bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Docking Studies of Ring-Opened Analogues of Ipomoeassin F
Authors: O’Keefe Sarah , Bhadra Pratiti , Duah Kwabena B. , Zong Guanghui , Tenay Levise , Andrews Lauren , Schneider Hayden , Anderson Ashley , Hu Zhijian , Aljewari Hazim S. , Hall Belinda S. , Simmonds Rachel E. , Helms Volkhard , High Stephen , Shi Wei Q.
Published: July 2022

The plant-derived macrocyclic resin glycoside ipomoeassin F (Ipom-F) binds to Sec61α and significantly disrupts multiple aspects of Sec61-mediated protein biogenesis at the endoplasmic reticulum, ultimately leading to cell death. However, extensive assessment of Ipom-F as a molecular tool and a therapeutic lead is hampered by its limited production scale, largely caused by intramolecular assembly of the macrocyclic ring. Here, using in vitro and/or in cellula biological assays to explore the first series of ring-opened analogues for the ipomoeassins, and indeed all resin glycosides, we provide clear evidence that macrocyclic integrity is not required for the cytotoxic inhibition of Sec61-dependent protein translocation by Ipom-F. Furthermore, our modeling suggests that open-chain analogues of Ipom-F can interact with multiple sites on the Sec61α subunit, most likely located at a previously identified binding site for mycolactone and/or the so-called lateral gate. Subsequent in silico-aided design led to the discovery of the stereochemically simplified analogue 3 as a potent, alternative lead compound that could be synthesized much more efficiently than Ipom-F and will accelerate future ipomoeassin research in chemical biology and drug discovery. Our work may also inspire further exploration of ring-opened analogues of other resin glycosides.
Selective Area Epitaxy of GaN Nanowires on Si Substrates Using Microsphere Lithography: Experiment and Theory
Authors: Gridchin Vladislav O. , Dvoretckaia Liliia N. , Kotlyar Konstantin P. , Reznik Rodion R. , Parfeneva Alesya V. , Dragunova Anna S. , Kryzhanovskaya Natalia V. , Dubrovskii Vladimir G. , Cirlin George E.
Published: July 2022

GaN nanowires were grown using selective area plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on SiOx/Si(111) substrates patterned with microsphere lithography. For the first time, the temperature–Ga/N2 flux ratio map was established for selective area epitaxy of GaN nanowires. It is shown that the growth selectivity for GaN nanowires without any parasitic growth on a silica mask can be obtained in a relatively narrow range of substrate temperatures and Ga/N2 flux ratios. A model was developed that explains the selective growth range, which appeared to be highly sensitive to the growth temperature and Ga flux, as well as to the radius and pitch of the patterned pinholes. High crystal quality in the GaN nanowires was confirmed through low-temperature photoluminescence measurements.
On the Possible Cause of Sudden Storage Modulus Increase during the Heating of PM FeMnSiCrNi SMAs
Authors: Pricop Bogdan , Grigoraș Marian , Borza Firuța , Özkal Burak , Bujoreanu Leandru-Gheorghe
Published: July 2022

A sudden increase in storage modulus (ΔE′) was repeatedly recorded during the heating of powder metallurgy (PM) 66Fe-14Mn-6Si-9Cr-5Ni (mass. %) shape memory alloy specimens subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), under constant applied strain amplitude and frequency. This instability, exceeding 12 GPa, was associated with the reverse martensitic transformation of α′-body centered cubic (bcc) martensite to γ-face centered cubic (fcc) austenite, overlapped on a magnetic transition. This transition, observed by thermomagnetic measurements (T-MAG), was associated with the temporary spontaneous alignment of magnetic spins, which lasted until thermal movement became prevalent, during heating. ΔE′ was located around 250 °C on DMA thermograms and this temperature had the tendency to increase with the solution treatment temperature. On T-MAG diagrams, magnetization saturation temperature decreased from 405 °C to 52 °C with the increase in applied magnetic field from 20 Oe to 1 kOe and the increase in mechanically alloyed powder volume from 20% to 40%. On scanning electron micrographs, the presence of thermally induced α’-bcc martensite was emphasized together with the sub-bands that impede its stress-induced formation during DMA solicitation. On X-ray diffraction patterns of the solution-treated specimens, the presence of 22–82% α′-bcc martensite was identified, together with 8–55% retained austenite. It was assumed that the pre-existence of austenite together with α’-bcc martensite, in the microstructure of the solution-treated specimens, favored the magnetic transition, which destabilized the material and caused the storage modulus increase. The specimen comprising the largest amounts of austenite experienced the largest ΔE′.
A First Assessment of Carbon Nanotubes Grown on Oil-Well Cement via Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Lavagna Luca , Bartoli Mattia , Musso Simone , Suarez-Riera Daniel , Tagliaferro Alberto , Pavese Matteo
Published: July 2022

In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized on an oil-well cement substrate using the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The effect of synthesis process on cement was investigated in depth. In this regard, FE-SEM, RAMAN and X-Ray spectroscopy were used to characterize the cement before and after the synthesis process to reveal the modifications to the cementitious matrix and some unique morphological features of CNTs.
Top-Down Production of Nano-Seeds from Activated Fly Ash Tuned for Enhancing the Early Strength in Blended Cements
Authors: Sobolev Konstantin , Pradoto Rani , Flores-Vivian Ismael , Kozhukhova Marina , Zhernovskaya Irina
Published: July 2022

To achieve the new level of blended cement performance, the slurries of Class C and F fly ash were mechano-chemically activated in a vibro-mill with superplasticizer and nanosilica. The resulting activated products were tested in mortars replacing up to 30% portland cement. The activation process resulted in the formation of nano-seed clusters and micronized ash particles that both significantly improve the early strength of mortars as well as allow for the replacement of portland cement with industrial by-products. A small amount, 0.1% (of a binder weight), of nanosilica was used in selected compositions to improve the process of activation and facilitate the formation of nano-seeds. Due to an intensive activation of fly ash in the vibro-mill and the formation of nano-seed hydration products, the increase in the heat of the hydration flux and improvement of the mechanical properties such as compressive strength, especially in the early stages of hardening, were achieved. It is envisioned that fly ash activation and the use of supplementary cementitious materials as a precursor can induce a denser structure of cementitious matrix due to better particle packing realized with the application of the nano-seed product, nanosilica, ultra-fine particles of fly ash, and the formation of a refined C-S-H structure realized with the incorporation of the nano-seed particles.
Harnessing Molecular Fluorophores in the Carbon Dots Matrix: The Case of Safranin O
Authors: Meloni Manuela , Stagi Luigi , Sanna Davide , Garroni Sebastiano , Calvillo Laura , Terracina Angela , Cannas Marco , Messina Fabrizio , Carbonaro Carlo Maria , Innocenzi Plinio , Malfatti Luca
Published: July 2022

The origin of fluorescence in carbon dots (C-dots) is still a puzzling phenomenon. The emission is, in most of the cases, due to molecular fluorophores formed in situ during the synthesis. The carbonization during C-dots processing does not allow, however, a fine control of the properties and makes finding the source of the fluorescence a challenging task. In this work, we present a strategy to embed a pre-formed fluorescent molecule, safranin O dye, into an amorphous carbonaceous dot obtained by citric acid carbonization. The dye is introduced in the melted solution of citric acid and after pyrolysis remains incorporated in a carbonaceous matrix to form red-emitting C-dots that are strongly resistant to photobleaching. Embedding dyes in amorphous C-dots represents an alternative method to optimize the emission in the whole visible spectrum.
Natural Halloysite-Templated Synthesis of Highly Graphitic Boron-Doped Hollow Carbon Nanocapsule Webs
Authors: Chen Feng , Ma Lulu , Li Bing , Jiang Peiwen , Song Zhimin , Huang Lei
Published: July 2022

Hollow carbon nanocapsules have been attracting growing interest due to their fascinating characteristics and extensive potential applications. In this work, a novel natural halloysite-templated synthesis approach for highly graphitic boron-doped hollow carbon nanocapsule webs (B-HCNCWs) using glucose as the carbon source and boric acid as the heteroatom dopant was first reported. The formation process and physicochemical properties of B-HCNCWs were revealed by SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and XPS characterization techniques. The outcomes showed that the as-obtained B-HCNCWs with hollow nanocapsule network architecture had a specific surface area of 263 m2 g−1, a pore volume of 0.8 cm3 g−1, a high degree of graphitization (81.4%), graphite-like interplanar spacing (0.3370 nm), and B-containing functional groups (0.77 at%). The density function theory (DFT) calculation demonstrated that the adsorption energies of Li on B-HCNCWs were much higher than that of HCNCWs, which proved that B-doping in a carbon matrix could increase the lithium intercalation capacity.
Phase-Field Modeling of Fused Silica Cone-Crack Vickers Indentation
Authors: Tomić Zoran , Jukić Krešimir , Jarak Tomislav , Fabijanić Tamara Aleksandrov , Tonković Zdenko
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a 3D phase-field model for brittle fracture is applied for analyzing the complex fracture patterns appearing during the Vickers indentation of fused silica. Although recent phase-field models for the fracture caused by the indentation loading have been verified by some simpler academic axis-symmetric examples, a proper validation of such models is still missing. In addition, heavy computational costs, and a complicated compression stress field under the indenter, which demands different energy decompositions, have been identified as the most important impediments for the successful application of the phase-field method for such problems. An adaptive strategy is utilized for reducing the computational costs, and some modifications are introduced, which enable an accurate simulation of the Vickers indentation fracture. Here, the fracture initiation ring outside the contact zone is detected by using different energy decompositions, and the dominant cone-crack formation under the Vickers indenter is observed. Different contact conditions are investigated. The proposed model is validated by experimental measurements, and a quantitative and qualitative comparison between experimental and numerical results is conducted.
Salicin and Hederacoside C-Based Extracts and UV-Absorbers Co-Loaded into Bioactive Lipid Nanocarriers with Promoted Skin Antiaging and Hydrating Efficacy
Authors: Lacatusu Ioana , Balanuca Brindusa , Serafim Andrada , Ott Cristina , Prodana Mariana , Badea Nicoleta
Published: July 2022

Conventional and herbal active principles can be combined in a beneficial harmony using their best features and compensating for the certain weaknesses of each. The study will answer the question, “how can willow bark extract (Wbe) or ivy leaf extract (Ile) influence the photoprotective, skin permeation and hydration properties of Bioactive Lipid Nanocarriers (BLN) loaded with UV-filters and selected herbals?”. BLN-Wbe/Ile-UV-filters were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, thermal behavior, entrapment efficiency and drug loading. The formulated BLN-hydrogels (HG) were subjected to in vitro release and permeation experiments. The in vitro determination of sun protection factors, as well as comparative in vitro photostability tests, rheology behavior and in vivo hydration status have been also considered for hydrogels containing BLN-Ile/Wbe-UV-filters. Photoprotection of BLN-HG against UVA rays was more pronounced as compared with the UVB (UVA-PF reached values of 30, while the maximum SPF value was 13). The in vitro irradiation study demonstrated the photostability of BLN-HG under UV exposure. A noteworthy cosmetic efficacy was detected by in vivo skin test (hydration effect reached 97% for the BLN-Wbe-UV-filters prepared with pomegranate oil). The research novelty, represented by the first-time co-optation of the active herbal extracts (Wbe and Ile) together with two synthetic filters in the same nanostructured delivery system, will provide appropriate scientific support for the cosmetic industry to design novel marketed formulations with improved quality and health benefices.
Synthesis of Nanoceria with Varied Ratios of Ce3+/Ce4+ Utilizing Soluble Borate Glass
Authors: Ranasinghe Kisa S. , Singh Rajnish , Leshchev Denis , Vasquez Angel , Stavitski Eli , Foster Ian
Published: July 2022

Mixed-valence cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) have been investigated with pronounced interest due to a wide range of biomedical and industrial applications that arises from its remarkable redox catalytic properties. However, there is no understanding of how to control the formation of these two types of nanoceria to obtain Ce3+/Ce4+ ratios required in various applications. In this work, using a soluble borate glass, nanoceria with specific ratios of Ce3+/Ce4+ are created and extracted via controlled glass-melting parameters. Glass embedded with nanoceria as well as nanoceria extracted from the glass were studied via XANES and fitted with the Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) technique to calculate the ratio of Ce3+/Ce4+. Results show that mixed-valence nanoceria with specific ratios are hermetically sealed within the glass for long durations. When the glass dissolves, the mixed-valence nanoceria are released, and the extracted nanoceria have unchanged Ce3+/Ce4+ ratios. Furthermore, TEM investigation on released nanoceria show that the nanoceria consist of several different structures. Although nanocrystal structures of Ce7O12, Ce11O20, and Ce2O3 contribute to the reduced state, a new quasi-stable phase of CeO1.66 has been observed as well.
The Relationship of Physical Activity and Dietary Quality with Android Fat Composition and Distribution in US Adults
Authors: Xu Furong , Earp Jacob E. , LoBuono Dara L. , Greene Geoffrey W.
Published: July 2022

This study examined the relationship of physical activity (PA) and dietary quality to android fat composition and distribution using a national representative adult sample and determined sex-based differences in these relationships. It is a cross-sectional (n = 10,014) analysis of the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the US department of Agriculture’s Food Patterns Equivalents datasets. Variables utilized for this analysis include PA, 24-h dietary recalls, android percent fat, and android-gynoid (A/G) ratio measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multiple linear regression was performed to examine the relationship between PA and/or dietary quality and android percent fat and A/G ratio adjusted for confounding factors. The study results revealed that PA and/or dietary quality were inversely related to android percent fat and A/G ratio (p < 0.05), but the sex effect was only seen between PA and A/G ratio (p = 0.003). Participants who met PA recommendations and had higher dietary quality had 2.12% lower android fat than those who did not meet PA recommendations and had lower dietary quality (p < 0.001). Both PA and dietary quality are associated with android fat reduction regardless of sex. Given the direct connection between android fat and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, it is important to increase both PA and dietary quality.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Risk of Early-Onset Vasomotor Symptoms in Lean and Overweight Premenopausal Women
Authors: Cho Yoosun , Chang Yoosoo , Choi Hye Rin , Kang Jeonggyu , Kwon Ria , Lim Ga-Young , Ahn Jiin , Kim Kye-Hyun , Kim Hoon , Hong Yun Soo , Zhao Di , Rampal Sanjay , Cho Juhee , Park Hyun-Young , Guallar Eliseo , Ryu Seungho
Published: July 2022

The role of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in vasomotor symptom (VMS) risk in premenopausal women is unknown. We examined the prevalence of early-onset VMSs according to NAFLD status in lean and overweight premenopausal women. This cross-sectional study included 4242 premenopausal Korean women (mean age 45.4 years). VMSs (hot flashes and night sweats) were assessed using the Korean version of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. Hepatic steatosis was determined using liver ultrasound; lean was defined as a body mass index of <23 kg/m2. Participants were categorized into four groups: NAFLD-free lean (reference), NAFLD-free overweight, lean NAFLD, and overweight NAFLD. Compared with the reference, the multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) for VMSs in NAFLD-free overweight, lean NAFLD, and overweight NAFLD were 1.22 (1.06–1.41), 1.38 (1.06–1.79), and 1.49 (1.28–1.73), respectively. For moderate-to-severe VMSs, the multivariable-adjusted PRs (95% CIs) comparing NAFLD-free overweight, lean NAFLD, and overweight NAFLD to the reference were 1.38 (1.10–1.74), 1.73 (1.16–2.57), and 1.74 (1.37–2.21), respectively. NAFLD, even lean NAFLD, was significantly associated with an increased risk of prevalent early-onset VMSs and their severe forms among premenopausal women. Further studies are needed to determine the longitudinal association between NAFLD and VMS risk.
The Use of Dietary Supplements and Amino Acid Restriction Interventions to Reduce Frailty in Pre-Clinical Models
Authors: Bisset Elise S. , Howlett Susan E.
Published: July 2022

Frailty is a state of accelerated aging that increases susceptibility to adverse health outcomes. Due to its high societal and personal costs, there is growing interest in discovering beneficial interventions to attenuate frailty. Many of these interventions involve the use of lifestyle modifications such as dietary supplements. Testing these interventions in pre-clinical models can facilitate our understanding of their impact on underlying mechanisms of frailty. We conducted a narrative review of studies that investigated the impact of dietary modifications on measures of frailty or overall health in rodent models. These interventions include vitamin supplements, dietary supplements, or amino acid restriction diets. We found that vitamins, amino acid restriction diets, and dietary supplements can have beneficial effects on frailty and other measures of overall health in rodent models. Mechanistic studies show that these effects are mediated by modifying one or more mechanisms underlying frailty, in particular effects on chronic inflammation. However, many interventions do not measure frailty directly and most do not investigate effects in both sexes, which limits their applicability. Examining dietary interventions in animal models allows for detailed investigation of underlying mechanisms involved in their beneficial effects. This may lead to more successful, translatable interventions to attenuate frailty.
Lactoferrin Supplementation during Gestation and Lactation Is Efficient for Boosting Rat Pup Development
Authors: Blais Anne , Lan Annaïg , Boluktas Alice , Grauso-Culetto Marta , Chaumontet Catherine , Blachier François , Davila Anne-Marie
Published: July 2022

Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding protein found at relatively high concentrations in human milk. LF, which is little degraded in the infant intestinal lumen, is known to stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of the small intestine epithelial cells. The present study was designed to evaluate in the rat model the effects of bovine LF (bLF) given to the mothers during gestation and lactation on the growth of the offspring. Female Wistar rats were randomly separated into two groups of animals that received from mating and during gestation and lactation a standard diet including or not including bLF (10 g/kg of diet). The pups’ growth was determined up to postnatal day 17 (PND17), and parameters related to lean and fat mass, intestinal differentiation, intestinal barrier function, bone mineral density, osteoblast activity, and brain development were measured. In addition, metabolites in pup plasma were determined at PND17. bLF was detected in the plasma and milk of the supplemented mothers as well as in the pup plasma. Although the body weight of the pups in the two groups did not differ at birth, the pups recovered from the supplemented mothers displayed an increase body weight from PND12 up to PND17. At PND17 in the bLF group, increased small intestine epithelial cell differentiation was detected, and colon barrier function was reinforced in association with increased expression of genes coding for the tight-junction proteins. Regarding bone physiology, improved bone mineral density was measured in the pups. Lastly, the plasma metabolite analysis revealed mainly higher amino acid concentrations in the LF pups as compared to the control group. Our results support that bLF ingestion by the mother during gestation and lactation can promote pup early life development. The potential interest of supplementing the mothers with bLF in the case of risk of compromised early life development of the offspring in the context of animal and human nutrition is discussed.
Eating Competence and Aspects Related to a Gluten-Free Diet in Brazilian Adults with Gluten-Related Disorders
Authors: de Oliveira Pâmela Mayara , Zandonadi Renata Puppin , Cutrim Amanda Moreira Veloso , Nakano Eduardo Yoshio , de Queiroz Fabiana Lopes Nalon , Botelho Raquel B. A. , Saraiva Ariana , Raposo António
Published: July 2022

This cross-sectional study aims to assess eating competence (EC—an intra-individual approach to food, behaviors, and attitudes related to food) and aspects related to a gluten-free diet (GFD) in Brazilian adults with gluten-related disorders (GRDs). The research was conducted using an online survey with a self-reported instrument consisting of 40 items, organized into three parts: (I) Socioeconomic and demographic data; (II) the Brazilian version of the Eating Competence Satter Inventory (ec-SI2.0™BR); and (III) questions about adherence and difficulties in following the gluten-free diet. EC was measured by the ecSI2.0™BR instrument, with scores ≥32 were considered competent eaters. The instrument was applied nationwide through the GoogleForms® platform from 14 February 2022 to 30 March 2022. The publicity for the recruitment was supported by Brazilian celiac local and national associations (Acelbras and Fenacelbra), pages of food services or personal pages of tips and posts about gluten-related disorders, and specialized stores that offer gluten-free foods. The recruitment occurred through social networks (emails, Facebook groups, WhatsApp, and Instagram). A total of 1030 Brazilians with GRDs answered the questionnaire. Most participants were female, aged 40 years or older, with an income >R$3000, and a high education level. The main difficulty regarding adherence to GFD was the high cost of gluten-free foods. Individuals younger than 40 years old had lower EC scores, with no differences between men and women. Increasing socioeconomic status, schooling, and culinary practices increased the total score. Participants who “never/almost never” felt socially judged because their diet had higher scores for total EC. Competent eaters GRD individuals (EC ≥ 32) were mostly individuals aged ≥40 y/o; with income > R$3000; following a GFD; satisfied with purchased gluten-free products; consuming gluten-free products prepared at home, mainly by themselves; who do not feel judged because of the GRD and who feel that they can live a normal life with GRD. Our study showed that individuals who strictly adhere to the GFD have higher scores on eating competence than those who sometimes follow the treatment.
The Longitudinal Association of Lifestyle with Cognitive Health and Dementia Risk: Findings from the HELIAD Study
Authors: Mamalaki Eirini , Charisis Sokratis , Anastasiou Costas A. , Ntanasi Eva , Georgiadi Kyriaki , Balomenos Vassilis , Kosmidis Mary H. , Dardiotis Efthimios , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios , Sakka Paraskevi , Scarmeas Nikolaos , Yannakoulia Mary
Published: July 2022

The aim of the current study was to investigate whether a Total Lifestyle Index (TLI), including adherence to the Mediterranean diet, sleep duration, physical activity and engagement in activities of daily living, is associated with cognitive health over time and dementia risk, in a representative cohort of older people. A total of 1018 non-demented community-dwelling older adults ≥65 years old (60% women) from the HELIAD study were included. A comprehensive neurological and neuropsychological assessment was conducted at baseline and at the 3-year follow-up evaluating cognitive functioning, and a dementia diagnosis was set. Diet, physical activity, sleep duration and engagement in activities of daily living were assessed using standard, validated questionnaires at baseline. Sixty-one participants developed dementia at follow-up; participants who developed dementia were older and had fewer years of education compared with participants with normal cognition. With the exception of sleep duration, participants with normal cognition at follow-up scored higher in the individual lifestyle factors compared to those who developed dementia. Regarding TLI, values were lower for participants with dementia compared with those with normal cognition. Each additional unit of the TLI was associated with 0.5% of a standard deviation less decline per year of the Global Cognition score, whereas for each additional unit of the TLI, the risk for dementia was reduced by 0.2% per year (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that greater adherence to a healthy lifestyle pattern is associated with a slower decline of cognitive function and reduced dementia risk.
Food Sources of Fiber and Micronutrients of Concern in Infants and Children in the United Arab Emirates: Findings from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) and the Kids Nutrition and Health Survey (KNHS) 2020
Authors: Kassis Amira , Chokor Fatima Al Zahraa , Nasreddine Lara , Hwalla Nahla , O’Neill Lynda
Published: July 2022

We estimated the usual intakes of fiber, iron, zinc, calcium, folate, vitamin D, and vitamin A and the top foods that contribute to them among children in the UAE. Dietary intake was assessed using 24 h recalls among 5 age groups of infants and children. Foods were clustered into 54 food groups and ranked by their percentage contribution to the nutrients of interest in this study. The percentage achieving the adequate intake (AI) of fiber was negligible among all children. The top source of fiber was vegetables among children under 4 years, and white breads among those over 4 years. Only 45% of infants achieved iron adequacy, but iron standards were met by most children beyond the age of 1. The main contributors to iron intake were infant/young child formula and baby cereal in children under 4 years, while children over 4 years obtained it primarily from grains (fortified) and meat/fish. Vitamin D was inadequate across all age groups, with the percentage achieving adequacy ranging from 0 to 19% among pre-adolescents and toddlers, respectively. The top sources of vitamin D were fortified milks. Overall, nutrient inadequacies in fiber, calcium, and vitamin D highlight the need for greater intakes of whole grains and fortified dairy products in the UAE.
Lipoprotein(a) in the Korean Pediatric Population Visiting Local Clinics and Hospitals
Authors: Choi Rihwa , Lee Sang Gon , Lee Eun Hee
Published: July 2022

In this paper we investigate serum lipoprotein(a), an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the Korean pediatric population. Visiting local clinics and hospitals, 600 lipoprotein(a) tests were performed on 416 Korean children and adolescents (124 boys and 292 girls), with a median age of 11.1 years (interquartile range, IQR, 9.8–13.9). The median lipoprotein(a) level was 21.5 nmol/L (IQR, 8.2–51.7). Among the 416 patients, the 90th percentile value of the initial lipoprotein(a) measurement was 107.8 nmol/L. The proportion of patients with lipoprotein(a) ≥ 100 nmol/L was 11.3%. The lipoprotein(a) level and the proportion of patients with lipoprotein(a) ≥ 100 nmol/L were not significantly different among sex, or age group. Among the 416 patients, 122 (29.3%, 21 boys and 101 girls) underwent at least two follow-up lipoprotein(a) measurements. The median follow-up period was 6.7 months (IQR, 5.5–11.8). The median lipoprotein(a) level across the 122 patients was 25 nmol/L (IQR 10.0–72.0). Among those patients, seven (5.7%) experienced an increase in serum lipoprotein(a) to ≥100 nmol/L during follow-up measurements. Further studies are needed in the Korean pediatric population in order to clarify the clinical significance of this change long-term.
Vitamin B12 Regulates the Transcriptional, Metabolic, and Epigenetic Programing in Human Ileal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ge Yong , Zadeh Mojgan , Mohamadzadeh Mansour
Published: July 2022

Vitamin B12 (VB12) is a micronutrient that is essential for DNA synthesis and cellular energy production. We recently demonstrated that VB12 oral supplementation coordinates ileal epithelial cells (iECs) and gut microbiota functions to resist pathogen colonization in mice, but it remains unclear whether VB12 directly modulates the cellular homeostasis of iECs derived from humans. Here, we integrated transcriptomic, metabolomic, and epigenomic analyses to identify VB12-dependent molecular and metabolic pathways in human iEC microtissue cultures. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that VB12 notably activated genes involved in fatty acid metabolism and epithelial cell proliferation while suppressing inflammatory responses in human iECs. Untargeted metabolite profiling demonstrated that VB12 facilitated the biosynthesis of amino acids and methyl groups, particularly S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and supported the function of the mitochondrial carnitine shuttle and TCA cycle. Further, genome-wide DNA methylation analysis illuminated a critical role of VB12 in sustaining cellular methylation programs, leading to differential CpG methylation of genes associated with intestinal barrier function and cell proliferation. Together, these findings suggest an essential involvement of VB12 in directing the fatty acid and mitochondrial metabolisms and reconfiguring the epigenome of human iECs to potentially support cellular oxygen utilization and cell proliferation.
Differential Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acids on L6 Myotube Inflammatory Mediator Production in Response to Lipopolysaccharide- or Palmitic Acid-Stimulation
Authors: Martin Jamie L. A. , Cartwright Nadia M. , Hutchinson Amber L. , Robinson Lindsay E. , Ma David W. L. , Monk Jennifer M.
Published: July 2022

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced from dietary non-digestible carbohydrate fermentation have metabolic effects in skeletal muscle; however, their effect on inflammatory mediator production is unknown. In this study, L6 myotubes were cultured with individual SCFA (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) at 0.5 mM and 2.5 mM ± 10 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or ± 500 µM palmitic acid (PA) for 24 h. In response to LPS, only butyrate had an effect at the lower concentration (0.5 mM), whereas at the higher concentration (2.5 mM) both propionate and butyrate reduced MCP-1, MIP-1α, and RANTES secretion (p < 0.05), and only butyrate reduced IL-6 secretion and intracellular protein levels of phospho-STAT3 (p < 0.05). In response to PA, 0.5 mM butyrate reduced protein expression of phospho-NFκB p65 and the secretion of IL-6, MIP-1α, and MCP-1, whereas all three SCFA reduced RANTES secretion (p < 0.05). At the 2.5 mM SCFA concentration combined with PA stimulation, all three SCFA reduced intracellular protein expression of phospho-NFκB p65 and phospho-STAT3 and secreted protein levels of MCP-1, IL-6, and RANTES, whereas only butyrate reduced secretion of MIP-1α (p < 0.05). Thus, SCFA exhibit differential effects on inflammatory mediator expression in response to LPS and PA stimulation, which has implications for their individual impacts on inflammation-mediated skeletal muscle dysfunction.
Associations between Abnormal Eating Styles and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study among Medical School Students
Authors: Jia Wenhan , Liang Hong , Wang Lining , Sun Ming , Xie Xili , Gao Jie , Li Linxian , Tang Xiao , Ma Yanan
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Few studies have investigated the association between eating styles and IBS. This study aimed to explore the association between abnormal eating styles and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated students in China Medical University and Shenyang Medical College. Eating styles were evaluated by the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), and IBS was diagnosed according to Rome III criteria. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). (3) Results: A total of 335 students were diagnosed with IBS. Students with the total scores in tertile 2 and 3 had 1.29 times and 2.75 times higher risk of IBS than students with the total scores in tertile 1, respectively. Simultaneously, the risk of IBS in the tertile 3 of external eating, emotional eating, and restraint eating trends was 3.87 times, 2.71 times, and 3.82 times higher than that of tertile 1, respectively. (4) Conclusions: this study showed that a high score in both total eating styles and each eating style was associated with the odds of having IBS and suggested that the psychological factors behind eating styles may play a critical role in controlling the IBS.
Development and Validation of an Insulin Resistance Model for a Population with Chronic Kidney Disease Using a Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Lee Chia-Lin , Liu Wei-Ju , Tsai Shang-Feng
Published: July 2022

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complex syndrome without a definitive treatment. For these patients, insulin resistance (IR) is associated with worse renal and patient outcomes. Until now, no predictive model using machine learning (ML) has been reported on IR in CKD patients. Methods: The CKD population studied was based on results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of the USA from 1999 to 2012. The homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) was used to assess insulin resistance. We began the model building process via the ML algorithm (random forest (RF), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGboost), logistic regression algorithms, and deep neural learning (DNN)). We compared different receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves from different algorithms. Finally, we used SHAP values (SHapley Additive exPlanations) to explain how the different ML models worked. Results: In this study population, 71,916 participants were enrolled. Finally, we analyzed 1,229 of these participants. Their data were segregated into the IR group (HOMA IR > 3, n = 572) or non-IR group (HOMR IR ≤ 3, n = 657). In the validation group, RF had a higher accuracy (0.77), specificity (0.81), PPV (0.77), and NPV (0.77). In the test group, XGboost had a higher AUC of ROC (0.78). In addition, XGBoost also had a higher accuracy (0.7) and NPV (0.71). RF had a higher accuracy (0.7), specificity (0.78), and PPV (0.7). In the RF algorithm, the body mass index had a much larger impact on IR (0.1654), followed by triglyceride (0.0117), the daily calorie intake (0.0602), blood HDL value (0.0587), and age (0.0446). As for the SHAP value, in the RF algorithm, almost all features were well separated to show a positive or negative association with IR. Conclusion: This was the first study using ML to predict IR in patients with CKD. Our results showed that the RF algorithm had the best AUC of ROC and the best SHAP value differentiation. This was also the first study that included both macronutrients and micronutrients. We concluded that ML algorithms, particularly RF, can help determine risk factors and predict IR in patients with CKD.
Change for the Better: Severe Pneumonia at the Emergency Department
Authors: Kawecki Dariusz , Majewska Anna , Czerwinski Jarosław
Published: July 2022

This is a single-centre observational study of adult patients with severe pneumonia requiring hospitalization conducted at the emergency department. During the observation period (94 weeks), 398 patients were diagnosed with severe pneumonia and required further treatment at the hospital. The median age of patients was 73 years. About 65% of patients had at least one chronic comorbidity. Almost 30% of patients had cardiovascular disorders, and 13% had diabetes mellitus. The average Emergency Department length of stay was 3.56 days. The average length of hospitalization was 15.8 days. Overall, 94% of patients treated for pneumonia received a beta-lactam antibiotic. The median time from ED admission to the administration of the first dose of antimicrobial agent was less than 6 h. Microbiology test samples were obtained from 48.7% patients. Gram-positive cocci were isolated most commonly (52.9%) from blood samples. Biological material from the lower respiratory tract was collected from 8.3% of patients, and from 47.2% of positive samples, fungi were cultured. The urine samples were obtained from 35.9% patients, and Gram-negative rods (76%) were isolated most commonly. Overall, 16.1% of patients died during the hospitalization. The mean age of patients who died was 79 years. This observational study is the first single-centre study conducted as part of the Polish Emergency Department Research Organization (PEDRO) project. It aims to provide up-to-date information about patients with pneumonia in order to improve medical care and develop local diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations.
Gut Microbiota Composition Associated with Clostridioides difficile Colonization and Infection
Authors: Martinez Elisa , Taminiau Bernard , Rodriguez Cristina , Daube Georges
Published: July 2022

Clostridioides difficile is an anaerobic Gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium. The majority of C. difficile strains produce two toxins, A and B, associated with the development of acute diarrhea and/or colitis. In this review, two situations are distinguished: C. difficile infection (CDI) and asymptomatic colonization (AC). The main objective of this review is to explore the available data related to the link between the gut microbiota and the development of CDI. The secondary aim is to provide more information on why some people colonized with toxigenic C. difficile develop an infection while others show no signs of disease. Several factors, such as the use of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors, hospitalization, and age, predispose individuals to C. difficile colonization and/or C. difficile infection. The gut microbiota of people with AC showed decreased abundances of Prevotella, Alistipes, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Dorea, Coprococcus, and Roseburia. The gut microbiota of people suffering from CDI showed reductions in the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Blautia spp., Prevotella spp., Dialister spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Roseburia spp., Anaerostipes spp., Faecalibacterium spp. and Coprococcus spp., in comparison with healthy people. Furthermore, increases in the abundances of Enterococcaceae and Enterococcus were associated with C. difficile infection.
Nanotopographical 3D-Printed Poly(ε-caprolactone) Scaffolds Enhance Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of Urine-Derived Stem Cells for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Xing Fei , Yin Hua-Mo , Zhe Man , Xie Ji-Chang , Duan Xin , Xu Jia-Zhuang , Xiang Zhou , Li Zhong-Ming
Published: July 2022

3D-printing technology can be used to construct personalized bone substitutes with customized shapes, but it cannot regulate the topological morphology of the scaffold surface, which plays a vital role in regulating the biological behaviors of stem cells. In addition, stem cells are able to sense the topographical and mechanical cues of surface of scaffolds by mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. In our study, we fabricated a 3D-printed poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold with a nanotopographical surface and loaded it with urine-derived stem cells (USCs) for application of bone regeneration. The topological 3D-printed PCL scaffolds (TPS) fabricated by surface epiphytic crystallization, possessed uniformly patterned nanoridges, of which the element composition and functional groups of nanoridges were the same as PCL. Compared with bare 3D-printed PCL scaffolds (BPS), TPS have a higher ability for protein adsorption and mineralization in vitro. The proliferation, cell length, and osteogenic gene expression of USCs on the surface of TPS were significantly higher than that of BPS. In addition, the TPS loaded with USCs exhibited a good ability for bone regeneration in cranial bone defects. Our study demonstrated that nanotopographical 3D-printed scaffolds loaded with USCs are a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for bone regeneration.
Selection of Sweetpotato Parental Genotypes Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers
Authors: Naidoo Sonia I. M. , Laurie Sunette M. , Amelework Assefa B. , Shimelis Hussein , Laing Mark
Published: July 2022

Knowledge of the genetic diversity and genetic relationship is important in crop improvement. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of 31 sweetpotato genotypes and furthermore to select distantly related individuals for breeding of superior parental clones. The genotypes (sourced from the Agricultural Research Council, South Africa) originating from Africa and American continent were genotyped using eight highly polymorphic SSR markers. The SSR markers generated a total of 83 putative alleles. The polymorphic information content (PIC) of the tested simple sequence markers varied from 0.73 to 0.91, with a mean of 0.85. At least 11 different alleles were found in 8 loci within the population, with 7 effective alleles per locus. Although high diversity was found among the genotypes, genetic distances among the genotypes were relatively low. Cluster analysis revealed the existence of three distinct genetic groups, and the clustering patterns follow to some extent the geographic origin and pedigree of the genotypes. High gene flow was observed among different sweetpotato accessions. The selected SSR markers were found to be highly polymorphic with high discriminatory power for genetic characterization studies and are useful genomic tool to complement phenotyping of sweetpotato genotypes. Two heterotic groups were found in the study. The heterotic group A was composed of 14 genotypes mainly of South African origin, while the heterotic group B consisted of 17 genotypes of American origin. The two distinct groups were important for the selection of breeding clones that were distantly related to be used as parental clones in the advancement of traits of interest.
Antagonist Temperature Variation Affects the Photosynthetic Parameters and Secondary Metabolites of Ocimum basilicum L. and Salvia officinalis L.
Authors: Copolovici Lucian , Copolovici Dana M. , Moisa Cristian , Lupitu Andreea
Published: July 2022

Climate change is one of the main challenges for actual and future generations. Global warming affects plants and animals and is responsible for considerable crop loss. This study studied the influence of antagonist successive stresses, cold–heat and heat–cold, on two medicinal plants Ocimum basilicum L. and Salvia officinalis L. The photosynthetic parameters decreased for plants under the variation of subsequent stress. Net assimilation rates and stomatal conductance to water vapor are more affected in the case of plants under cold–heat consecutive stress than heat–cold successive stress. Emissions of volatile organic compounds have been enhanced for plants under successive stress when compared with control plants. Chlorophyll concentrations for plants under successive stress decreased for basil and sage plants. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were not affected by the successive stresses when compared with the plants under only one type of treatment.
Morphological, Molecular, and Biochemical Characterization of a Unique Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) Genotype Showing Seed-Coat Color Anomalies Due to Altered Anthocyanin Pathway
Authors: Mishra Gyan P. , Ankita  , Aski Muraleedhar S. , Tontang Mechiya Tomuilim , Choudhary Priti , Tripathi Kuldeep , Singh Ajeet , Kumar Ranjeet Ranjan , Thimmegowda Vinutha , Stobdan Tsering , Kumar Atul , Bhardwaj Rakesh , Praveen Shelly , Yadava Devendra Kumar , Kumar Shiv , Dikshit Harsh Kumar
Published: July 2022

This study reports the identification of a unique lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) genotype L4717-NM, a natural mutant (NM) derived from a variety L4717, producing brown, black, and spotted seed-coat colored seeds in a single plant, generation after generation, in different frequencies. The genetic similarity of L4717 with that of L4717-NM expressing anomalous seed-coat color was established using 54 SSR markers. In addition, various biochemical parameters such as TPC (total phenolic content), TFC (total flavonoid content), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), H2O2 (peroxide quantification), TCC (total carotenoids content), TAC (total anthocyanin content), and TAA (total ascorbic acid) were also studied in the seeds, sprouts, and seedlings of L4717, brown, black, and spotted seed-coat colored seeds. Stage-specific variations for the key biochemical parameters were recorded, and seedling stage was found the best for many parameters. Moreover, seeds with black seed coat showed better nutraceutical values for most of the studied traits. A highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) and positive correlation was observed between DPPH and TPC, TAA, TFC, etc., whereas, protein content showed a negative correlation with the other studied parameters. The seed coat is maternal tissue and we expect expression of seed-coat color as per the maternal genotype. However, such an anomalous seed-coat expression, which seems to probably be governed by some transposable element in the identified genotype, warrants more detailed studies involving exploitation of the anthocyanin pathway.
Comprehensive Comparison of Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Panax ginseng Sprouts by Different Cultivation Systems in a Plant Factory
Authors: Cho Kye Man , Lee Hee Yul , Cho Du Yong , Jung Jea Gack , Kim Min Ju , Jeong Jong Bin , Jang Seong-Nam , Lee Ga Oun , Sim Han-Sol , Kang Min Ji , Kim Ye Lin , Lee Ji Hyun , Lim Sooyeon , Son Ki-Ho
Published: July 2022

In this study, the primary (such as amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals) and secondary (including ginsenosides, phenolic acids, and flavonols) metabolites and antioxidant effects of Panax ginseng sprouts (PGSs) by different cultivation systems, such as soil–substrate cultivation (SSC) and deep-water cultivation (DWC), in a plant factory has been observed. There was no significant difference in the total fatty acid (FA) contents. Particularly, the major FAs of PGSs were palmitic acid (207.4 mg/100 g) of saturated FAs and linoleic acid (397.6 mg/100 g) and α-linolenic acid (222.6 mg/100 g) of unsaturated FAs in the SSC system. The values of total amino acids were all higher in SSC than in DWC. In the case of ginsenosides, the total protopanaxtriol product was 30.88 mg/g in SSC, while the total protopanaxdiol product was 34.83 mg/g in DWC. In particular, the values of total phenolic acids and total flavonols were 133.36 and 388.19 ug/g, respectively, and SSC had a higher content than DWC. In conclusion, the SSC system was shown to be higher in nutritional constituents and antioxidant activities in soil cultivation, suggesting that PGS with SSC has a positive effect on the quality of PGS in a plant factory.