bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Methodology for Experimental Characterization of Micro-Sandwich Materials
Authors: Hammarberg Samuel , Kajberg Jörgen , Larsson Simon , Moshfegh Ramin , Jonsén Pär
Published: August 2021

Lightweight components are in demand from the automotive industry, due to legislation regulating greenhouse gas emissions, e.g., CO2. Traditionally, lightweighting has been done by replacing mild steels with ultra-high strength steel. The development of micro-sandwich materials has received increasing attention due to their formability and potential for replacing steel sheets in automotive bodies. A fundamental requirement for micro-sandwich materials to gain significant market share within the automotive industry is the possibility to simulate manufacturing of components, e.g., cold forming. Thus, reliable methods for characterizing the mechanical properties of the micro-sandwich materials, and in particular their cores, are necessary. In the present work, a novel method for obtaining the out-of-plane properties of micro-sandwich cores is presented. In particular, the out-of-plane properties, i.e., transverse tension/compression and out-of-plane shear are characterized. Test tools are designed and developed for subjecting micro-sandwich specimens to the desired loading conditions and digital image correlation is used to qualitatively analyze displacement fields and fracture of the core. A variation of the response from the material tests is observed, analyzed using statistical methods, i.e., the Weibull distribution. It is found that the suggested method produces reliable and repeatable results, providing a better understanding of micro-sandwich materials. The results produced in the present work may be used as input data for constitutive models, but also for validation of numerical models.
Effect of Nitrogen and Aluminum Doping on 3C-SiC Heteroepitaxial Layers Grown on 4° Off-Axis Si (100)
Authors: Calabretta Cristiano , Scuderi Viviana , Anzalone Ruggero , Mauceri Marco , Crippa Danilo , Cannizzaro Annalisa , Boninelli Simona , La Via Francesco
Published: August 2021

This work provides a comprehensive investigation of nitrogen and aluminum doping and its consequences for the physical properties of 3C-SiC. Free-standing 3C-SiC heteroepitaxial layers, intentionally doped with nitrogen or aluminum, were grown on Si (100) substrate with different 4° off-axis in a horizontal hot-wall chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor. The Si substrate was melted inside the CVD chamber, followed by the growth process. Micro-Raman, photoluminescence (PL) and stacking fault evaluation through molten KOH etching were performed on different doped samples. Then, the role of the doping and of the cut angle on the quality, density and length distribution of the stacking faults was studied, in order to estimate the influence of N and Al incorporation on the morphological and optical properties of the material. In particular, for both types of doping, it was observed that as the dopant concentration increased, the average length of the stacking faults (SFs) increased and their density decreased.
PCL-Coated Multi-Substituted Calcium Phosphate Bone Scaffolds with Enhanced Properties
Authors: Bauer Leonard , Antunović Maja , Gallego-Ferrer Gloria , Ivanković Marica , Ivanković Hrvoje
Published: August 2021

Ionic substitutions within the hydroxyapatite lattice are a widely used approach to mimic the chemical composition of the bone mineral. In this work, Sr-substituted and Mg- and Sr-co-substituted calcium phosphate (CaP) scaffolds, with various levels of strontium and magnesium substitution, were prepared using the hydrothermal method at 200 °C. Calcium carbonate skeletons of cuttlefish bone, ammonium dihydrogenphosphate (NH4H2PO4), strontium nitrate (Sr(NO3)2), and magnesium perchlorate (Mg(ClO4)2) were used as reagents. Materials were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Whole powder pattern decomposition refinements of XRD data indicated that increased magnesium content in the Mg- and Sr-co-substituted scaffolds was related to an increased proportion of the whitlockite (WH) phase in the biphasic hydroxyapatite (HAp)/WH scaffolds. In addition, refinements indicate that Sr2+ ions have replaced Ca2+ sites in the WH phase. Furthermore, PCL-coated Mg-substituted and Sr- and Mg-co-substituted scaffolds, with the HAp:WH wt. ratio of 90:10 were prepared by vacuum impregnation. Results of compression tests showed a positive impact of the WH phase and PCL coating on the mechanical properties of scaffolds. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cultured on composite scaffolds in an osteogenic medium for 21 days. Immunohistochemical staining showed that Mg-Sr-CaP/PCL scaffold exhibited higher expression of collagen type I than the Mg-CaP/PCL scaffold, indicating the positive effect of Sr2+ ions on the differentiation of hMSCs, in concordance with histology results. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis confirmed an early stage of osteogenic differentiation.
Nonlinear Optical Properties of Porphyrin, Fullerene and Ferrocene Hybrid Materials
Authors: Limosani Francesca , Tessore Francesca , Di Carlo Gabriele , Forni Alessandra , Tagliatesta Pietro
Published: August 2021

In this research, we investigated the second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of multicomponent hybrid materials formed by meso-tetraphenylporphyrin P (both as free base and ZnII complex), carrying in 2 or 2,12 β-pyrrolic position an electron donor ferrocene (Fc), and/or an electron acceptor fullerene (C60) moiety, connected to the porphyrin core via an ethynyl or an ethynylphenyl spacer. We measured the NLO response by the electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation (EFISH) technique in CH2Cl2 solution with a 1907 nm incident wavelength, recording for all the investigated compounds unexpected negative values of μβ1907. Since density functional theory (DFT) calculations evidenced for P-Fc dyads almost null ground state dipole moments and very low values for P-C60 dyads and Fc-P-C60 triads, our EFISH results suggested a significant contribution to γEFISH of the purely electronic cubic term γ(−2ω; ω, ω, 0), which prevails on the quadratic dipolar orientational one μβ(−2ω; ω, ω)/5kT, as confirmed by computational evidence.
Bone Response to Conventional Titanium Implants and New Zirconia Implants Produced by Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Kim Jin-Cheol , Yeo In-Sung Luke
Published: August 2021

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vivo bone response to an additively manufactured zirconia surface compared to osseointegration into titanium (Ti) surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis were performed to assess the surface characteristics of implant specimens. For the in vivo evaluation, eight Ti implants and eight 3D-printed zirconia implants were used. The surface of four Ti implants was sandblasted, large-grit, and acid-etched (Ti-SLA group), while those of the other four Ti implants were left untreated (Ti-turned group). The zirconia implants had no further surface modification. Implants were placed into the tibiae of four rabbits; two received the Ti-SLA and zirconia implants and the other two received Ti-turned and zirconia implants. The experimental animals were sacrificed after four weeks of surgery, and the undecalcified microscopic slides were prepared. The bone–implant interface was analyzed by histomorphometry to evaluate the bone response. The degree of surface roughness showed that Ti-SLA was the highest, followed by zirconia and Ti-turned surfaces. The 3D-printed zirconia surface showed similar bone-to-implant contact to the Ti-turned surface, and Ti-SLA had the most bone-to-implant contact. The additively manufactured zirconia implant surface is biocompatible with respect to osseointegration compared to the commercially pure Ti surface.
Study on the Adhesion Performance of Asphalt-Calcium Silicate Hydrate Gel Interface in Semi-Flexible Pavement Materials Based on Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Hu Bei , Huang Wenke , Yu Jinlou , Xiao Zhicheng , Wu Kuanghuai
Published: August 2021

The interface between an asphalt binder and a calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel is a weak point of semi-flexible pavement material. In this study, the adhesion performance of asphalt-C-S-H gel interface in semi-flexible pavements at a molecular scale has been investigated. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were applied to establish three asphalt binders: 70# asphalt binder (the penetration is 70 mm), PG76-22 modified asphalt binder (a kind of asphalt binder that can adapt to the highest temperature of 76 °C and the lowest temperature of −22 °C), and S-HV asphalt binder (super high viscosity). The effects of different temperatures and SBS modifier contents on interfacial adhesion were explored. The obtained results showed that temperature variations had little effect on the adhesion work of the asphalt-C-S-H gel interface. It was also found that by increasing the content of SBS modifier, the adhesion work of the asphalt-C-S-H gel interface was increased. The molecular weight of each component was found to be an important factor affecting its molecular diffusion rate. The addition of SBS modifier could regulate the adsorption of aromatics by C-S-H gel in the four components of asphalt binder and improve the adsorption of resins by C-S-H gel.
Effect of the Mechanical Load on the Carbonation of Concrete: A Review of the Underlying Mechanisms, Test Methods, and Results
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Van den Heede Philip , De Belie Nele
Published: August 2021

As one of the major causes of concrete deterioration, the carbonation of concrete has been widely investigated over recent decades. In recent years, the effect of mechanical load on carbonation has started to attract more attention. The load-induced variations in crack pattern and pore structure have a significant influence on CO2 transport which determines the carbonation rate. With different types of load, the number, orientation, and position of the induced cracks can be different, which will lead to different carbonation patterns. In this review paper, the carbonation in cracked and stress-damaged concrete is discussed first. Then, literature about the effect of sustained load during carbonation is compared in terms of load type and load level. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of possible test methods for investigating the effect of sustained load on carbonation are discussed with respect to loading devices, load compensation, and specimen size.
Regularities in Ordered n-Ary Semihypergroups
Authors: Daengsaen Jukkrit , Leeratanavalee Sorasak
Published: August 2021

This paper deals with a class of hyperstructures called ordered n-ary semihypergroups which are studied by means of j-hyperideals for all positive integers 1≤j≤n and n≥3. We first introduce the notion of (softly) left regularity, (softly) right regularity, (softly) intra-regularity, complete regularity, generalized regularity of ordered n-ary semihypergroups and investigate their related properties. Several characterizations of them in terms of j-hyperideals are provided. Finally, the relationships between various classes of regularities in ordered n-ary semihypergroups are also established.
Oscillation Criteria of Second-Order Dynamic Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Zhu Ya-Ru , Mao Zhong-Xuan , Liu Shi-Pu , Tian Jing-Feng
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we consider the oscillation behavior of the following second-order nonlinear dynamic equation. λ(s)Ψ1φΔ(s)y(φ(s))ΔΔ+η(s)Φ(y(τ(s)))=0,s∈[s0,∞)T. By employing generalized Riccati transformation and inequality scaling technique, we establish some oscillation criteria.
Path Analysis for Hybrid Rigid–Flexible Mechanisms
Authors: Altuzarra Oscar , Solanillas David Manuel , Amezua Enrique , Petuya Victor
Published: August 2021

Hybrid rigid–flexible mechanisms are a type of compliant mechanism that combines rigid and flexible elements, being that their mobility is due to rigid-body joints and the relative flexibility of bendable rods. Two of the modeling methods of flexible rods are the Cosserat rod model and its simplification, the Kirchhoff rod model. Both of them present a system of differential equations that must be solved in conjunction with the boundary constraints of the rod, leading to a boundary value problem (BVP). In this work, two methods to solve this BVP are applied to analyze the influence of external loads in the movement of hybrid compliant mechanisms. First, a shooting method (SM) is used to integrate directly the shape of the flexible rod and the forces that appear in it. Then, an integration with elliptic integrals (EI) is carried out to solve the workspace of the compliant element, considering its buckling mode. Applying both methods, an algorithm that obtains the locus of all possible trajectories of the mechanism’s coupler point, and detects the buckling mode change, is developed. This algorithm also allows calculating all possible circuits of the mechanism. Thus, the performance of this method within the path analysis of mechanisms is demonstrated.
Influence of Beam Power on Young’s Modulus and Friction Coefficient of Ti–Ta Alloys Formed by Electron-Beam Surface Alloying
Authors: Valkov Stefan , Dechev Dimitar , Ivanov Nikolay , Bezdushnyi Ruslan , Ormanova Maria , Petrov Peter
Published: August 2021

In this study, we present the results of Young’s modulus and coefficient of friction (COF) of Ti–Ta surface alloys formed by electron-beam surface alloying by a scanning electron beam. Ta films were deposited on the top of Ti substrates, and the specimens were then electron-beam surface alloyed, where the beam power was varied from 750 to 1750 W. The structure of the samples was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Young’s modulus was studied by a nanoindentation test. The coefficient of friction was studied by a micromechanical wear experiment. It was found that at 750 W, the Ta film remained undissolved on the top of the Ti, and no alloyed zone was observed. By an increase in the beam power to 1250 and 1750 W, a distinguished alloyed zone is formed, where it is much thicker in the case of 1750 W. The structure of the obtained surface alloys is in the form of double-phase α’and β. In both surface alloys formed by a beam power of 1250 and 1750 W, respectively, Young’s modulus decreases about two times due to different reasons: in the case of alloying by 1250 W, the observed drop is attributed to the larger amount of the β phase, while at 1750 W is it due to the weaker binding forces between the atoms. The results obtained for the COF show that the formation of the Ti–Ta surface alloy on the top of Ti substrate leads to a decrease in the coefficient of friction, where the effect is more pronounced in the case of the formation of Ti–Ta surface alloys by a beam power of 1250 W.
Monitoring Early Glycolytic Flux Alterations Following Radiotherapy in Cancer and Immune Cells: Hyperpolarized Carbon-13 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Lai Ying-Chieh , Hsieh Ching-Yi , Lu Kuan-Ying , Sung Cheng-Hsuan , Ho Hung-Yao , Cheng Mei-Ling , Chen Albert P. , Ng Shu-Hang , Chen Fang-Hsin , Lin Gigin
Published: August 2021

Alterations in metabolism following radiotherapy affect therapeutic efficacy, although the mechanism underlying such alterations is unclear. A new imaging technique—named dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) carbon-13 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—probes the glycolytic flux in a real-time, dynamic manner. The [1-13C]pyruvate is transported by the monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) into cells and converted into [1-13C]lactate by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). To capture the early glycolytic alterations in the irradiated cancer and immune cells, we designed a preliminary DNP 13C-MRI study by using hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate to study human FaDu squamous carcinoma cells, HMC3 microglial cells, and THP-1 monocytes before and after irradiation. The pyruvate-to-lactate conversion rate (kPL [Pyr.]) calculated by kinetic modeling was used to evaluate the metabolic alterations. Western blotting was performed to assess the expressions of LDHA, LDHB, MCT1, and MCT4 proteins. Following irradiation, the pyruvate-to-lactate conversion rates on DNP 13C-MRI were significantly decreased in the FaDu and the HMC3 cells but increased in the THP-1 cells. Western blot analysis confirmed the similar trends in LDHA and LDHB expression levels. In conclusion, DNP 13C-MRI non-invasively captured the different glycolytic alterations among cancer and immune systems in response to irradiation, implying its potential for clinical use in the future.
NIR-MID Reflectance and Emissivity Study at Different Temperatures of Sodium Carbonate Minerals: Spectra Characterization and Implication for Remote Sensing Identification
Authors: Fastelli Maximiliano , Zucchini Azzurra , Comodi Paola , Maturilli Alessandro , Alemanno Giulia , Palomba Ernesto , Piergallini Riccardo
Published: August 2021

Recent satellite observations and the deconvolution of remote sensing data have shown the existence of various carbonate minerals in different solar system bodies. Emissivity, from 403 to 803 K, and reflectance spectra at 300 and 193 K of selected carbonates minerals with different ratios of Na:Ca and water amounts were respectively collected at 3–20 μm and at 1–16 μm. All reflectance spectra show absorption features in the 1.9–2.5 and 3.4–4.0 μm areas due to overtone and a combination of CO32− and fundamental vibrational models at ≈9.09, 11.35, 7.06, and 14.7 μm. The increase of the Na:Ca ratio in anhydrous samples produces a shift of the absorption features in the 3.4–4.0 μm area toward shorter wavelengths, and the peak at 3.9 μm doubles in the presence of a CO32− oxygen group shared with two cations in minerals having more complex structures. The comparison of the bands at ≈669 and ≈794 cm−1 in the emissivity spectra collected at high temperatures indicates that around 600 K, phase transitions occurred in natrite and thermonatrite. The reflectance spectra measured at 193 K reveal a fine structure compared to spectra collected at room temperature. The comparison of laboratory results with the spectrum of Ceres’s brightest crater Occator from the Dawn mission, taken as a case study, showed how the anhydrous samples, shortite and nyerereite, studied in this work can also be hypothesized for Ceres’s surface beyond that already suggested (trona, natrite, thermonatrite).
Coupling NCA Dimensionality Reduction with Machine Learning in Multispectral Rock Classification Problems
Authors: Sinaice Brian Bino , Owada Narihiro , Saadat Mahdi , Toriya Hisatoshi , Inagaki Fumiaki , Bagai Zibisani , Kawamura Youhei
Published: August 2021

Though multitudes of industries depend on the mining industry for resources, this industry has taken hits in terms of declining mineral ore grades and its current use of traditional, time-consuming and computationally costly rock and mineral identification methods. Therefore, this paper proposes integrating Hyperspectral Imaging, Neighbourhood Component Analysis (NCA) and Machine Learning (ML) as a combined system that can identify rocks and minerals. Modestly put, hyperspectral imaging gathers electromagnetic signatures of the rocks in hundreds of spectral bands. However, this data suffers from what is termed the ‘dimensionality curse’, which led to our employment of NCA as a dimensionality reduction technique. NCA, in turn, highlights the most discriminant feature bands, number of which being dependent on the intended application(s) of this system. Our envisioned application is rock and mineral classification via unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drone technology. In this study, we performed a 204-hyperspectral to 5-band multispectral reduction, because current production drones are limited to five multispectral bands sensors. Based on these bands, we applied ML to identify and classify rocks, thereby proving our hypothesis, reducing computational costs, attaining an ML classification accuracy of 71%, and demonstrating the potential mining industry optimisations attainable through this integrated system.
Effect of Oat β-Glucan on the Rheological Characteristics and Microstructure of Set-Type Yogurt
Authors: Qu Xiaoqing , Nazarenko Yuliya , Yang Wei , Nie Yuanyang , Zhang Yongsheng , Li Bo
Published: August 2021

The oat β-glucan (OG) was added into set-type yogurt as a functional ingredient, in order to evaluate effects on the rheological characteristics and microstructure of set-type yogurt. When the OG concentration increased from 0 to 0.3%, the WHC gradually increased. At 0.3% OG, the set-type yogurt had the highest WHC of 94.67%. Additionally, the WHC continuously decreased, reaching the lowest WHC (about 80%) at 0.5% OG. When 0.3% OG was added, the highest score of sensory evaluation was about 85. The rheological result showed that the fermentation process went through the changes as follows: solid → liquid → solid → liquid. The addition of 0.3% OG decreased the fermentation time of set-type yogurt by about 16 min, making yogurt more inclined to be liquid. The acidity of set-type yogurt with OG was slightly higher. The result of microstructure showed that the addition of OG destroyed the three-dimensional network structure of yogurt, and some spherical aggregate particles could be clearly observed at 0.3% OG. Overall, this study provided a theoretical basis for the application of OG in set-type yogurt.
A Fast and Convenient Synthesis of New Water-Soluble, Polyanionic Dendrimers
Authors: Salamończyk Grzegorz M.
Published: August 2021

Reasonably simple, efficient, and possessing aspects of generality, the methodology for the synthesis of new, water-soluble, dendrimeric polyesters with great potential applications as antiviral drugs in their own right is described. The essential aspect of the presented approach is a quite unique, immediate access to the polyanionic material at each generation during divergent synthesis. Six target polyanionic dendrimers (generations 1, 2, and 3) have been synthesized. The key monomers applied in this project were 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid derivatives, which also worked as direct precursors of the charged dendrimer surface.
Discovery of Amide-Functionalized Benzimidazolium Salts as Potent α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Authors: Khan Imran Ahmad , Ahmad Matloob , Ashfaq Usman Ali , Sultan Sadia , Zaki Magdi E.A.
Published: August 2021

α-Glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) are used as medicines for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The α-Glucosidase enzyme is present in the small intestine and is responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugars. The process results in an increase in blood sugar levels. AGIs slow down the digestion of carbohydrates that is helpful in controlling the sugar levels in the blood after meals. Among heterocyclic compounds, benzimidazole moiety is recognized as a potent bioactive scaffold for its wide range of biologically active derivatives. The aim of this study is to explore the α-glucosidase inhibition ability of benzimidazolium salts. In this study, two novel series of benzimidazolium salts, i.e., 1-benzyl-3-{2-(substituted) amino-2-oxoethyl}-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-3-ium bromide 9a–m and 1-benzyl-3-{2-substituted) amino-2-oxoethyl}-2-methyl-1H-benzo[d] imidazol-3-ium bromide 10a–m were screened for their in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. These compounds were synthesized through a multistep procedure and were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and EI-MS techniques. Compound 10d was identified as the potent α-glucosidase inhibitor among the series with an IC50 value of 14 ± 0.013 μM, which is 4-fold higher than the standard drug, acarbose. In addition, compounds 10a, 10e, 10h, 10g, 10k, 10l, and 10m also exhibited pronounced potential for α-glucosidase inhibition with IC50 value ranging from 15 ± 0.037 to 32.27 ± 0.050 µM when compared with the reference drug acarbose (IC50 = 58.8 ± 0.12 μM). A molecular docking study was performed to rationalize the binding interactions of potent inhibitors with the active site of the α-glucosidase enzyme.
Antibacterial Properties of Citric Acid/β-Alanine Carbon Dots against Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Pandey Anju , Devkota Asmita , Yadegari Zeinab , Dumenyo Korsi , Taheri Ali
Published: August 2021

While multi-drug resistance in bacteria is an emerging concern in public health, using carbon dots (CDs) as a new source of antimicrobial activity is gaining popularity due to their antimicrobial and non-toxic properties. Here we prepared carbon dots from citric acid and β-alanine and demonstrated their ability to inhibit the growth of diverse groups of Gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium, and Pectobacterium species. Carbon dots were prepared using a one-pot, three-minute synthesis process in a commercial microwave oven (700 W). The antibacterial activity of these CDs was studied using the well-diffusion method, and their minimal inhibitory concentration was determined by exposing bacterial cells for 20 h to different concentrations of CDs ranging from 0.5 to 10 mg/mL. Our finding indicates that these CDs can be an effective alternative to commercially available antibiotics. We also demonstrated the minimum incubation time required for complete inhibition of bacterial growth, which varied depending on bacterial species. With 15-min incubation time, A. tumefaciens and P. aeruginosa were the most sensitive strains, whereas E. coli and S. enterica were the most resistant bacterial strains requiring over 20 h incubation with CDs.
Optimizing the PMMA Electron-Blocking Layer of Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zvaigzne Mariya , Alexandrov Alexei , Tkach Anastasia , Lypenko Dmitriy , Nabiev Igor , Samokhvalov Pavel
Published: August 2021

Quantum dots (QDs) are promising candidates for producing bright, color-pure, cost-efficient, and long-lasting QD-based light-emitting diodes (QDLEDs). However, one of the significant problems in achieving high efficiency of QDLEDs is the imbalance between the rates of charge-carrier injection into the emissive QD layer and their transport through the device components. Here we investigated the effect of the parameters of the deposition of a poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) electron-blocking layer (EBL), such as PMMA solution concentration, on the characteristics of EBL-enhanced QDLEDs. A series of devices was fabricated with the PMMA layer formed from acetone solutions with concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 1.2 mg/mL. The addition of the PMMA layer allowed for an increase of the maximum luminance of QDLED by a factor of four compared to the control device without EBL, that is, to 18,671 cd/m2, with the current efficiency increased by an order of magnitude and the turn-on voltage decreased by ~1 V. At the same time, we have demonstrated that each particular QDLED characteristic has a maximum at a specific PMMA layer thickness; therefore, variation of the EBL deposition conditions could serve as an additional parameter space when other QDLED optimization approaches are being developed or implied in future solid-state lighting and display devices.
Faecal Microbiota Composition Varies between Patients with Breast Cancer and Healthy Women: A Comparative Case-Control Study
Authors: Bobin-Dubigeon Christine , Luu Huyen Trang , Leuillet Sébastien , Lavergne Sidonie N. , Carton Thomas , Le Vacon Françoise , Michel Catherine , Nazih Hassane , Bard Jean-Marie
Published: August 2021

The intestinal microbiota plays an essential role in many diseases, such as obesity, irritable bowel disease (IBD), and cancer. This study aimed to characterize the faecal microbiota from early-stage breast cancer (BC) patients and healthy controls. Faeces from newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, mainly for an invasive carcinoma of no specific type (HR+ and HER2−), before any therapeutic treatment and healthy controls were collected for metabarcoding analyses. We show that the Shannon index, used as an index of diversity, was statistically lower in the BC group compared to that of controls. This work highlights a reduction of microbial diversity, a relative enrichment in Firmicutes, as well as a depletion in Bacteroidetes in patients diagnosed with early BC compared to those of healthy women. A tendency towards a decreased relative abundance of Odoribacter sp., Butyricimonas sp., and Coprococcus sp. was observed. This preliminary study suggests that breast cancer patients may differ from healthy subjects in their intestinal bacterial composition.
Infant Feeding and Information Sources in Chilean Families Who Reported Baby-Led Weaning as a Complementary Feeding Method
Authors: Quintiliano-Scarpelli Daiana , Lehmann Nicole , Castillo Bárbara , Blanco Estela
Published: August 2021

Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is a new and emerging method of introducing complementary feeding in solid consistency, without the use of a spoon and entirely guided by the baby. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the BLW approach in relation to compliance with basic components and sources of information in Chilean families. Using a cross-sectional design, we assessed early nutrition, including breastfeeding and foods offered, maternal/child characteristics and sources of information on BLW among a non-probabilistic sample of mothers of children <24 months who reported practicing BLW (n = 261, median age = 28 years) in Chile. We found that 57.5% of mothers reported their child ate the same food as the family, 44.1% shared ≥3 meals with the family, 84.7% offered ≥3 foods at each meal and 75.6% reported only occasionally offering food with a spoon. The majority reported obtaining information on BLW from social media (82%). Moreover, 56% had offered cookies, 32% added salt and 9% sugar in the first 2 years. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months related to higher odds of consuming family foods (OR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.24–4.84), while having received information from professional sources and social media related to lower odds (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.22–0.88 and OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.15–0.66, respectively). Those who had appropriate weight gain had lower odds of consuming ≥3 foods in meals (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.13–0.96). Among mothers who reported practicing BLW with their children, we observed a wide variety of feeding habits, sources of information and low compliance with the studied components. Eating the same food as the family was the most prevalent component and social media was the main source of information on BLW.
The Use of Natural Fiber-Rich Food Product Is Safe and Reduces Aberrant Crypt Foci in a Pre-Clinical Model
Authors: do Amaral Luane Aparecida , da Silva Fleming de Almeida Taina , Oliveira de Souza Gabriel Henrique , Baranoski Adrivanio , Souza Maris Rafael , Bittencourt Junior Felipe Francisco , Murino Rafacho Bruna Paola , Duenhas Monreal Antonio Carlos , Leite Kassuya Cândida Aparecida , Milan Brochado Antoniolli-Silva Andréia Conceição , Freitas dos Santos Elisvânia , Oliveira Rodrigo Juliano
Published: August 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer is a highly prevalent disease, requiring effective strategies for prevention and treatment. The present research aimed to formulate a natural fiber-rich food product (NFRFP) and to evaluate its safety, toxicogenetics, and effects on aberrant crypt foci induced by 1,2-dimethyl-hydrazine in a preclinical model. Methods: A total of 78 male Wistar rats were distributed in six experimental groups: negative control, positive control (1,2-Dimethylhydrazine—40 mg/Kg), and four groups fed with 10% NFRFP: NFRFP, pre-treatment protocol, simultaneous treatment, and post-treatment protocol. Results: The NFRFP was shown to be a good source of fibers and did not change biometric, biochemical, hematological, and inflammatory parameters, and did not induce signs of toxicity and genotoxicity/carcinogenicity. NFRFP exhibited a chemopreventive effect, in all protocols, with damage reduction (% DR) of 75% in the comet test. NFRFP reduced the incidence of aberrant crypt outbreaks by 49.36% in the post-treatment protocol. Conclusions: The results suggest the applicability of NFRFP in the human diet due to potential production at an industrial scale and easy technological application in different products, since it could be incorporated in food without altering or causing small changes in final product sensory characteristics.
Chronic Dialysis Patients Are Depleted of Creatine: Review and Rationale for Intradialytic Creatine Supplementation
Authors: van der Veen Yvonne , Post Adrian , Kremer Daan , Koops Christa A. , Marsman Erik , Appeldoorn Theo Y. Jerôme , Touw Daan J. , Westerhuis Ralf , Heiner-Fokkema Margaretha Rebecca , Franssen Casper F. M. , Wallimann Theo , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: August 2021

There is great need for the identification of new, potentially modifiable risk factors for the poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and of the excess risk of mortality in dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients. Creatine is an essential contributor to cellular energy homeostasis, yet, on a daily basis, 1.6–1.7% of the total creatine pool is non-enzymatically degraded to creatinine and subsequently lost via urinary excretion, thereby necessitating a continuous supply of new creatine in order to remain in steady-state. Because of an insufficient ability to synthesize creatine, unopposed losses to the dialysis fluid, and insufficient intake due to dietary recommendations that are increasingly steered towards more plant-based diets, hemodialysis patients are prone to creatine deficiency, and may benefit from creatine supplementation. To avoid problems with compliance and fluid balance, and, furthermore, to prevent intradialytic losses of creatine to the dialysate, we aim to investigate the potential of intradialytic creatine supplementation in improving outcomes. Given the known physiological effects of creatine, intradialytic creatine supplementation may help to maintain creatine homeostasis among dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients, and consequently improve muscle status, nutritional status, neurocognitive status, HRQoL. Additionally, we describe the rationale and design for a block-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. The aim of the pilot study is to explore the creatine uptake in the circulation and tissues following different creatine supplementation dosages.
The Impact of Carbohydrate Quality on Dental Plaque pH: Does the Glycemic Index of Starchy Foods Matter for Dental Health?
Authors: Atkinson Fiona S. , Khan Jouhrah Hussain , Brand-Miller Jennie C. , Eberhard Joerg
Published: August 2021

Sugary carbohydrate foods have long been associated with increased risk of dental caries formation, but the dental health impact of starchy carbohydrates, particularly those with a high glycemic index (GI), has not been well examined. Aim: To investigate the effect of different starchy foods varying in their GI, on acute changes in dental plaque pH. Methods: In a series of sub-studies in healthy adults, common starchy carbohydrate foods, including white bread, instant mashed potatoes, canned chickpeas, pasta, breakfast cereals, white rice, and an oral glucose solution were consumed in fixed 25 g available carbohydrate portions. The change in dental plaque pH was assessed postprandially over 1 h and capillary plasma glucose was measured at regular intervals over 2 h. Results: Higher GI starchy foods produced greater acute plaque pH decreases and larger overall postprandial glucose responses compared to lower GI starchy foods (white bread compared with canned chickpeas: −1.5 vs. −0.7 pH units, p = 0.001, and 99 ± 8 mmol/L min vs. 47 ± 7 mmol/L min, p = 0.026). Controlling for other food factors (food form and nutritional composition), lower GI versions of matched food pairs produced smaller plaque pH excursions compared to higher GI versions of the same food. Using linear regression analysis, the GI value of starchy carbohydrate foods explained 60% of the variation in maximum plaque pH nadir and 64% of the variation in overall acute dental plaque pH excursion (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The findings imply that starchy foods, in particular those with a higher GI, may play a role in increasing the risk of dental caries.
Benefits of Adding an Aquatic Resistance Interval Training to a Nutritional Education on Body Composition, Body Image Perception and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Older Women
Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez Alejandro , Cuestas-Calero Bernardo J. , Martínez-Olcina María , Marcos-Pardo Pablo Jorge
Published: August 2021

The human population is increasing due to lengthening life expectancy, but the quality of life and health of people is moving in the opposite direction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how aquatic resistance interval training can influence body composition, body image perception and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in older women participants in a nutrition education program and to study the relation between these variables. Thirty-four participants aged 69 ± 4 years were randomly assigned into two groups: experimental (aquatic resistance interval training plus nutritional intervention) and control (nutritional intervention). The intervention consisted of resistance training in an aquatic environment carried out for 14 weeks (three sessions per week; 60 min each). Body composition, body image perception and adherence to MD diet were evaluated at baseline and 14 weeks. No significant differences were found between groups regarding body image perception and adherence to the MD. There was a significant increase in muscle mass (kg) (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in fat mass (kg) (p < 0.001) in the intervention group when compared to the control group. The addition of aquatic resistance interval training to a nutritional intervention was not sufficient to change body image perception and adherence to MD but produced improvement in body composition (through an increase in muscle mass and decrease on fat mass) in older women.
Phytohormone Production Profiles in Trichoderma Species and Their Relationship to Wheat Plant Responses to Water Stress
Authors: Illescas María , Pedrero-Méndez Alberto , Pitorini-Bovolini Marcieli , Hermosa Rosa , Monte Enrique
Published: August 2021

The production of eight phytohormones by Trichoderma species is described, as well as the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase (ACCD) activity, which diverts the ethylene biosynthetic pathway in plants. The use of the Trichoderma strains T. virens T49, T. longibrachiatum T68, T. spirale T75 and T. harzianum T115 served to demonstrate the diverse production of the phytohormones gibberellins (GA) GA1 and GA4, abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), auxin (indole-3-acetic acid: IAA) and the cytokinins (CK) dihydrozeatin (DHZ), isopenteniladenine (iP) and trans-zeatin (tZ) in this genus. Such production is dependent on strain and/or culture medium. These four strains showed different degrees of wheat root colonization. Fresh and dry weights, conductance, H2O2 content and antioxidant activities such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase were analyzed, under optimal irrigation and water stress conditions, on 30-days-old wheat plants treated with four-day-old Trichoderma cultures, obtained from potato dextrose broth (PDB) and PDB-tryptophan (Trp). The application of Trichoderma PDB cultures to wheat plants could be linked to the plants’ ability to adapt the antioxidant machinery and to tolerate water stress. Plants treated with PDB cultures of T49 and T115 had the significantly highest weights under water stress. Compared to controls, treatments with strains T68 and T75, with constrained GA1 and GA4 production, resulted in smaller plants regardless of fungal growth medium and irrigation regime.
Micro- and Nano-Based Transdermal Delivery Systems of Photosensitizing Drugs for the Treatment of Cutaneous Malignancies
Authors: Portugal Isabella , Jain Sona , Severino Patrícia , Priefer Ronny
Published: August 2021

Photodynamic therapy is one of the more unique cancer treatment options available in today’s arsenal against this devastating disease. It has historically been explored in cutaneous lesions due to the possibility of focal/specific effects and minimization of adverse events. Advances in drug delivery have mostly been based on biomaterials, such as liposomal and hybrid lipoidal vesicles, nanoemulsions, microneedling, and laser-assisted photosensitizer delivery systems. This review summarizes the most promising approaches to enhancing the photosensitizers’ transdermal delivery efficacy for the photodynamic treatment for cutaneous pre-cancerous lesions and skin cancers. Additionally, discussions on strategies and advantages in these approaches, as well as summarized challenges, perspectives, and translational potential for future applications, will be discussed.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), a New Chapter in the Production of Solid Oral Forms (SOFs) by 3D Printing
Authors: Gueche Yanis A. , Sanchez-Ballester Noelia M. , Cailleaux Sylvain , Bataille Bernard , Soulairol Ian
Published: August 2021

3D printing is a new emerging technology in the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape. Its potential advantages for personalized medicine have been widely explored and commented on in the literature over recent years. More recently, the selective laser sintering (SLS) technique has been investigated for oral drug-delivery applications. Thus, this article reviews the work that has been conducted on SLS 3D printing for the preparation of solid oral forms (SOFs) from 2017 to 2020 and discusses the opportunities and challenges for this state-of-the-art technology in precision medicine. Overall, the 14 research articles reviewed report the use of SLS printers equipped with a blue diode laser (445–450 nm). The review highlights that the printability of pharmaceutical materials, although an important aspect for understanding the sintering process has only been properly explored in one article. The modulation of the porosity of printed materials appears to be the most interesting outcome of this technology for pharmaceutical applications. Generally, SLS shows great potential to improve compliance within fragile populations. The inclusion of “Quality by Design” tools in studies could facilitate the deployment of SLS in clinical practice, particularly where Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for 3D-printing processes do not currently exist. Nevertheless, drug stability and powder recycling remain particularly challenging in SLS. These hurdles could be overcome by collaboration between pharmaceutical industries and compounding pharmacies.
A Quality by Design Framework for Capsule-Based Dry Powder Inhalers
Authors: Ding Li , Brunaugh Ashlee D. , Stegemann Sven , Jermain Scott V. , Herpin Matthew J. , Kalafat Justin , Smyth Hugh D. C.
Published: August 2021

Capsule-based dry powder inhalers (cDPIs) are widely utilized in the delivery of pharmaceutical powders to the lungs. In these systems, the fundamental nature of the interactions between the drug/formulation powder, the capsules, the inhaler device, and the patient must be fully elucidated in order to develop robust manufacturing procedures and provide reproducible lung deposition of the drug payload. Though many commercially available DPIs utilize a capsule-based dose metering system, an in-depth analysis of the critical factors associated with the use of the capsule component has not yet been performed. This review is intended to provide information on critical factors to be considered for the application of a quality by design (QbD) approach for cDPI development. The quality target product profile (QTPP) defines the critical quality attributes (CQAs) which need to be understood to define the critical material attributes (CMA) and critical process parameters (CPP) for cDPI development as well as manufacturing and control.
Pre-Formulation Studies: Physicochemical Characteristics and In Vitro Release Kinetics of Insulin from Selected Hydrogels
Authors: Ostróżka-Cieślik Aneta , Maciążek-Jurczyk Małgorzata , Pożycka Jadwiga , Dolińska Barbara
Published: August 2021

Insulin loaded to the polymer network of hydrogels may affect the speed and the quality of wound healing in diabetic patients. The aim of our research was to develop a formulation of insulin that could be applied to the skin. We chose hydrogels commonly used for pharmaceutical compounding, which can provide a form of therapy available to every patient. We prepared different gel formulations using Carbopol® UltrezTM 10, Carbopol® UltrezTM 30, methyl cellulose, and glycerin ointment. The hormone concentration was 1 mg/g of the hydrogel. We assessed the influence of model hydrogels on the pharmaceutical availability of insulin in vitro, and we examined the rheological and the texture parameters of the prepared formulations. Based on spectroscopic methods, we evaluated the influence of model hydrogels on secondary and tertiary structures of insulin. The analysis of rheograms showed that hydrogels are typical of shear-thinning non-Newtonian thixotropic fluids. Insulin release from the formulations occurs in a prolonged manner, providing a longer duration of action of the hormone. The stability of insulin in hydrogels was confirmed. The presence of model hydrogel carriers affects the secondary and the tertiary structures of insulin. The obtained results indicate that hydrogels are promising carriers in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. The most effective treatment can be achieved with a methyl cellulose-based insulin preparation.
Xanthones Production in Gentiana dinarica Beck Hairy Root Cultures Grown in Simple Bioreactors
Authors: Vinterhalter Branka , Banjac Nevena , Vinterhalter Dragan , Krstić-Milošević Dijana
Published: August 2021

The hairy root clones of Gentiana dinarica cl-B, cl-D, cl-3, and cl-14 were cultivated in parallel in diverse simple bioreactors, including temporary immersion systems RITA® (TIS RITA®), bubble column bioreactors (BCB), and Erlenmeyer flasks (EF), and evaluated for biomass production and xanthone content. The obtained results showed that TIS RITA® and BCB containing ½ MS medium with 4% sucrose provided equally good growth conditions in which the majority of the clones displayed the higher percentage of dry matter (DM%), and xanthones norswertianin-1-O-primeveroside (nor-1-O-prim) and norswertianin production than those cultivated in EF. Thin and well branched hairy root clone cl-B grown in BCB for 7 weeks was superior regarding all growth parameters tested, including growth index (19.97), dry weight (2.88 g), and DM% (25.70%) compared to all other clones. Cl-B cultured in TIS RITA® contained the highest amount of nor-1-O-prim (56.82 mg per vessel). In BCB with constant aeration, cl-B accumulated the highest norswertianin content reaching 18.08 mg/vessel. The optimized conditions for cultivation of selected G. dinarica hairy root clones in highly aerated TIS RITA® and BCB systems contribute to the development of bioreactor technology designed for the large scale commercial production of xanthones nor-1-O-prim and norswertianin.