bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Composite Sorbent for Removal of Sulfate Ions from Simulated and Real Groundwater in the Batch and Continuous Tests
Authors: Hassan Waqed , Faisal Ayad , Abed Enas , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Saleh Bahaa
Published: July 2021

The evaluation of groundwater quality in the Dammam formation, Faddak farm, Karbala Governorate, Iraq proved that the sulfate (SO42−) concentrations have high values; so, this water is not suitable for livestock, poultry and irrigation purposes. For reclamation of this water, manufacturing of new sorbent for permeable reactive barrier was required through precipitation of Mg and Fe hydroxides nanoparticles on the activated carbon (AC) surface with best Mg/Fe molar ratio of 7.5/2.5. Mixture of 50% coated AC and 50% scrap iron was applied to eliminate SO42− from contaminated water with efficiency of 59% and maximum capacity of adsorption equals to 9.5 mg/g for a time period of 1 h, sorbent dosage 40 g/L, and initial pH = 5 at 50 mg/L initial SO42− concentration and 200 rpm shaking speed. Characterization analyses certified that the plantation of Mg and Fe nanoparticles onto AC was achieved. Continuous tests showed that the longevity of composite sorbent is increased with thicker bed and lower influent concentration and flow rate. Computer solution (COMSOL) software was well simulated for continuous measurements. The reclamation of real contaminated groundwater was achieved in column set-up with efficiency of 70% when flow rate was 5 mL/min, bed depth was 50 cm and inlet SO42− concentration was 2301 mg/L.
Synergistic Effect of Nanofluids and Surfactants on Heavy Oil Recovery and Oil-Wet Calcite Wettability
Authors: Hou Jinjian , Sun Lingyu
Published: July 2021

In recent years, unconventional oils have shown a huge potential for exploitation. Abundant reserves of carbonate asphalt rocks with a high oil content have been found; however, heavy oil and carbonate minerals have a high interaction force, which makes oil-solid separation difficult when using traditional methods. Although previous studies have used nanofluids or surfactant alone to enhance oil recovery, the minerals were sandstones. For carbonate asphalt rocks, there is little research on the synergistic effect of nanofluids and surfactants on heavy oil recovery by hot-water-based extraction. In this study, we used nanofluids and surfactants to enhance oil recovery from carbonate asphalt rocks synergistically based on the HWBE process. In order to explore the synergistic mechanism, the alterations of wettability due to the use of nanofluids and surfactants were studied. Nanofluids alone could render the oil-wet calcite surface hydrophilic, and the resulting increase in hydrophilicity of calcite surfaces treated with different nanofluids followed the order of SiO2 > MgO > TiO2 > ZrO2 > γ-Al2O3. The concentration, salinity, and temperature of nanofluids influenced the oil-wet calcite wettability, and for SiO2 nanofluids, the optimal nanofluid concentration was 0.2 wt%; the optimal salinity was 3 wt%; and the contact angle decreased as the temperature increased. Furthermore, the use of surfactants alone made the oil-wet calcite surface more hydrophilic, according to the following order: sophorolipid (45.9°) > CTAB (49°) > rhamnolipid (53.4°) > TX-100 (58.4°) > SDS (67.5°). The elemental analysis along with AFM and SEM characterization showed that nanoparticles were adsorbed onto the mineral surface, resulting in greater hydrophilicity of the oil-wet calcite surface, and the roughness was related to the wettability. Surfactant molecules could aid in the release of heavy oil from the calcite surface, which exposes the uncovered calcite surface to its surroundings; additionally, some surfactants adsorbed onto the oil-wet calcite surface, and the combined role made the oil-wet calcite surface hydrophilic. In conclusion, the study showed that hybrid nanofluids showed a better effect on wettability alteration, and the use of nanofluids and surfactants together resulted in synergistic alteration of oil-wet calcite surface wettability.
pH-Responsive Chitosan/Alginate Polyelectrolyte Complexes on Electrospun PLGA Nanofibers for Controlled Drug Release
Authors: Schoeller Jean , Itel Fabian , Wuertz-Kozak Karin , Gaiser Sandra , Luisier Nicolas , Hegemann Dirk , Ferguson Stephen J. , Fortunato Giuseppino , Rossi René M.
Published: July 2021

The surface functionalization of electrospun nanofibers allows for the introduction of additional functionalities while at the same time retaining the membrane properties of high porosity and surface-to-volume ratio. In this work, we sequentially deposited layers of chitosan and alginate to form a polyelectrolyte complex via layer-by-layer assembly on PLGA nanofibers to introduce pH-responsiveness for the controlled release of ibuprofen. The deposition of the polysaccharides on the surface of the fibers was revealed using spectroscopy techniques and ζ-potential measurements. The presence of polycationic chitosan resulted in a positive surface charge (16.2 ± 4.2 mV, pH 3.0) directly regulating the interactions between a model drug (ibuprofen) loaded within the polyelectrolyte complex and the layer-by-layer coating. The release of ibuprofen was slowed down in acidic pH (1.0) compared to neutral pH as a result of the interactions between the drug and the coating. The provided mesh acts as a promising candidate for the design of drug delivery systems required to bypass the acidic environment of the digestive tract.
A Green Nanostructured Pesticide to Control Tomato Bacterial Speck Disease
Authors: Schiavi Daniele , Balbi Rosa , Giovagnoli Stefano , Camaioni Emidio , Botticella Ermelinda , Sestili Francesco , Balestra Giorgio Mariano
Published: July 2021

Bacterial speck disease, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), is one of the most pervasive biological adversities in tomato cultivation, in both industrial and in table varieties. In this work synthesis, biochemical and antibacterial properties of a novel organic nanostructured pesticide composed of chitosan hydrochloride (CH) as active ingredient, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as nanocarriers and starch as excipient were evaluated. In order to study the possibility of delivering CH, the effects of two different types of starches, extracted from a high amylose bread wheat (high amylose starch—HA Starch) and from a control genotype (standard starch—St Starch), were investigated. Nanostructured microparticles (NMP) were obtained through the spray-drying technique, revealing a CH loading capacity proximal to 50%, with a CH release of 30% for CH-CNC-St Starch NMP and 50% for CH-CNC-HA Starch NMP after 24 h. Both NMP were able to inhibit bacterial growth in vitro when used at 1% w/v. Moreover, no negative effects on vegetative growth were recorded when NMP were foliar applied on tomato plants. Proposed nanostructured pesticides showed the capability of diminishing Pst epiphytical survival during time, decreasing disease incidence and severity (from 45% to 49%), with results comparable to one of the most used cupric salt (hydroxide), pointing out the potential use of CH-CNC-Starch NMP as a sustainable and innovative ally in Pst control strategies.
Efficient Biexciton Preparation in a Quantum Dot—Metal Nanoparticle System Using On-Off Pulses
Authors: Smponias Athanasios , Stefanatos Dionisis , Paspalakis Emmanuel
Published: July 2021

We consider a hybrid nanostructure composed by semiconductor quantum dot coupled to a metallic nanoparticle and investigate the efficient creation of biexciton state in the quantum dot, when starting from the ground state and using linearly polarized laser pulses with on-off modulation. With numerical simulations of the coupled system density matrix equations, we show that a simple on-off-on pulse-sequence, previously derived for the case of an isolated quantum dot, can efficiently prepare the biexciton state even in the presence of the nanoparticle, for various interparticle distances and biexciton energy shifts. The pulse durations in the sequence are obtained from the solution of a transcendental equation.
Copper Hexacyanoferrate Thin Film Deposition and Its Application to a New Method for Diffusion Coefficient Measurement
Authors: Yun Jeonghun , Kim Yeongae , Gao Caitian , Kim Moobum , Lee Jae Yoon , Lee Chul-Ho , Bae Tae-Hyun , Lee Seok Woo
Published: July 2021

The use of Prussian blue analogues (PBA) materials in electrochemical energy storage and harvesting has gained much interest, necessitating the further clarification of their electrochemical characteristics. However, there is no well-defined technique for manufacturing PBA-based microelectrochemical devices because the PBA film deposition method has not been well studied. In this study, we developed the following deposition method for growing copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCFe) thin film: copper thin film is immersed into a potassium hexacyanoferrate solution, following which the redox reaction induces the spontaneous deposition of CuHCFe thin film on the copper thin film. The film grown via this method showed compatibility with conventional photolithography processes, and the micropattern of the CuHCFe thin film was successfully defined by a lift-off process. A microelectrochemical device based on the CuHCFe thin film was fabricated via micropatterning, and the sodium ion diffusivity in CuHCFe was measured. The presented thin film deposition method can deposit PBAs on any surface, including insulating substrates, and it can extend the utilization of PBA thin films to various applications.
Fluoroquinolones-Associated Disability: It Is Not All in Your Head
Authors: Freeman Maya Z. , Cannizzaro Deanna N. , Naughton Lydia F. , Bove Cecilia
Published: July 2021

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are a broad class of antibiotics typically prescribed for bacterial infections, including infections for which their use is discouraged. The FDA has proposed the existence of a permanent disability (Fluoroquinolone Associated Disability; FQAD), which is yet to be formally recognized. Previous studies suggest that FQs act as selective GABAA receptor inhibitors, preventing the binding of GABA in the central nervous system. GABA is a key regulator of the vagus nerve, involved in the control of gastrointestinal (GI) function. Indeed, GABA is released from the Nucleus of the Tractus Solitarius (NTS) to the Dorsal Motor Nucleus of the vagus (DMV) to tonically regulate vagal activity. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on FQs in the context of the vagus nerve and examine how these drugs could lead to dysregulated signaling to the GI tract. Since there is sufficient evidence to suggest that GABA transmission is hindered by FQs, it is reasonable to postulate that the vagal circuit could be compromised at the NTS-DMV synapse after FQ use, possibly leading to the development of permanent GI disorders in FQAD.
Vitamin D Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Polish Medical Doctors
Authors: Zgliczyński Wojciech Stefan , Rostkowska Olga Maria , Sarecka-Hujar Beata
Published: July 2021

Background Vitamin D deficiency occurs in as much as 90–95% of the Polish population, although this condition is known to cause negative long-term health implications. The role of medical doctors in advising proper supplementation, monitoring and correcting the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in individuals is of great importance and should be used to help mitigate its common deficits. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices of Polish physicians regarding vitamin D supplementation in order to identify areas for improvement and determinants for the knowledge gaps. Methods The study group comprised 701 medical doctors aged 32.1 ± 5.3 years on average, mostly women (71.61%). An original survey questionnaire was developed for the purpose of the study. Results The mean vitamin D knowledge score was 6.8 ± 2.3 (in a scale 0–13) and was related to gender (p < 0.001), type of specialization (p = 0.032), D3 supplements use (p < 0.001), recommending supplementation to patients (p = 0.005), to relatives and friends (p < 0.001) and to healthy adults (p < 0.001). In terms of self-administration, 14% of respondents take vitamin D all-year-round while 24% only in autumn and winter. 25% of respondents monitor their vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) serum concentration. Most participants (61%) did not recommend supplementing vitamin D to their patients on a regular basis. Conclusions The study indicates that medical doctors in Poland need to have more training and education on vitamin D supplementation in order to better address the problem of its deficits in the population.
Food Consumption and Dietary Patterns of Local Adults Living on the Tibetan Plateau: Results from 14 Countries along the Yarlung Tsangpo River
Authors: Zhou Chenni , Li Mo , Liu Lu , Zhao Fangjie , Cong Wenfeng , Zhang Fusuo
Published: July 2021

The distinct Tibetan regional diet is strongly influenced by the regional biogeography, indigenous traditions, popular religious beliefs and food taboos. In the context of the nutritional transition in Tibet, studies seldom report on the food consumption and dietary patterns of Tibetan residents. This is a cross-section study of 552 local adults (≥18 years old, 277 men and 275 women) living in 14 agricultural countries along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Dietary intakes were assessed by a culturally specific FFQ and compared with the Chinese Dietary Pagoda (2016). Dietary Patterns were extracted by using PCA method. The binary logistic regression model was applied to assess the association between independent variables (genders, regions and age groups) and adherence to dietary patterns. With the exception of meat (100 ± 260 g/day) and soybean nuts (42 ± 12 g/day), which exceeded the recommended dietary intakes of CDP, the dietary intake of other foods were not up to the recommended value. In particular, the intake of aquatic products (2 ± 0.1 g/day), vegetables (90 ± 19 g/day), dairy products (114 ± 29 g/day), cereals (117 ± 27 g/day) and fruits (97 ± 25 g/day) were seriously inadequate, which were 95%, 70%, 62%, 53.2% and 51.5% lower than the recommended intakes, respectively. Four dietary patterns were identified. “Local traditional diet” was characterized by a high intake of tsampa (roasted highland barley flour), culturally specific beverages (sweet tea and yak buttered tea), potato and yak beef and was associated with female, rural and older adults (≥51 years old). The male, urban and 18~30 years old group had a higher adherence score with the “Han diet”, which was comprised of rice, pork, dumplings, eggs, milk and cabbage. The “Beverage diet”, which mainly include tsampa, chang (homemade barley wine) and sweet tea, was associated with the following group: female, urban and aged 18~30 years. The “Out-sourced diet” pattern, consisting of mainly rice, steam bread and some processed meat, was associated with being male, urban and 18–30 years of age. These findings indicate that the dietary practice of the Tibetan people still has strong local characteristics, but it is also undergoing a dietary transition with the penetration of the Chinese Han diet and the increased consumption of outsourced (processed) foods. The unbalanced dietary intake of Tibetan residents should be taken seriously by all parties.
Fast Anxiolytic-Like Effect Observed in the Rat Conditioned Defensive Burying Test, after a Single Oral Dose of Natural Protein Extract Products
Authors: Freret Thomas , Largilliere Stacy , Nee Gerald , Coolzaet Melanie , Corvaisier Sophie , Boulouard Michel
Published: July 2021

Anxiety appears among the most frequent psychiatric disorders. During recent years, a growing incidence of anxiety disorders can be attributed, at least in part, to the modification of our eating habits. To treat anxiety disorders, clinicians use benzodiazepines, which unfortunately display many side effects. Herein, the anxiolytic-like properties of two natural products (αS1–casein hydrolysate and Gabolysat®) were investigated in rats and compared to the efficacy of benzodiazepine (diazepam). Thus, the conditioned defensive burying test was performed after a unique oral dose of 15 mg/kg, at two time-points (60 min and then 30 min post oral gavage) to show potential fast-onset of anxiolytic effect. Both natural products proved to be as efficient as diazepam to reduce the time rats spent burying the probe (anxiety level). Additionally, when investigated as early as 30 min post oral gavage, Gabolysat® also revealed a fast-anxiolytic activity. To date, identification of bioactive peptide, as well as how they interact with the gut–brain axis to sustain such anxiolytic effect, still remains poorly understood. Regardless, this observational investigation argues for the consideration of natural compounds in care pathway.
Heart Rate Variability and Long Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Haemodialysis: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Authors: Pinto Ana M , MacLaughlin Helen L , Hall Wendy L
Published: July 2021

Low heart rate variability (HRV) is independently associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and all cardiac death in haemodialysis patients. Long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) may exert anti-arrhythmic effects. This study aimed to investigate relationships between dialysis, sleep and 24 h HRV and LC n-3 PUFA status in patients who have recently commenced haemodialysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted in adults aged 40–80 with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 (n = 45, mean age 58, SD 9, 20 females and 25 males, 39% with type 2 diabetes). Pre-dialysis blood samples were taken to measure erythrocyte and plasma fatty acid composition (wt % fatty acids). Mean erythrocyte omega-3 index was not associated with HRV following adjustment for age, BMI and use of β-blocker medication. Higher ratios of erythrocyte eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were associated with lower 24 h vagally-mediated beat-to-beat HRV parameters. Higher plasma EPA and docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-3) were also associated with lower sleep-time and 24 h beat-to-beat variability. In contrast, higher plasma EPA was significantly related to higher overall and longer phase components of 24 h HRV. Further investigation is required to investigate whether patients commencing haemodialysis may have compromised conversion of EPA to DHA, which may impair vagally-mediated regulation of cardiac autonomic function, increasing risk of SCD.
Intake of Vegetables, Fruits and Berries and Compliance to “Five-a-Day” in a General Norwegian Population—The Tromsø Study 2015–2016
Authors: Nilsen Linn , Hopstock Laila A. , Grimsgaard Sameline , Carlsen Monica Hauger , Lundblad Marie W.
Published: July 2021

Vegetables, fruits and berries are associated with reduced disease risk, and recommended intake is “five-a-day”. We studied the intake of vegetables, fruits and berries and compliance with “five-a-day” in 11,425 adults (40–96 years) who completed a food frequency questionnaire in the seventh wave of the Tromsø Study (2015–2016). Intake and proportion above/below recommended intake (250 g/day of vegetables and 250 g/day of fruits/berries, combined and separately) were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to examine compliance with recommendations in 10-year age-groups, and level of education, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity, in strata of sex and adjusted for total energy. Median intake of vegetables was 228 and 168 g/day, and fruits/berries 292 and 268 g/day, in women and men, respectively. In total, 31% of women and 17% of men met the five-a-day recommendation, and 44% and 60% of women, and 25% and 54% of men, met the recommendation for vegetables and fruits/berries, respectively. Odds of compliance with recommendation for both vegetables and fruits/berries were positively associated with age, education and physical activity (p trend < 0.001). The intake of vegetables, fruits and berries was suboptimal, in particular for vegetables. More women than men met the recommendation, and intake varied by education, physical activity level, age and BMI.
Estimation of Dietary Capsaicinoid Exposure in Korea and Assessment of Its Health Effects
Authors: Kwon Youngjoo
Published: July 2021

The consumption of capsaicinoids, the active components in chili peppers, has been associated with both positive and negative health effects, and the level of capsaicinoid exposure may be an important determinant. Dietary capsaicinoid exposure was estimated using a previously developed database for capsaicinoid content and a 24-h dietary recall dataset obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The estimated consumption level was evaluated to determine its potential effects on weight reduction and gastrointestinal distress. The estimated daily mean capsaicinoid intake was 3.25 mg (2.17 mg capsaicin), and most Koreans consumed 1–30 mg of capsaicinoids (0.67–20 mg capsaicin) in a day. No adverse effect of capsaicin consumption was reported other than abdominal pain. For long-term repeated consumption, 30 mg may be the maximum tolerable dose. However, the effects on body weight or energy balance were inconsistent in 4–12 week clinical studies conducted with various capsaicin doses (2–135 mg), which was likely due to the complex interplay between capsaicin dose, study length, and participant characteristics. Therefore, the capsaicin consumption of most Koreans was below the levels that may cause adverse effects. However, more long-term studies for the dose range of 2–20 mg are required to further characterize capsaicin’s health benefits in Koreans.
Evaluating Mediterranean Diet-Adherent, Healthy and Allergen-Free Meals Offered in Tarragona Province Restaurants (Catalonia, Spain): A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mandracchia Floriana , Llauradó Elisabet , Valls Rosa Maria , Tarro Lucia , Solà Rosa
Published: July 2021

Restaurant meal consumption has increased substantially, but the ability of restaurants to adhere to guidelines for the Mediterranean diet, healthiness and food allergen management is a challenge. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the Mediterranean diet adherence, healthiness, nutritional quality and food allergen management of meals at restaurants in the Tarragona province (Catalonia, Spain). Primary outcomes included adherence to criteria for the Mediterranean diet (AMed) and gluten management (SMAP), nutritional quality of dishes indicated by a green traffic light rating, meal nutrient content and allergen-free options. Secondary outcomes included restaurant staff knowledge about the Mediterranean diet and food allergens. Forty-four restaurants and 297 dishes were analysed. The restaurants fulfilled an average (mean ± SD) of 5.1 ± 1.6 of 9 compulsory AMed criteria and 12.9 ± 2.8 of 18 SMAP criteria. Dishes were mainly rated green for sugar (n = 178/297; 59.9%) but not for energy (n = 23/297; 7.7%) or total fat (n = 18/297; 6.1%). Waiters and cooks received passing scores for food allergen knowledge (5.8 ± 1.7 and 5.5 ± 1.5 out of 10 points, respectively). Restaurants partially met the AMed and SMAP criteria. Increasing fibre and decreasing saturated fat content are necessary to improve consumers’ adherence to healthy diets. For restaurant staff, training courses should be considered to improve their food allergen management.
Effects of DHA-Rich n-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation and/or Resistance Training on Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Overweight and Obese Post-Menopausal Women
Authors: Félix-Soriano Elisa , Martínez-Gayo Alejandro , Cobo María José , Pérez-Chávez Adriana , Ibáñez-Santos Javier , Palacios Samper Natalia , Goikoetxea Galarza Iñaki , Cuervo Marta , García-Unciti Marisol , González-Muniesa Pedro , Lorente-Cebrián Silvia , Moreno-Aliaga María J.
Published: July 2021

Resistance training (RT) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) supplementation have emerged as strategies to improve muscle function in older adults. Overweight/obese postmenopausal women (55–70 years) were randomly allocated to one of four experimental groups, receiving placebo (olive oil) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich n-3 PUFA supplementation alone or in combination with a supervised RT-program for 16 weeks. At baseline and at end of the trial, body composition, anthropometrical measures, blood pressure and serum glucose and lipid biomarkers were analyzed. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and strength tests were also performed. All groups exhibit a similar moderate reduction in body weight and fat mass, but the RT-groups maintained bone mineral content, increased upper limbs lean mass, decreased lower limbs fat mass, and increased muscle strength and quality compared to untrained-groups. The RT-program also improved glucose tolerance (lowering the OGTT incremental area under the curve). The DHA-rich supplementation lowered diastolic blood pressure and circulating triglycerides and increased muscle quality in lower limbs. In conclusion, 16-week RT-program improved segmented body composition, bone mineral content, and glucose tolerance, while the DHA-rich supplement had beneficial effects on cardiovascular health markers in overweight/obese postmenopausal women. No synergistic effects were observed for DHA supplementation and RT-program combination.
Efficacy of a Multi-Component m-Health Diet, Physical Activity, and Sleep Intervention on Dietary Intake in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Fenton Sasha , Burrows Tracy L. , Collins Clare E. , Rayward Anna T. , Murawski Beatrice , Duncan Mitch J.
Published: July 2021

This three-arm randomised controlled trial evaluated whether (1) a multi-component weight loss intervention targeting diet, physical activity (PA), and sleep was effective at improving dietary intake over six months and 12 months, compared with a control, and (2) the enhanced diet, PA, and sleep intervention was more effective at improving dietary intake than the traditional diet and PA intervention. A total of 116 adults (70% female, 44.5 years, BMI 31.7 kg/m2) were randomised to either traditional diet and PA intervention; enhanced diet, PA, and sleep intervention; or wait-list control. To examine between-group differences, intervention groups were pooled and compared with the control. Then, the two intervention groups were compared. At six months, the pooled intervention group consumed 1011 fewer kilojoules/day (95% CI −1922, −101), less sodium (−313.2 mg/day; 95% CI −591.3, −35.0), and higher %EI from fruit (+2.1%EI; 95% CI 0.1, 4.1) than the controls. There were no differences in intake between the enhanced and traditional groups at six months. At 12 months, the pooled intervention and control groups reported no significant differences. However, compared to the traditional group, the enhanced reported higher %EI from nutrient-dense foods (+7.4%EI; 95% CI 1.3, 13.5) and protein (+2.4%EI; 95% CI 0.1, 4.6), and reduced %EI from fried/takeaway foods (−3.6%EI; 95% CI −6.5, −0.7), baked sweet products (−2.0%EI; 95% CI −3.6, −0.4), and packaged snacks (−1.1%EI; 95% CI −2.2, −0.3). This weight loss intervention reduced total energy and sodium intakes as well as increased fruit intake in adults at six months. The enhanced intervention group reported improved dietary intake relative to the traditional group at 12 months.
Psychological and Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Undergoing a Low-FODMAP Diet: The Role of the Intestinal Barrier
Authors: Prospero Laura , Riezzo Giuseppe , Linsalata Michele , Orlando Antonella , D’Attoma Benedetta , Russo Francesco
Published: July 2021

A diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (LFD) improves both gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the psychological profile of patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). The effects of 12 weeks of LFD on GI symptom and psychological profiles in relation to inflammation and the involvement of the intestinal barrier were studied in twenty IBS-D patients. The IBS Severity Scoring System, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, the Italian version of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, the IBS-Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire, and the Psychophysiological questionnaire were administered. The GI barrier function was assessed by sugar absorption test, the serum and fecal zonulin levels, and the serum levels of intestinal fatty-acid binding protein and diamine oxidase. Interleukins (ILs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) serum levels were evaluated along with dysbiosis. At the end of LFD, GI symptoms, psychological state (mainly anxiety, somatization, psychoticism, and interpersonal sensitivity), and QoL significantly improved in these patients. Simultaneously, an improvement in small intestinal permeability and intestinal mucosal integrity occurred, while IL-6, Il-10, LPS, and fermentative dysbiosis significantly decreased. The LFD can modify the immune-inflammatory features and enhance intestinal permeability and mucosal integrity, thus determining a concurrent improvement in the clinical and psychological conditions.
Existential Vacuum and External Locus of Control as Predictors of Burnout among Nurses
Authors: Alfuqaha Othman A. , Al-olaimat Yazan , Abdelfattah Ahmad Sami , Jarrar Rand Jamal , Almudallal Bashar Mazin , Abu ajamieh Zaid Ibrahim
Published: July 2021

Existential vacuum and psychological burnout are becoming increasingly important issues in healthcare professions, especially nursing. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of several demographic factors including gender, work position, experience, and educational level as well as existential vacuum and locus of control (external and internal) in predicting burnout among nurses. A convenience sample of 181 nurses was selected to represent the study sample. Participants were assessed using an existence scale, locus of control scale, and burnout scale. The study showed that 40.3% of nurses had severe existential vacuum. It was found that 93.9% of nurses had experienced a moderate level of burnout. External locus of control was the most common personality trait among participating nurses in this study. It also was found that existential vacuum and external locus of control were the main predictors of psychological burnout among nurses. The findings of our study highlight major problems facing nursing, such as existential vacuum and psychological burnout. It is recommended to enhance nurses’ workplace, provide proper psychological prevention programs, and teach advocacy skills.
The Association between Using Personal Protective Equipment and Headache among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia Hospitals during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Alreshidi Nahar M. , Alghamdi Salmah , Shibily Faygah , Mahsoon Alaa , Alasmee Nofaa , Sharif Loujain , Tajuddin Ammunah , Siddiq Najlaa
Published: July 2021

It is mandatory that healthcare workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while caring for COVID-19 patients. Studies have shown that wearing PPE for a prolonged time may lead to symptoms of physical discomfort including headache. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and association between prolonged use of PPE and headaches. This was a cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of healthcare workers who worked with COVID-19 patients in clinical settings was recruited. The data were collected through an electronic survey shared as a link through social media. This study included 1060 participants, 753 (71%) female and 307 (29%) male. Participants were divided into two groups. Group A had 628 (60%) participants who did not have chronic headache before the COVID-19 pandemic, while Group B contained 432 (40%) participants who had a previous chronic headache. Headaches differed significantly between Groups A and B in frequency, type, location, and quality during the COVID-19 period. The analysis found a significant relationship between duration of PPE use and headache occurrence. The significant relationship between the duration of PPE usage and headache occurrence among healthcare workers should be considered when refining policies and procedures regarding prolonged PPE use.
Antiparasitic Properties of Cardiovascular Agents against Human Intravascular Parasite Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Porto Raquel , Mengarda Ana C. , Cajas Rayssa A. , Salvadori Maria C. , Teixeira Fernanda S. , Arcanjo Daniel D. R. , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Pereira Maria de Lourdes , Wilairatana Polrat , Moraes Josué de
Published: July 2021

The intravascular parasitic worm Schistosoma mansoni is a causative agent of schistosomiasis, a disease of great global public health significance. Praziquantel is the only drug available to treat schistosomiasis and there is an urgent demand for new anthelmintic agents. Adopting a phenotypic drug screening strategy, here, we evaluated the antiparasitic properties of 46 commercially available cardiovascular drugs against S. mansoni. From these screenings, we found that amiodarone, telmisartan, propafenone, methyldopa, and doxazosin affected the viability of schistosomes in vitro, with effective concentrations of 50% (EC50) and 90% (EC90) values ranging from 8 to 50 µM. These results were further supported by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Subsequently, the most effective drug (amiodarone) was further tested in a murine model of schistosomiasis for both early and chronic S. mansoni infections using a single oral dose of 400 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg daily for five consecutive days. Amiodarone had a low efficacy in chronic infection, with the worm and egg burden reduction ranging from 10 to 30%. In contrast, amiodarone caused a significant reduction in worm and egg burden in early infection (>50%). Comparatively, treatment with amiodarone is more effective in early infection than praziquantel, demonstrating the potential role of this cardiovascular drug as an antischistosomal agent.
Small Molecule–Peptide Conjugates as Dimerization Inhibitors of Leishmania infantum Trypanothione Disulfide Reductase
Authors: Revuelto Alejandro , López-Martín Isabel , de Lucio Héctor , García-Soriano Juan Carlos , Zanda Nicola , de Castro Sonia , Gago Federico , Jiménez-Ruiz Antonio , Velázquez Sonsoles , Camarasa María-José
Published: July 2021

Trypanothione disulfide reductase (TryR) is an essential homodimeric enzyme of trypanosomatid parasites that has been validated as a drug target to fight human infections. Using peptides and peptidomimetics, we previously obtained proof of concept that disrupting protein–protein interactions at the dimer interface of Leishmania infantum TryR (LiTryR) offered an innovative and so far unexploited opportunity for the development of novel antileishmanial agents. Now, we show that linking our previous peptide prototype TRL38 to selected hydrophobic moieties provides a novel series of small-molecule–peptide conjugates that behave as good inhibitors of both LiTryR activity and dimerization.
Thiophene-Based Compounds with Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: da Cruz Ryldene Marques Duarte , Mendonça-Junior Francisco Jaime Bezerra , de Mélo Natália Barbosa , Scotti Luciana , de Araújo Rodrigo Santos Aquino , de Almeida Reinaldo Nóbrega , de Moura Ricardo Olímpio
Published: July 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis and gout, among other chronic inflammatory diseases are public health problems and represent major therapeutic challenges. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most prescribed clinical treatments, despite their severe side effects and their exclusive action in improving symptoms, without effectively promoting the cure. However, recent advances in the fields of pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and chemoinformatics have provided valuable information and opportunities for development of new anti-inflammatory drug candidates. For drug design and discovery, thiophene derivatives are privileged structures. Thiophene-based compounds, like the commercial drugs Tinoridine and Tiaprofenic acid, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The present review provides an update on the role of thiophene-based derivatives in inflammation. Studies on mechanisms of action, interactions with receptors (especially against cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX)), and structure-activity relationships are also presented and discussed. The results demonstrate the importance of thiophene-based compounds as privileged structures for the design and discovery of novel anti-inflammatory agents. The studies reveal important structural characteristics. The presence of carboxylic acids, esters, amines, and amides, as well as methyl and methoxy groups, has been frequently described, and highlights the importance of these groups for anti-inflammatory activity and biological target recognition, especially for inhibition of COX and LOX enzymes.
Albumin Nanoparticle Formulation for Heart-Targeted Drug Delivery: In Vivo Assessment of Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Lomis Nikita , Sarfaraz Ziyab K. , Alruwaih Aiman , Westfall Susan , Shum-Tim Dominique , Prakash Satya
Published: July 2021

Congestive heart failure is a fatal cardiovascular disease resulting in tissue necrosis and loss of cardiac contractile function. Inotropic drugs such as milrinone are commonly used to improve the myocardial contractility and heart function. However, milrinone is associated with severe side effects and lower circulation time. In this article, a novel protein nanoparticle formulation for heart-targeted delivery of milrinone has been designed and tested. The formulation was prepared using albumin protein conjugated with the targeting ligand, angiotensin II peptide to form nanoparticles following the ethanol desolvation method. The formulation was characterized for size, charge, and morphology and tested in a rat model of congestive heart failure to study pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and efficacy. The overall cardiac output parameters were evaluated comparing the formulation with the control non-targeted drug, milrinone lactate. This formulation exhibited improved pharmacokinetics with a mean retention time of 123.7 min, half-life of 101.3 min, and clearance rate of 0.24 L/(kg*h). The targeted formulation also significantly improved ejection fraction and fractional shortening parameters thus improving cardiac function. This study demonstrates a new approach in delivering inotropic drugs such as milrinone for superior treatment of congestive heart failure.
Long-Term Oral Treatment with Non-Hypoglycemic Dose of Glibenclamide Reduces Diabetic Retinopathy Damage in the Goto-KakizakiRat Model
Authors: Berdugo Marianne , Delaunay Kimberley , Lebon Cécile , Naud Marie-Christine , Radet Lolita , Zennaro Léa , Picard Emilie , Daruich Alejandra , Beltrand Jacques , Kermorvant-Duchemin Elsa , Polak Michel , Crisanti Patricia , Behar-Cohen Francine F.
Published: July 2021

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains a major cause of vision loss, due to macular edema, retinal ischemia and death of retinal neurons. We previously demonstrated that acute administration of glibenclamide into the vitreous, or given orally at a non-hypoglycemic dose, protected the structure and the function of the retina in three animal models that each mimic aspects of diabetic retinopathy in humans. In this pilot study, we investigated whether one year of chronic oral glibenclamide, in a non-hypoglycemic regimen (Amglidia®, 0.4 mg/kg, Ammtek/Nordic Pharma, 5 d/week), could alleviate the retinopathy that develops in the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat. In vivo, retinal function was assessed by electroretinography (ERG), retinal thickness by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and retinal perfusion by fluorescein and indocyanin green angiographies. The integrity of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that constitutes the outer retinal barrier was evaluated by quantitative analysis of the RPE morphology on flat-mounted fundus ex vivo. Oral glibenclamide did not significantly reduce the Hb1Ac levels but still improved retinal function, as witnessed by the reduction in scotopic implicit times, limited diabetes-induced neuroretinal thickening and the extension of ischemic areas, and it improved the capillary coverage. These results indicate that low doses of oral glibenclamide could still be beneficial for the prevention of type 2 diabetic retinopathy. Whether the retinas ofpatients treated specifically with glibenclamideare less at risk of developing diabetic complications remains to be demonstrated.
3D-Printed Mesoporous Carrier System for Delivery of Poorly Soluble Drugs
Authors: Katsiotis Christos S. , Åhlén Michelle , Strømme Maria , Welch Ken
Published: July 2021

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is the most extensively employed 3D-printing technique used in pharmaceutical applications, and offers fast and facile formulation development of personalized dosage forms. In the present study, mesoporous materials were incorporated into a thermoplastic filament produced via hot-melt extrusion and used to produce oral dosage forms via FDM. Mesoporous materials are known to be highly effective for the amorphization and stabilization of poorly soluble drugs, and were therefore studied in order to determine their ability to enhance the drug-release properties in 3D-printed tablets. Celecoxib was selected as the model poorly soluble drug, and was loaded into mesoporous silica (MCM-41) or mesoporous magnesium carbonate. In vitro drug release tests showed that the printed tablets produced up to 3.6 and 1.5 times higher drug concentrations, and up to 4.4 and 1.9 times higher release percentages, compared to the crystalline drug or the corresponding plain drug-loaded mesoporous materials, respectively. This novel approach utilizing drug-loaded mesoporous materials in a printed tablet via FDM shows great promise in achieving personalized oral dosage forms for poorly soluble drugs.
Simplified 89Zr-Labeling Protocol of Oxine (8-Hydroxyquinoline) Enabling Prolonged Tracking of Liposome-Based Nanomedicines and Cells
Authors: Polyak Andras , Bankstahl Jens , Besecke Karen , Hozsa Constantin , Triebert Wiebke , Pannem Rajeswara , Manstein Felix , Borcholte Thomas , Furch Marcus , Zweigerdt Robert , Gieseler Robert , Bengel Frank , Ross Tobias
Published: July 2021

In this work, a method for the preparation of the highly lipophilic labeling synthon [89Zr]Zr(oxinate)4 was optimized for the radiolabeling of liposomes and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). The aim was to establish a robust and reliable labeling protocol for enabling up to one week positron emission tomography (PET) tracing of lipid-based nanomedicines and transplanted or injected cells, respectively. [89Zr]Zr(oxinate)4 was prepared from oxine (8-hydroxyquinoline) and [89Zr]Zr(OH)2(C2O4). Earlier introduced liquid–liquid extraction methods were simplified by the optimization of buffering, pH, temperature and reaction times. For quality control, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and centrifugation were employed. Subsequently, the 89Zr-complex was incorporated into liposome formulations. PET/CT imaging of 89Zr-labeled liposomes was performed in healthy mice. Cell labeling was accomplished in PBS using suspensions of 3 × 106 hiPSCs, each. [89Zr]Zr(oxinate)4 was synthesized in very high radiochemical yields of 98.7% (96.8% ± 2.8%). Similarly, high internalization rates (≥90%) of [89Zr]Zr(oxinate)4 into liposomes were obtained over an 18 h incubation period. MicroPET and biodistribution studies confirmed the labeled nanocarriers’ in vivo stability. Human iPSCs incorporated the labeling agent within 30 min with ~50% efficiency. Prolonged PET imaging is an ideal tool in the development of lipid-based nanocarriers for drug delivery and cell therapies. To this end, a reliable and reproducible 89Zr radiolabeling method was developed and tested successfully in a model liposome system and in hiPSCs alike.
Scaling the Retinal Image of the Wide-Angle Eye Using the Nodal Point
Authors: Simpson Michael
Published: July 2021

Angles subtended at the second nodal point of the eye (NP2) are approximately the same as input visual angles over a very large angular range, despite the nodal point being a paraxial lens property. Raytracing using an average pseudophakic eye showed that the angular nodal point criterion was only valid up to about 10°, and that the linear relationship was due instead to the cornea and lens initially creating chief ray angles at the exit pupil that are about 0.83 times input values for this particular eye, and then by the retina curving around to meet the rays in a manner that compensates for increasing angle. This linear relationship is then also maintained when retinal intersections are calculated relative to other axial points, with angles rescaled approximately using the equation R/(R + delta), where delta is the axial distance from the center of a spherical retina of radius R. Angles at NP2 approximately match the input angles, but the terminology is misleading because this is not a paraxial property of the eye. Chief rays are used with finite raytracing to determine the actual behavior.
Effective Control of the Optical Bistability of a Three-Level Quantum Emitter near a Nanostructured Plasmonic Metasurface
Authors: Hamedi Hamid R. , Paspalakis Emmanuel , Yannopapas Vassilios
Published: July 2021

We study, theoretically, the phenomena optical bistability and multistability of a hybrid quantum-plasmonic system immersed within an optical ring cavity. The hybrid quantum-plasmonic system consists of a three-level V-type quantum emitter and a two-dimensional plasmonic metasurface of gold nanoshells. The quantum emitter and the plasmonic metasurface are placed in close proximity to each other so that a strong quantum interference of spontaneous emission occurs, which enables the strong modification of optical-bistability/ multistability hysteresis curves. Along with this, the strong interaction between the emitter and the plasmonic metasurface allows for active control of the corresponding bistable threshold intensity. Furthermore, we show that by varying the metasurface-emitter separation, a transition from bistability to multistability of the hybrid system is observed. Lastly, by introducing an additional incoherent pumping in the system, we have the emergence of phenomena, such as probe absorption and gain, with or without population inversion. The results may find technological application in on-chip nanoscale photonic devices, optoelectronics and solid-state quantum information science.
Basic Residue Clusters in Intrinsically Disordered Regions of Peripheral Membrane Proteins: Modulating 2D Diffusion on Cell Membranes
Authors: Pons Miquel
Published: July 2021

A large number of peripheral membrane proteins transiently interact with lipids through a combination of weak interactions. Among them, electrostatic interactions of clusters of positively charged amino acid residues with negatively charged lipids play an important role. Clusters of charged residues are often found in intrinsically disordered protein regions, which are highly abundant in the vicinity of the membrane forming what has been called the disordered boundary of the cell. Beyond contributing to the stability of the lipid-bound state, the pattern of charged residues may encode specific interactions or properties that form the basis of cell signaling. The element of this code may include, among others, the recognition, clustering, and selective release of phosphatidyl inositides, lipid-mediated protein-protein interactions changing the residence time of the peripheral membrane proteins or driving their approximation to integral membrane proteins. Boundary effects include reduction of dimensionality, protein reorientation, biassing of the conformational ensemble of disordered regions or enhanced 2D diffusion in the peri-membrane region enabled by the fuzzy character of the electrostatic interactions with an extended lipid membrane.