bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insight into the Roles of Metal Loading on CO2 Photocatalytic Reduction Behaviors of TiO2
Authors: Permporn Darika , Khunphonoi Rattabal , Wilamat Jetsadakorn , Khemthong Pongtanawat , Chirawatkul Prae , Butburee Teera , Sangkhun Weradesh , Wantala Kitirote , Grisdanurak Nurak , Santatiwongchai Jirapat , Hirunsit Pussana , Klysubun Wantana , de Luna Mark Daniel G.
Published: January 2022

The photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into value-added chemicals is considered to be a green and sustainable technology, and has recently gained considerable research interest. In this work, titanium dioxide (TiO2) supported Pt, Pd, Ni, and Cu catalysts were synthesized by photodeposition. The formation of various metal species on an anatase TiO2 surface, after ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, was investigated insightfully by the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) technique. CO2 reduction under UV-light irradiation at an ambient pressure was demonstrated. To gain an insight into the charge recombination rate during reduction, the catalysts were carefully investigated by the intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The catalytic behaviors of the catalysts were investigated by density functional theory using the self-consistent Hubbard U-correction (DFT+U) approach. In addition, Mott–Schottky measurement was employed to study the effect of energy band alignment of metal-semiconductor on CO2 photoreduction. Heterojunction formed at Pt-, Pd-, Ni-, and Cu-TiO2 interface has crucial roles on the charge recombination and the catalytic behaviors. Furthermore, it was found that Pt-TiO2 provides the highest methanol yield of 17.85 µmol/gcat/h, and CO as a minor product. According to the IMPS data, Pt-TiO2 has the best charge transfer ability, with the mean electron transit time of 4.513 µs. We believe that this extensive study on the junction between TiO2 could provide a profound understanding of catalytic behaviors, which will pave the way for rational designs of novel catalysts with improved photocatalytic performance for CO2 reduction.
Special Issue of Nanomaterials: Mechanics of Nanostructures and Nanomaterials
Authors: Żur Krzysztof Kamil , Farajpour Ali
Published: January 2022

Nanostructures have shown great potential to be used as the building components of many nanoelectromechanical and microelectromechanical systems [...]
Controllability of Graphene Oxide Doxorubicin Loading Capacity Based on Density Functional Theory
Authors: Song Jiaming , Cui Naiyu , Sun Shixun , Lu Xinyue , Wang Yuxuan , Shi Haoyu , Lee Eui-Seok , Jiang Heng-Bo
Published: January 2022

Graphene can be used as a drug carrier of doxorubicin (DOX) to reduce the side effects of doxorubicin. However, there is limited research on the surface chemical modifications and biological effects of graphene oxide (GO). Therefore, it is necessary to explore the DOX affinity of different oxygen-containing functional groups in the graphene system. We constructed graphene system models and studied the structure and distribution of epoxy and hydroxyl groups on the carbon surface. Based on molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory (DFT), we investigated the interaction between DOX and either pristine graphene or GO with different ratios of oxygen-containing groups. The hydroxyl groups exhibited a stronger affinity for DOX than the epoxy groups. Therefore, the DOX loading capacity of graphene systems can be adjusted by increasing the ratio of hydroxyl to epoxy groups on the carbon surface.
Process Optimization for Manufacturing Functional Nanosurfaces by Roll-to-Roll Nanoimprint Lithography
Authors: Tahir Usama , Kim Jin Il , Javeed Shama , Khaliq Amin , Kim Jun-Hyun , Kim Doo-In , Jeong Myung Yung
Published: January 2022

Roll-to-roll nanoimprint lithography (RTR-NIL) is a low-cost and continuous fabrication process for large-area functional films. However, the partial ultraviolet (UV) resin filling obstructs the ongoing production process. This study incorporates UV resin filling process into the nanopillars and nanopores by using RTR-NIL. A multiphase numerical model with a sliding mesh method is proposed in this study to show the actual phenomena of imprint mold rotation and feeding of UV resin on the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The implementation of UV resin filling under environmental conditions was performed by utilizing the open-channel (OC) boundary conditions. The numerical model was solved by using the explicit volume of fluid (VOF) scheme to compute the filling on each node of the computational domain. The effects of different processing parameters were investigated through the proposed numerical model such as imprinting speed (IS), contact angles (CAs), viscosity, initial thickness of the PET, and supporting roll diameter. A good agreement was found between numerical simulations and experimental results. The proposed numerical model gives better insights of the filling process for the mass production of functional surfaces with nanopillars and nanopores patterns for different applications on an industrial scale.
300 mm Large Area Wire Grid Polarizers with 50 nm Half-Pitch by ArF Immersion Lithography
Authors: Song Jungchul , Oh Jae Sub , Bak Min Jun , Kang Il-Suk , Lee Sung Jung , Lee Ga-Won
Published: January 2022

The large area wire grid polarizers (LA-WGPs) with 50 nm half-pitch were fabricated using ArF immersion lithography overcoming the limit of the shot field size. To realize the 50 nm line and space patterns on a 300 mm wafer, a zero-distance stitching process that connects the shot fields is suggested. To compensate for mutual interference between the shot fields which is called the local flare effect (LFE), the shot field arrangement is changed with optical proximity correction (OPC). Using a master wafer produced by the suggested method, 300 mm large-area WGPs were fabricated by the nano-imprint process. The WGPs have more than 80% transmittance in the visible light region, and the possibility of performance improvement can be confirmed depending on the number and method of the etch process.
Construction of Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Sensing Platform Based on Porphyrinic Metal-Organic Frameworks for Determination of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Xu Xin , Li Chuan-Hua , Zhang Hong , Guo Xi-Ming
Published: January 2022

Highly sensitive and specific detection of biomolecular markers is of great importance to the diagnosis and treatment of related diseases. Herein, Cu-TCPP@MOFs thin films were synthesized with tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (H2TCPP) as organic ligands and copper ions as metal nodes. The as-synthesized Cu-TCPP@MOFs thin films as electrode modifiers were used to modify the pre-treated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and the electrochemical performances of Cu-TCPP@MOFs/GCE were evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Furthermore, as the working electrode, the constructed Cu-TCPP@MOFs/GCE was used for the investigation of ascorbic acid (AA) due to its outstanding electrocatalytic activities towards AA by several electrochemical methods, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and chronoamperometry (CA). The well-linear relationship was established based on different AA concentration ranges and the ideal detection limits (LOD) were obtained in the above-mentioned electrochemical methods, respectively. Furthermore, a Cu-TCPP MOFs@GCE sensing platform was used as a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor to quantitatively detect AA based on the strong absorption properties of Cu-TCPP ingredients in Cu-TCPP MOFs in a visible light band of 400~700 nm. PEC sensing platform based on Cu-TCPP@MOFs exhibited a more extensive linear concentration range, more ideal detection limit, and better sensitivity relative than the other electrochemical methods for AA. The well linear regression equations were established between the peak current intensity and AA concentrations in different electrochemical technologies, including CV, DPV, and CA, and PEC technology. AA concentration ranges applicable to various electrochemical equations were as follows: 0.45~2.10 mM of CV, 0.75~2.025 mM of DPV, 0.3~2.4 mM of CA, 7.5~480 μM of PEC, and the corresponding detection limits for AA were 1.08 μM (S/N = 3), 0.14 μM (S/N = 3), 0.049 μM (S/N = 3), and 0.084 nA/μM. Moreover, the proposed Cu-TCPP MOFs@GCE electrochemical and photoelectrochemical sensing platform was applied to determine the AA concentration of a real human serum sample; the results reveal that Cu-TCPP MOFs@GCE sensing platform could accurately determine the concentration of AA of the human serum under other potential interferences contained in the human serum samples.
Phase-Selective Synthesis of Anatase and Rutile TiO2 Nanocrystals and Their Impacts on Grapevine Leaves: Accumulation of Mineral Nutrients and Triggering the Plant Defense
Authors: Kőrösi László , Bognár Balázs , Czégény Gyula , Lauciello Simone
Published: January 2022

Titanium dioxide nanocrystals (TiO2 NCs), through their photocatalytic activity, are able to generate charge carriers and induce the formation of various reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of O2 and H2O. This special feature makes TiO2 an important and promising material in several industrial applications. Under appropriate antioxidant balancing, the presence of ROS is crucial in plant growth and development, therefore, the regulated ROS production through the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 NCs may be also exploited in the agricultural sector. However, the effects of TiO2 NCs on plants are not fully understood and/or phase-pure TiO2 NCs are rarely used in plant experiments. In this work, we present a phase-selective synthesis of TiO2 NCs with anatase and rutile crystal phases. The nanomaterials obtained were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). In field experiments, Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon leaves developed under natural sunlight were treated with aqueous dispersions of TiO2 NCs at concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 w/v%. The effect of the applied nanocrystals was characterized via leaf photochemistry, mineral nutrient contents, and pyridoxine levels. We found that stress responses of grapevine to anatase and rutile NCs treatments are different, which can be related to the different ROS profiles of the two polymorphs. Our results indicate that TiO2 NCs may be utilized not only for direct pathogen inactivation but also for eliciting plant defense mechanisms.
Optical and Physicochemical Characterizations of a Cellulosic/CdSe-QDs@S-DAB5 Film
Authors: Algarra Manuel , Cuevas Ana L. , Yuso Ma Valle Martínez de , Romero Rocío , Alonso Beatriz , Casado Carmen M. , Benavente Juana
Published: January 2022

CdSe quantum dots nanoparticles were coated with the thiolated (DiAminoButane based dendrimer) DAB dendrimer of fifth generation (S-DAB5) and embedded in a highly hydrophilic regenerated cellulose (RC) film by simple dip-coating method (immersion in QD-dendrimer aqueous solution) as a way to get a flexible nano-engineered film (RC-4/CdSe-QDs@S-DAB5) with high transparency and photoluminescence properties for different applications. Optical changes in the RC film associated with QDs inclusion were determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) measurements, which provide information on changes caused in the refraction index and the extinction coefficients of the film, as well as by light transmittance/reflectance curves and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Impedance spectroscopy (IS) and other typical physicochemical techniques for material characterization (TEM, SEM and XPS) have also been used in order to have more complete information on film characteristics. A comparison of RC-4/CdSe-QDs@S-DAB5 film optical characteristics with those exhibited by other RC-modified films depending on the type of dendrimer was also carried out.
Optical Interconnects Finally Seeing the Light in Silicon Photonics: Past the Hype
Authors: Mekawey Hosam , Elsayed Mohamed , Ismail Yehea , Swillam Mohamed A.
Published: January 2022

Electrical interconnects are becoming a bottleneck in the way towards meeting future performance requirements of integrated circuits. Moore’s law, which observes the doubling of the number of transistors in integrated circuits every couple of years, can no longer be maintained due to reaching a physical barrier for scaling down the transistor’s size lower than 5 nm. Heading towards multi-core and many-core chips, to mitigate such a barrier and maintain Moore’s law in the future, is the solution being pursued today. However, such distributed nature requires a large interconnect network that is found to consume more than 80% of the microprocessor power. Optical interconnects represent one of the viable future alternatives that can resolve many of the challenges faced by electrical interconnects. However, reaching a maturity level in optical interconnects that would allow for the transition from electrical to optical interconnects for intra-chip and inter-chip communication is still facing several challenges. A review study is required to compare the recent developments in the optical interconnects with the performance requirements needed to reach the required maturity level for the transition to happen. This review paper dissects the optical interconnect system into its components and explains the foundational concepts behind the various passive and active components along with the performance metrics. The performance of different types of on-chip lasers, grating and edge couplers, modulators, and photodetectors are compared. The potential of a slot waveguide is investigated as a new foundation since it allows for guiding and confining light into low index regions of a few tens of nanometers in cross-section. Additionally, it can be tuned to optimize transmissions over 90° bends. Hence, high-density opto-electronic integrated circuits with optical interconnects reaching the dimensions of their electrical counterparts are becoming a possibility. The latest complete optical interconnect systems realized so far are reviewed as well.
Highly Efficient Visible Light Active Doped ZnO Photocatalysts for the Treatment of Wastewater Contaminated with Dyes and Pathogens of Emerging Concern
Authors: Aftab Saima , Shabir Tayyaba , Shah Afzal , Nisar Jan , Shah Iltaf , Muhammad Haji , Shah Noor S.
Published: January 2022

Water is obligatory for sustaining life on Earth. About 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water. However, only one percent of the total water is drinkable. The presence of contaminants in wastewater, surface water, groundwater, and drinking water is a serious threat to human and environmental health. Their toxic effects and resistance towards conventional water treatment methods have compelled the scientific community to search for an environmentally friendly method that could efficiently degrade toxic contaminants. In this regard, visible light active photocatalysts have proved to be efficient in eliminating a wide variety of water toxins. A plethora of research activities have been carried out and significant amounts of funds are spent on the monitoring and removal of water contaminants, but relatively little attention has been paid to the degradation of persistent water pollutants. In this regard, nanoparticles of doped ZnO are preferred options owing to their low recombination rate and excellent photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity under irradiation of solar light. The current article presents the roles of these nanomaterials for wastewater treatment from pollutants of emerging concern.
Novel Water-Based Paints for Composite Materials Used in Electromagnetic Shielding Applications
Authors: Tudose Ioan Valentin , Mouratis Kyriakos , Ionescu Octavian Narcis , Romanitan Cosmin , Pachiu Cristina , Popescu Marian , Khomenko Volodymyr , Butenko Oksana , Chernysh Oksana , Kenanakis George , Barsukov Viacheslav Z. , Suchea Mirela Petruta , Koudoumas Emmanouel
Published: January 2022

The development of materials offering electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is of significant consideration, since this can help in expanding the lifetime of devices, electromagnetic compatibility, as well as the protection of biological systems. Conductive paints used widely today in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications are often based on organic solvents that can create safety issues due to the subsequent environment problems. This paper concerned the development of eco-friendly conductive water-based paints for use in EMI-shielding applications. Graphene nanoplatelets, polyaniline emeraldine (PANI) doped with poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSS) or HCl or HBr and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) in various ratios were employed in a water base for developing the paints. The target was to develop homogeneous water-based paint-like fluid mixtures easily applied onto surfaces using a paint brush, leading in homogeneous, uniform, opaque layers, draying fast in air at room temperature, and having quite good electrical conductivity that can offer efficient EMI-shielding performance. The results of this parametric trial indicated the optimum compositions leading in paints with optimized properties that can result in uniform, homogeneous, and conductive layers up to a thickness of over 500 μm without deformation and cracking, offering attenuation of up to 60 dBs of incoming GHz electromagnetic radiation. In addition, the structural and morphological characteristics of these paints were studied in detail.
Electrochemical Sensor Based on ZnFe2O4/RGO Nanocomposite for Ultrasensitive Detection of Hydrazine in Real Samples
Authors: Tajik Somayeh , Askari Mohammad Bagher , Ahmadi Sayed Ali , Nejad Fraiba Garkani , Dourandish Zahra , Razavi Razieh , Beitollahi Hadi , Di Bartolomeo Antonio
Published: January 2022

We have developed a highly sensitive sensor of ZnFe2O4/reduced graphene oxide (ZnFe2O4/RGO) nanocomposite for electrochemical detection of hydrazine, fabricated by a simple hydrothermal protocol. Subsequently, a screen-printed electrode (SPE) surface was modified with the proposed nanocomposite (ZnFe2O4/RGO/SPE), and revealed an admirable electrocatalytic capacity for hydrazine oxidation. The ZnFe2O4/RGO/SPE sensor could selectively determine micromolar hydrazine concentrations. The as-produced sensor demonstrated excellent ability to detect hydrazine due to the synergistic impacts of the unique electrocatalytic capacity of ZnFe2O4 plus the potent physicochemical features of RGO such as manifold catalytic sites, great area-normalized edge-plane structures, high conductivity, and large surface area. The hydrazine detection using differential pulse voltammetry exhibited a broad linear dynamic range (0.03–610.0 µM) with a low limit of detection (0.01 µM).
The Role of Nutrition in Immune-Mediated, Inflammatory Skin Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Diotallevi Federico , Campanati Anna , Martina Emanuela , Radi Giulia , Paolinelli Matteo , Marani Andrea , Molinelli Elisa , Candelora Matteo , Taus Marina , Galeazzi Tiziana , Nicolai Albano , Offidani Annamaria
Published: January 2022

Immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases are characterized by a complex multifactorial etiology, in which genetic and environmental factors interact both in genesis and development of the disease. Nutrition is a complex and fascinating scenario, whose pivotal role in induction, exacerbation, or amelioration of several human diseases has already been well documented. However, owing to the complexity of immune-mediated skin disease clinical course and breadth and variability of human nutrition, their correlation still remains an open debate in literature. It is therefore important for dermatologists to be aware about the scientific basis linking nutrition to inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, bullous diseases, vitiligo, and alopecia areata, and whether changes in diet can influence the clinical course of these diseases. The purpose of this narrative review is to address the role of nutrition in immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases, in light of the most recent and validate knowledge on this topic. Moreover, whether specific dietary modifications could provide meaningful implementation in planning a therapeutic strategy for patients is evaluated, in accordance with regenerative medicine precepts, a healing-oriented medicine that considers the whole person, including all aspects of the lifestyle.
Longitudinal Associations of Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acids in Pregnancy with Neonatal Anthropometry: Results from the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies—Singleton Cohort
Authors: Wang Emily , Zhu Yeyi , Chehab Rana F. , Wu Jing , Hinkle Stefanie N. , Weir Natalie L. , Bremer Andrew A. , Yang Jiaxi , Chen Zhen , Tsai Michael Y. , Zhang Cuilin
Published: January 2022

Despite increasing interest in the health effects of polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), their roles in fetal and neonatal growth remain understudied. Within the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies—Singleton Cohort, we prospectively investigated the associations of individual and subclasses of plasma phospholipid PUFAs at gestational weeks (GW) 10–14, 15–26, 23–31, and 33–39 with neonatal anthropometric measures as surrogates for fetal growth among 107 women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 214 non-GDM controls. Multivariable weighted linear regression models estimated the associations between plasma phospholipid PUFAs and neonatal anthropometric measures. Adjusted beta coefficients for phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per standard deviation (SD) increase at GW 23–31 in association with birthweight z-score, neonatal length, and neonatal fat mass were 0.25 (95% CI: 0.08–0.41), 0.57 (0.11–1.03) cm, and 54.99 (23.57–86.42) g, respectively; all false discovery rates (FDRs) < 0.05. Estimated Δ5-desaturase activity per SD increase at GW 33–39 but not at other time points was positively associated with birthweight z-score: 0.29 (95% CI: 0.08–0.33); neonatal length: 0.61 (0.29–0.94) cm; and neonatal fat mass: 32.59 (8.21–56.96) g; all FDRs < 0.05. Longitudinal analysis showed consistent results. Our findings suggest that mid-to-late pregnancy presented as critical windows for primarily diet-derived DHA and Δ5-desaturase activity in relation to neonatal anthropometric measures.
The Sound of Silence: Unspoken Meaning in the Discourse of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women on Environmental Risks and Food Safety in Spain
Authors: Company-Morales Miguel , Casadó Lina , Zafra Aparici Eva , Rubio Jiménez María Filomena , Fontalba-Navas Andrés
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: In recent years, a growing number of qualitative health research studies have performed discourse analysis of data from participants’ narratives. However, little attention has been paid to the gaps and silences within these narratives. The aim of the present study is to interpret the silences detected in the discourse of pregnant and breastfeeding women concerning environmental risks and food safety. (2) Methods: This descriptive, interpretive, observational study was conducted according to a qualitative research paradigm and from a phenomenological and ethnographic perspective. The study sample was composed of 88 intentionally selected women, among whom fifty interviews, three ethnographies and five focus groups were conducted. Data coding and analysis were performed using N-Vivo 12 software. (3) Results: The results obtained show that the women’s discourse presented silences that reflected their minimisation of perceived environmental and food risks. However, these women were wary of food produced in the proximity of contaminated areas. Nevertheless, the participants believed they were powerless to overcome environmental pollution and the potential contamination of their own bodies. (4) Conclusions: The participants’ minimisation of the environmental risks faced and their inaction in this respect are sustained by the biopolitical practices of public institutions, which have propelled these women into a situation of learned helplessness and social injustice.
Long-Term Consumption of a Sugar-Sweetened Soft Drink in Combination with a Western-Type Diet Is Associated with Morphological and Molecular Changes of Taste Markers Independent of Body Weight Development in Mice
Authors: Lieder Barbara , Čonka Jozef , Reiner Agnes T. , Zabel Victoria , Ameur Dominik , Somoza Mark M. , Šebeková Katarína , Celec Peter , Somoza Veronika
Published: January 2022

We investigated whether the long-term intake of a typical sugar-sweetened soft drink (sugar-sweetened beverage, SSB) alters markers for taste function when combined with a standard diet (chow) or a model chow mimicking a Western diet (WD). Adult male CD1 mice had ad libitum access to tap water or SSB in combination with either the chow or the WD for 24 weeks. Energy intake from fluid and food was monitored three times a week. Cardiometabolic markers (body weight and composition, waist circumference, glucose and lipid profile, and blood pressure) were analyzed at the end of the intervention, as was the number and size of the fungiform papillae as well as mRNA levels of genes associated with the different cell types of taste buds and taste receptors in the circumvallate papillae using a cDNA microarray and qPCR. Although the overall energy intake was higher in the WD groups, there was no difference in body weight or other cardiometabolic markers between the SSB and water groups. The chemosensory surface from the fungiform papillae was reduced by 36 ± 19% (p < 0.05) in the WD group after SSB compared to water intake. In conclusion, the consumption of the SSB reduced the chemosensory surface of the fungiform papillae of CD1 mice when applied in combination with a WD independent of body weight. The data suggest synergistic effects of a high sugar-high fat diet on taste dysfunction, which could further influence food intake and promote a vicious cycle of overeating and taste dysfunction.
Review about Psychological Barriers to Lifestyle Modification, Changes in Diet Habits, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Bariatric Endoscopy
Authors: Normand Enrique , Montero Alejandro , López-Nava Gontrand , Bautista-Castaño Inmaculada
Published: January 2022

Obesity is an expanding disease responsible for significant deterioration in the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) of those who suffer from it. Bariatric Endoscopy (BE) therapies have proven to be an effective treatment for this pathology. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for the successful therapeutic management of BE. This article addresses the multidisciplinary treatment of BE by considering the possible variables that can influence treatment. In particular, the variables that can facilitate or hinder changes in patients’ habits are discussed. These include the neuropsychological, emotional, and social implications that may influence the formation of healthy habits necessary for improvement in a patient’s quality of life; the individual and environmental psychological factors that influence the monitoring of nutritional and physical activity indications; and different psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, or disorders related to eating. The main objective of BE treatment, except in certain special biological situations, must be to establish a long-term sustainable change in habits such that patients, once they reach a healthy weight, do not revert to the lifestyle that caused their obesity, as well as identifying and addressing major problems that may exist prior to, or arise during, treatment.
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Better Metabolic Features in Youths with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Antoniotti Valentina , Spadaccini Daniele , Ricotti Roberta , Carrera Deborah , Savastio Silvia , Goncalves Correia Filipa Patricia , Caputo Marina , Pozzi Erica , Bellone Simonetta , Rabbone Ivana , Prodam Flavia
Published: January 2022

Our aim was to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in relation to metabolic control. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) questionnaire and physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescent (IPAQ-A) on 65 subjects (32 males, 9–18 years) with T1D. Clinical and metabolic evaluation was performed (standardized body mass index (BMI-SDS), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), continuous glucose monitoring metrics when present, blood pressure, lipid profile). Parental characteristics (age, body mass index (BMI), socio-economic status) were reported. The adherence to the MedDiet was poor in 12.3%, average in 58.6%, and high in 29.1% of the subjects. Furthermore, 23.4% of patients were overweight/obese. The most impacting factors on BMI-SDS were skipping breakfast and their father’s BMI. HbA1c and time in range % were positively associated with sweets and fish intake, respectively. Additionally, the father’s socio-economic status (SES) and mother’s age were associated with glucose control. Blood pressure was associated with travelling to school in vehicles, extra-virgin olive oil intake and milk/dairy consumption at breakfast. The promotion of the MedDiet, mainly having a healthy breakfast, is a good strategy to include in the management of T1D to improve glucose and metabolic control. This research is valuable for parents to obtain the best results for their children with T1D.
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): A Source of Nutrients for Health and for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric and Age-Related Diseases
Authors: El Midaoui Adil , Ghzaiel Imen , Vervandier-Fasseur Dominique , Ksila Mohamed , Zarrouk Amira , Nury Thomas , Khallouki Farid , El Hessni Aboubaker , Ibrahimi Salama Ouazzani , Latruffe Norbert , Couture Réjean , Kharoubi Omar , Brahmi Fatiha , Hammami Sonia , Masmoudi-Kouki Olfa , Hammami Mohamed , Ghrairi Taoufik , Vejux Anne , Lizard Gérard
Published: January 2022

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a medicinal plant, originally cultivated in the East and Middle East, and later in some Mediterranean countries. Saffron is obtained from the stigmas of the plant. Currently, the use of saffron is undergoing a revival. The medicinal virtues of saffron, its culinary use and its high added value have led to the clarification of its phytochemical profile and its biological and therapeutic characteristics. Saffron is rich in carotenoids and terpenes. The major products of saffron are crocins and crocetin (carotenoids) deriving from zeaxanthin, pirocrocin and safranal, which give it its taste and aroma, respectively. Saffron and its major compounds have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. Anti-tumor properties have also been described. The goal of this review is to present the beneficial effects of saffron and its main constituent molecules on neuropsychiatric diseases (depression, anxiety and schizophrenia) as well as on the most frequent age-related diseases (cardiovascular, ocular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as sarcopenia). Overall, the phytochemical profile of saffron confers many beneficial virtues on human health and, in particular, on the prevention of age-related diseases, which is a major asset reinforcing the interest for this medicinal plant.
One-Carbon Metabolism in Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Brain Tissue
Authors: Kalecký Karel , Ashcraft Paula , Bottiglieri Teodoro
Published: January 2022

Disruptions in one-carbon metabolism and elevated homocysteine have been previously implicated in the development of dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Moreover, a PD diagnosis itself carries substantial risk for the development of dementia. This is the first study that explores alterations in one-carbon metabolism in AD and PD directly in the human brain frontal cortex, the primary center of cognition. Applying targeted liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we analyzed post-mortem samples obtained from 136 subjects (35 AD, 65 PD, 36 controls). We found changes in one-carbon metabolites that indicate inefficient activation of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) in AD and PD subjects with dementia, the latter seemingly accompanied by a restricted re-methylation flow. Levodopa–carbidopa is known to reduce available vitamin B6, which would explain the hindered CBS activity. We present evidence of temporary non-protein-bound homocysteine accumulation upon levodopa intake in the brain of PD subjects with dementia but not in non-demented PD subjects. Importantly, this homocysteine elevation is not related to levodopa dosage, disease progression, or histopathological markers but exclusively to the dementia status. We hypothesize that this levodopa-induced effect is a direct cause of dementia in PD in susceptible subjects with reduced re-methylation capacity. Furthermore, we show that betaine best correlates with cognitive score even among PD subjects alone and discuss nutritional recommendations to improve one-carbon metabolism function.
Associations of B Vitamin-Related Dietary Pattern during Pregnancy with Birth Outcomes: A Population-Based Study in Northwest China
Authors: Li Shanshan , Liu Danmeng , Kang Yijun , Qu Pengfei , Mi Baibing , Zhu Zhonghai , Han Lixin , Zhao Yaling , Chen Fangyao , Pei Leilei , Zeng Lingxia , Wang Duolao , Yan Hong , Dang Shaonong
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to derive a maternal dietary pattern to explain the variation in B vitamins during pregnancy and to investigate this pattern in relation to birth outcomes. A total of 7347 women who gave birth to live newborns less than one year were included. Their dietary pattern during pregnancy was derived using the reduced-rank regression method with six B vitamins as response variables. Associations between dietary pattern score and birth weight, gestational age at delivery, birth weight Z score, low birth weight, preterm, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) were estimated using generalised linear mixed models. We identified a high B-vitamin dietary pattern characterised by high intakes of animal foods, vegetables, fungi and algae, legumes, and low intakes of oils and cereals. Women in the highest quartile of this pattern score had newborns with a 44.5 g (95% CI: 13.8, 75.2 g) higher birth weight, 0.101 (95% CI: 0.029, 0.172) higher birth weight Z score, and 27.2% (OR: 0.728; 95% CI: 0.582, 0.910) lower risk of SGA than those in the lowest quartile. Our study suggested that adherence to the high B-vitamin dietary pattern during pregnancy was associated with a higher birth weight and a lower risk of SGA.
Plant-Based Alternative Products: Are They Healthy Alternatives? Micro- and Macronutrients and Nutritional Scoring
Authors: Pointke Marcel , Pawelzik Elke
Published: January 2022

In recent decades, the demand, supply, and consumption of plant-based (pb) alternative products have increased worldwide. The objective of this study was to characterize pb meat and cheese products and compare them with their respective animal-based products. Data were collected in online market analyses (2019/2021). Nutritional data, Nutri-Score, and analysis of micronutrients are presented in this article. The number of products has grown in all categories, with the largest increase of 110% in pb cheese. The main protein sources in pb meat were soy and wheat, followed by an increasing use of peas. Pb meat generally contained less energy and total and saturated fat, but more carbohydrates and sugars than meat. In pb cheese, the protein content was lower than that of cheese. In 3 of 17 food groups, the salt content of pb alternatives was lower than in animal products. The daily requirement for iron could be covered better by pb alternatives than previously anticipated as well as the need for the vitamins E and K. The calculated Nutri-Score was generally lower for pb meat and higher for pb cheese than for the respective animal products. The trend towards consumption of pb alternative products is increasing, but the high level of processing, wide range of nutrients, and high salt content indicate the need for nutritional guidelines for these products.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Cancer Patients Admitted to Palliative Care: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the Swedish Trial ‘Palliative-D’
Authors: Helde Frankling Maria , Klasson Caritha , Björkhem-Bergman Linda
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels in patients with cancer in the palliative phase in relation to season, sex, age, tumor type, colectomy, and survival. To this end, we performed a post-hoc analysis of ‘Palliative-D’, a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind trial investigating the effect of daily supplementation with 4000 IU of vitamin D for 12 weeks on pain in patients in palliative cancer care. In the screening cohort (n = 530), 10% of patients had 25-OHD levels < 25 nmol/L, 50% < 50, and 84% < 75 nmol/L. Baseline 25-OHD did not differ between seasons or tumor type and was not correlated with survival time. In vitamin D deficient patients supplemented with vitamin D (n = 67), 86% reached sufficient levels, i.e., >50 nmol/L, after 12 weeks. An increase in 25-OHD was larger in supplemented women than in men (53 vs. 37 nmol/L, p = 0.02) and was not affected by season. In the placebo-group (n = 83), decreased levels of 25-OHD levels were noted during the study period for patients recruited during the last quarter of the year. In conclusion, cancer patients in palliative phase have adequate increase in 25-OHD after vitamin D supplementation regardless of season, age, tumor type, or colectomy.
Trends in per Capita Food and Protein Availability at the National Level of the Southeast Asian Countries: An Analysis of the FAO’s Food Balance Sheet Data from 1961 to 2018
Authors: Al Hasan Syed Mahfuz , Saulam Jennifer , Mikami Fumiaki , Kanda Kanae , Ngatu Nlandu Roger , Yokoi Hideto , Hirao Tomohiro
Published: January 2022

We aimed to analyze the temporal trends in the per capita food (kcal/day/person) and protein (g/day/person) availability at the national level in the Southeast Asian (SEA) countries from 1961 to 2018. To avoid intercountry variations and errors, we used a dataset derived from the FAO’s old and new food balance sheets. We used the joinpoint model and the jump model to analyze the temporal trends. The annual percentage change (APC) was computed for each segment of the trends. Per capita food and protein availability in the SEA countries increased significantly by 0.8% per year (54.0%) and 1.1% per year (85.1%), respectively, from 1961 to 2018. During the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s the per capita food availability in mainland SEA did not change significantly and was less than 2200 kcal/person/day. Since the early 1990s, food availability increased appreciably in the mainland SEA countries, except for Cambodia, which has experienced the increasing trend from the late 1990s. Distinct from the mainland, maritime SEA countries showed an up–down–up growth trend in their per-capita food availability from 1961 to 2018. Food-availability growth slowed down for Brunei (since the mid-1980s) and Malaysia (since mid-the 1990s) whereas it increased for Indonesia (1.5% per year), Timor-Leste (0.9% per year), and the Philippines (0.8% per year). Per capita protein availability trends in the mainland SEA countries were similar to the countries’ per capita food availability trends. Since the late 1980s, Thailand and since the late 1990s, other mainland SEA countries experienced a significant growth in their per capita protein availability. Since the late 1990s, per capita protein availability in Vietnam increased markedly and reached the highest available amount in the SEA region, following Brunei and Myanmar. Per capita protein availability increased almost continuously among the maritime SEA countries, except for Timor-Leste. Marked inequality did exist between maritime and mainland SEA countries in per capita food-availability growth till the mid-1990s. Considerable increases in per capita food availability have occurred in most of the SEA countries, but growth is inadequate for Timor-Leste and Cambodia.
Differentiation of Nutritional Risk among Polish Seniors Based on Selected Lifestyle Characteristics
Authors: Gajda Robert , Raczkowska Ewa , Mazurkiewicz Dominika , Suliga Edyta
Published: January 2022

Elderly people living in the community are a population group at high nutritional risk. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional risk of Polish seniors in relation to the region of residence and selected lifestyle characteristics (alcohol consumption, smoking, sleep, physical activity). The SCREEN-14 (Seniors in the Community: Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition) questionnaire was used to assess nutritional risk. The questionnaire was conducted among 320 Polish adults aged 60 and older. The snowball method was used to select the sample. The study was conducted from May to July 2021 in two regions. Cluster analysis with agglomeration technique was used to identify the association between categories of variables describing nutritional risk level, demographic characteristics, and lifestyle characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between identified nutritional risk levels and selected lifestyle characteristics. Men over 75 and seniors living in smaller towns have been shown to be at higher nutritional risk. High nutritional risk was significantly more common among those who consumed alcohol, smoked tobacco, and had less than six hours or more than nine hours of sleep per day. In addition, low to moderate physical activity was associated with higher nutritional risk. The identification of factors that increase nutritional risk among seniors can support the planning of ways to prevent nutritional problems in this age group.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Oral in 2021
Authors:   Oral Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Pre-Equilibrium Clustering in Production of Spectator Fragments in Collisions of Relativistic Nuclei
Authors: Nepeivoda Roman , Svetlichnyi Aleksandr , Kozyrev Nikita , Pshenichnov Igor
Published: January 2022

An algorithm of pre-equilibrium clustering of spectator matter based on the construction of the minimum spanning tree (MST) is presented. The algorithm was implemented in the Abrasion-Ablation Monte Carlo for Colliders (AAMCC) model designed to study the characteristics of spectator matter in collisions of relativistic nuclei. Due to accounting for the pre-equilibrium clusters in modelling 208Pb–208Pb collisions at the LHC, the agreement of simulation results with experimental data on the average multiplicities of spectator nucleons was improved. The results of the AAMCC-MST were compared with experimental data on the interactions of 197Au nuclei in nuclear photoemulsion. Comparison of the yields of spectator nuclei calculated for 16O–16O collisions with the yields measured in interactions of 16O with light nuclei of photoemulsion made it possible to estimate the effect of MST-clustering in small nuclear systems.
A Comparison of Infectious Disease Forecasting Methods across Locations, Diseases, and Time
Authors: Dixon Samuel , Keshavamurthy Ravikiran , Farber Daniel H. , Stevens Andrew , Pazdernik Karl T. , Charles Lauren E.
Published: January 2022

Accurate infectious disease forecasting can inform efforts to prevent outbreaks and mitigate adverse impacts. This study compares the performance of statistical, machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) approaches in forecasting infectious disease incidences across different countries and time intervals. We forecasted three diverse diseases: campylobacteriosis, typhoid, and Q-fever, using a wide variety of features (n = 46) from public datasets, e.g., landscape, climate, and socioeconomic factors. We compared autoregressive statistical models to two tree-based ML models (extreme gradient boosted trees [XGB] and random forest [RF]) and two DL models (multi-layer perceptron and encoder–decoder model). The disease models were trained on data from seven different countries at the region-level between 2009–2017. Forecasting performance of all models was assessed using mean absolute error, root mean square error, and Poisson deviance across Australia, Israel, and the United States for the months of January through August of 2018. The overall model results were compared across diseases as well as various data splits, including country, regions with highest and lowest cases, and the forecasted months out (i.e., nowcasting, short-term, and long-term forecasting). Overall, the XGB models performed the best for all diseases and, in general, tree-based ML models performed the best when looking at data splits. There were a few instances where the statistical or DL models had minutely smaller error metrics for specific subsets of typhoid, which is a disease with very low case counts. Feature importance per disease was measured by using four tree-based ML models (i.e., XGB and RF with and without region name as a feature). The most important feature groups included previous case counts, region name, population counts and density, mortality causes of neonatal to under 5 years of age, sanitation factors, and elevation. This study demonstrates the power of ML approaches to incorporate a wide range of factors to forecast various diseases, regardless of location, more accurately than traditional statistical approaches.
Formation and Expansion of Memory B Cells against Coronavirus in Acutely Infected COVID-19 Individuals
Authors: Embong A. Karim , Nguyen-Contant Phuong , Wang Jiong , Kanagaiah Preshetha , Chaves Francisco A. , Fitzgerald Theresa F. , Zhou Qian , Kosoy Gabrielle , Branche Angela R. , Miller Benjamin L. , Zand Martin S. , Sangster Mark Y. , Topham David J.
Published: January 2022

Infection with the β-coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 typically generates strong virus-specific antibody production. Antibody responses against novel features of SARS-CoV-2 proteins require naïve B cell activation, but there is a growing appreciation that conserved regions are recognized by pre-existing memory B cells (MBCs) generated by endemic coronaviruses. The current study investigated the role of pre-existing cross-reactive coronavirus memory in the antibody response to the viral spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The breadth of reactivity of circulating antibodies, plasmablasts, and MBCs was analyzed. Acutely infected subjects generated strong IgG responses to the S protein, including the novel receptor binding domain, the conserved S2 region, and to the N protein. The response included reactivity to the S of endemic β-coronaviruses and, interestingly, to the N of an endemic α-coronavirus. Both mild and severe infection expanded IgG MBC populations reactive to the S of SARS-CoV-2 and endemic β-coronaviruses. Avidity of S-reactive IgG antibodies and MBCs increased after infection. Overall, findings indicate that the response to the S and N of SARS-CoV-2 involves pre-existing MBC activation and adaptation to novel features of the proteins, along with the potential of imprinting to shape the response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.