bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Viewpoint on Neurological Diseases and Their Biomarkers
Authors: Zehravi Mehrukh , Kabir Janisa , Akter Rokeya , Malik Sumira , Ashraf Ghulam Md. , Tagde Priti , Ramproshad Sarker , Mondal Banani , Rahman Md. Habibur , Mohan Aurel George , Cavalu Simona
Published: May 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are disorders that affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems. To name a few causes, NDDs can be caused by ischemia, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cell stress, inflammation, abnormal protein deposition in neural tissue, autoimmune-mediated neuron loss, and viral or prion infections. These conditions include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The formation of β-sheet-rich aggregates of intra- or extracellular proteins in the CNS hallmarks all neurodegenerative proteinopathies. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), numerous organs, including the central nervous system (CNS), are affected. However, the inflammatory process is linked to several neurodegenerative pathways that are linked to depression because of NDDs. Pro-inflammatory signals activated by aging may increase vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders. Viruses may increase macrophages and CCR5+ T cells within the CNS during dementia formation and progression. Unlike medical symptoms, which are just signs of a patient’s health as expressed and perceived, biomarkers are reproducible and quantitative. Therefore, this current review will highlight and summarize the neurological disorders and their biomarkers.
Dual-Template Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Simultaneous Determination of Spot Urine Metanephrines and 3-Methoxytyramine for the Diagnosis of Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas
Authors: Zeng Hongyu , Zhang Xiaoqing , Zhen Qianna , He Yifan , Wang Haoran , Zhu Yang , Sun Qi , Ding Min
Published: May 2022

A novel dual-template magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP) was synthesized to extract normetanephrine (NMN), metanephrine (MN) and 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) from spot urine samples. As the adsorbent of dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE), the MMIP was prepared using dopamine and MN as dual templates, methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the crosslinking reagent and magnetic nanoparticles as the magnetic core. NMN, MN, 3-MT and creatinine (Cr) in spot urine samples were selectively enriched by d-SPE and detected by HPLC-fluorescence detection/ultraviolet detection. The peak area (A) ratios of NMN, MN and 3-MT to Cr were used for the diagnosis of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). The results showed that the adsorption efficiencies of MMIP for target analytes were all higher than 89.0%, and the coefficient variation precisions of intra-assay and inter-assay for the analytes were within 4.9% and 6.3%, respectively. The recoveries of the analytes were from 93.2% to 112.8%. The MMIP was still functional within 14 days and could be reused at least seven times. The d-SPE and recommended solid-phase extraction (SPE) were both used to pretreat spot urine samples from 18 PPGLs patients and 22 healthy controls. The correlation coefficients of ANMN/ACr and AMN/ACr between d-SPE and SPE were both higher than 0.95. In addition, the areas under the receiver operator curves for spot urine ANMN/ACr, AMN/ACr and plasma free NMN and MN were 0.975, 0.773 and 0.990, 0.821, respectively, indicating the two methods had the similar performances. The d-SPE method took only 20 min, which was effective in clinical application.
Effect of Microwave Irradiation on Acid Hydrolysis of Faba Bean Starch: Physicochemical Changes of the Starch Granules
Authors: González-Mendoza Mayra Esthela , Martínez-Bustos Fernando , Castaño-Tostado Eduardo , Amaya-Llano Silvia Lorena
Published: May 2022

Starch is the most abundant carbohydrate in legumes (22–45 g/100 g), with distinctive properties such as high amylose and resistant starch content, longer branch chains of amylopectin, and a C-type pattern arrangement in the granules. The present study concentrated on the investigation of hydrolyzed faba bean starch using acid, assisted by microwave energy, to obtain a possible food-grade coating material. For evaluation, the physicochemical, morphological, pasting, and structural properties were analyzed. Hydrolyzed starches developed by microwave energy in an acid medium had low viscosity, high solubility indexes, diverse amylose contents, resistant starch, and desirable thermal and structural properties to be used as a coating material. The severe conditions (moisture, 40%; pure hydrochloric acid, 4 mL/100 mL; time, 60 s; and power level, 6) of microwave-treated starches resulted in low viscosity values, high amylose content and high solubility, as well as high absorption indexes, and reducing sugars. These hydrolyzed starches have the potential to produce matrices with thermo-protectants to formulate prebiotic/probiotic (symbiotic) combinations and amylose-based inclusion complexes for functional compound delivery. This emergent technology, a dry hydrolysis route, uses much less energy consumption in a shorter reaction time and without effluents to the environment compared to conventional hydrolysis.
Wine Faults: State of Knowledge in Reductive Aromas, Oxidation and Atypical Aging, Prevention, and Correction Methods
Authors: Ailer Štefan , Jakabová Silvia , Benešová Lucia , Ivanova-Petropulos Violeta
Published: May 2022

The review summarizes the latest scientific findings and recommendations for the prevention of three very common wine faults of non-microbial origin. The first group, presented by the reductive aromas, is caused mainly by excessive H2S and other volatile sulfur compounds with a negative impact on wine quality. The most efficient prevention of undesirable reductive aromas in wine lies in creating optimal conditions for yeast and controlling the chemistry of sulfur compounds, and the pros and cons of correction methods are discussed. The second is browning which is associated especially with the enzymatic and non-enzymatic reaction of polyphenols and the prevention of this fault is connected with decreasing the polyphenol content in must, lowering oxygen access during handling, the use of antioxidants, and correction stands for the use of fining agents. The third fault, atypical aging, mostly occurs in the agrotechnics of the entire green land cover in the vineyard and the associated stress from lack of nutrients and moisture. Typical fox tones, naphthalene, or wet towel off-odors, especially in white wines are possible to prevent by proper moisture and grassland cover and alternating greenery combined with harmonious nutrition, while the correction is possible only partially with an application of fresh yeast. With the current knowledge, the mistakes in wines of non-microbial origin can be reliably prevented. Prevention is essential because corrective solutions for the faults are difficult and never perfect.
Gold Nanocluster-Based Fluorometric Banoxantrone Assay Enabled by Photoinduced Electron Transfer
Authors: Huang Kai-Yuan , Weng Wen-Hui , Huang Xin , Huang Hong-Xiang , Noreldeen Hamada A. A. , Deng Hao-Hua , Chen Wei
Published: May 2022

Monitoring the blood concentration of banoxantrone (AQ4N) is important to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and side effects of this new anticancer prodrug during its clinical applications. Herein, we report a fluorescence method for AQ4N detection through the modulation of the molecule-like photoinduced electron transfer (PET) behavior of gold nanoclusters (AuNCs). AQ4N can electrostatically bind to the surface of carboxylated chitosan (CC) and dithiothreitol (DTT) co-stabilized AuNCs and quench their fluorescence via a Coulomb interaction-accelerated PET process. Under optimized experimental conditions, the linear range of AQ4N is from 25 to 200 nM and the limit of detection is as low as 5 nM. In addition, this assay is confirmed to be reliable based on its successful use in AQ4N determination in mouse plasma samples. This work offers an effective strategy for AQ4N sensing based on fluorescent AuNCs and widens the application of AuNCs in clinical diagnosis and pharmaceutical analysis.
Thermo-Optical Characterization of Therminol55 Based MXene–Al2O3 Hybridized Nanofluid and New Correlations for Thermal Properties
Authors: Das Likhan , Habib Khairul , Irshad Kashif , Saidur Rahman , Algarni Salem , Alqahtani Talal
Published: May 2022

The current research focuses on formulating a new class of Therminol55-based nanofluids that incorporates an MXene/Al2O3 nanocomposite as the new class of dispersant at three different concentrations of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 wt%. The optical and thermophysical properties of the formulated nanofluid are assessed experimentally. Zeta potential and FTIR analyses are employed to evaluate the composite particles' surface charge and chemical stability, respectively. Thermal conductivity is observed to increase with nanoparticle loading and maximally augmented by 61.8% for 0.20 wt%, whereas dynamic viscosity increased with adding nanoparticles but remarkably dropped with increasing temperature. In addition, the prepared TH55/MXene + Al2O3 samples are thermally stable up to 200 °C according to TGA analyses. Moreover, the proposed correlations for the thermal conductivity and viscosity showed good agreement with the experimental data. The study’s findings suggest that the formulated nanofluid could be a viable contender to be used as a heat transfer fluid in the thermal sector.
Design and Preparation of Avermectin Nanopesticide for Control and Prevention of Pine Wilt Disease
Authors: Liu Yanxue , Zhang Yiwu , Xin Xin , Xu Xueying , Wang Gehui , Gao Shangkun , Qiao Luqin , Yin Shuyan , Liu Huixiang , Jia Chunyan , Shen Weixing , Xu Li , Ji Yingchao , Zhou Chenggang
Published: May 2022

Pine wilt disease is a devastating forest disaster caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which has brought inestimable economic losses to the world’s forestry due to lack of effective prevention and control measures. In this paper, a porous structure CuBTC was designed to deliver avermectin (AM) and a control vector insect Japanese pine sawyer (JPS) of B. xylophilus, which can improve the biocompatibility, anti-photolysis and delivery efficacy of AM. The results illustrated the cumulative release of pH-dependent AM@CuBTC was up to 12 days (91.9%), and also effectively avoided photodegradation (pH 9.0, 120 h, retention 69.4%). From the traceable monitoring experiment, the AM@CuBTC easily penetrated the body wall of the JPS larvae and was transmitted to tissue cells though contact and diffusion. Furthermore, AM@CuBTC can effectively enhance the cytotoxicity and utilization of AM, which provides valuable research value for the application of typical plant-derived nerve agents in the prevention and control of forestry pests. AM@CuBTC as an environmentally friendly nanopesticide can efficiently deliver AM to the larval intestines where it is absorbed by the larvae. AM@CuBTC can be transmitted to the epidemic wood and dead wood at a low concentration (10 mg/L).
Synthesis of a Two-Dimensional Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheet and Ultrasensitive Trapping of Staphylococcus Aureus for Enhanced Photothermal and Antibacterial Wound-Healing Therapy
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Kuang Zhao , Song Ping , Li Wanzhen , Gui Lin , Tang Chuchu , Tao Yugui , Ge Fei , Zhu Longbao
Published: May 2022

Photothermal therapy has been widely used in the treatment of bacterial infections. However, the short photothermal effective radius of conventional nano-photothermal agents makes it difficult to achieve effective photothermal antibacterial activity. Therefore, improving composite targeting can significantly inhibit bacterial growth. We inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by using an extremely low concentration of vancomycin (Van) and applied photothermal therapy with molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). This simple method used chitosan (CS) to synthesize fluorescein 5(6)-isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled and Van-loaded MoS2-nanosheet hydrogels (MoS2-Van-FITC@CS). After modifying the surface, an extremely low concentration of Van could inhibit bacterial growth by trapping bacteria synergistically with the photothermal effects of MoS2, while FITC labeled bacteria and chitosan hydrogels promoted wound healing. The results showed that MoS2-Van-FITC@CS nanosheets had a thickness of approximately 30 nm, indicating the successful synthesis of the nanosheets. The vitro antibacterial results showed that MoS2-Van-FITC with near-infrared irradiation significantly inhibited S. aureus growth, reaching an inhibition rate of 94.5% at nanoparticle concentrations of up to 100 µg/mL. Furthermore, MoS2-Van-FITC@CS could exert a healing effect on wounds in mice. Our results demonstrate that MoS2-Van-FITC@CS is biocompatible and can be used as a wound-healing agent.
Structures, Electronic Properties, and Gas Permeability of 3D Pillared Silicon Carbide Nanostructures
Authors: Arayawut Onsuda , Kerdcharoen Teerakiat , Wongchoosuk Chatchawal
Published: May 2022

Silicon carbide (SiC) is recognized as excellent material for high power/temperature applications with a wide-band gap semiconductor. With different structures at the nanosize scale, SiC nanomaterials offer outstanding mechanical, physical, and chemical properties leading to a variety of applications. In this work, new 3D pillared SiC nanostructures have been designed and investigated based on self-consistent charge density functional tight-binding (SCC-DFTB) including Van der Waals dispersion corrections. The structural and electronic properties of 3D pillared SiC nanostructures with effects of diameters and pillar lengths have been studied and compared with 3D pillared graphene nanostructures. The permeability of small gas molecules including H2O, CO2, N2, NO, O2, and NO2 have been demonstrated with different orientations into the 3D pillared SiC nanostructures. The promising candidate of 3D pillared SiC nanostructures for gas molecule separation application at room temperature is highlighted.
Critical Aspects of Various Techniques for Synthesizing Metal Oxides and Fabricating Their Composite-Based Supercapacitor Electrodes: A Review
Authors: Ansari Mohd Zahid , Seo Kang-Min , Kim Soo-Hyun , Ansari Sajid Ali
Published: May 2022

Supercapacitors (SCs) have attracted attention as an important energy source for various applications owing to their high power outputs and outstanding energy densities. The electrochemical performance of an SC device is predominantly determined by electrode materials, and thus, the selection and synthesis of the materials are crucial. Metal oxides (MOs) and their composites are the most widely used pseudocapacitive SC electrode materials. The basic requirements for fabricating high-performance SC electrodes include synthesizing and/or chemically modifying unique conducting nanostructures, optimizing a heterostructure morphology, and generating large-surface-area electroactive sites, all of which predominantly rely on various techniques used for synthesizing MO materials and fabricating MO- and MO-composite-based SC electrodes. Therefore, an SC’s background and critical aspects, the challenges associated with the predominant synthesis techniques (including hydrothermal and microwave-assisted syntheses and chemical-bath and atomic-layer depositions), and resulting electrode electrochemical performances should be summarized in a convenient, accessible report to accelerate the development of materials for industrial SC applications. Therefore, we reviewed the most pertinent studies on these synthesis techniques to provide insight into the most recent advances in synthesizing MOs and fabricating their composite-based SC electrodes as well as to propose research directions for developing MO-based electrodes for applications to next-generation SCs.
Strong and Elastic Hydrogels from Dual-Crosslinked Composites Composed of Glycol Chitosan and Amino-Functionalized Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles
Authors: Min Qing , Wang Congcong , Zhang Yuchen , Tian Danlei , Wan Ying , Wu Jiliang
Published: May 2022

Mesoporous bioactive glass (BG) nanoparticles (NPs) with a high specific surface area were prepared. The surfaces of BG NPs were further modified using an amino-containing compound or synthesized precursors to produce three kinds of amino-functionalized bioactive glass (ABG) NPs via devised synthetic routes. The achieved ABG NPs possessed various spacer lengths with free amino groups anchored at the end of the spacer. These ABG NPs were then combined with glycol chitosan (GCH) to construct single- or dual-crosslinked ABG/GCH composite hydrogels using genipin (GN) alone as a single crosslinker or a combination of GN and poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDE) as dual crosslinkers. The spacer length of ABG NPs was found to impose significant effects on the strength and elasticity of GN-crosslinked ABG/GCH hydrogels. After being dually crosslinked with GN and PEGDE, the elastic modulus of some dual-crosslinked ABG/GCH hydrogels reached around 6.9 kPa or higher with their yielding strains larger than 60%, indicative of their strong and elastic features. The optimally achieved ABG/GCH hydrogels were injectable with tunable gelation time, and also able to support the growth of seeded MC3T3-E1 cells and specific matrix deposition. These results suggest that the dual-crosslinked ABG/GCH hydrogels have the potential for some applications in tissue engineering.
High Anti-Reflection Large-Scale Cup-Shaped Nano-Pillar Arrays via Thin Film Anodic Aluminum Oxide Replication
Authors: Sun Tangyou , Shui Furong , Yang Xiancui , Zhou Zhiping , Wan Rongqiao , Liu Yun , Qian Cheng , Xu Zhimou , Li Haiou , Guo Wenjing
Published: May 2022

Surface anti-reflection (AR) with nanometer-scaled texture has shown excellent light trapping performance involving optical devices. In this work, we developed a simple and lithography-free structure replication process to obtain large scale surface cup-shaped nano-pillar (CSNP) arrays for the first time. A method of depositing was used for pattern transfer based on PMMA pre-coated through-hole anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) thin film (~500 nm), and eventually, the uniformity of the transferred nanostructures was guaranteed. From the spectrum (250 nm~2000 nm) dependent measurements, the CSNP nanostructured Si showed excellent AR performance when compared with that of the single-polished Si. Moreover, the CSNP was found to be polarization insensitive and less dependent on incidence angles (≤80°) over the whole spectrum. To further prove the excellent antireflective properties of the CSNP structure, thin film solar cell models were built and studied. The maximum value of Jph for CSNP solar cells shows obvious improvement comparing with that of the cylinder, cone and parabola structured ones. Specifically, in comparison with the optimized Si3N4 thin film solar cell, an increment of 54.64% has been achieved for the CSNP thin film solar cell.
Achieving High Current Stability of Gated Carbon Nanotube Cold Cathode Electron Source Using IGBT Modulation for X-ray Source Application
Authors: Guo Yajie , Wang Junfan , Li Baohong , Zhang Yu , Deng Shaozhi , Chen Jun
Published: May 2022

The cold cathode X-ray source has potential application in the field of radiotherapy, which requires a stable dose. In this study, a gated carbon nanotube cold cathode electron gun with high current stability was developed by using Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) modulation, and its application in X-ray source was explored. Carbon nanotube (CNTs) films were prepared directly on stainless steel substrate by chemical vapor deposition and assembled with control gate and focus electrodes to form an electron gun. A maximum cathode current of 200 μA and approximately 53% transmission rate was achieved. An IGBT was used to modulate and stabilize the cathode current. High stable cathode current with fluctuation less than 0.5% has been obtained for 50 min continuous operation. The electron gun was used in a transmission target X-ray source and a stable X-ray dose rate was obtained. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of achieving high current stability from a gated carbon nanotube cold cathode electron source using IGBT modulation for X-ray source application.
Review of Photothermal Technique for Thermal Measurement of Micro-/Nanomaterials
Authors: Zhou Jianjun , Xu Shen , Liu Jing
Published: May 2022

The extremely small size of micro-/nanomaterials limits the application of conventional thermal measurement methods using a contact heating source or probing sensor. Therefore, non-contact thermal measurement methods are preferable in micro-/nanoscale thermal characterization. In this review, one of the non-contact thermal measurement methods, photothermal (PT) technique based on thermal radiation, is introduced. When subjected to laser heating with controllable modulation frequencies, surface thermal radiation carries fruitful information for thermal property determination. As thermal properties are closely related to the internal structure of materials, for micro-/nanomaterials, PT technique can measure not only thermal properties but also features in the micro-/nanostructure. Practical applications of PT technique in the thermal measurement of micro-/nanomaterials are then reviewed, including special wall-structure investigation in multiwall carbon nanotubes, porosity determination in nanomaterial assemblies, and the observation of amorphous/crystalline structure transformation in proteins in heat treatment. Furthermore, the limitations and future application extensions are discussed.
Comprehensive Study of the Current-Induced Spin–Orbit Torque Perpendicular Effective Field in Asymmetric Multilayers
Authors: Cui Baoshan , Zhu Zengtai , Wu Chuangwen , Guo Xiaobin , Nie Zhuyang , Wu Hao , Guo Tengyu , Chen Peng , Zheng Dongfeng , Yu Tian , Xi Li , Zeng Zhongming , Liang Shiheng , Zhang Guangyu , Yu Guoqiang , Wang Kang L.
Published: May 2022

The spin–orbit torques (SOTs) in the heavy metal (HM)/ferromagnetic metal (FM) structure hold promise for next-generation low-power and high-density spintronic memory and logic applications. For the SOT switching of a perpendicular magnetization, an external magnetic field is inevitable for breaking the mirror symmetry, which is not practical for high-density nanoelectronics applications. In this work, we study the current-induced field-free SOT switching and SOT perpendicular effective field (Hzeff) in a variety of laterally asymmetric multilayers, where the asymmetry is introduced by growing the FM layer in a wedge shape. We show that the design of structural asymmetry by wedging the FM layer is a universal scheme for realizing field-free SOT switching. Moreover, by comparing the FM layer thickness dependence of (Hzeff) in different samples, we show that the efficiency (β =Hzeff/J, J is the current density) is sensitive to the HM/FM interface and the FM layer thickness. The sign of β for thin FM thicknesses is related to the spin Hall angle (θSH) of the HM layer attached to the FM layer. β changes its sign with the thickness of the FM layer increasing, which may be caused by the thickness dependence of the work function of FM. These results show the possibility of engineering the deterministic field-free switching by combining the symmetry breaking and the materials design of the HM/FM interface.
Challenges and Modification Strategies of Ni-Rich Cathode Materials Operating at High-Voltage
Authors: Liao Caijian , Li Fangkun , Liu Jun
Published: May 2022

Ni-rich cathode materials have become promising candidates for lithium-based automotive batteries due to the obvious advantage of electrochemical performance. Increasing the operating voltage is an effective means to obtain a higher specific capacity, which also helps to achieve the goal of high energy density (capacity × voltage) of power lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, under high operating voltage, surface degradation will occur between Ni-rich cathode materials and the electrolytes, forming a solid interface film with high resistance, releasing O2, CO2 and other gases. Ni-rich cathode materials have serious cation mixing, resulting in an adverse phase transition. In addition, the high working voltage will cause microcracks, leading to contact failure and repeated surface reactions. In order to solve the above problems, researchers have proposed many modification methods to deal with the decline of electrochemical performance for Ni-rich cathode materials under high voltage such as element doping, surface coating, single-crystal fabrication, structural design and multifunctional electrolyte additives. This review mainly introduces the challenges and modification strategies for Ni-rich cathode materials under high voltage operation. The future application and development trend of Ni-rich cathode materials for high specific energy LIBs are projected.
One-Pot Synthesis of Rubber Seed Shell-Derived N-Doped Ultramicroporous Carbons for Efficient CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxia , Rong Meng , Cao Hui , Tan Tianwei
Published: May 2022

In this work, a series of novel rubber seed shell-derived N-doped ultramicroporous carbons (NPCs) were prepared by one-step high-temperature activation (500–1000 °C), using melamine as the nitrogen source and KOH as the activator. The effects of the melamine dosage and the activation temperatures on the surface chemical properties (doped N contents and N species), textural properties (surface area, pore structure, and microporosity), CO2 adsorption capacities, and CO2/N2 selectivity were thoroughly investigated and characterized. These as-prepared NPCs demonstrate controllable BET surface areas (398–2163 m2/g), ultramicroporosity, and doped nitrogen contents (0.82–7.52 wt%). It was found that the ultramicroporosity and the doped nitrogens significantly affected the CO2 adsorption and the separation performance at low pressure. Among the NPCs, highly microporous NPC-600-4 demonstrates the largest CO2 adsorption capacity of 5.81 mmol/g (273 K, 1.0 bar) and 3.82 mmol/g (298 K, 1.0 bar), as well as a high CO2/N2 selectivity of 36.6, surpassing a lot of reported biomass-based porous carbons. In addition, NPC-600-4 also shows excellent thermal stability and recycle performance, indicating the competitive application potential in practical CO2 capture. This work also presents a facile one-pot synthesis method to prepare high-performance biomass-based NPCs.
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome in the Postpartum Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pacheco Kimberly , Ortiz Juan Fernando , Parwani Jashank , Cruz Claudio , Yépez Mario , Buj Maja , Khurana Mahika , Ojeda Diego , Iturburu Alisson , Aguirre Alex S. , Yuen Ray , Datta Shae
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) encompasses a clinical and radiological diagnosis characterized by recurrent thunderclap headache, with or without focal deficits due to multifocal arterial vasoconstriction and dilation. RCVS can be correlated to pregnancy and exposure to certain drugs. Currently, the data on prevalence of RCVS in the postpartum period is lacking. We aim to investigate the prevalence of RCVS in the postpartum period and the rate of hemorrhagic complications of RCVS among the same group of patients; (2) Methods: We conducted the metanalysis by using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) protocol. To analyze the Bias, we used the Ottawa Newcastle scale tool. We included only full-text observational studies conducted on humans and written in English. We excluded Literature Reviews, Systematic Reviews, and Metanalysis. Additionally, we excluded articles that did not document the prevalence of RCVS in the postpartum period (3). Results: According to our analysis, the Prevalence of RCVS in the postpartum period was 129/1083 (11.9%). Of these, 51/100 (52.7%) patients had hemorrhagic RCVS vs. 49/101 (49.5%) with non-hemorrhagic RCVS. The rates of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) were (51.6% and 10.7%, respectively. ICH seems to be more common than.; (4) Conclusions: Among patients with RCVS, the prevalence in PP patients is relativity high. Pregnant women with RCVS have a higher recurrence of hemorrhagic vs. non-hemorrhagic RCVS. Regarding the type of Hemorrhagic RCVS, ICH is more common than SAH among patients in the postpartum period. Female Sex, history of migraine, and older age group (above 45) seem to be risk factors for H-RCVS. Furthermore, recurrence of RCVS is associated with a higher age group (above 45). Recurrence of RCVS is more commonly idiopathic than being triggered by vasoactive drugs in the postpartum period.
Metformin Prevents Key Mechanisms of Obesity-Related Complications in Visceral White Adipose Tissue of Obese Pregnant Mice
Authors: Schmitz Katrin , Turnwald Eva-Maria , Kretschmer Tobias , Janoschek Ruth , Bae-Gartz Inga , Voßbrecher Kathrin , Kammerer Merlin D. , Köninger Angela , Gellhaus Alexandra , Handwerk Marion , Wohlfarth Maria , Gründemann Dirk , Hucklenbruch-Rother Eva , Dötsch Jörg , Appel Sarah
Published: May 2022

With the gaining prevalence of obesity, related risks during pregnancy are rising. Inflammation and oxidative stress are considered key mechanisms arising in white adipose tissue (WAT) sparking obesity-associated complications and diseases. The established anti-diabetic drug metformin reduces both on a systemic level, but only little is known about such effects on WAT. Because inhibiting these mechanisms in WAT might prevent obesity-related adverse effects, we investigated metformin treatment during pregnancy using a mouse model of diet-induced maternal obesity. After mating, obese mice were randomised to metformin administration. On gestational day G15.5, phenotypic data were collected and perigonadal WAT (pgWAT) morphology and proteome were examined. Metformin treatment reduced weight gain and visceral fat accumulation. We detected downregulation of perilipin-1 as a correlate and observed indications of recovering respiratory capacity and adipocyte metabolism under metformin treatment. By regulating four newly discovered potential adipokines (alpha-1 antitrypsin, Apoa4, Lrg1 and Selenbp1), metformin could mediate anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress-modulating effects on local and systemic levels. Our study provides an insight into obesity-specific proteome alterations and shows novel modulating effects of metformin in pgWAT of obese dams. Accordingly, metformin therapy appears suitable to prevent some of obesity’s key mechanisms in WAT.
Plasma Fatty Acids Pattern and Dry Eye Disease in the Elderly: The Montrachet Population-Based Study
Authors: Seydou Alassane , Arnould Louis , Gabrielle Pierre-Henry , Baudin Florian , Ghezala Ines Ben , Bron Alain M. , Acar Niyazi , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: To investigate the association between plasma fatty acids (FAs) and dry eye disease (DED) in an elderly population; (2) Methods: We conducted a population-based study, the Montrachet study, in individuals older than 75 years. DED was evaluated using the Schirmer I test without anesthesia, tear film breakup time (TFBUT) measurement and fluorescein corneal staining. Plasma FAs were measured in fasting blood using gas chromatography; (3) Results: A total of 740 subjects with a plasma measurement of 25 FAs were included in this study. The mean age was 82.2 ± 3.7 years, and 62.7% were women. DED was present in 35.0% of participants. We identified a plasma FAs pattern positively associated with DED, characterized by low polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), high monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and low saturated fatty acids (SFAs) levels. After adjustment for major confounders, individuals in the upper quartile of the FAs pattern scores compared with those in the lower quartile were more likely to present DED (OR 2.46 (95% CI 1.51–4.01), p = 0.001); (4) Conclusion: In this study, we found that a plasma FAs pattern characterized by low PUFAs, high MUFAs and low SFAs was significantly associated with DED in elderly participants.
Mediating Effect of Physical Activity in the Association between Low 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Frailty Trajectories: The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Shi Zaixing , Shi Kanglin , Zhang Zeyun , Lin Jianlin , Fang Ya
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND: Frailty is associated with adverse health outcomes, and vitamin D (VD) deficiency may be a risk factor. We aimed to identify frailty trajectories and examine the mediating effect of physical activity (PA) on the association between VD deficiency and frailty trajectories. METHODS: We included 2997 participants aged 60 to 85 years from ELSA. VD was measured using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] (sufficient: >50; insufficient: 30–50; deficient: <30 nmol/L). Frailty was assessed by a 60-item frailty index, and PA was measured on the basis of total energy expenditure. Frailty trajectories were identified using group-based trajectory modeling, and the mediation effect of PA was tested using causal mediation analysis. RESULTS: Three distinct frailty trajectories emerged: “Non-frail” (66.48%), “Pre-frail to frail” (25.67%) and “Frail to severely frail” (7.85%). VD deficiency was associated with the “Pre-frail to frail” (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.98) and “Frail to severely frail” trajectories (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.45, 3.62). PA only mediated 48.4% (95% CI: 17.1%–270.8%) of the association between VD deficiency and the “Pre-frail to frail” trajectory. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the onset and worsening of frailty in older adults, and reduced PA may mediate its impact on the transition from pre-frailty to frailty.
The Matrix Matters: Beverage Carbonation Impacts the Timing of Caffeine Effects on Sustained Attention
Authors: De Longis Evelina , Lerond Clara , Costello Sarah E. , Hudry Julie
Published: May 2022

Both caffeine and the perception of refreshment delivered by cooling, tingling, and mouth-watering flavors have individually been shown to positively impact cognitive performance and mood, though presently there is limited evidence on their possible combined effects. This study explored the contribution of refreshing compounds in beverages, namely, carbon dioxide and citric acid, on the acute effects of caffeine on sustained attention and self-rated physical and mental energy. A randomized, controlled crossover trial was conducted by testing three products: a carbonated caffeinated beverage; a comparator caffeinated beverage; and a flavor-matched control beverage. Findings from 24 healthy adults revealed product-dependent variations in cognitive performance during a 60-min visual sustained-attention task, suggesting that the carbonated-caffeinated beverage led to faster, greater and more consistent levels of accuracy, compared to the control beverage. Specifically, significant differences were found between: (1) the carbonated-caffeinated beverage and the caffeinated beverage, and (2) between the caffeinated beverage and the control beverage for number of hits, reaction time and false alarm scores. Both caffeinated beverages led to higher physical and mental energy, and lower physical and mental fatigue 60-min post-consumption. These findings suggest beneficial effects on sustained attention through the combination of caffeine with refreshing compounds.
Octocoral Distribution Patterns at the Equatorial Front (Tropical Eastern Pacific): Muricea and Leptogorgia
Authors: Abad Rubén , Jaramillo Karla B. , Castro Divar , Sánchez Juan A. , Rodríguez Jenny
Published: May 2022

The Equatorial Front, in the southern part of the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP) region, has been characterized as a hotspot of functional biodiversity due to the mixing of warm and cold waters. Nevertheless, the biogeographic patterns for some organisms, such as octocorals, remain unknown in some coastal regions. Therefore, we aimed to assess the distribution of two common octocoral genera in this area, Muricea and Leptogorgia, including 14 species based on museum specimen records, along the mainland coast of Ecuador. Statistical analyses were performed on the environmental and geographical patterns (Sea Surface Temperature (SST), bathymetry, chlorophyll (CHL-a), and Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR)) that influence the Equatorial Front, which is subdivided into five biogeographic regions. Our results showed two hotspots of octocoral biodiversity. The SST was found to be the main environmental factor related to octocoral distribution along the Equatorial Front. Finally, the highest abundance of Muricea over Leptogorgia suggests the former species’ higher resilience to thermal fluctuations. We discuss the possible role of substrates at suitable depths, active photosynthetic radiation, and temperature in the occurrence of octocorals in the two hotspots.
Analytical Performances of the COVISTIXTM Antigen Rapid Test for SARS-CoV-2 Detection in an Unselected Population (All-Comers)
Authors: Garcia-Cardenas Francisco , Peñaloza Fernando , Bertin-Montoya Jennifer , Valdéz-Vázquez Rafael , Franco Alba , Cortés Ricardo , Frias-Jimenez Emmanuel , Cedro-Tanda Alberto , Mendoza-Vargas Alfredo , Reyes-Grajeda Juan Pablo , Hidalgo-Miranda Alfredo , Herrera Luis A.
Published: May 2022

The performance and validity of the COVISTIXTM rapid antigen test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 were evaluated in an unselected population. Additionally, we assessed the influence of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant in the performance of this antigen rapid test. Swab samples were collected at two point-of-care facilities in Mexico City from individuals that were probable COVID-19 cases, as they were either symptomatic or asymptomatic persons at risk of infection due to close contact with SARS-CoV-2 positive cases. Detection of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant was performed in 91 positive cases by Illumina sequencing. Specificity and sensitivity of the COVISTIXTM rapid antigen test was 96% (CI 95% 94–98) and 81% (CI 95% 76–85), respectively. The accuracy parameters were not affected in samples collected after 7 days of symptom onset, and it was possible to detect almost 65% of samples with a Ct-value between 30 and 34. The COVISTIXTM antigen rapid test is highly sensitive (93%; CI 95% 88–98) and specific (98%; CI 95% 97–99) for detecting Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant carriers. The COVISTIXTM rapid antigen test is adequate for examining asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals, including those who have passed the peak of viral shedding, as well as carriers of the highly prevalent Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant.
Extracellular Vesicles from Naegleria fowleri Induce IL-8 Response in THP-1 Macrophage
Authors: Lertjuthaporn Sakaorat , Somkird Jinjuta , Lekmanee Kittima , Atipimonpat Anyapat , Sukapirom Kasama , Sawasdipokin Hathai , Tiewcharoen Supathra , Pattanapanyasat Kovit , Khowawisetsut Ladawan
Published: May 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from pathogenic protozoans play crucial roles in host–parasite communication and disease pathogenesis. Naegleria fowleri is a free-living protozoan causing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a fatal disease in the central nervous system. This study aims to explore the roles of N. fowleri-derived EVs (Nf-EVs) in host–pathogen interactions using the THP-1 cell line as a model. The Nf-EVs were isolated from the N. fowleri trophozoite culture supernatant using sequential centrifugation and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The functional roles of Nf-EVs in the apoptosis and immune response induction of THP-1 monocytes and macrophages were examined by flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, and ELISA. Results showed that Nf-EVs displayed vesicles with bilayer membrane structure approximately 130–170 nm in diameter. The Nf-EVs can be internalized by macrophages and induce macrophage responses by induction of the expression of costimulatory molecules CD80, CD86, HLA-DR, and CD169 and the production of cytokine IL-8. However, Nf-EVs did not affect the apoptosis of macrophages. These findings illustrate the potential role of Nf-EVs in mediating the host immune cell activation and disease pathogenesis.
The Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of PCV3 and PCV2 in Colombia and PCV4 Survey during 2015–2016 and 2018–2019
Authors: Vargas-Bermudez Diana S. , Mogollón José Darío , Jaime Jairo
Published: May 2022

Four genotypes of circovirus have been recognized in swine, with PCV2 and PCV3 being the most associated with clinical manifestations, while PCV4 does not have a defined disease. In addition, PCV2 is associated with different syndromes grouped as diseases associated with porcine circovirus (PCVAD), while PCV3 causes systemic and reproductive diseases. In the present study, we retrospectively detected PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4 in Colombia during two periods: A (2015–2016) and B (2018–2019). During period A, we evaluated stool pools from the 32 Colombian provinces, finding a higher prevalence of PCV3 compared to PCV2 as well as PCV2/PCV3 co-infection. Furthermore, we determined that PCV3 had been circulating since 2015 in Colombia. Regarding period B, we evaluated sera pools and tissues from abortions and stillborn piglets from the five provinces with the highest pig production. The highest prevalence found was for PCV3 in tissues followed by sera pools, while PCV2 was lower and only in sera pools. In addition, PCV2/PCV3 co-infection in sera pools was also found for this period. The complete genome sequences of PCV3 and PCV3-ORF2 placed the Colombian isolates within clade 1 as the majority in the world. For PCV2, the predominant genotype currently in Colombia is PCV2d. Likewise, in some PCV3-ORF2 sequences, a mutation (A24V) was found at the level of the Cap protein, which could be involved in PCV3 immunogenic recognition. Regarding PCV4, retrospective surveillance showed that there is no evidence of the presence of this virus in Colombia.
Size-Dependent Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, and Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Solvent Extraction of Rosa indica L. Petals
Authors: Balu Satheesh Kumar , Andra Swetha , Damiri Fouad , Sivaramalingam Anandhi , Sudandaradoss Manisha Vidyavathy , Kumarasamy Karthikeyan , Bhakthavachalam Kishore , Ali Faraat , Kundu Milton Kumar , Rahman Md. Habibur , Berrada Mohammed , Cavalu Simona
Published: May 2022

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are synthesized through a green approach by employing Rosa indica L. petal (RE) extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents, which are extracted using three different solvents: ethanol (Et), acetone (Ac), and water (Aq). The phase formation of the AgNPs is confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Morphological analysis is performed using a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), which reveals that the AgNPs are spherical in shape. The size is estimated using ImageJ software, which is found to be ~12, 18, and 770 nm for RE-Ac-Ag, RE-Et-Ag, and RE-Aq-Ag, respectively. The phytochemicals of Rosa indica L. petals involved in the formation of the AgNPs are studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Finally, these materials are studied for their antibacterial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and hemolytic activity, as well as cell toxicity properties. The materials, RE-Ac-Ag and RE-Et-Ag, are found to be more effective than RE-Aq-Ag in inhibiting E. coli (Gram-negative bacteria) and S. aureus (Gram-positive bacteria). Hemolytic studies reveal that all of the samples show concentration-dependent activity up to 50 µg/mL. RE-Ac-Ag and RE-Et-Ag exhibit nonhemolytic behavior, whereas RE-Aq-Ag remains nonhemolytic until 100 µg/mL. The antidiabetic ability of the AgNPs is evaluated using α-amylase inhibition assay (DNSA assay) and α-glucosidase inhibition assay. The results are found to be effective, with IC50 values of α-amylase and α-glycosidase being 50, 50, and 75 µg/mL for RE-Et-Ag, RE-Ac-Ag, and RE-Aq-Ag, respectively. DPPH assay shows that the AgNPs inhibited the antioxidants well, with IC50 values of 40 µg/mL for RE-Et-Ag and RE-Ac-Ag and 60 µg/mL for RE-Aq-Ag. The toxicity study reveals that the AgNPs show size- and concentration-dependent behavior. Overall, it is realized from the findings that RE-Ac-Ag, RE-Et-Ag, and RE-Aq-Ag show size-dependent antibacterial, antidiabetic, and toxicity properties.
A Pivotal Role of Nrf2 in Neurodegenerative Disorders: A New Way for Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Suzen Sibel , Tucci Paolo , Profumo Elisabetta , Buttari Brigitta , Saso Luciano
Published: May 2022

Clinical and preclinical research indicates that neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by excess levels of oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers and by lower levels of antioxidant protection in the brain and peripheral tissues. Dysregulations in the oxidant/antioxidant balance are known to be a major factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and involve mitochondrial dysfunction, protein misfolding, and neuroinflammation, all events that lead to the proteostatic collapse of neuronal cells and their loss. Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a short-lived protein that works as a transcription factor and is related to the expression of many cytoprotective genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism and antioxidant responses. A major emerging function of Nrf2 from studies over the past decade is its role in resistance to OS. Nrf2 is a key regulator of OS defense and research supports a protective and defending role of Nrf2 against neurodegenerative conditions. This review describes the influence of Nrf2 on OS and in what way Nrf2 regulates antioxidant defense for neurodegenerative conditions. Furthermore, we evaluate recent research and evidence for a beneficial and potential role of specific Nrf2 activator compounds as therapeutic agents.
Bovine Pancreatic RNase A: An Insight into the Mechanism of Antitumor Activity In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Mohamed Islam Saber Ead , Sen’kova Aleksandra V. , Markov Oleg V. , Markov Andrey V. , Savin Innokenty A. , Zenkova Marina A. , Mironova Nadezhda L.
Published: May 2022

In this investigation, we extensively studied the mechanism of antitumor activity of bovine pancreatic RNase A. Using confocal microscopy, we show that after RNase A penetration into HeLa and B16 cells, a part of the enzyme remains unbound with the ribonuclease inhibitor (RI), resulting in the decrease in cytosolic RNAs in both types of cells and rRNAs in the nucleoli of HeLa cells. Molecular docking indicates the ability of RNase A to form a complex with Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer, and microscopy data confirm its localization mostly inside the nucleus, which may underlie the mechanism of RNase A penetration into cells and its intracellular traffic. RNase A reduced migration and invasion of tumor cells in vitro. In vivo, in the metastatic model of melanoma, RNase A suppressed metastases in the lungs and changed the expression of EMT markers in the tissue adjacent to metastatic foci; this increased Cdh1 and decreased Tjp1, Fn and Vim, disrupting the favorable tumor microenvironment. A similar pattern was observed for all genes except for Fn in metastatic foci, indicating a decrease in the invasive potential of tumor cells. Bioinformatic analysis of RNase-A-susceptible miRNAs and their regulatory networks showed that the main processes modulated by RNase A in the tumor microenvironment are the regulation of cell adhesion and junction, cell cycle regulation and pathways associated with EMT and tumor progression.