, agrimoniin reduced the electron acceptor DCPIP in a concentration-dependent manner and chelated iron ions. Owing to all these properties, agrimoniin can stimulate apoptosis or activate mitochondrial functions, which can be helpful in the prevention and elimination of stagnant pathological states.
mRNA, a Revolution in Biomedicine
Authors: Baptista Bruno , Carapito Rita , Laroui Nabila , Pichon Chantal , Sousa Fani
Published: December 2021

The perspective of using messenger RNA (mRNA) as a therapeutic molecule first faced some uncertainties due to concerns about its instability and the feasibility of large-scale production. Today, given technological advances and deeper biomolecular knowledge, these issues have started to be addressed and some strategies are being exploited to overcome the limitations. Thus, the potential of mRNA has become increasingly recognized for the development of new innovative therapeutics, envisioning its application in immunotherapy, regenerative medicine, vaccination, and gene editing. Nonetheless, to fully potentiate mRNA therapeutic application, its efficient production, stabilization and delivery into the target cells are required. In recent years, intensive research has been carried out in this field in order to bring new and effective solutions towards the stabilization and delivery of mRNA. Presently, the therapeutic potential of mRNA is undoubtedly recognized, which was greatly reinforced by the results achieved in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are still some issues that need to be improved, which are critically discussed in this review.
Hyperchaos in a Bose-Hubbard Chain with Rydberg-Dressed Interactions
Authors: McCormack Gary , Nath Rejish , Li Weibin
Published: December 2021

We study the chaos and hyperchaos of Rydberg-dressed Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) in a one-dimensional optical lattice. Due to the long-range, soft-core interaction between the dressed atoms, the dynamics of the BECs are described by the extended Bose-Hubbard model. In the mean-field regime, we analyze the dynamical stability of the BEC by focusing on the ground state and localized state configurations. Lyapunov exponents of the two configurations are calculated by varying the soft-core interaction strength, potential bias, and length of the lattice. Both configurations can have multiple positive Lyapunov exponents, exhibiting hyperchaotic dynamics. We show the dependence of the number of the positive Lyapunov exponents and the largest Lyapunov exponent on the length of the optical lattice. The largest Lyapunov exponent is directly proportional to areas of phase space encompassed by the associated Poincaré sections. We demonstrate that linear and hysteresis quenches of the lattice potential and the dressed interaction lead to distinct dynamics due to the chaos and hyperchaos. Our work is relevant to current research on chaos as well as collective and emergent nonlinear dynamics of BECs with long-range interactions.
Polymer-Based Bioactive Luting Agents for Cementation of All-Ceramic Crowns: An SEM, EDX, Microleakage, Fracture Strength, and Color Stability Study
Authors: Al-Saleh Samer , Aboghosh Turki W. , Hazazi Mousa S. , Binsaeed Khalid A. , Almuhaisen Abdulaziz M. , Tulbah Huda I. , Al-Qahtani Amal S. , Shabib Sara , Binhasan Mashael , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: December 2021

The aim of the study was to compare microleakage and fracture loads of all ceramic crowns luted with conventional polymer resins and polymeric bioactive cements and to assess the color stability of polymeric bioactive cements. Seventy-five extracted premolar teeth were tested for fracture loads and microleakage in all-ceramic crowns cemented with two types of polymeric bioactive cements and resin cements. In addition, the degree of color change for each cement with coffee was assessed. Thirty maxillary premolar teeth for fracture loads and thirty mandibular premolar teeth for microleakage were prepared; standardized teeth preparations were performed by a single experienced operator. All prepared specimens were randomly distributed to three groups (n = 20) based on the type of cement, Group 1: resin cement (Multilink N); Group 2: polymeric bioactive cement (ACTIVA); Group 3: polymeric bioactive cement (Ceramir). The cementation procedures for all cements (Multilink, ACTIVA, and Ceramir) were performed according to the manufacturers’ instructions. All specimens were aged using thermocycling for 30,000 cycles (5–55 °C, dwell time 30 s). These specimens were tested using the universal testing machine for fracture strength and with a micro-CT for microleakage. For the color stability evaluation, the cement specimens were immersed in coffee and evaluated with a spectrometer. Results: The highest and lowest means for fracture loads were observed in resin cements (49.5 ± 8.85) and Ceramir (39.8 ± 9.16), respectively. Ceramir (2.563 ± 0.71) showed the highest microleakage compared to resin (0.70 ± 0.75) and ACTIVA (0.61 ± 0.56). ACTIVA cements showed comparable fracture loads, microleakage, and stain resistance compared to resin cements.
Effect of Coating Process on Mechanical, Optical, and Self-Healing Properties of Waterborne Coating on Basswood Surface with MF-Coated Shellac Core Microcapsule
Authors: Tao Yu , Yan Xiaoxing , Chang Yijuan
Published: December 2021

Self-repairing microcapsules prepared with melamine formaldehyde (MF) resin as wall material and shellac and waterborne coating as core material were added to waterborne coating to prepare a self-repairing coating. In order to explore the effect of the coating process on the performance of the waterborne coating on the basswood surface with microcapsules, the number of coating layers of primer and finish and the addition mode of the microcapsules were tested as influencing factors. The effects of different coating processes on the optical, mechanical, and liquid resistance of the basswood surface coating were investigated. The results showed that different coating processes had little effect on the color difference of the coating. When the coating process was two layers of primer and three layers of finish, and microcapsules were added to the finish, the minimum gloss of the basswood surface coating at 60° incident angle was 10.2%, and the best mechanical properties, liquid resistance, and comprehensive properties were achieved. Finally, the aging resistance and self-healing performance of the waterborne coating on the basswood surface prepared by this coating process were explored. The results showed that the waterborne coating had a certain repair effect on scratch damage. This paper lays a theoretical foundation for the practical application of self-healing microcapsules in wood-surface waterborne coatings.
Bio-Based Waterborne PU for Durable Textile Coatings
Authors: De Smet David , Wéry Madeleine , Uyttendaele Willem , Vanneste Myriam
Published: December 2021

Polyurethane (PU) coatings are often applied on high added value technical textiles. Key factor to success of PU coatings is its versatility and durability. Up to today most PU textile coatings are solvent-based or water-based. Recent advances are made in applying bio-based PU on textiles. Currently, polymers made from renewable raw materials are experiencing a renaissance, owing to the trend to reduce CO2 emissions, the switch to CO2-neutral renewable products and the depletion of fossil resources. However, the application of bio-based coatings on textiles is limited. The present paper discusses the potential of a bio-based anionic PU dispersion as an environment friendly alternative for petroleum-based PU in textile coating. Coatings were applied on textile via knife over roll. The chemical, thermal and mechanical properties of the bio-based PU coating were characterised via FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and tensile test. The performance of the coating was studied by evaluating antimicrobial properties, fire retardancy, the resistance to hydrostatic pressure initially and after washing, QUV ageing and hydrolysis test. The developed bio-based PUD coating complied to the fire retardancy test ISO 15025 and exhibited excellent hydrostatic pressure, QUV ageing resistance, hydrolysis resistance, wash fastness at 40 °C.
Surface Characterisation of Dental Resin Composites Related to Conditioning and Finishing
Authors: Porojan Liliana , Vasiliu Roxana Diana , Bîrdeanu Mihaela Ionela , Porojan Sorin Daniel
Published: December 2021

Due to the little information related to surface processing and conditioning of resin matrix ceramic materials previous glazing, the main purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of different surface treatments on the surface morphology of different resin composite materials. Five types of resin composite CAD-CAM materials: a resin composite ceramic Vita Enamic (E) and four types of nanoparticle-filled resins, like Lava Ultimate (L), Cerasmart (C), Shofu HC (S), Hyramic (H) were taken into consideration. Specimens received the following surface treatment protocols: conventional polishing [p], polishing and glazing [pg], conditioning with CoJet [c], conditioning with CoJet and glazing [cg], sandblasting [s], sandblasting and glazing [sg], etching [e], etching and glazing [eg]. Surface roughness was analyzed for all samples and nanosurface topographic characterization was made by Atomic Force Microscopy. The highest roughness was registered for sandblasted surfaces [s], followed by tribochemical silica airborne particle abrasion [c], and etching [e]. A very strong correlated conditioning behavior of resin nanoceramic materials, like L, C and S samples was found. The microroughness decreased thus [s] > [c] > [e]. These are moderate correlated with H, and are moderate negative correlated to E, where e is more efficient. Three-dimensional images indicated visible grain boundaries after conditioning, for all materials. After polishing and glazing, surfaces became smoother. For all tested conditioning and finishing methods, surface roughness values were within clinically acceptable limits. Finishing by polishing was proved to be a good choice for all materials taken into consideration, polishing and glazing likewise, excepting Hyramic. For Enamic and Shofu HC sandblasting or tribochemical conditioning and glazing and for Hyramic polishing and glazing are not the best options, related to nanoroughness values. Referring to the nanosurface topography, for Enamic, Cerasmart and Hyramic, glazing would be the method of choice, associated with the adequate conditioning method for each material.
Efficiency of High-Frequency Pressing of Spruce Laminated Timber Bonded with Casein Adhesives
Authors: Herzog Andreas , Kerschbaumer Tobias , Schwarzenbrunner Ronald , Barbu Marius-Cătălin , Petutschnigg Alexander , Tudor Eugenia Mariana
Published: December 2021

This study identifies the importance of reducing press times by employing high-frequency pressing of spruce-laminated timber bound with sustainable casein adhesives. Spruce lamellas with dimensions of 12 × 10 × 75 cm were bonded into five-layered laminated timber and then separated into single-layer solid wood panels. Three types of casein (acid casein from two sources and rennin) were used. To compare the effectiveness of the casein formulation, two control samples bonded with polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) adhesive were pressed at room temperature (20 °C) and also with high-frequency equipment. The tests included compression shear strength, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and screw withdrawal resistance on the wood panel surface and in the glue line. The average values of casein-bonded samples compression strengths ranged from 1.16 N/mm2 and 2.28 N/mm2, for modulus of rupture (MOR) were measured 85 N/mm2 to 101 N/mm2 and for modulus of elasticity (MOE) 12,200 N/mm2 to 14,300 N/mm2. The screw withdrawal resistance (SWR) on the surface of the wood panels ranged from 91 N/mm to 117 N/mm and in the adhesive line from 91 N/mm to 118 N/mm. Control samples bonded with PVAc adhesive did not perform better for compression shear strength, MOR and MOE, but for SWR in the adhesive line with 114 N/mm. Casein-bonded spruce timber pressed with HF equipment represents a sustainable new product with reduced press times, hazardous emissions and improved workability.
Optimized Micro-Pattern Design and Fabrication of a Light Guide Plate Using Micro-Injection Molding
Authors: Fan Fang-Yu , Chou Hsin-Hua , Lin Wei-Chun , Huang Chiung-Fang , Lin Yi , Shen Yung-Kang , Ruslin Muhammad
Published: December 2021

This study examined the uniformity of illuminance field distributions of light guide plates (LGPs). First, the authors designed microstructural patterns on the surface of an LGP. Then, a mold of the LGP with the optimal microstructural design was fabricated by a photolithography method. Micro-injection molding (μIM) was used to manufacture the molded LGPs. μIM technology can simultaneously manufacture large-sized wedge-shaped LGPs and micro-scale microstructures. Finally, illuminance values of the field distributions of the LGPs with various microstructures were obtained through optical field measurements. This study compared the illuminance field distributions of LGPs with various designs and structures, which included LGPs without and those with microstructure on the primary design and the optimal design. The average illuminance of the LGP with microstructures and the optimal design was roughly 196.1 cd/m2. Its average illuminance was 1.3 times that of the LGP without microstructures. This study also discusses illuminance field distributions of LGPs with microstructures that were influenced by various μIM process parameters. The mold temperature was found to be the most important processing parameter affecting the illuminance field distribution of molded LGPs fabricated by μIM. The molded LGP with microstructures and the optimal design had better uniformity than that with microstructures and the primary design and that without microstructures. The uniformity of the LGP with microstructures and the optimal design was roughly 86.4%. Its uniformity was nearly 1.65 times that of the LGP without microstructures. The optimized design and fabrication of LGPs with microstructure exhibited good uniformity of illuminance field distributions.
Gallic Acid-Containing Gelatin-Based Nonwoven Mat with Synergistic Photodegradation and Photoindication Function for Reducing Nicotine
Authors: Bai Meng-Yi , Wang Ting-Teng
Published: December 2021

Cigarette smoking is a popular habit that has negative health consequences for populations. In this study, we developed a gallic acid-containing, gelatin-based nonwoven mat with photodegradation and photoindication functions. This could react with sidestream cigarette smoke and simultaneously inhibit the activity of the microbe growth in the air. The results of a fluorescence emission spectrum evidenced this photoindication function. Neither the nicotine nor gallic acid showed a redshift emission spectrum. However, the emission spectrum of the nonwoven mat exhibited the redshift and increased in intensity after absorbing the sidestream cigarette smoke. In this spectral evidence, the natural polymer played a key role in the photoindication function’s display because it could dissolve the nicotine of the sidestream cigarette smoke and cause it to react with the gelatin structure. The high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy results indicated that the gallic acid and ultraviolet (UV) light enhanced the absorption of nicotine and nicotine-like derivatives, which were dissolved by the Tween 80 of nonwoven mat. The liquid paraffin and Tween 80 could oxidize, dehydrogenate, and demethylate the nicotine that was absorbed by the gelatin nonwoven mat. In conclusion, the nonwoven mat developed in this study provided the functions to filter the nicotine of sidestream smoke and activate the photoindication property by absorbing 365-nm UV light.
Microstructure and Biological Properties of Electrospun In Situ Polymerization of Polycaprolactone-Graft-Polyacrylic Acid Nanofibers and Its Composite Nanofiber Dressings
Authors: Huang Yi-Jen , Huang Chien-Lin , Lai Ruo-Yu , Zhuang Cheng-Han , Chiu Wei-Hao , Lee Kun-Mu
Published: December 2021

In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL)- and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-based electrospun nanofibers were prepared for the carriers of antimicrobials and designed composite nanofiber mats for chronic wound care. The PCL- and PAA-based electrospun nanofibers were prepared through in situ polymerization starting from PCL and acrylic acid (AA). Different amounts of AA were introduced to improve the hydrophilicity of the PCL electrospun nanofibers. A compatibilizer and a photoinitiator were then added to the electrospinning solution to form a grafted structure composed of PCL and PAA (PCL-g-PAA). The grafted PAA was mainly located on the surface of a PCL nanofiber. The optimization of the composition of PCL, AA, compatibilizer, and photoinitiator was studied, and the PCL-g-PAA electrospun nanofibers were characterized through scanning electron microscopy and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Results showed that the addition of AA to PCL improved the hydrophilicity of the electrospun PCL nanofibers, and a PCL/AA ratio of 80/20 presented the best composition and had smooth nanofiber morphology. Moreover, poly[2 -(tert-butylaminoethyl) methacrylate]-grafted graphene oxide nanosheets (GO-g-PTA) functioned as an antimicrobial agent and was used as filler for PCL-g-PAA nanofibers in the preparation of composite nanofiber mats, which exerted synergistic effects promoted by the antibacterial properties of GO-g-PTA and the hydrophilicity of PCL-g-PAA electrospun nanofibers. Thus, the composite nanofiber mats had antibacterial properties and absorbed body fluids in the wound healing process, thereby promoting cell proliferation. The biodegradation of the PCL-g-PAA electrospun nanofibers also demonstrated an encouraging result of three-fold weight reduction compared to the neat PCL nanofiber. Our findings may serve as guidelines for the fabrication of electrospun nanofiber composites that can be used mats for chronic wound care.
Dextran-Based Edible Coatings to Prolong the Shelf Life of Blueberries
Authors: Davidović Slađana , Miljković Miona , Gordic Milan , Cabrera-Barjas Gustavo , Nesic Aleksandra , Dimitrijević-Branković Suzana
Published: December 2021

The development of edible films and coatings in the food packaging industry presents one of the modern strategies for protecting food products and ensuring their freshness and quality during their shelf lives. The application of microbial polysaccharides to the development of food package materials, as an alternative option to the commonly used plastic materials, is both economic and environmentally favorable. New edible films were developed using dextran from lactic acid bacterium Leuconostoc mesenteroides T3, and additionally plasticized by different concentrations of polyglycerol. The best tensile strength of the films was obtained using a formulation that contained 10 wt% of polyglycerol, which corresponded to a value of 4.6 MPa. The most flexible formulation, with elongation at break of 602%, was obtained with 30 wt% of polyglycerol. Water vapor permeability values of the films synthesized in this study were in the range of (3.45–8.81) ∗ 10−12 g/m s Pa. Such low values indicated that they could be efficient in preventing fruit from drying out during storage. Thus, the film formulations were used to coat blueberries in order to assess their quality during a storage time of 21 days at 8 °C. The results showed that dextran/polyglycerol films could be efficient in extending the shelf life of blueberries, which was evidenced by lower weight loss and total sugar solids values, as well as a delay in titratable acidity, in comparison to the uncoated blueberries.
Dual Transient Networks of Polymer and Micellar Chains: Structure and Viscoelastic Synergy
Authors: Roland Sébastien , Miquelard-Garnier Guillaume , Shibaev Andrey V. , Aleshina Anna L. , Chennevière Alexis , Matsarskaia Olga , Sollogoub Cyrille , Philippova Olga E. , Iliopoulos Ilias
Published: December 2021

Dual transient networks were prepared by mixing highly charged long wormlike micelles of surfactants with polysaccharide chains of hydroxypropyl guar above the entanglement concentration for each of the components. The wormlike micelles were composed of two oppositely charged surfactants potassium oleate and n-octyltrimethylammonium bromide with a large excess of anionic surfactant. The system is macroscopically homogeneous over a wide range of polymer and surfactant concentrations, which is attributed to a stabilizing effect of surfactants counterions that try to occupy as much volume as possible in order to gain in translational entropy. At the same time, by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) combined with ultrasmall-angle neutron scattering (USANS), a microphase separation with the formation of polymer-rich and surfactant-rich domains was detected. Rheological studies in the linear viscoelastic regime revealed a synergistic 180-fold enhancement of viscosity and 65-fold increase of the longest relaxation time in comparison with the individual components. This effect was attributed to the local increase in concentration of both components trying to avoid contact with each other, which makes the micelles longer and increases the number of intermicellar and interpolymer entanglements. The enhanced rheological properties of this novel system based on industrially important polymer hold great potential for applications in personal care products, oil recovery and many other fields.