bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic Small-Molecule Electrodes: Emerging Organic Composite Materials in Supercapacitors for Efficient Energy Storage
Authors: He Yuanyuan , Wei Qiaoqiao , An Ning , Meng Congcong , Hu Zhongai
Published: November 2022

Organic small molecules with electrochemically active and reversible redox groups are excellent candidates for energy storage systems due to their abundant natural origin and design flexibility. However, their practical application is generally limited by inherent electrical insulating properties and high solubility. To achieve both high energy density and power density, organic small molecules are usually immobilized on the surface of a carbon substrate with a high specific surface area and excellent electrical conductivity through non-covalent interactions or chemical bonds. The resulting composite materials are called organic small-molecule electrodes (OMEs). The redox reaction of OMEs occurs near the surface with fast kinetic and higher utilization compared to storing charge through diffusion-limited Faraday reactions. In the past decade, our research group has developed a large number of novel OMEs with different connections or molecular skeletons. This paper introduces the latest development of OMEs for efficient energy storage. Furthermore, we focus on the design motivation, structural advantages, charge storage mechanism, and various electrode parameters of OMEs. With small organic molecules as the active center, OMEs can significantly improve the energy density at low molecular weight through proton-coupled electron transfer, which is not limited by lattice size. Finally, we outline possible trends in the rational design of OMEs toward high-performance supercapacitors.
Nutritional and Therapeutic Properties of Fermented Camel Milk Fortified with Red Chenopodium quinoa Flour on Hypercholesterolemia Rats
Authors: Al-Anazi Mohamed Saleh , El-Zahar Khaled Meghawry , Rabie Nourhan Abdel-Hamid
Published: November 2022

Quinoa is a nutrient-dense food that lowers chronic disease risk. This study evaluated the physicochemical and sensory qualities of fermented camel milk with 1, 2, 3, and 4% quinoa. The results showed that improvement in camel’s milk increased the total solids, protein, ash, fiber, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity more effectively. Fermented camel milk with 3% of quinoa flour exhibited the highest sensory characteristics compared to other treatments. Fermented camel milk enriched with 3% red quinoa flour was studied in obese rats. Forty male Wistar rats were separated into five groups: the first group served as a normal control, while groups 2–4 were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HF)-diet and given 2 mL/day of fermented milk and quinoa aqueous extract. Blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, and urea levels decreased dramatically in comparison to the positive control group, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL), albumin, and total protein concentrations increased significantly. Fortified fermented camel milk decreased the number of giant adipocytes while increasing the number of tiny adipocytes in the body. The results showed that the liver and renal functions of hypercholesterolemic rats were enhanced by consuming fermented milk and quinoa. These results demonstrated the ability of quinoa and camel milk to protect rats from oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms behind the metabolic effects of fermented camel milk and quinoa.
Sustainable–Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Hyssopus officinalis and Calendula officinalis Extracts and Their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Balciunaitiene Aiste , Puzeryte Viktorija , Radenkovs Vitalijs , Krasnova Inta , Memvanga Patrick B. , Viskelis Pranas , Streimikyte Paulina , Viskelis Jonas
Published: November 2022

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized using aqueous medical plant extracts as reducing and capping agents show multiple applicability for bacterial problems. The aim of this study was to expand the boundaries on AgNPs using a novel, low-toxicity, and cost-effective alternative and green approach to the biosynthesis of metallic NPs using Calendula officinalis (Calendula) and Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssopus) aqueous extracts. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. The effectiveness of biosynthesized AgNPs in quenching free radicals and inhibiting the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms was supported by in vitro antioxidant activity assay methods and using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test, respectively. The elucidated antimicrobial and antioxidative activities of medical plant extracts were compared with data from the engineered biosynthetic AgNPs. The antimicrobial effect of engineered AgNPs against selected test cultures was found to be substantially stronger than for plant extracts used for their synthesis. The analysis of AgNPs by TEM revealed the presence of spherical-shaped nano-objects. The size distribution of AgNPs was found to be plant-type-dependent. The smaller AgNPs were obtained with Hyssopus extract (with a size range of 16.8 ± 5.8 nm compared to 35.7 ± 4.8 nm from Calendula AgNPs). The AgNPs’ presumably inherited biological functions of Hyssopus and Calendula medical plants can provide a platform to combat pathogenic bacteria in the era of multi-drug resistance.
Improving the Mechanical Properties of Damaged Hair Using Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronate
Authors: Qu Wenjie , Guo Xueping , Xu Guixin , Zou Songyan , Wu Yuwen , Hu Chenyu , Chang Kuan , Wang Jing
Published: November 2022

Chemical treatments of hair such as dyeing, perming and bleaching could cause mechanical damage to the hair, which weakens the hair fibers and makes the hair break more easily. In this work, hyaluronate (HA) with different molecular weight (MW) was investigated for its effects on restoring the mechanical properties of damaged hair. It was found that low-MW HA (average MW~42 k) could significantly improve the mechanical properties, specifically the elastic modulus, of overbleached hair. The fluorescent-labeling experiments verified that the low-MW HA was able to penetrate into the cortex of the hair fiber, while high-MW HA was hindered. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) results implied the formation of additional intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the HA-treated hair. Thermos gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the HA-treated hair exhibited decreased content of loosely bonded water, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) characterizations suggested stronger water bonding inside the HA-treated hair, which could alleviate the weakening effect of loosely bonded water on the hydrogen bond networks within keratin. Therefore, the improved elastic modulus and mechanical strength of the HA-treated hair could be attributed to the enhanced formation of hydrogen bond networks within keratin. This study illustrates the capability of low-MW HA in hair damage repair, implying an enormous potential for other moisturizers to be used in hair care products.
Optimization of Lignin–Cellulose Nanofiber-Filled Thermoplastic Starch Composite Film Production for Potential Application in Food Packaging
Authors: AbdulRasheed-Adeleke Tawakaltu , Egwim Evans Chidi , Sadiku Emmanuel Rotimi , Ochigbo Stephen Shaibu
Published: November 2022

The optimization of the production of thermoplastic starch (TPS) bionanocomposite films for their potential application in food packaging was carried out, according to the Box–Wilson Central Composite Design (CCD) with one center point, using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and fillers based on lignin and nanofiber, which were derived from bamboo plant. The effects of the fillers on the moisture absorption (MAB), tensile strength (TS), percent elongation (PE) and Young’s modulus (YM) of the produced films were statistically examined. The obtained results showed that the nanocomposite films were best fitted by a quadratic regression model with a high coefficient of determination (R2) value. The film identified to be optimum has a desirability of 76.80%, which is close to the objective function, and contained 4.81 wt. % lignin and 5.00 wt. % nanofiber. The MAB, TS, YM and PE of the identified film were 17.80%, 21.51 MPa, 25.76 MPa and 48.81%, respectively. The addition of lignin and cellulose nanofiber to starch composite was found to have reduced the moisture-absorption tendency significantly and increased the mechanical properties of the films due to the good filler/matrix interfacial adhesion. Overall, the results suggested that the produced films would be suitable for application as packaging materials for food preservation.
Phytotoxic Metabolites Isolated from Aspergillus sp., an Endophytic Fungus of Crassula arborescens
Authors: Ma Jingjing , Lu Chunhua , Tang Yajie , Shen Yuemao
Published: November 2022

Aspergillus sp., an endophytic fungus isolated from Crassula arborescens, displayed potent inhibitory activity against the seed germination of Arabidopsis thaliana. The bioactivity-guided fractionation of the culture extract of Aspergillus sp. MJ01 led to the isolation of nine compounds, including one previously undescribed furanone, namely aspertamarinoic acid (1), and eight known compounds, (−)-dihydrocanadensolide (2), kojic acid (3), citreoisocoumarin (4), astellolide A (5), astellolide B (6), astellolide G (7), cyclo-N-methylphenylalanyltryptophenyl (8) and (−)-ditryptophenaline (9). In the evaluation of the phytotoxic activities of compounds 1–9, the results suggested that 1 and 5 showed significant inhibitory activity on the seed germination of A. thaliana. This is the first report to disclose the phytotoxic activity of these compounds.
Rust Conversion of Proanthocyanidins to Archaeological Steel: A Case Study of Lingzhao Xuan in the Forbidden City
Authors: Jia Minghao , Hu Pei , Zhang Xiaogu , Hu Gang
Published: November 2022

This work was focused on the rust conversion of proanthocyanidins (PC) for goethite (α-FeOOH), akaganeite (β-FeOOH) and lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH), trying to show the potential of PC as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor and rust converter for archaeological steel conservation. The experiment used a rusted steel screw from Lingzhao Xuan of the Forbidden City in the Qing Dynasty and three kinds of pure iron oxyhydroxides as research samples. By means of micro-Raman, FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM and EIS, PC had the ability to chemically react with iron oxyhydroxides in the rust, forming amorphous PC-FeOOH with a marked signal about 1384 cm−1 as phenolic-Fe in infrared properties. The original relatively stable iron oxides were not induced to phase transformation and still remained. The converted rust layer could be more stable in the corrosive medium and increased the corrosion potential more effectively. Both the rust layer resistance and the charge transfer resistance of the archaeological samples were improved by at least 3 times with 5.0 g/L of PC, which could reasonably stabilize the archaeological rust and hindered external corrosive penetration into the core. It was a mild protection material that showed satisfactory performance for archaeological steel cultural heritage and has a good application prospect.
Green Synthesis of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Using Ocimum sanctum Leaf Extract: In Vitro Characterization and Its Healing Efficacy in Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad Zaki , Alasiri Ali S. , Ahmad Javed , Alqahtani Abdulsalam A. , Abdullah Md Margub , Abdel-Wahab Basel A. , Pathak Kalyani , Saikia Riya , Das Aparoop , Sarma Himangshu , Alzahrani Seham Abdullah
Published: November 2022

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired glucose metabolism. Overproduction of free radicals due to chronic hyperglycemia may cause oxidative stress, which delays wound healing in diabetic conditions. For people with diabetes, this impeded wound healing is one of the predominant reasons for mortality and morbidity. The study aimed to develop an Ocimum sanctum leaf extract-mediated green synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) and further incorporate them into 2% chitosan (CS) gel for diabetic wound healing. UV-visible spectrum analysis recorded the sharp peak at 235 and 320 nm, and this was the preliminary sign for the biosynthesis of TiO2 NPs. The FTIR analysis was used to perform a qualitative validation of the biosynthesized TiO2 nanoparticles. XRD analysis indicated the crystallinity of TiO2 NPs in anatase form. Microscopic investigation revealed that TiO2 NPs were spherical and polygonal in shape, with sizes ranging from 75 to 123 nm. The EDX analysis of green synthesized NPs showed the presence of TiO2 NPs, demonstrating the peak of titanium ion and oxygen. The hydrodynamic diameter and polydispersity index (PDI) of the TiO2 NPs were found to be 130.3 nm and 0.237, respectively. The developed TiO2 NPs containing CS gel exhibited the desired thixotropic properties with pseudoplastic behavior. In vivo wound healing studies and histopathological investigations of healed wounds demonstrated the excellent wound-healing efficacy of TiO2 NPs containing CS gel in diabetic rats.
Unravelling the 2e− ORR Activity Induced by Distance Effect on Main-Group Metal InN4 Surface Based on First Principles
Authors: Li Peng , Xu Jiawen , Su Yaqiong
Published: November 2022

The p-electron-dominated main-group metals (Sb, Se, In, etc.) have recently been reported to possess excellent oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity by means of heteroatom doping into graphene. However, on these main group metal surfaces, other approaches especially the distance effect to modulate catalytic activity are rarely involved. In this work, the origin of excellent 2e− ORR catalytic activity of graphene-supported InN4 moiety by tuning the distance between metallic In atoms is thoroughly investigated by employing the first-principles calculations. Our DFT calculations show that the 2e− ORR catalytic activity strongly depends on the crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) between In and O atoms. This work is useful for the rational design of main group metal single atom electrocatalysts.
Synthesis of 4-Aminopyrazol-5-ols as Edaravone Analogs and Their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Burgart Yanina V. , Makhaeva Galina F. , Krasnykh Olga P. , Borisevich Sophia S. , Agafonova Natalia A. , Kovaleva Nadezhda V. , Boltneva Natalia P. , Rudakova Elena V. , Shchegolkov Evgeny V. , Triandafilova Galina A. , Gazizov Denis A. , Serebryakova Olga G. , Ulitko Maria V. , Khursan Sergey L. , Saloutin Victor I. , Richardson Rudy J.
Published: November 2022

One of the powerful antioxidants used clinically is Edaravone (EDA). We synthesized a series of new EDA analogs, 4-aminopyrazol-5-ol hydrochlorides, including polyfluoroalkyl derivatives, via the reduction of 4-hydroxyiminopyrazol-5-ones. The primary antioxidant activity of the compounds in comparison with EDA was investigated in vitro using ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC tests. In all tests, 4-Amino-3-pyrazol-5-ols were effective. The lead compound, 4-amino-3-methyl-1-phenylpyrazol-5-ol hydrochloride (APH), showed the following activities: ABTS, 0.93 TEAC; FRAP, 0.98 TE; and ORAC, 4.39 TE. APH and its NH-analog were not cytotoxic against cultured normal human fibroblasts even at 100 μM, in contrast to EDA. According to QM calculations, 4-aminopyrazolols were characterized by lower gaps, IP, and η compared to 4-hydroxyiminopyrazol-5-ones, consistent with their higher antioxidant activities in ABTS and FRAP tests, realized by the SET mechanism. The radical-scavenging action evaluated in the ORAC test occurred by the HAT mechanism through OH bond breaking in all compounds, directly dependent on the dissociation energy of the OH bond. All the studied compounds demonstrated the absence of anticholinesterase activity and moderate inhibition of CES by some 4-aminopyrazolols. Thus, the lead compound APH was found to be a good antioxidant with the potential to be developed as a novel therapeutic drug candidate in the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Environmentally Sustainable Achiral and Chiral Chromatographic Analysis of Amino Acids in Food Supplements
Authors: Varfaj Ina , Carotti Andrea , Mangiapelo Luciano , Cossignani Lina , Taticchi Agnese , Macchiarulo Antonio , Ianni Federica , Sardella Roccaldo
Published: November 2022

Two LC methods were developed for the achiral and chiral reversed-phase (RP) analysis of an amino acid (AA) pool in a food supplement, in compliance with the main paradigms of Green Chromatography. A direct achiral ion-pairing RP-HPLC method was optimized under gradient conditions with a water-ethanol (EtOH) eluent containing heptafluorobutyric acid (0.1%, v/v), to quantify the eight essential AAs (Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Thr, Trp, and Val) contained in the food supplement. Thus, the usually employed acetonitrile was profitably substituted with the less toxic and more benign EtOH. The method was validated for Leu and Phe. The chiral LC method performed with a teicoplanin chiral stationary phase was developed with a water-EtOH (60:40, v/v) eluent with 0.1%, v/v acetic acid. The enantioselective analysis was carried out without any prior derivatization step. Both developed methods performed highly for all eight AAs and revealed that: (i) the content of six out of eight AAs was consistent with the manufacturer declaration; (ii) only L-AAs were present. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that a two-dimensional achiral–chiral configuration is possible in practice, making it even more environmentally sustainable. A molecular modelling investigation revealed interesting insights into the enantiorecognition mechanism of Lys.
Raman Fingerprint of Interlayer Coupling in 2D TMDCs
Authors: Pan Yang , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: November 2022

Vertical stacking of two-dimensional (2D) homo- and heterostructures are intriguing research objects, as they are essential for fundamental studies and a key towards 2D device applications. It is paramount to understand the interlayer coupling in 2D materials and to find a fast yet precise characteristic signature. In this work, we report on a Raman fingerprint of interlayer coupling in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). We observed that the out-of-plane B2g vibrational mode is absent when two monolayers form a vertical stack yet remain uncoupled but emerges after strong coupling. Using systematic Raman, photoluminescence (PL), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies of WSe2/WSe2 homo-bilayers and MoSe2/WSe2 hetero-bilayers, we conclude that the B2g vibrational mode is a distinct Raman fingerprint of interlayer coupling in 2D TMDCs. Our results propose an easy, fast, precise, and reliable measure to evaluate the interlayer coupling in 2D TMDCs.
Puerarin Reduces Oxidative Damage and Photoaging Caused by UVA Radiation in Human Fibroblasts by Regulating Nrf2 and MAPK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Mo Qiuting , Li Shuping , You Shiquan , Wang Dongdong , Zhang Jiachan , Li Meng , Wang Changtao
Published: November 2022

Fibroblasts account for more than 95% of dermal cells maintaining dermal structure and function. However, UVA penetrates the dermis and causes oxidative stress that damages the dermis and accelerates skin aging. Puerarin, the main active ingredient of Puerariae lobata, has been demonstrated to withstand oxidative stress caused by a variety of factors. However, there are limited findings on whether puerarin protects fibroblasts from UVA-induced oxidative stress damage. The effects of puerarin on human skin fibroblasts (HSF) under UVA-induced oxidative stress were investigated in this study. It is found that puerarin upregulates antioxidant enzymes’ mRNA expression level and their content through modulating the KEAP1-Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, thus improving cell antioxidant capacity and successfully eliminating UVA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid oxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA). Additionally, puerarin blocks the overexpression of human extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), human c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK), and P38, which downregulates matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) expression and increases type I collagen (COL-1) expression. Moreover, preliminary research on mouse skin suggests that puerarin can hydrate, moisturize, and increase the antioxidant capacity of skin tissue. These findings suggest that puerarin can protect the skin against photoaging.
Mechanistic Insights into the Neuroprotective Potential of Sacred Ficus Trees
Authors: Shim Kyu Hwan , Sharma Niti , An Seong Soo A.
Published: November 2022

Ficus religiosa (Bo tree or sacred fig) and Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan) are of immense spiritual and therapeutic importance. Various parts of these trees have been investigated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, dermoprotective, and nephroprotective properties. Previous reviews of Ficus mostly discussed traditional usages, photochemistry, and pharmacological activities, though comprehensive reviews of the neuroprotective potential of these Ficus species extracts and/or their important phytocompounds are lacking. The interesting phytocompounds from these trees include many bengalenosides, carotenoids, flavonoids (leucopelargonidin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, leucopelargonidin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, lupeol, cetyl behenate, and α-amyrin acetate), flavonols (kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin), leucocyanidin, phytosterols (bergapten, bergaptol, lanosterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol), terpenes (α-thujene, α-pinene, β-pinene, α-terpinene, limonene, β-ocimene, β-bourbonene, β-caryophyllene, α-trans-bergamotene, α-copaene, aromadendrene, α-humulene, alloaromadendrene, germacrene, γ-cadinene, and δ-cadinene), and diverse polyphenols (tannin, wax, saponin, leucoanthocyanin), contributing significantly to their pharmacological effects, ranging from antimicrobial action to neuroprotection. This review presents extensive mechanistic insights into the neuroprotective potential, especially important phytochemicals from F. religiosa and F. benghalensis. Owing to the complex pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), the currently existing drugs merely alleviate the symptoms. Hence, bioactive compounds with potent neuroprotective effects through a multitarget approach would be of great interest in developing pharmacophores for the treatment of NDDs.
Triterpenoids and Polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum Improve the Histomorphology and Function of Testes in Middle-Aged Male Mice by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Cellular Apoptosis
Authors: Li Yanhong , Liang Wei , Han Yunlin , Zhao Wenjie , Wang Siyuan , Qin Chuan
Published: November 2022

Aging is an inevitable physiological process accompanied by a decline in body physiology, including male fertility. A preparation from Ganoderma lucidum (GL) containing triterpenes and polysaccharides has been shown to have anti-aging properties. In the current study, the effects of GL on mating ability, testosterone secretion, and testicular structure and function were observed in middle-aged male mice. The GL preparation was administered orally to mice for 2 to 5 months, and then behavioral, serological, and histopathological examinations were performed. Results showed that in the GL group of mice, the mating latency was shortened, the number of pursuits within 20 min was increased, and the mating success rate was higher compared to control mice. Additionally, the levels of serum testosterone, cell proliferation (Ki67), and sperm-specific lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-C4 were increased, while the levels of senescence-related protein p16 and cellular apoptosis were decreased in GL mice. Testicular spermatogenic cells and sperm and stromal cells were reduced and exhibited structural disorder in 11- and 14-month-old control mice, while these changes were improved compared to age-matched mice receiving the GL preparation. Furthermore, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the pro-apoptotic protein Bax were decreased, while the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was increased in GL mice. Finally, the mitochondrial structure was relatively complete in GL mice compared to controls. Therefore, GL has the potential to improve testicular structure and function in middle-aged male mice by alleviating oxidative stress, maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, and reducing cellular apoptosis.
Effects of an Intermittent Fasting 5:2 Plus Program on Body Weight in Chinese Adults with Overweight or Obesity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kang Junren , Shi Xiaodong , Fu Ji , Li Hailong , Ma Enling , Chen Wei
Published: November 2022

To retrospectively review the efficacy of intermittent fasting 5:2 plus program (30% of energy requirements on fast days and 70% of energy requirements on nonfasting days) in Chinese patients with overweight or obesity. This retrospective cohort study evaluated weight loss outcomes of patients treated with 12 weeks weight loss program in clinic. Adults with overweight or obesity participated in intermittent fasting 5:2 plus, daily calorie restriction (70% of energy requirements every day) or daily calorie restriction with meal replacement (70% of energy requirements every day, partly provided with high-protein meal replacement) programs for 12 weeks. The primary objective was to compare the weight loss of three groups. The primary outcome measure was the change in the % total weight loss. A total of 131 patients (35.3 ± 10.1 years; 81.7% female) were included, and the mean weight loss was 7.8 ± 4.4% after 12 weeks. The intermittent fasting 5:2 plus group (n = 42) achieved 9.0 ± 5.3% weight loss, compared with 5.7 ± 3.7% in the daily calorie restriction group (n = 41) (p < 0.001) and 8.6 ± 3.5% in the meal replacement group (n = 48) (p = 0.650). A total of 85.7% of patients in the intermittent fasting 5:2 plus group lost more than 5% body weight, vs. 58.5% in the daily calorie restriction group (p = 0.008), and 45.2% lost more than 10% body weight, vs. 14.6% in the daily calorie restriction group (p = 0.005). No serious adverse events were reported in the three groups. The intermittent fasting 5:2 plus program more effectively led to weight loss than daily calorie restriction in the short-term in Chinese patients with overweight or obesity. A longer-term prospective randomized controlled trial is needed.
Evaluation of Biological Activities and Medicinal Properties of Honey Drops and Honey Lozenges
Authors: Larsen Petra , Ahmed Marya
Published: November 2022

Raw honey naturally possesses a number of health benefits that are imbued by its components, including phenolics acids, flavonoids, enzymes, sugars, and organic acids. Processing of raw honey at high temperatures, often leads to a loss of biological activity and active ingredients, hence, reducing the medicinal benefits of processed honey samples. This study describes that the processing of raw honey into honey-based candies slightly changed the physicochemical properties of raw honey, as was observed by the loss of diastase activity and reduction in hydrogen peroxide content in honey-based candies. However, the overall health benefits of honey-based candies were maintained. The processing of honey into candies (lozenges and drops) maintained antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of honey candies relative to the raw honey samples.
Effects of Enzamin, a Microbial Product, on Alterations of Intestinal Microbiota Induced by a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Yasuzawa Toshinori , Nishi Ryota , Ishitani Satono , Matsuo Osamu , Ueshima Shigeru
Published: November 2022

In the human intestinal tract, there are more than 100 trillion microorganisms classified into at least 1000 different species. The intestinal microbiota contributes to the regulation of systemic physiologic functions and the maintenance of homeostasis of the host. It has been reported that the alteration of the intestinal microbiota is involved in metabolic syndromes, including type II diabetes and dyslipidemia, inflammatory bowel disease, allergic disease, and cancer growth. It has been reported that a microbial product from Paenibacillus polymyxa AK, which was named Enzamin, ameliorated adipose inflammation with impaired adipocytokine expression and insulin resistance in db/db mice. In order to investigate the effect of Enzamin on the intestinal microbiota and inflammation induced by obesity, mice were fed with a high-fat diet and 1% Enzamin for 4 weeks. Enzamin improved the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and altered the intestinal microbiota in mice fed the high-fat diet. In addition, Enzamin suppressed the decreased expression of claudin-4 and the increased serum LPS level in mice fed with the high-fat diet. Modulating the intestinal microbiota with Enzamin may cause a decrease in serum LPS level. Based on these results, Enzamin may improve inflammation and metabolic disorders by regulating the intestinal microbiota in obese mice.
Impact of the Nutrition–Inflammation Status on the Functionality of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Nogueira Ángel , Álvarez Graciela , Barril Guillermina
Published: November 2022

Functional capacity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is compromised by their nutrition-inflammation status. We evaluated the functional capacity of advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) patients and the influence of the nutrition-inflammation status. In a cross-sectional study, which included ACKD patients from the nephrology department of the Hospital Universitario de la Princesa in Madrid, Spain, we assessed: functional capacity with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test, interpreting a result <7 in the test as low functionality; body composition with monofrequency bioimpedance; muscular strength with hand grip strength; nutritional and inflammatory status using biochemical parameters and the Malnutrition Inflammation Scale (MIS). A total of 255 patients with ACKD were evaluated, 65.8% were men, their mean age was 70.65 ± 11.97 years and 70.2% of the patients had an age >65 years. The mean score of SPPB was 8.50 ± 2.81 and 76.4% of the patients presented a score ≥7, with a higher percentage in the group of men. The percentage of patients with limitations increased with age. The patients with SPPB values higher than 7 showed high values of albumin and low soluble C-reactive protein (s-CRP) and MIS. We found better functionality in well-nourished patients. A multivariate logistic regression model established an association of high albumin values with a better functional capacity (OR: 0.245 CI: 0.084–0.714 p < 0.010), while another model showed an association between CRP values and decreased functionality (OR: 1.267 CI: 1.007–1.594 p = 0.044). Conclusion: nutritional status and body composition influence on the functional capacity of patients with ACKD.
2-Butoxytetrahydrofuran and Palmitic Acid from Holothuria scabra Enhance C. elegans Lifespan and Healthspan via DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/NRF2 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Jattujan Prapaporn , Srisirirung Sirin , Watcharaporn Warisra , Chumphoochai Kawita , Kraokaew Pichnaree , Sanguanphun Tanatcha , Prasertsuksri Prachayaporn , Thongdechsri Salinthip , Sobhon Prasert , Meemon Krai
Published: November 2022

Extracts from a sea cucumber, Holothuria scabra, have been shown to exhibit various pharmacological properties including anti-oxidation, anti-aging, anti-cancer, and anti-neurodegeneration. Furthermore, certain purified compounds from H. scabra displayed neuroprotective effects against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Therefore, in the present study, we further examined the anti-aging activity of purified H. scabra compounds in a Caenorhabditis elegans model. Five compounds were isolated from ethyl acetate and butanol fractions of the body wall of H. scabra and characterized as diterpene glycosides (holothuria A and B), palmitic acid, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and 2-butoxytetrahydrofuran (2-BTHF). Longevity assays revealed that 2-BTHF and palmitic acid could significantly extend lifespan of wild type C. elegans. Moreover, 2-BTHF and palmitic acid were able to enhance resistance to paraquat-induced oxidative stress and thermal stress. By testing the compounds’ effects on longevity pathways, it was shown that 2-BTHF and palmitic acid could not extend lifespans of daf-16, age-1, sir-2.1, jnk-1, and skn-1 mutant worms, indicating that these compounds exerted their actions through these genes in extending the lifespan of C. elegans. These compounds induced DAF-16::GFP nuclear translocation and upregulated the expressions of daf-16, hsp-16.2, sod-3 mRNA and SOD-3::GFP. Moreover, they also elevated protein and mRNA expressions of GST-4, which is a downstream target of the SKN-1 transcription factor. Taken together, the study demonstrated the anti-aging activities of 2-BTHF and palmitic acid from H. scabra were mediated via DAF-16/FOXO insulin/IGF and SKN-1/NRF2 signaling pathways.
Immunomodulatory Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Black Radish on Mouse Macrophages via the TLR2/4-Mediated Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jeon Hyungsik , Oh Soyeon , Kum Eunjoo , Seo Sooyeong , Park Youngjun , Kim Giok
Published: November 2022

Here, we determined the immunostimulatory effects of black radish (Raphanus sativus ver niger) hot water extract (BRHE) on a mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) and mouse peritoneal macrophages. We found that BRHE treatment increased cell proliferation, phagocytic activity, nitric oxide (NO) levels, cytokine production, and reactive oxygen species synthesis. Moreover, BRHE increased the expression of the following immunomodulators in RAW 264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages: pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), iNOS, and COX-2. BRHE treatment significantly up-regulated the phosphorylation of components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Akt, and STAT3 signaling pathways. Further, the effects of BRHE on macrophages were significantly diminished after the cells were treated with the TLR2 antagonist C29 or the TLR4 antagonist TAK-242. Therefore, BRHE-induced immunostimulatory phenotypes in mouse macrophages were reversed by multiple inhibitors, such as TLR antagonist, MAPK inhibitor, and Akt inhibitor indicating that BRHE induced macrophage activation through the TLR2/4–MAPK–NFκB–Akt–STAT3 signaling pathway. These results indicate that BRHE may serve as a potential immunomodulatory factor or functional food and provide the scientific basis for the comprehensive utilization and evaluation of black radish in future applications.
Danazol in Refractory Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia or Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Case Series Report and Literature Review
Authors: Huang Hsu-En , Lin Ko-Ming , Lin Jing-Chi , Lin Yu-Ting , He Hsiao-Ru , Wang Yu-Wei , Yu Shan-Fu , Chen Jia-Feng , Cheng Tien-Tsai
Published: November 2022

Danazol is a treatment option for autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Three patients with AIHA and eight patients with ITP between 2008 and 2022 were enrolled in the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung. Those patients were refractory or intolerant to conventional therapy and were treated with danazol. All the patients received an initial dose of danazol (200–400 mg). The observation period was 6 months. Three patients (100%) with AIHA and six (75%) with ITP achieved treatment response after 6 months of danazol therapy. The dose of glucocorticoid for responders could be reduced to ≤5 mg/day of prednisolone, and the immunosuppressants, except hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine for systemic lupus erythematosus, could be discontinued. Adverse events were acne in two (18.2%) patients and transient dose-related liver function impairment in one (9.1%) patient in the current series. Danazol therapy appears to be a favorable alternative for refractory AIHA and ITP by altering the erythrocyte membrane to resist osmotic lysis and protecting platelets against complement-mediated lysis. In this report, we also performed a literature review and searched the PubMed/Cochrane Library for articles published from 1984 to January 2022 on danazol therapy for patients with AIHA and ITP.
Curcumin-Loaded Oil-Free Self-Assembled Micelles Inhibit the Influenza A Virus Activity and the Solidification of Curcumin-Loaded Micelles for Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Li Cun-Zhao , Chang Hui-Min , Hsu Wei-Li , Venkatesan Parthiban , Lin Martin Hsiu-Chu , Lai Ping-Shan
Published: November 2022

Curcumin, a well-known natural lipophilic phenolic compound, plays a vital role in inhibiting the influenza infection. Currently, many kinds of formulations for the enhancement of a water dispersion of curcumin have been developed; however, the anti-influenza abilities of formulated curcumin have been much less investigated. In this study, the optimized self-assembled micelles of RH 40/Tween 80 loaded with curcumin (Cur-M) in an oil-free-based system were spherical with a hydrodynamic size at 13.55 nm ± 0.208 and polydispersity at 0.144 characterized by atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering, respectively. Additionally, Cur-M significantly increased the bioactivity/stability of curcumin and effectively inhibited the influenza A virus infection and its replication after viral entry, indicating the alteration of the inhibition mechanisms of curcumin against virus infection via RH 40/Tween 80 micelle formulation. Furthermore, a solid formulation (Cur-SM) of Cur-M was successfully developed by a one-pot physical adsorption method using a small amount of adsorbent and ~50% of curcumin/Cur-M that could be burst released from Cur-SM in 1 h, facilitating the fast-releasing applications. Ultimately, all of the results show that Cur-SM acts as a good nano-formulation of curcumin with improved solubility/dispersity in aqueous solutions and demonstrate new anti-influenza mechanisms of curcumin for pharmaceutical development.
New Insight into Rubber Composites Based on Graphene Nanoplatelets, Electrolyte Iron Particles, and Their Hybrid for Stretchable Magnetic Materials
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Alam Md Najib , Park Sang-Shin , Lee Dong-Joo
Published: November 2022

New and soft composites with good mechanical stretchability are constantly addressed in the literature due to their use in various industrial applications such as soft robotics. The stretchable magnetic materials presented in this work show a promising magnetic effect of up to 28% and improved magnetic sensitivity. The composites are soft in nature and possess hardness below 65. These composites were prepared by mixing silicone rubber with fillers such as graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), electrolyte-iron particles (EIP), and their hybrid via solution mixing. The final composites were cured at room temperature for 24 h and their isotropic and anisotropic properties were studied and presented. The mechanical properties under compressive and tensile strain were studied in detail. The results show that the compressive modulus was 1.73 MPa (control) and increased to 3.7 MPa (GNP) at 15 per hundred parts of rubber (phr), 3.2 MPa (EIP), and 4.3 MPa (hybrid) at 80 phr. Similarly, the mechanical stretchability was 112% (control) and increased to 186% (GNP) at 15 phr, 134% (EIP), and 136% (hybrid) at 60 phr. Thus, GNP emerges as a superior reinforcing filler with high stiffness, a high compressive modulus, and high mechanical stretchability. However, the GNP did not show mechanical sensitivity under a magnetic field. Therefore, the hybrids containing GNP and EIP were considered and an improved mechanical performance with magnetic sensitivity was noticed and reported. The mechanism involves the orientation of EIP under a magnetic field causing a magnetic effect, which is 28% for EIP and 5% for hybrid.
Full Recycling and Re-Use of Bio-Based Epoxy Thermosets: Chemical and Thermomechanical Characterization of the Recycled Matrices
Authors: Dattilo Sandro , Cicala Gianluca , Riccobene Paolo Maria , Puglisi Concetto , Saitta Lorena
Published: November 2022

High performances of thermosets deriving from their covalent intermolecular cross-link bonds result in their low recyclability hindering the full exploitation of a truly circular approach for cured thermosets. In this experimental work, the recyclability of a bio-based fully recyclable epoxy resin using a mild chemical recycling process was demonstrated. The recycled polymer obtained was fully characterized to ascertain its structure and properties. MALDI (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization), GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy to determine the chemical structure of the recycled polymer were used. The thermomechanical properties of the cured virgin network and of the recycled product obtained were measured by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) and DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis). Thermogravimetric analysis of the recycled polymer was also performed. The recycled polymer was transformed into a polyurethane by reacting it with an isocyanate. The synthetized polyurethane obtained therefrom was thoroughly characterized by thermogravimetric analysis. This approach proved the possibility to up-scale the recycled product making it available for novel applications exploiting its re-use.
Special Issue “Mechanical Performance of Sustainable Bio-Based Compounds”
Authors: Patti Antonella , Acierno Domenico
Published: November 2022

The global production of plastic is increasing, and plastic represents one of the most popular materials, widespread in countless applications in commercial and industrial fields and everyday life [...]
The Influence of Isoenzyme Composition and Chemical Modification on Horseradish Peroxidase@ZIF-8 Biocomposite Performance
Authors: Stanišić Marija D. , Popović Kokar Nikolina , Ristić Predrag , Balaž Ana Marija , Ognjanović Miloš , Đokić Veljko R. , Prodanović Radivoje , Todorović Tamara R.
Published: November 2022

Many articles in the literature deal with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) biomineralization, but none pay attention to the isoenzyme composition of commercial HRP or the influence of the carbohydrate component of the protein molecule on the biomineralization process. To study the impact of these factors, we performed periodate oxidation of commercial HRP and a purified HRP-C isoform for biomineralization within ZIF-8. With purified HRP, enzyme@ZIF-8 biocomposites with higher activity were obtained, while periodate oxidation of the carbohydrate component of both commercial HRP and purified HRP-C yields biocomposites with very high activity in acetate buffer that does not degrade the ZIF-8 structure. Using acetate instead of phosphate buffer can prevent the false high activity of HRP@ZIF-8 biocomposites caused by the degradation of ZIF-8 coating. At the same time, purification and especially oxidation of the carbohydrate component of enzymes prior to biomineralization lead to significantly improved activity of the biocomposites.
The Readymade as Social Exchange: Everyday Tactics of Resistance in Conceptual Art
Authors: Aghajanian Arthur
Published: November 2022

Ever since Marcel Duchamp introduced the readymade, the mass-produced object has played a key role in modern and contemporary art. As commodity culture became increasingly dominant in the decades following the second world war, artists turned to the readymade in the context of two movements that continue to be influential for the art of today: Pop art and Conceptual art. In the work of many contemporary artists, we have witnessed the tendency—inspired by Pop art’s engagement with consumer culture, to heighten the fetishistic nature of the commodity image. Conversely, many artists, influenced by Conceptualism’s methods of relocating and redefining aesthetics, have employed the readymade as a device to explore how objects mediate relationships within specific cultural contexts. This essay examines the implications of both paradigms using the theology of Michel de Certeau as a point of reference. The framework of mystical Christianity found in de Certeau’s writing, particularly with regard to his theory of “everyday practices”, provides a rich interpretation of the work of John Knight and Gabriel Orozco. The conceptual practices of both artists, particularly in the examples studied here, suggest deeper spiritual themes, and demonstrate the applicability of Christian ethics to readings of contemporary art.
Comparison of Machine Learning Approaches for Reconstructing Sea Subsurface Salinity Using Synthetic Data
Authors: Tian Tian , Leng Hongze , Wang Gongjie , Li Guancheng , Song Junqiang , Zhu Jiang , An Yuzhu
Published: November 2022

There is a growing interest in using sparse in situ salinity data to reconstruct high-resolution three-dimensional subsurface salinity with global coverage. However, in areas with no observations, there is a lack of observation data for comparison with reconstructed fields, leading to challenges in assessing the quality and improving the accuracy of the reconstructed data. To address these issues, this study adopted the ‘resampling test’ method to establish the ‘synthetic data’ to test the performance of different machine learning algorithms. The Centre National de Recherches Meteorologiques Climate Model Version 6, and its high-resolution counterpart (CNRM-CM6-1-HR) model data was used. The key advantage of the CNRM-CM6-1-HR is that the true values for salinity are known across the entire ocean at every point in time, and thus we can compare the reconstruction result to this data. The ‘synthetic dataset’ was established by resampling the model data according to the location of in situ observations. This synthetic dataset was then used to prepare two datasets: an ‘original synthetic dataset’ with no noise added to the resampled truth value and a ‘noised synthetic dataset’ with observation error perturbation added to the resampled truth value. The resampled salinity values of the model were taken as the ‘truth values’, and the feed-forward neural network (FFNN) and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) approaches were used to design four reconstruction experiments and build multiple sets of reconstruction data. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the different reconstruction schemes were compared through multi-dimensional evaluation of the reconstructed data, and the applicability of the FFNN and LightGBM approaches for reconstructing global salinity data from sparse data was discussed. The results showed that the best-performing scheme has low root-mean-square errors (~0.035 psu) and high correlation coefficients (~0.866). The reconstructed dataset from this experiment accurately reflected the geographical pattern and vertical structure of salinity fields, and also performed well on the noised synthetic dataset. This reconstruction scheme has good generalizability and robustness, which indicates its potential as a solution for reconstructing high-resolution subsurface salinity data with global coverage in practical applications.