bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus Co-Delivered with Modified PLGA Nanoparticles Encapsulating Temozolomide against Glioblastoma Cells: Developing an Effective Treatment Strategy
Authors: Kadhim Zahraa A. , Sulaiman Ghassan M. , Al-Shammari Ahmed M. , Khan Riaz A. , Al Rugaie Osamah , Mohammed Hamdoon A.
Published: September 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is considered to be one of the most serious version of primary malignant tumors. Temozolomide (TMZ), an anti-cancer drug, is the most common chemotherapeutic agent used for patients suffering from GBM. However, due to its inherent instability, short biological half-life, and dose-limiting characteristics, alternatives to TMZ have been sought. In this study, the TMZ-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by employing the emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The prepared TMZ-PLGA-NPs were characterized using FT-IR, zeta potential analyses, XRD pattern, particle size estimation, TEM, and FE-SEM observations. The virotherapy, being safe, selective, and effective in combating cancer, was employed, and TMZ-PLGA-NPs and oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) were co-administered for the purpose. An AMHA1-attenuated strain of NDV was propagated in chicken embryos, and the virus was titrated in Vero-slammed cells to determine the infective dose. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of the TMZ, NDV, and the TMZ-PLGA-NPs against the human glioblastoma cancer cell line, AMGM5, and the normal cell line of rat embryo fibroblasts (REFs) were evaluated. The synergistic effects of the nano-formulation and viral strain combined therapy was observed on the cell lines in MTT viability assays, together with the Chou–Talalay tests. The outcomes of the in vitro investigation revealed that the drug combinations of NDV and TMZ, as well as NDV and TMZ-PLGA-NPs exerted the synergistic enhancements of the antitumor activity on the AMGM5 cell lines. The effectiveness of both the mono, and combined treatments on the capability of AMGM5 cells to form colonies were also examined with crystal violet dyeing tests. The morphological features, and apoptotic reactions of the treated cells were investigated by utilizing the phase-contrast inverted microscopic examinations, and acridine orange/propidium iodide double-staining tests. Based on the current findings, the potential for the use of TMZ and NDV as part of a combination treatment of GBM is significant, and may work for patients suffering from GBM.
Cranberry Ingestion Modulated Drug Transporters and Metabolizing Enzymes: Gefitinib Used as a Probe Substrate in Rats
Authors: Yu Chung-Ping , Tsai Pei-Ling , Li Pei-Ying , Hsu Pei-Wen , Lin Shiuan-Pey , Lee Chao Pei-Dawn , Hou Yu-Chi
Published: September 2022

Cranberry, a polyphenol-rich functional food, is commonly used for the prophylaxis of urinary tract infections. Gefitinib, an anticancer agent clinically prescribed to treat non-small-cell lung cancer, is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), and metabolized mainly by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and CYP2D6. This study used gefitinib as a probe substrate to investigate the modulation of cranberry on P-gp, BCRP, CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Rats were administered gefitinib with and without 5.0 g/kg of cranberry as juice (CJ). The concentration of gefitinib in serum was determined by LC-MS/MS. The results showed that CJ significantly increased the Cmax and AUC0-t of gefitinib by 28% and 55%, respectively. Mechanism studies indicated that CJ activated P-gp, and cranberry metabolites (CM) inhibited CYP2D6. Moreover, the protein level of P-gp in rat enterocytes was decreased, whereas that in hepatocytes was increased. In addition, the protein levels of BCRP, CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 in enterocytes and hepatocytes were decreased. In conclusion, CJ ingestion affected the activities and protein levels of P-gp, BCRP, CYP3A4 and CYP2D6.
The Anisotropic Chemical Reaction Mechanism of 1,3,3-trinitroazetidine (TNAZ) under Different Shock Wave Directions by ReaxFF Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Li Junjian , Wu Junying , Shang Yiping , Mudassar Muhammad
Published: September 2022

1,3,3-Trinitroazetidine (TNAZ) has good thermal stability and low shock sensitivity, among other properties, and it has broad prospects in insensitive ammunition applications. In this study, a molecular dynamics calculation based on the ReaxFF-lg force field and multiscale shock technique (MSST) was used to simulate the shock-induced chemical reaction of TNAZ with different shock wave directions. The results showed that the shock sensitivity of TNAZ was in the order of [100] > [010] > [001]. There were significant differences in molecular arrangements in different shock directions, which affected the reaction rate and reaction path in different directions. The molecular arrangement in the [010] and [001] directions formed a “buffer” effect. The formation and cleavage of bonds, formation of small molecules and growth of clusters were analyzed to show the effect of the “buffer”. The polymerization reactions in the [010] and [001] directions appeared later than that in the [100] direction, and the cluster growth in the [010] and [001] directions was slower than that in the [100] direction. In different shock loading directions, the formation and cleavage mechanisms of the N-O bonds of the TNAZ molecules were different, which resulted in differences in the initial reaction path and reaction rate in the three directions
Multiparametric Flow Cytometry-Based Immunophenotyping of Mouse Liver Immune Cells
Authors: Vanekova Lenka , Polidarova Marketa Pimkova , Veverka Vaclav , Birkus Gabriel , Brazdova Andrea
Published: September 2022

The liver is a complex organ that governs many types of metabolisms, including energy metabolism and other cellular processes. The liver also plays a crucial role in important functions in immunity, and the activity of liver tissue-associated immunity affects the outcome of many liver pathologies. A thorough characterization of the liver immune microenvironment may contribute to a better understanding of immune signaling, the mechanisms of specific immune responses, and even to improved predictions about therapy outcomes. In this paper, we present an optimized, simple, and rapid protocol to characterize the liver-associated immune cell milieu. We believe that the most suitable technique for obtaining a complex immune cell suspension and for removing contaminating blood cells is to perform mouse liver perfusion, using only phosphate buffer saline. Combining an enzymatic digestion and a mechanical dissociation of liver tissue, followed by cell purification, improves downstream applications. This combination is an essential prerequisite for immune cell determination and characterization. We then demonstrate a flow cytometry-based multiparametric immunophenotyping along with a gating strategy to detect and quantify liver endothelial cells, T cells (helper and cytotoxic), B cells, NK cells, NKT cells, neutrophils, monocytes (subsets included), dendritic cells (subsets included), macrophages and Kupffer cells.
Evaluating Virtual Hand Illusion through Realistic Appearance and Tactile Feedback
Authors: Cui Dixuan , Mousas Christos
Published: September 2022

We conducted a virtual reality study to explore virtual hand illusion through three levels of appearance (Appearance dimension: realistic vs. pixelated vs. toon hand appearances) and two levels of tactile feedback (Tactile dimension: no tactile vs. tactile feedback). We instructed our participants to complete a virtual assembly task in this study. Immediately afterward, we asked them to provide self-reported ratings on a survey that captured presence and five embodiment dimensions (hand ownership, touch sensation, agency and motor control, external appearance, and response to external stimuli). The results of our study indicate that (1) tactile feedback generated a stronger sense of presence, touch sensation, and response to external stimuli; (2) the pixelated hand appearance provided the least hand ownership and external appearance; and (3) in the presence of the pixelated hand, prior virtual reality experience of participants impacted their agency and motor control and their response to external stimuli ratings. This paper discusses our findings and provides design considerations for virtual reality applications with respect to the realistic appearance of virtual hands and tactile feedback.
Effects of Non-Essential Amino Acids on Knee Joint Conditions in Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Takeuchi Fumika , Takada Michihiro , Kobuna Yasuo , Uchida Hirohisa , Adachi Yusuke
Published: September 2022

Joint problems impair performance during exercise and daily activities and influence quality of life. The present study aimed to examine the effects of a combination of six non-essential amino acids (6AA) on joint conditions in an adult population. A total of 50 participants aged between 20 and 64 years with joint discomfort but no diagnosed joint disorder were randomly and blindly assigned to a control or 6AA group. The 6AA group took 12 g of the non-essential amino acid formulation orally (4 g three times a day) and the control group took equivalent doses of a placebo. Each group maintained the daily dose for 12 weeks. Primary outcome measures were evaluated with the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM), and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (JOA). These tests were taken before the experiment began at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after the intervention. The results of the VAS indicated that 6AA improved joint pain, discomfort, and stiffness both during a resting state and during normal activity. Participants’ scores on the JKOM and JOA also showed significant improvements in the group that had taken the 6AA supplement. These results demonstrate that 6AA improves symptoms of joint problems, such as pain, discomfort, stiffness, and difficulty in performing daily activities after 4 weeks of daily consumption.
Associations between Maternal Dietary Patterns, Biomarkers and Delivery Outcomes in Healthy Singleton Pregnancies: Multicenter Italian GIFt Study
Authors: Anelli Gaia Maria , Parisi Francesca , Sarno Laura , Fornaciari Ottavia , Carlea Annunziata , Coco Chiara , Porta Matteo Della , Mollo Nunzia , Villa Paola Maria , Guida Maurizio , Cazzola Roberta , Troiano Ersilia , Pasotti Monica , Volpi Graziella , Vetrani Laura , Maione Manuela , Cetin Irene
Published: September 2022

Background: Maternal nutrition represents a critical risk factor for adverse health outcomes in both mother and offspring. We aimed to investigate associations between maternal nutritional habits, biomarker status, and pregnancy outcome among Italian healthy normal-weight pregnancies. Methods: Multicenter prospective cohort study recruiting Italian healthy normal-weight women with singleton spontaneous pregnancies at 20 ± 2 weeks (T1) in Milan and Naples. All patients underwent nutritional evaluations by our collecting a 7-day weighed dietary record at 25 ± 1 weeks (T2) and a Food Frequency Questionnaire at 29 ± 2 weeks (T3). Maternal venous blood samples were collected at T3 to assess nutritional, inflammatory and oxidative biomarker concentrations (RBCs folate, vitamin D, hepcidin, total antioxidant capacity). Pregnancy outcomes were collected at delivery (T4). General linear models adjusted for confounding factors were estimated to investigate associations between maternal dietary pattern adherence, nutrient intakes, biomarker concentrations and delivery outcomes. Results: 219 healthy normal-weight pregnant women were enrolled. Vitamin D and RBCs folate concentrations, as well as micronutrient intakes, were consistently below the recommended range. In a multi-adjusted model, maternal adherence to the most prevalent ‘high meat, animal fats, grains’ dietary pattern was positively associated with hepcidin concentrations and negatively associated with gestational age at delivery in pregnancies carrying female fetuses. Hepcidin plasma levels were further negatively associated to placental weight, whereas vitamin D concentrations were positively associated to neonatal weight. Conclusions: A high adherence to an unbalanced ‘high meat, animal fats, grains’ pattern was detected among Italian normal-weight low-risk pregnancies, further associated with maternal pro-inflammatory status and gestational age at delivery. This evidence underlines the need for a dedicated nutritional counseling even among low-risk pregnancies.
Exosome-Containing Extracellular Vesicles Contribute to the Transport of Resveratrol Metabolites in the Bloodstream: A Human Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Iglesias-Aguirre Carlos Eduardo , Ávila-Gálvez María Ángeles , López de las Hazas María-Carmen , Dávalos Alberto , Espín Juan Carlos
Published: September 2022

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) that regulate intercellular signaling by transferring small RNAs, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and other metabolites to local or distant organs, including the brain, by crossing the blood–brain barrier. However, the transport of (poly)phenols in human EVs has not yet been described. Therefore, we aimed here to explore (i) whether resveratrol and (or) its derived metabolites are found in the cargo of human plasma exosome-containing EVs (E-EVs), (ii) when this incorporation occurs, and (iii) whether resveratrol intake stimulates the release of E-EVs. Thus, in a pharmacokinetic study, healthy volunteers (n = 16) consumed 1 capsule (420 mg resveratrol) in the evening before attending the clinic and one more capsule on the day of the pharmacokinetics. The plasma and the isolated E-EVs were analyzed using UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. Of 17 metabolites in the plasma, 9 were identified in the E-EVs, but not free resveratrol. The kinetic profiles of resveratrol metabolites were similar in the plasma and the E-EVs, a higher metabolite concentration being detected in the plasma than in the E-EVs. However, the plasma/E-EVs ratio decreased in the gut microbial metabolites, suggesting their better encapsulation efficiency in E-EVs. In addition, glucuronide conjugates of resveratrol, dihydroresveratrol, and lunularin were incorporated into the E-EVs more efficiently than their corresponding sulfates despite glucuronides reaching lower plasma concentrations. Notably, more E-EVs were detected 10 h after resveratrol consumption. This exploratory study provides the first evidence that (i) resveratrol metabolites are transported by E-EVs, with a preference for glucuronide vs. sulfates, (ii) the gut microbial metabolites concentration and kinetic profiles are closely similar in E-EVs and plasma, and (iii) resveratrol intake elicits E-EVs secretion. Overall, these results open new research avenues on the possible role of E-EVs in (poly)phenol health effects.
Reconfiguration of Gut Microbiota and Reprogramming of Liver Metabolism with Phycobiliproteins Bioactive Peptides to Rehabilitate Obese Rats
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhen Dongyu , Hu Changbao , Liu Yawen , Shen Xuanri , Fu Pengcheng , He Yanfu
Published: September 2022

Phycobiliproteins (derived from Arthrospira platensis) bioactive peptide extracts (PPE) possess multiple pharmacological effects in the mitigation of human metabolic disorders. The role of PPE in the treatment of diet-induced obesity and the understanding of the underlying mechanism between the gut microbiome and metabolic blood circulation for obese patients remains poorly understood. In this study, we showed that PPE attenuated obesity by reducing body weight, and ameliorated glucose and lipid indexes in serum. In particular, PPE is postulated to mitigate liver steatosis and insulin resistance. On the other hand, dietary treatment with PPE was found to “reconfigure” the gut microbiota in the way that the abundances were elevated for Akkermansia_muciniphila, beneficial Lactobacillus and Romboutsia, SCFA-producing species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Lachnospiraceae_bacterium, Clostridiales_bacterium, probiotics Clostridium sp., Enterococcus faecium, and Lactobacillus_johnsonii, while the abundance of Firmicutes was reduced and that of Bacteroidetes was increased to reverse the imbalance of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Finally, the metabolomics of circulating serum using UHPLC-MS/MS illustrated that PPE supplementation indeed promoted lipid metabolism in obese rats. As summary, it was seen that PPE reprogrammed the cell metabolism to prevent the aggravation of obesity. Our findings strongly support that PPE can be regarded as a potential therapeutic dietary supplement for obesity.
Nutritional Niches of Cancer Therapy-Induced Senescent Cells
Authors: Llop-Hernández Àngela , Verdura Sara , Cuyàs Elisabet , Menendez Javier A.
Published: September 2022

Therapy-induced senescence (TIS) is a state of stable proliferative arrest of both normal and neoplastic cells that is triggered by exposure to anticancer treatments. TIS cells acquire a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which is pro-inflammatory and actively promotes tumor relapse and adverse side-effects in patients. Here, we hypothesized that TIS cells adapt their scavenging and catabolic ability to overcome the nutritional constraints in their microenvironmental niches. We used a panel of mechanistically-diverse TIS triggers (i.e., bleomycin, doxorubicin, alisertib, and palbociclib) and Biolog Phenotype MicroArrays to identify (among 190 different carbon and nitrogen sources) candidate metabolites that support the survival of TIS cells in limiting nutrient conditions. We provide evidence of distinguishable TIS-associated nutrient consumption profiles involving a core set of shared (e.g., glutamine) and unique (e.g., glucose-1-phosphate, inosine, and uridine) nutritional sources after diverse senescence-inducing interventions. We also observed a trend for an inverse correlation between the intensity of the pro-inflammatory SASP provoked by different TIS agents and diversity of compensatory nutritional niches utilizable by senescent cells. These findings support the detailed exploration of the nutritional niche as a new metabolic dimension to understand and target TIS in cancer.
Reduction in Insulin Mediated ERK Phosphorylation by Palmitate in Liver Cells Is Independent of Fatty Acid Induced ER Stress
Authors: Mubarak Sindiyan Alshaikh , Otaibi Abeer Al , Qarni Ali Al , Bakillah Ahmed , Iqbal Jahangir
Published: September 2022

Saturated free fatty acids (FFAs) such as palmitate in the circulation are known to cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. In addition to protein kinase B (AKT) signaling, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) has been implicated in the development of insulin resistance. However, there are conflicting data regarding role of ERK signaling in ER stress-induced insulin resistance. In this study, we investigated the effects of ER stress on insulin resistance and ERK phosphorylation in Huh-7 cells and evaluated how oleate prevents palmitate-mediated ER stress. Treatment with insulin resulted in an increase of 38–45% in the uptake of glucose in control cells compared to non-insulin-treated control cells, along with an increase in the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK. We found that treatment with palmitate increased the expression of ER stress genes, including the splicing of X box binding protein 1 (XBP1) mRNA. At the same time, we observed a decrease in insulin-mediated uptake of glucose and ERK phosphorylation in Huh-7 cells, without any change in AKT phosphorylation. Supplementation of oleate along with palmitate mitigated the palmitate-induced ER stress but did not affect insulin-mediated glucose uptake or ERK phosphorylation. The findings of this study suggest that palmitate reduces insulin-mediated ERK phosphorylation in liver cells and this effect is independent of fatty-acid-induced ER stress.
High-Dose Nitrate Supplementation Attenuates the Increased Blood Pressure Responses to Isometric Blood Flow Restriction Exercise in Healthy Males
Authors: Esen Ozcan , Cepicka Ladislav , Gabrys Tomasz , Karayigit Raci
Published: September 2022

The effect of nitrate (NO3−) supplementation on blood pressure (BP) responses during large muscle mass isometric and ischaemic exercise in healthy young adults is unclear. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of 5-day supplementation of NO3− on BP responses during a short isometric contraction and a sustained ischaemic contraction. In a randomised, double-blinded, crossover design, 14 healthy active young adults underwent BP measurements after 5 days of either NO3− (NIT) or placebo (PLA) supplementation. Beat-by-beat BP was measured at pre- and post-exercise rest, and during a short (20 s) isometric contraction at 25% maximal strength and throughout a sustained ischaemic contraction. Plasma nitrite (NO2−) concentration increased significantly after NO3− supplementation compared to placebo (475 ± 93 nmol·L−1 vs. 198 ± 46 nmol·L−1, p < 0.001, d = 3.37). Systolic BP was significantly lower at pre- (p = 0.051) and post-exercise rest (p = 0.006), during a short isometric contraction (p = 0.030), and throughout a sustained ischaemic contraction (p = 0.040) after NO3− supplementation. Mean arterial pressure was significantly lower at pre- (p = 0.004) and post-exercise rest (p = 0.043), during a short isometric contraction (p = 0.041), and throughout a sustained ischaemic contraction (p = 0.021) after NO3− supplementation. Diastolic BP was lower at pre-exercise rest (p = 0.032), but not at post-exercise rest, during a short isometric contraction, and during a sustained ischaemic contraction (all p > 0.05). Five days of NO3− supplementation elevated plasma NO2− concentration and reduced BP during a short isometric contraction and a sustained ischaemic contraction in healthy adults. These observations indicate that multiple-day nitrate supplementation can decrease BP at rest and attenuate the increased BP response during isometric exercise. These findings support that NO3− supplementation is an effective nutritional intervention in reducing SBP and MAP in healthy young males during submaximal exercise.
Intestinal Barrier Permeability in Obese Individuals with or without Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bona Mariana Duarte , Torres Carlos Henrique de Medeiros , Lima Severina Carla Vieira Cunha , Morais Ana Heloneida de Araújo , Lima Aldo Ângelo Moreira , Maciel Bruna Leal Lima
Published: September 2022

Altered intestinal barrier permeability has been associated with obesity and its metabolic and inflammatory complications in animal models. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the evidence regarding the association between obesity with or without Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and alteration of the intestinal barrier permeability in humans. A systematic search of the studies published up until April 2022 in Latin America & Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases was conducted. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) checklist. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to assess the quality of the evidence. Eight studies were included and classified as moderate to high quality. Alteration of intestinal barrier permeability was evaluated by zonulin, lactulose/mannitol, sucralose, sucrose, lactulose/L-rhamnose, and sucralose/erythritol. Impaired intestinal barrier permeability measured by serum and plasma zonulin concentration was positively associated with obesity with MetS. Nonetheless, the GRADE assessment indicated a very low to low level of evidence for the outcomes. Thus, clear evidence about the relationship between alteration of human intestinal barrier permeability, obesity, and MetS was not found.
Differences in Nutritional Intake, Total Body Fat, and BMI Score between Twins
Authors: Kim So , Yoo Dae , Kwon Mi , Kim Ji , Kim Joo-Hee , Bang Woo , Choi Hyo
Published: September 2022

The present study aimed to investigate the coincidence of obesity and nutritional intake in monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins. The data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) from 2005 through 2014 were analyzed. Participants ≥ 20 years old were enrolled. The 1006 monozygotic twins and 238 dizygotic twins were analyzed for differences in self-reported nutritional intake, total body fat, and body mass index (BMI) using a linear regression model. The estimated values (EV) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of the difference in dietary intake, total body fat, and BMI score were calculated. The monozygotic twin group and the dizygotic twin group showed similar differences in nutritional intake, DEXA fat, and BMI (all p > 0.05). The differences in nutritional intake of total calories and carbohydrates were lower in the monozygotic twin group than in the dizygotic twin group (all p < 0.05). The differences in total body fat were lower in monozygotic twins than in dizygotic twins (adjusted EV = 2427.86 g, 95% CI = 1777.19–3078.53 and adjusted EV = 1.90%, 95% CI = 1.33–2.46). Monozygotic twins had more similar dietary habits for total calories and carbohydrate intake. Other nutritional factors did not show differential similarity between monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Total body fat was more concordant in monozygotic twins.
Lesser-Consumed Tropical Fruits and Their by-Products: Phytochemical Content and Their Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential
Authors: Belmonte-Herrera Beatriz Haydee , Domínguez-Avila J. Abraham , Wall-Medrano Abraham , Ayala-Zavala J. Fernando , Preciado-Saldaña Alejandra M. , Salazar-López Norma J. , López-Martínez Leticia X. , Yahia Elhadi M. , Robles-Sánchez R. Maribel , González-Aguilar Gustavo A.
Published: September 2022

Açaí, lychee, mamey, passion fruit and jackfruit are some lesser-consumed tropical fruits due to their low commercial production. In 2018, approximately 6.8 million tons of these fruits were harvested, representing about 6.35% of the total world production of tropical fruits. The present work reviews the nutritional content, profile of bioactive compounds, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of these fruits and their by-products, and their ability to modulate oxidative stress due to the content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and dietary fiber. Açaí pulp is an excellent source of anthocyanins (587 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g dry weight, dw), mamey pulp is rich in carotenoids (36.12 mg β-carotene/100 g fresh weight, fw), passion fruit peel is rich in dietary fiber (61.16 g/100 dw). At the same time, jackfruit contains unique compounds such as moracin C, artocarpesin, norartocarpetin and oxyresveratrol. These molecules play an important role in the regulation of inflammation via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (including p38, ERK and JNK) and nuclear factor κB pathways. The properties of the bioactive compounds found in these fruits make them a good source for use as food ingredients for nutritional purposes or alternative therapies. Research is needed to confirm their health benefits that can increase their marketability, which can benefit the primary producers, processing industries (particularly smaller ones) and the final consumer, while an integral use of their by-products will allow their incorporation into the circular bioeconomy.
The Impact of Short-Chain Fatty Acids on Neonatal Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Chun Jessica , Toldi Gergely
Published: September 2022

Over the first weeks of life, the neonatal gastrointestinal tract is rapidly colonised by a diverse range of microbial species that come to form the ‘gut microbiota’. Microbial colonisation of the neonatal gut is a well-established regulator of several physiological processes that contribute to immunological protection in postnatal life, including the development of the intestinal mucosa and adaptive immunity. However, the specific microbiota-derived signals that mediate these processes have not yet been fully characterised. Accumulating evidence suggests short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), end-products of intestinal bacterial metabolism, as one of the key mediators of immune development in early life. Critical to neonatal health is the development of regulatory T (Treg) cells that promote and maintain immunological tolerance against self and innocuous antigens. Several studies have shown that SCFAs can induce the differentiation and expansion of Tregs but also mediate pathological effects in abnormal amounts. However, the exact mechanisms through which SCFAs regulate Treg development and pathologies in early life remain poorly defined. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge surrounding SCFAs and their potential impact on the neonatal immune system with a particular focus on Tregs, and the possible mechanisms through which SCFAs achieve their immune modulatory effect.
Gastric Emptying of Maltodextrin versus Phytoglycogen Carbohydrate Solutions in Healthy Volunteers: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Hammond Leila R. D. , Barfett Joseph , Baker Andrew , McGlynn Néma D.
Published: September 2022

Preoperative carbohydrate beverages have been shown to be beneficial in improving patient outcomes. There have been several investigations into the safety of maltodextrin as a preoperative carbohydrate. Although alternative preoperative carbohydrate sources have been proposed, there have been few investigations into the safety and gastric emptying of novel carbohydrate beverages. The present study aimed to compare the gastric emptying of phytoglycogen and maltodextrin to evaluate safety for use as presurgical carbohydrate beverages. In a quasi-experimental design, ten healthy participants orally consumed either a 12.5% maltodextrin or a 12.5% phytoglycogen solution. Gamma scintigraphy was used to evaluate gastric emptying at baseline at 45, 90, and 120 min. Serum insulin and serum glucose were measured at baseline at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. Gastric volume was significantly lower in the phytoglycogen group at 45 min (p = 0.01) and 90 min (p = 0.01), but this difference lost significance at 120 min (p = 0.17). There were no significant differences between treatments for serum insulin or serum glucose at any time point. This study indicates that the gastric emptying of phytoglycogen is comparable to maltodextrin at 120 min after ingestion, opening the opportunity for the study of alternative carbohydrates for utilization as preoperative carbohydrates.
Association between Dietary Patterns and Physical Fitness among Chinese Children and Adolescents in Shaanxi Province
Authors: Zhang Xingyue , Mao Chuangui , Tan Yuanyuan , Lu Zijun , Li Zheng’ao , Zhang Ling , Sun Yuliang , Zhu Wenfei
Published: September 2022

Background: This study aims to investigate the associations between dietary patterns (breakfast, egg, dairy products, and sugared beverage intake frequencies) and physical fitness among Chinese children and adolescents in Shaanxi Province. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Chinese National Survey on Students’ Constitution and Health (CNSSCH). The study ultimately included 7305 participants (48.4% male, 51.6% female) aged 6–22 in Shaanxi Province, China. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association of the frequency of breakfast, egg, dairy product, and sugared beverage intakes with physical fitness. RESULTS: The frequency of breakfast, egg, and dairy product intakes were all independently and positively associated with the level of physical fitness. The frequency of sugared beverage intake was negatively associated with the level of physical fitness. CONCLUSION: Healthier dietary patterns (i.e., higher breakfast, egg, and dairy product intakes and lower sugared beverage intake) were associated with greater physical fitness. Specifically, maintaining a healthy dietary pattern of breakfast, egg, and dairy product intakes can positively affect the strength and endurance performance of children and adolescents. Increased dairy product intake plays a crucial part in boosting the physical fitness total scores of children and adolescents.
Understanding Consumers’ Intentions to Purchase Clean Label Products: Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Chang Min-Yen , Chen Han-Shen
Published: September 2022

In light of the fact that increasing consumer emphasis is being placed on the concepts of safety, health, and environmental protection, and that consumer groups are now attentive to the issues of “greenism” and sustainable development, the certification label has become an important tool. This study explores individual needs from the perspective of food “clean label” certification, highlighting that the importance of general food certification to consumers is different from the previous literature that only focused on the impact of organic labeling, nutrition labeling, and food safety certification on consumer behavior. In this study, the consumer purchase intention for the use of the “clean label” and its influencing factors are discussed, using product knowledge and involvement as the independent variables. The target is the consumer who has experience with “clean label” products. This study employs snowball sampling. A formal questionnaire was sent to 292 participants. After eliminating the invalid samples, we retained 265 valid questionnaires for the analysis (a valid response rate of 90.75%). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to test the research hypotheses. The results indicated that: (1) consumers’ involvement with “clean label products significantly influences their purchase intention; and (2) consumers’ product knowledge of “clean label” products significantly influences their purchase intention and involvement. Based on these results, enhancing consumers’ knowledge of food security is suggested. Furthermore, the findings provide crucial insights for marketing channels, suggesting that the food industry can target consumer confidence over certification labeling and “clean label” products as keys to purchase intention, and to attract business by developing practical marketing strategies.
Divergent Synthesis of Four Monomeric Ellagitannins toward the Total Synthesis of an Oligomeric Ellagitannin, Nobotanin K
Authors: Hashimoto Hajime , Wakamori Shinnosuke , Ikeuchi Kazutada , Yamada Hidetoshi
Published: September 2022

Oligomeric ellagitannins are challenging synthetic targets due to the need for an abundant supply of their composed monomeric ellagitannins and a synthetic methodology to connect them. This work focused on the divergent synthesis of the four monomeric ellagitannins from a common intermediate as a step toward the total synthesis of nobotanin K, a class of compounds that includes oligomeric ellagitannins and were isolated in plants belonging to the Melastomataceae family. Implementing our method, the four natural products could be easily supplied, suggesting that through this novel route, the total synthesis of nobotanin K could be achieved smoothly.
Pioglitazone Ameliorates Hippocampal Neurodegeneration, Disturbances in Glucose Metabolism and AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways in Pentyelenetetrazole-Kindled Mice
Authors: El-Megiri Nada , Mostafa Yasser M. , Ahmed Amal , Mehanna Eman T. , El-Azab Mona F. , Alshehri Fatma , Alahdal Hadil , El-Sayed Norhan M.
Published: September 2022

Disturbance of glucose metabolism, nerve growth factor (NGF) and m-TOR signaling have been associated with the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Pioglitazone (PGZ) is an anti-diabetic drug that shows a protective effect in neurodegenerative diseases including epilepsy; however, its exact mechanism is not fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of PGZ in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindled seizure in mice. Swiss male albino mice were randomly distributed into four groups, each having six mice. Group 1 was considered the control. Epilepsy was induced by PTZ (35 mg/kg i.p.) thrice a week for a total of 15 injections in all other groups. Group 2 was considered the untreated PTZ group while Group 3 and Group 4 were treated by PGZ prior to PTZ injection at two dose levels (5 and 10 mg/kg p.o., respectively). Seizure activity was evaluated after each PTZ injection according to the Fischer and Kittner scoring system. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed under deep anesthesia and the hippocampus was isolated for analysis of glucose transporters by RT-PCR, nerve growth factor (NGF) by ELISA and mTOR by western blotting, in addition to histopathological investigation. The PTZ-treated group showed a significant rise in seizure score, NGF and m-TOR hyperactivation, along with histological abnormalities compared to the control group. Treatment with PGZ demonstrated a significant decrease in NGF, seizure score, m-TOR, GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 in comparison to the PTZ group. In addition, improvement of histological features was observed in both PGZ treated groups. These findings suggest that PGZ provides its neuroprotective effect through modulating m-TOR signaling, glucose metabolism and NGF levels.
The Triage of “Blameworthy” Patients
Authors: Turoldo Fabrizio
Published: September 2022

One question that has sometimes cropped up in the debate on triage and the management of scarce healthcare resources concerns patients’ merits, demerits, and responsibility with regard to their own medical condition. During the current pandemic, some have wondered, when it comes to accessing healthcare, whether patients who have refused vaccination—despite the availability of vaccines and pressure to get vaccinated from the health authorities—should be given the same priority as patients who have diligently undergone vaccination in accordance with the authorities’ recommendations. The issue of patients’ merits and demerits is not new, and it did not emerge with the pandemic for the first time. In the past, the question was often posed whether terrorists have the right to receive the same treatment as their victims, with the same degree of priority, all clinical conditions being equal. Another issue that has been raised concerns patients suffering from diseases caused by unhealthy lifestyles that they have freely adopted: drinking, smoking, eating fatty foods, practising extreme sports, etc. The conclusion reached in the present article is that it is indeed possible to identify certain general rules for cases of this sort, as is shown by the literature on the topic. However, slavishly following these rules, even in exceptional cases for which it is impossible to make detailed provisions, can lead to disastrous consequences. Therefore, following Aristotle, the article seeks to take account both of the rule of justice and of equity, which is a form of “situational justice” capable of filling the gaps of general norms in the light of concrete cases.
Three-Dimensional Force Sensor Based on Fiber Bragg Grating for Medical Puncture Robot
Authors: Li Xi , Lin Jinzhao , Pang Yu , Yang Dewei , Zhong Lisha , Li Zhangyong
Published: September 2022

In medical puncture robots, visible light, infrared and ultrasound images are currently used to guide punctures. The lack of information about the interaction forces between the puncture needle and soft tissue in different directions during the puncture process can easily lead to soft tissue being damaged. The current three-dimensional force sensors are large and can only be mounted on the base of the puncture needle, which does not allow for easy integration. Moreover, the force transfer to the base introduces various disturbing forces and the measurement accuracy is low. To reduce the risk of soft tissue being damaged and to enhance the intelligent control strategy of the puncture robot, this paper designs a three-dimensional force sensor based on fiber Bragg gratings. The sensor is very small and can be integrated into the back end of the puncture needle to accurately measure the interaction forces between the puncture needle and the soft tissue in different directions. The puncture needle wall is designed with notched bending of a multilayer continuous beam, which can increase the sensitivity of axial stiffness, while maintaining the sensitivity of the sensor to lateral bending and torsion, and also reduce the crosstalk between the axial and lateral forces. The finite element method is used to optimize its structural parameters, and a BP neural network based on the global optimal fitness function is proposed to solve the decoupling problem between the three-dimensional forces, which effectively improves the detection accuracy of the force sensor. The experimental results show that the measurement error of the sensor is less than 1.5%, which can accurately measure the interaction force between the puncture needle and the soft tissue and improve the safety of the puncture process.
Analysis of the impact of electronic sports on anxiety and biochemical factors of players
Authors: Ayhan Savaş
Published: September 2022

An obvious characteristic of computer games is stress, competition, and physiological alterations in the body. It is regarded as an important subject including those factors in e-sports, getting progressively popular in the digital era. The psychological and physiological impacts of e-sports, conducted in a competitive ambiance, on the body and mind over the course of competitions are not yet known. The aim of the paper is determining the impacts of players performing in e-sports games on some biochemical and hormonal factors shaped in the body during the game.  In the group of research, there are twenty electronic sports volunteer players playing in e-sports games. Samples are gathered from the players in the study thirty minutes before and after electronic sports games.  Given the results,  it is concluded that e-sports players' ACTH, cortisol, and testosterone levels rose substantially.
Application of the Use of Digital Media in Learning Solar System in Elementary School
Authors:   Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia, Putra Dennis Surya , Nandiyanto Asep Bayu Dani
Published: September 2022

This research aims to find out how elementary school students respond to teaching about the definitions and concepts of the Solar System using digital media. The researcher uses a quantitative method with a Pre-Experimental Design model to support this research because the data collected and the analysis are quantitative. The target of this research is students in elementary school, which is then taken as a sample of 20 students from sixth grade in Bandung Regency, Indonesia for research. The media used during the research were powerpoint and Infographics. The research was carried out offline and one class was divided into two groups, namely Group A and Group B. The results of this study indicate that the use of digital media in science learning material for the Solar System is declared effective, as can be seen from the results of the pre-test and post-test which show improvement, especially in the aspect of students' knowledge in understanding the material of the Solar System. The Pre-Test shows that almost all respondents do not know much about the solar system. However, when given learning materials using digital media such as powerpoint and Infographics, respondents, namely students, understood and understood the material as evidenced by the Post-Test results. Therefore, it can be concluded that in this study, the application of digital media to elementary school students can be implemented properly.
Literature About Maintaining Physical Fitness Through Digital in Community
Authors:   Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia, Salman Zharfan M , Nandiyanto Asep Bayu Dani
Published: September 2022

This study aims to educate the public on how to maintain good and correct physical fitness, starting from the basic understanding, to how important it is, to how to implement it in everyday life where using digital methods in society. Education was carried out to the community members in RT 04, RW 02, Cibabat output, using the digital literacy method, namely providing information and learning through digital media to explain to the subject. The information given to the community subjects is made as concise as possible and interesting so that it is easily understood by the community. The education process is carried out online by using whatsapp and zoom meetings, while offline by conducting direct socialization to the community. The understanding of the community was analyzed through pretest and posttest questions, totaling 20 questions. The results of this study indicate that there is an increase in the score from pretest to posttest. The education provided is able to make the public understand the subject of the given theme. This shows that educational activities are successful because the information conveyed to the public can generate public interest in understanding the information that has been provided. This research can provide information that digital media can be used both as a tool for education and can increase public interest in adding new knowledge
Digital Marketing Communication Strategy for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Business Competition
Authors:   Departemen Ilmu Komunikasi, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia, Rusdana N R , Choirani S J , Friska A S
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyse the marketing communication strategies carried out by micro, small and medium enterprises in the face of competition in the digital era. This study used qualitative research methods. MSMEs usually produce on a small scale and require attention in marketing the products they produce. In revolution 4.0, communication is increasingly sophisticated because it can use social media in developing a business. Marketing communication can be a strategy for every MSME to learn to introduce the products produced to other parties, so that they have the same understanding and purpose for the products and brands being sold. Various types of marketing communication mix can be selected and adapted to the types of competitive products; they must also be able to market what they produce. In the early stages, every MSME must be able to read market needs, so that they can produce products that have high competitiveness. Increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs as the spearhead of the Indonesian economy towards the global market, therefore a good marketing communication strategy is needed. By using good marketing communication, it will have an impact on the progress of the business carried out and MSMEs will grow into MSMEs that have good competitiveness.
Know More Metaverse as The Technology of The Future
Authors:   Departemen Sistem Informasi, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia, Amirulloh M F N , Mulqi M
Published: September 2022

Technology is a science that refers to aspects of the skills to create innovations, ranging from tools to methods aimed at processing to help solve various human problems. Technology has a great influence on the progress of science and technology. The impact of the Internet and social networks is that the number of Internet users is increasing every time. With the development of technology, Internet users no longer need to meet in person to communicate. Technology is one of the main factors affecting human civilization, each time there are various technological developments, this will affect people's habits when using the Internet. One of the technological achievements of the Internet is the Metaverse technology, Internet users can interact easily and quickly. and safe. It is predicted that the development of metaverse technology will be the future of the Internet. Metaverse itself is a combination of several elements of technology, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and video, where Internet users will live in a digital world in the near future. The Metaverse is an endless digital world that is interconnected and can be used by users to work, make sales transactions, build cities, watch shows and games. The Metaverse is the first step towards realizing the digital world of business in the future.