bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Household Expenditure Surveys for Comparable and Replicable Nutritional Analysis: Evidence from México
Authors: Hernández-Solano Alan , Pérez-Hernández Víctor , Burrola-Méndez Soraya , Aguirre Alejandra , Gallegos Jesús , Teruel Graciela
Published: September 2022

In this study, we explore how to use household expenditures and income surveys (HEIS) to provide replicable and comparable measures of nutrients availability at the population level. Our method formalizes the common practice in the literature and consists of three steps: identification of relevant food categories, pairing of food contents food groups in HEIS data, and calculation of the typical amount of nutrients by food group. We illustrate the usage of the method with Mexican data and provide a publicly available data set to readily convert food purchases into six nutrients: calories, proteins, vitamins A and C, iron, and zinc. We perform a descriptive analysis of the evolution of nutrients intake among Mexican households between 2008 and 2020, considering differences by income level. Our results reflect the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on nutrient availability in Mexican households, mainly driven by a substantial reduction in the expenditure in food consumed away from home, although for most nutrients the trend was stable over most of the period.
Malnutrition Prevention after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (alloHSCT): A Prospective Explorative Interventional Study with an Oral Polymeric Formulation Enriched with Transforming Growth Factor Beta 2 (TGF-β2)
Authors: Morello Enrico , Arena Francesco , Malagola Michele , Farina Mirko , Polverelli Nicola , Cavagna Elsa , Colnaghi Federica , Donna Lorenzo , Zollner Tatiana , Accorsi Buttini Eugenia , Andreoli Marco , Ricci Chiara , Leoni Alessandro , Samarani Emanuela , Bertulli Alice , Leali Daria , Bernardi Simona , Russo Domenico
Published: September 2022

Malnutrition is common after allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (alloHSCT), and interventions directed to correct nutritional status are warranted to improve transplant outcomes. In this prospective study, an oral polymeric formulation enriched with TGF-β2 (TE-OPF) was explored to correct malnutrition according to Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). TE-OPF was proposed to 51 consecutive patients who received transplants at our institution for hematological malignancies, and sufficient dose intake was established per protocol as at least 50% of the prescribed dose of TE-OPF: group A received adequate nutritional support; group B, inadequate. The study met the primary outcomes in terms of safety (no adverse events reported during TE-OPF intake except for its disgusting taste) and malnutrition (PG-SGA C 28 days after transplant): severely malnourished patients (PG-SGA C) accounted for 13% in group A and 88.9% in group B (p = 0.000). At the end of the study, after a median follow-up of 416 days, the estimated median Overall Survival (OS) was 734 days for well or moderately nourished patients (PG-SGA A/B) in comparison to 424 for malnourished patients (p = 0.03). Inadequate TE-OPF intake was associated with an increase in acute gastrointestinal Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) cumulative incidence (38% vs. 0% p = 0.006). A higher incidence of pneumonia was reported in group B (p = 0.006). IGF-1 levels at 14 and 28 days after transplant were significantly higher in group A and were associated with a lower incidence of acute GVHD (aGVHD). Higher subsets of B, T, and NK cells were found in group A, and a higher number of CD16+ NK cells was associated with a lower incidence of acute GVHD (p = 0.005) and increased survival at the end of the study (p = 0.023). Artificial neural network analysis suggested that inadequate TE-OPF intake, pneumonia, and sepsis significantly affected malnutrition 28 days after alloHSCT and survival 365 days after alloHSCT (normalized importance 100%, 82%, and 68%, respectively). In this exploratory and preliminary study, the use of TE-OPF appeared to reduce the incidence of malnutrition after alloHSCT, but larger and controlled studies are required.
Do Vegetarian Diets Provide Adequate Nutrient Intake during Complementary Feeding? A Systematic Review
Authors: Simeone Giovanni , Bergamini Marcello , Verga Maria Carmen , Cuomo Barbara , D’Antonio Giuseppe , Iacono Iride Dello , Mauro Dora Di , Mauro Francesco Di , Mauro Giuseppe Di , Leonardi Lucia , Miniello Vito Leonardo , Palma Filomena , Scotese Immacolata , Tezza Giovanna , Vania Andrea , Caroli Margherita
Published: September 2022

During the complementary feeding period, any nutritional deficiencies may negatively impact infant growth and neurodevelopment. A healthy diet containing all essential nutrients is strongly recommended by the WHO during infancy. Because vegetarian diets are becoming increasingly popular in many industrialized countries, some parents ask the pediatrician for a vegetarian diet, partially or entirely free of animal-source foods, for their children from an early age. This systematic review aims to evaluate the evidence on how vegetarian complementary feeding impacts infant growth, neurodevelopment, risk of wasted and/or stunted growth, overweight and obesity. The SR was registered with PROSPERO 2021 (CRD 42021273592). A comprehensive search strategy was adopted to search and find all relevant studies. For ethical reasons, there are no interventional studies assessing the impact of non-supplemented vegetarian/vegan diets on the physical and neurocognitive development of children, but there are numerous studies that have analyzed the effects of dietary deficiencies on individual nutrients. Based on current evidence, vegetarian and vegan diets during the complementary feeding period have not been shown to be safe, and the current best evidence suggests that the risk of critical micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies and growth retardation is high: they may result in significantly different outcomes in neuropsychological development and growth when compared with a healthy omnivorous diet such as the Mediterranean Diet. There are also no data documenting the protective effect of vegetarian or vegan diets against communicable diseases in children aged 6 months to 2–3 years.
Mechanisms of Sodium/Iodide Symporter-Mediated Mammary Gland Iodine Compensation during Lactation
Authors: Fu Min , Gao Yuanpeng , Guo Wenxing , Meng Qi , Jin Qi , Yang Rui , Yang Ying , Zhang Yaqi , Zhang Wanqi
Published: September 2022

This research aimed to investigate the compensation mechanism of iodine deficiency and excess in the mammary gland during lactation. Female rats were divided into the low iodine group (LI), the normal iodine group (NI), the 10-fold high iodine group (10HI) and the 50-fold high iodine group (50HI). We measured the iodine levels in the urine, blood, milk, and mammary gland. The protein expression of sodium/iodide symporter (NIS), DPAGT1, and valosin-containing protein (VCP) in the mammary gland was also studied. The 24-hour urinary iodine concentration, serum total iodine concentration, serum non-protein-bound iodine concentration, breast milk iodine concentration, and mammary gland iodine content in the 50HI group were significantly higher than those in the NI group (p < 0.05). Compared with the NI group, NIS expression in the 50HI group significantly decreased (p < 0.05). DAPGT1 expression was significantly higher in the LI group than in the NI group (p < 0.05). The expression level of VCP was significantly increased in the 10HI and 50HI groups. In conclusion, milk iodine concentration is positively correlated with iodine intake, and the lactating mammary gland regulates the glycosylation and degradation of NIS by regulating DPAGT1 and VCP, thus regulating milk iodine level. However, the mammary gland has a limited role in compensating for iodine deficiency and excess.
In Vitro and In Vivo Sucrosomial® Berberine Activity on Insulin Resistance
Authors: Lupo Maria Giovanna , Brilli Elisa , De Vito Virginia , Tarantino Germano , Sut Stefania , Ferrarese Irene , Panighel Giovanni , Gabbia Daniela , De Martin Sara , Dall’Acqua Stefano , Ferri Nicola
Published: September 2022

Background: Berberine is a natural alkaloid with hypoglycemic properties. However, its therapeutic use is limited by a very low oral bioavailability. Here we developed a new oral formulation of berberine based on Sucrosomial® technology and tested its effect on insulin resistance. Methods: Sucrosomial® berberine was first tested in vitro in the hepatoma cell line Huh7 to assess its effect on proteins involved in glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. The pharmacokinetics and efficacy on insulin resistance were then studied in C57BL/6 mice fed with standard (SD) and high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks and treated daily during the last 8 weeks with oral gavage of Sucrosomial® berberine or berberine. Results: Sucrosomial® berberine did not affect Huh7 cell viability at concentrations up to 40 µM. Incubation of Huh7 with 20 µM of Sucrosomial® and control berberine induced glucokinase (GK) and the phosphorylation of 5′-adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), both known targets for the control of insulin resistance. In vivo, we observed an 8-fold higher plasma concentration after 3 weeks of oral administration of 50 mg/kg/day of Sucrosomial® formulation compared to berberine. HFD, compared to SD, induced insulin resistance in mice as determined by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The treatment with a 6.25 mg/kg/daily dose of Sucrosomial® berberine significantly reduced the area under the curve (AUC) of OGTT (73,103 ± 8645 vs. 58,830 ± 5597 mg/dL × min), while control berberine produced the same effects at 50 mg/Kg/day (51518 ± 1984 mg/dL × min). Under these conditions, the two formulations resulted in similar berberine plasma concentration in mice. Nevertheless, a different tissue distribution of metabolites was observed with a significant accumulation of reduced, demethylated and glucuronide berberine in the brain after the oral administration of the Sucrosomial® form. Glucuronide berberine plasma concentration was higher with Sucrosomial® berberine compared to normal berberine. Finally, we observed similar increases of AMPK phosphorylation in the liver in response to the treatment with Sucrosomial® berberine and berberine. Conclusions: The Sucrosomial® formulation is an innovative and effective technology to improve berberine gastrointestinal (GI) absorption with proven in vitro and in vivo activity on insulin resistance.
Mediation Effect of Platelet Traits on Associations of Central Obesity with Aging Biomarkers in Rural Adults of Henan, China
Authors: Chen Xinwei , Li Ruiying , Hou Xiaoyu , Wang Yuqin , Pan Mingming , Kang Ning , Yuchi Yinghao , Liao Wei , Liu Xiaotian , Mao Zhenxing , Huo Wenqian , Wang Chongjian , Hou Jian
Published: September 2022

Background: To assess the associations of platelet traits and obesity indices with aging biomarkers (telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN)). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 5091 rural Chinese adults. Obesity indices (waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)) and platelet traits (plateletcrit (PCT), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW)) were collected by physical examination. The aging biomarkers were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Generalized linear regression models and mediation analysis were applied to explore the relationships between platelet traits, obesity indices, and aging biomarkers. Results: The mean age of the participants was 56 years (range: 18–79). Each one-unit increment in WC, WHR and WHtR were related to a 0.316 (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.437, −0.196), 0.323 (95% CI: −0.513, −0.134) and 0.277 (95% CI: −0.400, −0.153) decrease in relative TL; or a 0.102 (95% CI: −0.197, −0.007), 0.109 (95% CI: −0.258, −0.041) and 0.101 (95% CI: −0.199, −0.004) decrease in relative mtDNA-CN. The proportions of obesity indices with aging biomarkers mediated by platelet indices ranged from 2.85% to 10.10%. Conclusions: Increased central obesity indices in relation to shortened relative TL or decreased mtDNA-CN were mediated by platelet traits, indicating that obesity in association with the accelerated aging process may be partially attributable to abnormal platelet activity.
Exclusive Breastfeeding for at Least Four Months Is Associated with a Lower Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Mothers and Their Children after 2–5 Years from Delivery
Authors: Mantzorou Maria , Papandreou Dimitrios , Vasios Georgios K. , Pavlidou Eleni , Antasouras Georgios , Psara Evmorfia , Taha Zainab , Poulios Efthymios , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Obesity is a current public health concern. Higher body weight is influenced by genetic and environmental parameters, and their interplay and is associated with a greater risk for several chronic diseases. Breastfeeding has been suggested as a preventive measure against obesity, which can further reduce long-term negative health outcomes for both women and children. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of breastfeeding on maternal and childhood overweight and obesity. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 2515 healthy mothers and their children, aged 2–5 years, enrolled from nine different Greek rural and urban regions. Validated, standardized questionnaires were administrated that included anthropometric indices, socio-demographic characteristics of mothers and children, as well as breastfeeding practices. Results: Overall, 68% of participated women exclusively breastfed their children for at least 4 months. Mothers that exclusively breastfed showed a significantly lower prevalence of overweight and obesity after 2–5 years from delivery (p < 0.0001). Children that had exclusively been breastfed showed a significantly lower prevalence of overweight and obesity at the age of 2–5 years (p < 0.0001). Using multivariate regression analysis, exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months was associated with a two-fold lower risk for maternal and childhood overweight and obesity after 2–5 years from delivery, independent from maternal age, educational and economic status, and smoking habits (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months had a positive effect on childhood overweight and obesity, also contributing beneficially to post-natal maternal weight control. The beneficial effects of breastfeeding should be communicated to future and new mothers, while supportive actions for all mothers to initiate and continue breastfeeding their offspring should be implemented.
Vasorin Deletion in C57BL/6J Mice Induces Hepatocyte Autophagy through Glycogen-Mediated mTOR Regulation
Authors: Yang Lichao , Cheng Xiaojing , Shi Wei , Li Hui , Zhang Qi , Huang Shiping , Huang Xuejing , Wen Sha , Gan Ji , Liao Zhouxiang , Sun Junming , Liang Jinning , Ouyang Yiqiang , He Min
Published: September 2022

Abnormal vasorin (Vasn) expression occurs in multiple diseases, particularly liver cancers. Vasn knockout (KO) in mice causes malnutrition, a shortened life span, and decreased physiological functions. However, the causes and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we established Vasn KO C57BL/6J mice by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The animals were weighed, and histology, immunohistochemistry, electronic microscopy, and liver function tests were used to examine any change in the livers. Autophagy markers were detected by Western blotting. MicroRNA (miRNA) sequencing was performed on liver samples and analyses to study the signaling pathway altered by Vasn KO. Significant reductions in mice body and liver weight, accompanied by abnormal liver function, liver injury, and reduced glycogen accumulation in hepatocytes, were observed in the Vasn KO mice. The deficiency of Vasn also significantly increased the number of autophagosomes and the expression of LC3A/B-II/I but decreased SQSTM1/p62 levels in hepatocytes, suggesting aberrant activation of autophagy. Vasn deficiency inhibited glycogen-mediated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation and activated Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling, suggesting that Vasn deletion upregulates hepatocyte autophagy through the mTOR-ULK1 signaling pathway as a possible cause of diminished life span and health. Our results indicate that Vasn is required for the homeostasis of liver glycogen metabolism upstream of hepatocyte autophagy, suggesting research values for regulating Vasn in pathways related to liver physiology and functions. Overall, this study provides new insight into the role of Vasn in liver functionality.
Phytochemical Profiles, Antioxidant Activity and Antiproliferative Mechanism of Rhodiola rosea L. Phenolic Extract
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Jiang Siqi , Deng Na , Zheng Bisheng , Li Tong , Liu Rui Hai
Published: September 2022

The phenolic profiles, antioxidant activity, antiproliferative property and the underlying molecular mechanisms of cell apoptosis of Rhodiola rosea free phenolic (RFE) were analyzed in this work. Overall, Rhodiola rosea rhizome phenolic extract (RE) contained Rhodiola rosea rhizome free phenolic extract (RFE) and Rhodiola rosea rhizome bound phenolic extract (RBE). Compared with RBE, RFE contained higher phenolic contents and possessed stronger antioxidant activity. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results demonstrated that the main phenolics of were epigallocatechin (EGC), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gallic acid (GA) and catechin. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis found that Rhodiola rosea L. was rich in volatile phytochemicals. In addition, many types of vitamin E and a few kinds of carotenoids were found in Rhodiola rosea. In addition, the main compounds in RFE (GA, EGC, EGCG) and RFE all exhibited excellent antiproliferative activity, indicating the antiproliferative activity of RFE was partly attributed to the synergy effects of the main compounds. Further study confirmed that RFE could block 16.99% of HepG2 cells at S phase and induce 20.32% programmed cell death compared with the control group. Specifically, RFE dose-dependently induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via modulating the p53 signaling pathway including up-regulation of the expression of p53 and Bax while down-regulation of the Bcl-2, cyclin D1 and CDK4 levels. Therefore, RFE exhibited the potential of being developed as an auxiliary antioxidant and a therapeutic agent for cancer.
Evaluation of the New Individual Fatty Acid Dataset for UK Biobank: Analysis of Intakes and Sources in 207,997 Participants
Authors: Kelly Rebecca K. , Pollard Zoe , Young Heather , Piernas Carmen , Lentjes Marleen , Mulligan Angela , Huybrechts Inge , Carter Jennifer L. , Key Timothy J. , Perez-Cornago Aurora
Published: September 2022

The Oxford WebQ is an online 24 h dietary assessment tool used by several large prospective studies. This study describes the creation of the new individual fatty acid (FA) dataset for the Oxford WebQ and reports intakes and sources of dietary individual FAs in the UK Biobank. Participants who completed ≥1 (maximum of five) 24 h dietary assessments were included (n = 207,997). Nutrient intakes were obtained from the average of all completed 24 h dietary assessments. Nutrient data from the UK McCance and Widdowson’s The Composition of Foods and the US Department of Agriculture food composition tables were used to calculate intakes of 21 individual FAs. The individual FA dataset included 10 saturated fatty acids (SFAs), 4 monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and 7 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs; including alpha-linolenic (18:3), eicosapentaenoic (20:5), and docosahexaenoic (22:6) acids). Palmitic (16:0; mean ± standard deviation (SD): 13.5 ± 5.7 g/d) and stearic (18:0; 5.2 ± 2.5) acids were the main contributors to SFAs, and the main sources of these were cereals and cereal products (mostly desserts/cakes/pastries), milk and milk products (mostly cheese and milk), and meat and meat products. Oleic acid (18:1; 24.2 ± 9.8) was the main MUFA, derived mainly from cereals and cereal products, and meat and meat products. Linoleic acid (18:2; 9.7 ± 4.3) was the main PUFA, derived mostly from cereals and cereal products, and vegetables (including potatoes) and vegetable dishes. The individual FA dataset for the Oxford WebQ will allow future investigations on individual FAs and disease risk.
Ketogenic Diet for Preoperative Weight Reduction in Bariatric Surgery: A Narrative Review
Authors: Colangeli Luca , Gentileschi Paolo , Sbraccia Paolo , Guglielmi Valeria
Published: September 2022

Bariatric surgery (BS) is the most effective treatment in reducing weight and the burden of comorbidities in patients with severe obesity. Despite the overall low mortality rate, intra- and post-operative complications remains quite common. Weight loss before BS reduces surgical risk, but studies are inconclusive regarding which is the best approach to apply. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the effect of a ketogenic diet (KD) before BS. All studies agree that KD leads to considerable weight loss and important improvements in terms of surgical risk, but populations, interventions and outcomes are very heterogeneous. KD appears to be a safe and effective approach to induce weight loss before BS. However, randomized controlled trials with better-defined dietary protocols and homogeneous outcomes are necessary in order to draw firm conclusions.
Pea Albumin Attenuates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis by Regulating NF-κB Signaling and the Intestinal Microbiota in Mice
Authors: Zhang Shucheng , Jin Wenhua , Zhang Weibo , Ren Fazheng , Wang Pengjie , Liu Ning
Published: September 2022

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease remains a global burden with rapidly increasing incidence and prevalence in both industrialized countries and developing countries. In this study, we prepared pea albumin from pea seeds and determined its beneficial effects being anti-inflammatory and on gut microbiota modulation in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-challenged mice. Method: Six-week-old C57BL/6N male mice received an equivalent volume (200 μL) of sterile phosphate balanced solution, 0.375, 0.75, or 1.50 g/kg body weight (BW) of pea albumin that was subjected to 2.0% DSS for 7 days to induce colitis. On day 17 of the experiment, all mice were sacrificed after blood sample collection, and colon tissue and colon contents were collected. BW change curve, colon length, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, mucus staining, immunofluorescence staining of T cells and macrophages, cytokines, pro-inflammatory genes expression, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and signal transducer, and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways as well as 16S DNA sequence were measured. Results: Our results show that pea albumin alleviates DSS-induced BW loss, colon length shortening, enhanced MPO activity, cytokines secretion, mucus deficiency, and inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as enhanced pro-inflammatory genes expression. In addition, the overactivation of NF-κB and STAT3 following DSS exposure is attenuated by pea albumin administration. Of particular interest, pea albumin oral administration restored gut microbiota dysbiosis as evidenced by enhanced α-diversity, restored β-diversity, and promoted relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. Conclusion: Taken together, the data provided herein demonstrated that pea albumin plays a protective role in DSS-induced colitis by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory genes expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines release, inactivation of NF-κB signal, and gut microbiota modulation.
Virucidal Efficacy of Laundering
Authors: Merettig Nadine , Bockmühl Dirk P.
Published: September 2022

Viruses contribute significantly to the burden of infectious diseases worldwide. Although there are multiple infection routes associated with viruses, it is important to break the chain of infection and thus consider all possible transmission routes. Consequently, laundering can be a means to eliminate viruses from textiles, in clinical settings well as for domestic laundry procedures. Several factors influence the survival and inactivation of microorganisms, including viruses on hard surfaces and textiles. Therefore, textiles should be regarded as potential fomites. While in clinical and industrial settings laundry hygiene is ensured by standardized processes, temperatures of at least 60 °C and the use of oxidizing agents, domestic laundry is not well defined. Thus, the parameters affecting viral mitigation must be understood and prudently applied, especially in domestic laundering. Laundering can serve as a means to break the chain of infection for viral diseases by means of temperature, time, chemistry and mechanical action.
Nanotechnology for Pediatric Retinoblastoma Therapy
Authors: Russo Eleonora , Spallarossa Andrea , Tasso Bruno , Villa Carla , Brullo Chiara
Published: September 2022

Retinoblastoma is a rare, sometimes hereditary, pediatric cancer. In high-income countries this disease has a survival rate approaching 100%, while in low- and middle-income countries the prognosis is fatal for about 80% of cases. Depending on the stage of the disease, different therapeutic protocols are applied. In more advanced forms of the disease, surgical removal of the entire globe and its intraocular contents (enucleation) is, unfortunately, necessary, whereas in other cases, conventional chemotherapy is normally used. To overcome the side-effects and reduced efficacy of traditional chemotherapic drugs, nanodelivery systems that ensure a sustained drug release and manage to reach the target site have more recently been developed. This review takes into account the current use and advances of nanomedicine in the treatment of retinoblastoma and discusses nanoparticulate formulations that contain conventional drugs and natural products. In addition, future developments in retinoblastoma treatment are discussed.
Potential Active Constituents from Opophytum forsskalii (Hochst. ex Boiss.) N.E.Br against Experimental Gastric Lesions in Rats
Authors: Foudah Ahmed I. , Aloneizi Fawwaz Khalaf , Alqarni Mohammad H. , Alam Aftab , Salkini Mohammad Ayman , Abubaker Hamad M. , Yusufoglu Hasan S.
Published: September 2022

Opophytum forsskalii (O. forsskalii) is a desert plant that belongs to the Aizoaceae family. Although it is a natural food source for Bedouin tribes in northern Saudi Arabia, there is little information on its active metabolites. Therefore, the secondary metabolites of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of this species were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass chromatography (LC-MS). LC-MS identified a total of 30 secondary metabolites. These compounds represented two main categories among sixteen classes. Among them, flavonoids represented the largest proportion with eleven metabolites while fatty acids provided seven compounds. In addition, the extract was evaluated for its gastroprotective effect against gastric lesions induced by different models, such as indomethacin, stress, and necrotizing agents (80% ethanol, 0.2 mol/L NaOH, and 25% NaCl), in rats. For each method, group 1 was used as the control group while groups 2 and 3 received the leaf extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. The ulcer index (UI) and intraluminal bleeding score (IBS) were measured for each method. In addition, gastric tissue from the ethanol method was used for the analysis of nonprotein sulfhydrates (NP-SH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total protein (TP), and histopathologic evaluation. Pretreatment with O. forsskalii significantly decreased UI (p < 0.01) and IBS (p < 0.01) at 400 mg/kg. Pretreatment with O. forsskalii significantly improved total protein levels (p < 0.01) and NP-SH (p < 0.001) compared to the ethanol ulcer groups. MDA levels increased from 0.5 to 5.8 nmol/g in the normal groups compared to the ethanol groups and decreased to 2.34 nmol/g in the O. forsskalii pretreatment. In addition to the gastroprotective markers, histopathological examination of gastric tissue confirmed the gastroprotective potential of O. forsskalii extract against ethanol.
PEG Conjugated Zein Nanoparticles for In Vivo Use
Authors: van Ballegooie Courtney , Wretham Nicole , Ren Tanya , Popescu Ioana-Mihaela , Yapp Donald T. , Bally Marcel B.
Published: September 2022

Zein can be utilized to form nanoscale particles for drug delivery applications. Despite the ease of synthesis, these particles often aggregate when exposed to physiologically relevant conditions (e.g., pH and salt concentrations). This instability has prevented their further development in applications requiring intravenous administration. To mitigate this colloidal instability, this research explored Zein nanoparticles (NP)s that were modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) either through functionalized PEG pre- or post-NP formation. The results suggest that the pre-functionalization of the Zein using N-hydroxysuccinimide ester terminated PEG is the method of choice for synthesizing Zein NPs with conjugated PEG (Zein:PEG-Zein NPs). Zein:PEG-Zein NPs formed using this method displayed excellent stability in physiologically relevant conditions over 72 h and were stable at 4 °C for at least 3 months. When the NPs were cultured with cells for 72 h, no cytotoxicity or early signs of apoptosis were identified. Cellular uptake of the Zein:PEG-Zein NPs did not seem to be impacted by the amount of PEG incorporated in the NP but were concentration-, time-, and temperature-dependent. The lowest percent, stable Zein:PEG-Zein NP formulation (80% unmodified Zein and 20% PEG-modified Zein) induced no observable toxicity over 14 days in CD-1 mice dosed at 70 mg/kg via the tail vein. However, repeat dose pharmacokinetic (PK) studies demonstrated that following the first dose, the second dose caused health issues that required euthanasia shortly after administration. For those animals that survived, there was faster plasma elimination of the Zein:PEG-Zein NPs. Despite this, the Zein:PEG-Zein NPs represent a significantly improved formulation approach, one that displays a long circulation half-life and is suitable for single-use administration. Repeat dose applications will require additional methods to silence the immune response that is generated when using these NPs intravenously.
3D-Printing Graphene Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: MacDonald Amber F. , Harley-Troxell Meaghan E. , Newby Steven D. , Dhar Madhu S.
Published: September 2022

Graphene-based materials have recently gained attention for regenerating various tissue defects including bone, nerve, cartilage, and muscle. Even though the potential of graphene-based biomaterials has been realized in tissue engineering, there are significantly many more studies reporting in vitro and in vivo data in bone tissue engineering. Graphene constructs have mainly been studied as two-dimensional (2D) substrates when biological organs are within a three-dimensional (3D) environment. Therefore, developing 3D graphene scaffolds is the next clinical standard, yet most have been fabricated as foams which limit control of consistent morphology and porosity. To overcome this issue, 3D-printing technology is revolutionizing tissue engineering, due to its speed, accuracy, reproducibility, and overall ability to personalize treatment whereby scaffolds are printed to the exact dimensions of a tissue defect. Even though various 3D-printing techniques are available, practical applications of 3D-printed graphene scaffolds are still limited. This can be attributed to variations associated with fabrication of graphene derivatives, leading to variations in cell response. This review summarizes selected works describing the different fabrication techniques for 3D scaffolds, the novelty of graphene materials, and the use of 3D-printed scaffolds of graphene-based nanoparticles for bone tissue engineering.
Effectiveness of Copper Nanoparticles in Wound Healing Process Using In Vivo and In Vitro Studies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sandoval Cristian , Ríos Gemima , Sepúlveda Natalia , Salvo Jessica , Souza-Mello Vanessa , Farías Jorge
Published: September 2022

Chronic wounds are defined as wounds that do not heal in an orderly and timely manner through the various stages of the healing process. Copper nanoparticles are essential in dressings for wound healing because they promote angiogenesis and skin regeneration, which hasten the healing process. This systematic investigation sought to explain how copper nanoparticles affect chronic wound healing in vivo and in vitro. We realized a systematic review of original articles studying the effectiveness of copper nanoparticles in the healing process of chronic wounds. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database. Several databases were searched between 2012 and January 2022 for English-language papers using MeSH terms and text related to chronic wounds, copper nanoparticles, and wound healing. Quality was evaluated using National Institute for Health and Care Excellence methodology and PRISMA guidelines. We looked at a total of 12 primary studies. Quantitative data were gathered and presented in all studies. Our results suggest that copper nanoparticles could have an excellent healing property, facilitating the liberation of growth factors that help the anti-inflammatory process of the wound and significantly improving antibacterial and antioxidant activities. In addition, copper presents a higher biocompatibility than other metallic ions, promoting regeneration and increasing skin quality.
Effect of Plateau Pika Disturbance on Plant Aboveground Biomass of Alpine Meadows at Two Different Scales
Authors: Wei Xiaoxing , Guo Zhenggang
Published: September 2022

Disturbance by small burrowing herbivores often has an impact on plant aboveground biomass of grassland because it makes grasslands into a mosaic of discrete vegetated surfaces and bare soil patches. This study focuses on the plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) to investigate the effect of the disturbance by a small burrowing herbivore on plant aboveground biomass through upscaling the quadrat scale to the plot scale across five sites. This study showed that the plateau pika disturbance reduced sedge biomass and increased forb biomass. In contrast, they did not affect plant community biomass, grass biomass and legume biomass at the quadrat scale across the five sites. At the plot scale, that is, when the bare soil patches with a lack of plants were considered, plateau pika disturbance induced lower aboveground biomass of the plant community, sedge and legumes, while it had no relationship with grass biomass and forb biomass. As the disturbance intensity increased, the aboveground biomass of the plant community and sedge decreased, whereas the grass biomass showed a hump-shaped trend. These results indicate that plateau pika disturbance might be not beneficial to alpine meadows given the aboveground biomass of the plant community at the plot scale. In contrast, the intermediate disturbance intensity improves the grazing quality of alpine meadows through the higher grass biomass. The findings of this study imply that the plot scale is better than the quadrat scale to investigate the influence of the disturbance by a small burrowing herbivore on the plant aboveground biomass, and that management of a small burrowing herbivore needs to consider its disturbance intensity.
Synthesis and Activity of 2-Acyl-cyclohexane-1,3-dione Congeners Derived from Peperomia Natural Products against the Plant p-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase Herbicidal Molecular Target Site
Authors: Ooka Joey K. , Correia Mauro V. , Scotti Marcus T. , Fokoue Harold H. , Yamaguchi Lydia F. , Kato Massuo J. , Dayan Franck E. , Owens Daniel K.
Published: September 2022

Plastoquinone is a key electron carrier in photosynthesis and an essential cofactor for the biosynthesis of carotenoids. p-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) is a vital enzymatic step in plastoquinone biosynthesis that is the target of triketone herbicides, such as those derived from the pharmacophore backbone of the natural product leptospermone. In this work, the inhibitory activity of a series of 2-acyl-cyclohexane-1,3-diones congeners derived from Peperomia natural products was tested on plant HPPD. The most active compound was a 2-acyl-cyclohexane-1,3-dione with a C11 alkyl side chain (5d; I50app: 0.18 ± 0.02 μM) that was slightly more potent than the commercial triketone herbicide sulcotrione (I50app: 0.25 ± 0.02 μM). QSAR analysis and docking studies were performed to further characterize the key structural features imparting activity. A 1,3-dione feature was required for inhibition of HPPD. Molecules with a side chain of 11 carbons were found to be optimal for inhibition, while the presence of a double bond, hydroxy, or methyl beyond the required structural features on the cyclohexane ring generally decreased HPPD inhibiting activity.
Anthracnose Disease Control and Postharvest Quality of Hass Avocado Stored in Biobased PLA/PBAT/Pine Essential Oil/Chitosan Active Packaging Nets
Authors: Correa-Pacheco Zormy N. , Ventura-Aguilar Rosa I. , Zavaleta-Avejar Leonor , Barrera-Necha Laura L. , Hernández-López Mónica , Bautista-Baños Silvia
Published: September 2022

For sale in the domestic market, Hass avocados are kept in non-biodegradable plastic nets and stored at an ambient temperature. The fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides can cause important losses at this stage. Consequently, formulations based on polylactic acid (PLA)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) 60/40 biodegradable blends added with pine essential oil (PEO) at 10, 12, 14, and 20% and coated with 1% chitosan (CH) were used for the elaboration of nets, which were evaluated on C. gloeosporioides and Rhizopus stolonifer on nutrient media and fruit and on the ripening behavior of Hass avocados at ambient temperature. The spore germination stage of C. gloeosporioides was the most extensively damaged (78% inhibition). The incidence of anthracnose was notably reduced by almost 80% in the avocados stored in the 60/40 PLA/PBAT nets coated with 1% CH. The overall values regarding weight loss, °Brix, and dry matter were c.a. 23.5%, 7.5, and 24.5%, respectively. The changes in firmness, color, and CO2 production were particularly associated with the initial harvest index and storage temperature rather than with the nets. In future research, essays on nets should include evaluations at the commercial levels.
Seaweed Extracts as an Effective Gateway in the Search for Novel Antibiofilm Agents against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Rima Maya , Chbani Asma , Roques Christine , El Garah Fatima
Published: September 2022

Treatment of biofilm-associated infections has become a major challenge in biomedical and clinical fields due to the failure of conventional treatments in controlling this highly complex and tolerant structure. Therefore, the search for novel antibiofilm agents with increased efficacy as those provided by natural products, presents an urgent need. The aim of this study was to explore extracts derived from three algae (green Ulva lactuca, brown Stypocaulon scoparium, red Pterocladiella capillacea) for their potential antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus, bacterium responsible for several acute and chronic infections. Seaweed extracts were prepared by successive maceration in various solvents (cyclohexane (CH), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), and methanol (MeOH)). The ability of the different extracts to inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation was assessed using colony-forming unit (CFU) counts method supported by epifluorescence microscopic analysis. Effects of active extracts on the biofilm growth cycle, as well as on S. aureus surface hydrophobicity were evaluated. Results revealed the ability of four extracts to significantly inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation. These findings were supported by microscopy analyses. The gradual increase in the number of adherent bacteria when the selected extracts were added at various times (t0, t2h, t4h, t6h, and t24h) revealed their potential effect on the initial adhesion and proliferation stages of S. aureus biofilm development. Interestingly, a significant reduction in the surface hydrophobicity of S. aureus treated with dichloromethane (DCM) extract derived from U. lactuca was demonstrated. These findings present new insights into the exploration of seaweeds as a valuable source of antibiofilm agents with preventive effect by inhibiting and/or delaying biofilm formation.
Shear Strengthening by GFRPU on an RC Column with Nonseismic Reinforcement Details
Authors: Lee Eun-Taik , An Jae-Hyoung , Song Jun-Hyeok , Hong Yu-Sik , Eun Hee-Chang
Published: September 2022

Structures constructed before seismic design standards in Korea were enacted are being seismically and structurally strengthened for structural performance. The jacket method has been used to enhance the shear load-carrying capacity and ductility of reinforced concrete columns. This study investigated the effect of glass fiber-reinforced polyurea (GFRPU) on the enhancement of shear strength and ductility. It was shown that the GFRPU spraying technique played an important role in enhancing the column because of the material characteristics of the GFRPU, that is, high-tensile strength and elongation. The reinforcement effect of GFRPU on the shear-span ratio and axial-force ratio of six reinforced concrete (RC) column specimens was evaluated. The experimental results demonstrated that the lateral-reinforcement effect and energy-dissipation capacity were improved. The H-series and S-series specimens reinforced by the GFRPU with an axial-load ratio of 0.1 exhibited higher shear strength, of about 30% and 18%, than the specimens without reinforcement. The shear-load-carrying capacity of the S-series specimen with the axial-load-force ratio of 0.2 increased by 4%. The design method representing the lateral-resistance ability of the GFRPU was represented by an empirical formula reflecting the experimental results.
A DEM-Based Modeling Method and Simulation Parameter Selection for Cyperus esculentus Seeds
Authors: Xu Tianyue , Zhang Ruxin , Zhu Fengwu , Feng Weizhi , Wang Yang , Wang Jingli
Published: September 2022

To build a DEM model of Cyperus esculentus seed particles, the shape and size of the Cyperus esculentus seed particles were measured and analyzed. The results showed that the dispersity in size had a normal distribution. Additionally, a certain functional relationship between the primary dimension and secondary dimensions was determined. The width of the seed was the primary dimension, and the other secondary dimensions (length and thickness) were calculated based on their relationships with the primary dimension. On this basis, an approach for modeling Cyperus esculentus seed particles based on the multi-sphere (MS) method was proposed. The discrete element analysis models of three varieties of Cyperus esculentus seeds were established with different numbers of filing spheres. Moreover, to obtain more accurate simulation parameters, first, a range of values of the simulation parameters was obtained by the experimental method. Second, the Plackett–Burman (PB) test and the path of steepest ascent method were both adopted to correct and calibrate the simulation parameters, which were difficult to obtain through experiments, and simulation of the direct shear test was used for calibration. All of the methods guaranteed that the selected parameters were reasonable. The test results showed that the static friction coefficient of seed–seed had a significant effect on the simulation results. Finally, piling tests and the bulk density test were used for modeling verification. By comparing the simulated results and experimental results in the piling tests and bulk density test, when the number of filing spheres increased, the simulated results were close to those obtained experimentally. Therefore, the feasibility and validity of the modeling method for Cyperus esculentus seed particles that we proposed and the simulation parameters that were obtained were verified.
Test and Simulation Analysis of Soybean Seed Throwing Process
Authors: Yan Dongxu , Yu Jianqun , Zhang Na , Tian Ye , Wang Lei
Published: September 2022

In order to analyze the effect of different factors on the bouncing and rolling distance of soybeans at the time of seed throwing, tests and discrete element method (DEM) are employed to analyze test soil and three representative soybean varieties. The parameters between soybean seed particles and soil particles are calibrated by means of a piling test and simulation. A seed throwing test apparatus is improved to analyze the effects of seed throwing height, soil plane inclination angle and collision orientation on the bouncing and rolling distance of soybean seeds. The effect of relative seed throwing speed on the bouncing and rolling distance of soybean seeds is analyzed using a computer vision seeding test bench. On this basis, the above-mentioned test procedure is simulated and compared with the test results. The results showed that the bouncing distance of the soybean seed particles was not significant. The rolling distance had a certain randomness when the seed throwing height was different. When the inclination of the soil plane became larger, the rolling distance increased. When the sphericity of the soybean seed particles was high, the effect of different collision orientations was not obvious. If the sphericity was low, the rolling distance was the shortest when colliding in the horizontal orientation and the longest when colliding in the vertical orientation. The larger the relative seed throwing speed, the larger the rolling distance of the soybean seed particles.
Fraternity as Natural Being
Authors: Ostermann Joachim
Published: September 2022

In a scientifically understood world, making sense of natural being is a challenge. This is particularly acute when knowledge of nature impinges on human autonomy. I present two examples: The legitimacy of opposing abortion on account of “potential life”, and the legitimacy of mandatory vaccination during a pandemic. I then explore the concept of fraternity in the writings of St. Francis at the example of the Rule of 1221 and the Canticle of Creatures. In conclusion, I show how the concept of fraternity as applied in Franciscan life allows us to reconcile the relationship between natural being and human autonomy through relationships of mutual care.
Islamist Populist Nation-Building: Gradual, Ad Hoc Islamisation of the Secular Education System in Turkey
Authors: Yilmaz Ihsan
Published: September 2022

The founders of the secular Turkish Republic, the Kemalists used secular nationalist education to build a secular Turkish nation and to create their own version of modern pro-Western secular Turkish citizens. This paper argues that Turkey’s current ruling party, the AKP (Justice and Development Party) has been using the same system of education to create its own desired citizens with Islamist Populist ideals. This has been done without changing the secular principles of the constitution and laws on national education since there are several constraints that would prevent AKP to have open and declared pro-Sharia changes to the law. Thus, unlike many other Islamists in the other parts of the world, the paper shows that the AKP has chosen to undermine the secularity of the system, constitution, and law in an ad hoc, gradual and undeclared fashion. The paper concludes by noting that no matter the change in political actors and their ideologies, education is monopolized by the state for political purposes.