bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Orthoplastic Approach in Fracture-Related Infections of the Distal Tibia
Authors: Sambri Andrea , Pignatti Marco , Tedeschi Sara , Lozano Miralles Maria Elisa , Giannini Claudio , Fiore Michele , Filippini Matteo , Cipriani Riccardo , Viale Pierluigi , De Paolis Massimiliano
Published: August 2022

This series reports on the treatment of distal tibia (DT) fracture-related infections (FRI) with a combined orthoplastic approach. Thirteen patients were included. In eight patients with extensive bone involvement and in those with a non-healed fracture, the DT was resected (“staged approach”). In five cases, the DT was preserved (“single-stage approach”). A wide debridement was performed, and the cavity was filled with antibiotic-loaded PerOssal beads. All patients had a soft-tissue defect covered by a free vascularized flap (anterolateral thigh perforator flap in eight cases, latissimus dorsi flap in five). At the final follow-up (mean 25 months, range, 13–37), no infection recurrence was observed. In one patient, the persistence of infection was observed, and the patient underwent a repeated debridement. In two cases, a voluminous hematoma was observed. However, none of these complications impacted the final outcome. The successful treatment of FRI depends on proper debridement and obliteration of dead spaces with a flap. Therefore, when dealing with DT FRI, debridement of infected bone and soft tissues must be as radical as required, with no fear of the need for massive reconstructions.
Efficacy of Off-Label Anti-Amoebic Agents to Suppress Trophozoite Formation of Acanthamoeba spp. on Non-Nutrient Agar Escherichia Coli Plates
Authors: Muthukumar Vithusan , Shi Lei , Chai Ning , Langenbucher Achim , Becker Sören L. , Seitz Berthold , Orosz Erika , Stachon Tanja , Kiderlen Albrecht F. , Bischoff Markus , Szentmáry Nóra
Published: August 2022

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a dangerous infectious disease, which is associated with a high risk of blindness for the infected patient, and for which no standard therapy exists thus far. Patients suffering from AK are thus treated, out of necessity, with an off-label therapy, using drugs designed and indicated for other diseases/purposes. Here, we tested the capability of the off-label anti-amoebic drugs chlorhexidine (CH; 0.1%), dibromopropamidine diisethionate (DD; 0.1%), hexamidine diisethionate (HD; 0.1%), miltefosine (MF; 0.0065%), natamycin (NM; 5%), polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB; 0.02%), povidone iodine (PVPI; 1%), and propamidine isethionate (PD; 0.1%) to suppress trophozoite formation of Acantamoeba castellanii and Acanthamoeba hatchetti cysts on non-nutrient agar Escherichia coli plates. Of the eight off-label anti-amoebic drugs tested, only PVPI allowed for a complete suppression of trophozoite formation by drug-challenged cysts for all four Acanthamoeba isolates in all five biological replicates. Drugs such as NM, PD, and PHMB repeatedly suppressed trophozoite formation with some, but not all, tested Acanthamoeba isolates, while other drugs such as CH, DD, and MF failed to exert a relevant effect on the excystation capacities of the tested Acanthamoeba isolates in most, if not all, of our repetitions. Our findings suggest that pre-testing of the AK isolate with the non-nutrient agar E. coli plate assay against the anti-amoebic drug intended for treatment should be performed to confirm that the selected drug is cysticidal for the Acanthamoeba isolate.
Sediment Bacteria and Phosphorus Fraction Response, Notably to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Exposure
Authors: Piao Sixuan , He Donglan
Published: August 2022

Titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO2 NP) toxicity to the growth of organisms has been gradually clarified; however, its effects on microorganism-mediated phosphorus turnover are poorly understood. To evaluate the influences of TiO2 NPs on phosphorus fractionation and the bacterial community, aquatic microorganisms were exposed to different concentrations of TiO2 NPs with different exposure times (i.e., 0, 10, and 30 days). We observed the adhesion of TiO2 NPs to the cell surfaces of planktonic microbes by using SEM, EDS, and XRD techniques. The addition of TiO2 NPs resulted in a decrease in the total phosphorus of water and an increase in the total phosphorus of sediments. Additionally, elevated TiO2 NPs enhanced the sediment activities of reductases (i.e., dehydrogenase [0.19–2.25 μg/d/g] and catalase [1.06–2.92 μmol/d/g]), and significantly decreased the absolute abundances of phosphorus-cycling-related genes (i.e., gcd [1.78 × 104–9.55 × 105 copies/g], phoD [5.50 × 103–5.49 × 107 copies/g], pstS [4.17 × 102–1.58 × 106 copies/g]), and sediment bacterial diversity. TiO2 NPs could noticeably affect the bacterial community, showing dramatic divergences in relative abundances (e.g., Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Firmicutes), coexistence patterns, and functional redundancies (e.g., translation and transcription). Our results emphasized that the TiO2 NP amount—rather than the exposure time—showed significant effects on phosphorus fractions, enzyme activity, phosphorus-cycling-related gene abundance, and bacterial diversity, whereas the exposure time exhibited a greater influence on the composition and function of the sediment bacterial community than the TiO2 NP amount. Our findings clarify the responses of phosphorus fractions and the bacterial community to TiO2 NP exposure in the water–sediment ecosystem and highlight potential environmental risks of the migration of untreated TiO2 NPs to aquatic ecosystems.
Deep Learning Optimized Dictionary Learning and Its Application in Eliminating Strong Magnetotelluric Noise
Authors: Li Guang , Gu Xianjie , Ren Zhengyong , Wu Qihong , Liu Xiaoqiong , Zhang Liang , Xiao Donghan , Zhou Cong
Published: August 2022

The noise suppression method based on dictionary learning has shown great potential in magnetotelluric (MT) data processing. However, the constraints used in the existing algorithm’s method need to set manually, which significantly limits its application. To solve this problem, we propose a deep learning optimized dictionary learning denoising method. We use a deep convolutional network to learn the characteristic parameters of high-quality MT data independently and then use them as the constraints for dictionary learning so as to achieve fully adaptive sparse decomposition. The method uses unified parameters for all data and completely eliminates subjective bias, which makes it possible to batch-process MT data using sparse decomposition. The processing results of simulated and field data examples show that the new method has good adaptability and can achieve recognition with high accuracy. After processing with our method, the apparent resistivity and phase curves became smoother and more continuous, and the results were validated by the remote reference method. Our method can be an effective alternative method when no remote reference station is set up or the remote reference processing is not effective.
Staphylococcus epidermidis Cicaria, a Novel Strain Derived from the Human Microbiome, and Its Efficacy as a Treatment for Hair Loss
Authors: Jo HyungWoo , Kim Seon Yu , Kang Byung Ha , Baek Chaeyun , Kwon Jeong Eun , Jeang Jin Woo , Heo Young Mok , Kim Hye-Been , Heo Chan Yeong , Kang So Min , Shin Byung Ho , Nam Da Yeong , Lee Yeong-Geun , Kang Se Chan , Lee Dong-Geol
Published: August 2022

The skin tissue of the scalp is unique from other skin tissues because it coexists with hair, and many differences in microbial composition have been confirmed. In scalp tissues, hair loss occurs due to a combination of internal and external factors, and several studies are being conducted to counteract this. However, not many studies have addressed hair loss from the perspective of the microbiome. In this study, subjects with hair loss and those with normal scalps were set as experimental and control groups, respectively. In the experimental group, hair loss had progressed, and there was a large difference in microbiome composition compared to the group with normal scalps. In particular, differences in Accumulibacter, Staphylococcus, and Corynebacterium were found. From Staphylococcus epidermidis Cicaria, two active components were isolated as a result of repeated column chromatography. Spectroscopic data led to the determination of chemical structures for adenosine and biotin. Fractions were obtained, and ex vivo tests were conducted using hair follicles derived from human scalp tissue. When the microbiome adenosine-treated group was compared to the control group, hair follicle length was increased, and hair root diameter was maintained during the experimental periods. In addition, the Cicaria culture medium and the microbial adenosine- and biotin-treated groups maintained the anagen phase, reducing progression to the catagen phase in the hair growth cycle. In conclusion, it was confirmed that the Cicaria culture medium and the microbial adenosine and biotin derived from the culture were effective in inhibiting hair loss.
Effect of Inulin on Organic Acids and Microstructure of Synbiotic Cheddar-Type Cheese Made from Buffalo Milk
Authors: Islam Mahad , Alharbi Maha A. , Alharbi Nada K. , Rafiq Saima , Shahbaz Muhammad , Murtaza Shamas , Raza Nighat , Farooq Umar , Ali Muqarrab , Imran Muhammad , Ali Shafaqat
Published: August 2022

The current study aimed to produce synbiotic cheese, adding inulin and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis as prebiotics and probiotics, respectively. The physicochemical analysis, minerals and organic acids content, sensory evaluation, and probiotic count of the cheese were performed during the ripening. The significant effect of inulin (p ≤ 0.01) was found during the ripening period, and changes in physiochemical composition, minerals, and organic acid contents were also observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the cheese revealed that inulin could improve the cheese structure. Meanwhile, inulin increased the likeliness of the cheese, and its probiotic viability remained above 107 colony forming unit (CFU) per gram during ripening.
Piceatannol Alleviates Clostridium perfringens Virulence by Inhibiting Perfringolysin O
Authors: Wang Guizhen , Liu Hongtao , Gao Yawen , Niu Xiaodi , Deng Xuming , Wang Jianfeng , Feng Haihua , Guo Zhimin , Qiu Jiazhang
Published: August 2022

Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is an important foodborne pathogen that can cause diseases such as gas gangrene and necrotizing enteritis in a variety of economic animals, seriously affecting public health and the economic benefits and healthy development of the livestock and poultry breeding industry. Perfringolysin O (PFO) is an important virulence factor of C. perfringens and plays critical roles in necrotic enteritis and gas gangrene, rendering it an ideal target for developing new drugs against infections caused by this pathogen. In this study, based on biological activity inhibition assays, oligomerization tests and computational biology assays, we found that the foodborne natural component piceatannol reduced pore-forming activity with an inhibitory ratio of 83.84% in the concentration of 16 µg/mL (IC50 = 7.83 µg/mL) by binding with PFO directly and changing some of its secondary structures, including 3-Helix, A-helix, bend, and in turn, ultimately affecting oligomer formation. Furthermore, we confirmed that piceatannol protected human intestinal epithelial cells from the damage induced by PFO with LDH release reduced by 38.44% at 16 µg/mL, based on a cytotoxicity test. By performing an animal experiment, we found the C. perfringens clones showed an approximate 10-fold reduction in infected mice. These results suggest that piceatannol may be a candidate for anti-C. perfringens drug development.
Pro-Apoptotic Antitumoral Effect of Novel Acridine-Core Naphthoquinone Compounds against Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zorzanelli Bruna Costa , Ouverney Gabriel , Pauli Fernanda P. , da Fonseca Anna Carolina Carvalho , de Almeida Elan Cardozo Paes , de Carvalho Danielle Gonçalves , Possik Patricia Abrão , Rabelo Vitor Won-Held , Abreu Paula Alvarez , Pontes Bruno , Ferreira Vitor Francisco , Forezi Luana da Silva Magalhães , da Silva Fernando de Carvalho , Robbs Bruno Kaufmann
Published: August 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a global public health problem with high incidence and mortality. The chemotherapeutic agents used in the clinic, alone or in combination, usually lead to important side effects. Thus, the discovery and development of new antineoplastic drugs are essential to improve disease prognosis and reduce toxicity. In the present study, acridine-core naphthoquinone compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their antitumor activity in OSCC cells. The mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity parameters of the most promising compound was further analyzed using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods. Among the derivatives, compound 4e was highly cytotoxic (29.99 µM) and selective (SI 2.9) at levels comparable and generally superior to chemotherapeutic controls. Besides, compound 4e proved to be non-hemolytic, stable, and well tolerated in animals at all doses tested. Mechanistically, compound 4e promoted cell death by apoptosis in the OSCC cell, and molecular docking studies suggested this compound possibly targets enzymes important for tumor progression, such as RSK2, PKM2, and topoisomerase IIα. Importantly, compound 4e presented a pharmacological profile within desirable parameters for drug development, showing promise for future preclinical trials.
Preliminary Studies on Endotherapy Based Application of Ozonated Water to Bobal Grapevines: Effect on Wine Quality
Authors: Campayo Ana , Cebrián-Tarancón Cristina , García-Martínez María Mercedes , Salinas María Rosario , Alonso Gonzalo L. , Serrano de la Hoz Kortes
Published: August 2022

The application of ozonated water in the vineyard is an increasingly popular tool for disease management, but the quality of grapes and resulting wines is likely to be affected. Endotherapy, or trunk injection, is a particularly useful method to apply phytosanitary products since many fungal pathogens colonize the grapevine woody tissues. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect on wine quality of the ozonated water applied to Bobal grapevines, one of the most cultivated red varieties in Spain, through endotherapy (E) or its combination with spraying (E + S). Endotherapy was carried out four times before harvest for both E and E + S treatments, and spraying was performed 2 days before and after each endotherapy application. Grapes were harvested, vinified, and the quality of the finished wines was evaluated through several enological parameters and the phenolic and volatile composition. Both treatments resulted in less alcoholic and more acidic wines. The E treatment, although it reduced the content of phenolic acids, stilbenes and flavanols, significantly increased anthocyanins, whereas E + S decreased the overall amount of phenolics, which had different implications for wine colour. In terms of aroma, both treatments, but E to a greater extent, reduced the content of glycosylated precursors and differentially affected free volatiles, both varietal and fermentative. Thus, the dose of ozonated water, frequency and/or method of application are determining factors in the effect of these treatments on wine quality and must be carefully considered by winegrowers to establish the optimum treatment conditions so as not to impair the quality of wines.
Date Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Cultivar Extracts: Nanoparticle Synthesis, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Halabi Abdulghani Ashraf , Elwakil Bassma H. , Hagar Mohamed , Olama Zakia A.
Published: August 2022

The pharmaceutical research sector’s inability to produce new drugs has made it difficult to keep up with the rate at which microbial resistance is developing. Recently, nanotechnology and its combinations with natural products have been the saviors against multidrug resistant bacteria. In the present investigation, different Egyptian and Saudi date cultivars were extracted and then phytochemically analyzed and tested for possible antimicrobial activities against multidrug resistant (MDR) microbes. The results revealed that extract of the flesh of fresh “Hayany” fruit (Egyptian date) showed the highest antimicrobial activity, with high levels of phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin concentrations (538.578 µg/mL, 28.481 µg/mL, and 20.888 µg/mL, respectively) and high scavenging activity, with an IC50 reaching 10.16 µg/mL. The highest synergistic activity was found between fresh “Hayany” fruit extract and amikacin. Novel nano-fresh fruit of “Hayany” date extract was synthesized using a ball-milling technique. The vesicle size was 21.6 nm, while the PDI and zeta potential were 0.32 and +38.4 mV, respectively. The inhibition zone diameters of nano-fresh fruit of “Hayany” date extract/amikacin reached 38 mm and 34 mm, with complete microbial eradication after 9 h and 6 h, against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. In conclusion, date fruit extract could be used as a candidate bioactive compound in the fight against infectious diseases.
Plant Oil-Based Acrylic Latexes towards Multisubstrate Bonding Adhesives Applications
Authors: Kirianchuk Vasylyna , Domnich Bohdan , Demchuk Zoriana , Bon Iryna , Trotsenko Svitlana , Shevchuk Oleh , Pourhashem Ghasideh , Voronov Andriy
Published: August 2022

To investigate the utility of acrylic monomers from various plant oils in adhesives manufacturing, 25–45 wt. % of high oleic soybean oil-based monomer (HOSBM) was copolymerized in a miniemulsion with commercially applied butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), or styrene (St). The compositions of the resulting ternary latex copolymers were varied in terms of both “soft” (HOSBM, BA) and “rigid” (MMA or St) macromolecular fragments, while total monomer conversion and molecular weight of copolymers were determined after synthesis. For most latexes, results indicated the presence of lower and higher molecular weight fractions, which is beneficial for the material adhesive performance. To correlate surface properties and adhesive performance of HOSBM-based copolymer latexes, contact angle hysteresis (using water as a contact liquid) for each latex-substrate pair was first determined. The data showed that plant oil-based latexes exhibit a clear ability to spread and adhere once applied on the surface of materials differing by polarities, such as semicrystalline polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), bleached paperboard (uncoated), and tops coated with a clay mineral paperboard. The effectiveness of plant oil-based ternary latexes as adhesives was demonstrated on PET to PP and coated to uncoated paperboard substrates. As a result, the latexes with high biobased content developed in this study provide promising adhesive performance, causing substrate failure instead of cohesive/adhesive break in many experiments.
In Silico and In Vitro Studies of Alchemilla viridiflora Rothm—Polyphenols’ Potential for Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Internalization
Authors: Suručić Relja , Radović Selgrad Jelena , Kundaković-Vasović Tatjana , Lazović Biljana , Travar Maja , Suručić Ljiljana , Škrbić Ranko
Published: August 2022

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been obvious that virus infection poses a serious threat to human health on a global scale. Certain plants, particularly those rich in polyphenols, have been found to be effective antiviral agents. The effectiveness of Alchemilla viridiflora Rothm. (Rosaceae) methanol extract to prevent contact between virus spike (S)-glycoprotein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and neuropilin-1 (NRP1) receptors was investigated. In vitro results revealed that the tested samples inhibited 50% of virus-receptor binding interactions in doses of 0.18 and 0.22 mg/mL for NRP1 and ACE2, respectively. Molecular docking studies revealed that the compounds from A. viridiflora ellagitannins class had a higher affinity for binding with S-glycoprotein whilst flavonoid compounds more significantly interacted with the NRP1 receptor. Quercetin 3-(6″-ferulylglucoside) and pentagalloylglucose were two compounds with the highest exhibited interfering potential for selected target receptors, with binding energies of −8.035 (S-glycoprotein) and −7.685 kcal/mol (NRP1), respectively. Furthermore, computational studies on other SARS-CoV-2 strains resulting from mutations in the original wild strain (V483A, N501Y-K417N-E484K, N501Y, N439K, L452R-T478K, K417N, G476S, F456L, E484K) revealed that virus internalization activity was maintained, but with different single compound contributions.
Rhus coriaria L. (Sumac), a Versatile and Resourceful Food Spice with Cornucopia of Polyphenols
Authors: Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Ogunyemi Oludare M. , Shaheen Hazem M. , Kutu Funso R. , Olaiya Charles O. , Sabatier Jean-Marc , De Waard Michel
Published: August 2022

In recent years, utilization of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) is upgrading not only in their culinary use and human nutrition, but also in the pharmaceutical industry, food industry and veterinary practices. This is driven by accumulating evidence that support the ethnobotanical use of this plant; in particular, advanced knowledge of the content of nutritional, medicinal and techno-functional bioactive ingredients. Herein, we discuss polyphenolic compounds as the main bioactive ingredients in Rhus coriaria L., which contribute mainly to the significance and utility of this spice. Most of the antioxidant potential and therapeutic roles of sumac are increasingly attributed to its constituent tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Hydroxyphenyl pyranoanthocyanins and other anthocynins are responsible for the highly desired red pigments accounting for the strong pigmentation capacity and colorant ability of sumac. Certain polyphenols and the essential oil components are responsible for the peculiar flavor and antimicrobial activity of sumac. Tannin-rich sumac extracts and isolates are known to enhance the food quality and the oxidative stability of animal products such as meat and milk. In conclusion, polyphenol-rich sumac extracts and its bioactive ingredients could be exploited towards developing novel food products which do not only address the current consumers’ interests regarding organoleptic and nutritional value of food, but also meet the growing need for ‘clean label’ as well as value addition with respect to antioxidant capacity, disease prevention, and health promotion in humans.
Novel Polycyclic Fused Amide Derivatives: Properties and Applications for Sky-blue Electroluminescent Devices
Authors: Yang Guo-Xi , Liu Deng-Hui , Jiang Si-Min , Yang Zhi-Hai , Chen Zi-Jian , Qiu Wei-Dong , Gan Yi-Yang , Liu Kun-Kun , Li De-Li , Su Shi-Jian
Published: August 2022

Aromatic imide derivatives play a critical role in boosting the electroluminescent (EL) performance of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, the majority of aromatic imide-based materials are limited to long wavelength emission OLEDs rather than blue emissions due to their strong electron-withdrawing characteristics. Herein, two novel polycyclic fused amide units were reported as electron acceptor to be combined with either a tetramethylcarbazole or acridine donor via a phenyl linker to generate four conventional fluorescence blue emitters of BBI-4MeCz, BBI-DMAC, BSQ-4MeCz and BSQ-DMAC for the first time. BSQ-4MeCz and BSQ-DMAC based on a BSQ unit exhibited higher thermal stability and photoluminescence quantum yields than BBI-4MeCz and BBI-DMAC based on a BBI unit due to their more planar acceptor structure. The intermolecular interactions that exist in the BSQ series materials effectively inhibit the molecular rotation and configuration relaxation, and thus allow for blue-shifted emissions. Blue OLED devices were constructed with the developed materials as emitters, and the effects of both the structure of the polycyclic fused amide acceptor and the electron donor on the EL performance were clarified. Consequently, a sky-blue OLED device based on BSQ-DMAC was created, with a high maximum external quantum efficiency of 4.94% and a maximum luminance of 7761 cd m−2.
Mexican Oregano (Lippia berlandieri Schauer and Poliomintha longiflora Gray) Essential Oils Induce Cell Death by Apoptosis in Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana Promastigotes
Authors: Chacón-Vargas Karla Fabiola , Sánchez-Torres Luvia Enid , Chávez-González Mónica L. , Adame-Gallegos Jaime R. , Nevárez-Moorillón Guadalupe Virginia
Published: August 2022

Leishmaniasis is a neglected vector-borne disease; there are different manifestations of the diseases and species involved, and cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (L.) mexicana is the most prevalent in Mexico. Currently, the drugs available for the treatment of leishmaniasis are toxic, expensive, and often ineffective; therefore, it is imperative to carry out research and development of new therapeutic alternatives, with natural products being an attractive option. In particular, oregano is a plant with worldwide distribution; in Mexico, two species: Lippia berlandieri Schauer and Poliomintha longiflora Gray are endemic. Both essential oils (EO’s) have been reported to have antimicrobial activity attributed to their main components, thymol and carvacrol. In this research, the leishmanicidal effect and mechanism of cell death induced by L. berlandieri EO, P. longiflora EO, thymol, and carvacrol in L. mexicana promastigotes were determined in vitro. Additionally, the cytotoxic activity in mammalian cells was evaluated. L. berlandieri EO presented higher leishmanicidal activity (IC50 = 41.78 µg/mL) than P. longiflora EO (IC50 = 77.90 µg/mL). Thymol and carvacrol were the major components of both Mexican oregano EO’s. Thymol presented higher leishmanial inhibitory activity (IC50 = 22.39 µg/mL), above that of carvacrol (IC50 = 61.52 µg/mL). All the EO’s and compounds evaluated presented lower cytotoxic activity than the reference drug; thymol was the compound with the best selectivity index (SI). In all cases, apoptosis was identified as the main mechanism of death induced in the parasites. The leishmanicidal capacity of the Mexican oregano EO is an accessible and affordable alternative that can be further explored.
Hierarchical Flax Fibers by ZnO Electroless Deposition: Tailoring the Natural Fibers/Synthetic Matrix Interphase in Composites
Authors: Preda Nicoleta , Costas Andreea , Sbardella Francesca , Seghini Maria Carolina , Touchard Fabienne , Chocinski-Arnault Laurence , Tirillò Jacopo , Sarasini Fabrizio
Published: August 2022

Hierarchical functionalization of flax fibers with ZnO nanostructures was achieved by electroless deposition to improve the interfacial adhesion between the natural fibers and synthetic matrix in composite materials. The structural, morphological, thermal and wetting properties of the pristine and ZnO-coated flax fibers were investigated. Thus, the ZnO-coated flax fabric discloses an apparent contact angle of ~140° immediately after the placement of a water droplet on its surface. An assessment of the interfacial adhesion at the yarn scale was also carried out on the flax yarns coated with ZnO nanostructures. Thus, after the ZnO functionalization process, no significant degradation of the tensile properties of the flax yarns occurs. Furthermore, the single yarn fragmentation tests revealed a notable increase in the interfacial adhesion with an epoxy matrix, reductions of 36% and 9% in debonding and critical length values being measured compared to those of the pristine flax yarns, respectively. The analysis of the fracture morphology by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microtomography highlighted the positive role of ZnO nanostructures in restraining debonding phenomena at the flax fibers/epoxy resin matrix interphase.
Effective Removal of Methylene Blue by Surface Alteration of TiO2 with Ficus Carica Leaf Extract under Visible Light
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Ali , Gilani Sadaf Jamal , Shah Aqeel Ahmed , Channa Iftikhar Ahmed , Almani Khalida Faryal , Chandio Ali Dad , Halepoto Imran Ali , Tahira Aneela , Bin Jumah May Nasser , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: August 2022

The present study describes the use of a leaf extract from Ficus carica as a source of natural antioxidants for the surface alteration of bulk titanium dioxide (TiO2) in two steps. First, the hydro-thermal treatment of the bulk TiO2 material was carried out and followed by thermal annealing at 300 °C for 3 h in air. The role of the leaf extract of Ficus carica on the performance of the bulk TiO2 material for the removal of methylene blue (MB) was also studied. Various analytical techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to explore the crystalline structure, morphology, and composition. The bulk TiO2 material after the leaf-extract treatment exhibited mixed anatase and rutile phases, a flower-like morphology, and Ti, O, and C were its main elements. The average crystallite size was also calculated, and the obtained values for the bulk TiO2 material, 18.11 nm, and the treated bulk TiO2 material with various amounts, 5, 10, and 15 mL, of leaf extract were 16.4, 13.16, and 10.29 nm respectively. Moreover, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy validated the typical metal–oxygen bonds and strengthened the XRD results. The bulk TiO2 material chemically treated with Ficus carica has shown outstanding activity towards the degradation of MB under sunlight. The 15 mL of Ficus carica extract significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the bulk TiO2 material towards the degradation of MB. The dye degradation efficiency was found to be 98.8%, which was experimentally proven by the Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopoyy (FTIR) analysis. The obtained performance of the bulk TiO2 material with Ficus carica revealed excellent surface modifying properties for poorly-performing photocatalysts towards the degradation of synthetic dyes when used in their pristine form. The presented approach suggests that Ficus carica could be of great interest for tuning the surface properties of materials, either in the form of nano-size or bulk-phase in a particular application.
Charge Regulation and pH Effects on Thermo-Osmotic Conversion
Authors: Mai Van-Phung , Huang Wei-Hao , Yang Ruey-Jen
Published: August 2022

Thermo-osmotic energy conversion using waste heat is one of the approaches to harvesting sustainable energy and reducing associated environmental impacts simultaneously. In principle, ions transport through a charged nanopore membrane under the effect of a thermal gradient, inducing a different voltage between two sides of the membrane. Recent publications mainly reported novel materials for enhancing the thermoelectric voltage in response to temperature difference, the so-called Seebeck coefficient. However, the effect of the surface charge distribution along nanopores on thermo-osmotic conversion has not been discussed yet. In this paper, a numerical simulation based on the Nernst–Planck–Poisson equations, Navier–Stokes equations, and heat transfer equations is carried out to consider the effect of surface charge-regulation density and pH of KCl solutions on the Seebeck coefficient. The results show that the highest ionic Seebeck coefficient of −0.64 mV/K is obtained at 10−4 M KCl solution and pH 9. The pH level and pore structure also reveal a strong effect on the thermo-osmotic performance. Moreover, the pH level at one reservoir is varied from 5 to 9, while the pH of 5 is fixed at the other reservoir to investigate the pH effect on the thermos-osmosis ion transport. The results confirm the feasibility that using the pH can enhance the thermo-osmotic conversion for harvesting osmotic power from low-grade heat energy.
Construction of Electrochemical Sensors for Antibiotic Detection Based on Carbon Nanocomposites
Authors: Aihaiti Aihemaitijiang , Li Zongda , Qin Yanan , Meng Fanxing , Li Xinbo , Huangfu Zekun , Chen Keping , Zhang Minwei
Published: August 2022

Excessive antibiotic residues in food can cause detrimental effects on human health. The establishment of rapid, sensitive, selective, and reliable methods for the detection of antibiotics is highly in demand. With the inherent advantages of high sensitivity, rapid analysis time, and facile miniaturization, the electrochemical sensors have great potential in the detection of antibiotics. The electrochemical platforms comprising carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have been proposed to detect antibiotic residues. Notably, with the introduction of functional CNMs, the performance of electrochemical sensors can be bolstered. This review first presents the significance of functional CNMs in the detection of antibiotics. Subsequently, we provide an overview of the applications for detection by enhancing the electrochemical behaviour of the antibiotic, as well as a brief overview of the application of recognition elements to detect antibiotics. Finally, the trend and the current challenges of electrochemical sensors based on CNMs in the detection of antibiotics is outlined.
Chelator-Free Copper-64-Incorporated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for PET/MR Imaging: Improved Radiocopper Stability and Cell Viability
Authors: Jang Hye Min , Jung Myung Hwan , Lee Jae Sang , Lee Jun Sig , Lim In-Cheol , Im Hyunsik , Kim Sang Wook , Kang Sung-A , Cho Won-Je , Park Jun Kue
Published: August 2022

We have developed chelator-free copper-64-incorporated iron oxide (IO) nanoparticle (NPs) which have both magnetic and radioactive properties being applied to positron emission tomography (PET)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We have found that the IO nanoparticles composed of radioactive isotope 64Cu may act as a contrast agent being a diagnostic tool for PET as well as a good T2 MRI nanoprobe due to their good r2/r1 ratio. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the 64Cu incorporation at the core of core-shell-structured IO NPs exhibits a good in vivo stability, giving us an insightful strategy for the design of a contrast agent for the PET-MRI system.
The Relationship between Obesity and Clinical Outcomes in Young People with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Billich Natassja , Adams Justine , Carroll Kate , Truby Helen , Evans Maureen , Ryan Monique M. , Davidson Zoe E.
Published: August 2022

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked neuromuscular disorder. Young people with DMD have high rates of obesity. There is emerging evidence that a higher BMI may negatively affect clinical outcomes in DMD. This study aimed to explore the relationship between obesity and clinical outcomes in DMD. Methods: This was a retrospective clinical audit of young people (two–21 years) with DMD. Height and weight were collected to calculate BMI z-scores to classify obesity, overweight and no overweight or obesity (reference category). Cox proportional hazards models determined the impact of obesity at five to nine years on clinical milestones including time to: loss of ambulation, timed function test cut-offs, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) diagnosis and first fracture. Results: 158 young people with DMD were included; most (89.9%) were steroid-treated. Mean follow-up was 8.7 ± 4.7 years. Obesity prevalence increased from age five (16.7%) to 11 years (50.6%). Boys with obesity at nine years sustained a fracture earlier (hazard ratio, HR: 2.050; 95% CI: 1.038–4.046). Boys with obesity at six to nine years were diagnosed with OSA earlier (e.g., obesity nine years HR: 2.883; 95% CI: 1.481–5.612). Obesity at eight years was associated with a 10 m walk/run in 7–10 s occurring at an older age (HR: 0.428; 95% CI: 0.207–0.887), but did not impact other physical function milestones. Conclusions: Although 50% of boys with DMD developed early obesity, the impact of obesity on physical function remains unclear. Obesity puts boys with DMD at risk of OSA and fractures at a younger age. Early weight management interventions are therefore important.
Effects of Marine Bioactive Compounds on Gut Ecology Based on In Vitro Digestion and Colonic Fermentation Models
Authors: Wang Min , Zhou Jianjun , Calvo-Lerma Joaquim , Liu Yixuan , Collado María Carmen , Barba Francisco J.
Published: August 2022

Digestion and the absorption of food compounds are necessary steps before nutrients can exert a role in human health. The absorption and utilization of nutrients in the diet is an extremely complex dynamic process. Accurately grasping the digestion and absorption mechanisms of different nutrients or bioactive compounds can provide a better understanding regarding the relationship between health and nutrition. Several in vitro models for simulating human gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation have been established to obtain more accurate data for further understanding of the metabolism of dietary components. Marine media is rich in a wide variety of nutrients that are essential for humans and is gaining increased attention as a research topic. This review summarizes some of the most explored in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation models. It also summarizes the research progress on the digestion and absorption of nutrients and bioactive compounds from marine substrates when subjected to these in vitro models. Additionally, an overview of the changes imparted by the digestion process on these bioactive compounds is provided, in order to support those marine resources that can be utilized for developing new healthy foods.
Nutrition of Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia before and after Discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Karatza Ageliki A. , Gkentzi Despoina , Varvarigou Anastasia
Published: August 2022

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) represents a severe sequela in neonates born very prematurely. The provision of adequate nutritional support in this high-risk population is challenging. The development of the lungs and physical growth are closely linked together in infants with BPD. Growth deficiency has been associated with pulmonary dysfunction, whereas improvement in respiratory status results in growth acceleration. Currently, there is not enough data regarding optimal nutritional strategies in this population. Nutrition in these infants should provide sufficient calories and nutrients to establish growth, avoid growth retardation and assist alveolarization of the lungs. Meticulous follow-up is mandatory during and after discharge from the Neonatal Intensive care Unit (NICU) to minimize growth retardation and improve lung function. Despite the significant literature supporting the contribution of growth and nutrition in the avoidance of BPD, there is limited research regarding interventions and management of infants with established BPD. Our aim was to review clinical strategies applied in everyday clinical practice and identify debates on the nutritional approach of newborns with BPD. Well-organized interventions and clinical trials regarding the somatic development and nutrition of infants with BPD are warranted.
The Effect of Two Different Insulin Formulations on Postprandial Hyperglycemia after High and Low Glycemic-Index Meal in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Cutruzzolà Antonio , Parise Martina , Fiorentino Raffaella , Romano Agata , Molinaro Viviana , Gnasso Agostino , Di Molfetta Sergio , Irace Concetta
Published: August 2022

Despite multiple pharmacological options, including rapid-acting insulin analogs, postprandial hyperglycemia is still highly prevalent in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We hypothesize that the new rapid-acting insulin formulation, the so-called faster-acting Aspart, may have a different effect in controlling postprandial hyperglycemic burden according to the quality of the meal compared to the traditional Aspart. Twenty-five patients with type 1 diabetes were consecutively recruited at the diabetes care center of the University Hospital affiliate of the Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro. Each patient performed four meal tests one week apart, two with a predefined high glycemic index (HGI) food and two with a low glycemic index (LGI) food using insulin Aspart once and Faster Aspart the other time. The 0–30 min, 0–60 min, and 0–120 min glucose Area Under the Curve (AUC) of postprandial glycemic excursion, calculated from continuous glucose monitoring data, were significantly lower with Faster Aspart administered before the HGI test meal as compared to Aspart. A significant difference in favor of Faster Aspart was also found when comparing the 0–60 min and 0–120 min AUC after the LGI meal. Faster Aspart may provide better postprandial glucose control than Aspart regardless of the glycemic index of the meal.
Anemia Is a Strong Predictor of Wasting, Disease Severity, and Progression, in Clinical Tuberculosis (TB)
Authors: Ashenafi Senait , Bekele Amsalu , Aseffa Getachew , Amogne Wondwossen , Kassa Endale , Aderaye Getachew , Worku Alemayehu , Bergman Peter , Brighenti Susanna
Published: August 2022

A typical trait of chronic tuberculosis (TB) is substantial weight loss that concurs with a drop in blood hemoglobin (Hb) levels, causing anemia. In this observational study, we explored Hb levels in 345 pulmonary TB patients. They were divided into anemic or non-anemic groups which related to clinical symptoms, anthropometric measurements, and immune status. Data was obtained in a randomized controlled trial that we previously conducted using nutritional supplementation of TB patients in Ethiopia. A post hoc analysis demonstrated that anemic patients have a higher composite clinical TB score at baseline than non-anemic patients. Consequently, Hb values were significantly lower in underweight patients with moderate to severe disease and/or cavitary TB compared to normal weight patients with mild disease or non-cavitary TB. Anemia was associated with a low body mass index (BMI), low mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), lower peripheral CD4 and CD8 T cells counts and IFN-γ levels, and a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Chronic inflammation and TB disease progression appeared to be driven by elevated systemic levels of pro-inflammatory IL-6 in anemic patients. Multivariable modeling confirmed that a low Hb and a low BMI were key variables related to an unfavorable TB disease status. Although Hb levels increased with successful chemotherapy, anemic TB patients maintained a slower clinical recovery compared to non-anemic patients during the intensive phase treatment (two months). In conclusion, anemia is a strong predictor of wasting, disease severity, inflammation, and slower recovery in patients with pulmonary TB.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Morbid Obesity before and after Metabolic Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Musella Mario , Berardi Giovanna , Vitiello Antonio , Dayan Danit , Schiavone Vincenzo , Franzese Antonio , Abu-Abeid Adam
Published: August 2022

Background: Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective treatment for severe obesity. Vitamin D deficiency is a common complication encountered both during preoperative workup and follow-up. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients undergoing MBS. Methods: Prospectively maintained database of our university MBS center was searched to assess the rate of preoperative and postoperative vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency in patients undergoing MBS over a one-year period. Results: In total, 184 patients were included, 85 cases of Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG), 99 Gastric Bypass (GB; 91 One Anastomosis and 8 Roux-en-Y). Preoperative vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were respectively found in 61% and 29% of patients, with no significant difference between SG and GB. After six months, 15% of patients had vitamin D deficiency, and 34% had vitamin D insufficiency. There was no significant difference in the rate of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency and the percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) at 1, 3, and 6 postoperative months between SG and GB. Conclusions: Preoperative vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is common in MBS candidates. Regular follow-up with correct supplementation is recommended when undergoing MBS. Early postoperative values of vitamin D were comparable between SG and OAGB.
Factors Determining Effective Probiotic Activity: Evaluation of Survival and Antibacterial Activity of Selected Probiotic Products Using an “In Vitro” Study
Authors: Bernatek Malgorzata , Żukiewicz-Sobczak Wioletta , Lachowicz-Wiśniewska Sabina , Piątek Jacek
Published: August 2022

There are many different probiotic products on the market. Are they all equally effective? What criteria should a probiotic formulation meet to provide the most benefit to the patient? The current research aims to evaluate the parameters that influence the effectiveness of market probiotic products. These properties are critical for restoring eubiosis in patients with drug-induced dysbiosis or other pathological conditions, which could be caused by stress, wrong eating. Methods: The disintegration time of probiotic capsules in hydrochloric acid was investigated using a disintegration testing device. The survival rate of probiotic preparations in hydrochloric acid at pH 2 and in a 0.4% bile solution was then evaluated. For this purpose, the number of bacteria before and after incubation in the respective solutions was determined using the plate method. Inhibition of gastrointestinal pathogens by the probiotic products was determined using the Strus bar graph method. The highest survival rate of probiotic bacteria at low pH is shown by preparations produced in the form of acid-resistant capsules. Conclusions: The most important factor determining the good survival of bacterial strains under conditions simulating the gastrointestinal tract is the type of capsule used for their production and storage. The best antimicrobial activity against most common human gastrointestinal pathogens such as Eschericha coli, Shigella, Salmonella spp., Clostridioides difficile (the largest inhibition zones) are shown by probiotic products with the greatest diversity of bacterial strains.
The Independent and Joint Associations of Whole Grain and Refined Grain with Total Mortality among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ernest Deepali , Lemus Hector , Hsu Fang-Chi , Pierce John , Wu Tianying
Published: August 2022

Breast cancer survivors often have a reduced digestive capacity to digest whole grains due to cancer treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the independent and joint associations of whole grain and refined grain consumption with total mortality among breast cancer survivors. We studied a cohort of 3081 female breast cancer survivors who provided demographic, dietary, and lifestyle data at baseline, year 1 and year 4. Mortality was assessed via semi-annual telephone interviews and confirmed by the National Death Index (NDI) and death certificates. We assessed the associations of whole grain and refined grain with incident of mortalities using Cox proportional hazards models. Increased whole grain consumption was marginally associated with an increased risk of total mortality (p = 0.07) but was not significantly associated with breast cancer-specific mortality (p = 0.55). An increased intake of refined grains was associated with an increased risk of both total (HR = 1.74; 95% CI,1.17 to 2.59) and breast cancer-specific mortality (HR = 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.26). Furthermore, we examined the joint associations of whole grain and refined grain with total mortality. Among those with a high consumption of refined grain, those with high consumption of whole grain had a higher risk of total mortality (HR = 1.52, 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.14) than those with a low consumption of whole grain. Increased consumption of whole grains may exacerbate the adverse associations of refined grain with mortality among breast cancer survivors. Our findings indicate the need to revisit current dietary guidelines for breast cancer survivors regarding whole grain intake.