bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Potential Antioxidant, Thrombolytic and Neuropharmacological Activities of Homalomena aromatica Leaves Using Experimental and In Silico Approaches
Authors: Ali Md. Sekendar , Sayem Syed Al Jawad , Habibullah  , Quah Yixian , Lee Eon-Bee , Birhanu Biruk Tesfaye , Suk Kyoungho , Park Seung-Chun
Published: February 2021

The leaves of Homalomena aromatica are traditionally used in Bangladesh for the treatment of different chronic ailments. The purpose of this study was to explore in vitro antioxidant, thrombolytic activities, and in vivo neuropharmacological effects of methanolic extract of Homalomena aromatica (MEHA) leaves. Antioxidant activity of MEHA was assessed by a DPPH free radical scavenging assay and total phenolics content, total flavonoids content were also measured. The thrombolytic activity was determined by percentage of clot lysis and neuropharmacological activities by hole board, tail suspension, forced swimming and elevated plus maze tests. The results showed that the IC50 value of the extract against DPPH was 199.51 μg/mL. Quantitative analysis displayed higher contents of phenolics and flavonoids (147.71 mg gallic acid equivalent/g & 66.65 mg quercetin equivalent/g dried extract, respectively). The extract also showed a significant clot lysis (33.31%) activity. In case of anxiolytic activity, the elevate plus maze (EPM) test demonstrated an increase in time spent in open arms, and in case of hole board test, the number of head dipping was also significantly increased (p < 0.05). All the test compared with control (1% Tween in water) and standard (diazepam 1 mg/kg), significant dose (200 & 400 mg/kg) dependent anxiolytic activity was found. In antidepressant activity, there was a significant decrease in period of immobility in both test models (tail suspension and forced swimming) (p < 0.05). Moreover, 13 compounds were identified as bioactive, showed good binding affinities to xanthine oxidoreductase, tissue plasminogen activator receptor, potassium channel receptor, human serotonin receptor targets in molecular docking experiments. Furthermore, ADME/T analysis revealed their drug-likeness, likely pharmacological actions and non-toxic upon consumption. Taken together, our finding support the traditional medicinal use of this plant, which may provide a potential source for future drug discovery.
Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of FlexirubinType Pigment from Chryseobacterium artocarpi CECT 8497 and Related Docking Study
Authors: Mogadem Abeer , Almamary Mohamed Ali , Mahat Naji Arafat , Jemon Khairunadwa , Ahmad Wan Azlina , Ali Imran
Published: February 2021

The current research is focused on studying the biological efficacy of flexirubin, a pigment extracted from Chryseobacterium artocarpi CECT 8497.Different methods such as DPPH, H2O2, NO•, O2•−, •OH, lipid peroxidation inhibition by FTC and TBA, ferric reducing and ferrous chelating activity were carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activity of flexirubin. Molecular docking was also carried out, seeking the molecular interactions of flexirubin and a standard antioxidant compound with SOD enzyme to figure out the possible flexirubin activity mechanism. The new findings revealed that the highest level of flexirubin exhibited similar antioxidant activity as that of the standard compound according to the H2O2, •OH, O2•−, FTC and TBA methods. On the other hand, flexirubin at the highest level has shown lower antioxidant activity than the positive control according to the DPPH and NO• and even much lower when measured by the FRAP method. Molecular docking showed that the interaction of flexirubin was in the binding cavity of the SOD enzyme and did not affect its metal-binding site. These results revealed that flexirubin has antioxidant properties and can be a useful therapeutic compound in preventing or treating free radical-related diseases.
Binding and Sensing Properties of a Hybrid Naphthalimide–Pyrene Aza-Cyclophane towards Nucleotides in an Aqueous Solution
Authors: Agafontsev Aleksandr M. , Oshchepkov Aleksandr S. , Shumilova Tatiana A. , Kataev Evgeny A.
Published: February 2021

Selective recognition of nucleotides with synthetic receptors is an emerging direction to solve a series of nucleic acid-related challenges in biochemistry. Towards this goal, a new aza-cyclophane with two different dyes, naphthalimide and pyrene, connected through a triamine linker has been synthesized and studied for the ability to bind and detect nucleoside triphosphates in an aqueous solution. The receptor shows Foerster resonance energy transfer (FRET) in fluorescence spectra upon excitation in DMSO, which is diminished dramatically in the presence of water. According to binding studies, the receptor has a preference to bind ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and CTP (cytidine triphosphate) with a “turn-on” fluorescence response. Two separate emission bands of dyes allow one to detect nucleotides in a ratiometric manner in a broad concentration range of 10−5–10−3 M. Spectroscopic measurements and quantum chemical calculations suggest the formation of receptor–nucleotide complexes, which are stabilized by dispersion interactions between a nucleobase and dyes, while hydrogen bonding interactions of nucleobases with the amine linkers are responsible for selectivity.
Analog Memristive Characteristics of Square Shaped Lanthanum Oxide Nanoplates Layered Device
Authors: Kang Wonkyu , Woo Kyoungmin , Na Hyon , Kang Chi , Yoon Tae-Sik , Kim Kyung , Lee Hyun
Published: February 2021

Square-shaped or rectangular nanoparticles (NPs) of lanthanum oxide (LaOx) were synthesized and layered by convective self-assembly to demonstrate an analog memristive device in this study. Along with non-volatile analog memory effect, selection diode property could be co-existent without any implementation of heterogeneous multiple stacks with ~1 μm thick LaOx NPs layer. Current–voltage (I–V) behavior of the LaOx NPs resistive switching (RS) device has shown an evolved current level with memristive behavior and additional rectification functionality with threshold voltage. The concurrent memristor and diode type selector characteristics were examined with electrical stimuli or spikes for the duration of 10–50 ms pulse biases. The pulsed spike increased current levels at a read voltage of +0.2 V sequentially along with ±7 V biases, which have emulated neuromorphic operation of long-term potentiation (LTP). This study can open a new application of rare-earth LaOx NPs as a component of neuromorphic synaptic device.
Porous Hybrids Structure between Silver Nanoparticle and Layered Double Hydroxide for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Lee Su-Bin , Paek Seung-Min , Oh Jae-Min
Published: February 2021

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP), in terms of antibacterial, catalytic, electronic, and optical applications, is an attractive material. Especially, when prepared to furnish sharp edge and systematic particle orientation on the substrate, AgNPs can take advantage of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). In this research, we suggested a synthetic method to immobilize the AgNP on metal oxide by utilizing Ag-thiolate and layered double hydroxide (LDH) as precursor and template, respectively. The layer-by-layer structure of LDH and Ag-thiolate transformed through reductive calcination to metal oxide and AgNP array. Physicochemical characterization, including powder X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption, microscopies, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, revealed that the AgNP with sufficient crystallinity and particle gap was obtained at relatively high calcination temperature, ~600 °C. UV-vis diffusion reflectance spectroscopy showed that the calcination temperature affected particle size and electronic structure of AgNP. The prepared materials were subjected to SERS tests toward 4-nitrothiophenol (4-NTP). The sample obtained at 600 °C exhibited 50 times higher substrate enhancement factor (SEF) than the one obtained at 400 °C, suggesting that the calcination temperature was a determining parameter to enhance SERS activity in current synthetic condition.
Smart Supramolecular Self-Assembled Nanosystem: Stimulus-Responsive Hydrogen-Bonded Liquid Crystals
Authors: Liu Bing , Yang Tao , Mu Xin , Mai Zhijian , Li Hao , Wang Yao , Zhou Guofu
Published: February 2021

In a liquid crystal (LC) state, specific orientations and alignments of LC molecules produce outstanding anisotropy in structure and properties, followed by diverse optoelectronic functions. Besides organic LC molecules, other nonclassical components, including inorganic nanomaterials, are capable of self-assembling into oriented supramolecular LC mesophases by non-covalent interactions. Particularly, huge differences in size, shape, structure and properties within these components gives LC supramolecules higher anisotropy and feasibility. Therefore, hydrogen bonds have been viewed as the best and the most common option for supramolecular LCs, owing to their high selectivity and directionality. In this review, we summarize the newest advances in self-assembled structure, stimulus-responsive capability and application of supramolecular hydrogen-bonded LC nanosystems, to provide novel and immense potential for advancing LC technology.
ZnO Nanorod/Graphene Hybrid-Structures Formed on Cu Sheet by Self-Catalyzed Vapor-Phase Transport Synthesis
Authors: Cho Hak Dong , Kim Deuk Young , Lee Jong-Kwon
Published: February 2021

High crystalline ZnO nanorods (NRs) on Zn pre-deposited graphene/Cu sheet without graphene transfer process have been fabricated by self-catalyzed vapor-phase transport synthesis. Here, the pre-deposited Zn metal on graphene not only serves as a seed to grow the ZnO NRs, but also passivates the graphene underneath. The temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra of the fabricated ZnO NRs reveal a dominant peak of 3.88 eV at 10 K associated with the neutral-donor bound exciton, while the redshifted peak by bandgap shrinkage with temperature and electron-lattice interactions leads a strong emission at 382 nm at room temperature. The optical absorption of the ZnO NRs/graphene hetero-nanostructure at this ultraviolet (UV) emission is then theoretically analyzed to quantify the absorption amount depending on the ZnO NR distribution. By simply covering the ZnO NR/graphene/Cu structure with the graphene/glass as a top electrode, it is observed that the current-voltage characteristic of the ZnO NR/graphene hetero-nanojunction device exhibits a photocurrent of 1.03 mA at 3 V under a light illumination of 100 μW/cm2. In particular, the suggested graphene/ZnO NRs/graphene hybrid-nanostructure-based devices reveal comparable photocurrents at a bidirectional bias, which can be a promising platform to integrate 1D and 2D nanomaterials without complex patterning process for UV device applications.
Torsional Characteristics of Carbon Nanotubes: Micropolar Elasticity Models and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Izadi Razie , Tuna Meral , Trovalusci Patrizia , Ghavanloo Esmaeal
Published: February 2021

Efficient application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in nano-devices and nano-materials requires comprehensive understanding of their mechanical properties. As observations suggest size dependent behaviour, non-classical theories preserving the memory of body’s internal structure via additional material parameters offer great potential when a continuum modelling is to be preferred. In the present study, micropolar theory of elasticity is adopted due to its peculiar character allowing for incorporation of scale effects through additional kinematic descriptors and work-conjugated stress measures. An optimisation approach is presented to provide unified material parameters for two specific class of single-walled carbon nanotubes (e.g., armchair and zigzag) by minimizing the difference between the apparent shear modulus obtained from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and micropolar beam model considering both solid and tubular cross-sections. The results clearly reveal that micropolar theory is more suitable compared to internally constraint couple stress theory, due to the essentiality of having skew-symmetric stress and strain measures, as well as to the classical local theory (Cauchy of Grade 1), which cannot accounts for scale effects. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that unified material parameters of CNTs are derived through a combined MD-micropolar continuum theory.
Controlled Growth of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles on the Surface of Citrate Anion Intercalated Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Jeung Do-Gak , Lee Minseop , Paek Seung-Min , Oh Jae-Min
Published: February 2021

Silver oxide nanoparticles with controlled particle size were successfully obtained utilizing citrate-intercalated layered double hydroxide (LDH) as a substrate and Ag+ as a precursor. The lattice of LDH was partially dissolved during the reaction by Ag+. The released hydroxyl and citrate acted as a reactant in crystal growth and a size controlling capping agent, respectively. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and microscopic measurements clearly showed the development of nano-sized silver oxide particles on the LDH surface. The particle size, homogeneity and purity of silver oxide were influenced by the stoichiometric ratio of Ag/Al. At the lowest silver ratio, the particle size was the smallest, while the chemical purity was the highest. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy results suggested that the high Ag/Al ratio tended to produce silver oxide with a complex silver environment. The small particle size and homogeneous distribution of silver oxide showed advantages in antibacterial efficacy compared with bulk silver oxide. LDH with an appropriate ratio could be utilized as a substrate to grow silver oxide nanoparticles with controlled size with effective antibacterial performance.
Morphology of Ga2O3 Nanowires and Their Sensitivity to Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Krawczyk Maciej , Suchorska-Woźniak Patrycja , Szukiewicz Rafał , Kuchowicz Maciej , Korbutowicz Ryszard , Teterycz Helena
Published: February 2021

Gas sensitive structures made of nanowires exhibit extremally large specific surface area, and a great number of chemically active centres that can react with the ambient atmosphere. This makes the use of nanomaterials promising for super sensitive gas sensor applications. Monoclinic β-Ga2O3 nanowires (NWs) were synthesized from metallic gallium at atmospheric pressure in the presence of nitrogen and water vapor. The nanowires were grown directly on interdigitated gold electrodes screen printed on Al2O3 substrates, which constituted the gas sensor structure. The observations made with transmission electron microscope (TEM) have shown that the nanowires are monocrystalline and their diameters vary from 80 to 300 nm with the average value of approximately 170 nm. Au droplets were found to be anchored at the tips of the nanowires which may indicate that the nanowires followed the Vapor–Liquid–Solid (VLS) mechanism of growth. The conductivity of β-Ga2O3 NWs increases in the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOC) even in the temperature below 600 °C. The gas sensor based on the synthesized β-Ga2O3 NWs shows peak sensitivity to 100 ppm of ethanol of 75.1 at 760 °C, while peak sensitivity to 100 ppm of acetone is 27.5 at 690 °C.
The Effect of a Polyester Nanofibrous Membrane with a Fibrin-Platelet Lysate Coating on Keratinocytes and Endothelial Cells in a Co-Culture System
Authors: Blanquer Andreu , Musilkova Jana , Filova Elena , Taborska Johanka , Brynda Eduard , Riedel Tomas , Klapstova Andrea , Jencova Vera , Mullerova Jana , Kostakova Eva Kuzelova , Prochazkova Renata , Bacakova Lucie
Published: February 2021

Chronic wounds affect millions of patients worldwide, and it is estimated that this number will increase steadily in the future due to population ageing. The research of new therapeutic approaches to wound healing includes the development of nanofibrous meshes and the use of platelet lysate (PL) to stimulate skin regeneration. This study considers a combination of a degradable electrospun nanofibrous blend of poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PLCL/PCL) membranes (NF) and fibrin loaded with various concentrations of PL aimed at the development of bioactive skin wound healing dressings. The cytocompatibility of the NF membranes, as well as the effect of PL, was evaluated in both monocultures and co-cultures of human keratinocytes and human endothelial cells. We determined that the keratinocytes were able to adhere on all the membranes, and their increased proliferation and differentiation was observed on the membranes that contained fibrin with at least 50% of PL (Fbg + PL) after 14 days. With respect to the co-culture experiments, the membranes with fibrin with 20% of PL were observed to enhance the metabolic activity of endothelial cells and their migration, and the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes. The results suggest that the newly developed NF combined with fibrin and PL, described in the study, provides a promising dressing for chronic wound healing purposes.
Green Synthesized Magnetic Nanoparticles as Effective Nanosupport for the Immobilization of Lipase: Application for the Synthesis of Lipophenols
Authors: Fotiadou Renia , Chatzikonstantinou Alexandra V. , Hammami Mohamed Amen , Chalmpes Nikolaos , Moschovas Dimitrios , Spyrou Konstantinos , Polydera Angeliki C. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Gournis Dimitrios , Stamatis Haralambos
Published: February 2021

In this work, hybrid zinc oxide–iron oxide (ZnOFe) magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized employing Olea europaea leaf aqueous extract as a reducing/chelating and capping medium. The resulting magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by basic spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, namely, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), exhibiting a spherical shape, average size of 15–17 nm, and a functionalized surface. Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL) was efficiently immobilized on the surface of ZnOFe nanoparticles through physical absorption. The activity of immobilized lipase was found to directly depend on the enzyme to support the mass ratio, and also demonstrated improved pH and temperature activity range compared to free lipase. Furthermore, the novel magnetic nanobiocatalyst (ZnOFe-TLL) was applied to the preparation of hydroxytyrosyl fatty acid esters, including derivatives with omega-3 fatty acids, in non-aqueous media. Conversion yields up to 90% were observed in non-polar solvents, including hydrophobic ionic liquids. Different factors affecting the biocatalyst performance were studied. ZnOFe-TLL was reutilized for eight subsequent cycles, exhibiting 90% remaining esterification activity (720 h of total operation at 50 °C). The green synthesized magnetic nanoparticles, reported here for the first time, are excellent candidates as nanosupports for the immobilization of enzymes with industrial interest, giving rise to nanobiocatalysts with elevated features.
Quantum Dots as a Good Carriers of Unsymmetrical Bisacridines for Modulating Cellular Uptake and the Biological Response in Lung and Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Pilch Joanna , Kowalik Patrycja , Bujak Piotr , Nowicka Anna M. , Augustin Ewa
Published: February 2021

Nanotechnology-based drug delivery provides a promising area for improving the efficacy of cancer treatments. Therefore, we investigate the potential of using quantum dots (QDs) as drug carriers for antitumor unsymmetrical bisacridine derivatives (UAs) to cancer cells. We examine the influence of QD–UA hybrids on the cellular uptake, internalization (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope), and the biological response (flow cytometry and light microscopy) in lung H460 and colon HCT116 cancer cells. We show the time-dependent cellular uptake of QD–UA hybrids, which were more efficiently retained inside the cells compared to UAs alone, especially in H460 cells, which could be due to multiple endocytosis pathways. In contrast, in HCT116 cells, the hybrids were taken up only by one endocytosis mechanism. Both UAs and their hybrids induced apoptosis in H460 and HCT116 cells (to a greater extent in H460). Cells which did not die underwent senescence more efficiently following QDs–UAs treatment, compared to UAs alone. Cellular senescence was not observed in HCT116 cells following treatment with both UAs and their hybrids. Importantly, QDgreen/red themselves did not provoke toxic responses in cancer or normal cells. In conclusion, QDs are good candidates for targeted UA delivery carriers to cancer cells while protecting normal cells from toxic drug activities.
Excitation Wavelength and Intensity-Dependent Multiexciton Dynamics in CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals
Authors: Qin Chaochao , Jiang Zhinan , Zhou Zhongpo , Liu Yufang , Jiang Yuhai
Published: February 2021

CsPbBr3 has attracted great attention due to unique optical properties. The understanding of the multiexciton process is crucial for improving the performance of the photoelectric devices based on CsPbBr3 nanocrystals. In this paper, the ultrafast dynamics of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals is investigated by using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. It is found that Auger recombination lifetime increases with the decrease of the excitation intensity, while the trend is opposite for the hot-exciton cooling time. The time of the hot-carriers cooling to the band edge is increased when the excitation energy is increased from 2.82 eV (440 nm) to 3.82 eV (325 nm). The lifetime of the Auger recombination reaches the value of 126 ps with the excitation wavelength of 440 nm. The recombination lifetime of the single exciton is about 7 ns in CsPbBr3 nanocrystals determined by nanosecond time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. The exciton binding energy is 44 meV for CsPbBr3 nanocrystals measured by the temperature-dependent steady-state photoluminescence spectroscopy. These findings provide a favorable insight into applications such as solar cells and light-emitting devices based on CsPbBr3 nanocrystals.
Quenching of the Eu3+ Luminescence by Cu2+ Ions in the Nanosized Hydroxyapatite Designed for Future Bio-Detection
Authors: Szyszka Katarzyna , Targońska Sara , Lewińska Agnieszka , Watras Adam , Wiglusz Rafal J.
Published: February 2021

The hydroxyapatite nanopowders of the Eu3+-doped, Cu2+-doped, and Eu3+/Cu2+-co-doped Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 were prepared by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The structural and morphological properties of the products were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy techniques (TEM), and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The average crystal size and the unit cell parameters were calculated by a Rietveld refinement tool. The absorption, emission excitation, emission, and luminescence decay time were recorded and studied in detail. The 5D0 → 7F2 transition is the most intense transition. The Eu3+ ions occupied two independent crystallographic sites in these materials exhibited in emission spectra: one Ca(1) site with C3 symmetry and one Ca(2) sites with Cs symmetry. The Eu3+ emission is strongly quenched by Cu2+ ions, and the luminescence decay time is much shorter in the case of Eu3+/Cu2+ co-doped materials than in Eu3+-doped materials. The luminescence quenching mechanism as well as the schematic energy level diagram showing the Eu3+ emission quenching mechanism using Cu2+ ions are proposed. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique revealed the existence of at least two different coordination environments for copper(II) ion.
Improved Photostability in Fluorinated 2D Perovskite Single Crystals
Authors: Coriolano Annalisa , Polimeno Laura , De Giorgi Milena , Todisco Francesco , Mastria Rosanna , Ardizzone Vincenzo , Dominici Lorenzo , Ballarini Dario , Rizzo Aurora , Gigli Giuseppe , Sanvitto Daniele , De Marco Luisa
Published: February 2021

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites are very promising semiconductors for many optoelectronic applications, although their extensive use is limited by their poor stability under environmental conditions. In this work, we synthesize two-dimensional perovskite single crystals and investigate their optical and structural evolution under continuous light irradiation. We found that the hydrophobic nature of the fluorinated component, together with the absence of grain boundary defects, lead to improved material stability thanks to the creation of a robust barrier that preserve the crystalline structure, hindering photo-degradation processes usually promoted by oxygen and moisture.
Titanium Nitride as a New Prospective Material for NanoSQUIDs and Superconducting Nanobridge Electronics
Authors: Faley Michael I. , Liu Yuchen , Dunin-Borkowski Rafal E.
Published: February 2021

Nanobridge Josephson junctions and nanometer-scale superconducting quantum interference devices (nanoSQUIDs) based on titanium nitride (TiN) thin films are described. The TiN films have a room temperature resistivity of ~15 µΩ·cm, a superconducting transition temperature Tc of up to 5.3 K and a coherence length ξ(4.2 K) of ~105 nm. They were deposited using pulsed DC magnetron sputtering from a stoichiometric TiN target onto Si (100) substrates that were heated to 800 °C. Electron beam lithography and highly selective reactive ion etching were used to fabricate nanoSQUIDs with 20-nm-wide nanobridge Josephson junctions of variable thickness. X-ray and high-resolution electron microscopy studies were performed. Non-hysteretic I(V) characteristics of the nanobridges and nanoSQUIDs, as well as peak-to-peak modulations of up to 17 µV in the V(B) characteristics of the nanoSQUIDs, were measured at 4.2 K. The technology offers prospects for superconducting electronics based on nanobridge Josephson junctions operating within the framework of the Ginzburg–Landau theory at 4.2 K.
Special Issue “II-VI Semiconductor Nanocrystals and Hybrid Polymer–Nanocrystal Systems”
Authors: Anni Marco
Published: February 2021

The continuous need to improve the performance of photonic, electronic and optoelectronic devices has stimulated research toward the development of innovative semiconducting materials which display better properties with respect to standard bulk semiconductors [...]
Supported Silver Nanoparticles as Catalysts for Liquid-Phase Betulin Oxidation
Authors: Grigoreva Anna , Kolobova Ekaterina , Pakrieva Ekaterina , Mäki-Arvela Päivi , Carabineiro Sónia A. C. , Gorbunova Alina , Bogdanchikova Nina , Murzin Dmitry Yu. , Pestryakov Alexey
Published: February 2021

Herein, it has been shown that betulin can be transformed into its biologically active oxo-derivatives (betulone, betulinic and betulonic aldehydes) by liquid-phase oxidation over supported silver catalysts under mild conditions. In order to identify the main factors determining the catalytic behavior of nanosilver catalysts in betulin oxidation, silver was deposited on various alumina supports (γ-alumina and boehmite) using deposition–precipitation with NaOH and incipient wetness impregnation methods, followed by treatment in H2 or O2. Silver catalysts and the corresponding supports were characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the support nature, preparation and treatment methods predetermine not only the average Ag nanoparticles size and their distribution, but also the selectivity of betulin oxidation, and thereby, the catalytic behavior of Ag catalysts. In fact, the support nature had the most considerable effect. Betulin conversion, depending on the support, increased in the following order: Ag/boehmite < Ag/boehmite (calcined) < Ag/γ-alumina. However, in the same order, the share of side reactions catalyzed by strong Lewis acid centers of the support also increased. Poisoning of the latter by NaOH during catalysts preparation can reduce side reactions. Additionally, it was revealed that the betulin oxidation catalyzed by nanosilver catalysts is a structure-sensitive reaction.
Genetic Variation in the Bitter Receptors Responsible for Epicatechin Detection Are Associated with BMI in an Elderly Cohort
Authors: Turner Alexandria , Veysey Martin , Keely Simon , Scarlett Christopher J. , Lucock Mark , Beckett Emma L.
Published: February 2021

Globally, more than one-third of adults are overweight. Overweight and obesity are complex and multifaceted conditions, associated with an increased risk of chronic illness and early mortality. While there are known risk factors, these alone do not fully explain the varying outcomes between individuals. Recently, taste receptors have been proposed to have a role in the risk for obesity. These receptors are expressed throughout the gastrointestinal tract. In this system, they may be involved in modulating dietary intake and metabolic processes. The taste 2 family of receptors (T2Rs) detects bitter compounds. Receptors T2R4 and T2R5 detect (-)-epicatechin (epicatechin), an antioxidant polyphenol, which may have protective effects against obesity. However, the potential role for taste receptors in this association has not been explored. This study assessed whether polymorphisms in TAS2R4 (rs2233998 and rs2234001) and TAS2R5 (rs2227264) were associated with body mass index (BMI). Genotyping (Taqman qPCR assays) was performed on DNA extracted from blood samples (n = 563) from an elderly cohort. Homozygosity for the minor allele of all polymorphisms was significantly associated with a lower BMI in males. The TAS2R4-rs2233998 CC genotype, the TAS2R4-rs2234001 CC genotype and the TAS2R5-rs2227264 TT genotype were associated with lower BMI (2.1, 2.1 and 2.2 units; p = 0.002, 0.003 and 0.001, respectively). Epicatechin intake was not associated with BMI and genotype was not associated with epicatechin intake. This suggests that the association between TAS2R genotype and elevated BMI risk occurs through altered extra-oral responses and not directly via altered epicatechin intake.
Association of Protein Intake during the Second Year of Life with Weight Gain-Related Outcomes in Childhood: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ferré Natalia , Luque Verónica , Closa-Monasterolo Ricardo , Zaragoza-Jordana Marta , Gispert-Llauradó Mariona , Grote Veit , Koletzko Berthold , Escribano Joaquín
Published: February 2021

There is accumulating evidence that early protein intake is related with weight gain in childhood. However, the evidence is mostly limited to the first year of life, whereas the high-weight-gain-velocity period extends up to about 2 years of age. We aimed to investigate whether protein intake during the second year of life is associated with higher weight gain and obesity risk later in childhood. We conducted a systematic review with searches in both PubMed®/MEDLINE® and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Ten studies that assessed a total of 46,170 children were identified. We found moderate-quality evidence of an association of protein intake during the second year of life with fat mass at 2 years and at 7 years. Effects on other outcomes such as body mass index (BMI), obesity risk, or adiposity rebound onset were inconclusive due to both heterogeneity and low evidence. We conclude that higher protein intakes during the second year of life are likely to increase fatness in childhood, but there is limited evidence regarding the association with other outcomes such as body mass index or change in adiposity rebound onset. Further well-designed and adequately powered clinical trials are needed since this issue has considerable public health relevance.
Creatine Supplementation and Brain Health
Authors: Roschel Hamilton , Gualano Bruno , Ostojic Sergej M. , Rawson Eric S.
Published: February 2021

There is a robust and compelling body of evidence supporting the ergogenic and therapeutic role of creatine supplementation in muscle. Beyond these well-described effects and mechanisms, there is literature to suggest that creatine may also be beneficial to brain health (e.g., cognitive processing, brain function, and recovery from trauma). This is a growing field of research, and the purpose of this short review is to provide an update on the effects of creatine supplementation on brain health in humans. There is a potential for creatine supplementation to improve cognitive processing, especially in conditions characterized by brain creatine deficits, which could be induced by acute stressors (e.g., exercise, sleep deprivation) or chronic, pathologic conditions (e.g., creatine synthesis enzyme deficiencies, mild traumatic brain injury, aging, Alzheimer’s disease, depression). Despite this, the optimal creatine protocol able to increase brain creatine levels is still to be determined. Similarly, supplementation studies concomitantly assessing brain creatine and cognitive function are needed. Collectively, data available are promising and future research in the area is warranted.
Dietary Acrylamide Intake and the Risk of Hematological Malignancies: The Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study
Authors: Zha Ling , Liu Rong , Sobue Tomotaka , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Ishihara Junko , Kotemori Ayaka , Ikeda Sayaka , Sawada Norie , Iwasaki Motoki , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   for the JPHC Study Group
Published: February 2021

Acrylamide, which is present in many daily foods, is a probable human carcinogen. In 2002, it was identified in several common foods. Subsequently, western epidemiologists began to explore the relationship between dietary acrylamide exposure and cancer risk; however, limited suggestive associations were found. This prospective study aimed to examine the association between dietary acrylamide intake and the risk of hematological malignancies, including malignant lymphoma (ML), multiple myeloma (MM), and leukemia. We enrolled 85,303 participants in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective study on diet and cancer as from 1995. A food frequency questionnaire that included data on acrylamide in all Japanese foods was used to assess dietary acrylamide intake. We applied multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to reckon hazard ratios (HRs) for acrylamide intake for both categorical variables (tertiles) and continuous variables. After 16.0 median years of follow-up, 326 confirmed cases of ML, 126 cases of MM, and 224 cases of leukemia were available for final multivariable-adjusted analysis. HRs were 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–1.18) for ML, 0.64 (95% CI: 0.38–1.05) for MM, and 1.01 (95% CI: 0.71–1.45) for leukemia. Our results implied that acrylamide may not be related to the risk of hematological malignancies.
Effect of Hydrolysable Tannins and Anthocyanins on Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Nephropathic Patients: Preliminary Data
Authors: Noce Annalisa , Di Daniele Francesca , Campo Margherita , Di Lauro Manuela , Pietroboni Zaitseva Anna , Di Daniele Nicola , Marrone Giulia , Romani Annalisa
Published: February 2021

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by uropathogenic microorganism colonization. UTIs often require an antibiotic therapy that can cause the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. A natural bioactive compound may represent a valid therapeutic adjuvant approach, in combination with drug therapy. In this paper, we present a pilot study, based on the administration of an oral food supplement (OFS), containing chestnut tannins and anthocyanins, to nephropathic patients suffering from recurrent UTIs (16 treated patients with 1 cp/day and 10 untreated patients). We performed laboratory tests and quality of life and body composition assessments, at T0 (baseline) and T1 (after 6 weeks OFS assumption). The analysis of OFS was performed by HPLC-DAD-MS for its content in polyphenols and by in vitro tests for its antioxidative and anti-free radical activities. In each capsule, polyphenol content was 6.21 mg (4.57 mg hydrolysable tannins, 0.94 mg anthocyanosides, 0.51 mg proanthocyanidins, 0.18 mg quercetin derivatives). A significant reduction of erythrocyte sedimentation rate was observed only in male patients. Urinalysis showed a significant reduction of leukocytes in both genders, whereas urinary bacterial flora at T1 significantly decreased only in male subjects. Tannins seem to exert an antimicrobial action according to gender, useful to counteract the recurrence of UTIs.
Adequate Vitamin D Intake Cannot Be Achieved within Carbon Emission Limits Unless Food Is Fortified: A Simulation Study
Authors: Bruins Maaike J. , Létinois Ulla
Published: February 2021

This study applied linear programming using a Dutch “model diet” to simulate the dietary shifts needed in order to optimize the intake of vitamin D and to minimize the carbon footprint, considering the popularity of the diet. Scenarios were modelled without and with additional fortified bread, milk, and oil as options in the diets. The baseline diet provided about one fifth of the adequate intake of vitamin D from natural food sources and voluntary vitamin D-fortified foods. Nevertheless, when optimizing this diet for vitamin D, these food sources together were insufficient to meet the adequate intake required, unless the carbon emission and calorie intake were increased almost 3-fold and 2-fold, respectively. When vitamin D-fortified bread, milk, and oil were added as options to the diet, along with increases in fish consumption, and decreases in sugar, snack, and cake consumption, adequate intakes for vitamin D and other nutrients could be met within the 2000 kcal limits, along with a relatively unchanged carbon footprint. Achieving vitamin D goals while reducing the carbon footprint by 10% was only possible when compromising on the popularity of the diet. Adding vitamin D to foods did not contribute to the total carbon emissions. The modelling study shows that it is impossible to obtain adequate vitamin D through realistic dietary shifts alone, unless more vitamin D-fortified foods are a necessary part of the diet.
Consumer Eating Behavior and Opinions about the Food Safety of Street Food in Poland
Authors: Wiatrowski Michał , Czarniecka-Skubina Ewa , Trafiałek Joanna
Published: February 2021

Street food plays an increasingly important role in the nutrition of the inhabitants of European cities. Our study aimed to analyze Polish consumers’ attitudes toward food offered in street food outlets, consumers’ eating out behavior, and the factors that determine their choice of meals from street food vendors. A survey was conducted of 1300 adult respondents who eat street food in Poland. The research enabled a detailed and comprehensive assessment of consumer behavior toward the use of street food outlets, as well as consumer opinions on vendors’ functioning, including hygiene and meals offered. Factors determining the frequency of street food consumption, preferred food types, and factors influencing the use of such outlets were identified. The most important factors were the quality of services and meals, personal preferences and price. Using cluster analysis, consumer profiles based on the types of street food outlets and food preferred were identified. Four main street food consumer preference profiles were identified: ‘burger-enthusiasts’, ‘kebab-enthusiasts’ and ‘ice-cream enthusiasts’, and ‘no specific-oriented consumers’. The Internet and social media were identified as information and promotion channels for this form of gastronomy. Results also revealed Polish consumer behavior and opinions about the food safety of street food in Poland. In summary, in Poland the habits of eating typical Polish homemade dishes is being replaced by eating meals in street food outlets, which can be classified as fast food. Increasing consumer knowledge and awareness of the quality and safety of street food may counteract improper hygiene practices of sellers.
Nutritional Management Enhances the Recovery of Swallowing Ability in Older Patients with Sarcopenic Dysphagia
Authors: Shimizu Akio , Fujishima Ichiro , Maeda Keisuke , Wakabayashi Hidetaka , Nishioka Shinta , Ohno Tomohisa , Nomoto Akiko , Kayashita Jun , Mori Naoharu ,   The Japanese Working Group on Sarcopenic Dysphagia
Published: February 2021

This study assessed whether a high provided energy of ≥30 kcal/ideal body weight (IBW)/day (kg) for patients with sarcopenic dysphagia effectively improved swallowing ability and the activities of daily living (ADLs). Among 110 patients with sarcopenic dysphagia (mean age, 84.9 ± 7.4 years) who were admitted to a post-acute hospital, swallowing ability and the ADLs were assessed using the Food Intake LEVEL Scale (FILS) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), respectively. The primary outcome was the FILS at discharge, while the secondary outcome was the achievement of the FIM with a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) at discharge. We created a homogeneous probability model without statistically significant differences using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method with and without a mean provided energy of ≥30 kcal/IBW/day (kg) for a period of 1 week of hospitalization and compared the outcomes between groups. A mean provided energy of ≥30 kcal/IBW/day (kg) was achieved in 62.7% of patients. In the IPTW model, the FILS and the rates of achieved MCID of the FIM at discharge were significantly higher in the mean provided energy of ≥30 kcal/IBW/day (kg) group (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). A high provided energy for patients with sarcopenic dysphagia may improve swallowing ability and produce clinically meaningful functional outcomes.
Neuropeptide Y and Peptide YY in Association with Depressive Symptoms and Eating Behaviours in Adolescents across the Weight Spectrum: From Anorexia Nervosa to Obesity
Authors: Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor Marta , Jowik Katarzyna , Dutkiewicz Agata , Krasinska Agata , Pytlinska Natalia , Dmitrzak-Weglarz Monika , Suminska Marta , Pruciak Agata , Skowronska Bogda , Slopien Agnieszka
Published: February 2021

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and peptide YY (PYY) are involved in metabolic regulation. The purpose of the study was to assess the serum levels of NPY and PYY in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) or obesity (OB), as well as in a healthy control group (CG). The effects of potential confounders on their concentrations were also analysed. Eighty-nine adolescents were included in this study (AN = 30, OB = 30, and CG = 29). Anthropometric measurements and psychometric assessment of depressive symptoms, eating behaviours, body attitudes, and fasting serum levels of NPY and PYY were analysed. The AN group presented severe depressive symptoms, while the OB group held different attitudes towards the body. The levels of NPY were lower in the AN and OB groups as compared with the CG. The PYY levels were higher in the OB group than in the AN group and the CG. The severity of eating disorder symptoms predicted fasting serum concentrations of NPY. Lower levels of NPY in AN, as well as in OB suggests the need to look for a common link in the mechanism of this effect. Higher level of PYY in OB may be important in explaining complex etiopathogenesis of the disease. The psychopathological symptoms may have an influence on the neurohormones regulating metabolism.
Socioeconomic and Geographic Pattern of Food Consumption and Dietary Diversity among Children Aged 6–23 Months Old in Ghana
Authors: Anane Isaac , Nie Fengying , Huang Jiaqi
Published: February 2021

Dietary inadequacy is a major challenge among young children in Ghana. Nutritional policies are required for optimum child nutrition and development. This study explored food consumption and dietary diversity by socioeconomic status and geographical location among children aged 6–23 months in Ghana. We used the latest national representative, cross-sectional data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS-2014). A total of 887 children aged 6–23 months were used in the final analysis. The survey collected data on children’s food consumption through their mothers in the 24 h recall method. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between socioeconomic status and geographical location with food consumption and adequate dietary diversity after adjusting for control variables. The study revealed an association between specific food item consumption, food groups, and dietary diversity by socioeconomic and geographic characteristics. However, dairy consumption increased faster than other nutritional foods when socioeconomic status increased. Furthermore, the study revealed that children’s chances of consuming particular food items and food groups differed across Ghana’s 10 regions. The average probabilities of consuming adequate dietary diversity between the Greater Accra region and Ashanti region were 43% vs. 8% (p < 0.001). Consumption of grains, root, and tubers were relatively higher but low for Vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables and legumes and nuts for children aged 6–23 months in Ghana. Overall, the mean dietary diversity score was low (3.39; 95% CI: 3.30–3.49) out of eight food groups, and the prevalence of adequate dietary diversity was 22% only. There is a need for policy interventions to ensure appropriate dietary practices to promote healthy growth of children.
Temporal Development of Dyslipidemia and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Syrian Hamsters Fed a High-Fat, High-Fructose, High-Cholesterol Diet
Authors: Svop Jensen Victoria , Fledelius Christian , Max Wulff Erik , Lykkesfeldt Jens , Hvid Henning
Published: February 2021

The use of translationally relevant animal models is essential, also within the field of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Compared to frequently used mouse and rat models, the hamster may provide a higher degree of physiological similarity to humans in terms of lipid profile and lipoprotein metabolism. However, the effects in hamsters after long-term exposure to a NASH diet are not known. Male Syrian hamsters were fed either a high-fat, high-fructose, high-cholesterol diet (NASH diet) or control diets for up to 12 months. Plasma parameters were assessed at two weeks, one, four, eight and 12 months and liver histopathology and biochemistry was characterized after four, eight and 12 months on the experimental diets. After two weeks, hamsters on NASH diet had developed marked dyslipidemia, which persisted for the remainder of the study. Hepatic steatosis was present in NASH-fed hamsters after four months, and hepatic stellate cell activation and fibrosis was observed within four to eight months, respectively, in agreement with progression towards NASH. In summary, we demonstrate that hamsters rapidly develop dyslipidemia when fed a high-fat, high-fructose, high-cholesterol diet. Moreover, within four to eight months, the NASH-diet induced hepatic changes with resemblance to human NAFLD.
The Gut‒Breast Axis: Programming Health for Life
Authors: Rodríguez Juan M. , Fernández Leónides , Verhasselt Valerie
Published: February 2021

The gut is a pivotal organ in health and disease. The events that take place in the gut during early life contribute to the programming, shaping and tuning of distant organs, having lifelong consequences. In this context, the maternal gut plays a quintessence in programming the mammary gland to face the nutritional, microbiological, immunological, and neuroendocrine requirements of the growing infant. Subsequently, human colostrum and milk provides the infant with an impressive array of nutrients and bioactive components, including microbes, immune cells, and stem cells. Therefore, the axis linking the maternal gut, the breast, and the infant gut seems crucial for a correct infant growth and development. The aim of this article is not to perform a systematic review of the human milk components but to provide an insight of their extremely complex interactions, which render human milk a unique functional food and explain why this biological fluid still truly remains as a scientific enigma.