bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Low-Cost Composite Nanoadsorbents Based on Eggshell Waste for Nickel Removal from Aqueous Media
Authors: Segneanu Adina-Elena , Trusca Roxana , Cepan Claudiu , Mihailescu Maria , Muntean Cornelia , Herea Dumitru Daniel , Grozescu Ioan , Salifoglou Athanasios
Published: September 2023

In a contemporary sustainable economy, innovation is a prerequisite to recycling waste into new efficient materials designed to minimize pollution and conserve non-renewable natural resources. Using an innovative approach to remediating metal-polluted water, in this study, eggshell waste was used to prepare two new low-cost nanoadsorbents for the retrieval of nickel from aqueous solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that in the first eggshell–zeolite (EZ) adsorbent, the zeolite nanoparticles were loaded in the eggshell pores. The preparation for the second (iron(III) oxide-hydroxide)–eggshell–zeolite (FEZ) nanoadsorbent led to double functionalization of the eggshell base with the zeolite nanoparticles, upon simultaneous loading of the pores of the eggshell and zeolite surface with FeOOH particles. Structural modification of the eggshell led to a significant increase in the specific surface, as confirmed using BET analysis. These features enabled the composite EZ and FEZ to remove nickel from aqueous solutions with high performance and adsorption capacities of 321.1 mg/g and 287.9 mg/g, respectively. The results indicate that nickel adsorption on EZ and FEZ is a multimolecular layer, spontaneous, and endothermic process. Concomitantly, the desorption results reflect the high reusability of these two nanomaterials, collectively suggesting the use of waste in the design of new, low-cost, and highly efficient composite nanoadsorbents for environmental bioremediation.
Food Additive Solvents Increase the Dispersion, Solubility, and Cytotoxicity of ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Hye-In , Kwon Ri-Ye , Choi Soo-Jin
Published: September 2023

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are utilized as a zinc (Zn) fortifier in processed foods where diverse food additives can be present. Among them, additive solvents may strongly interact with ZnO NPs by changing the dispersion stability in food matrices, which may affect physico-chemical and dissolution properties as well as the cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs. In this study, ZnO NP interactions with representative additive solvents (methanol, glycerin, and propylene glycol) were investigated by measuring the hydrodynamic diameters, solubility, and crystallinity of ZnO NPs. The effects of these interactions on cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and intestinal transport were also evaluated in human intestinal cells and using in vitro human intestinal transport models. The results revealed that the hydrodynamic diameters of ZnO NPs in glycerin or propylene glycol, but not in methanol, were significantly reduced, which is probably related to their high dispersion and increased solubility under these conditions. These interactions also caused high cell proliferation inhibition, membrane damage, reactive oxygen (ROS) generation, cellular uptake, and intestinal transport. However, the crystal structure of ZnO NPs was not affected by the presence of additive solvents. These findings suggest that the interactions between ZnO NPs and additive solvents could increase the dispersion and solubility of ZnO NPs, consequently leading to small hydrodynamic diameters and different biological responses.
Enhanced Water Absorbency and Water Retention Rate for Superabsorbent Polymer via Porous Calcium Carbonate Crosslinking
Authors: Jiao Yixin , Su Tongming , Chen Yongmei , Long Minggui , Luo Xuan , Xie Xinling , Qin Zuzeng
Published: September 2023

To improve the water absorbency and water-retention rate of superabsorbent materials, a porous calcium carbonate composite superabsorbent polymer (PCC/PAA) was prepared by copolymerization of acrylic acid and porous calcium carbonate prepared from ground calcium carbonate. The results showed that the binding energies of C–O and C=O in the O 1s profile of PCC/PAA had 0.2 eV and 0.1–0.7 eV redshifts, respectively, and the bonding of –COO− groups on the surface of the porous calcium carbonate led to an increase in the binding energy of O 1s. Furthermore, the porous calcium carbonate chelates with the –COO− group in acrylic acid through the surface Ca2+ site to form multidirectional crosslinking points, which would increase the flexibility of the crosslinking network and promote the formation of pores inside the PCC/PAA to improve the water storage space. The water absorbency of PCC/PAA with 2 wt% porous calcium carbonate in deionized water and 0.9 wt% NaCl water solution increased from 540 g/g and 60 g/g to 935 g/g and 80 g/g, respectively. In addition, since the chemical crosslinker N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide is used in the polymerization process of PCC/PAA, N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide and porous calcium carbonate enhance the stability of the PCC/PAA crosslinking network by double-crosslinking with a polyacrylic acid chain, resulting in the crosslinking network of PCC/PAA not being destroyed after water absorption saturation. Therefore, PCC/PAA with 2 wt% porous calcium carbonate improved the water-retention rate by 244% after 5 h at 60 °C, and the compressive strength was approximately five-times that of the superabsorbent without porous calcium carbonate.
Plasmonic Metalens to Generate an Airy Beam
Authors: Sosa-Sánchez Citlalli , Téllez-Limón Ricardo
Published: September 2023

Airy beams represent an important type of non-diffracting beams—they are the only non-diffracting wave in one dimension, and thus they can be produced with a cylindrical geometry that modifies a wavefront in one dimension. In this paper, we show the design of a cylindrical plasmonic metalens consisting of an array of nanoslits in a gold thin layer that modulates the phase of a Gaussian beam to generate an airy beam propagating in free space. Based on the numerical results, we show that it is possible to generate an airy beam by only matching the phase of wavefronts coming out from the array of gold nanoslits to the airy beam phase at plane z=0. We numerically demonstrate that the airy beam exhibits bending over propagation and self-healing properties. The transmission efficiency is around 60%. The simplicity of the proposed structure open new perspectives in the design of flat metasurfaces for light-focusing applications.
Development of Hydroxyapatite Coatings for Orthopaedic Implants from Colloidal Solutions: Part 1—Effect of Solution Concentration and Deposition Kinetics
Authors: Murphy Bríd , Morris Mick A. , Baez Jhonattan
Published: September 2023

This study introduces and explores the use of supersaturated solutions of calcium and phosphate ions to generate well-defined hydroxyapatite coatings for orthopaedic implants. The deposition of hydroxyapatite is conducted via several solutions of metastable precursors that precipitate insoluble hydroxyapatite minerals at a substrate–solution interface. Solutions of this nature are intrinsically unstable, but this paper outlines process windows in terms of time, temperature, concentration and pH in which coating deposition is controlled via the stop/go reaction. To understand the kinetics of the deposition process, comparisons based on ionic strength, particle size, electron imaging, elemental analyses and mass of the formed coating for various deposition solutions are carried out. This comprehensive dataset enables the measurement of deposition kinetics and identification of an optimum solution and its reaction mechanism. This study has established stable and reproducible process windows, which are precisely controlled, leading to the successful formation of desired hydroxyapatite films. The data demonstrate that this process is a promising and highly repeatable method for forming hydroxyapatites with desirable thickness, morphology and chemical composition at low temperatures and low capital cost compared to the existing techniques.
Nanoindentation Study of Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate Gel via Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Yin Hang , Wang Xuefeng , Qin Haifeng , Wang Shijie , Cai Kun
Published: September 2023

The mechanical properties of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) gels in cementitious materials are mainly realized by nanoindentation experiments. There is limited research on the dynamic response of the molecular structure of C-S-H under nanoindentation conditions. This study simulated the nanoindentation on the C-S-H gel samples by the molecular dynamics method considering the essential factors of modeling and loading process. The results demonstrate that the averaged elastic moduli we obtained had slight differences from those by experiments. In contrast to the experimental results, the gels showed bi-modulus and transverse isotropic with the material principal direction perpendicular to the C-S-H layers. The modulus in a direction increased with the loading speed, which indicates that C-S-H behaves viscous due to the water motion in the sample and the propagation of stress wave. The saturation of water influenced the moduli differently because more water in C-S-H will reduce the polymerization of silicon chains and then weaken the local stiffness. The conclusions provide a deeper understanding of the mechanism on the unique mechanical response of C-S-H gels.
Interface Engineering of CoFe-LDH Modified Ti: α-Fe2O3 Photoanode for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Chang Yue , Han Minmin , Ding Yehui , Wei Huiyun , Zhang Dawei , Luo Hong , Li Xiaogang , Yan Xiongbo
Published: September 2023

Effectively regulating and promoting the charge separation and transfer of photoanodes is a key and challenging aspect of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. Herein, a Ti-doped hematite photoanode with a CoFe-LDH cocatalyst loaded on the surface was prepared through a series of processes, including hydrothermal treatment, annealing and electrodeposition. The prepared CoFe-LDH/Ti:α-Fe2O3 photoanode exhibited an outstanding photocurrent density of 3.06 mA/cm2 at 1.23 VRHE, which is five times higher than that of α-Fe2O3 alone. CoFe-LDH modification and Ti doping on hematite can boost the surface charge transfer efficiency, which is mainly attributed to the interface interaction between CoFe-LDH and Ti:α-Fe2O3. Furthermore, we investigated the role of Ti doping in enhancing the PEC performance of CoFe-LDH/Ti:α-Fe2O3. A series of characterizations and theoretical calculations revealed that, in addition to improving the electronic conductivity of the bulk material, Ti doping also further enhances the interface coupling of CoFe-LDH/α-Fe2O3 and finely regulates the interfacial electronic structure. These changes promote the rapid extraction of holes from hematite and facilitate charge separation and transfer. The informative findings presented in this work provide valuable insights for the design and construction of hematite photoanodes, offering guidance for achieving excellent performance in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation.
Healable Anti-Corrosive and Wear-Resistant Silicone-Oil-Impregnated Porous Oxide Layer of Aluminum Alloy by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation
Authors: Shin Yeji , Bae Kichang , Lee Sumin , Kim Hweeyong , Shin Dongmin , Kim Donghyun , Choi Eunyoung , Moon Hyoung-Seok , Lee Junghoon
Published: September 2023

Lubricant (or oil)-impregnated porous surface has been considered as a promising surface treatment to realize multifunctionality. In this study, silicone oil was impregnated into a hard porous oxide layer created by the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of aluminum (Al) alloys. The monolayer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) from silicone oil is formed on a porous oxide layer; thus, a water-repellent slippery oil-impregnated surface is realized on Al alloy, showing a low contact angle hysteresis of less than 5°. This water repellency significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance by more than four orders of magnitude compared to that of the PEO-treated Al alloy without silicone oil impregnation. The silicone oil within the porous oxide layer also provides a lubricating effect to improve wear resistance by reducing friction coefficients from ~0.6 to ~0.1. In addition, because the PDMS monolayer can be restored by frictional heat, the water-repellent surface is tolerant to physical damage to the oxide surface. Hence, the results of this fundamental study provide a new approach for the post-treatment of PEO for Al alloys.
Evaluation of Modern Internet Transport Protocols over GEO Satellite Links
Authors: Alshagri Aljuhara , Mutairi Abdulmohsen
Published: September 2023

New versions of HTTP protocols have been developed to overcome many of the limitations of the original HTTP/1.1 protocol and its underlying transport mechanism over TCP. In this paper, we investigated the performance of modern Internet protocols such as HTTP/2 over TCP and HTTP/3 over QUIC in high-latency satellite links. The goal was to uncover the interaction of the new features of HTTP such as parallel streams and optimized security handshake with modern congestion control algorithms such as CUBIC and BBR over high-latency links. An experimental satellite network emulation testbed was developed for the evaluation. The study analyzed several user-level web performance metrics such as average page load time, First Contentful Paint and Largest Contentful Paint. The results indicate an overhead problem with HTTP/3 that becomes more significant when using a loss-based congestion control algorithm such as CUBIC which is widely used on the Internet. Also, the results highlight the significance of the web page structure and how objects are distributed in it. Among the various Internet protocols evaluated, the results show that HTTP/3 over QUIC will perform better by an average of 35% than HTTP/2 over TCP in satellites links specifically with a more aggressive congestion algorithm such as BBR. This can be attributed to the non-blocking stream multiplexing feature of QUIC and the reduced TLS handshake of HTTP/3.
Experiential Culinary, Nutrition and Food Systems Education Improves Knowledge and Confidence in Future Health Professionals
Authors: Shafto Katherine , Vandenburgh Natalie , Wang Qi , Breen Jenny
Published: September 2023

The food system plays a crucial role in the relationship between environmental, population and individual health. While leading healthcare and environmental organizations call for urgent action to address climate–planetary–human health crises, it is often challenging for healthcare organizations to respond at a systems level to these concerns. Additionally, there is little consensus and limited research exploring how future health professionals should be trained in order to work at both the individual and systems level to address or prevent the negative health impacts related to the current food system. The intervention of a 6-week, hands-on cooking and nutrition course for graduate health professional students which examines these intersections and equips students with clinically applicable skills was examined using matched pre- and post-course surveys and thematic analysis of reflective assignments. Results indicate improved knowledge and confidence in areas including understanding the food system, guiding patients through dietary change, working interprofessionally, and applying basic nutrition concepts to clinical practice.
Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold Prevents Osteoclast Differentiation and Osteoporosis
Authors: Lee Sung-Ju , Jang Seon-A , Kim Seong Cheol , Gu Dong Ryun , Yang Hyun , Ryuk Jin Ah , Ha Hyunil
Published: September 2023

Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold, a traditional medicinal plant, has been used in China and several other Asian countries to address a variety of health concerns. The extensive research conducted on E. alatus is driven by its diverse pharmacological applications. However, its biological effects on osteoclastogenesis and osteoporosis have not been previously studied. In this research, we investigated the impact of an ethanolic extract of E. alatus (EEEA) on osteoclast differentiation and function as well as estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss. We found that EEEA inhibits osteoclast differentiation by downregulating the expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in osteoclast-supporting cells and by directly impeding RANKL-mediated signaling pathways for osteoclastogenesis in precursor cells. In addition, EEEA inhibited the bone-resorptive function of mature osteoclasts in vitro. Furthermore, oral administration of EEEA significantly alleviated bone loss in an ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis mouse model. Additionally, we identified phytochemicals in EEEA that have suppressive effects on osteoclast differentiation and bone loss. Collectively, these results suggest that EEEA holds potential as a biotherapeutic candidate for anti-postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Effect of a Telephone-Based Lifestyle Intervention on Weight, Body Composition, and Metabolic Biomarkers in Rural Ohio: Results from a Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Zhang Xiaochen , DeScenza Victoria , Chaplow Zachary , Kilar Megan , Bowman Jessica , Buga Alex , Kackley Madison , Shoben Abigail , Felix Ashley , Paskett Electra , Focht Brian
Published: September 2023

Rural residents experience higher rates of obesity, obesity-related chronic diseases, and poorer lifestyle. Promoting physical activity and healthy eating are critical for rural residents; however, lack of resources and access barriers limit the feasibility of in-person lifestyle interventions. There is a need to design and deliver remotely accessible lifestyle interventions in this population. This pilot study examined the effect of a telephone-based lifestyle intervention on weight, body composition, lipids, and inflammatory biomarkers among rural Ohio residents. Rural Ohio adults with overweight/obesity (n = 40) were 2:1 randomized to a 15-week telephone-based lifestyle intervention (n = 27) or control group (n = 13). The lifestyle intervention group received weekly telephone counseling sessions emphasizing healthy eating and increasing physical activity. The control group received educational brochures describing physical activity and dietary recommendations. Weight, body composition, fasting blood lipids, and inflammatory biomarkers were objectively measured at baseline and 15 weeks at local community centers (trial registration#: NCT05040152 at ClinicalTrial.gov). Linear mixed models were used to examine change over time by group. Participants were mostly female, with an average age of 49 years. Over the 15-week trial, the lifestyle intervention showed superior improvements in total cholesterol (∆ = −18.7 ± 7.8 mg/dL, p = 0.02) and LDL (∆ = −17.1 ± 8.1 mg/dL, p = 0.04) vs. control, whereas no significant between-group differences in weight, body composition, or inflammation were observed. Our findings suggest that a 15-week telephone-based lifestyle intervention may offer metabolic benefits that reduce disease risk in rural adults with obesity. Future large-scale studies are needed to determine the efficacy of remotely accessible lifestyle interventions in rural populations, with the goal of reducing obesity-related disparities.
Calorie Compensation Patterns Observed in App-Based Food Diaries
Authors: Pai Amruta , Sabharwal Ashutosh
Published: September 2023

Self-regulation of food intake is necessary for maintaining a healthy body weight. One of the characteristics of self-regulation is calorie compensation. Calorie compensation refers to adjusting the current meal’s energy content based on the energy content of the previous meal(s). Preload test studies measure a single instance of compensation in a controlled setting. The measurement of calorie compensation in free-living conditions has largely remained unexplored. This paper proposes a methodology that leverages extensive app-based observational food diary data to measure an individual’s calorie compensation profile in free-living conditions. Instead of a single compensation index followed in preload–test studies, we present the compensation profile as a distribution of days a user exhibits under-compensation, overcompensation, non-compensation, and precise compensation. We applied our methodology to the public food diary data of 1622 MyFitnessPal users. We empirically established that four weeks of food diaries were sufficient to characterize a user’s compensation profile accurately. We observed that meal compensation was more likely than day compensation. Dinner compensation had a higher likelihood than lunch compensation. Precise compensation was the least likely. Users were more likely to overcompensate for missing calories than for additional calories. The consequences of poor compensatory behavior were reflected in their adherence to their daily calorie goal. Our methodology could be applied to food diaries to discover behavioral phenotypes of poor compensatory behavior toward forming an early behavioral marker for weight gain.
Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Multiple Sclerosis Severity
Authors: Guglielmetti Monica , Al-Qahtani Wahidah H. , Ferraris Cinzia , Grosso Giuseppe , Fiorini Simona , Tavazzi Eleonora , Greco Giacomo , La Malfa Alessandro , Bergamaschi Roberto , Tagliabue Anna
Published: September 2023

Currently available data suggest that the union of a balanced diet and an overall healthy lifestyle may determine an amelioration in several clinical parameters and in the quality of life for patients with MS (pwMS). The study objective was to investigate the possible difference in MS severity in a group of Italian patients with MS based on their adherence to Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet). Eating habits were collected through a validated 110-items Food Frequency Questionnaire, the Medi-Lite score was used for adherence to MedDiet evaluation. MS severity was graded according to Herbert’s severity scale, based on the MSSS. 106 patients were classified in 3 groups according to their MedDiet adherence (low/medium/high). Higher adherence was associated with a 6.18 (95% CI: 1.44, 26.59) higher probability of having a mild-to-moderate MS. When studying the single constituents of the Medi-Lite score, none of them was individually associated with MS severity. It remains unclear whether effects of specific dietary components included in the MedDiet may impact the health status at disease onset or can slow down the symptoms due course of disease. Future studies are needed to reproduce our findings and should focus on answering the latter raised question.
Chlorogenic Acids, Acting via Calcineurin, Are the Main Compounds in Centella asiatica Extracts That Mediate Resilience to Chronic Stress in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Holvoet Helen , Long Dani M. , Yang Liping , Choi Jaewoo , Marney Luke , Poeck Burkhard , Maier Claudia S. , Soumyanath Amala , Kretzschmar Doris , Strauss Roland
Published: September 2023

Common symptoms of depressive disorders include anhedonia, sleep problems, and reduced physical activity. Drugs used to treat depression mostly aim to increase serotonin signaling but these can have unwanted side effects. Depression has also been treated by traditional medicine using plants like Centella asiatica (CA) and this has been found to be well tolerated. However, very few controlled studies have addressed CA’s protective role in depression, nor have the active compounds or mechanisms that mediate this function been identified. To address this issue, we used Drosophila melanogaster to investigate whether CA can improve depression-associated symptoms like anhedonia and decreased climbing activity. We found that a water extract of CA provides resilience to stress induced phenotypes and that this effect is primarily due to mono-caffeoylquinic acids found in CA. Furthermore, we describe that the protective function of CA is due to a synergy between chlorogenic acid and one of its isomers also present in CA. However, increasing the concentration of chlorogenic acid can overcome the requirement for the second isomer. Lastly, we found that chlorogenic acid acts via calcineurin, a multifunctional phosphatase that can regulate synaptic transmission and plasticity and is also involved in neuronal maintenance.
Stress during Home Confinement Is Associated with Eating Misalignment among Adults during COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Aljaadi Abeer M. , Bogis Rinal J. , Alruhili Nouf A. , Alharbi Saja O. , Noorwali Essra A.
Published: September 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced Saudi Arabia to implement several measures including mandatory home confinement, banning entry to many cities, and suspending religious activities. Studies have reported inconsistent findings of the effect of home confinement on lifestyle factors. This study aims to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 during home confinement and explore its association with dietary habits and weight change. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi adults using an online survey between May and June 2020. Data on dietary habits, sleep quality, and stress were collected. Results: A total of n = 503 participants responded. Of 254 analyzed, 87% were females, 49% were overweight/obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2), and 79% were under lockdown for >40 days. In multiple linear regression, higher stress scores during confinement were associated with higher stress scores before confinement and poorer sleep quality. In multiple logistic regression, those who did not eat at the same time had higher stress scores compared to those who always ate at the same time, whereas consuming ≥three meals was associated with lower stress scores than consuming one–two meals. The odds of gaining weight during confinement were higher among married adults, those with lower sleep quality, and consuming ≥three meals. Conclusions: Stress during home confinement was associated with eating misalignment and the number of meals consumed. Although this study was limited by its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data, it provides valuable insights into the dietary habits and weight-gain associated factors that need to be further explored and addressed in any future restrictions for improved well-being.
Seasonal and Regional Differences in Eating Times in a Representative Sample of the Brazilian Population
Authors: Santos Jefferson Souza , Skene Debra Jean , Crispim Cibele Aparecida , Moreno Claudia Roberta de Castro
Published: September 2023

Human food intake and its timing are a complex behavior that can be influenced by a variety of factors, some of which may vary from season to season or from region to region. In this study, our aim was to investigate the seasonal variation in food intake times, with a particular focus on how these may vary across different regions of a country. We conducted an analysis of data from 20,622 adults from the National Household Budget Survey (POF-IBGE), encompassing complete food diaries collected from individuals residing in Brazil, and thereby ensuring representation across different latitudes. Each participant’s daily food intake was reported for two non-consecutive days at different times in the same week using food diaries. An ANOVA revealed a later food intake time in the evening in high-latitude regions compared to low-latitude regions. The Sidak post-hoc test showed a significant interaction effect between region and season, demonstrating a pattern of early First Intake Time and Eating Midpoint in the Northeast region during spring/summer. Additionally, we observed an independent effect of the region, as early food intake times were found in low-latitude regions. These findings offer a basis for discussing food intake times among individuals living in different regions located on distinct latitudes.
Aspartic Acid in Health and Disease
Authors: Holeček Milan
Published: September 2023

Aspartic acid exists in L- and D-isoforms (L-Asp and D-Asp). Most L-Asp is synthesized by mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase from oxaloacetate and glutamate acquired by glutamine deamidation, particularly in the liver and tumor cells, and transamination of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), particularly in muscles. The main source of D-Asp is the racemization of L-Asp. L-Asp transported via aspartate–glutamate carrier to the cytosol is used in protein and nucleotide synthesis, gluconeogenesis, urea, and purine-nucleotide cycles, and neurotransmission and via the malate–aspartate shuttle maintains NADH delivery to mitochondria and redox balance. L-Asp released from neurons connects with the glutamate–glutamine cycle and ensures glycolysis and ammonia detoxification in astrocytes. D-Asp has a role in brain development and hypothalamus regulation. The hereditary disorders in L-Asp metabolism include citrullinemia, asparagine synthetase deficiency, Canavan disease, and dicarboxylic aminoaciduria. L-Asp plays a role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric and neurologic disorders and alterations in BCAA levels in diabetes and hyperammonemia. Further research is needed to examine the targeting of L-Asp metabolism as a strategy to fight cancer, the use of L-Asp as a dietary supplement, and the risks of increased L-Asp consumption. The role of D-Asp in the brain warrants studies on its therapeutic potential in psychiatric and neurologic disorders.
Effects of Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Aerobic Training on Autophagy Signaling Proteins in a Rat Model Type 2 Diabetes Induced by High-Fat Diet and Streptozotocin
Authors: Golpasandi Hadi , Rahimi Mohammad Rahman , Ahmadi Slahadin , Łubkowska Beata , Cięszczyk Paweł
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of vitamin D3 supplementation and aerobic training on regulating the autophagy process in rats with type 2 diabetic induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. A total of 40 Wistar rats were divided into five groups: normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), diabetic + aerobic training (DAT), diabetic + vitamin D3 (DVD), and diabetic + aerobic training + vitamin D3 (DVDAT). The rats underwent eight weeks of aerobic training with an intensity of 60% maximum running speed for one hour, along with weekly subcutaneous injections of 10,000 units of vitamin D3. The protein levels of different autophagy markers were assessed in the left ventricular heart tissue. The results showed that the protein levels of AMPK, pAMPK, mTOR, and pmTOR were significantly lower in the DC group compared to the NC group. Conversely, the levels of ULK, Beclin-1, LC3II, Fyco, and Cathepsin D proteins were significantly higher in the DC group. However, the interventions of aerobic training and vitamin D3 supplementation, either individually or in combination, led to increased levels of AMPK, pAMPK, mTOR, and pmTOR, and decreased levels of ULK, Beclin-1, LC3II, Fyco, and Cathepsin D (p < 0.05). Additionally, the aerobic capacity in the DAT and DVDAT groups was significantly higher compared to the NC, DC, and DVD groups (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that type 2 diabetes is associated with excessive autophagy in the left ventricle. However, after eight weeks of vitamin D3 supplementation and aerobic training, a significant reduction in excessive autophagy was observed in rats with type 2 diabetes.
Lonicera Caerulea Juice Alleviates Alcoholic Liver Disease by Regulating Intestinal Flora and the FXR-FGF15 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Baixi , Niu Lijuan , Huang Xinwen
Published: September 2023

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a growing public health issue with high financial, social, and medical costs. Lonicera caerulea, which is rich in polyphenolic compounds, has been shown to exert anti-oxidative and anti–inflammatory effects. This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of concentrated Lonicera caerulea juice (LCJ) on ALD in mice. ALD was established in mice via gradient alcohol feeding for 30 days. The mice in the experimental group were given LCJ by gavage. The reduction of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in the serum of mice indicated that LCJ has a liver-protective effect. LCJ improved the expression of AMPK, PPARα, and CPT1b in ALD mice to reduce the liver lipid content. Additionally, LCJ increased the expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), which lowers the expression of cytochrome P450 7A1 (CYP7A1) and lessens bile acid deposition in the liver. In mice, LCJ improved the intestinal barrier by upregulating the expression of mucins and tight junction proteins in the small intestine. Moreover, it accelerated the restoration of microbial homeostasis in both the large and small intestines and increased short–chain fatty acids in the cecum. In conclusion, LCJ alleviates ALD by reducing liver and serum lipid accumulation and modulating the FXR–FGF15 signaling pathway mediated by gut microbes.
Editorial for “The Role of Ketogenic Diet in Human Health and Diseases”: The Multifaceted Impact of Ketogenic Diets on Health and Disease
Authors: Watanabe Mikiko , Savastano Silvia , Lubrano Carla , Spera Giovanni
Published: September 2023

The ketogenic diet (KD), characterized by a very low carbohydrate intake and variable protein, fat and calorie intake, has long been in the spotlight for its potential therapeutic applications [...]
Contribution of Different Food Types to Vitamin A Intake in the Chinese Diet
Authors: Li Xue , Guo Can , Zhang Yu , Yu Li , Ma Fei , Wang Xuefang , Zhang Liangxiao , Li Peiwu
Published: September 2023

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble micronutrient that is essential for human health. In this study, the daily vitamin A intake of Chinese residents was evaluated by investigating the vitamin A content of various foods. The results show that the dietary intake of vitamin A in common foods was 460.56 ugRAE/day, which is significantly lower than the recommended dietary reference intake of vitamin A (800 ugRAE/day for adult men and 700 ugRAE/day for adult women). Vegetables contributed the most to daily vitamin A dietary intake, accounting for 54.94% of vitamin A intake (253.03 ugRAE/day), followed by eggs, milk, aquatic products, meat, fruit, legumes, coarse cereals, and potatoes. Therefore, an increase in the vitamin A content of vegetables and the fortification of vegetable oils with vitamin A are effective ways to increase vitamin A intake to meet the recommended dietary guidelines in China. The assessment results support the design of fortified foods.
Association between Dietary Choline Intake and Cardiovascular Diseases: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2016
Authors: Zhou Rong , Yang Mei , Yue Chaofu , Shi Yi , Tan Yanan , Zha Lingfeng , Zhang Junxia , Chen Shaoliang
Published: September 2023

Choline is an essential nutrient for human body, but dietary choline is metabolized into the hazard metabolite for the cardiovascular system. Because of the conflicting results between dietary choline intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in previous studies, we aimed to investigate this in US adults. Non-pregnant participants and those aged >20 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2016, with CVD assessment and reliable dietary recall status, were included. The dietary choline intake was assessed as a mean value of two total dietary choline intakes, including dietary choline intake and supplemental choline intake, in 24-h dietary recall interviews. The association between dietary choline intake and the presence of CVD was examined using logistic regression. We enrolled 14,323 participants. The participants without CVD had substantially higher dietary choline intakes (318.4 mg/d vs. 297.2 mg/d) compared to those with CVD (p < 0.05). After multivariable adjustments, the highest quartile of dietary choline intake was associated with a lower CVD risk, OR 0.693, 95%CI [0.520, 0.923], when compared to the lowest quartile. Consistent results were also found for stroke. Subgroup analyses also supported these, especially in participants aged ≥60 years and in those with BMI < 30 kg/m2. We found that a higher dietary choline intake was associated with a lower CVD risk, especially the risk of stroke. Further clinical trials are needed in order to confirm this finding and to provide dietary suggestions for the appropriate amount of choline intake.
Prevalence and Seasonal Variation of Trichuris Worms Infection in Mastomys natalensis in Morogoro and Iringa Regions, Tanzania
Authors: Thomas Claus , Msoffe Venance , Van Houtte Natalie , Mhamphi Ginethon , Mariën Joachim , Sabuni Christopher , Makundi Isaac , Nzalawahe Jahashi , Machang’u Robert , Leirs Herwig
Published: September 2023

Trichuriosis is a disease in mammals caused by the whipworms of the genus Trichuris. These worms are known for the high disease burden they cause in humans and domestic animals, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and seasonal variations of Trichuris worms in multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis). The study was conducted between January and November 2021 in Tanzania, in two regions (Morogoro and Iringa) that differ in their eco-climatic conditions. Removal trapping was conducted using Sherman® live traps during the rainy and dry seasons. The gastrointestinal tracts of captured rodents were screened for the presence of Trichuris worms, which were identified using morphological keys. A total of 200 M. natalensis rats were collected from each of the regions, with 100 animals in each season. For Morogoro, the overall prevalence of Trichuris worms in M. natalensis was 36% (n = 72), of which 42% (n = 42) and 30% (n = 30) were for the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. For Iringa, the overall prevalence was 65% (n = 130), of which there were 80% (n = 80) and 50% (n = 50) for the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Trichuris worm infections were significantly higher during the rainy season in Iringa than in Morogoro; however, no significant difference in infections between males and females was noted in either region or season. Other helminths detected were Strongyloides spp., Capillaria spp., Hymenolepis spp. and eggs of a helminth that has yet to be confirmed, possibly an Anoplocephalid species. Since M. natalensis is the most important pest species in sub-Saharan Africa, and is a carrier of several zoonotic helminths, there is a need for improved surveillance of helminths infections in the studied regions, in order to establish strategic control programs to reduce their adverse impacts on health.
Clinical Efficacy, Pharmacokinetics, and Safety of the Available Medical Options in the Treatment of Endometriosis-Related Pelvic Pain: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mikuš Mislav , Šprem Goldštajn Marina , Laganà Antonio Simone , Vukorepa Franka , Ćorić Mario
Published: September 2023

Background: In this scoping review, we sought to identify published studies evaluating the drugs currently used in the treatment of endometriosis-related pelvic pain, with reflection on their chemical properties, pharmacokinetics, safety profile, and clinical efficacy. Methods: A literature search was conducted with the use of the PubMed and EMBASE electronic databases, focusing on identifying articles published in English between January 1990 and 2023. Results: Based on the included studies, current therapy options for the treatment of endometriosis-related pain identified and reviewed in this article were: (1) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; (2) combined oral contraceptive (COCs); (3) progestins; (4) gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists; (5) aromatase inhibitors (AIs); (6) selective estrogen and progesterone receptor modulators; and (7) levonorgestrel-intrauterine device. Conclusions: Based on the published evidence, clinicians should consider NSAIDs, COCs, and progestins as the first-line medical therapies. Compared with second-line options, such as GnRH agonists/antagonists or AIs, the abovementioned first-line options are well tolerated, efficacious, and exhibit lower overall price. Future research priorities should be to identify novel target therapies and to evaluate the effects of available drugs through different routes of administration.
Advancements in the Application of the Fenton Reaction in the Cancer Microenvironment
Authors: Ou Rile , Aodeng Gerile , Ai Jun
Published: September 2023

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease that continues to be a global health challenge. It exerts a tremendous burden on individuals, families, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. To mitigate the impact of cancer, concerted efforts and collaboration on a global scale are essential. This includes strengthening preventive measures, promoting early detection, and advancing effective treatment strategies. In the field of cancer treatment, researchers and clinicians are constantly seeking new approaches and technologies to improve therapeutic outcomes and minimize adverse effects. One promising avenue of investigation is the utilization of the Fenton reaction, a chemical process that involves the generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (·OH) through the interaction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with ferrous ions (Fe2+). The generated ·OH radicals possess strong oxidative properties, which can lead to the selective destruction of cancer cells. In recent years, researchers have successfully introduced the Fenton reaction into the cancer microenvironment through the application of nanotechnology, such as polymer nanoparticles and light-responsive nanoparticles. This article reviews the progress of the application of the Fenton reaction, catalyzed by polymer nanoparticles and light-responsive nanoparticles, in the cancer microenvironment, as well as the potential applications and future development directions of the Fenton reaction in the field of tumor treatment.
High-Linear Frequency-Swept Lasers with Data-Driven Control
Authors: Zhao Haohao , Xu Dachao , Wu Zihan , Sun Liang , Yuan Guohui , Wang Zhuoran
Published: September 2023

The frequency-swept laser (FSL) is applied widely in various sensing systems in the scientific and industrial fields, especially in the light detection and ranging (Lidar) area. However, the inherent nonlinearity limits its performance in application systems, especially in the broadband frequency-swept condition. In this work, from the perspective of data-driven control, we adopt the reinforcement learning-based broadband frequency-swept linearization method (RL-FSL) to optimize the control policy and generate the modulation signals. The nonlinearity measurement system and the system simulator are established. Since the powerful learning ability of the reinforcement learning algorithm, the linearization policy is optimized off-line and the generated modulation signals reduce the nonlinearity almost 20 times, compared to the case without control. In the long-term operation, the regular updated modulation signals perform better than the traditional iteration results, demonstrating the efficiency of the proposed data-driven control method in application systems. Therefore, the RL-FSL method has the potential to be the candidate of optical system control.
Fresh Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Fruits as Valuable Additive in Extruded Snack Pellets: Selected Nutritional and Physiochemical Properties
Authors: Wójtowicz Agnieszka , Combrzyński Maciej , Biernacka Beata , Różyło Renata , Bąkowski Maciej , Wojtunik-Kulesza Karolina , Mołdoch Jarosław , Kowalska Iwona
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the nutritional value and (selected) physiochemical properties of extruded snack pellets enriched with fresh chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) fruits were analyzed from the perspective of being a new product for the functional food sector. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of fresh chokeberry and variation in content and screw speed on extruded snack pellet basic compositions, fatty acid profiles, antioxidant activity, as well as water absorption and solubility indexes, fat absorption and color profiles. The obtained results revealed a significant increase in antioxidant activity for all samples (above 90% of free radical scavenging) in comparison to potato-based control samples (just over 20% of free radical scavenging). The total phenolic content assay revealed the most valuable results for samples enriched with 30% chokeberry, while Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) analysis allowed the determination of the most important phenolic acids. Of interest, chokeberry addition decreased the fat absorption index (FAI) after expansion by frying. Moreover, the highest values of crude protein and crude ash were observed in snack pellets supplemented by the application of 30% chokeberry. In such samples, the crude protein content was at the level of 4.75–4.87 g 100 g−1 and crude ash content at 4.88–5.07 g 100 g−1. Moreover, saturated fatty acids (SFA) content was lower in snack pellets with chokeberry addition, and increasing the amount of chokeberry additive from 10% to 30% in extruded snack pellet recipes resulted in more than double an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) proportion in the total fatty acids.
Influence of Increase in Phosphorus Supply on Agronomic, Phenological, and Physiological Performance of Two Common Bean Breeding Lines Grown in Acidic Soil under High Temperature Stress Conditions
Authors: Suárez Juan Carlos , Urban Milan O. , Anzola José Alexander , Contreras Amara Tatiana , Vanegas José Iván , Beebe Stephen E. , Rao Idupulapati M.
Published: September 2023

Many common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants cultivated in areas of the world with acidic soils exhibit difficulties adapting to low phosphorus (P) availability, along with aluminum (Al) toxicity, causing yield loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of an increase in P supply level on the agronomic, phenological, and physiological performance of two common bean breeding lines grown in acidic soil, with low fertility and under high temperature conditions, in a screenhouse. A randomized complete block (RCB) design was used under a factorial arrangement (five levels of P × 2 genotypes) for a total of 10 treatments with four replications. The factors considered in the experiment were: (i) five P supply levels (kg ha−1): four levels of P0, P15, P30, and P45 through the application of rock phosphate (RP), and one P level supplied through the application of organic matter (PSOM) corresponding to 25 kg P ha−1 (P25); and (ii) two advanced bean lines (BFS 10 and SEF10). Both bean lines were grown under the combined stress conditions of high temperatures (day and night maximum temperatures of 42.5 °C/31.1 °C, respectively) and acidic soil. By increasing the supply of P, a significant effect was found, indicating an increase in the growth and development of different vegetative organs, as well as physiological efficiency in photosynthesis and photosynthate remobilization, which resulted in higher grain yield in both bean lines evaluated (BFS 10 and SEF10). The adaptive responses of the two bean lines were found to be related to phenological adjustments (days to flowering and physiological maturity; stomatal development), as well as to heat dissipation strategies in the form of heat (NPQ) or unregulated energy (qN) that contributed to greater agronomic performance. We found that, to some extent, increased P supply alleviated the negative effects of high temperature on the growth and development of the reproductive organs of bean lines. Both bean lines (BFS 10 and SEF 10) showed adaptive attributes suited to the combined stress conditions of high temperature and acidic soil, and these two lines can serve as useful parents in a bean breeding program to develop multiple stress tolerant cultivars.