bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoplasmin Is a Hypoxia-Inducible Endoplasmic Reticulum-Derived Cargo of Extracellular Vesicles Released by Cardiac Cell Lines
Authors: Koncz Anna , Turiák Lilla , Németh Krisztina , Lenzinger Dorina , Bárkai Tünde , Lőrincz Péter , Zelenyánszki Helga , Vukman Krisztina V. , Buzás Edit I. , Visnovitz Tamás
Published: April 2023

Cardiomyopathies are leading causes of human mortality. Recent data indicate that the cardiomyocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) released upon cardiac injury are present in circulation. This paper aimed to analyze EVs released under normal and hypoxic conditions by H9c2 (rat), AC16 (human) and HL1 (mouse) cardiac cell lines. Small (sEVs), medium (mEVs) and large EVs (lEVs) were separated from a conditioned medium by a combination of gravity filtration, differential centrifugation and tangential flow filtration. The EVs were characterized by microBCA, SPV lipid assay, nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission and immunogold electron microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blotting. Proteomic profiles of the EVs were determined. Surprisingly, an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone, endoplasmin (ENPL, grp94 or gp96), was identified in the EV samples, and its association with EVs was validated. The secretion and uptake of ENPL was followed by confocal microscopy using GFP-ENPL fusion protein expressing HL1 cells. We identified ENPL as an internal cargo of cardiomyocyte-derived mEVs and sEVs. Based on our proteomic analysis, its presence in EVs was linked to hypoxia in HL1 and H9c2 cells, and we hypothesize that EV-associated ENPL may have a cardioprotective role by reducing cardiomyocyte ER stress.
Versatile Silver-Nanoparticle-Impregnated Membranes for Water Treatment: A Review
Authors: Mecha Achisa C. , Chollom Martha N. , Babatunde Bakare F. , Tetteh Emmanuel K. , Rathilal Sudesh
Published: April 2023

Increased affordability, smaller footprint, and high permeability quality that meets stringent water quality standards have accelerated the uptake of membranes in water treatment. Moreover, low pressure, gravity-based microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes eliminate the use of electricity and pumps. However, MF and UF processes remove contaminants by size exclusion, based on membrane pore size. This limits their application in the removal of smaller matter or even harmful microorganisms. There is a need to enhance the membrane properties to meet needs such as adequate disinfection, flux amelioration, and reduced membrane fouling. To achieve these, the incorporation of nanoparticles with unique properties in membranes has potential. Herein, we review recent developments in the impregnation of polymeric and ceramic microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes with silver nanoparticles that are applied in water treatment. We critically evaluated the potential of these membranes in enhanced antifouling, increased permeability quality and flux compared to uncoated membranes. Despite the intensive research in this area, most studies have been performed at laboratory scale for short periods of time. There is a need for studies that assess the long-term stability of the nanoparticles and the impact on disinfection and antifouling performance. These challenges are addressed in this study and future directions.
Role of Metastable Austenite on Crack Resistance of Quenching and Partitioning Sheet Steels
Authors: Wu Riming , Xu Yi , Li Kuicen
Published: April 2023

The controversial phase, metastable austenite, is deliberately retained in advanced quenching and partitioning (Q&P) sheet steels. Superficially, the plasticity of Q&P steels is enhanced through the transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) effect to a large extent. However, the role of retained austenite on the crack resistance of Q&P sheet steels is ambiguous to date. Tension of double edge notched (DEN) specimens, with different notch radii, was conducted to investigate the role of retained austenite on crack resistance. The fracture toughness of Q&P steels, critical J-integral values Jc, were 402.97 kJ·m−2 (notch radius = 0.18 mm) and 584.11 kJ·m−2 (notch radius = 1 mm). The increase rate in the plastic deformation zone (PDZ) at notch ahead modeled by finite element (FE) methods dramatically decreased with the notch root radius ρ. It reflects a relatively high sensitivity of notch ductility of Q&P steels in relation to notch radius. Propagating microcracks, regularly initiated at phase boundaries in Q&P steels, were found to be effectively impeded by adjacent retained austenite through energy absorption in the form of strain induced martensite transformation (SIMT).
Mechanism of Microstructural Alterations of M50 Bearing Steel during Rolling Contact Fatigue under High Loads
Authors: Guo Jun , Zhao Aimin , Yang Maosheng
Published: April 2023

Rolling contact fatigue (RCF) of vacuum induction melted–vacuum arc remelted (VIM-VAR) M50 bearing steel under high loads was carried out, using a three-ball-rod RCF tester. Dark etching regions (DER) and butterflies were found in the subsurface region below the raceway of the RCF-tested sample. The DER appeared in the region of maximum shear stress located at a depth of 30 μm to 170 μm below the raceway. Carbon atoms migrated through high-density dislocations, and part of the martensite plates was transformed into cellular ferrites, due to the redistribution of dislocations during the deformation of martensite under the action of cyclic shear stress. Butterflies appeared in the region of maximum shear stress located at a depth of 20 μm to 314 μm below the raceway. Butterflies were initiated in the primary carbides, with length values ranging from 5 μm to 15 μm. The plate martensite in the butterfly wings was transformed into nanocrystalline ferrites, due to the increase in the dislocation density and rearrangement of dislocations during the extension of fatigue cracks from the primary carbides to the matrix under cyclic shear stress.
Electrical Stability Modeling Based on Surface Potential for a-InGaZnO TFTs under Positive-Bias Stress and Light Illumination
Authors: Huang Xiaoming , Cao Wei , Huang Chenyang , Chen Chen , Shi Zheng , Xu Weizong
Published: April 2023

In this work, an electrical stability model based on surface potential is presented for amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O (a-IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) under positive-gate-bias stress (PBS) and light stress. In this model, the sub-gap density of states (DOSs) are depicted by exponential band tails and Gaussian deep states within the band gap of a-IGZO. Meanwhile, the surface potential solution is developed with the stretched exponential distribution relationship between the created defects and PBS time, and the Boltzmann distribution relationship between the generated traps and incident photon energy, respectively. The proposed model is verified using both the calculation results and experimental data of a-IGZO TFTs with various distribution of DOSs, and a consistent and accurate expression of the evolution of transfer curves is achieved under PBS and light illumination.
A Novel Low-Power and Soft Error Recovery 10T SRAM Cell
Authors: Liu Changjun , Liu Hongxia , Yang Jianye
Published: April 2023

In SRAM cells, as the size of transistors and the distance between transistors decrease rapidly, the critical charge of the sensitive node decreases, making SRAM cells more susceptible to soft errors. If radiation particles hit the sensitive nodes of a standard 6T SRAM cell, the data stored in the cell are flipped, resulting in a single event upset. Therefore, this paper proposes a low-power SRAM cell, called PP10T, for soft error recovery. To verify the performance of PP10T, the proposed cell is simulated by the 22 nm FDSOI process, and compared with the standard 6T cell and several 10T SRAM cells, such as Quatro-10T, PS10T, NS10T, and RHBD10T. The simulation results show that all of the sensitive nodes of PP10T can recover their data, even when S0 and S1 nodes flip at the same time. PP10T is also immune to read interference, because the change of the ‘0’ storage node, directly accessed by the bit line during the read operation, does not affect other nodes. In addition, PP10T consumes very low-holding power due to the smaller leakage current of the circuit.
Recent Trends in Structures and Interfaces of MEMS Transducers for Audio Applications: A Review
Authors: Gemelli Alessandro , Tambussi Marco , Fusetto Samuele , Aprile Antonio , Moisello Elisabetta , Bonizzoni Edoardo , Malcovati Piero
Published: April 2023

In recent years, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology has had an impressive impact in the field of acoustic transducers, allowing the development of smart, low-cost, and compact audio systems that are employed in a wide variety of highly topical applications (consumer devices, medical equipment, automotive systems, and many more). This review, besides analyzing the main integrated sound transduction principles typically exploited, surveys the current State-of-the-Art scenario, presenting the recent performance advances and trends of MEMS microphones and speakers. In addition, the interface Integrated Circuits (ICs) needed to properly read the sensed signals or, on the other hand, to drive the actuation structures are addressed with the aim of offering a complete overview of the currently adopted solutions.
Structural Features and Water Resistance of Glass–Matrix Composites in a System of RNO3-KHSO4-P2O5 Containing Different Additives
Authors: Gorokhovsky Alexander , Burmistrov Igor , Kuznetsov Denis , Gusev Alexander , Khaydarov Bekzod , Kiselev Nikolay , Boychenko Elena , Kolesnikov Evgeny , Prokopovich Ksenia
Published: April 2023

Low-temperature (350 °C) vitrification in a KNO3-NaNO3-KHSO4-NH4H2PO4 system, containing various additives to improve the chemical durability of the obtained material, was investigated. It was shown that a glass-forming system with 4.2–8.4 wt.% Al nitrate admixtures could form stable and transparent glasses, whereas the addition of H3BO3 produced a glass–matrix composite containing BPO4 crystalline inclusions. Mg nitrate admixtures inhibited the vitrification process and only allowed obtaining glass–matrix composites with combinations with Al nitrate and boric acid. Using ICP and low-energy EDS point analyses, it was recognized that all the obtained materials contained nitrate ions in their structure. Various combinations of the abovementioned additives favored liquid phase immiscibility and crystallization of BPO4, KMgH(PO3)3, with some unidentified crystalline phases in the melt. The mechanism of the vitrification processes taking place in the investigated systems, as well as the water resistance of the obtained materials, was analyzed. It was shown that the glass–matrix composites based on the (K,Na)NO3-KHSO4-P2O5 glass-forming system, containing Al and Mg nitrates and B2O3 additives, had increased water resistance, in comparison with the parent glass composition, and could be used as controlled-release fertilizers containing the main useful nutrients (K, P, N, Na, S, B, and Mg).
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Cirrhosis
Authors: Efremova Irina , Maslennikov Roman , Alieva Aliya , Poluektova Elena , Ivashkin Vladimir
Published: April 2023

Background: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is associated with numerous manifestations of cirrhosis. To determine whether the presence of SIBO affects the prognosis in cirrhosis was the aim of the study. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 50 patients. All participants underwent a lactulose hydrogen breath test for SIBO. The follow-up period was 4 years. Results: SIBO was detected in 26 (52.0%) patients: in 10 (52.6%) patients with compensated cirrhosis and in 16 (51.6%) ones with decompensated cirrhosis. Twelve (46.2%) patients with SIBO and four (16.7%) patients without SIBO died within 4 years (p = 0.009). Among patients with decompensated cirrhosis, 8 (50.0%) patients with SIBO and 3 (20.0%) patients without SIBO died (p = 0.027). Among patients with compensated cirrhosis, four (40.0%) patients with SIBO and one (11.1%) patient without SIBO died (p = 0.045). Among patients with SIBO, there was no difference in mortality between patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis (p = 0.209). It was the same for patients without SIBO (p = 0.215). SIBO affects the prognosis only in the first year of follow-up in decompensated cirrhosis, and only in subsequent years in compensated cirrhosis. Presence of SIBO (p = 0.028; HR = 4.2(1.2–14.9)) and serum albumin level (p = 0.027) were significant independent risk factors for death in cirrhosis. Conclusions: SIBO is associated with poor prognosis in cirrhosis.
Extraction of High-Quality RNA from S. aureus Internalized by Endothelial Cells
Authors: Maurer Michelle , Klassert Tilman E. , Löffler Bettina , Slevogt Hortense , Tuchscherr Lorena
Published: April 2023

Staphylococcus aureus evades antibiotic therapy and antimicrobial defenses by entering human host cells. Bacterial transcriptomic analysis represents an invaluable tool to unravel the complex interplay between host and pathogen. Therefore, the extraction of high-quality RNA from intracellular S. aureus lays the foundation to acquire meaningful gene expression data. In this study, we present a novel and straightforward strategy to isolate RNA from internalized S. aureus after 90 min, 24 h, and 48 h postinfection. Real-time PCR data were obtained for the target genes agrA and fnba, which play major roles during infection. The commonly used reference genes gyrB, aroE, tmRNA, gmk, and hu were analyzed under different conditions: bacteria from culture (condition I), intracellular bacteria (condition II), and across both conditions I and II. The most stable reference genes were used for the normalization of agrA and fnbA. Delta Cq (quantification cycle) values had a relatively low variability and thus demonstrated the high quality of the extracted RNA from intracellular S. aureus during the early phase of infection. The established protocol allows the extraction and purification of intracellular staphylococcal RNA while minimizing the amount of host RNA in the sample. This approach can leverage reproducible gene expression data to study host–pathogen interactions.
Easy, Flexible and Standardizable Anti-Nascent Biofilm Activity Assay to Assess Implant Materials
Authors: Vanheuverzwijn Jérome , Maillard Eloise-Eliane , Mahat Amal , Fowler Lee , Monteyne Daniel , Bonnaud Leïla , Landercy Nicolas , Hemberg Axel , Janković Ana , Meyer Franck , Mišković-Stanković Vesna , Stevanović Milena , Mirica Codruta , Pérez-Morga David , Luginbuehl Reto , Combes Christèle , Furtos Gabriel , Fontaine Véronique
Published: April 2023

Medical implants have improved the quality of life of many patients. However, surgical intervention may eventually lead to implant microbial contamination. The aims of this research were to develop an easy, robust, quantitative assay to assess surface antimicrobial activities, especially the anti-nascent biofilm activity, and to identify control surfaces, allowing for international comparisons. Using new antimicrobial assays to assess the inhibition of nascent biofilm during persistent contact or after transient contact with bacteria, we show that the 5 cent Euro coin or other metal-based antibacterial coins can be used as positive controls, as more than 4 log reduction on bacterial survival was observed when using either S. aureus or P. aeruginosa as targets. The methods and controls described here could be useful to develop an easy, flexible and standardizable assay to assess relevant antimicrobial activities of new implant materials developed by industries and academics.
Chemical Constituents, Antioxidant Potential, and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Pimpinella anisum Extracts against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: AlBalawi Aisha Nawaf , Elmetwalli Alaa , Baraka Dina M. , Alnagar Hadeer A. , Alamri Eman Saad , Hassan Mervat G.
Published: April 2023

Aniseeds (Pimpinella anisum) have gained increasing attention for their nutritional and health benefits. Aniseed extracts are known to contain a range of compounds, including flavonoids, terpenes, and essential oils. These compounds have antimicrobial properties, meaning they can help inhibit the growth of nasty bacteria and other microbes. The purpose of this study was to determine if aniseed extracts have potential antioxidant, phytochemical, and antimicrobial properties against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. A disc diffusion test was conducted in vitro to test the aniseed methanolic extract’s antibacterial activity. The MIC, MBC, and inhibition zone diameters measure the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and size of the zone developed when the extract is placed on a bacterial culture, respectively. HPLC and GC/MS are analytical techniques used for identifying the phenolics and chemical constituents in the extract. DPPH, ABTS, and iron-reducing power assays were performed to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of the extract. Using HPLC, oxygenated monoterpenes represented the majority of the aniseed content, mainly estragole, cis-anethole, and trans-anethole at 4422.39, 3150.11, and 2312.11 (g/g), respectively. All of the examined bacteria are very sensitive to aniseed’s antibacterial effects. It is thought that aniseed’s antibacterial activity could be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds which include catechins, methyl gallates, caffeic acid, and syringic acids. According to the GC analysis, several flavonoids were detected, including catechin, isochiapin, and trans-ferulic acid, as well as quercitin rhamnose, kaempferol-O-rutinoside, gibberellic acid, and hexadecadienoic acid. Upon quantification of the most abundant estragole, we found that estragole recovery was sufficient for proving its antimicrobial activity against MDR bacteria. Utilizing three methods, the extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity. Aniseed extract clearly inhibited MDR bacterial isolates, indicating its potential use as an anti-virulence strategy. It is assumed that polyphenolic acids and flavonoids are responsible for this activity. Trans-anethole and estragole were aniseed chemotypes. Aniseed extracts showed higher antioxidant activity than vitamin C. Future investigations into the compatibility and synergism of aniseed phenolic compounds with commercial antibacterial treatments may also show them to be promising options.
HexR Transcription Factor Contributes to Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis Virulence by Coordinating Type Three Secretion System Genes
Authors: Sakata Nanami , Fujikawa Takashi , Uke Ayaka , Ishiga Takako , Ichinose Yuki , Ishiga Yasuhiro
Published: April 2023

Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis (Pcal) causes bacterial blight on cabbage. We previously conducted a screening for reduced virulence using Tn5 transposon mutants and identified one of the transcriptional factors, HexR, as a potential Pcal virulence factor. However, the role of HexR in plant pathogenic Pseudomonas virulence has not been investigated well. Here, we demonstrated that the Pcal hexR mutant showed reduced disease symptoms and bacterial populations on cabbage, indicating that HexR contributes to Pcal virulence. We used RNA-seq analysis to characterize the genes regulated by HexR. We found that several type three secretion system (T3SS)-related genes had lower expression of the Pcal hexR mutant. Five genes were related to T3SS machinery, two genes were related to type three helper proteins, and three genes encoded type three effectors (T3Es). We also confirmed that T3SS-related genes, including hrpL, avrPto, hopM1, and avrE1, were also down-regulated in the Pcal hexR mutant both in culture and in vivo by using RT-qPCR. T3SS functions to suppress plant defense in host plants and induce hypersensitive response (HR) cell death in non-host plants. Therefore, we investigated the expression profiles of cabbage defense-related genes, including PR1 and PR5, and found that the expressions of these genes were greater in the Pcal hexR mutant. We also demonstrated that the hexR mutant did not induce HR cell death in non-host plants, indicating that HexR contributes in causing HR in nonhost plants. Together, these results indicate that the mutation in hexR leads to a reduction in the T3SS-related gene expression and thus an impairment in plant defense suppression, reducing Pcal virulence.
Origin of Banded Iron Formations: Links with Paleoclimate, Paleoenvironment, and Major Geological Processes
Authors: Yin Jiangning , Li Han , Xiao Keyan
Published: April 2023

Banded iron-formations (BIFs) are marine chemical sedimentary rocks composed of siliceous and ferric materials, usually with typical thin layers or sheet structures. BIFs not only record a wealth of information about the state and evolution of the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere but also host the majority of the economic iron resources in the world. Here, we summarize the types, mineralogical, and geochemical characteristics of BIFs; analyze their formation conditions, their oxidative mechanism, and the absence causes of BIFs; and elucidate the associations between BIFs and major atmospheric oxidation events (Paleoproterozoic great oxidation event (2.4~2.1 Ga) and Neoproterozoic oxidation event (0.8~0.55 Ga)). BIFs are intimately associated with enhanced submarine magmatic–hydrothermal activities. Finally, it is concluded that the deposition and demise of BIFs are closely related to major geological events, and these major geological events interact with each other, jointly constraining the evolution of the atmospheric and marine environment and of geo-biological and geodynamic processes.
Mineral Composition and Photochemical Reactivity of Suspended Particulate Matters in the Euphotic Zones of China’s Nearshore and Estuarine Regions
Authors: Sun Yuan , Ren Guiping , Liu Yuwei , Liu Jia , Li Yan , Lu Anhuai , Ding Hongrui
Published: April 2023

In the estuary and nearshore environments, suspended particulate matter (SPM) plays a particularly important role. This article presents a study on the suspended particulate matter and microbial communities in the euphotic zone of China’s nearshore and estuarine regions. The study used various analytical techniques, including ICP-OES, SR-XRD, confocal Raman microscopy, ESEM, and EDX, to investigate the spatial distribution and elemental and mineral compositions of the suspended particulate matters. The study found that semiconducting minerals, such as iron oxide, sulfide minerals (hematite, goethite, and pyrrhotite), and titanium oxide minerals (rutile and anatase), were widely present in the suspended particulate matter. This discovery highlights the photochemical activity of suspended particulate matter in the euphotic zone. Furthermore, a correlation analysis of microbial communities revealed that the content of suspended particulate matter was positively correlated with denitrifying bacteria and metal-reducing bacteria in seawater. This study provides valuable insight into the ecosystem dynamics and biogeochemical cycling of estuaries and coastal seas, which are critical for sustaining the biodiversity and productivity of these ecosystems.
Characterization of an Amazon Soil Profile by Laser-Induced Breakdown, Raman, and Fluorescence Spectroscopies
Authors: Huamán José L. Clabel , Tadini Amanda Maria , Senesi Giorgio Saverio , Mounier Stéphane , Milori Débora M. B. P. , Nicolodelli Gustavo
Published: April 2023

This work aimed to investigate, in detail, the elemental and molecular composition of soil samples collected from the various horizons of an Amazon spodosol profile by combining the atomic technique laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with two molecular techniques, i.e., Raman and fluorescence spectroscopies. The emission lines of the elements Fe, C, Si, Mg, Al, Ti, Ca, and K with various relative intensities were detected by using LIBS. In particular, C appeared to accumulate in the transition horizon and was proven to be mostly humified by fluorescence analysis. The Raman peaks detected at 465 cm−1 and 800 cm−1 corresponded with the symmetric stretching and bending modes of O-Si-O and Si-OH, respectively. Small shifts toward higher frequencies and slight increases in the width and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the quartz band at 465 cm−1 appeared in the Tr to K2 horizons, which could be ascribed to a local distortion caused by the high contents of Al of kaolinite mineral phases, as also shown by the LIBS data. Thus, a small amount of kaolinite mineral phase and K measured by LIBS would be present also in the A1 to E2 horizons. The lifetime fluorescence was almost constant in the surface and middle horizons, whereas it increased sharply in the transition horizon and then decreased slightly in the kaolin horizons, which confirmed the presence of more humified recalcitrant organic matter in deeper soil horizons. In conclusion, the combined use of the three spectroscopic techniques appeared to be a very promising approach for studying Amazon soils.
A Fast-Response Ultraviolet Phototransistor with a PVK QDs/ZnO Nanowire Heterostructure and Its Application in Pharmaceutical Solute Detection
Authors: Li Jiajun , Guo Qihua , Tao Ye , Li Dalin , Yang Yiting , Zhou Dandan , Pan Jiangyong , Liu Xiang , Tao Zhi
Published: April 2023

The sensitivity and photoelectric noise of UV photodetectors are challenges that need to be overcome in pharmaceutical solute detection applications. This paper presents a new device concept for a CsPbBr3 QDs/ZnO nanowire heterojunction structure for phototransistors. The lattice match of the CsPbBr3 QDs and ZnO nanowire reduces the generation of trap centers and avoids carrier absorption by the composite center, which greatly improves the carrier mobility and high detectivity (8.13 × 1014 Jones). It is worth noting that by using high-efficiency PVK quantum dots as the intrinsic sensing core, the device has a high responsivity (6381 A/W) and responsivity frequency (300 Hz). Thus, a UV detection system for pharmaceutical solute detection is demonstrated, and the type of solute in the chemical solution is estimated by the waveform and the size of the output 2f signals.
YCl3-Substituted CsPbI3 Perovskite Nanorods for Efficient Red-Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Saleem Muhammad Imran , Katware Amarja , Amin Al , Jung Seo-Hee , Lee Jeong-Hwan
Published: April 2023

Cesium lead iodide (CsPbI3) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are a promising material for red-light-emitting diodes (LEDs) due to their excellent color purity and high luminous efficiency. However, small-sized CsPbI3 colloidal NCs, such as nanocubes, used in LEDs suffer from confinement effects, negatively impacting their photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and overall efficiency. Here, we introduced YCl3 into the CsPbI3 perovskite, which formed anisotropic, one-dimensional (1D) nanorods. This was achieved by taking advantage of the difference in bond energies among iodide and chloride ions, which caused YCl3 to promote the anisotropic growth of CsPbI3 NCs. The addition of YCl3 significantly improved the PLQY by passivating nonradiative recombination rates. The resulting YCl3-substituted CsPbI3 nanorods were applied to the emissive layer in LEDs, and we achieved an external quantum efficiency of ~3.16%, which is 1.86-fold higher than the pristine CsPbI3 NCs (1.69%) based LED. Notably, the ratio of horizontal transition dipole moments (TDMs) in the anisotropic YCl3:CsPbI3 nanorods was found to be 75%, which is higher than the isotropically-oriented TDMs in CsPbI3 nanocrystals (67%). This increased the TDM ratio and led to higher light outcoupling efficiency in nanorod-based LEDs. Overall, the results suggest that YCl3-substituted CsPbI3 nanorods could be promising for achieving high-performance perovskite LEDs.
Ultrasmall Fe2O3 Tubular Nanomotors: The First Example of Swarming Photocatalytic Nanomotors Operating in High-Electrolyte Media
Authors: Yu Lingxia , Yang Manyi , Guan Jianguo , Mou Fangzhi
Published: April 2023

Self-propelled chemical micro/nanomotors (MNMs) have demonstrated considerable potential in targeted drug delivery, (bio)sensing, and environmental remediation due to their autonomous nature and possible intelligent self-targeting behaviors (e.g., chemotaxis and phototaxis). However, these MNMs are commonly limited by their primary propulsion mechanisms of self-electrophoresis and electrolyte self-diffusiophoresis, making them prone to quenching in high electrolyte environments. Thus, the swarming behaviors of chemical MNMs in high-electrolyte media remain underexplored, despite their potential to enable the execution of complex tasks in high-electrolyte biological media or natural waters. In this study, we develop ultrasmall tubular nanomotors that exhibit ion-tolerant propulsions and collective behaviors. Upon vertical upward UV irradiation, the ultrasmall Fe2O3 tubular nanomotors (Fe2O3 TNMs) demonstrate positive superdiffusive photogravitaxis and can further self-organize into nanoclusters near the substrate in a reversible manner. After self-organization, the Fe2O3 TNMs exhibit a pronounced emergent behavior, allowing them to switch from random superdiffusions to ballistic motions near the substrate. Even at a high electrolyte concentration (Ce), the ultrasmall Fe2O3 TNMs retain a relatively thick electrical double layer (EDL) compared to their size, and the electroosmotic slip flow in their EDL is strong enough to propel them and induce phoretic interactions among them. As a result, the nanomotors can rapidly concentrate near the substrate and then gather into motile nanoclusters in high-electrolyte environments. This work opens a gate for designing swarming ion-tolerant chemical nanomotors and may expedite their applications in biomedicine and environmental remediation.
Magnetic Properties and Magnetocaloric Effect of Polycrystalline and Nano-Manganites Pr0.65Sr(0.35−x)CaxMnO3 (x ≤ 0.3)
Authors: Atanasov Roman , Ailenei Dorin , Bortnic Rares , Hirian Razvan , Souca Gabriela , Szatmari Adam , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Deac Iosif Grigore
Published: April 2023

Here we report investigations of bulk and nano-sized Pr0.65Sr(0.35−x)CaxMnO3 compounds (x ≤ 0.3). Solid-state reaction was implemented for polycrystalline compounds and a modified sol–gel method was used for nanocrystalline compounds. X-ray diffraction disclosed diminishing cell volume with increasing Ca substitution in Pbnm space group for all samples. Optical microscopy was used for bulk surface morphology and transmission electron microscopy was utilized for nano-sized samples. Iodometric titration showed oxygen deficiency for bulk compounds and oxygen excess for nano-sized particles. Measurements of resistivity of bulk samples revealed features at temperatures associated with grain boundary condition and with ferromagnetic (FM)/paramagnetic (PM) transition. All samples exhibited negative magnetoresistivity. Magnetic critical behavior analysis suggested the polycrystalline samples are governed by a tricritical mean field model while nanocrystalline samples are governed by a mean field model. Curie temperatures values lower with increasing Ca substitution from 295 K for the parent compound to 201 K for x = 0.2. Bulk compounds exhibit high entropy change, with the highest value of 9.21 J/kgK for x = 0.2. Magnetocaloric effect and the possibility of tuning the Curie temperature by Ca substitution of Sr make the investigated bulk polycrystalline compounds promising for application in magnetic refrigeration. Nano-sized samples possess wider effective entropy change temperature (ΔTfwhm) and lower entropy changes of around 4 J/kgK which, however, puts in doubt their straightforward potential for applications as magnetocaloric materials.
Nutritional Description of Organic and Conventional Food Products in Spain: The BADALI Project
Authors: Ropero Ana B. , Borrás Fernando , Rodríguez Marta , Beltrá Marta
Published: April 2023

Organic food and drink is undoubtedly a growing market. Consumers perceive organic food as healthy, and nutrition claims (NCs) and fortification may add to this perception. Whether this is true is still a matter of controversy, particularly for organic food products. We present here the first comprehensive study of large samples of six specific organic food types, analysing the nutritional quality (nutrient composition and “healthiness”) as well as the use of NCs and fortification. In parallel, a comparison with conventional food is also carried out. For this purpose, the Food Database of products in the Spanish market, BADALI, was used. Four cereal-based and two dairy-substitute food types were analysed. Our results show that as many as 81% of organic foods are considered “less healthy” by the Pan American Health Organization Nutrient Profile Model (PAHO-NPM). Organic foods present a slightly improved nutrient profile compared to conventional foods. However, many of the differences, though statistically significant, are nutritionally irrelevant. Organic foods use NCs very frequently, more than conventional foods, with very little micronutrient fortification. The main conclusion of this work is that consumers’ perception that organic food products are healthy is unfounded from a nutritional point of view.
Associations of VEGF-A-Related Variants with Adolescent Cardiometabolic and Dietary Parameters
Authors: Kafyra Maria , Kalafati Ioanna Panagiota , Gavra Ioanna , Siest Sophie , Dedoussis George V.
Published: April 2023

Previous research has allowed the identification of variants related to the vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and their association with anthropometric, lipidemic and glycemic indices. The present study examined potential relations between key VEGF-A-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), cardiometabolic parameters and dietary habits in an adolescent cohort. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using baseline data from 766 participants of the Greek TEENAGE study. Eleven VEGF-A-related SNPs were examined for associations with cardiometabolic indices through multivariate linear regressions after adjusting for confounding factors. A 9-SNP unweighted genetic risk score (uGRS) for increased VEGF-A levels was constructed to examine associations and the effect of its interactions with previously extracted dietary patterns for the cohort. Two variants (rs4416670, rs7043199) displayed significant associations (p-values < 0.005) with the logarithms of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (logSBP and logDBP). The uGRS was significantly associated with higher values of the logarithm of Body Mass Index (logBMI) and logSBP (p-values < 0.05). Interactions between the uGRS and specific dietary patterns were related to higher logDBP and logGlucose (p-values < 0.01). The present analyses constitute the first-ever attempt to investigate the influence of VEGF-A-related variants on teenage cardiometabolic determinants, unveiling several associations and the modifying effect of diet.
Preliminary Comparison of Fractional Absorption of Zinc Sulphate, Zinc Gluconate, and Zinc Aspartate after Oral Supple-Mentation in Healthy Human Volunteers
Authors: Piacenza Francesco , Giacconi Robertina , Costarelli Laura , Malavolta Marco
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Zinc is generally used as a nutritional supplement for individuals at nutritional risk, such as older adults. This preliminary study investigated the fractional Zn absorption (FZA) after the supplementation on eight healthy volunteers with three different Zn complexes acquired with milk. (2) Methods: The design was a double-blind, three-period crossover trial. The volunteers were randomly divided into three groups. Each individual consumed 200 mL of bovine milk and rotated through a simultaneous administration of a single oral dose of 70ZnSO4, 70Zn-Gluconate (70Zn-Glu), and 70Zn-Aspartate (70Zn-Asp), equivalent to 2.0 mg 70Zn, followed by 2 weeks of wash-out. An estimation of the FZA for comparative purposes was computed by the isotopic ratio between 66Zn and 70Zn in urine collected before and 48 h after administration. (3) Results: The estimated FZA was found to be significantly higher for 70Zn-Asp when compared to the other forms, while the FZA of 70Zn-Glu was found to be significantly higher than 70ZnSO4. (4) Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that complexing Zn with aspartate in milk could be a useful tool to improve FZA in individuals at risk of Zn deficiency. These results provide a rationale for conducting further studies on Zn-Asp preparations.
Dietary Acculturation and Food Habit Changes among Chinese Immigrants in Portugal
Authors: Li Catarina , Carolino Elisabete , Sousa Joana
Published: April 2023

Chinese individuals who immigrate to a Western country tend to change their eating patterns and behaviors depending on how long they live in the host country. This is dietary acculturation, and it can have a positive or negative impact on eating habits. Thus, we aimed to characterize the dietary acculturation of the Chinese immigrant community in Portugal and check the trend of the direction of this acculturation. The study involved 213 immigrants and assessed food consumption, meal patterns, and dietary acculturation. A mean Western acculturation score of 70.1 ± 8.9. was identified and 71.4% had a high Western acculturation score. No one had low or very high Western acculturation. Participants who have a higher level of acculturation tend to have higher energy and fat intake. The likelihood of mixing meals, including, and combining, Chinese and Portuguese meals and foods is associated with time spent in Portugal. Efforts should be made to encourage Chinese immigrants to make a positive dietary transition during their acculturation process.
Quercetin as a Dietary Supplementary Flavonoid Alleviates the Oxidative Stress Induced by Lead Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Al-Zharani Mohammed , Mubarak Mohammed , Rudayni Hassan Ahmed , Al-Doaiss Amin A. , Abd-Elwahab Mahmoud M. , Al-Eissa Mohammed S.
Published: April 2023

Quercetin is a naturally existing plant pigment belonging to the flavonoid group; it is contained in a wide range of vegetables and fruits. The accumulated evidence points to the potential uses of quercetin in protection of some disease conditions. Lead is one of the highly toxicant heavy metals that are widely spread in the environment and implicated in a wide spectrum of industries. No previous study has been reported to evaluate the effect of quercetin on lead toxicity. Therefore, the present study was conducted to elucidate some aspects of quercetin bioactivities in regard to its ability to combat the oxidative stress induced by lead toxicity. For this purpose, a total of sixty male Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into three groups of 20 animals each; untreated control animals (group 1), lead-exposed animals (group 2; exposed to lead daily by oral gavage at the dose of 80 mg/Kg b.w.), and group 3 of animals, which were exposed to lead and daily received quercetin (10 h gap time between lead exposure and the receiving of quercetin) by oral gavage at the dose of 350 mg/Kg b.w. The experiment period was 8 weeks. All the assayed hematological and biochemical parameters of animals exposed to lead were significantly altered compared with the untreated control levels. Animals exposed to lead (group 2) exhibited significant decrements of the erythrocytic and total leucocytic counts, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume percent, total proteins, albumin and globulin. These animals also disclosed significantly decreased levels of antioxidant markers including total thiols, catalase and glutathione. On the other hand, these animals demonstrated significant increments in the levels of bilirubin, urea, creatinine, BUN, serum enzymes, H2O2 and MDA. Animals exposed to lead and given quercetin (group 3) exhibited improvement of these parameters, which were brought back at varying degrees toward the untreated control levels. Basing on the improvements of the assayed hematological and biochemical parameters, it was concluded that quercetin as a dietary supplement can act efficiently as an antioxidant to counteract the oxidative stress induced by lead toxicity and to maintain the oxidant antioxidant balance.
Prokinetic Activity of Mulberry Fruit, Morus alba L.
Authors: Sung Tae Sik , Ryoo Seung-Bum , Lee Chang-Hyun , Choi Seon-Min , Nam Joo-Won , Kim Hyun-Bok , Lee Ji young , Lim Jung-Dae , Park Kyu Joo , Lee Hyun-Tai
Published: April 2023

The fruit of Morus alba L. (MAF) has been consumed as a food worldwide. MAF has also been widely used in traditional medicine for thousands of years in East Asia, and its diverse bioactivities have been reported in numerous publications. However, no prokinetic activity has been reported for MAF or its components. In the present study, therefore, we investigated the effects of MAF on gastrointestinal motor function by measuring the intestinal transit rate (ITR) of Evans blue in mice in vivo. The ITR values accelerated by MAF were significantly higher than those accelerated by cisapride or metoclopramide, suggesting that MAF has potential as a new prokinetic agent to replace cisapride and metoclopramide. We also investigated the effects of MAF on myogenic and neurogenic contractions in human intestinal smooth muscles by measuring spontaneous contractions of smooth muscle strips, smooth muscle contractions induced by neural stimulation, and migrating motor complexes from intestinal segments in the human ileum and sigmoid colon in situ. MAF increased both myogenic and neurogenic contractions to enhance ileal and colonic motility in the human intestine. Taken together, these results indicate that MAF enhanced intestinal motility by increasing both myogenic and neurogenic contractions, thereby accelerating the ITR.
Safety and Suitability of an Infant Formula Manufactured from Extensively Hydrolysed Protein in Healthy Term Infants
Authors: Otten Lindsey , Schelker Elisabeth , Petersen Hanna , Nomayo Antonia , Fleddermann Manja , Arendt Bianca , Britzl Theresa , Haberl Elisabeth , Jochum Frank
Published: April 2023

We aimed to demonstrate that healthy term infants experience noninferior growth with infant formula manufactured from extensively hydrolysed whey protein (eHF) compared to intact cow’s milk protein (control formula, CF). This prospective, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, controlled, multicentre trial included healthy term infants who were exclusively formula-fed. Infants ≤ 25 days of age received eHF or CF for at least three months up to 120 days of age, with a follow-up until 180 days of age. A reference group included exclusively breastfed infants (BF). Of 318 infants randomised, 297 (148 CF, 149 eHF) completed the study per protocol. Weight gain up to 120 days of age was noninferior (margin −3.0 g/day) in eHF (28.95 (95% CI: 27.21; 30.68) g/day) compared to CF (28.85 (95% CI: 27.10; 30.61) g/day) with a difference in means of 0.09 g/day and a lower limit of the one-sided 97.5% CI of −0.86 g/day (p < 0.0001 for noninferiority testing). Weight gain remained comparable during follow-up. Further anthropometric parameters did not differ between the infant formula groups throughout the study. Growth was comparable in BF. No relevant safety issues were observed. To conclude, eHF meets infant requirements for adequate growth during the first six months of life and can be considered safe and suitable.
Circulating Human Metabolites Resulting from TOTUM-070 Absorption (a Plant-Based, Polyphenol-Rich Ingredient) Improve Lipid Metabolism in Human Hepatocytes: Lessons from an Original Ex Vivo Clinical Trial
Authors: Wauquier Fabien , Boutin-Wittrant Line , Krisa Stéphanie , Valls Josep , Langhi Cedric , Otero Yolanda F. , Sirvent Pascal , Peltier Sébastien , Bargetto Maxime , Cazaubiel Murielle , Sapone Véronique , Bouchard-Mercier Annie , Roux Véronique , Macian Nicolas , Pickering Gisèle , Wittrant Yohann
Published: April 2023

TOTUM-070 is a patented polyphenol-rich blend of five different plant extracts showing separately a latent effect on lipid metabolism and potential synergistic properties. In this study, we investigated the health benefit of such a formula. Using a preclinical model of high fat diet, TOTUM-070 (3 g/kg of body weight) limited the HFD-induced hyperlipemia with a reduction in triglyceride (−32% after 6 weeks; −20.3% after 12 weeks) and non-HDL cholesterol levels (−21% after 6 weeks; −38.4% after 12 weeks). To further investigate such a benefit and its underlying mechanisms in humans, we designed an ex vivo clinical approach to collect the circulating bioactives resulting from TOTUM-070 ingestion and to determine their biological activities on human hepatocytes. Human serum was obtained from healthy subjects before and after intake of TOTUM-070 (4995 mg). The presence of circulating metabolites was assessed by UPLC-MS/MS. Serum containing metabolites was further incubated with hepatocytes cultured in a lipotoxic environment (palmitate, 250 µM). RNA sequencing analyses show that lipid metabolism was one of the most impacted processes. Using histologic, proteomic, and enzymatic assays, the effects of human TOTUM-070 bioactives on hepatocyte metabolism were characterized by (1) the inhibition of lipid storage, including both (2) triglycerides (−41%, p < 0.001) and (3) cholesterol (−50%, p < 0.001) intracellular content, (4) a reduced de novo cholesterol synthesis (HMG-CoA reductase activity −44%, p < 0.001), and (5) a lowered fatty acid synthase protein level (p < 0.001). Altogether, these data support the beneficial impact of TOTUM-070 on lipid metabolism and provide new biochemical insights in human mechanisms occurring in liver cells.
Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis in Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) from the Algerian Sahara
Authors: Maxamhud Sadiya , Reghaissia Nassiba , Laatamna AbdElkarim , Samari Houssem , Remdani Nacira , Gentekaki Eleni , Tsaousis Anastasios D.
Published: April 2023

(1) Intestinal microbial parasites are major contributors to the global burden of gastrointestinal disease. Such infections are mainly caused by Cryptosporidium, Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica. These parasites are transmitted either directly or indirectly through oral–fecal routes. Previous reports suggested that camels could play a role in the zoonotic transmission of various clinically and veterinary important intestinal parasites, however, limited data are available on intestinal infections of camels, particularly on a molecular level. We aimed to explore the occurrence of these three parasites in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria. (2) A total of 68 samples—63 stool samples from camels and five from the environment—were collected from two desert regions in Algeria and analyzed using PCR and qPCR methods. (3) Overall, 7% of the camels tested positive for zoonotic subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp., while 16% of the camels tested positive for G. duodenalis. Two environmental samples also tested positive for G. duodenalis. None of the samples were positive for Entamoeba histolytica. (4) Our results provide one of the first molecular-based identification of these gut parasites in dromedary camels in Algeria. The presence of G. duodenalis in the host and the environment unveils, in part, the circulation route of this parasite. Our results will spearhead further investigations into the prevalence and epidemiology of gut parasites in hoofed animals and raise questions concerning their role in health and disease in the area.