bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Step Extraction of Olive Phenols from Aqueous Solution Using β-Cyclodextrin in the Solid State, a Simple Eco-Friendly Method Providing Photochemical Stability to the Extracts
Authors: Malapert Aurélia , Reboul Emmanuelle , Dangles Olivier , Thiéry Alain , Sylla N’nabinty , Tomao Valérie
Published: July 2021

The extraction of phenolic compounds from olive mill wastes is important, not only to avoid environmental damages, but also because of the intrinsic value of those biophenols, well-known for their high antioxidant potential and health benefits. This study focuses on tyrosol (Tyr) and hydroxytyrosol (HT), two of the main phenolic compounds found in olive mill wastes. A new, simple, and eco-friendly extraction process for the removal of phenolic compounds from aqueous solutions using native β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) in the solid state has been developed. Several β-CD/biophenol molar ratios and biophenol concentrations were investigated, in order to maintain β-CD mostly in the solid state while optimizing the extraction yield and the loading capacity of the sorbent. The extraction efficiencies of Tyr and HT were up to 61%, with a total solid recovery higher than 90% using an initial concentration of 100 mM biophenol and 10 molar equivalents of β-CD. The photochemical stability of the complexes thus obtained was estimated from ∆E*ab curve vs. illumination time. The results obtained showed that the phenols encapsulated into solid β-CD are protected against photodegradation. The powder obtained could be directly developed as a safe-grade food supplement. This simple eco-friendly process could be used for extracting valuable biophenols from olive mill wastewater.
Antioxidants Isolated from Elaeagnus umbellata (Thunb.) Protect against Bacterial Infections and Diabetes in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Model
Authors: Nazir Nausheen , Zahoor Muhammad , Nisar Mohammad , Khan Imran , Ullah Riaz , Alotaibi Amal
Published: July 2021

The increase in resistance of microbes against conventional drugs is currently a hot issue, whereas diabetes is another main cause of mortalities encountered throughout the world after cancer and heart attacks. New drug sources in the form of plants are investigated to get effective drugs for the mentioned diseases with minimum side effects. Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. is a medicinal plant used for the management of stress related disorders like diabetes and other health complications. The active constituents of the chloroform extract derived from E. umbellata berries was isolated by silica gel column chromatography which were identified as morin, phloroglucinol, and 1-hexyl benzene through various spectroscopic techniques (electron ionization mass spectrometry, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy). The possible protective effects (antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activity) of isolated compounds were evaluated using reported methods. Morin exhibited strong in vitro antiradical potential against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals along with prominent antibacterial activities against selected bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis). Among the isolated compounds the more potent one (morin) was assessed for its in vivo antidiabetic potential in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. The in vivo effects observed were further confirmed in ex vivo experiments where the effect of isolated compound on antioxidant enzyme like glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total content of reduced glutathione (GSH), % DPPH inhibition, and the lipid peroxidation MDA (Malondialdehyde) level in pancreatic tissues homogenates were evaluated. In vivo morin at tested doses (2, 10, 15, 30 and 50 mg/kg body weight) significantly restored the alterations in the levels of fasting blood glucose level and body weight loss along with significant decrease in levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, HbA1c level, and significantly increased the high-density lipoprotein in diabetic rats. Morin also effectively ameliorated the hepatic enzymes, and renal functions like serum creatinine. Morin significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme like GPx activity, GSH content, and % DPPH inhibition activity, while reduced the lipid peroxidation MDA (malondialdehyde) level in pancreatic tissues homogenates, and modification of histopathological changes in diabetic rats. Morin exhibited high antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic potentials as compared to phloroglucinol and 1-hexyl benzene, that could, therefore, be considered as a promising therapeutic agent to treat diabetes mellitus and bacterial infections.
Valorization of Fermented Shrimp Waste with Supercritical CO2 Conditions: Extraction of Astaxanthin and Effect of Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion on Its Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Cabanillas-Bojórquez Luis Angel , Gutiérrez-Grijalva Erick Paul , González-Aguilar Gustavo Adolfo , López-Martinez Leticia Xochitl , Castillo-López Ramón Ignacio , Bastidas-Bastidas Pedro de Jesús , Heredia José Basilio
Published: July 2021

Lactic acid fermentation increases the bioactive properties of shrimp waste. Astaxanthin is the principal carotenoid present in shrimp waste, which can be found esterified in the liquid fraction (liquor) after its lactic acid fermentation. Supercritical CO2 technology has been proposed as a green alternative to obtain astaxanthin from fermented shrimp waste. This study aimed to optimize astaxanthin extraction by supercritical CO2 technology from fermented liquor of shrimp waste and study bioaccessibility using simulated gastrointestinal digestion (GD) of the optimized extract. A Box–Behnken design with three variables (pressure, temperature, and flow rate) was used to optimize the supercritical CO2 extraction. The optimized CO2 extract was obtained at 300 bar, 60 °C, and 6 mL/min, and the estimated characteristics showed a predictive extraction yield of 11.17%, antioxidant capacity of 1.965 mmol of Trolox equivalent (TE)/g, and astaxanthin concentration of 0.6353 µg/g. The experiment with optimal conditions performed to validate the predicted values showed an extraction yield of 12.62%, an antioxidant capacity of 1.784 mmol TE/g, and an astaxanthin concentration of 0.52 µg/g. The astaxanthin concentration decreased, and the antioxidant capacity of the optimized extract increased during gastrointestinal digestion. In conclusion, our optimized supercritical CO2 process is suitable for obtaining astaxanthin from shrimp by-products after lactic acid fermentation.
Review on Applications of 17O in Hydrological Cycle
Authors: Nyamgerel Yalalt , Han Yeongcheol , Kim Minji , Koh Dongchan , Lee Jeonghoon
Published: July 2021

The triple oxygen isotopes (16O, 17O, and 18O) are very useful in hydrological and climatological studies because of their sensitivity to environmental conditions. This review presents an overview of the published literature on the potential applications of 17O in hydrological studies. Dual-inlet isotope ratio mass spectrometry and laser absorption spectroscopy have been used to measure 17O, which provides information on atmospheric conditions at the moisture source and isotopic fractionations during transport and deposition processes. The variations of δ17O from the developed global meteoric water line, with a slope of 0.528, indicate the importance of regional or local effects on the 17O distribution. In polar regions, factors such as the supersaturation effect, intrusion of stratospheric vapor, post-depositional processes (local moisture recycling through sublimation), regional circulation patterns, sea ice concentration and local meteorological conditions determine the distribution of 17O-excess. Numerous studies have used these isotopes to detect the changes in the moisture source, mixing of different water vapor, evaporative loss in dry regions, re-evaporation of rain drops during warm precipitation and convective storms in low and mid-latitude waters. Owing to the large variation of the spatial scale of hydrological processes with their extent (i.e., whether the processes are local or regional), more studies based on isotopic composition of surface and subsurface water, convective precipitation, and water vapor, are required. In particular, in situ measurements are important for accurate simulations of atmospheric hydrological cycles by isotope-enabled general circulation models.
Antiproliferative Effect of Colonic Fermented Phenolic Compounds from Jaboticaba (Myrciaria trunciflora) Fruit Peel in a 3D Cell Model of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Augusti Paula Rossini , Quatrin Andréia , Mello Renius , Bochi Vivian Caetano , Rodrigues Eliseu , Prazeres Inês D. , Macedo Ana Catarina , Oliveira-Alves Sheila Cristina , Emanuelli Tatiana , Bronze Maria Rosário , Serra Ana Teresa
Published: July 2021

Jaboticaba is a Brazilian native berry described as a rich source of phenolic compounds (PC) with health promoting effects. PC from jaboticaba peel powder (JPP) have low intestinal bio-accessibility and are catabolized by gut microbiota. However, the biological implication of PC-derived metabolites produced during JPP digestion remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of colonic fermented JPP (FJPP) in a 3D model of colorectal cancer (CRC) composed by HT29 spheroids. JPP samples fermented with human feces during 0, 2, 8, 24 or 48 h were incubated (10,000 µg mL−1) with spheroids, and cell viability was assessed after 72 h. Chemometric analyses (cluster and principal component analyses) were used to identify the main compounds responsible for the bioactive effect. The antiproliferative effect of FJPP in the CRC 3D model was increased between 8 h and 24 h of incubation, and this effect was associated with HHDP-digalloylglucose isomer and dihydroxyphenyl-γ-valerolactone. At 48 h of fermentation, the antiproliferative effect of FJPP was negligible, indicating that the presence of urolithins did not improve the bioactivity of JPP. These findings provide relevant knowledge on the role of colonic microbiota fermentation to generate active phenolic metabolites from JPP with positive impact on CRC.
Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities (α-Glucosidase, Xanthine Oxidase, and Acetylcholinesterase) of Musella lasiocarpa
Authors: Li Rurui , Ru Yuerong , Wang Zhenxing , He Xiahong , Kong Kin-Weng , Zheng Tingting , Zhang Xuechun
Published: July 2021

In this study, we aimed to investigate the chemical components and biological activities of Musella lasiocarpa, a special flower that is edible and has functional properties. The crude methanol extract and its four fractions (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous fractions) were tested for their total antioxidant capacity, followed by their α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities. Among the samples, the highest total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were found in the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction (224.99 mg GAE/g DE) and crude methanol extract (187.81 mg QE/g DE), respectively. The EtOAc fraction of Musella lasiocarpa exhibited the strongest DPPH· scavenging ability, ABTS·+ scavenging ability, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with the IC50 values of 22.17, 12.10, and 125.66 μg/mL, respectively. The EtOAc fraction also showed the strongest ferric reducing antioxidant power (1513.89 mg FeSO4/g DE) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity ability (524.11 mg Trolox/g DE), which were higher than those of the control BHT. In contrast, the aqueous fraction demonstrated the highest acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 10.11 μg/mL), and the best xanthine oxidase inhibitory ability (IC50 = 5.23 μg/mL) was observed from the crude methanol extract as compared with allopurinol (24.85 μg/mL). The HPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS analyses further revealed an impressive arsenal of compounds, including phenolic acids, fatty acids, esters, terpenoids, and flavonoids, in the most biologically active EtOAc fraction. Taken together, this is the first report indicating the potential of Musella lasiocarpa as an excellent natural source of antioxidants with possible therapeutic, nutraceutical, and functional food applications.
Nanocrystal-Loaded Micelles for the Enhanced In Vivo Circulation of Docetaxel
Authors: Cheng Meng , Liu Qiaoming , Gan Tiantian , Fang Yuanying , Yue Pengfei , Sun Yongbing , Jin Yi , Feng Jianfang , Tu Liangxing
Published: July 2021

Prolonging in vivo circulation has proved to be an efficient route for enhancing the therapeutic effect of rapidly metabolized drugs. In this study, we aimed to construct a nanocrystal-loaded micelles delivery system to enhance the blood circulation of docetaxel (DOC). We employed high-pressure homogenization to prepare docetaxel nanocrystals (DOC(Nc)), and then produced docetaxel nanocrystal-loaded micelles (DOC(Nc)@mPEG-PLA) by a thin-film hydration method. The particle sizes of optimized DOC(Nc), docetaxel micelles (DOC@mPEG-PLA), and DOC(Nc)@mPEG-PLA were 168.4, 36.3, and 72.5 nm, respectively. The crystallinity of docetaxel was decreased after transforming it into nanocrystals, and the crystalline state of docetaxel in micelles was amorphous. The constructed DOC(Nc)@mPEG-PLA showed good stability as its particle size showed no significant change in 7 days. Despite their rapid dissolution, docetaxel nanocrystals exhibited higher bioavailability. The micelles prolonged the retention time of docetaxel in the circulation system of rats, and DOC(Nc)@mPEG-PLA exhibited the highest retention time and bioavailability. These results reveal that constructing nanocrystal-loaded micelles may be a promising way to enhance the in vivo circulation and bioavailability of rapidly metabolized drugs such as docetaxel.
Postharvest Drying Techniques Regulate Secondary Metabolites and Anti-Neuroinflammatory Activities of Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Sadiq Nooruddin-bin , Ryu Da-Hye , Cho Jwa-Yeong , Lee A-Hyeon , Song Dae-Geun , Dorjsembe Banzragch , Kim Jin-Chul , Jung Je-Hyeong , Nho Chu-Won , Hamayun Muhammad , Yang Seung-Hoon , Kim Ho-Youn
Published: July 2021

Ganoderma lucidum extract is a potent traditional remedy for curing various ailments. Drying is the most important postharvest step during the processing of Ganoderma lucidum. The drying process mainly involves heat (36 h at 60 °C) and freeze-drying (36 h at −80 °C). We investigated the effects of different postharvest drying protocols on the metabolites profiling of Ganoderma lucidum using GC-MS, followed by an investigation of the anti-neuroinflammatory potential in LPS-treated BV2 microglial cells. A total of 109 primary metabolites were detected from heat and freeze-dried samples. Primary metabolite profiling showed higher levels of amino acids (17.4%) and monosaccharides (8.8%) in the heat-dried extracts, whereas high levels of organic acids (64.1%) were present in the freeze-dried samples. The enzymatic activity, such as ATP-citrate synthase, pyruvate kinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphatase dehydrogenase, glutamine synthase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, and D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, related to the reverse tricarboxylic acid cycle were significantly high in the heat-dried samples. We also observed a decreased phosphorylation level of the MAP kinase (Erk1/2, p38, and JNK) and NF-κB subunit p65 in the heat-dried samples of the BV2 microglia cells. The current study suggests that heat drying improves the production of ganoderic acids by the upregulation of TCA-related pathways, which, in turn, gives a significant reduction in the inflammatory response of LPS-induced BV2 cells. This may be attributed to the inhibition of NF-κB and MAP kinase signaling pathways in cells treated with heat-dried extracts.
Characteristics of the Molecular Weight of Polyhexamethylene Guanidine (PHMG) Used as a Household Humidifier Disinfectant
Authors: Park Dong-Uk , Yang Kee Won , Kim Jiwon , Park Ju-Hyun , Lee So-Yeon , Zoh Kyung Ehi , Kwon Jung-Hwan , Park Soyoung , Oh Han Bin
Published: July 2021

(1) Background: Household humidifier disinfectant (HD) brands containing polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) have been found to cause the most HD-associated lung injuries (HDLIs) in the Republic of Korea. Nevertheless, no study has attempted to characterize the potential association of the health effects, including HDLI, with the physicochemical properties of PHMG dissolved in different HD brands. This study aimed to characterize the molecular weight (MW) distribution, the number-average molecular weight (Mn), the weight-average molecular weight (Mw), and the structural types of PHMG used in HD products. (2) Methods: Quantitative measurements were made using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The Mn, Mw, and MW distributions were compared among various HD products. (3) Results: The mean Mn and Mw were 542.4 g/mol (range: 403.0–692.2 g/mol) and 560.7 g/mol (range: 424.0–714.70 g/mol), respectively. The degree of PHMG oligomerization ranged from 3 to 7. The MW distribution of PHMG indicated oligomeric compounds regardless of the HD brands. (4) Conclusions: Based on the molecular weight distribution, the average molecular weight of PHMG, and the degree of polymerization, the PHMG collected from HDLI victims could be regarded as an oligomer. PHMG, as used in household humidifiers, should not be exempted from toxic chemical registration as a polymer. Further study is necessary to examine the association of PHMG oligomeric compounds and respiratory health effects, including HDLI.
Fedratinib Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis via the JAK2/STAT3 and TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ruan Hao , Luan Jiaoyan , Gao Shaoyan , Li Shuangling , Jiang Qiuyan , Liu Rui , Liang Qing , Zhang Ruiqin , Zhang Fangxia , Li Xiaohe , Zhou Honggang , Yang Cheng
Published: July 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease with multiple causes, characterized by excessive myofibrocyte aggregation and extracellular matrix deposition. Related studies have shown that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a key cytokine causing fibrosis, promoting abnormal epithelial–mesenchymal communication and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition. Fedratinib (Fed) is a marketed drug for the treatment of primary and secondary myelofibrosis, targeting selective JAK2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, its role in pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the potential effects and mechanisms of Fed on pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies have shown that Fed attenuates TGF-β1- and IL-6-induced myofibroblast activation and inflammatory response by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. In vivo studies have shown that Fed can reduce bleomycin-induced inflammation and collagen deposition and improve lung function. In conclusion, Fed inhibited inflammation and fibrosis processes induced by TGF-β1 and IL-6 by targeting the JAK2 receptor.
Disproportionation of H2O2 Mediated by Diiron-Peroxo Complexes as Catalase Mimics
Authors: Lakk-Bogáth Dóra , Török Patrik , Csendes Flóra Viktória , Keszei Soma , Gantner Beatrix , Kaizer József
Published: July 2021

Heme iron and nonheme dimanganese catalases protect biological systems against oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide. Rubrerythrins are ferritine-like nonheme diiron proteins, which are structurally and mechanistically distinct from the heme-type catalase but similar to a dimanganese KatB enzyme. In order to gain more insight into the mechanism of this curious enzyme reaction, non-heme structural and functional models were carried out by the use of mononuclear [FeII(L1–4)(solvent)3](ClO4)2 (1–4) (L1 = 1,3-bis(2-pyridyl-imino)isoindoline, L2 = 1,3-bis(4′-methyl-2-pyridyl-imino)isoindoline, L3 = 1,3-bis(4′-Chloro-2-pyridyl-imino)isoindoline, L4 = 1,3-bis(5′-chloro-2-pyridyl-imino)isoindoline) complexes as catalysts, where the possible reactive intermediates, diiron-perroxo [FeIII2(μ-O)(μ-1,2-O2)(L1-L4)2(Solv)2]2+ (5–8) complexes are known and well-characterized. All the complexes displayed catalase-like activity, which provided clear evidence for the formation of diiron-peroxo species during the catalytic cycle. We also found that the fine-tuning of iron redox states is a critical issue, both the formation rate and the reactivity of the diiron-peroxo species showed linear correlation with the FeIII/FeII redox potentials. Their stability and reactivity towards H2O2 was also investigated and based on kinetic and mechanistic studies a plausible mechanism, including a rate-determining hydrogen atom transfer between the H2O2 and diiron-peroxo species, was proposed. The present results provide one of the first examples of a nonheme diiron-peroxo complex, which shows a catalase-like reaction.
Synthesis, Structure and Impact of 5-Aminoorotic Acid and Its Complexes with Lanthanum(III) and Gallium(III) on the Activity of Xanthine Oxidase
Authors: Todorov Lozan , Saso Luciano , Benarous Khedidja , Traykova Maria , Linani Abderahmane , Kostova Irena
Published: July 2021

The superoxide radical ion is involved in numerous physiological processes, associated with both health and pathology. Its participation in cancer onset and progression is well documented. Lanthanum(III) and gallium(III) are cations that are known to possess anticancer properties. Their coordination complexes are being investigated by the scientific community in the search for novel oncological disease remedies. Their complexes with 5-aminoorotic acid suppress superoxide, derived enzymatically from xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO). It seems that they, to differing extents, impact the enzyme, or the substrate, or both. The present study closely examines their chemical structure by way of modern methods—IR, Raman, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Their superoxide-scavenging behavior in the presence of a non-enzymatic source (potassium superoxide) is compared to that in the presence of an enzymatic source (X/XO). Enzymatic activity of XO, defined in terms of the production of uric acid, seems to be impacted by both complexes and the pure ligand in a concentration-dependent manner. In order to better relate the compounds’ chemical characteristics to XO inhibition, they were docked in silico to XO. A molecular docking assay provided further proof that 5-aminoorotic acid and its complexes with lanthanum(III) and gallium(III) very probably suppress superoxide production via XO inhibition.
Biodiversity of Secondary Metabolites Compounds Isolated from Phylum Actinobacteria and Its Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Al-shaibani Muhanna Mohammed , Radin Mohamed Radin Maya Saphira , Sidik Nik Marzuki , Enshasy Hesham Ali El , Al-Gheethi Adel , Noman Efaq , Al-Mekhlafi Nabil Ali , Zin Noraziah Mohamad
Published: July 2021

The current review aims to summarise the biodiversity and biosynthesis of novel secondary metabolites compounds, of the phylum Actinobacteria and the diverse range of secondary metabolites produced that vary depending on its ecological environments they inhabit. Actinobacteria creates a wide range of bioactive substances that can be of great value to public health and the pharmaceutical industry. The literature analysis process for this review was conducted using the VOSviewer software tool to visualise the bibliometric networks of the most relevant databases from the Scopus database in the period between 2010 and 22 March 2021. Screening and exploring the available literature relating to the extreme environments and ecosystems that Actinobacteria inhabit aims to identify new strains of this major microorganism class, producing unique novel bioactive compounds. The knowledge gained from these studies is intended to encourage scientists in the natural product discovery field to identify and characterise novel strains containing various bioactive gene clusters with potential clinical applications. It is evident that Actinobacteria adapted to survive in extreme environments represent an important source of a wide range of bioactive compounds. Actinobacteria have a large number of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. They can synthesise thousands of subordinate metabolites with different biological actions such as anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, anti-virus, anti-cancer and growth-promoting compounds. These are highly significant economically due to their potential applications in the food, nutrition and health industries and thus support our communities’ well-being.
Short- and Long-Term Dentin Bond Strength of Bioactive Glass-Modified Dental Adhesives
Authors: Oltramare Ramona , Par Matej , Mohn Dirk , Wiedemeier Daniel B. , Attin Thomas , Tauböck Tobias T.
Published: July 2021

This study investigated the short- and long-term effects of dental adhesives doped with nano-sized bioactive glass 45S5 (BAG) on the resin–dentin interfacial bond strength. Two etch-and-rinse adhesives (Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (ASB) and Solobond Plus (SB)) and one self-etch adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond (CF)) were doped with different concentrations of BAG (5, 10, and 20 wt%). The unmodified (0 wt% BAG) commercial adhesives served as control groups. Dentin of 120 molars (n = 10 per group) was treated with the different adhesives, followed by buildups with a conventional composite restorative material. From each tooth, 14 sticks were prepared for micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) testing. The sticks were stored in simulated body fluid at 37 °C and tested after 24 h or six months for µTBS and failure mode. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis tests in combination with post-hoc Conover-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests at a level of significance of α = 0.05. After 24 h and six months, both etch-and-rinse adhesives with a low BAG content (up to 10 wt% for ASB and 5 wt% for SB) showed similar µTBSs as their respective control groups (0 wt% BAG). CF showed a significant decrease in µTBS even after addition of 5 wt% BAG. At a high concentration of added BAG (20 wt%), all three adhesives showed a significant decrease in µTBS compared to the unmodified controls. The CF control group showed significantly lower µTBS after 6 months of storage than after 24 h. In contrast, the µTBS of all CF groups modified with BAG was unaffected by aging. In conclusion, the tested etch-and-rinse adhesives can be modified with up to 5 wt% (SB), or 10 wt% (ASB) of BAG without reducing their short- and long-term dentin bond strength. Moreover, the addition of nano-sized BAG may prevent long-term bond strength deterioration of a self-etch adhesive.
Eco-Interactions of Engineered Nanomaterials in the Marine Environment: Towards an Eco-Design Framework
Authors: Corsi Ilaria , Bellingeri Arianna , Eliso Maria Concetta , Grassi Giacomo , Liberatori Giulia , Murano Carola , Sturba Lucrezia , Vannuccini Maria Luisa , Bergami Elisa
Published: July 2021

Marine nano-ecotoxicology has emerged with the purpose to assess the environmental risks associated with engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) among contaminants of emerging concerns entering the marine environment. ENMs’ massive production and integration in everyday life applications, associated with their peculiar physical chemical features, including high biological reactivity, have imposed a pressing need to shed light on risk for humans and the environment. Environmental safety assessment, known as ecosafety, has thus become mandatory with the perspective to develop a more holistic exposure scenario and understand biological effects. Here, we review the current knowledge on behavior and impact of ENMs which end up in the marine environment. A focus on titanium dioxide (n-TiO2) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), among metal-based ENMs massively used in commercial products, and polymeric NPs as polystyrene (PS), largely adopted as proxy for nanoplastics, is made. ENMs eco-interactions with chemical molecules including (bio)natural ones and anthropogenic pollutants, forming eco- and bio-coronas and link with their uptake and toxicity in marine organisms are discussed. An ecologically based design strategy (eco-design) is proposed to support the development of new ENMs, including those for environmental applications (e.g., nanoremediation), by balancing their effectiveness with no associated risk for marine organisms and humans.
Synthesis and Characterization of Photoluminescent Ce(III) and Ce(IV) Substituted Hydroxyapatite Nanomaterials by Co-Precipitation Method: Cytotoxicity and Biocompatibility Evaluation
Authors: Paduraru Andrei Viorel , Musuc Adina Magdalena , Oprea Ovidiu Cristian , Trusca Roxana , Iordache Florin , Vasile Bogdan Stefan , Andronescu Ecaterina
Published: July 2021

Improved compounds of Ce(III) and Ce(IV)-doped hydroxyapatite (Ca10-xCex(PO4)6(OH)2) with different concentrations such as x = 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10%, obtained by the simple co-precipitation method were synthesized. The cerium (3+) and cerium (4+)-doped hydroxyapatite were evaluated for biocompatibility and fluorescence properties. It was found that the cerium-HAp powders were non-toxic, even at higher level of concentration. The synthesized powders were further characterized by FTIR spectrometry, UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD diffraction, SEM and TEM analysis. Therefore, the present study proves that the developed cerium (3+) and cerium (4+)-doped hydroxyapatite, respectively can be widely used as luminescent labeling materials, with improved biological properties.
Metalens Eyepiece for 3D Holographic Near-Eye Display
Authors: Wang Chang , Yu Zeqing , Zhang Qiangbo , Sun Yan , Tao Chenning , Wu Fei , Zheng Zhenrong
Published: July 2021

Near-eye display (NED) systems for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have been rapidly developing; however, the widespread use of VR/AR devices is hindered by the bulky refractive and diffractive elements in the complicated optical system as well as the visual discomfort caused by excessive binocular parallax and accommodation-convergence conflict. To address these problems, an NED system combining a 5 mm diameter metalens eyepiece and a three-dimensional (3D), computer-generated holography (CGH) based on Fresnel diffraction is proposed in this paper. Metalenses have been extensively studied for their extraordinary capabilities at wavefront shaping at a subwavelength scale, their ultrathin compactness, and their significant advantages over conventional lenses. Thus, the introduction of the metalens eyepiece is likely to reduce the issue of bulkiness in NED systems. Furthermore, CGH has typically been regarded as the optimum solution for 3D displays to overcome limitations of binocular systems, since it can restore the whole light field of the target 3D scene. Experiments are carried out for this design, where a 5 mm diameter metalens eyepiece composed of silicon nitride anisotropic nanofins is fabricated with diffraction efficiency and field of view for a 532 nm incidence of 15.7% and 31°, respectively. Furthermore, a novel partitioned Fresnel diffraction and resample method is applied to simulate the wave propagations needed to produce the hologram, with the metalens capable of transforming the reconstructed 3D image into a virtual image for the NED. Our work combining metalens and CGH may pave the way for portable optical display devices in the future.
Picky Eating in School-Aged Children: Sociodemographic Determinants and the Associations with Dietary Intake
Authors: Kutbi Hebah Alawi
Published: July 2021

Children exhibiting picky eating behavior often demonstrate strong food preferences and rejection of particular foods or food texture, which may lead to limited dietary variety and possibly inadequate or unhealthy diet. Yet, the relationship between picky eating and nutrient intake in school-aged children has not been established previously. This study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic determinants of picky eating and the associations between picky eating and dietary intake in children. Data of 424 healthy Saudi children aged 6–12 years were collected from their mothers. A child’s picky eating habits were captured using a validated questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics of the children were assessed. Dietary data, including 24 h dietary recalls and frequency of fruit, vegetable, and milk consumption, were collected by dietetic professionals using phone-administered interviews. Compared to those of normal-weight mothers, children of mothers with obesity had higher odds of being in the highest tertile of picky eating (OR = 1.93; 95% CI 1.02, 3.63). Children exhibiting higher levels of picky eating consumed less fruits (B = −0.03; 95% CI −0.06, −0.01), vegetables (B = −0.05; 95% CI −0.07, −0.02), and protein (B = −0.21; 95% CI −0.33, −0.09), and had higher consumption of trans fatty acid intake (B = 1.10; 95% CI 0.06, 2.15). Children with higher levels of picky eating presented unhealthy dietary behaviors. Future studies are needed to examine the long-term effect of picky eating on cardiovascular health. Dietary behaviors of mothers with obesity must be taken into consideration when designing intervention programs aiming to improve eating behaviors of children.
A Novel Sprouted Oat Fermented Beverage: Evaluation of Safety and Health Benefits for Celiac Individuals
Authors: Aparicio-García Natalia , Martínez-Villaluenga Cristina , Frias Juana , Crespo Perez Laura , Fernández Cristina Fernández , Alba Claudio , Rodríguez Juan Miguel , Peñas Elena
Published: July 2021

The safety and health effects for celiac people of a novel beverage (SOFB) developed from sprouted oat flour by fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum was explored. In vitro reactivity against anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory potential of SOFB in RAW 264.7 macrophages and Caco-2 cells were evaluated. Immunoreactivity against AGA and antioxidant activity were not detected in SOFB, but it exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity. The tolerability and impact of SOFB consumption for 6 months on nutritional status and intestinal microbiota composition were investigated in 10 celiac adults (five treated and five control). SOFB consumption did not adversely affect duodenal mucosa nor the total IgA or anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (IgA-tTG) levels in celiac participants, but it significantly decreased total cholesterol levels at all sampling times and folic acid levels at the end of the study compared to the placebo beverage. SOFB administration also shifted gut microbiota, leading to a higher relative abundance of some beneficial bacteria including the genera Subdoligranulum, Ruminococcus and Lactobacillus in the SOFB group. This study provides supporting evidence of the safety of health benefits of a novel functional beverage produced from sprouted oat.
Differential Effects of Dietary Components on Glucose Intolerance and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Skat-Rørdam Josephine , Ipsen David Højland , Hardam Patrick Duncan , Latta Markus , Lykkesfeldt Jens , Tveden-Nyborg Pernille
Published: July 2021

Pharmacological treatment modalities for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) are scarce, and discoveries are challenged by lack of predictive animal models adequately reflecting severe human disease stages and co-morbidities such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. To mimic human NAFLD/NASH etiology, many preclinical models rely on specific dietary components, though metabolism may differ considerably between species, potentially affecting outcomes and limiting comparability between studies. Consequently, understanding the physiological effects of dietary components is critical for high translational validity. This study investigated the effects of high fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrate sources on NASH development and metabolic outcomes in guinea pigs. Diet groups (n = 8/group) included: low-fat low-starch (LF-LSt), low-fat high-starch (LF-HSt), high-fat (HF) or HF with 4.2%, or 8.4% sugar water supplementation. The results showed that caloric compensation in HF animals supplied with sugar water led to reduced feed intake and a milder NASH phenotype compared to HF. The HF group displayed advanced NASH, weight gain and glucose intolerance compared to LF-LSt animals, but not LF-HSt, indicating an undesirable effect of starch in the control diet. Our findings support the HF guinea pig as a model of advanced NASH and highlights the importance in considering carbohydrate sources in preclinical studies of NAFLD.
Community-Based Survey Exploring Use of the Dietary Supplement Creatine by Adult Non-Athletes
Authors: Benton Melissa , Spicher Jefferson , McCormick Sherry
Published: July 2021

Creatine is classified as a “sports supplement”, but it also has health benefits. The purpose of this study was to assess use of creatine as a dietary supplement in adult non-athletes. Three hundred ninety-nine adults (19–89 years) completed an online survey. Among the respondents, 77% (n = 307) were regularly active, including participation in weightlifting (34%), running (34%), and cycling (21%). Twenty-eight percent (n = 111) reported use of creatine with an average dose of 6.4 ± 4.5 g. Daily creatine use was reported by 45%, and 38% reported using creatine 2–6 times weekly. Primary sources of information about creatine were trainers/coaches (29%), friends/family (32%), and internet (28%). Forty percent (n = 44) of creatine users were female. When compared by age, 46% of young, 32% of midlife, and 6% of old respondents reported creatine use with no differences in dose or frequency. Young and midlife respondents reported primarily trainers/coaches, friends/family, and internet as sources of information about creatine, but old respondents limited their sources to friends/family and fitness magazines. Although creatine is widely used by adult non-athletes who regularly exercise, dietitians and other healthcare providers are not the primary source of information. Fitness trainers can appropriately provide guidance and education regarding safe and effective use of creatine.
A 1-Month Ketogenic Diet Increased Mitochondrial Mass in Red Gastrocnemius Muscle, but Not in the Brain or Liver of Middle-Aged Mice
Authors: Zhou Zeyu , Vidales Jocelyn , González-Reyes José A. , Shibata Bradley , Baar Keith , Rutkowsky Jennifer M. , Ramsey Jon J.
Published: July 2021

Alterations in markers of mitochondrial content with ketogenic diets (KD) have been reported in tissues of rodents, but morphological quantification of mitochondrial mass using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the gold standard for mitochondrial quantification, is needed to further validate these findings and look at specific regions of interest within a tissue. In this study, red gastrocnemius muscle, the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, and the liver left lobe were used to investigate the impact of a 1-month KD on mitochondrial content in healthy middle-aged mice. The results showed that in red gastrocnemius muscle, the fractional area of both subsarcolemmal (SSM) and intermyofibrillar (IMM) mitochondria was increased, and this was driven by an increase in the number of mitochondria. Mitochondrial fractional area or number was not altered in the liver, prefrontal cortex, or hippocampus following 1 month of a KD. These results demonstrate tissue-specific changes in mitochondrial mass with a short-term KD and highlight the need to study different muscle groups or tissue regions with TEM to thoroughly determine the effects of a KD on mitochondrial mass.
Nutritional Approaches for the Management of Metabolic Acidosis in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Noce Annalisa , Marrone Giulia , Wilson Jones Georgia , Di Lauro Manuela , Pietroboni Zaitseva Anna , Ramadori Linda , Celotto Roberto , Mitterhofer Anna Paola , Di Daniele Nicola
Published: July 2021

Metabolic acidosis is a severe complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) which is associated with nefarious impairments such as bone demineralization, muscle wasting, and hormonal alterations, for example, insulin resistance. Whilst it is possible to control this condition with alkali treatment, consisting in the oral administration of sodium citrate or sodium bicarbonate, this type of intervention is not free from side effects. On the contrary, opting for the implementation of a targeted dietetic-nutritional treatment for the control of CKD metabolic acidosis also comes with a range of additional benefits such as lipid profile control, increased vitamins, and antioxidants intake. In our review, we evaluated the main dietary-nutritional regimens useful to counteract metabolic acidosis, such as the Mediterranean diet, the alkaline diet, the low-protein diet, and the vegan low-protein diet, analyzing the potentialities and limits of every dietary-nutritional treatment. Literature data suggest that the Mediterranean and alkaline diets represent a valid nutritional approach in the prevention and correction of metabolic acidosis in CKD early stages, while the low-protein diet and the vegan low-protein diet are more effective in CKD advanced stages. In conclusion, we propose that tailored nutritional approaches should represent a valid therapeutic alternative to counteract metabolic acidosis.
Copper and Zinc Content in Infant Milk Formulae Available on the Polish Market and Contribution to Dietary Intake
Authors: Dobrzyńska Małgorzata , Drzymała-Czyż Sławomira , Jakubowski Karol , Kurek Szymon , Walkowiak Jarosław , Przysławski Juliusz
Published: July 2021

The inappropriate concentration of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in formulae for infants can lead to abnormal micronutrient intake and adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the concentration of Cu and Zn in different formulae and evaluate the Cu/Zn ratio. Besides, the daily intake (DI) of both micronutrients was estimated. Cu and Zn concentration in 103 formulae for infants, available in the Polish market, were assessed using atomic absorption spectrometry. The estimated DI was calculated from the average energy requirements for the 0–6 months aged infants. The microelement content of formulae was mostly in good agreement with that declared by the manufacturer (5–10% variations compared to the labeled values). The Cu/Zn ratio ranged from 1:8 to 1:25. The estimated DI of Cu was in the range of 0.14–1.11 mg/day. Six (6.7%) of the formulae did not meet the recommended range of Cu intake, especially during the first month of life and in the case of formulae for special medical purposes. The estimated DI of Zn varied from 2.27–11.25 mg/day. In most cases, the concentration of Cu and Zn in infant formulae was within the recommended range. It would be advisable to consider monitoring the DI of Cu and reconsider the Cu content in formulae for infants in proportion to its expected consumption.
Highly Active Cranberry’s Polyphenolic Fraction: New Advances in Processing and Clinical Applications
Authors: Colletti Alessandro , Sangiorgio Luciano , Martelli Alma , Testai Lara , Cicero Arrigo , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: July 2021

Cranberry is a fruit originally from New England and currently growing throughout the east and northeast parts of the USA and Canada. The supplementation of cranberry extracts as nutraceuticals showed to contribute to the prevention of urinary tract infections, and most likely it may help to prevent cardiovascular and gastroenteric diseases, as highlighted by several clinical trials. However, aiming to validate the efficacy and safety of clinical applications as long-term randomized clinical trials (RCTs), further investigations of the mechanisms of action are required. In addition, a real challenge for next years is the standardization of cranberry’s polyphenolic fractions. In this context, the optimization of the extraction process and downstream processing represent a key point for a reliable active principle for the formulation of a food supplement. For this reason, new non-conventional extraction methods have been developed to improve the quality of the extracts and reduce the overall costs. The aim of this survey is to describe both technologies and processes for highly active cranberry extracts as well as the effects observed in clinical studies and the respective tolerability notes.
Smoflipid Is Better Than Lipofundin for Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Infants
Authors: Chen I-Lun , Hung Chih-Hsing , Huang Hsin-Chun
Published: July 2021

Neurodevelopmental morbidities developed more commonly in low-birth-weight premature infants. We sought to determine the effects of different lipid emulsions on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born prematurely. This retrospective cross-sectional study had two intervention legs, Lipofundin® MCT/LCT (LIPO) versus Smoflipid® (SMOF), which are mainly differentiated by fish oil. Data of premature neonates born between 2001 and 2015 from the research database of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital with corresponding individual medical records up to July 2020 were analyzed. Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes were defined by the international classification of disease codes −9 or −10. The prevalence of diseases was compared between LIPO and SMOF groups at five and five years old and further analyzed by stratification of 1500 g birth weight. The LIPO and SMOF groups each included 1120 neonates. Epilepsy, cerebral palsy, developmental disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were significantly decreased at age two years in the SMOF group, and epilepsy, language delay (LD), ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were significantly decreased in the SMOF group at age five years. In children with birth weight < 1500 g, ADHD was decreased in the SMOF group at ages two and five years, and ASD was decreased in the SMOF group at age five years. In children with birth weight ≥ 1500 g, epilepsy, LD and ADHD were decreased in the SMOF group at age two years. LD was decreased in the SMOF group at age five years. We conclude that lipid emulsions with fish oil improve the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born prematurely.
Storage and Utilization of Glycogen by Mouse Liver during Adaptation to Nutritional Changes Are GLP-1 and PASK Dependent
Authors: Pérez-García Ana , Hurtado-Carneiro Verónica , Herrero-De-Dios Carmen , Dongil Pilar , García-Mauriño José Enrique , Sánchez María Dolores , Sanz Carmen , Álvarez Elvira
Published: July 2021

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and PAS kinase (PASK) control glucose and energy homeostasis according to nutritional status. Thus, both glucose availability and GLP-1 lead to hepatic glycogen synthesis or degradation. We used a murine model to discover whether PASK mediates the effect of exendin-4 (GLP-1 analogue) in the adaptation of hepatic glycogen metabolism to nutritional status. The results indicate that both exendin-4 and fasting block the Pask expression, and PASK deficiency disrupts the physiological levels of blood GLP1 and the expression of hepatic GLP1 receptors after fasting. Under a non-fasted state, exendin-4 treatment blocks AKT activation, whereby Glucokinase and Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein-1c (Srebp1c) expressions were inhibited. Furthermore, the expression of certain lipogenic genes was impaired, while increasing Glucose Transporter 2 (GLUT2) and Glycogen Synthase (GYS). Moreover, exendin-4 treatment under fasted conditions avoided Glucose 6-Phosphatase (G6pase) expression, while maintaining high GYS and its activation state. These results lead to an abnormal glycogen accumulation in the liver under fasting, both in PASK-deficient mice and in exendin-4 treated wild-type mice. In short, exendin-4 and PASK both regulate glucose transport and glycogen storage, and some of the exendin-4 effects could therefore be due to the blocking of the Pask expression.