bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Method for Evaluation of Ore Minerals Based on Optical Microscopy and Image Analysis: Preliminary Results
Authors: Santoro Licia , Lezzerini Marco , Aquino Andrea , Domenighini Giulia , Pagnotta Stefano
Published: October 2022

Natural or artificial light allows us to see and analyze matter with our eyes, which are the first tools used in several experiments. In geosciences, particularly in mineralogy, light is used for optical microscopy observations. Reflected and transmitted light applied to the study of ore deposits can be useful to discriminate between gangue from precious phases. Knowledge of the structural and morphological characteristics, combined with the quantitative evaluation of mineral abundance, is fundamental for determining the grade of ore deposits. The accuracy and reliability of the information are closely linked to the ability of the mineralogist, who more and more often uses Scanning Electron technology and automated mineralogy systems to validate the observations or solve complex mineralogy. While highly accurate, these methods are often prohibitively expensive. The use of image analysis using standard algorithms and artificial intelligence, available as open source, and commercial packages (such as ImageJ, Fiji or MATLAB), can provide advantages in fast, cost-effective, and robust mineral analysis. Recently, the application of neural networks provided increasingly effective image analysis and, among the different types of neural networks available today, the self-organizing maps of Kohonen (SOM) seem to be among the most promising, given their capacity to receive many images as inputs and reduce them to a low number of neuronal outputs that represent all the input characteristics in a lower-dimensional space. In this work, we will show the preliminary results of a new method based on SOM and the combined use of images acquired in transmitted and reflected light to reconstruct false 3D surfaces, which were able to show the presence of intergrow between gangue phases and precious minerals.
Research on Grinding Characteristics and Comparison of Particle-Size-Composition Prediction of Rich and Poor Ores
Authors: Ma Shaojian , Li Hengjun , Shuai Zhichao , Yang Jinlin , Xu Wenzhe , Deng Xingjian
Published: October 2022

The particle size composition of grinding products will significantly affect the technical and economic indexes of subsequent separation operations. The polymetallic complex ores from Tongkeng and Gaofeng are selected as the research object in this paper. Through the JK drop-weight test, the batch grinding test, and the population-balance kinetic model of grinding with the Simulink platform, the grinding characteristics of the two types of ores and the particle-size-composition prediction methods of grinding products are studied. The results show that the impact-crushing capacity of Tongkeng ore and Gaofeng ore are “medium” grade and “soft” grade, respectively. The crushing resistance of Tongkeng ore increases with the decrease in particle size, and the crushing effect is more easily affected by particle size than that of Gaofeng ore. For the same ore, the accuracy order of the three methods is: PSO–BP method > JK drop-weight method > BIII method. For the same method, only the BIII method has higher accuracy in predicting Gaofeng ore than Tongkeng ore, and other methods have better accuracy in predicting Tongkeng ore than Gaofeng ore. The prediction accuracy of the BIII method is inferior to that of the JK drop-weight method and the PSO–BP method and is easily affected by the difference in mineral properties. The PSO–BP method has a high prediction accuracy and fast model operation speed, but the accuracy and speed of the iterative results are easily affected by parameters such as algorithm program weight and threshold. The parameter-solving process of each prediction method is based on different simplifications and assumptions. Therefore, appropriate hypothetical theoretical models should be selected according to different ore properties for practical application.
Simulation Study on the Disaster-Causing Mechanism of Geothermal Water in Deep High-Temperature Heat-Damaged Mines
Authors: Fan Bowen , Shi Peng , Wan Zhijun , Zhang Yuan , Xiong Luchang , Hu Songbo , Gou Hong
Published: October 2022

This paper takes the bottom pumping roadway of 33190 machine roadway in the No.10 mine of China PingMeiShenMa Group as the engineering background. This mine is a hydrothermal mine, with strong heat conduction and thermal convection activities between the surrounding rock and geothermal water. This forms a geothermal anomaly area, making the overall temperature of the surrounding rock temperature field increase and affecting the mine thermal environment. According to the measured field data and the engineering geological conditions of the roadway, a roadway seepage-heat transfer model is constructed using the comsol numerical simulation software, emulating the effect of geothermal water upwelling to the roadway through random cracks in the surrounding rock at different temperatures and pressures, which has an impact on the airflow temperature field of the roadway. The study shows that the evolution law of the airflow temperature field in the roadway under different water upwelling temperatures and pressures is roughly the same, and the temperature at the entrance of the roadway is almost unchanged: the heating rate is 0, and then increases linearly. The variation in the airflow outlet temperature is analyzed, both under the conditions of same temperature but different pressure, and under the same pressure but different temperature. The water upwelling temperature and the cooling efficiency are positively correlated, and the overall growth rate of the airflow temperature is positively correlated with the water upwelling temperature and pressure; however, the effect of temperature is far greater than that of pressure. The upwelling temperature of geothermal water is the main influencing factor on the temperature field of the airflow in the roadway. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the temperature of upwelling water by laying heat insulation materials on the bottom plate, evacuating geothermal water and circulating cold-water by injection, so as to improve the thermal environment of water-heated mines and increase their production efficiency.
Gemological and Spectroscopic Characteristics of “Jedi” Spinel from Man Sin, Myanmar
Authors: Zhao Longpei , Li Geng , Weng Liqun
Published: October 2022

The price of spinel has sharply risen in recent years, and its market acceptance is extending. Among the many sources of spinel, Man Sin in Myanmar is the most famous for its bright neon pinkish red to reddish pink color, named “Jedi” spinel commercially. In this paper, spinel samples with the bright neon pinkish red to reddish pink from Man Sin in Myanmar were studied non-destructively with X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (EDXRF), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), fluorescence spectroscopy, a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the samples from Man Sin in Myanmar are the magnesia-alumina spinels. The high content of the red-chromogenic element Cr, an intermediate content of V and Zn, and a low content of the chromogenic element Fe may be responsible for the distinctive neon color of the spinel samples. The presence of Ti may also serve as a basis for the identification of its origin in Man Sin in Myanmar. The fluorescence spectrum analysis of spinels shows them to have multiple excitation peaks in the region 600–800 nm, which are caused by the jump of Cr3+ between the 2E→4A2 inter-energy band lattice. The amount of Zn affects the fluorescence spectrum intensity of spinels. The higher the Zn content, the stronger the fluorescence intensity. The spinel structure is uncomplicated and four more obvious absorption peaks appear in the IR spectrum, and the direction of the absorption peaks is shifted if a homogeneous substitution of the AB2O4 structure occurs; the Raman spectra of spinel samples have four vibrational peaks at 100–2000 cm−1, 310 cm−1, 407 cm−1, 665 cm−1 and 763 cm−1, which has spinel species-identification significance.
National-Scale Geochemical Baseline of 69 Elements in Laos Stream Sediments
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Xueqiu , Zhang Bimin , Wang Qiang , Liu Dongsheng , Han Zhixuan , LAOLO Sounthone , SOUKSAN Phomsylalai , Liu Hanliang , Zhou Jian , Cheng Xinbin , Nie Lanshi
Published: October 2022

Geochemical baselines are crucial to explore mineral resources and monitor environmental changes. This study presents the first Laos geochemical baseline values of 69 elements. The National-scale Geochemical Mapping Project of Lao People’s Democratic Republic conducted comprehensive stream sediment sampling across Laos, yielding 2079 samples collected at 1 sample/100 km2, and 69 elements were analyzed. Based on the results of LGB value, R-mode factor analysis, and scatter plot analysis, this paper analyzes the relationship between the 69 elements and the geological background, mineralization, hypergene processes and human activities in the study area. The median values of element contents related to the average crustal values were: As, B, Br, Cs, Hf, Li, N, Pb, Sb, Zr, and SiO2, >1.3 times; Ba, Be, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Ga, Mn, Mo, Ni, S, Sc, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, Zn, Eu, Al2O3, Tot.Fe2O3, MgO, CaO, and Na2O, <0.7 times; and Ag, Au, Bi, Cd, Ge, Hg, I, In, Nb, P, Rb, Se, Sn, Ta, Th, U, W, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and K2O, 0.7–1.3 times. R-mode factor analysis based on principal component analysis and varimax rotation showed that they fall into 12 factors related to bedrock, (rare earth, ferrum-group, and major Al2O3 and K2O elements; mineralization–Au, Sb, and As) and farming activities–N, Br, S, and C). This study provides basic geochemical data for many fields, including basic geology, mineral exploration, environmental protection and agricultural production in Laos.
Energy Transfer and Damage Evolution Process Research of Ore Rock-Filling Body under the Blasting Load
Authors: Xia Zijin , Yuan Haiping , Li Hengzhe , Yu Xuyang , Fang Xingye , Huang Songtao
Published: October 2022

The low intensity and frequent blasting shock wave created by a blasting impact will exert notable destructive effects on an ore rock-filling body. In order to investigate the energy transfer process of the blasting shock wave energy in the filling body and the damage evolution process of the filling body, the software PFC2D was used to numerically simulate and monitor the blasting stress curve of the stope and the energy transfer process. In addition, the incident of the pulse wave with the transmission boundary of the filling body was employed to obtain the fitting curve of the stress wave energy. Simultaneously, the language FISH was adopted to realize the two-dimensional visualization of the damage degree. The results indicate that: (i) the upper side of the filling body is accessible to generate energy superposition, and the shock wave is diffused in a waveform. Moreover, a few large and deep cracks are produced in the central area; (ii) during the blasting process, the damaged area extended continuously from the bottom to the top along the boundary surface of an ore rock-filling body and finally diffused to both sides; (iii) the energy attenuation of the stress wave in an ore body roughly performs the distribution of power function. Consequently, the research results can contribute to the safety evaluation of mining engineering using differential blasting technology.
Preparation of Water-Soluble Acetylaminoglucan with Low Molecular Weight and Its Anti-Tumor Activity on H22 Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Zhang Jinfang , Dai Keyao , Li Mei
Published: October 2022

In this study, a novel low molecular weight of acetylaminoglucan (AGA) was obtained and its antitumor activity on H22 tumor-bearing mice was investigated. The results of UV, HPLC and FT-IR showed that AGA present high purity with low molecular weight of 2.76 × 103 Da. Animal experiments showed that AGA could inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells in H22 tumor-bearing mice by protecting the immune organs, enhancing the phagocytosis ability of macrophages, killing activity of NK cells and proliferation capacity of lymphocytes, improving the levels of cytokines in vivo and regulating the distribution of lymphocyte subsets, and the tumor inhibition rate reached to 52.74% (50 mg/kg). Cell cycle determination further indicated that AGA could induce apoptosis of tumor cells and arrests it in S phase. These results will provide a data basis for the potential application of AGA in pharmaceutical industry.
Nanometrology
Authors: Klapetek Petr
Published: October 2022

Apart from being the subject of this Special Issue, what is nanometrology [...]
Two-Dimensional Selenium Nanosheet-Based Sponges with Superior Hydrophobicity and Excellent Photothermal Performance
Authors: Chen Hongyan , Wang Mengke , Huang Weichun
Published: October 2022

Photothermally assisted superhydrophobic materials play an important role in a variety of applications, such as oil purification, waste oil collection, and solar desalination, due to their facile fabrication, low-cost, flexibility, and tunable thermal conversion. However, the current widely used superhydrophobic sponges with photothermal properties are usually impaired by a high loading content of photothermal agents (e.g., gold or silver nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes), low photothermal efficiency, and require harmful processes for modification. Here, a one-pot, simple composite consisting of two-dimensional (2D) selenium (Se) nanosheets (NSs) and commercially used melamine sponge (MS) is rationally designed and successfully fabricated by a facile dip-coating method via physical adsorption between 2D Se NSs and MS. The loading content of 2D Se NSs on the skeleton of the MS can be well controlled by dipping cycle. The results demonstrate that after the modification of 2D Se NSs on the MS, the wettability transition from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity can be easily achieved, even at a very low loading of 2D Se NSs, and the highly stable photothermal conversion of the as-fabricated composites can be realized with a maximum temperature of 111 ± 3.2 °C due to the excellent photothermal effect of 2D Se NSs. It is anticipated that this composite will afford new design strategies for multifunctional porous structures for versatile applications, such as high-performance solar desalination and photothermal sterilization.
A Polarization-Insensitive Broadband Terahertz Absorber Using Patterned Graphene
Authors: Fu Maixia , Wang Jinyi , Guo Shaoshuai , Wang Zhaoying , Yang Pengxu , Niu Yingying
Published: October 2022

A polarization-insensitive broadband terahertz absorber with a sandwich structure of metal–dielectric-graphene is designed and simulated. The graphene is patterned as an array of graphene square blocks with circular apertures. The results of the simulations and theoretical analysis show that the absorption exceeds 99% from 0.93 to 1.65 THz while 90% from 0.80 to 1.87 THz, and a broad relative bandwidth of 80.2% is achieved. The absorption performance is passively enhanced by altering physical dimensions of the graphene pattern and actively adjusted by changing the chemical potential of graphene. When the chemical potential increases from 0.1 eV to 0.7 eV, the corresponding terahertz absorption increases from 59.1% to 99%. The mechanism of absorption is disclosed by analyzing the impedance matching theory and distribution of electric-field intensity. In addition, different polarization modes and incident angles are also studied. The proposed absorber has the superiorities of broad relative bandwidth, high absorption rate, polarization insensitivity, and a wide incident angle, which offers some potential applications in the field of terahertz technology such as imaging, detection, and cloaking.
Multifield-Controlled Terahertz Hybrid Metasurface for Switches and Logic Operations
Authors: Zhao Xilai , Jiao Yanan , Liang Jiangang , Lou Jing , Zhang Jing , Lv Jiawen , Du Xiaohui , Shen Lian , Zheng Bin , Cai Tong
Published: October 2022

Terahertz (THz) meta-devices are considered to be a promising framework for constructing integrated photonic circuitry, which is significant for processing the upsurge of data brought about by next-generation telecommunications. However, present active metasurfaces are typically restricted by a single external driving field, a single modulated frequency, fixed switching speed, and deficiency in logical operation functions which prevents devices from further practical applications. Here, to overcome these limitations, we propose a hybrid THz metasurface consisting of vanadium dioxide (VO2) and germanium (Ge) that enables electrical and optical tuning methods individually or simultaneously and theoretically investigate its performance. Each of the two materials is arranged in the meta-atom to dominate the resonance strength of toroidal or magnetic dipoles. Controlled by either or both of the external excitations, the device can switch on or off at four different frequencies, possessing two temporal degrees of freedom in terms of manipulation when considering the nonvolatility of VO2 and ultrafast photogenerated carriers of Ge. Furthermore, the “AND” and “OR” logic operations are respectively achieved at two adjacent frequency bands by weighing normalized transmission amplitude. This work may provide an auspicious paradigm of THz components, such as dynamic filters, multiband switches, and logical modulators, potentially promoting the design and implementation of multifunctional electro-optical devices in future THz computing and communication.
Scan-Free GEXRF in the Soft X-ray Range for the Investigation of Structured Nanosamples
Authors: Staeck Steffen , Andrle Anna , Hönicke Philipp , Baumann Jonas , Grötzsch Daniel , Weser Jan , Goetzke Gesa , Jonas Adrian , Kayser Yves , Förste Frank , Mantouvalou Ioanna , Viefhaus Jens , Soltwisch Victor , Stiel Holger , Beckhoff Burkhard , Kanngießer Birgit
Published: October 2022

Scan-free grazing-emission X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (GEXRF) is an established technique for the investigation of the elemental depth-profiles of various samples. Recently it has been applied to investigating structured nanosamples in the tender X-ray range. However, lighter elements such as oxygen, nitrogen or carbon cannot be efficiently investigated in this energy range, because of the ineffective excitation. Moreover, common CCD detectors are not able to discriminate between fluorescence lines below 1 keV. Oxygen and nitrogen are important components of insulation and passivation layers, for example, in silicon oxide or silicon nitride. In this work, scan-free GEXRF is applied in proof-of-concept measurements for the investigation of lateral ordered 2D nanostructures in the soft X-ray range. The sample investigated is a Si3N4 lamellar grating, which represents 2D periodic nanostructures as used in the semiconductor industry. The emerging two-dimensional fluorescence patterns are recorded with a CMOS detector. To this end, energy-dispersive spectra are obtained via single-photon event evaluation. In this way, spatial and therefore angular information is obtained, while discrimination between different photon energies is enabled. The results are compared to calculations of the sample model performed by a Maxwell solver based on the finite-elements method. A first measurement is carried out at the UE56-2 PGM-2 beamline at the BESSY II synchrotron radiation facility to demonstrate the feasibility of the method in the soft X-ray range. Furthermore, a laser-produced plasma source (LPP) is utilized to investigate the feasibility of this technique in the laboratory. The results from the BESSY II measurements are in good agreement with the simulations and prove the applicability of scan-free GEXRF in the soft X-ray range for quality control and process engineering of 2D nanostructures. The LPP results illustrate the chances and challenges concerning a transfer of the methodology to the laboratory.
Glucose Hydrogenolysis into 1,2-Propanediol Using a Pt/deAl@Mg(OH)2 Catalyst: Expanding the Application of a Core–Shell Structured Catalyst
Authors: Wang Shizhuo , Jiang Jikang , Gu Minyan , Song Yuanbo , Zhao Jiang , Shen Zheng , Zhou Xuefei , Zhang Yalei
Published: October 2022

To substitute fossil resources, it is necessary to investigate the conversion of biomass into 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) as a high-value-added chemical. The Pt/deAl-Beta@Mg(OH)2 catalytic system is designed to obtain a higher 1,2-PDO production yield. The optimal yield of 1,2-PDO is 34.1%. The unique shell-core structure of the catalyst demonstrates stability, with a catalytic yield of over 30% after three times of use. The primary process path from glucose to 1,2-PDO, glucose-hexitol-1,2-PDO, is speculated by the experiments of intermediate product selectivity. The alkaline catalytic mechanism of the reaction process is elucidated by studying catalyst characterization and analyzing different time courses of products. The introduction of Mg(OH)2 improves the target yield by promoting the isomerization from glucose to fructose and retro-aldol condensation (RAC) conversion, with pseudo-yield increases of 76.1% and 42.1%, respectively. By studying the processes of producing lactic acid and 1,2-PDO from glucose, the glucose hydrogenolysis flow chart is improved, which is of great significance for accurately controlling 1,2-PDO production in industrial applications. The metal, acid, and alkali synergistic catalytic system constructed in this paper can provide a theoretical basis and route reference for applying biomass conversion technology in practice.
Hierarchical Polyaniline Core-Shell Nanocomposites Coated on Modified Graphite for Improved Electrical Conductivity Performance
Authors: Naz Asima , Irfan Ali , Al-Hussain Sami A. , Nawaz Iram , Faisal Shah , Sattar Rabia , Zaki Magdi E. A.
Published: October 2022

Graphite has recently gained scientific and industrial attention due to its high electrical conductivity. In the current endeavor, a new way to fabricate novel and multifunctional nanocomposites using functional graphite (FG) as filler is presented. The fabrication of multilayered conducting composites of PANi/PMMA/PPG-b-PEG-b-PPG was carried out via in situ polymerization, using polyaniline (PANi), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and block copolymer as matrices in the presence of FGfiller. The growth of PANi chains is manifested by PMMA due to the formation of H-bonding between imine and carbonyl groups of PANi and MMA units, respectively, and are responsible for ion exchange sites. FTIR spectroscopy was used for structural elucidation of composites while elemental analysis was accomplished by XPS and EDX spectroscopy. The morphology of the prepared PANi/PMMA/PPG-b-PEG-b-PPG@FG composites was inspected by the SEM. The structure and crystallinity of the composites was investigated via XRD. The improved thermal stability and properties of the nanocomposites were observed using TGA and DSC. The conductivity measurements were used to characterize the electrical conductivity performance of the resulting composites. The presence of functional filler as well as polyaniline shows a significant contribution towards the enhancement of electrical conductivity of PANi/PMMA/PPG-b-PEG-b-PPG@FG nanocomposites.
Oxidative Stress and Its Modulation by Ladostigil Alter the Expression of Abundant Long Non-Coding RNAs in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Zohar Keren , Giladi Eliran , Eliyahu Tsiona , Linial Michal
Published: October 2022

Neurodegenerative disorders, brain injury, and the decline in cognitive function with aging are accompanied by a reduced capacity of cells in the brain to cope with oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, we focused on the response to oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y, a human neuroblastoma cell line. We monitored the viability of the cells in the presence of oxidative stress. Such stress was induced by hydrogen peroxide or by Sin1 (3-morpholinosydnonimine) that generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). Both stressors caused significant cell death. Our results from the RNA-seq experiments show that SH-SY5Y cells treated with Sin1 for 24 h resulted in 94 differently expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), including many abundant ones. Among the abundant lncRNAs that were upregulated by exposing the cells to Sin1 were those implicated in redox homeostasis, energy metabolism, and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., MALAT1, MIAT, GABPB1-AS1, NEAT1, MIAT, GABPB1-AS1, and HAND2-AS1). Another group of abundant lncRNAs that were significantly altered under oxidative stress included cancer-related SNHG family members. We tested the impact of ladostigil, a bifunctional reagent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on the lncRNA expression levels. Ladostigil was previously shown to enhance learning and memory in the brains of elderly rats. In SH-SY5Y cells, several lncRNAs involved in transcription regulation and the chromatin structure were significantly induced by ladostigil. We anticipate that these poorly studied lncRNAs may act as enhancers (eRNA), regulating transcription and splicing, and in competition for miRNA binding (ceRNA). We found that the induction of abundant lncRNAs, such as MALAT1, NEAT-1, MIAT, and SHNG12, by the Sin1 oxidative stress paradigm specifies only the undifferentiated cell state. We conclude that a global alteration in the lncRNA profiles upon stress in SH-SY5Y may shift cell homeostasis and is an attractive in vitro system to characterize drugs that impact the redox state of the cells and their viability.
Impact of a Specific Collagen Peptide Food Supplement on Periodontal Inflammation in Aftercare Patients—A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Jockel-Schneider Yvonne , Stoelzel Peggy , Hess Jeanine , Haubitz Imme , Fickl Stefan , Schlagenhauf Ulrich
Published: October 2022

Background: This controlled clinical trial evaluated the impact of a specific collagen peptide food supplement on parameters of periodontal inflammation in aftercare patients. Methods: A total of 39 study patients were enrolled. At baseline, bleeding on probing (BoP; primary outcome), gingival index (GI), plaque control record (PCR), recession (REC) and probing pocket depth (PPD) for the calculation of the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) were documented. After subsequent professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR), participants were randomly provided with a supply of sachets containing either a specific collagen peptide preparation (test group; n = 20) or a placebo (placebo group; n = 19) to be consumed dissolved in liquid once daily until reevaluation at day 90. Results: PMPR supplemented with the consumption of the specific collagen peptides resulted in a significantly lower mean percentage of persisting BoP-positive sites than PMPR plus placebo (test: 10.4% baseline vs. 3.0% reevaluation; placebo: 14.2% baseline vs. 9.4% reevaluation; effect size: 0.86). Mean PISA and GI values were also reduced compared to baseline, with a significant difference in favor of the test group (PISA test: 170.6 mm2 baseline vs. 53.7 mm2 reevaluation; PISA placebo: 229.4 mm2 baseline vs. 184.3 mm2 reevaluation; GI test: 0.5 baseline vs. 0.1 reevaluation; GI placebo: 0.4 baseline vs. 0.3 reevaluation). PCR was also significantly decreased in both experimental groups at revaluation, but the difference between the groups did not reach the level of significance. Conclusions: The supplementary intake of specific collagen peptides may further enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of PMPR in periodontal recall patients.
Effects of Combined Inorganic Nitrate and Nitrite Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Skeletal Muscle Oxidative Capacity in Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Turner Kristen D. , Kronemberger Ana , Bae Dam , Bock Joshua M. , Hughes William E. , Ueda Kenichi , Feider Andrew J. , Hanada Satoshi , de Sousa Luis G. O. , Harris Matthew P. , Anderson Ethan J. , Bodine Sue C. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Casey Darren P. , Lira Vitor A.
Published: October 2022

Nitric oxide (NO) stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. However, NO metabolism is disrupted in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) potentially contributing to their decreased cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., VO2max) and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. We used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week trial with beetroot juice containing nitrate (NO3−) and nitrite (NO2−) (250 mg and 20 mg/day) to test potential benefits on VO2max and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in T2DM. T2DM (N = 36, Age = 59 ± 9 years; BMI = 31.9 ± 5.0 kg/m2) and age- and BMI-matched non-diabetic controls (N = 15, Age = 60 ± 9 years; BMI = 29.5 ± 4.6 kg/m2) were studied. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity was assessed in muscle biopsies from a subgroup of T2DM and controls (N = 19 and N = 10, respectively). At baseline, T2DM had higher plasma NO3− (100%; p < 0.001) and lower plasma NO2− levels (−46.8%; p < 0.0001) than controls. VO2max was lower in T2DM (−26.4%; p < 0.001), as was maximal carbohydrate- and fatty acid-supported oxygen consumption in permeabilized muscle fibers (−26.1% and −25.5%, respectively; p < 0.05). NO3−/NO2− supplementation increased VO2max (5.3%; p < 0.01). Further, circulating NO2−, but not NO3−, positively correlated with VO2max after supplementation (R2= 0.40; p < 0.05). Within the NO3−/NO2− group, 42% of subjects presented improvements in both carbohydrate- and fatty acid-supported oxygen consumption in skeletal muscle (vs. 0% in placebo; p < 0.05). VO2max improvements in these individuals tended to be larger than in the rest of the NO3−/NO2− group (1.21 ± 0.51 mL/(kg*min) vs. 0.31 ± 0.10 mL/(kg*min); p = 0.09). NO3−/NO2− supplementation increases VO2max in T2DM individuals and improvements in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity appear to occur in those with more pronounced increases in VO2max.
Sports Supplements User Profile Based on Demographic, Sports, and Psychological Variables: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mera-Zouain Leticia , Carballo José Luis , Guilabert Mora Mercedes
Published: October 2022

Despite the high prevalence of sports supplement (SS) use, efforts to profile users have not been conclusive. Studies report that 30–95% of recreational exercisers and elite athletes use SS. Research found has mostly focused on demographic and sports variables to profile SS users, but little research has studied the psychological factors that may influence the use of SS. The purpose of this investigation was to classify, describe, and differentiate the profile of users and non-users of SS, considering demographic, sports, and psychological variables. A total of 554 participants completed the questionnaire. Overall, 45% of recreational exercisers and elite athletes reported using supplements. There were significant differences found regarding the use of SS between men and women (51% vs. 49%, p = 0.002; OR = 1.799), and when training 4 or more days per week (p ≤ 0.001; OR = 1.526). Findings regarding the psychological variables have been found in the Adonis Complex. These results indicate that participants with greater concerns regarding physical appearance, tend to be SS users (p = 0.001; OR = 1.200). The results of this study fill a gap in previous research, and provide an approximate profile, including demographic, sports, and psychological variables of SS users.
High Cholesterol-Induced Bone Loss Is Attenuated by Arctiin via an Action in Osteoclasts
Authors: Li Guoen , Park Jung-Nam , Park Hyun-Jung , Suh Jae-Hee , Choi Hye-Seon
Published: October 2022

High cholesterol-induced bone loss is highly associated with oxidative stress, which leads to the generation of oxysterols, such as 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC). Here, we conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments to determine whether arctiin prevents high cholesterol diet-induced bone loss by decreasing oxidative stress. First, arctiin was orally administered to atherogenic diet (AD)-fed C57BL/6J male mice at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 6 weeks. Micro-computerized tomography (μCT) analysis showed that arctiin attenuated AD-induced boss loss. For our in vitro experiments, the anti-oxidant effects of arctiin were evaluated in 7-KC-stimulated osteoclasts (OCs). Arctiin decreased the number and activity of OCs and inhibited autophagy by disrupting the nuclear localization of transcription factor EB (TFEB) and downregulating the oxidized TFEB signaling pathway in OCs upon 7-KC stimulation. Furthermore, arctiin decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by enhancing the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), catalase, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), all of which affected OC differentiation. Conversely, silencing of Nrf2 or HO-1/catalase attenuated the effects of arctiin on OCs. Collectively, our findings suggested that arctiin attenuates 7-KC-induced osteoclastogenesis by increasing the expression of ROS scavenging genes in the Nrf2/HO-1/catalase signaling pathway, thereby decreasing OC autophagy. Moreover, arctiin inhibits the oxidation and nuclear localization of TFEB, thus protecting mice from AD-induced bone loss. Our findings thus demonstrate the therapeutic potential of arctiin for the prevention of cholesterol-induced bone loss.
Direct Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Ultramarathon-Induced Changes in Kynurenine Metabolism
Authors: Mieszkowski Jan , Brzezińska Paulina , Stankiewicz Błażej , Kochanowicz Andrzej , Niespodziński Bartłomiej , Reczkowicz Joanna , Waldziński Tomasz , Kacprzak Bartłomiej , Siuba-Jarosz Natalia , Petr Miroslav , Antosiewicz Jędrzej
Published: October 2022

In humans, most free tryptophan is degraded via kynurenine pathways into kynurenines. Kynurenines modulate the immune system, central nervous system, and skeletal muscle bioenergetics. Consequently, kynurenine pathway metabolites (KPMs) have been studied in the context of exercise. However, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on exercise-induced changes in KPMs has not been investigated. Here, we analyzed the effect of a single high-dose vitamin D supplementation on KPMs and tryptophan levels in runners after an ultramarathon. In the study, 35 amateur runners were assigned into two groups: vitamin D supplementation group, administered 150,000 IU vitamin D in vegetable oil 24 h before the run (n = 16); and control (placebo) group (n = 19). Blood was collected for analysis 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. Kynurenic, xanthurenic, quinolinic, and picolinic acids levels were significantly increased after the run in the control group, but the effect was blunted by vitamin D supplementation. Conversely, the decrease in serum tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine levels immediately after the run was more pronounced in the supplemented group than in the control. The 3-hydroxy-l-kynurenine levels were significantly increased in both groups after the run. We conclude that vitamin D supplementation affects ultramarathon-induced changes in tryptophan metabolism.
Description of Ultra-Processed Food Intake in a Swiss Population-Based Sample of Adults Aged 18 to 75 Years
Authors: Bertoni Maluf Valeria A. , Bucher Della Torre Sophie , Jotterand Chaparro Corinne , Belle Fabiën N. , Khalatbari-Soltani Saman , Kruseman Maaike , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Chatelan Angeline
Published: October 2022

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with lower diet quality and several non-communicable diseases. Their consumption varies between countries/regions of the world. We aimed to describe the consumption of UPFs in adults aged 18–75 years living in Switzerland. We analysed data from the national food consumption survey conducted among 2085 participants aged 18 to 75 years. Foods and beverages resulting from two 24-h recalls were classified as UPFs or non-UPFs according to the NOVA classification, categorized into 18 food groups, and linked to the Swiss Food Composition Database. Overall, the median energy intake [P25–P75] from UPFs was 587 kcal/day [364–885] or 28.7% [19.9–38.9] of the total energy intake (TEI). The median intake of UPFs relative to TEI was higher among young participants (<30 years, p = 0.001) and those living in the German-speaking part of Switzerland (p = 0.002). The food groups providing the most ultra-processed calories were confectionary, cakes & biscuits (39.5% of total UPF kcal); meat, fish & eggs (14.9%); cereal products, legumes & potatoes (12.5%), and juices & soft drinks (8.0%). UPFs provided a large proportion of sugars (39.3% of total sugar intake), saturated fatty acids (32.8%), and total fats (31.8%) while providing less than 20% of dietary fibre. Consumption of UPFs accounted for nearly a third of the total calories consumed in Switzerland. Public health strategies to reduce UPF consumption should target sugary foods/beverages and processed meat.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Chicken Broth and Histidine Dipeptides on the Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression Mouse Model
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wang Xixi , Li He , Chen Cunshe , Liu Xinqi
Published: October 2022

The carnosine and anserine, which represent histidine dipeptides (HD), are abundant in chicken broth (CB). HD are endogenous dipeptide that has excellent antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. The immunomodulatory effect of CB hydrolysate (CBH) and HD in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice was examined in this study. CBH and HD were given to mice via oral gavage for 15 days, accompanied by intraperitoneal CTX administration to induce immunosuppression. CBH and HD treatment were observed to reduce immune organ atrophy (p < 0.05) and stimulate the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes (p < 0.05) while improving white blood cell, immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgG, and IgA levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, CBH and HD strongly stimulated interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production by up-regulating IL-2 and IFN-γ mRNA expression (p < 0.05) while inhibiting interleukin-10 (IL-10) overproduction and IL-10 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). In addition, CBH and HD prevented the inhibition of the nitric oxide (NP)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cGMP-cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway (p < 0.05). These results indicate that CBH and HD have the potential to prevent immunosuppression induced by CTX. Our data demonstrate that CBH can effectively improve the immune capacity of immunosuppressed mice similar to the same amount of purified HD, which indicates that CBH plays its role through its own HD.
Association between Elevated Iodine Intake and IQ among School Children in Portugal
Authors: Carvalho Irene P. , Peixoto Bruno , Caldas José Carlos , Costa Ana , Silva Sofia , Moreira Bárbara , Almeida Agostinho , Moreira-Rosário André , Guerra António , Delerue-Matos Cristina , Sintra Diana , Pestana Diogo , Pinto Edgar , Mendes Francisca Castro , Martins Inês , Leite João Costa , Fontoura Manuel , Maia Maria Luz , Queirós Pedro , Moreira Roxana , Leal Sandra , Norberto Sónia , Costa Vera , Fernandes Virgínia Cruz , Keating Elisa , Azevedo Luís , Calhau Conceição
Published: October 2022

The goal of this work was to examine whether elevated iodine intake was associated with adverse effects on IQ among school-age children in Portugal. In a representative sample of children from the north of the country, IQ percentiles by age (assessed with Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices) were dichotomized to <50 (“below-average” IQs) and ≥50. Morning urine iodine concentrations, corrected for creatinine, were dichotomized to <250 µg/g and ≥250 µg/g, according to the European Commission/Scientific Committee on Food’s tolerable upper level of daily iodine intake for young children. Data were examined with Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and GLM univariate analysis. The sample (N = 1965) was classified as generally iodine-adequate (median urinary iodine concentration = 129 µg/L; median iodine-to-creatinine ratio = 126 µg/g) according to the WHO’s criteria. A greater proportion of children in the ≥250 µg/g group had below-average IQs, compared to children with less than 250 µg/g (p = 0.037), despite a sizable (though non-significant) proportion of children in the less-than-250 µg/g group also presenting below-average IQs, at the bottom of the iodine distribution (<50 µg/g). The proportion of below-average IQs increased with increasingly elevated iodine concentrations (p = 0.047). The association remained significant after the adjustment for confounders, with the elevated iodine group showing increased odds of having below-average IQs when compared with the non-elevated iodine group (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.11–2.17; p = 0.011). Consistently, the former group presented a lower mean IQ than the latter (p = 0.006). High iodine intake was associated with lower IQs even in a population classified as iodine-adequate. These results bear on child cognition and on initiatives involving iodine supplementation.
Methionine Restriction Improves Cognitive Ability by Alleviating Hippocampal Neuronal Apoptosis through H19 in Middle-Aged Insulin-Resistant Mice
Authors: Feng Chuanxing , Jiang Yuge , Li Shiying , Ge Yueting , Shi Yonghui , Tang Xue , Le Guowei
Published: October 2022

LncRNA H19 has been reported to regulate apoptosis and neurological diseases. Hippocampal neuron apoptosis damages cognitive ability. Methionine restriction (MR) can improve cognitive impairment. However, the effect of MR on hippocampal neuronal apoptosis induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in middle-aged mice remains unclear. For 25 weeks, middle-aged mice (C57BL/6J) were given a control diet (CON, 0.86% methionine + 4.2% fat), a high-fat diet (HFD, 0.86% methionine + 24% fat), or an HFD + MR diet (HFMR, 0.17% methionine + 24% fat). The HT22 cells were used to establish the early apoptosis model induced by high glucose (HG). In vitro, the results showed that MR significantly improved cell viability, suppressed the generation of ROS, and rescued HT22 cell apoptosis in a gradient-dependent manner. In Vivo, MR inhibited the damage and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons caused by a high-fat diet, reduced hippocampal oxidative stress, improved hippocampal glucose metabolism, relieved insulin resistance, and enhanced cognitive ability. Furthermore, MR could inhibit the overexpression of H19 and caspase-3 induced by HFD, HG, or H2O2 in vivo and in vitro, and promoted let-7a, b, e expression. These results indicate that MR can protect neurons from HFD-, HG-, or H2O2-induced injury and apoptosis by inhibiting H19.
Ormona® SI and Ormona® RC—New Nutraceuticals with Geranylgeraniol, Tocotrienols, Anthocyanins, and Isoflavones—Decrease High-Fat Diet-Induced Dyslipidemia in Wistar Rats
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Paula Santos , da Silva Barbosa Raimundo , Pereira Arlindo César Matias , Batista Mateus Alves , Sales Priscila Faimann , Ferreira Adriana Maciel , Colares Nayara Nilcia Dias , da Silva Heitor Ribeiro , Soares Marcelo Oliveira dos Santos , da Silva Hage-Melim Lorane Izabel , Carvalho José Carlos Tavares
Published: October 2022

Dyslipidemia is a metabolic condition linked to increased morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two new nutraceuticals derived from annatto (Bixa orellana), açaí (Euterpe oleracea), and soybean germ or red clover isoflavones (Trifolium pratense) against high-fat-induced dyslipidemia in female Wistar rats. The formulations were assessed through GC-MS and HPLC-UV/Vis. Next, female Wistar rats received daily administrations of coconut oil and were treated with Ormona® SI (OSI), Ormona® RC (ORC), soybean germ (SG), simvastatin (simv.), simvastatin + Ormona® SI (simv. + OSI), or only distilled water (control). Biochemical tests were performed using the animals’ blood, and their arteries were screened for atheroma formation. The results show abnormal TC, TG, LDL, and HDL levels caused by the high-fat diet, increased glucose levels, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and atherogenesis. The nutraceuticals significantly ameliorated all conditions, with results that are similar to the group treated with simvastatin. Notably, the groups treated with either Ormona® or simvastatin + Ormona® had better liver protection than those treated only with SG or simvastatin; additionally, the nutraceuticals could prevent atherogenesis, unlike SG. The results indicate a high efficacy of the nutraceuticals in preventing dyslipidemia and its complications.
Player Sex and Playing Surface Are Individual Predictors of Injuries in Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Nawasreh Zakariya H. , Yabroudi Mohammad A. , Darwish Ahmad A. , Debes Wesam A. , Bashaireh Khaldoon M.
Published: October 2022

Background: The factors contributing to soccer injuries and their influence on the occurrence of injury are controversial and inconclusive. This study aimed to determine the association between player characteristics and playing factors with injuries in professional soccer players. Methods: One hundred and fifty-two professional soccer players completed a self-administered questionnaire that asked about demographic information and injury profile, the type of playing surface on which they sustained their injury, medical treatment, and the time lost due to soccer injury at the end of the soccer season. Results: The injury rate was 44.74% (n = 68; males: 61.50% (n = 56), females: 19.70% (n = 12)). Players’ age (OR: 1.15, 95%CI: 1.05–1.25, p < 0.002) and BMI (OR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.06–1.38, p < 0.003) were significantly associated with soccer injuries. After adjusting for age and BMI, players’ sex (OR: 5.39, 95%CI: 2.11–13.75, p < 0.001), previous soccer injury (OR: 3.308, 95%CI: 2.307–29.920, p < 0.001), and playing surfaces (OR: 11.07, 95%CI: 4.53–27.03, p < 0.001) were the significant predictors of soccer injuries. Conclusion: Players’ age, BMI, sex, previous soccer injury, and playing surface were associated with injuries among professional soccer players. Old male athletes with high BMI, previous soccer injuries, and playing on natural grass were more likely to sustain soccer injuries than young female players with low BMI who had no previous injuries and played on synthetic surfaces.
Application of AP-MALDI Imaging Mass Microscope for the Rapid Mapping of Imipramine, Chloroquine, and Their Metabolites in the Kidney and Brain of Wild-Type Mice
Authors: Islam Ariful , Sakamoto Takumi , Zhai Qing , Rahman Md. Muedur , Mamun Md. Al , Takahashi Yutaka , Kahyo Tomoaki , Setou Mitsutoshi
Published: October 2022

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is well-known for the non-labeling visualization of analytes, including drugs and their metabolites in biological samples. In this study, we applied three different tools of MSI, desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)-MSI, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)-MSI, and a newly developed atmospheric pressure (AP)-MALDI-MSI known as iMScopeTM QT for rapid mapping of imipramine, chloroquine, and their metabolites in C57BL/6 male wild-type mice. Among three MSI tools, better detection capability for targeted drugs at higher speed (up to 32 pixels/s) was observed in iMScope QT. It revealed that imipramine and its metabolites were significantly accumulated in the renal cortex of mice, but chloroquine and its metabolites were highly accumulated in the renal pelvis and renal medulla of mice. Additionally, a higher accumulation of imipramine was noted in the thalamus, hypothalamus, septum, and hindbrain of mice brains. However, chloroquine and its metabolites showed notable accumulation in the lateral ventricle, fourth ventricle, and fornix of the mice brains. These findings of our study can be helpful in understanding clinically relevant properties, efficacy, and potential side effects of these drugs. Our study also showed the potentiality of iMScope QT for rapid mapping of small drugs and their metabolites in biological samples.