bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stingray Venom Proteins: Mechanisms of Action Revealed Using a Novel Network Pharmacology Approach
Authors: Kirchhoff Kim N. , Billion André , Voolstra Christian R. , Kremb Stephan , Wilke Thomas , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: December 2021

Animal venoms offer a valuable source of potent new drug leads, but their mechanisms of action are largely unknown. We therefore developed a novel network pharmacology approach based on multi-omics functional data integration to predict how stingray venom disrupts the physiological systems of target animals. We integrated 10 million transcripts from five stingray venom transcriptomes and 848,640 records from three high-content venom bioactivity datasets into a large functional data network. The network featured 216 signaling pathways, 29 of which were shared and targeted by 70 transcripts and 70 bioactivity hits. The network revealed clusters for single envenomation outcomes, such as pain, cardiotoxicity and hemorrhage. We carried out a detailed analysis of the pain cluster representing a primary envenomation symptom, revealing bibrotoxin and cholecystotoxin-like transcripts encoding pain-inducing candidate proteins in stingray venom. The cluster also suggested that such pain-inducing toxins primarily activate the inositol-3-phosphate receptor cascade, inducing intracellular calcium release. We also found strong evidence for synergistic activity among these candidates, with nerve growth factors cooperating with the most abundant translationally-controlled tumor proteins to activate pain signaling pathways. Our network pharmacology approach, here applied to stingray venom, can be used as a template for drug discovery in neglected venomous species.
Preparation of Sodalite and Faujasite Clay Composite Membranes and Their Utilization in the Decontamination of Dye Effluents
Authors: El-kordy Abderrazek , Elgamouz Abdelaziz , Lemdek El Mokhtar , Tijani Najib , Alharthi Salman S. , Kawde Abdel-Nasser , Shehadi Ihsan
Published: December 2021

The present work describes the deposition of two zeolite films, sodalite and faujasite, by the hydrothermal method to tune the mesopores of clay support, which are prepared from a widely available clay depot from the central region of Morocco (Midelt). The clay supports were prepared by a powder metallurgy method from different granulometries with activated carbon as a porosity agent, using uniaxial compression followed by a sintering process. The 160 µm ≤ Φ ≤ 250 µm support showed the highest water flux compared to the supports made from smaller granulometries with a minimum water flux of 1405 L.m−2·h−1 after a working time of 2 h and 90 min. This support was chosen for the deposition of sodalite (SOM) and faujasite (FAM) zeolite membranes. The X-ray diffraction of sodalite and faujasite showed that they were well crystallized, and the obtained spectra corresponded well with the sought phases. Such findings were confirmed by the SEM analysis, which showed that SOM was crystalized as fine particles while the FAM micrographs showed the existence of crystals with an average size ranging from 0.53 µm to 1.8 µm with a bipyramidal shape and a square or Cubo octahedral base. Nitrogen adsorption analysis showed that the pore sizes of the supports got narrowed to 2.28 nm after deposition of sodalite and faujasite. The efficiencies of SOM and FAM membranes were evaluated by filtration tests of solutions containing methyl orange (MO) using a flow loop, which were developed for dead-end filtration. The retention of methylene orange (MO) followed the order: SOM > FAM > 160 µm ≤ Φ ≤ 250 µm clay support with 55%, 48% and 35%, respectively. Size exclusion was the predominant mechanism of filtration of MO through SOM, FAM, and the support. However, the charge repulsion between the surface of the membrane and the negatively charged MO have not been ruled out. The point of zero charge (pzc) of the clay support, SOM and FAM membrane were pHpzc = 9.4, pHpzc = 10.6, and pHpzc = 11.4, respectively. Filtrations of MO were carried out between pH = 5.5 and pH = 6.5, which indicated that the surface of the membranes was positively charged while MO was negatively charged. The interaction of MO with the membranes might have happened through its vertical geometry.
Impact of Ionic Liquid Structure and Loading on Gas Sorption and Permeation for ZIF-8-Based Composites and Mixed Matrix Membranes
Authors: Ortiz-Albo Paloma , Ferreira Tiago J. , Martins Carla F. , Alves Vitor , Esteves Isabel A. A. C. , Cunha-Silva Luís , Kumakiri Izumi , Crespo João , Neves Luísa A.
Published: December 2021

Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture has become of great importance for industrial processes due to the adverse environmental effects of gas emissions. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have been studied as an alternative to traditional technologies, especially due to their potential to overcome the practical limitations of conventional polymeric and inorganic membranes. In this work, the effect of using different ionic liquids (ILs) with the stable metal–organic framework (MOF) ZIF-8 was evaluated. Several IL@ZIF-8 composites and IL@ZIF-8 MMMs were prepared to improve the selective CO2 sorption and permeation over other gases such as methane (CH4) and nitrogen (N2). Different ILs and two distinct loadings were prepared to study not only the effect of IL concentration, but also the impact of the IL structure and affinity towards a specific gas mixture separation. Single gas sorption studies showed an improvement in CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 selectivities, compared with the ones for the pristine ZIF-8, increasing with IL loading. In addition, the prepared IL@ZIF-8 MMMs showed improved CO2 selective behavior and mechanical strength with respect to ZIF-8 MMMs, with a strong dependence on the intrinsic IL CO2 selectivity. Therefore, the selection of high affinity ILs can lead to the improvement of CO2 selective separation for IL@ZIF-8 MMMs.
A Systematic Study of Ammonia Recovery from Anaerobic Digestate Using Membrane-Based Separation
Authors: Rivera Fanny , Muñoz Raúl , Prádanos Pedro , Hernández Antonio , Palacio Laura
Published: December 2021

Ammonia recovery from synthetic and real anaerobic digestates was accomplished using hydrophobic flat sheet membranes operated with H2SO4 solutions to convert ammonia into ammonium sulphate. The influence of the membrane material, flow rate (0.007, 0.015, 0.030 and 0.045 m3 h−1) and pH (7.6, 8.9, 10 and 11) of the digestate on ammonia recovery was investigated. The process was carried out with a flat sheet configuration at a temperature of 35 °C and with a 1 M, or 0.005 M, H2SO4 solution on the other side of the membrane. Polytetrafluoroethylene membranes with a nominal pore radius of 0.22 µm provided ammonia recoveries from synthetic and real digestates of 84.6% ± 1.0% and 71.6% ± 0.3%, respectively, for a membrane area of 8.6 × 10−4 m2 and a reservoir volume of 0.5 L, in 3.5 h with a 1 M H2SO4 solution and a recirculation flow on the feed side of the membrane of 0.030 m3 h−1. NH3 recovery followed first order kinetics and was faster at higher pHs of the H2SO4 solution and recirculation flow rate on the membrane feed side. Fouling resulted in changes in membrane surface morphology and pore size, which were confirmed by Atomic Force Microscopy and Air Displacement Porometry.
Synchronized Full-Field Strain and Temperature Measurements of Commercially Pure Titanium under Tension at Elevated Temperatures and High Strain Rates
Authors: Soares Guilherme Corrêa , Hokka Mikko
Published: December 2021

Understanding the mechanical behavior of materials at extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, high strain rates, and very large strains, is fundamental for applications where these conditions are possible. Although tensile testing has been used to investigate material behavior under high strain rates and elevated temperatures, it disregards the occurrence of localized strains and increasing temperatures during deformation. The objective of this work is to combine synchronized full-field techniques and an electrical resistive heating system to investigate the thermomechanical behavior of commercially pure titanium under tensile loading at high temperatures and high strain rates. An electrical resistive heating system was used to heat dog-bone samples up to 1120 °C, which were then tested with a tensile Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar at strain rates up to 1600 s−1. These tests were monitored by two high-speed optical cameras and an infrared camera to acquire synchronized full-field strain and temperature data. The displacement and strain noise floor, and the stereo reconstruction error increased with temperature, while the temperature noise floor decreased at elevated temperatures. A substantial decrease in mechanical strength and an increase in ductility were observed with an increase in testing temperature. The localized strains during necking were much higher at elevated temperatures, while adiabatic heating was much lower or non-existent at elevated temperatures.
A Compact Dual-Band Notched UWB Antenna for Wireless Applications
Authors: Kumar Om Prakash , Kumar Pramod , Ali Tanweer
Published: December 2021

This article presents the design and analysis of a V-shaped ultrawideband (UWB) antenna and dual-band UWB notch antenna. A rectangular slot is cut into a semicircular partial ground plane of the antenna to achieve ultrawide bandwidth. A U-shape slot is etched on a V-shaped patch that radiates, and an inverted U-shape parasitic resonator is placed beside the feedline to generate dual-band notch characteristics. The overall dimension of the proposed antenna is 28×23 mm2. The proposed UWB antenna has a gain of 9.8 dB, S11 < −10 dB, impedance bandwidth in the range of 3.4 to 12.3 GHz, response with a linear phase, group delay <1 ns, and stable radiation pattern. The UWB notch antenna shows strong rejection in the WLAN band from 5.15 to 5.8 GHz with a notch at 5.6 GHz and X band from 9.1 to 10.5 GHz with a sharp notch at 9.6 GHz, having a S11 < −10 dB impedance bandwidth ranging from 3.2 to 11.7 GHz. This antenna also exhibits a stable radiation pattern, group delay <1 ns, and linear phase response throughout the bandwidth except at the rejection frequencies.
An Origami Paper-Based Analytical Device for Rapid and Sensitive Analysis of Acrylamide in Foods
Authors: Yan Yu , Zhao Dan , Li Weiming , Li Xiaoqian , Chang Yangyang , Zhang Qiang , Liu Meng
Published: December 2021

Rapid and sensitive detection of acrylamide in food samples is important for food safety and public health. Here, we describe a disposable origami paper-based analytical device (denoted doPAD) for colorimetric detection of acrylamide. This device uniquely exploits 3D origami folding paper for spatial control of the target recognition and signal readout, thus resulting in a positive correlation between the signals and the analytes. Under optimal conditions, the device achieved the quantitative analysis of acrylamide with a limit of detection of 1.13 μg/L within 120 min (including a derivatization time of 90 min and an assay time of 21 min). Furthermore, our method allowed the rapid and sensitive detection of acrylamide in complex food matrices. We envision that the platform described will find useful applications in the fields of food safety and environmental health.
Electrically Tunable Lens (ETL)-Based Variable Focus Imaging System for Parametric Surface Texture Analysis of Materials
Authors: Nirwan Jorabar Singh , Lou Shan , Hussain Saqib , Nauman Muhammad , Hussain Tariq , Conway Barbara R. , Ghori Muhammad Usman
Published: December 2021

Electrically tunable lenses (ETLs) are those with the ability to alter their optical power in response to an electric signal. This feature allows such systems to not only image the areas of interest but also obtain spatial depth perception (depth of field, DOF). The aim of the present study was to develop an ETL-based imaging system for quantitative surface analysis. Firstly, the system was calibrated to achieve high depth resolution, warranting the accurate measurement of the depth and to account for and correct any influences from external factors on the ETL. This was completed using the Tenengrad operator which effectively identified the plane of best focus as demonstrated by the linear relationship between the control current applied to the ETL and the height at which the optical system focuses. The system was then employed to measure amplitude, spatial, hybrid, and volume surface texture parameters of a model material (pharmaceutical dosage form) which were validated against the parameters obtained using a previously validated surface texture analysis technique, optical profilometry. There were no statistically significant differences between the surface texture parameters measured by the techniques, highlighting the potential application of ETL-based imaging systems as an easily adaptable and low-cost alternative surface texture analysis technique to conventional microscopy techniques.
Photosynthetic Characteristics of Smaller and Larger Cell Size-Fractioned Phytoplankton Assemblies in the Daya Bay, Northern South China Sea
Authors: Mai Guangming , Song Xingyu , Xia Xiaomin , Ma Zengling , Tan Yehui , Li Gang
Published: December 2021

Cell size of phytoplankton is known to influence their physiologies and, consequently, marine primary production. To characterize the cell size-dependent photophysiology of phytoplankton, we comparably explored the photosynthetic characteristics of piconano- (<20 µm) and micro-phytoplankton cell assemblies (>20 µm) in the Daya Bay, northern South China Sea, using a 36-h in situ high-temporal-resolution experiment. During the experimental periods, the phytoplankton biomass (Chl a) in the surface water ranged from 0.92 to 5.13 μg L−1, which was lower than that in bottom layer (i.e., 1.83–6.84 μg L−1). Piconano-Chl a accounted for 72% (mean value) of the total Chl a, with no significant difference between the surface and bottom layers. The maximum photochemical quantum yield (FV/FM) of Photosystem II (PS II) and functional absorption cross-section of PS II photochemistry (σPS II) of both piconano- and micro-cells assemblies varied inversely with solar radiation, but this occurred to a lesser extent in the former than in the latter ones. The σPS II of piconano- and micro-cell assemblies showed a similar change pattern to the FV/FM in daytime, but not in nighttime. Moreover, the fluorescence light curve (FLC)-derived light utilization efficiency (α) displayed the same daily change pattern as the FV/FM, and the saturation irradiance (EK) and maximal rETR (rETRmax) mirrored the change in the solar radiation. The FV/FM and σPS II of the piconano-cells were higher than their micro-counterparts under high solar light; while the EK and rETRmax were lower, no matter in what light regimes. In addition, our results indicate that the FV/FM of the micro-cell assembly varied quicker in regard to Chl a change than that of the piconano-cell assembly, indicating the larger phytoplankton cells are more suitable to grow than the smaller ones in the Daya Bay through timely modulating the PS II activity.
Characterization and Biological Activity of a Novel Exopolysaccharide Produced by Pediococcus pentosaceus SSC–12 from Silage
Authors: Fan Yang , Li Xinqin , Tian Rong , Tang Ruxue , Zhang Jianguo
Published: December 2021

In this study, 22 strains of exopolysaccharides-producing lactic acid bacteria were isolated from silage, and the strain SSC–12 with the highest exopolysaccharide (EPS) production was used as the test strain. The SSC–12 was identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus, based upon 16S rDNA gene sequencing and Neighbor Joining (NJ) phylogenetic analysis. The analysis of the kinetic results of EPS generation of SSC–12 showed that the EPS generation reached the maximum value at 20 h of culture. The characterization study showed the EPS produced by SSC–12 was a homogeneous heteropolysaccharide comprising glucose (42.6%), mannose (28.9%), galactose (16.2%), arabinose (9.4%), and rhamnose (2.9%). The EPS had good antioxidant activity, especially the activity of scavenging hydroxyl free radicals. At the same time, the EPS also had strong antibacterial ability and could completely inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. The EPS produced by the Pediococcus pentosaceus SSC–12 can be used as a biologically active product with potential application prospects in the feed, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
Mineral Composition of Prospective Section of Wufeng-Longmaxi Shale in Luzhou Shale Play, Sichuan Basin
Authors: Yang Hongzhi , Shi Xuewen , Luo Chao , Wu Wei , Li Yi , He Yifan , Zhong Kesu , Wu Jianguo
Published: December 2021

Currently, Luzhou in the Sichuan Basin is a focal point for shale-gas exploration and development in China. However, a lack of detailed research on the mineral composition of the Wufeng Formation-Longmaxi Formation (WF-LF) shale is hindering the extraction of deep-buried shale gas in the Luzhou shale play. Herein, a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) equipped with the Advanced Mineral Identification and Characterization System (AMICS) software was employed to analyze the mineral composition of the WF-LF shale from six wells in Luzhou. Quartz was the dominant mineral type, (16.9–87.21%, average 51.33%), followed by illite, calcite, dolomite, and pyrite. Our study revealed that (1) quartz content showed a moderate positive correlation with the total organic carbon (TOC) content, indicating that the quartz found in the shale is mostly of biological origin; and (2) the sum content of siliceous minerals and carbonaceous minerals was moderately positively correlated with the brittleness index (BRIT) in well SS1H2-7 and in the well group of RS8 and RS5, indicating that the siliceous minerals and carbonaceous minerals had an active effect on reservoir compressibility. Finally, according to the mineralogical features of each sublayer, we identified four types of reservoirs to determine their scope for exploration.
Platinum-Group Minerals in the Placer of the Kitoy River, East Sayan, Russia
Authors: Airiyants Evgenia V. , Kiseleva Olga N. , Zhmodik Sergey M. , Belyanin Dmitriy K. , Ochirov Yuriy C.
Published: December 2021

The platinum-group minerals (PGM) in placer deposits provide important information on the types of their primary source rocks and ores and formation and alteration conditions. The article shows for the first time the results of a study of placer platinum mineralization found in the upper reaches of the Kitoy River (the southeastern part of the Eastern Sayan (SEPES)). Using modern methods of analysis (scanning electron microscopy), the authors studied the microtextural features of platinum-group minerals (PGM), their composition, texture, morphology and composition of microinclusions, rims, and other types of changes. The PGM are Os-Ir-Ru alloys with a pronounced ruthenium trend. Many of the Os-Ir-Ru grains have porous, fractured, or altered rims that contain secondary PGE sulfides, arsenides, sulfarsenides, Ir-Ni-Fe alloys, and rarer selenides, arsenoselenides, and tellurides of the PGE. The data obtained made it possible to identify the root sources of PGM in the placer and to make assumptions about the stages of transformation of primary igneous Os-Ir-Ru alloys from bedrock to placer. We assume that there are several stages of alteration of high-temperature Os-Ir-Ru alloys. The late magmatic stage is associated with the effect of fluid-saturated residual melt enriched with S, As. The post-magmatic hydrothermal stage (under conditions of changing reducing conditions to oxidative ones) is associated with the formation of telluro-selenides and oxide phases of PGE. The preservation of poorly rounded and unrounded PGM grains in the placer suggests a short transport from their primary source. The source of the platinum-group minerals from the Kitoy River placer is the rocks of the Southern ophiolite branch of SEPES and, in particular, the southern plate of the Ospa-Kitoy ophiolite complex, and primarily chromitites.
Gas-Phase Fluorination of g-C3N4 for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Sun Lidong , Li Yu , Feng Wei
Published: December 2021

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has attracted much attention because of its potential for application in solar energy conservation. However, the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 is limited by the rapidly photogenerated carrier recombination and insufficient solar adsorption. Herein, fluorinated g-C3N4 (F-g-CN) nanosheets are synthesized through the reaction with F2/N2 mixed gas directly. The structural characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that fluorination introduces N vacancy defects, structural distortion and covalent C-F bonds in the interstitial space simultaneously, which lead to mesopore formation, vacancy generation and electronic structure modification. Therefore, the photocatalytic activity of F-g-CN for H2 evolution under visible irradiation is 11.6 times higher than that of pristine g-C3N4 because of the enlarged specific area, enhanced light harvesting and accelerated photogenerated charge separation after fluorination. These results show that direct treatment with F2 gas is a feasible and promising strategy for modulating the texture and configuration of g-C3N4-based semiconductors to drastically enhance the photocatalytic H2 evolution process.
Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles for Tumor Therapy: Effective Heating versus Possible Toxicity
Authors: Garanina Anastasiia S. , Nikitin Alexey A. , Abakumova Tatiana O. , Semkina Alevtina S. , Prelovskaya Alexandra O. , Naumenko Victor A. , Erofeev Alexander S. , Gorelkin Peter V. , Majouga Alexander G. , Abakumov Maxim A. , Wiedwald Ulf
Published: December 2021

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are widely considered for cancer treatment, in particular for magnetic hyperthermia (MHT). Thereby, MNPs are still being optimized for lowest possible toxicity on organisms while the magnetic properties are matched for best heating capabilities. In this study, the biocompatibility of 12 nm cobalt ferrite MNPs, functionalized with citrate ions, in different dosages on mice and rats of both sexes was investigated for 30 days after intraperitoneal injection. The animals’ weight, behavior, and blood cells changes, as well as blood biochemical parameters are correlated to histological examination of organs revealing that cobalt ferrite MNPs do not have toxic effects at concentrations close to those used previously for efficient MHT. Moreover, these MNPs demonstrated high specific loss power (SLP) of about 400 W g−1. Importantly the MNPs retained their magnetic properties inside tumor tissue after intratumoral administration for several MHT cycles within three days. Thus, cobalt ferrite MNPs represent a perspective platform for tumor therapy by MHT due to their ability to provide effective heating without exerting a toxic effect on the organism. This opens up new avenues for smaller MNPs sizes while their heating efficiency is maintained.
A Facile Co-Deposition Approach to Construct Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots Self-Cleaning Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Yu Tong , Wu Chenpu , Chen Zhongyan , Zhang Mingen , Hong Zhuan , Guo Honghui , Shao Wenyao , Xie Quanling
Published: December 2021

In this study, a novel photocatalytic self-cleaning nanofiltration (NF) membrane was fabricated by constructing aspartic acid-functionalized graphene quantum dots (AGQDs) into the polydopamine/polyethyleneimine (PDA/PEI) selective layer via the co-deposition method. The chemical composition, microstructure, and hydrophilicity of the prepared membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), attenuated total reflection (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angle (WCA). Meanwhile, the effects of PEI molecular weight and AGQDs concentration on NF membrane structures and separation performance were systematically investigated. The photocatalytic self-cleaning performance of the PDA/PEI/AGQDs membrane was evaluated in terms of flux recovery rate. For constructing high-performance NF membranes, it is found that the optimal molecular weight of PEI is 10,000 Da, and the optimal concentration of AGQDs is 2000 ppm. The introduction of hydrophilic AGQDs formed a more hydrophilic and dense selective layer during the co-deposition process. Compared with the PDA/PEI membrane, the engineered PDA/PEI/AGQDs NF membrane has enhanced water flux (55.5 LMH·bar−1) and higher rejection (99.7 ± 0.3% for MB). In addition, the PDA/PEI/AGQDs membrane exhibits better photocatalytic self-cleaning performance over the PDA/PEI membrane (83% vs. 69%). Therefore, this study provides a facile approach to construct a self-cleaning NF membrane.
Reply to Dhawan et al. Comment on “Kim et al. The Association between Coffee Consumption and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in a Korean Population. Nutrients 2021, 13, 2753”
Authors: Kim Youngyo , Kim Jeongseon
Published: December 2021

We would like to thank you for the interest in our article [...]
Too Jittery to Sleep? Temporal Associations of Actigraphic Sleep and Caffeine in Adolescents
Authors: Mathew Gina Marie , Reichenberger David A. , Master Lindsay , Buxton Orfeu M. , Chang Anne-Marie , Hale Lauren
Published: December 2021

Caffeine consumption has been linked to poor sleep health in adolescents, but it is unknown whether poor sleep predicts caffeine consumption, and/or whether caffeine consumption predicts poor sleep, particularly when sleep is measured objectively. Data were collected from a micro-longitudinal sub-study of the age 15 wave of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (n = 589). Adolescents wore an actigraphy device and completed daily surveys for ~1 week. Daily surveys assessed subjective sleep quality and caffeinated beverage consumption (0 = no caffeine, 1 = any caffeine). Separate mixed models assessed whether actigraphy-measured sleep duration, timing, maintenance efficiency, and subjective quality predicted next-day caffeinated beverage consumption within and between adolescents. Variability (standard deviation) of sleep duration and timing, sleep regularity index, and social jetlag were tested as additional between-person predictors. Lagged models tested whether daily caffeinated beverage consumption predicted sleep that night (n = 458). Adolescents with more variable sleep duration and midpoint had higher average odds of consuming caffeinated beverages compared to others. After adolescents consumed ≥1 caffeinated beverage, they had later sleep onset that night and wake time the next morning than usual versus when they did not consume caffeine. Curbing caffeinated beverage consumption may aid in the maintenance of regular sleep schedules and advance sleep timing in adolescents.
Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Morphological Changes in the Adventitial Vasa Vasorum Density and Biological Markers of Endothelial Dysfunction in Subjects with Moderate Obesity Undergoing a Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet
Authors: Sánchez Enric , Santos Maria-Dolores , Nuñez-Garcia Maitane , Bueno Marta , Sajoux Ignacio , Yeramian Andree , Lecube Albert
Published: December 2021

Weight loss after bariatric surgery decreases the earlier expansion of the adventitial vasa vasorum (VV), a biomarker of early atheromatous disease. However, no data are available regarding weight loss achieved by very low calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKD) on VV and lipid-based atherogenic indices. A randomized clinical trial was performed to examine changes in adventitial VV density in 20 patients with moderate obesity who underwent a 6-month very low calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD, 600–800 kcal/day), and 10 participants with hypocaloric diet based on the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet, estimated reduction of 500 kcal on the usual intake). Contrast-enhanced carotid ultrasound was used to assess the VV. Body composition analysis was also used. The atherogenic index of plasma (log (triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio)) and the triglyceride-glucose index were calculated. Serum concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) were measured. The impact of weight on quality of life-lite (IWQOL-Lite) questionnaire was administered. Participants of intervention groups displayed a similar VV values. Significant improvements of BMI (−5.3 [−6.9 to −3.6] kg/m2, p < 0.001), total body fat (−7.0 [−10.7 to −3.3] %, p = 0.003), and IWQOL-Lite score (−41.4 [−75.2 to −7.6], p = 0.027) were observed in VLCKD group in comparison with MedDiet group. Although after a 6-months follow-up period VV density (mean, right and left sides) did not change significantly in any group, participants in the VLCKD exhibited a significantly decrease both in their atherogenic index of plasma and serum concentration of sICAM-1. A 6-month intervention with VLCKD do not impact in the density of the adventitial VV in subjects with moderate obesity, but induces significant changes in markers of endothelial dysfunction and CV risk.
Research on Environmental Influencing Factors of Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents in China
Authors: Guo Yaru , Yin Xiaojian , Sun Yi , Zhang Ting , Li Ming , Zhang Feng , Liu Yuan , Xu Jianyi , Pei Dandan , Huang Tianlong
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to explore the impact of environmental factors such as latitude, altitude, family socioeconomic status (SES), and level of urbanization on overweight and obesity (ow/ob) in children and adolescents. The participants comprised 26,120 children and adolescents aged 10–18 from 16 provinces in China. Differences in the prevalence of ow/ob under different environmental conditions were evaluated by the chi-square test. The influence of various environmental factors on ow/ob was obtained by logistic regression analysis. We found that (1) the prevalence of ow/ob fell between from 19.2% to 11.9% at 10 years old and from 13.8% to 6% at 18 years old; (2) latitude, family SES, income, and urbanization level are positively correlated with the prevalence of ow/ob; and (3) altitude has a negative correlation with the prevalence of ow/ob. The prevalence of ow/ob decreased with age in children and adolescents aged 10–18, and the risk of ow/ob showed significant differences in latitude, altitude, family SES level, gross domestic product (GDP), and level of urbanization.
The Role of the Gut Microbiota in the Development and Progression of Major Depressive and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Knuesel Tom , Mohajeri M. Hasan
Published: December 2021

A growing number of studies in rodents indicate a connection between the intestinal microbiota and the brain, but comprehensive human data is scarce. Here, we systematically reviewed human studies examining the connection between the intestinal microbiota and major depressive and bipolar disorder. In this review we discuss various changes in bacterial abundance, particularly on low taxonomic levels, in terms of a connection with the pathophysiology of major depressive and bipolar disorder, their use as a diagnostic and treatment response parameter, their health-promoting potential, as well as novel adjunctive treatment options. The diversity of the intestinal microbiota is mostly decreased in depressed subjects. A consistent elevation of phylum Actinobacteria, family Bifidobacteriaceae, and genus Bacteroides, and a reduction of family Ruminococcaceae, genus Faecalibacterium, and genus Roseburia was reported. Probiotics containing Bifidobacterium and/or Lactobacillus spp. seemed to improve depressive symptoms, and novel approaches with different probiotics and synbiotics showed promising results. Comparing twin studies, we report here that already with an elevated risk of developing depression, microbial changes towards a “depression-like” microbiota were found. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of the microbiota and the necessity for a better understanding of its changes contributing to depressive symptoms, potentially leading to new approaches to alleviate depressive symptoms via alterations of the gut microbiota.
The Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes, Differentiation of Self, and Emotional Distress: Jews and Arabs in Israel
Authors: Peleg Ora
Published: December 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered a global epidemic, and is constantly on the rise. In Israel, the percentage of diabetics in the Arab population is twice that found in the Jewish population (12% and 6.2%, respectively). Findings suggest that low differentiation of self (DoS: emotional reactivity+ fusion with others, I-position, emotional cutoff) may raise vulnerability to certain physiological pathologies by increasing susceptibility to psychological distress. The major goal of this study was to test differences in DoS and emotional distress (anxiety and depressive symptoms) between diabetic and healthy participants. The second aim was to examine cultural differences within these metrics. Another purpose was to examine the relationship between DoS and emotional distress among healthy and diabetic participants. The sample included 261 participants, of whom 154 were healthy and 107 were diabetic. Diabetics reported more severe depressive symptoms, higher levels of anxiety and emotional cutoff and lower levels of I-position than healthy individuals. The groups did not differ in their levels of emotional reactivity + fusion with others. Arabs demonstrated higher levels of emotional cutoff, anxiety and depressive symptoms and lower levels of I-position than Jews. However, Arabs and Jews did not differ in their levels of emotional reactivity + fusion with others. Emotional reactivity + fusion with others contributed the most to diabetes among Arabs, while depressive symptoms contributed the most among Jews. Finally, among Jewish participants, age was positively correlated with emotional cutoff and depressive symptoms. Emotional cutoff was positively correlated with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Emotional reactivity + fusion with others was positively correlated with anxiety. Among Arab participants, age was positively correlated with emotional cutoff, anxiety and depressive symptoms. I-position was negatively correlated with all study variables. Emotional cutoff was positively correlated, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Emotional reactivity + fusion with others was positively correlated with anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Combined Effects of Citrulline Plus Nitrate-Rich Beetroot Extract Co-Supplementation on Maximal and Endurance-Strength and Aerobic Power in Trained Male Triathletes: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Burgos José , Viribay Aitor , Fernández-Lázaro Diego , Calleja-González Julio , González-Santos Josefa , Mielgo-Ayuso Juan
Published: December 2021

Citrulline (CIT) and nitrate-rich beetroot extract (BR) are ergogenic aids and nitric oxide (NO) precursors. In addition, both supplements seem to have other actions at the level of muscle metabolism that can benefit strength and aerobic power performance. Both supplements have been studied in numerous investigations in isolation. However, scientific evidence combining both supplements is scarce, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no current study of endurance athletes. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 9 weeks of CIT plus BR supplementation on maximal and endurance-strength performance and aerobic power in male triathletes. This study was a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where participants (n = 32) were randomized into four different groups: placebo group (PLG; n = 8), CIT plus BR group (CIT- BRG; 3 g/kg/day of CIT plus 3 mg/kg/day of nitrates (NO3−); n = 8), CIT group (CITG; 3 g/kg/day; n = 8) and BR group (BRG; 3 mg/kg/day of NO3−; n = 8). Before (T1) and after 9 weeks (T2), four physical condition tests were carried out in order to assess sport performance: the horizontal jump test (HJUMP), handgrip dynamometer test, 1-min abdominal tests (1-MAT) and finally, the Cooper test. Although, no significant interactions (time × supplementation groups) were found for the strength tests (p > 0.05), the CIT- BRG supplementation presented a trend on HJUMP and 1-MAT tests confirmed by significant increase between two study moments in CIT-BRG. Likewise, CIT-BRG presented significant interactions in the aerobic power test confirmed by this group’s improve estimated VO2max during the study with respect to the other study groups (p = 0.002; η2p = 0.418). In summary, supplementing with 3 g/day of CIT and 2.1 g/day of BR (300 mg/day of NO3−) for 9 weeks could increase maximal and endurance strength. Furthermore, when compared to CIT or BR supplementation alone, this combination improved performance in tests related to aerobic power.
An Investigation into the Effects of a Curcumin Extract (Curcugen®) on Osteoarthritis Pain of the Knee: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Lopresti Adrian L. , Smith Stephen J. , Jackson-Michel Shavon , Fairchild Timothy
Published: December 2021

Curcumin, a phytochemical from the spice turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to have pain-relieving effects. In this 8-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 101 adults with knee osteoarthritis received either 500 mg twice daily of a standardised curcumin extract (Curcugen®) or placebo. Outcome measures included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), knee pain ratings, Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score for Osteoarthritic Knees (JOA), PROMIS–29, and performance-based testing comprising the 40-m fast-paced walk test, 6-min walk test, timed up-and-go test, and 30-s chair stand test. Compared to the placebo, curcumin significantly reduced the KOOS knee pain score (p = 0.009) and numeric knee pain ratings (p = 0.001). Curcumin was also associated with greater improvements (p ≤ 0.05) than the placebo on the timed up-and-go test, 6-min walk test, and the JOA total score; but not the 30-s chair stand test or 40-m fast-paced walk test. Pain-relieving medication was reduced in 37% of participants on curcumin compared to 13% on placebo. The findings support the potential efficacy of curcumin for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee but studies of longer duration, varying treatment doses, differing curcumin extracts, and the use of other objective outcome measures will be helpful to expand on these findings.
Lactoferrin Prevents Hepatic Injury and Fibrosis via the Inhibition of NF-κB Signaling in a Rat Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Model
Authors: Aoyama Yoshinaga , Naiki-Ito Aya , Xiaochen Kuang , Komura Masayuki , Kato Hiroyuki , Nagayasu Yuko , Inaguma Shingo , Tsuda Hiroyuki , Tomita Mamoru , Matsuo Yoichi , Takiguchi Shuji , Takahashi Satoru
Published: December 2021

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can cause liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with cases increasing worldwide. To reduce the incidence of liver cirrhosis and HCC, NASH is targeted for the development of treatments, along with viral hepatitis and alcoholic hepatitis. Lactoferrin (LF) has antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, whether LF affects NASH and fibrosis remains unelucidated. We aimed to clarify the chemopreventive effect of LF on NASH progression. We used a NASH model with metabolic syndrome established using connexin 32 (Cx32) dominant negative transgenic (Cx32ΔTg) rats. Cx32ΔTg rats (7 weeks old) were fed a high-fat diet and intraperitoneally injected with dimethylnitrosamine (DMN). Rats were divided into three groups for LF treatment at 0, 100, or 500 mg/kg/day for 17 weeks. Lactoferrin significantly protected steatosis and lobular inflammation in Cx32ΔTg rat livers and attenuated bridging fibrosis or liver cirrhosis induced by DMN. By quantitative RT–PCR, LF significantly down-regulated inflammatory (Tnf-α, Il-6, Il-18, and Il-1β) and fibrosis-related (Tgf-β1, Timp2, and Col1a1) cytokine mRNAs. Phosphorylated nuclear factor (NF)-κB protein decreased in response to LF, while phosphorylated JNK protein was unaffected. These results indicate that LF might act as a chemopreventive agent to prevent hepatic injury, inflammation, and fibrosis in NASH via NF-κB inactivation.
Association of Breastfeeding for the First Six Months of Life and Autism Spectrum Disorders: A National Multi-Center Study in China
Authors: Huang Saijun , Wang Xin , Sun Tao , Yu Hong , Liao Yanwei , Cao Muqing , Cai Li , Li Xiuhong , Lin Lizi , Su Xi , Jing Jin
Published: December 2021

Previous studies have shown that exclusive breastfeeding is associated with lower odds of having autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children, but data are lacking in Asian countries, especially China. This cross-sectional study of seven cities in China collected data from August 2016 to March 2017 from 6049 toddlers aged 16–30 months and their parents who responded to questionnaires. The breastfeeding status was collected via questionnaires based on recommendations from the World Health Organization. The standard procedure for screening and diagnosis was applied to identify toddlers with ASD. Among the 6049 toddlers (3364 boys [55.6%]; mean [SD] age, 22.7 [4.1] months), 71 toddlers (1.2%) were identified as ASD. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding, partial breastfeeding, and not breastfeeding was 48.8%, 42.2%, and 9.1%, respectively. Compared to toddlers with exclusive breastfeeding, toddlers with partial breastfeeding or without breastfeeding had higher odds of having ASD (odd ratios [OR]: 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90–2.74; OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.10–4.82). We did not find significant modification of demographic characteristics on the associations. The results remained robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. Toddlers without breastfeeding for the first six months of life had higher odds of having ASD, and our findings shed light on the necessity of strengthening public health efforts to increase exclusive breastfeeding in China.
Nutritional Considerations for Injury Prevention and Recovery in Combat Sports
Authors: Turnagöl Hüseyin Hüsrev , Koşar Şükran Nazan , Güzel Yasemin , Aktitiz Selin , Atakan Muhammed Mustafa
Published: December 2021

Sports participation is not without risk, and most athletes incur at least one injury throughout their careers. Combat sports are popular all around the world, and about one-third of their injuries result in more than 7 days of absence from competition or training. The most frequently injured body regions are the head and neck, followed by the upper and lower limbs, while the most common tissue types injured are superficial tissues and skin, followed by ligaments and joint capsules. Nutrition has significant implications for injury prevention and enhancement of the recovery process due to its effect on the overall physical and psychological well-being of the athlete and improving tissue healing. In particular, amino acid and protein intake, antioxidants, creatine, and omega-3 are given special attention due to their therapeutic roles in preventing muscle loss and anabolic resistance as well as promoting injury healing. The purpose of this review is to present the roles of various nutritional strategies in reducing the risk of injury and improving the treatment and rehabilitation process in combat sports. In this respect, nutritional considerations for muscle, joint, and bone injuries as well as sports-related concussions are presented. The injury risk associated with rapid weight loss is also discussed. Finally, preoperative nutrition and nutritional considerations for returning to a sport after rehabilitation are addressed.
Eating Slowly Is Associated with Undernutrition among Community-Dwelling Adult Men and Older Adult Women
Authors: Nakamura Tomiyo , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Takashima Naoyuki , Kadota Aya , Miura Katsuyuki , Ueshima Hirotsugu , Kita Yosikuni
Published: December 2021

The double burden of malnutrition refers to the co-occurrence of overweight and obesity and undernutrition. Eating quickly has been linked to overweight and obesity. However, no study has examined the association between eating speed and undernutrition. This retrospective, cross-sectional study analyzed data from 3529 community-dwelling residents. Eating speed was divided into three categories: fast, medium, and slow. Undernutrition was defined as body mass index (BMI) of <18.5 kg/m2 in adults aged < 70 years (adults) and as <20 kg/m2 in adults aged ≥ 70 years (older adults), in accordance with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria for Asians. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between eating speed and undernutrition. Among adult men, compared with eating quickly, eating slowly was associated with elevated prevalence of undernutrition (odds ratio (OR) 9.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.32–40.51, p = 0.001). Among older adult women, the prevalence of undernutrition in the slow-eating group was higher than that in the fast-eating group (OR 3.82, 95% Cl 1.51–9.69, p = 0.005). Eating slowly is independently associated with the prevalence of undernutrition among community-dwelling adult men and older adult women in Japan.
The Impact of Head Model Choice on the In Vitro Evaluation of Aerosol Drug Delivery
Authors: Gallagher Lauren , Joyce Mary , Murphy Barry , Mac Giolla Eain Marc , MacLoughlin Ronan
Published: December 2021

There are variations in the values reported for aerosol drug delivery across in vitro experiments throughout the published literature, and often with the same devices or similar experimental setups. Factors contributing to this variability include, but are not limited to device type, equipment settings, drug type and quantification methods. This study assessed the impact of head model choice on aerosol drug delivery using six different adults and three different paediatric head models in combination with a facemask, mouthpiece, and high-flow nasal cannula. Under controlled test conditions, the quantity of drug collected varied depending on the choice of head model. Head models vary depending on a combination of structural design differences, facial features (size and structure), internal volume measurements and airway geometries and these variations result in the differences in aerosol delivery. Of the widely available head models used in this study, only three were seen to closely predict in vivo aerosol delivery performance in adults compared with published scintigraphy data. Further, this testing identified the limited utility of some head models under certain test conditions, for example, the range reported across head models was aerosol drug delivery of 2.62 ± 2.86% to 37.79 ± 1.55% when used with a facemask. For the first time, this study highlights the impact of head model choice on reported aerosol drug delivery within a laboratory setting and contributes to explaining the differences in values reported within the literature.