bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Functions of Thyroid Hormone Signaling in Regulation of Cancer Progression and Anti-Apoptosis
Authors: Liu Yu-Chin , Yeh Chau-Ting , Lin Kwang-Huei
Published: October 2019

Several physiological processes, including cellular growth, embryonic development, differentiation, metabolism and proliferation, are modulated by genomic and nongenomic actions of thyroid hormones (TH). Several intracellular and extracellular candidate proteins are regulated by THs. 3,3,5-Triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) can interact with nuclear thyroid hormone receptors (TR) to modulate transcriptional activities via thyroid hormone response elements (TRE) in the regulatory regions of target genes or bind receptor molecules showing no structural homology to TRs, such as the cell surface receptor site on integrin αvβ3. Additionally, L-thyroxine (T4) binding to integrin αvβ3 is reported to induce gene expression through initiating non-genomic actions, further influencing angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Notably, thyroid hormones not only regulate the physiological processes of normal cells but also stimulate cancer cell proliferation via dysregulation of molecular and signaling pathways. Clinical hypothyroidism is associated with delayed cancer growth. Conversely, hyperthyroidism is correlated with cancer prevalence in various tumor types, including breast, thyroid, lung, brain, liver and colorectal cancer. In specific types of cancer, both nuclear thyroid hormone receptor isoforms and those on the extracellular domain of integrin αvβ3 are high risk factors and considered potential therapeutic targets. In addition, thyroid hormone analogs showing substantial thyromimetic activity, including triiodothyroacetic acid (Triac), an acetic acid metabolite of T3, and tetraiodothyroacetic acid (Tetrac), a derivative of T4, have been shown to reduce risk of cancer progression, enhance therapeutic effects and suppress cancer recurrence. Here, we have reviewed recent studies focusing on the roles of THs and TRs in five cancer types and further discussed the potential therapeutic applications and underlying molecular mechanisms of THs.
Human Oral Stem Cells, Biomaterials and Extracellular Vesicles: A Promising Tool in Bone Tissue Repair
Authors: Trubiani Oriana , Marconi Guya D. , Pierdomenico Sante D. , Piattelli Adriano , Diomede Francesca , Pizzicannella Jacopo
Published: October 2019

Tissue engineering and/or regenerative medicine are fields of life science exploiting both engineering and biological fundamentals to originate new tissues and organs and to induce the regeneration of damaged or diseased tissues and organs. In particular, de novo bone tissue regeneration requires a mechanically competent osteo-conductive/inductive 3D biomaterial scaffold that guarantees the cell adhesion, proliferation, angiogenesis and differentiation into osteogenic lineage. Cellular components represent a key factor in tissue engineering and bone growth strategies take advantage from employment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), an ideal cell source for tissue repair. Recently, the application of extracellular vesicles (EVs), isolated from stem cells, as cell-free therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. This review aims at summarizing the recent and representative research on the bone tissue engineering field using a 3D scaffold enriched with human oral stem cells and their derivatives, EVs, as a promising therapeutic potential in the reconstructing of bone tissue defects.
The Involvement of the RhoA/ROCK Signaling Pathway in Hypersensitivity Reactions Induced by Paclitaxel Injection
Authors: Pan Chen , Zhang Yu-Shi , Han Jia-Yin , Li Chun-Ying , Yi Yan , Zhao Yong , Wang Lian-Mei , Tian Jing-Zhuo , Liu Su-Yan , Li Gui-Qin , Li Xiao-Long , Xian Zhong , Liang Ai-Hua
Published: October 2019

A high incidence of hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) largely limits the use of paclitaxel injection. Currently, these reactions are considered to be mediated by histamine release and complement activation. However, the evidence is insufficient and the molecular mechanism involved in paclitaxel injection-induced HSRs is still incompletely understood. In this study, a mice model mimicking vascular hyperpermeability was applied. The vascular leakage induced merely by excipients (polyoxyl 35 castor oil) was equivalent to the reactions evoked by paclitaxel injection under the same conditions. Treatment with paclitaxel injection could cause rapid histamine release. The vascular exudation was dramatically inhibited by pretreatment with a histamine antagonist. No significant change in paclitaxel injection-induced HSRs was observed in complement-deficient and complement-depleted mice. The RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway was activated by paclitaxel injection. Moreover, the ROCK inhibitor showed a protective effect on vascular leakage in the ears and on inflammation in the lungs. In conclusion, this study provided a suitable mice model for investigating the HSRs characterized by vascular hyperpermeability and confirmed the main sensitization of excipients in paclitaxel injection. Histamine release and RhoA/ROCK pathway activation, rather than complement activation, played an important role in paclitaxel injection-induced HSRs. Furthermore, the ROCK inhibitor may provide a potential preventive approach for paclitaxel injection side effects.
Syndecan-4 Inhibits the Development of Pulmonary Fibrosis by Attenuating TGF-β Signaling
Authors: Tanino Yoshinori , Wang Xintao , Nikaido Takefumi , Misa Kenichi , Sato Yuki , Togawa Ryuichi , Kawamata Takaya , Kikuchi Masami , Frevert Charles W. , Tanino Mishie , Kojima Tetsuhito , Shibata Yoko
Published: October 2019

Syndecan-4 is a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan expressed in a variety of cells, and its heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan side chains bind to several proteins exhibiting various biological roles. The authors have previously demonstrated syndecan-4′s critical roles in pulmonary inflammation. In the current study, however, its role in pulmonary fibrosis was evaluated. Wild-type and syndecan-4-deficient mice were injected with bleomycin, and several parameters of inflammation and fibrosis were analyzed. The mRNA expression of collagen and α-smooth muscle action (α-SMA) in lung tissues, as well as the histopathological lung fibrosis score and collagen content in lung tissues, were significantly higher in the syndecan-4-deficient mice. However, the total cell count and cell differentiation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were equivalent between the wild-type and syndecan-4-deficient mice. Although there was no difference in the TGF-β expression in lung tissues between the wild-type and syndecan-4-deficient mice, significantly more activation of Smad3 in lung tissues was observed in the syndecan-4-deficient mice compared to the wild-type mice. Furthermore, in the in vitro experiments using lung fibroblasts, the co-incubation of syndecan-4 significantly inhibited TGF-β-induced Smad3 activation, collagen and α-SMA upregulation. Moreover, syndecan-4 knock-down by siRNA increased TGF-β-induced Smad3 activation and upregulated collagen and α-SMA expression. These findings showed that syndecan-4 inhibits the development of pulmonary fibrosis, at least in part, through attenuating TGF-β signaling.
The Fast Lane of Hypoxic Adaptation: Glucose Transport Is Modulated via A HIF-Hydroxylase-AMPK-Axis in Jejunum Epithelium
Authors: Dengler Franziska , Gäbel Gotthold
Published: October 2019

The intestinal epithelium is able to adapt to varying blood flow and, thus, oxygen availability. Still, the adaptation fails under pathologic situations. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the epithelial adaptation to hypoxia could help to improve the therapeutic approach. We hypothesized that the short-term adaptation to hypoxia is mediated via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and that it is coupled to the long-term adaptation by a common regulation mechanism, the HIF-hydroxylase enzymes. Further, we hypothesized the transepithelial transport of glucose to be part of this short-term adaptation. We conducted Ussing chamber studies using isolated lagomorph jejunum epithelium and cell culture experiments with CaCo-2 cells. The epithelia and cells were incubated under 100% and 21% O2, respectively, with the panhydroxylase inhibitor dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) or under 1% O2. We showed an activation of AMPK under hypoxia and after incubation with DMOG by Western blot. This could be related to functional effects like an impairment of Na+-coupled glucose transport. Inhibitor studies revealed a recruitment of glucose transporter 1 under hypoxia, but not after incubation with DMOG. Summing up, we showed an influence of hydroxylase enzymes on AMPK activity and similarities between hypoxia and the effects of hydroxylase inhibition on functional changes.
Peri-Urban Community Attitudes towards Codling Moth Trapping and Suppression Using the Sterile Insect Technique in New Zealand
Authors: Paterson Georgia , Perry George L. W. , Walker James T. S. , Suckling David Maxwell
Published: October 2019

New, more socially-acceptable technologies are being developed to suppress horticultural pests, because suppression is technically difficult with current technologies, especially in urban areas. One technique involves the release of sterile insects to prevent offspring in the next generation. This technology involves aerial or ground release systems, but this could also create issues for the public. This study investigated community perceptions of a recently-introduced response to codling moth control in New Zealand—Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Community attitudes to SIT were examined in Hastings, New Zealand, in April, 2018. Eighty-six detailed interviews were undertaken with a random sample of households. This community was very willing (98% agreement) to host a sex pheromone trap in their gardens, and condoned regular visits to monitor traps. Attitudes to SIT were very positive (98% in favor). Once explained, the concept of using unmanned aerial vehicles to deliver sterile insects was also acceptable (98%) to the community. Use of unmanned aerial vehicles to release sterile insects during a hypothetical incursion response of an exotic fruit fly was also supported at 98% by respondent householders. Investigation of community attitudes can be valuable to guide practitioners in determining suitable technologies before an area-wide programme is launched.
Divergent Mononuclear Cell Participation and Cytokine Release Profiles Define Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Grieshaber-Bouyer Ricardo , Kämmerer Till , Rosshirt Nils , Nees Timo A. , Koniezke Philipp , Tripel Elena , Schiltenwolf Marcus , Kirsch Johannes , Hagmann Sébastien , Moradi Babak
Published: October 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease driven by a blend of inflammatory and biomechanical processes. Studies using human samples to understand inflammatory mechanisms in OA frequently recruit OA patients with different affected joints, even though recent evidence indicates that OA is a heterogeneous disease which only culminates in a common end point. Differences in age of onset and the dynamics of disease progression suggest that different joints may represent different disease entities, thereby diluting the discovery potential in a combined analysis. We hypothesized that different OA joints may also differ in immunopathology within the synovium. To investigate this hypothesis, we profiled the immune cell contribution (flow cytometry) and cytokine release profiles (ELISA) in purified synovial membrane mononuclear cells from 50 patients undergoing either hip (n = 34) or knee (n = 16) replacement surgery. Unsupervised computational approaches were used for disease deconstruction. We found that hip and knee osteoarthritis are not identical in respect to the inflammatory processes that take place in the synovial membrane. Instead, we report that principally CD14+ macrophages are expanded fourfold in the synovial membrane of patients with knee OA compared to hip OA, with a trend to higher expression in CD8+ T cells, while CD4+ T cells, B cells, and NK cells were found at comparable quantities. Upon isolation and culture of cells from synovial membrane, isolates from hip OA released higher concentrations of Eotaxin (CCL11), G-CSF, GM-CSF, INF-γ, IP-10 (CXCL10), TNF-α, MIP-1α (CCL3), MIP-1β (CCL4), IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, and lower concentrations of stem cell factor (SCF), thereby highlighting the difference in the nature of hip and knee osteoarthritis. Taken together, this study establishes hip and knee OA as immunologically distinct types of OA, and creates a resource of the cytokine expression landscape and mononuclear cell infiltration pattern of patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
The Effectiveness of Intermittent Fasting to Reduce Body Mass Index and Glucose Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cho Yongin , Hong Namki , Kim Kyung-won , Cho Sung , Lee Minyoung , Lee Yeon-hee , Lee Yong-ho , Kang Eun , Cha Bong-Soo , Lee Byung-Wan
Published: October 2019

The effects of an intermittent fasting diet (IFD) in the general population are still controversial. In this study, we aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of an IFD to reduce body mass index and glucose metabolism in the general population without diabetes mellitus. Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials that compared an IFD with a regular diet or a continuous calorie restriction diet. The effectiveness of an IFD was estimated by the weighted mean difference (WMD) for several variables associated with glucometabolic parameters including body mass index (BMI) and fasting glucose. The pooled mean differences of outcomes were calculated using a random effects model. From 2814 studies identified through a literature search, we finally selected 12 articles (545 participants). Compared with a control diet, an IFD was associated with a significant decline in BMI (WMD, −0.75 kg/m2; 95% CI, −1.44 to −0.06), fasting glucose level (WMD, −4.16 mg/dL; 95% CI, −6.92 to −1.40), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (WMD, −0.54; 95% CI, −1.05 to −0.03). Fat mass (WMD, −0.98 kg; 95% CI, −2.32 to 0.36) tended to decrease in the IFD group with a significant increase in adiponectin (WMD, 1008.9 ng/mL; 95% CI, 140.5 to 1877.3) and a decrease in leptin (WMD, −0.51 ng/mL; 95% CI, −0.77 to −0.24) levels. An IFD may provide a significant metabolic benefit by improving glycemic control, insulin resistance, and adipokine concentration with a reduction of BMI in adults.
Wave-Induced Seafloor Instability in the Yellow River Delta: Flume Experiments
Authors: Wang Xiuhai , Zhu Chaoqi , Liu Hongjun
Published: October 2019

Geological disasters of seabed instability are widely distributed in the Yellow River Delta, posing a serious threat to the safety of offshore oil platforms and submarine pipelines. Waves act as one of the main factors causing the frequent occurrence of instabilities in the region. In order to explore the soil failure mode and the law for pore pressure response of the subaqueous Yellow River Delta under wave actions, in-lab flume tank experiments were conducted in this paper. In the experiments, wave loads were applied with a duration of 1 hour each day for 7 consecutive days; pore water pressure data of the soil under wave action were acquired, and penetration strength data of the sediments were determined after wave action. The results showed that the fine-grained seabed presented an arc-shaped oscillation failure form under wave action. In addition, the sliding surface firstly became deeper and then shallower with the wave action. Interestingly, the distribution of pores substantially coincided with that of sliding surfaces. For the first time, gas holes were identified along with their positioning and angle with respect to the sediments. The presence of gas may serve as a primer for submarine slope failures. The wave process can lead to an increase in the excess pore pressure, while the anti-liquefaction capacity of the sediments was improved, causing a decrease in the excess pore pressure resulting from the next wave process. Without new depositional sediments, the existing surface sediments can form high-strength formation under wave actions. The test results may provide a reference for numerical simulations and engineering practice.
Characterization and Cellular Internalization of Spherical Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) into Normal and Cancerous Fibroblasts
Authors: Shazali Nur , Zaidi Noorzaileen , Ariffin Hidayah , Abdullah Luqman , Ghaemi Ferial , Abdullah Jafri , Takashima Ichiro , Nik Abd. Rahman Nik
Published: October 2019

The aim was to isolate cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from commercialized oil palm empty fruit bunch cellulose nanofibre (CNF) through sulphuric acid hydrolysis and explore its safeness as a potential nanocarrier. Successful extraction of CNC was confirmed through a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transmission infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrometry analysis. For subsequent cellular uptake study, the spherical CNC was covalently tagged with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), resulting in negative charged FITC-CNC nanospheres with a dispersity (Ð) of 0.371. MTT assay revealed low degree cytotoxicity for both CNC and FITC-CNC against C6 rat glioma and NIH3T3 normal fibroblasts up to 50 µg/mL. FITC conjugation had no contribution to the particle’s toxicity. Through confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), synthesized FITC-CNC manifested negligible cellular accumulation, indicating a poor non-selective adsorptive endocytosis into studied cells. Overall, an untargeted CNC-based nanosphere with less cytotoxicity that posed poor selectivity against normal and cancerous cells was successfully synthesized. It can be considered safe and suitable to be developed into targeted nanocarrier.
Sorption of Heavy Metal Cations on Mesoporous ZSM-5 and Mordenite Zeolites
Authors: Wojciechowska Kamila M. , Król Magdalena , Bajda Tomasz , Mozgawa Włodzimierz
Published: October 2019

Desilication and dealumination techniques were used to obtain mesoporous ZSM-5 and mordenite zeolites. The study provides insight into specific structural, textural, and sorption properties of obtained materials with different Si/Al ratios. Subsequent dealumination and desilication procedures were found to be efficient methods of generating a secondary system of mesopores in mordenite and ZSM-5 crystals while preserving their microporous character. The investigated materials were evaluated in terms of their sorption properties of selected heavy metal cations (Cd2+, Cr3+, and Pb2+). Particular emphasis was placed on the structural examination of the materials via infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Other research methods included X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS).
Optical Properties of Red-Emitting Rb2Bi(PO4)(MoO4):Eu3+ Powders and Ceramics with High Quantum Efficiency for White LEDs
Authors: Grigorjevaite Julija , Ezerskyte Egle , Minderyte Agne , Stanionyte Sandra , Juskenas Remigijus , Sakirzanovas Simas , Katelnikovas Arturas
Published: October 2019

There are several key requirements that a very good LED phosphor should meet, i.e., strong absorption, high quantum efficiency, high colour purity, and high luminescence quenching temperature. The reported Rb2Bi(PO4)(MoO4):Eu3+ phosphors have all these properties. The Rb2Bi(PO4)(MoO4):Eu3+ phosphors emit bright red light if excited with near-UV radiation. The calculated colour coordinates show good stability in the 77–500 K temperature range. Moreover, sample doped with 50% Eu3+ possesses quantum efficiency close to unity. Besides the powder samples, ceramic disks of Rb2Eu(PO4)(MoO4) specimen were also prepared, and the red light sources from these disks in combination with near-UV emitting LED were fabricated. The obtained results indicated that ceramic disks efficiently absorb the emission of 375 and 400 nm LED and could be applied as a red component in phosphor-converted white LEDs.
Channelized Substrates Made from BaZr0.75Ce0.05Y0.2O3−d Proton-Conducting Ceramic Polymer Clay
Authors: Ricote Sandrine , Kee Benjamin L. , Coors W. Grover
Published: October 2019

A novel process for producing thick protonic ceramics for use in hydrogen separation membrane reactors is demonstrated. Polymer clay bodies based on polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and mineral oil were formulated, and they permitted parts with complex architectures to be prepared by simple, low-pressure molding in the unfired, “green” state. Ceramic proton conductors based on doped barium zirconate/cerate, made by solid-state reactive sintering, are particularly well-suited for the polymer clay process. In this work, the ceramic proton conductor, BZCY755 (BaZr0.75Ce0.05Y0.2O3−d) was fabricated into a variety of shapes and sizes. Test coupons were produced to confirm that the polymer clay route leads to a high-quality ceramic material suitable for the demanding environment of high-temperature membrane reactors. It has been demonstrated that protonic ceramic specimens with the requisite properties are easily prepared at the laboratory scale. The polymer clay fabrication route opens up the possibility of high-volume, low-cost manufacturing at a commercial scale, by a process similar to how dinnerware and sanitary porcelain are produced today.
Fine Description of Multi-Process Operation Behavior in Steelmaking-Continuous Casting Process by a Simulation Model with Crane Non-Collision Constraint
Authors: Yang Jianping , Zhang Jiangshan , Guan Min , Hong Yujie , Gao Shan , Guo Weida , Liu Qing
Published: October 2019

The fine description of multi-process operation behavior in steelmaking-continuous casting process is an important foundation for the improvement of production scheduling in steel plants. With sufficient consideration on non-collision movements among cranes, a dynamic simulation model is established by Plant Simulation software to describe the operation behavior of multi-process in the steelmaking-continuous casting process of lacking refining span. The design and implement of simulation are illustrated based on a typical workshop layout of “one converter-one refining furnace-one caster”. The method to avoid the collisions between adjacent cranes is represented in detail. To validate the availability of this model, an actual steel plant without refining span is studied, and simulation experiments are conducted by introducing actual production plans as simulation instances. The simulated findings agree well with the actual results of interest, including the total completed times of simulation instances, the turnover number of ladles, and the transfer times of heats among different processes. Hence, the proposed model can reliably simulate the multi-process operation behavior in steelmaking-continuous casting process.
In Silico Optimization of Mass Spectrometry Fragmentation Strategies in Metabolomics
Authors: Wandy Joe , Davies Vinny , J. J. van der Hooft Justin , Weidt Stefan , Daly Rónán , Rogers Simon
Published: October 2019

Liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is widely used in identifying small molecules in untargeted metabolomics. Various strategies exist to acquire MS/MS fragmentation spectra; however, the development of new acquisition strategies is hampered by the lack of simulators that let researchers prototype, compare, and optimize strategies before validations on real machines. We introduce Virtual Metabolomics Mass Spectrometer (ViMMS), a metabolomics LC-MS/MS simulator framework that allows for scan-level control of the MS2 acquisition process in silico. ViMMS can generate new LC-MS/MS data based on empirical data or virtually re-run a previous LC-MS/MS analysis using pre-existing data to allow the testing of different fragmentation strategies. To demonstrate its utility, we show how ViMMS can be used to optimize N for Top-N data-dependent acquisition (DDA) acquisition, giving results comparable to modifying N on the mass spectrometer. We expect that ViMMS will save method development time by allowing for offline evaluation of novel fragmentation strategies and optimization of the fragmentation strategy for a particular experiment.
TiO2/S-Doped Carbons Hybrids: Analysis of Their Interfacial and Surface Features
Authors: Bandosz Teresa J. , Policicchio Alfonso , Florent Marc , Poon Po S. , Matos Juan
Published: October 2019

Hybrids containing approximately equal amounts of P25 TiO2 and S-doped porous carbons were prepared using a water-based slurry mixing method. The materials were extensively characterized by adsorption of nitrogen, potentiometric titration, thermal analysis in air and in helium, XRD, XPS and SEM. The collected results showed the significant blockage of carbon micropores by TiO2 particles deposited on their outer surface. The formation of a new interface, especially for the S-rich samples, might also contribute to the porosity alteration. Analysis of surface chemistry suggested the presence of Ti-S bonds with an involvement of sulfur from thiophenic species in the carbon phase. The latter, especially when polymer-derived, was mainly deposited on the TiO2 nanoparticles. Formation of Ti-S stabilized sulfur and increased the ignition temperature of the hybrids, especially those with a high content of sulfur, in comparison with the ignition temperature of carbons. The surfaces of hybrid with S-containing carbons was also thermally very stable and of basic chemical nature. The formation of interfacial structures Ti-C was detected by XPS analysis suggesting a partial reduction of the Ti.
Beneficial Effects of Oat Beta-Glucan Dietary Supplementation in Colitis Depend on Its Molecular Weight
Authors: Żyła Ewa , Dziendzikowska Katarzyna , Gajewska Małgorzata , Wilczak Jacek , Harasym Joanna , Gromadzka-Ostrowska Joanna
Published: October 2019

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases are an important health problem. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the impact of isolated oat beta-glucan fractions of low and high molecular weight, taken as dietary supplementation, on inflammatory markers in the colitis model. Methods: Two groups of Sprague–Dawley rats—control and with experimentally induced colitis—were subsequently divided into three subgroups and fed over 21 days feed supplemented with 1% of low (βGl) or high (βGh) molecular weight oat beta-glucan fraction or feed without supplementation. The level of colon inflammatory markers, cytokines, and their receptors’ genes expressions and immune cells numbers were measured by ELISA, RT-PCR, and by flow cytometry methods, respectively. Results: The results showed moderate inflammation affecting the colon mucosa and submucosa, with significant changes in the number of lymphocytes in the colon tissue, elevated cytokines and eicosanoid levels, as well as disruption of the main cytokine and chemokine cell signaling pathways in colitis rats. Beta-glucans supplementation caused a reverse in the percentage of lymphocytes with stronger effects of βGh and reduction of the levels of the inflammatory markers, and improvement of cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways with stronger effects of βGl supplementation. Conclusions: The results indicate the therapeutic effect of dietary oat beta-glucan supplementation in the colitis in evident relation to the molecular weight of polymer.
Identification and Migration Studies of Photolytic Decomposition Products of UV-Photoinitiators in Food Packaging
Authors: Scarsella Joseph B. , Zhang Nan , Hartman Thomas G.
Published: October 2019

UV-curable inks, coatings, and adhesives are being increasingly used in food packaging systems. When exposed to UV energy, UV-photoinitiators (PI’s) present in the formulations produce free radicals which catalyze polymerization of monomers and pre-polymers into resins. In addition to photopolymerization, other free radical reactions occur in these systems resulting in the formation of chemically varied photolytic decomposition products, many of which are low molecular weight chemical species with high migration potential. This research conducted model experiments in which 24 commonly used PI’s were exposed to UV-energy at the typical upper limit of commercial UV-printing press conditions. UV-irradiated PI’s were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electrospray-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in order to identify photolytic decomposition products. Subsequently, migration studies of 258 UV-cure food packaging samples were conducted using GC-MS; PI’s and photolytic decomposition products were found in nearly all samples analyzed. One hundred-thirteen photolytic decomposition products were identified. Eighteen intact PI’s and 21 photolytic decomposition products were observed as migrants from the 258 samples analyzed, and these were evaluated for frequency of occurrence and migratory concentration range. The most commonly observed PI’s were 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone and benzophenone. The most commonly observed photolytic decomposition products were 2,4,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde and 1-phenyl-2-butanone. This compilation of PI photolytic decomposition data and associated migration data will aid industry in identifying and tracing non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in food packaging materials.
Biological Evaluation of Natural and Synthesized Homovanillic Acid Esters as Inhibitors of Intestinal Fatty Acid Uptake in Differentiated Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Lieder Barbara , Hans Joachim , Hentschel Fabia , Geissler Katrin , Ley Jakob
Published: October 2019

With raising prevalence of obesity, the regulation of human body fat is increasingly relevant. The modulation of fatty acid uptake by enterocytes represents a promising target for body weight maintenance. Recent results demonstrated that the trigeminal active compounds capsaicin, nonivamide, and trans-pellitorine dose-dependently reduce fatty acid uptake in differentiated Caco-2 cells as a model for the intestinal barrier. However, non-pungent alternatives have not been investigated and structural determinants for the modulation of intestinal fatty acid uptake have not been identified so far. Thus, based on the previous results, we synthesized 23 homovanillic acid esters in addition to the naturally occurring capsiate and screened them for their potential to reduce intestinal fatty acid uptake using the fluorescent fatty acid analog Bodipy-C12 in differentiated Caco‑2 cells as an enterocyte model. Whereas pre-incubation with 100 µM capsiate did not change fatty acid uptake by Caco-2 enterocytes, a maximum inhibition of −47% was reached using 100 µM 1‑methylpentyl-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)acetate. Structural analysis of the 24 structural analogues tested in the present study revealed that a branched fatty acid side chain, independent of the chain length, is one of the most important structural motifs associated with inhibition of fatty acid uptake in Caco-2 enterocytes. The results of the present study may serve as an important basis for designing potent dietary inhibitors of fatty acid uptake.
Ferrocene-Based Compounds with Antimalaria/Anticancer Activity
Authors: Peter Sijongesonke , Aderibigbe Blessing Atim
Published: October 2019

Malaria and cancer are chronic diseases. The challenge with drugs available for the treatment of these diseases is drug toxicity and resistance. Ferrocene is a potent organometallic which have been hybridized with other compounds resulting in compounds with enhanced biological activity such as antimalarial and anticancer. Drugs such as ferroquine were developed from ferrocene and chloroquine. It was tested in the 1990s as an antimalarial and is still an effective antimalarial. Many researchers have reported ferrocene compounds as potent compounds useful as anticancer and antimalarial agents when hybridized with other pharmaceutical scaffolds. This review will be focused on compounds with ferrocene moieties that exhibit either an anticancer or antimalarial activity.
Fabrication of pH-Sensitive Tetramycin Releasing Gel and Its Antibacterial Bioactivity against Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Ma Xiaozhou , Xiang Shunyu , Xie Huijun , He Linhai , Sun Xianchao , Zhang Yongqiang , Huang Jin
Published: October 2019

Ralstonia solanacearum (R. solanacearum)-induced bacterial wilt of the nightshade family causes a great loss in agricultural production annually. Although there has been some efficient pesticides against R. solanacearum, inaccurate pesticide releasing according to the onset time of bacterial wilt during the use of pesticides still hinders the disease management efficiency. Herein, on the basis of the soil pH change during R. solanacearum growth, and pH sensitivity of the Schiff base structure, a pH-sensitive oxidized alginate-based double-crosslinked gel was fabricated as a pesticide carrier. The gel was prepared by crosslinking oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) via adipic dihydrazide (ADH) and Ca2+. After loading tetramycin into the gel, it showed a pH-dependent pesticide releasing behavior and anti-bacterial activity against R. solanacearum. Further study also showed that the inhibition rate of the tetramycin-loaded gel was higher than that of industrial pesticide difenoconazole. This work aimed to reduce the difficulty of pesticide administration in the high incidence period of bacterial wilt and we believe it has a great application potential in nightshade production.
Migration Studies of Two Common Components of UV-curing Inks into Food Simulants
Authors: Lago Miguel A. , Sendón Raquel , Bustos Juana , Nieto María T. , Paseiro Losada Perfecto , Rodríguez-Bernaldo de Quirós Ana
Published: October 2019

The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has reported many cases of different UV curing inks components in foodstuffs during the last few years. These contaminants reach foodstuffs mainly by set-off, their principal migration mechanism from the package. Under this premise, this work has tried to characterize the process of migration of two common UV ink components: a photoinitiator (4-Methylbenzophenone) and a coinitiator (Ethyl-4-(dimethylamino) benzoate), from the most common plastic material used in food packaging low-density polyethylene (LDPE) into six different food simulants. The migration kinetics tests were performed at four different common storage temperatures, obtaining the key migration parameters for both molecules: the coefficients of diffusion and partition. The migration process was highly dependent on the storage conditions, the photoinitiator properties and the pH of the foodstuff.
Studies of Halogen Bonding Induced by Pentafluorosulfanyl Aryl Iodides: A Potential Group of Halogen Bond Donors in a Rational Drug Design
Authors: Sumii Yuji , Sasaki Kenta , Tsuzuki Seiji , Shibata Norio
Published: October 2019

The activation of halogen bonding by the substitution of the pentafluoro-λ6-sulfanyl (SF5) group was studied using a series of SF5-substituted iodobenzenes. The simulated electrostatic potential values of SF5-substituted iodobenzenes, the ab initio molecular orbital calculations of intermolecular interactions of SF5-substituted iodobenzenes with pyridine, and the 13C-NMR titration experiments of SF5-substituted iodobenzenes in the presence of pyridine or tetra (n-butyl) ammonium chloride (TBAC) indicated the obvious activation of halogen bonding, although this was highly dependent on the position of SF5-substitution on the benzene ring. It was found that 3,5-bis-SF5-iodobenzene was the most effective halogen bond donor, followed by o-SF5-substituted iodobenzene, while the m- and p-SF5 substitutions did not activate the halogen bonding of iodobenzenes. The similar ortho-effect was also confirmed by studies using a series of nitro (NO2)-substituted iodobenzenes. These observations are in good agreement with the corresponding Mulliken charge of iodine. The 2:1 halogen bonding complex of 3,5-bis-SF5-iodobenzene and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) was also confirmed. Since SF5-containing compounds have emerged as promising novel pharmaceutical and agrochemical candidates, the 3,5-bis-SF5-iodobenzene unit may be an attractive fragment of rational drug design capable of halogen bonding with biomolecules.
A Polysaccharide Isolated from Codonopsis pilosula with Immunomodulation Effects Both In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zou Yuan-Feng , Zhang Yan-Yun , Fu Yu-Ping , Inngjerdingen Kari , Paulsen Berit , Feng Bin , Zhu Zhong-Kai , Li Li-Xia , Jia Ren-Yong , Huang Chao , Song Xu , Lv Cheng , Ye Gang , Liang Xiao-Xia , He Chang-Liang , Yin Li-Zi , Yin Zhong-Qiong
Published: October 2019

In this study, an acidic polysaccharide from Codonopsis pilosula Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen (WCP-I) and its main fragment, WCP-Ia, obtained after pectinase digestion, were structurally elucidated and found to consist of a rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) region containing both arabinogalactan type I (AG-I) and type II (AG-II) as sidechains. They both expressed immunomodulating activity against Peyer’s patch cells. Endo-1,4-β-galactanase degradation gave a decrease of interleukine 6 (IL-6) production compared with native WCP-I and WCP-Ia, but exo-α-l-arabinofuranosidase digestion showed no changes in activity. This demonstrated that the stimulation activity partly disappeared with removal of β-d-(1→4)-galactan chains, proving that the AG-I side chain plays an important role in immunoregulation activity. WCP-Ia had a better promotion effect than WCP-I in vivo, shown through an increased spleen index, higher concentrations of IL-6, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum, and a slight increment in the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte ratio. These results suggest that β-d-(1→4)-galactan-containing chains in WCP-I play an essential role in the expression of immunomodulating activity. Combining all the results in this and previous studies, the intestinal immune system might be the target site of WCP-Ia.
Nematicidal Activities of Three Naphthoquinones against the Pine Wood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Cha Deok Jea , Kim Junheon , Kim Dong Soo
Published: October 2019

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Buhrer) Nickle, is a serious forest pest, causing enormous economic losses in pine trees in Korea, China, Japan, and countries in Western Europe. To prevent pine wilt disease (PWD), trunk injection with nematicide is performed in Korea. Although these nematicidal agents are quite efficient, the development of new nematicidal agents is needed to prevent pesticide resistance and reduce pest management costs. The aim of this study was to investigate nematicidal activities of pure naphthoquinones (NTQs)–1,4-NTQ, juglone, and plumbagin—against B. xylophilus via in vitro and semi-in vivo assays to identify new candidate agents for trunk injection. Estimated LC50 values (48 h exposure) were 100.0 ppm, 57.0 ppm, and 104.0 ppm for 1,4-NTQ, juglone, and plumbagin, respectively. In the semi-in vivo assay on pine bolt of the Japanese black pine, Pinus thunbergii, the population of inoculated B. xylophilus was significantly decreased at two weeks after treatment with juglone when compared with the effects of treatment with 1,4-NTQ and plumbagin. We also observed that naphthoquinones could generate reactive oxygen species, which presumably indicated that naphthoquinones caused significant oxidative stress in B. xylophilus. The findings of this study suggest the nematicidal potential of naphthoquinones and their possible use in further in vivo assays to test their nematicidal efficacy against B. xylophilus when injected through trunk injection.
New Green Determination of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in Beetroot Juices along with Their Chemical Fractionation by Solid-Phase Extraction
Authors: Pohl Pawel , Pieprz Mateusz , Dzimitrowicz Anna , Jamroz Piotr , Szymczycha-Madeja Anna , Welna Maja
Published: October 2019

A new simple and rapid method for the determination of the total concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in beetroot juices by flame atomic absorption spectrometry was developed and validated. The method included a very simple sample preparation, i.e., the two-fold dilution and acidification of the samples with HNO3 to 1 mol·L−1 and provided the precision within 2–3% and the trueness better than 6%. The method was applied for the rapid screening analysis of the different commercially available beetroot juices. The chemical fractionation of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn was also proposed by the two-column solid-phase extraction with the reversed-phase and cation exchange tubes. It was revealed that Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were primarily in beetroot juices in the form of the organically bound forms, contributing to the distinguished hydrophobic and residual fractions. The sums of the mean contributions of both fractions were up to 98% (Cu, Fe, Zn) and 100% (Mn), pointing out that no labile nor unbound forms of the studied metals were present in the matrix of beetroot juices.
Highly Sensitive and Selective Colorimetric Detection of Creatinine Based on Synergistic Effect of PEG/Hg2+–AuNPs
Authors: Xia Yunxia , Zhu Chenxue , Bian Jie , Li Yuxi , Liu Xunyong , Liu Yi
Published: October 2019

A colorimetric sensor, based on the synergistic coordination effect on a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) platform has been developed for the determination of creatinine. The sensor selects citrate stabilized AuNPs as a platform, polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a decorator, and Hg2+ as a linkage to form a colorimetric probe system (PEG/Hg2−–AuNPs). By forming hydrogen bond between the oxygen-containing functional groups of PEG and citrate ions on the surface of AuNPs, this probe shows good stability. PEG coordinated with Hg2+ synergistically and specifically on the surface of dispersed AuNPs, and the existence of creatinine could induce the aggregation of AuNPs with a corresponding color change and an obvious absorption peak shift within 5 min. This PEG/Hg2+–AuNPs probe towards creatinine shows high sensitivity, and a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9948) was obtained between A620–522 nm and creatinine concentration, which can achieve the quantitative calculations of creatinine. The limit of detection (LOD) of this PEG/Hg2+–AuNPs probe was estimated to be 9.68 nM, lower than that of many other reported methods. Importantly, the sensitive probe can be successfully applied in a urine simulating fluid sample and a bovine serum sample. The unique synergistic coordination sensing mechanism applied in the designation of this probe further improves its high selectivity and specificity for the detection of creatinine. Thus, the proposed probe may give new inspirations for colorimetric detection of creatinine and other biomolecules.
Gold Film over SiO2 Nanospheres—New Thermally Resistant Substrates for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Spectroscopy
Authors: Kouba Karel , Proška Jan , Procházka Marek
Published: October 2019

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors are constructed from metallic plasmonic nanostructures providing high sensitivity and spectral reproducibility. In many cases, irradiation of the SERS substrate by the laser beam leads to an increase of the local temperature and consequently to thermal degradation of metallic nanostructure itself and/or adsorbed analyte. We report here a “bottom-up” technique to fabricate new thermally resistant gold “film over nanosphere” (FON) substrates for SERS. We elaborated the simple and straightforward method of preparation of homogeneously and closely packed monolayer of SiO2 nanoparticles (50 nm in diameter) and covered it by a thin (20 nm) layer of magnetron-sputtered gold. The spectral testing using biologically important molecules (methylene blue, cationic porphyrin, and fungicide 1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-2-thiol) proved a sensitivity and reproducibility of our AuSiO2 substrates. The main advantage of such SERS-active substrates is high thermal stability and low intensity of background and signal of graphitic carbon.
Fasting Glucose State Determines Metabolic Response to Supplementation with Insoluble Cereal Fibre: A Secondary Analysis of the Optimal Fibre Trial (OptiFiT)
Authors: Kabisch Stefan , Meyer Nina M. T. , Honsek Caroline , Gerbracht Christiana , Dambeck Ulrike , Kemper Margrit , Osterhoff Martin A. , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Arafat Ayman M. , Hjorth Mads F. , Weickert Martin O. , Pfeiffer Andreas F. H.
Published: October 2019

Background: High intake of cereal fibre is associated with reduced risk for type 2 diabetes and long-term complications. Within the first long-term randomized controlled trial specifically targeting cereal fibre, the Optimal Fibre Trial (OptiFiT), intake of insoluble oat fibre was shown to significantly reduce glycaemia. Previous studies suggested that this effect might be limited to subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Aim: We stratified the OptiFiT cohort for normal and impaired fasting glucose (NFG, IFG) and conducted a secondary analysis comparing the effects of fibre supplementation between these subgroups. Methods: 180 Caucasian participants with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were randomized to twice-a-day fibre or placebo supplementation for 2 years (n = 89 and 91, respectively), while assuring double-blinded intervention. Fasting blood sampling, oral glucose tolerance test and full anthropometry were assessed annually. At baseline, out of 136 subjects completing the first year of intervention, 72 (54%) showed IFG and IGT, while 64 subjects had IGT only (labelled “NFG”). Based on these two groups, we performed a stratified per-protocol analysis of glycometabolic and secondary effects during the first year of intervention. Results: The NFG group did not show significant differences between fibre and placebo group concerning anthropometric, glycometabolic, or other biochemical parameters. Within the IFG stratum, 2-h glucose, HbA1c, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels decreased more in the fibre group, with a significant supplement x IFG interaction effect for HbA1c. Compared to NFG subjects, IFG subjects had larger benefits from fibre supplementation with respect to fasting glucose levels. Results were robust against adjustment for weight change and sex. An ITT analysis did not reveal any differences from the per-protocol analysis. Conclusions: Although stratification resulted in relatively small subgroups, we were able to pinpoint our previous findings from the entire cohort to the IFG subgroup. Cereal fibre can beneficially affect glycemic metabolism, with most pronounced or even isolated effectiveness in subjects with impaired fasting glucose.
Validity of a Food and Fluid Exercise Questionnaire for Macronutrient Intake during Exercise against Observations
Authors: Wardenaar Floris C. , Hoogervorst Daan , van der Burg Nancy , Versteegen Joline , Yoo Wonsuk , Tasevska Natasha
Published: October 2019

Information about the accuracy of self-reported food and fluid intake during competitions is scarce. The objective of this study was to validate a previously developed food and fluid exercise questionnaire (FFEQ) against direct observations made during competitions in athletes. Fifty-eight recreational endurance athletes participating in four different running events and one cross duathlon in the Netherlands between 2015 and 2017 were recruited. The FFEQ overestimated the median energy and carbohydrate intake by 27.6 kcal/h (20.6%) and 9.25 g/h (30.8%) (p < 0.001), respectively, compared to direct observation. Reporting bias (i.e., correlation between the difference between methods and average of both methods) increased with a higher energy (r: 0.41, p < 0.01) and carbohydrate intake (r: 0.44, p < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was found between FFEQ-reported fluid intake per hour and observations (median difference: −2.93 mL, −1.1%; p = 0.48) and no fluid reporting bias was identified (r: 0.23, p = 0.08). FFEQ-reported energy (r: 0.74), carbohydrate (r: 0.74), and fluid (r: 0.85) intake was strongly correlated with the observed intake (all p-values < 0.001). In conclusion, the FFEQ accurately estimates the fluid intake on a group level during competitions in recreational athletes. Even though FFEQ overestimates the energy and carbohydrate intake, it is still a useful tool for ranking individuals based on their intake.