bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tetrel-Bond Interactions Involving Metallylenes TH2 (T = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb): Dual Binding Behavior
Authors: Chen Yishan , Yao Lifeng , Wang Fan
Published: March 2023

The dual binding behavior of the metallylenes TH2 (T = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) with some selected Lewis acids (T’H3F, T’ = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) and bases (N2, HCN, CO, and C6H6) has been investigated by using the high-level quantum chemical method. Two types (type-A and type-B) of tetrel-bonded complexes can be formed for TH2 due to their ambiphilic character. TH2 act as Lewis bases in type-A complexes, and they act as Lewis acids in type-B ones. CO exhibits two binding modes in the type-B complexes, one of which is TH2···CO and the other is TH2···OC. The TH2···OC complexes possess a weaker binding strength than the other type-B complexes. The TH2···OC complexes are referred to as the type-B2 complexes, and the other type-B complexes are referred to as the type-B1 complexes. The type-A complexes exhibit a relatively weak binding strength with Eint (interaction energy) values ranging from –7.11 to –15.55 kJ/mol, and the type-B complexes have a broad range of Eint values ranging from −9.45 to −98.44 kJ/mol. The Eint values of the type-A and type-B1 complexes go in the order SiH2 > GeH2 > SnH2 > PbH2. The AIM (atoms in molecules) analysis suggests that the tetrel bonds in type-A complexes are purely closed-shell interactions, and those in most type-B1 complexes have a partially covalent character. The EDA (Energy decomposition analysis) results indicate that the contribution values of the three energy terms go in the order electrostatic > dispersion > induction for the type-A and type-B2 complexes, and this order is electrostatic > induction > dispersion for the type-B1 complexes.
Comprehensive Analysis of Secondary Metabolites of Four Medicinal Thyme Species Used in Folk Medicine and Their Antioxidant Activities In Vitro
Authors: Yang Rui , Dong Yanmei , Gao Fei , Li Jingyi , Stevanovic Zora Dajic , Li Hui , Shi Lei
Published: March 2023

Thyme is a colloquial term for number of aromatic species belonging to the genus Thymus L., known for their expressed biological activities and therefore used worldwide for seasoning and in folk medicine. In the present paper, the content of the total polyphenols (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and antioxidant capacity were assessed in the extracts of four traditionally used thyme species. Moreover, a comprehensive metabolomic study of thyme bioactive compounds was performed, and the obtained data were processed using multivariate statistical tests. The results clearly demonstrated the positive correlation between the content of the TP, TF, and antioxidant activity, and TF was more significant than TP. The findings revealed that four selected thyme species contained 528 secondary metabolites, including 289 flavonoids and 146 phenolic acids. Thymus marschallianus had a higher concentration of active ingredients, which improve its antioxidant capacity. Differentially accumulated metabolites were formed by complex pathways such as flavonoid, flavone, flavonol, isoflavonoid, and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Correlation analysis showed that 59 metabolites (including 28 flavonoids, 18 phenolic acids, and 7 terpenoid compounds) were significantly correlated with obtained values of the antioxidant capacity. The results suggested that selected thyme species exhibit a great diversity in antioxidant-related components, whereas flavonoids may be responsible for the high antioxidant capacity of all studied thyme species. The present study greatly expands our understanding of the complex phytochemical profiles and related applications of selected medicinal plants.
Triterpenoids of Three Apple Cultivars—Biosynthesis, Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties, and Fate during Processing
Authors: Woźniak Łukasz , Szakiel Anna , Głowacka Agnieszka , Rozpara Elżbieta , Marszałek Krystian , Skąpska Sylwia
Published: March 2023

Triterpenoids are a group of secondary plant metabolites, with a remarkable pharmacological potential, occurring in the cuticular waxes of the aerial parts of plants. The aim of this study was to analyze triterpenoid variability in the fruits and leaves of three apple cultivars during the growing season and gain new insights into their health-promoting properties and fate during juice and purée production. The identification and quantification of the compounds of interest were conducted using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The waxes of both matrices contained similar analytes; however, their quantitative patterns varied: triterpenic acids prevailed in the fruits, while higher contents of steroids and esterified forms were observed in the leaves. The total triterpenoid content per unit area was stable during the growing season; the percentage of esters increased in the later phases of growth. Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated with a series of in vitro assays. Triterpenoids were found to be the main anti-inflammatory compounds in the apples, while their impact on antioxidant capacity was minor. The apples were processed on a lab scale to obtain juices and purées. The apple purée and cloudy juice contained only some of the triterpenoids present in the raw fruit, while the clear juices were virtually free of those lipophilic compounds.
Milk Thistle Oil Extracted by Enzyme-Mediated Assisted Solvent Extraction Compared with n-Hexane and Cold-Pressed Extraction
Authors: Liu Longlong , Zhang Hua
Published: March 2023

Silymarin and milk thistle oil have unique biological benefits; however, applying silymarin to milk thistle oil remains a challenge. In this research, the content of silymarin in milk thistle oil conditions using enzyme-mediated solvent extraction was investigated and optimized by response surface methodology. The optimal extraction conditions using enzyme-mediated solvent extraction were as follows: the enzyme-added content was 3.06 mg/mL, the enzymatic hydrolysis temperature was 55.09 °C, and the enzymatic hydrolysis time was 66.28 min. Oil extracted by the enzyme-mediated assisted solvent was further compared with those extracted with n-hexane and cold pressing. Results indicated that the oil extraction using the enzyme-mediated assisted solvent had a lower acid value (2.20 ± 0.01 mg/g) and the highest α-tocopherol content (0.62 ± 0.00 mg/g), total phenols (7.67 ± 0.01 mg/g), and flavonoids (1.06 ± 0.13 mg/g). Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity of milk thistle oils was further investigated. The results showed that the enzyme-mediated assisted solvent-extracted oil had the strongest antioxidant capacity with lower lipid oxide content. Therefore, enzyme-mediated solvent extraction is an excellent method for extracting milk thistle oil.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Tobacco 21 Laws to Reduce Underage Access to Tobacco: Protocol for a Repeated Multi-Site Study
Authors: Hrywna Mary , Kong Amanda Y. , Ackerman Christopher , Giovenco Daniel P. , Spillane Torra E. , Lee Joseph G. L. , Hudson Shawna V. , Delnevo Cristine D.
Published: March 2023

Prior to the federal law passed in December 2019, many states passed an increased age of sale law prohibiting youth under age 21 (or Tobacco 21) from purchasing tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Although previous research has documented tobacco retail sale violations, fewer studies have examined age verification and illegal tobacco sales in the context of Tobacco 21 or repeated purchase attempts in various settings. In this study conducted between 2019 and 2022, buyers aged 18 to 20 years made repeated unsupervised purchase attempts of cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, tobacco-free nicotine pouches, and smokeless tobacco at over 180 tobacco or e-cigarette retailers in New Jersey, New York City, and Pitt County (North Carolina). Buyers documented whether they were asked for identification and whether they were able to successfully purchase a tobacco or nicotine product at each visit. The primary outcome will be the percent of retailers that checked the buyers’ identification at store visits and the percent of visits that resulted in a successful underage tobacco product purchase. We will compare the results across time periods, study sites, products, and buyer characteristics (i.e., gender, minoritized racial/ethnic identity) while controlling for repeated visits. These results will inform improvements to current compliance check inspection programs as well as interventions that reduce youth access to tobacco.
Cyan Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots with Amino Derivatives for the Visual Detection of Copper (II) Cations in Sea Water
Authors: Yakusheva Anastasia , Aly-Eldeen Mohamed , Gusev Alexander , Zakharova Olga , Kuznetsov Denis
Published: March 2023

Amino- and carboxyl-functionalized carbon quantum dots (Amino-CQDs) were synthesized through fast and simple microwave treatment of a citric acid, ethylenediamine and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) mix. The reproducible and stable optical properties from newly synthesized CQD dispersion with a maximum absorbance spectra at 330 nm and the symmetric emission maximum at 470 nm made the Amino-CQDs a promising fluorescence material for analytical applications. The highly aminated and chelate moieties on the CQDs was appropriate for a copper (Cu2+) cation sensor in the linear range from 1 × 10−4 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL with a limit of detection at 0.00036 mg/mL by static fluorescence quenching effects. Furthermore, Amino-CQDs demonstrated stable fluorescence parameters for assays in diluted alkali metal solution (Na+ and K+) and sea water. Finally, a visual sensor, based on Amino-CQDs, was successfully created for the 0.01–100 mg/mL range to produce a colorimetric effect that can be registered by computer vision software (Open CV Python).
Towards Digital Twin Implementation in Roll-To-Roll Gravure Printed Electronics: Overlay Printing Registration Error Prediction Based on Printing Process Parameters
Authors: Shakeel Anood , Maskey Bijendra Bishow , Shrestha Sagar , Parajuli Sajjan , Jung Younsu , Cho Gyoujin
Published: March 2023

Roll-to-roll gravure (R2Rg) has become highly affiliated with printed electronics in the past few years due to its high yield of printed thin-film transistor (TFT) in active matrix devices, and to its low cost. For printing TFTs with multilayer structures, achieving a high-precision in overlay printing registration accuracy (OPRA) is a key challenge to attain the high degree of TFT integration through R2Rg. To address this challenge efficiently, a digital twin paradigm was first introduced in the R2Rg system with an aim to optimize the OPRA by developing a predictive model based on typical input variables such as web tension, nip force, and printing speed in the R2Rg system. In our introductory-level digital twin, errors in the OPRA were collected with the variable parameters of web tensions, nip forces, and printing speeds from several R2Rg printing processes. Subsequently, statistical features were extracted from the input data followed by the training of a deep learning long-short term memory (LSTM) model for predicting machine directional error (MD) in the OPRA. As a result of training the LSTM model in our digital twin, its attained accuracy of prediction was 77%. Based on this result, we studied the relationship between the nip forces and printing speeds to predict the MD error in the OPRA. The results indicated a correlation between the MD error in the OPRA and the printing speed, as the MD error amplitude in the OPRA tended to decline at the higher printing speed.
Recent Advances in Metal-Based NanoEnhancers for Particle Therapy
Authors: Chuang Yao-Chen , Wu Ping-Hsiu , Shen Yao-An , Kuo Chia-Chun , Wang Wei-Jun , Chen Yu-Chen , Lee Hsin-Lun , Chiou Jeng-Fong
Published: March 2023

Radiotherapy is one of the most common therapeutic regimens for cancer treatment. Over the past decade, proton therapy (PT) has emerged as an advanced type of radiotherapy (RT) that uses proton beams instead of conventional photon RT. Both PT and carbon-ion beam therapy (CIBT) exhibit excellent therapeutic results because of the physical characteristics of the resulting Bragg peaks, which has been exploited for cancer treatment in medical centers worldwide. Although particle therapies show significant advantages to photon RT by minimizing the radiation damage to normal tissue after the tumors, they still cause damage to normal tissue before the tumor. Since the physical mechanisms are different from particle therapy and photon RT, efforts have been made to ameliorate these effects by combining nanomaterials and particle therapies to improve tumor targeting by concentrating the radiation effects. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) exhibit many unique properties, such as strong X-ray absorption cross-sections and catalytic activity, and they are considered nano-radioenhancers (NREs) for RT. In this review, we systematically summarize the putative mechanisms involved in NRE-induced radioenhancement in particle therapy and the experimental results in in vitro and in vivo models. We also discuss the potential of translating preclinical metal-based NP-enhanced particle therapy studies into clinical practice using examples of several metal-based NREs, such as SPION, Abraxane, AGuIX, and NBTXR3. Furthermore, the future challenges and development of NREs for PT are presented for clinical translation. Finally, we propose a roadmap to pursue future studies to strengthen the interplay of particle therapy and nanomedicine.
Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Hyperbranched Multiarm Copolymer Lysozyme Conjugates Based on Light-Induced Metal-Free Atrp
Authors: Yi Jianguo , Qin Yan , Zhang Yue
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the coupling of structurally and functionally controllable polymers with biologically active protein materials to obtain polymer–protein conjugates with excellent overall properties and good biocompatibility has been important research in the field of polymers. In this study, the hyperbranched polymer hP(DEGMA-co-OEGMA) was first prepared by combining self-condensation vinyl polymerization (SCVP) with photo-induced metal-free atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), with 2-(2-bromo-2-methylpropanoyloxy) ethyl methacrylate (BMA) as inimer, and Di (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (DEGMA) and (oligoethylene glycol) methacrylate (OEGMA, Mn = 300) as the copolymer monomer. Then, hP(DEGMA-co-OEGMA) was used as a macroinitiator to continue the polymerization of a segment of pyridyl disulfide ethyl methacrylate (DSMA) monomer to obtain the hyperbranched multiarm copolymers hP(DEGMA-co-OEGMA)-star-PDSMA. Finally, the lysozyme with sulfhydryl groups was affixed to the hyperbranched multiarm copolymers by the exchange reaction between sulfhydryl groups and disulfide bonds to obtain the copolymer protein conjugates hP(DEGMA-co-OEGMA)-star-PLZ. Three hyperbranched multiarm copolymers with relatively close molecular weights but different degrees of branching were prepared, and all three conjugates could self-assemble to form nanoscale vesicle assemblies with narrow dispersion. The biological activity and secondary structure of lysozyme on the assemblies remained essentially unchanged.
Electrocatalytic Properties of Co3O4 Prepared on Carbon Fibers by Thermal Metal–Organic Deposition for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Authors: Kim Myeong Gyu , Choi Yun-Hyuk
Published: March 2023

Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) serves as a promising electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reactions (OER) in water-electrolytic hydrogen production. For more practical applications, advances in dry-deposition processes for the high-throughput fabrication of such Co3O4 electrocatalysts are needed. In this work, a thermal metal–organic deposition (MOD) technique is developed to form Co3O4 deposits on microscale-diameter carbon fibers constituting a carbon fiber paper (CFP) substrate for high-efficiency OER electrocatalyst applications. The Co3O4 electrocatalysts are deposited while uniformly covering the surface of individual carbon fibers in the reaction temperature range from 400 to 800 °C under an ambient Ar atmosphere. It is found that the microstructure of deposits is dependent on the reaction temperature. The Co3O4 electrocatalysts prepared at 500 °C and over exhibit values of 355–384 mV in overpotential (η10) required to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and 70–79 mV dec−1 in Tafel slope, measured in 1 M KOH aqueous solution. As a result, it is highlighted that the improved crystallinity of the Co3O4 electrocatalyst with the increased reaction temperature leads to an enhancement in electrode-level OER activity with the high electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), low charge transfer resistance (Rct), and low η10, due to the enhanced electrical conductivity. On the other hand, it is found that the inherent catalytic activity of the surface sites of the Co3O4, represented by the turnover frequency (TOF), decreases with reaction temperature due to the high-temperature sintering effect. This work provides the groundwork for the high-throughput fabrication and rational design of high-performance electrocatalysts.
Direct Imprinting of Large-Area Metallic Photonic Lattices for Infrared Polarization Filters with Broadband Tunability
Authors: Dou Fei , Peng Chen , Zou Miaomiao , Zhang Xinping
Published: March 2023

Metallic photonic lattices are promising in their application to plasmonic optical devices; however, scalable fabrication strategies are limited by sample size, response wavelength (mostly in the visible range), cost, and duration. This paper proposes a direct imprinting strategy to fabricate large-area metallic photonic lattices, which present a strong plasmonic response and broadband angle-resolved tuning properties in the infrared region. This simple fabrication strategy combines solution-synthesized Au nanoparticle colloid and imprinting technology, which does not require the use of photoresist or lithography. Thus, the feature size and response wavelength can exceed the limitations of the beam size and wave band, thereby offering the advantages of a low cost and high throughput.
Deep Learning Assisted Optimization of Metasurface for Multi-Band Compatible Infrared Stealth and Radiative Thermal Management
Authors: Wang Lei , Dong Jian , Zhang Wenjie , Zheng Chong , Liu Linhua
Published: March 2023

Infrared (IR) stealth plays a vital role in the modern military field. With the continuous development of detection technology, multi-band (such as near-IR laser and middle-IR) compatible IR stealth is required. Combining rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) with Deep Learning (DL), we design a Ge/Ag/Ge multilayer circular-hole metasurface capable of multi-band IR stealth. It achieves low average emissivity of 0.12 and 0.17 in the two atmospheric windows (3~5 μm and 8~14 μm), while it achieves a relatively high average emissivity of 0.61 between the two atmospheric windows (5~8 μm) for the purpose of radiative thermal management. Additionally, the metasurface has a narrow-band high absorptivity of 0.88 at the near-infrared wavelength (1.54 μm) for laser guidance. For the optimized structure, we also analyze the potential physical mechanisms. The structure we optimized is geometrically simple, which may find practical applications aided with advanced nano-fabrication techniques. Also, our work is instructive for the implementation of DL in the design and optimization of multifunctional IR stealth materials.
The Role of Human Microbiota in Myasthenia Gravis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Schirò Giuseppe , Iacono Salvatore , Balistreri Carmela Rita
Published: March 2023

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by fluctuating weakness of the skeletal muscles. Although antibodies against the neuromuscular junction components are recognized, the MG pathogenesis remains unclear, even if with a well-known multifactorial character. However, the perturbations of human microbiota have been recently suggested to contribute to MG pathogenesis and clinical course. Accordingly, some products derived from commensal flora have been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effects, while other have been shown to possess pro-inflammatory properties. In addition, patients with MG when compared with age-matched controls showed a distinctive composition in the oral and gut microbiota, with a typical increase in Streptococcus and Bacteroides and a reduction in Clostridia as well as short-chain fatty acid reduction. Moreover, restoring the gut microbiota perturbation has been evidenced after the administration of probiotics followed by an improvement of symptoms in MG cases. To highlight the role of the oral and gut microbiota in MG pathogenesis and clinical course, here, the current evidence has been summarized and reviewed.
Parameters Associated with the Required Drug Dose of Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Stable Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Feyen Ludger , Schaub Christina , Zimmermann Julian , Nitsch Louisa
Published: March 2023

Background: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is efficient and one of very few treatment options for patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). However, finding the optimal dose of IVIg for individual CIDP patients remains challenging. The dose of IVIg needs to be adjusted individually. Considering the high healthcare costs of IVIg therapy, the overtreatment of some patients seen in placebo studies and the shortage of IVIg we recently experienced, as well as identifying factors associated with the required dose of IVIg in maintenance treatment, is extremely important. Thus, in this retrospective study, we analyze characteristics of patients with stable CIDP, which are associated with the required drug dose. Methods: 32 patients with stable CIDP treated with IVIg between July 2021 and July 2022 were identified from our database and included in this retrospective study. Patients’ characteristics were registered, and parameters were identified that were associated with the IVIg dose. Results: Age, cerebrospinal fluid protein elevation, disease duration, delay between symptom onset/diagnosis, Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) score, and Medical Research Council Sum Score (MRC SS) were significantly associated with the required drug dose. In addition, an association of age, sex, elevated CSF protein, time interval between symptom onset and diagnosis, and the MRC SS with the required IVIg dose could be demonstrated in the multivariable regression analysis. Conclusions: Our model, which is based on routine parameters that are simple to address in the clinical practice, can be useful in adjusting the IVIg dose in patients with stable CIDP.
In Vitro Probiotic Properties of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis SF and Its Alleviating Effect on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Lv Huihui , Tao Feiyue , Peng Lingling , Chen Shufang , Ren Zhongyue , Chen Jiahui , Yu Bo , Wei Hua , Wan Cuixiang
Published: March 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease with many influencing factors. With the increasing role of the gut–liver axis in various liver diseases, research on the prevention and treatment of NAFLD with probiotics is increasing. In the present study, a Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. strain, B. lactis SF, was isolated from the feces of healthy infants and characterized by sequencing of the 16S rDNA. A systematic probiotic evaluation was carried out, and a diet-induced mouse model was constructed to study the effect and mechanism of B. lactis SF on diet-induced NAFLD. Results show that B. lactis SF has excellent gastrointestinal fluid tolerance and intestinal colonization, and strong antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities. In vivo, B. lactis SF modulated intestinal flora, restored the intestinal barrier, and inhibited LPS entrance into the portal circulation, which subsequently inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB and modulated the PI3K-Akt/AMPK signaling pathway, attenuated the inflammatory response, and reduced lipid accumulation. In addition, B. lactis SF attenuated oxidative stress and further alleviated autophagy, resulting in an ameliorative effect on NAFLD. Therefore, our study provides a new dietary method for the treatment of NAFLD.
Something to Snack on: Can Dietary Modulators Boost Mind and Body?
Authors: Guillaumin Mathilde , Syarov Boris , Burdakov Denis , Peleg-Raibstein Daria
Published: March 2023

The last decades have shown that maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can support brain integrity and functionality, while an inadequate diet can compromise it. However, still little is known about the effects and utility of so-called healthy snacks or drinks and their immediate short-term effects on cognition and physical performance. Here, we prepared dietary modulators comprising the essential macronutrients at different ratios and a controlled balanced dietary modulator. We assessed, in healthy adult mice, the short-term effects of these modulators when consumed shortly prior to tests with different cognitive and physical demands. A high-fat dietary modulator sustained increased motivation compared to a carbohydrate-rich dietary modulator (p = 0.041) which had a diminishing effect on motivation (p = 0.018). In contrast, a high-carbohydrate modulator had an initial beneficial effect on cognitive flexibility (p = 0.031). No apparent effects of any of the dietary modulators were observed on physical exercise. There is increasing public demand for acute cognitive and motor function enhancers that can improve mental and intellectual performance in daily life, such as in the workplace, studies, or sports activities. Our findings suggest such enhancers should be tailored to the cognitive demand of the task undertaken, as different dietary modulators will have distinct effects when consumed shortly prior to the task.
MaestraNatura Reveals Its Effectiveness in Acquiring Nutritional Knowledge and Skills: Bridging the Gap between Girls and Boys from Primary School
Authors: Varì Rosaria , Silenzi Annalisa , d’Amore Antonio , Catena Alice , Masella Roberta , Scazzocchio Beatrice
Published: March 2023

MaestraNatura (MN) is a nutrition education program developed to both enhance awareness about the importance of healthy eating behaviour and skills on food and nutrition in primary school students. The level of knowledge about food and nutritional issues was assessed by a questionnaire administered to 256 students (9–10 years old) attending the last class of primary school and was compared with that of a control group of 98 students frequenting the same schools that received traditional nutrition education based on curricular science lessons and one frontal lesson conducted by an expert nutritionist. The results indicated that students in the MN program showed a higher percentage of correct responses to the questionnaire when compared with the control group (76 ± 15.4 vs. 59 ± 17.7; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the students attending the MN program were requested to organise a weekly menu before (T0) and when finished (T1) the MN program. The results evidenced an overall significant improvement in the score obtained at T1 with respect to those at T0 (p < 0.001), indicating a strong improvement in the ability to translate the theoretical concepts of nutrition guidelines in practice. In addition, the analysis revealed a gender gap between boys and girls, with boys showing a worse score at T0 that was ameliorated after the completion of the program (p < 0.001). Overall, MN program is effective in improving nutrition knowledge amongst 9–10-year-old students. Furthermore, students showed an increased ability to organise a weekly dietary plan after completing the MN program, a result which also bridged gender gaps. Thus, preventive nutrition education strategies specifically addressed to boys and girls, and involving both the school and family, are needed to make children aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and to correct inadequate eating habits.
Nutritional Support for Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Tadokoro Tomoko , Morishita Asahiro , Himoto Takashi , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: March 2023

Malnutrition is a common finding in alcohol use disorders and is associated with the prognosis of patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). These patients also frequently show deficiencies in vitamins and trace elements, increasing the likelihood of anemia and altered cognitive status. The etiology of malnutrition in ALD patients is multifactorial and complex and includes inadequate dietary intake, abnormal absorption and digestion, increased skeletal and visceral protein catabolism, and abnormal interactions between ethanol and lipid metabolism. Most nutritional measures derive from general chronic liver disease recommendations. Recently, many patients with ALD have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, which requires individualized treatment via nutritional therapy to avoid overnutrition. As ALD progresses to cirrhosis, it is frequently complicated by protein–energy malnutrition and sarcopenia. Nutritional therapy is also important in the management of ascites and hepatic encephalopathy as liver failure progresses. The purpose of the review is to summarize important nutritional therapies for the treatment of ALD.
In Vitro Antitumor and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Allium-Derived Compounds Propyl Propane Thiosulfonate (PTSO) and Propyl Propane Thiosulfinate (PTS)
Authors: Guillamón Enrique , Mut-Salud Nuria , Rodríguez-Sojo María Jesús , Ruiz-Malagón Antonio Jesús , Cuberos-Escobar Antonio , Martínez-Férez Antonio , Rodríguez-Nogales Alba , Gálvez Julio , Baños Alberto
Published: March 2023

Increasing rates of cancer incidence and the side-effects of current chemotherapeutic treatments have led to the research on novel anticancer products based on dietary compounds. The use of Allium metabolites and extracts has been proposed to reduce the proliferation of tumor cells by several mechanisms. In this study, we have shown the in vitro anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effect of two onion-derived metabolites propyl propane thiosulfinate (PTS) and propyl propane thiosulfonate (PTSO) on several human tumor lines (MCF-7, T-84, A-549, HT-29, Panc-1, Jurkat, PC-3, SW-837, and T1-73). We observed that this effect was related to their ability to induce apoptosis regulated by oxidative stress. In addition, both compounds were also able to reduce the levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-8, IL-6, and IL-17. Therefore, PTS and PTSO may have a promising role in cancer prevention and/or treatment.
Carbohydrates and Endurance Exercise: A Narrative Review of a Food First Approach
Authors: Naderi Alireza , Gobbi Nathan , Ali Ajmol , Berjisian Erfan , Hamidvand Amin , Forbes Scott C. , Koozehchian Majid S. , Karayigit Raci , Saunders Bryan
Published: March 2023

Carbohydrate (CHO) supplements such as bars, gels, drinks and powders have become ubiquitous as effective evidence-based CHO sources that improve endurance exercise performance. However, athletes are increasingly turning to more cost-effective ‘food-first’ approaches for CHO ingestion to improve exercise performance. Mixed CHO foods including cooked lentils, oats, honey, raisins, rice, and potatoes are all effective pre-exercise CHO food sources. Caution is advised when selecting some of these foods as a primary CHO source, as some athletes may be prone to gastrointestinal discomfort—especially regarding those foods where the quantities required for recommended CHO intake may be voluminous (e.g., potatoes). Palatability may be another barrier to the ingestion of some of these CHO-rich foods. Although most of these CHO-rich foods appear effective for exercise performance or recovery when consumed pre- and post-exercise, not all are viable to ingest during exercise due to difficulties in the quantities required, transport, and/or gastrointestinal discomfort. Raisins, bananas and honey may be particularly useful CHO foods for consumption during exercise, as they are easily transportable. Athletes should trial CHO food sources before, during and/or following training before implementation during competition.
Soft Drink Intake in Europe—A Review of Data from Nationally Representative Food Consumption Surveys
Authors: Walton Janette , Wittekind Anna
Published: March 2023

Public health interest in reducing the intake of sugar-sweetened soft drinks has resulted in various guidelines and initiatives related to their consumption, together with an increase in availability and sales of low and no-sugars versions. The aim of this review was to gain insight regarding individual-level amounts and types of soft drinks consumed across the lifecycle as reported in nationally representative surveys in Europe. The review highlighted significant gaps and challenges regarding the availability of recent country-specific soft drink consumption data including heterogeneity in categorisations used in reporting soft drinks. Nonetheless, crude estimates of mean intake (across countries) indicated that total soft drinks and soft drinks with sugars was highest in adolescents and lowest in infants/toddlers and older adults. For infants/toddlers, crude mean intakes of soft drinks with reduced/no sugars were higher than soft drinks with sugars. The review also found that consumption of total soft drinks is decreasing with a shift to consumption of soft drinks with reduced/no sugars in replacement of sugars-containing soft drinks. This review provides valuable insight into what data are currently available on soft drink consumption in Europe with heterogeneity in categorisations, terminology, and definitions of soft drinks observed.
Effects of Concentrated Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Quality of Life after Radical Prostatectomy: A Phase II Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial (RCT-EPA)
Authors: Moussa Hanane , Robitaille Karine , Pelletier Jean-François , Tourigny Roxane , Fradet Yves , Lacombe Louis , Toren Paul , Lodde Michele , Tiguert Rabi , Dujardin Thierry , Caumartin Yves , Duchesne Thierry , Julien Pierre , Savard Josée , Diorio Caroline , Fradet Vincent
Published: March 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) and associated treatments incur symptoms that may impact patients’ quality of life. Studies have shown beneficial relationships between diet, especially omega-3 fatty acids, and these symptoms. Unfortunately, only few data describing the relationship between long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCn3) and PCa-related symptoms in patients are available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LCn3 supplementation on PCa-specific quality of life in 130 men treated by radical prostatectomy. Men were randomized to receive a daily dose of either 3.75 g of fish oil or a placebo starting 7 weeks before surgery and for up to one-year post-surgery. Quality of life was assessed using the validated EPIC-26 and IPSS questionnaires at randomization, at surgery, and every 3 months following surgery. Between-group differences were assessed using linear mixed models. Intention-to-treat analyses showed no significant difference between the two groups. However, at 12-month follow-up, per-protocol analyses showed a significantly greater increase in the urinary irritation function score (better urinary function) (MD = 5.5, p = 0.03) for the LCn3 group compared to placebo. These results suggest that LCn3 supplementation may improve the urinary irritation function in men with PCa treated by radical prostatectomy and support to conduct of larger-scale studies.
The Effects of Probiotics/Synbiotics on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Mu Jinhao , Guo Xian , Zhou Yanbing , Cao Guoxia
Published: March 2023

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is prevalent with lasting health implications for the mother and offspring. Medical therapy is the foundation of GDM management, for achieving optimal glycemic control often requires treatment with insulin or metformin. Gut dysbiosis is a feature of GDM pregnancies, therefore, dietary manipulation of the gut microbiota may offer a new avenue for management. Probiotics are a relatively new intervention, which can reduce the mother’s blood sugar levels and, furthermore, adjust glucose and lipid metabolism in both mother and offspring. Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the effect of probiotics/synbiotics on glucose and lipid metabolism in women with GDM. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the electronic databases Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and EBOSCO, published between 1 January 2012 and 1 November 2022. A total of 11 randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were analyzed. The indicators included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting serum insulin (FSI), the homoeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (TG), the mean weight at end of trial, and gestational weight gain (GWG). Results: Compared with the placebo, probiotics/synbiotics were associated with a statistically significant improvement in FPG (MD = −2.33, 95% CI = −4.27, −0.40, p = 0.02), FSI (MD = −2.47 95% CI = −3.82, −1.12, p = 0.0003), HOMA-IR (MD = −0.40, 95% CI = −0.74, −0.06, p = 0.02), and TC (MD = −6.59, 95% CI = −12.23,−−0.95, p = 0.02), while other factors had no significant difference. The subgroup analysis revealed that the kind of supplement led to heterogeneity for FPG and FSI, while heterogeneity was not found for others. Conclusion: Probiotics/synbiotics could control glucose and lipid metabolism in pregnant women with GDM. There was a significant improvement in FPG, FSI, HOMA-IR, and TC. The use of specific probiotic supplementation may be a promising prevention and therapeutic strategy for GDM. However, due to the heterogeneity among existing studies, further studies are warranted to address the limitations of existing evidence and better inform the management of GDM.
The Development of Appetite: Tracking and Age-Related Differences in Appetitive Traits in Childhood
Authors: Jansen Elena , Thapaliya Gita , Beauchemin Jennifer , D’Sa Viren , Deoni Sean , Carnell Susan
Published: March 2023

Appetitive traits are associated with body weight. Increased understanding of how appetitive traits evolve from early life could advance research on obesity risk and inform intervention development. We report on tracking and age-related differences in appetitive traits in childhood within the RESONANCE cohort. Parents of RESONANCE children aged 6.02 ± 2.99 years completed the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). Pearson correlations of appetitive traits and age were tested for all participants contributing at least one observation, using each participant’s first observation (N = 335). Children’s first and second observations of the CEBQ (n = 127) were used to test tracking (paired correlations) and age-related differences (paired t-tests) within individuals. CEBQ correlations with age suggested that satiety responsiveness, slowness in eating, emotional undereating, and desire to drink decreased with age (r = −0.111 to r = −0.269, all p < 0.05), while emotional overeating increased with age (r = 0.207, p < 0.001). Food fussiness demonstrated a quadratic relationship with age. Paired t-tests further supported an increase in emotional overeating with age (M: 1.55 vs. 1.69, p = 0.005). All CEBQ subscales demonstrated moderate to high tracking (r = 0.533 to r = 0.760, p < 0.001). Our initial findings within the RESONANCE cohort suggest that food avoidant traits are negatively related with age, while emotional overeating increases with age, and that appetitive traits track through childhood.
Eating Compulsivity in Inpatients with Severe Obesity and the General Population: The Italian Version of the Measure of Eating Compulsivity (MEC10-IT)
Authors: Rossi Alessandro Alberto , Pietrabissa Giada , Gearhardt Ashley N. , Musetti Alessandro , Castelnuovo Gianluca , Mannarini Stefania
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to validate and investigate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Measure of Eating Compulsivity-10 (MEC10-IT) in a sample of inpatients with severe obesity (Study 1), and to test the measurement invariance of the measure across non-clinical and clinical samples (Study 2). In the first study, a confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) was conducted among 452 patients in order to confirm the factorial structure of the MEC10-IT. In the second study, the psychometric properties of the MEC10-IT were tested on 453 inpatients with severe obesity and a community sample of 311 participants. The CFA confirmed the factorial structure of the MEC10-IT among an Italian sample of adult inpatients with severe obesity (Study 1). The MEC10-IT was also demonstrated to be invariant between the clinical and the community sample and to possess good psychometric properties, as well as excellent screening abilities for classifying individuals with problematic eating behaviors (Study 2). In conclusion, the MEC10-IT could be considered as a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of compulsive eating in both non-clinical and clinical samples and represents a psychometrically sound measure for clinical and research purposes.
High-Throughput CAMP Assay (HiTCA): A Novel Tool for Evaluating the Vitamin D-Dependent Antimicrobial Response
Authors: Gottlieb Carter , Henrich Mason , Liu Philip T. , Yacoubian Vahe , Wang Jeffery , Chun Rene , Adams John S.
Published: March 2023

Vitamin D is known to modulate human immune responses, and vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infection. However, what constitutes sufficient levels or whether vitamin D is useful as an adjuvant therapeutic is debated, much in part because of inadequate elucidation of mechanisms underlying vitamin D’s immune modulatory function. Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) has potent broad-spectrum activity, and the CAMP gene is regulated in human innate immune cells by active 1,25(OH)2D3, a product of hydroxylation of inactive 25(OH)D3 by CYP27B1-hydroxylase. We developed a CRISPR/Cas9-edited human monocyte-macrophage cell line containing the mCherry fluorescent reporter gene at the 3′ end of the endogenous CAMP gene. The High Throughput CAMP Assay (HiTCA) developed here is a novel tool for evaluating CAMP expression in a stable cell line that is scalable for a high-throughput workflow. Application of HiTCA to serum samples from a small number of human donors (n = 10) showed individual differences in CAMP induction that were not fully accounted for by the serum vitamin D metabolite status of the host. As such, HiTCA may be a useful tool that can advance our understanding of the human vitamin D-dependent antimicrobial response, which is being increasingly appreciated for its complexity.
Nutritional Status and Frailty Improvement through Senior-Friendly Diet among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in South Korea
Authors: Shin Hye-Ri , Kim Young-Sun , Park Yoo-Kyung , Koo Seul-Ki , Son Woo-Hyun , Han Jae-Won , Son Eun-Ha , Kang Hae-Jin , Choi Kyeong-Hee , Han Jin-Soo , Lee Hyun-Sun , Lim Hee-Sook
Published: March 2023

Considering that Korea’s aging population is rapidly increasing, health serves as an indicator of older adults’ quality of life, and dietary life directly affects their health. For health maintenance and improvement, preventive healthcare measures including safe food selection and nutritional supply are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of senior-friendly diet on nutrition and health status improvement in older adults receiving community care. A total of 180 older adults were analyzed, with 154 and 26 in the senior-friendly diet intervention group and the general diet group, respectively. Surveys, blood tests, and frailty evaluations were conducted before and after the study. After 5 months of intervention, the blood status, nutrient intake, and frailty level were evaluated. The participants’ mean age was 82.7 years, and 89.4% of them were living alone. In both groups, energy, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium intake were insufficient initially but generally improved after the intervention. Especially in the intervention group, energy, protein, vitamin D, vitamin C, and folic acid intake significantly increased. The frailty level also slightly improved, and the malnutrition rate was reduced. Even after the passage of time, the improvement effect size significantly differed between the groups. Therefore, resolving and supporting meals corresponding to the physiological needs of the older adults has a great impact on improving their quality of life, and such special consideration is a reasonable way to respond to a super-aged society.
A Microbial-Based Approach to Mental Health: The Potential of Probiotics in the Treatment of Depression
Authors: Johnson Dinyadarshini , Letchumanan Vengadesh , Thum Chern Choong , Thurairajasingam Sivakumar , Lee Learn-Han
Published: March 2023

Probiotics are currently the subject of intensive research pursuits and also represent a multi-billion-dollar global industry given their vast potential to improve human health. In addition, mental health represents a key domain of healthcare, which currently has limited, adverse-effect prone treatment options, and probiotics may hold the potential to be a novel, customizable treatment for depression. Clinical depression is a common, potentially debilitating condition that may be amenable to a precision psychiatry-based approach utilizing probiotics. Although our understanding has not yet reached a sufficient level, this could be a therapeutic approach that can be tailored for specific individuals with their own unique set of characteristics and health issues. Scientifically, the use of probiotics as a treatment for depression has a valid basis rooted in the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) mechanisms, which play a role in the pathophysiology of depression. In theory, probiotics appear to be ideal as adjunct therapeutics for major depressive disorder (MDD) and as stand-alone therapeutics for mild MDD and may potentially revolutionize the treatment of depressive disorders. Although there is a wide range of probiotics and an almost limitless range of therapeutic combinations, this review aims to narrow the focus to the most widely commercialized and studied strains, namely Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and to bring together the arguments for their usage in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Clinicians, scientists, and industrialists are critical stakeholders in exploring this groundbreaking concept.
Cardiometabolic Care: Assessing Patients with Diabetes Mellitus with No Overt Cardiovascular Disease in the Light of Heart Failure Development Risk
Authors: Chrysohoou Christina , Fragoulis Christos , Leontsinis Ioannis , Gastouniotis Ioannis , Fragouli Dimitra , Georgopoulos Maximos , Mantzouranis Emmanouil , Noutsou Marina , Tsioufis Konstantinos P.
Published: March 2023

The mechanisms leading to the development of heart failure (HF) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are multifactorial. Assessing the risk of HF development in patients with DM is valuable not only for the identification of a high-risk subgroup, but also equally important for defining low-risk subpopulations. Nowadays, DM and HF have been recognized as sharing similar metabolic pathways. Moreover, the clinical manifestation of HF can be independent of LVEF classification. Consequently, approaching HF should be through structural, hemodynamic and functional evaluation. Thus, both imaging parameters and biomarkers are important tools for the recognition of diabetic patients at risk of HF manifestation and HF phenotypes, and arrhythmogenic risk, and eventually for prognosis, aiming to improve patients’ outcomes utilizing drugs and non-pharmaceutical cardioprotective tools such as diet modification.