bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volatile Organic Compound Fragmentation in the Afterglow of Pulsed Glow Discharge in Ambient Air
Authors: Kravtsov Denis , Gubal Anna , Chuchina Victoria , Ivanenko Natalya , Solovyev Nikolay , Stroganov Alexander , Jin Han , Ganeev Alexander
Published: October 2022

Glow discharge (GD) source gained an increased level of attention in relation to the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) since past work showed that this soft ionization method allowed direct analysis of VOCs with minimal fragmentation, however, the issue of fragmentation was not previously studied in detail. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of discharge conditions on VOC fragmentation in the system consisting of the cell with pulsed glow discharge and a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Ionization of VOCs of different classes (hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, and carboxylic acids) was investigated. A copper cathode with flat geometry was used. VOCs were ionized in the afterglow of short pulse glow discharge in the air. The use of discharge afterglow significantly reduces or eliminates the effects of ionization mechanisms other than Penning process, in particular, electron ionization. This significantly reduced VOC fragmentation and provided rather low limits of detection. Specific cluster formation was observed for alcohols and esters, which may facilitate their identification.
Response Surface Methodology Optimization in High-Performance Solid-State Supercapattery Cells Using NiCo2S4–Graphene Hybrids
Authors: Hong Zhong-Yun , Chen Lung-Chuan , Li Yu-Chu M. , Hsu Hao-Lin , Huang Chao-Ming
Published: October 2022

In this work, NiCo2S4–graphene hybrids (NCS@G) with high electrochemical performance were prepared using a hydrothermal method. The response surface methodology (RSM), along with a central composite design (CCD), was used to investigate the effect of independent variables (G/NCS, hydrothermal time, and S/Ni) on the specific capacitances of the NCS@G/Ni composite electrodes. RSM analysis revealed that the developed quadratic model with regression coefficient values of more than 0.95 could be well adapted to represent experimental results. Optimized preparation conditions for NCS@G were G/NCS = 6.0%, hydrothermal time = 10.0, and S/Ni = 6.0 of NCS@G (111) sample. The maximum specific capacitance of NCS@G (111)/Ni fabricated at the optimal condition is about 216% higher than the best result obtained using the conventional experimental method. The enhanced capacitive performance of the NCS@G (111) sample can be attributed to the synergistic effect between NCS nanoparticles and graphene, which has the meso/macropores conductive network and low diffusion resistance. Notably, the NCS@G (111) could not only provide numerous reaction sites but also prevent the restacking of graphene layers. Furthermore, a supercapattery cell was fabricated with an (G + AC)/Ni anode, a NCS@G (111)/Ni cathode, and a carboxymethyl cellulose–potassium hydroxide (CMC-KOH) gel electrolyte. The NCS@G (111)//(G + AC) demonstrates an outstanding energy density of 80 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 4 kW kg−1, and a good cycling performance of 75% after 5000 cycles at 2 A g−1. Applying the synthesis strategy of RSM endows remarkable capacitive performance of the hybrid materials, providing an economical pathway to design promising composite electrode material and fabricate high-performance energy storage devices.
The Biosynthesis Related Enzyme, Structure Diversity and Bioactivity Abundance of Indole-Diterpenes: A Review
Authors: Hou Yong , Chen Meiying , Sun Zhaocui , Ma Guoxu , Chen Deli , Wu Haifeng , Yang Junshan , Li Yihang , Xu Xudong
Published: October 2022

Indole diterpenes are a large class of secondary metabolites produced by fungi, possessing a cyclic diterpenoid backbone and an indole moiety. Novel structures and important biological activity have made indole diterpenes one of the focuses of synthetic chemists. Although the discovery, identification, structural diversity, biological activity and especially structure–activity relationship of indole diterpenes have been reported in some papers in recent years, they are absent of a systematic and comprehensive analysis, and there is no elucidation of enzymes related to this kind of natural product. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize the relevant reports to provide new perspectives for the following research. In this review, for the first time, the function of related synthases and the structure–activity relationship of indole diterpenes are expounded, and the recent research advances of them are emphasized.
Nanocomposite of Nickel Nanoparticles-Impregnated Biochar from Palm Leaves as Highly Active and Magnetic Photocatalyst for Methyl Violet Photocatalytic Oxidation
Authors: Fatimah Is , Wijayanti Hiroko Kawaii , Ramanda Galih Dwiki , Tamyiz Muchammad , Doong Ruey-an , Sagadevan Suresh
Published: October 2022

Photocatalysis has been recognized as a feasible method in water and wastewater treatment. Compared to other methods such as adsorption and chemical oxidation, the use of photocatalyst in the advanced oxidation processes gives benefits such as a longer lifetime of the catalyst and less consumable chemicals. Currently, explorations into low-cost, effective photocatalysts for organic contaminated water are being developed. Within this scheme, an easily separated photocatalyst with other functionality, such as high adsorption, is important. In this research, preparation of a magnetic nanocomposite photocatalyst based on agricultural waste, palm leaves biochar impregnated nickel nanoparticles (Ni/BC), was investigated. The nanocomposite was prepared by direct pyrolysis of palm leaves impregnated with nickel (II) chloride precursor. Furthermore, the physicochemical characterization of the material was performed by using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), gas sorption analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The photocatalytic activity of Ni/BC was evaluated for methyl violet (MV) photocatalytic oxidation. The results from XRD, XPS and TEM analyses identified single nickel nanoparticles dispersed on the biochar structure ranging from 30–50 nm in size. The dispersed nickel nanoparticles increased the BET specific surface area of biochar from 3.92 m2/g to 74.12 m2/g oxidation. High photocatalytic activity of the Ni/BC was exhibited by complete MV removal in 30 min for the concentration ranging from 10–80 mg/L. In addition, the Ni/BC showed stability in the pH range of 4–10 and reusability without any activity change until fifth usage. The separable photocatalyst is related to magnetism of about 13.7 emu/g. The results highlighted the role of biochar as effective support for Ni as photoactive material.
Wearable Capacitive Pressure Sensor for Contact and Non-Contact Sensing and Pulse Waveform Monitoring
Authors: Chowdhury Azmal Huda , Jafarizadeh Borzooye , Pala Nezih , Wang Chunlei
Published: October 2022

Sensitive and flexible pressure sensors have invoked considerable interest for a broad range of applications in tactile sensing, physiological sensing, and flexible electronics. The barrier between high sensitivity and low fabrication cost needs to be addressed to commercialize such flexible pressure sensors. A low-cost sacrificial template-assisted method for the capacitive sensor has been reported herein, utilizing a porous Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer and a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite-based dielectric layer. The sensor shows high sensitivity of 2.42 kPa−1 along with a low limit of detection of 1.46 Pa. The high sensitivity originates from adding MWCNT to PDMS, increasing the composite polymer’s dielectric constant. Besides this, the pressure sensor shows excellent stability at a cyclic loading of 9000 cycles, proving its reliability for long-lasting application in tactile and physiological sensing. The high sensitivity of the sensor is suitable for the detection of small deformations such as pulse waveforms as well as tactile pressure sensing. In addition, the paper demonstrates a simultaneous contact and non-contact sensing capability suitable for dual sensing (pressure and proximity) with a single data readout system. The dual-mode sensing capability may open opportunities for realizing compact systems in robotics, gesture control, contactless applications, and many more. The practicality of the sensor was shown in applications such as tactile sensing, Morse code generator, proximity sensing, and pulse wave sensing.
The Selective CO2 Adsorption and Photothermal Conversion Study of an Azo-Based Cobalt-MOF Material
Authors: Dang Li-Long , Zong De-Xi , Lu Xiao-Yan , Zhang Ting-Ting , Chen Tian , Sun Jiu-Long , Zhao Jiu-Zhou , Liu Meng-Yang , Liu Shui-Ren
Published: October 2022

A new metal–organic framework (MOF), [Co2(L)2(azpy)]n (compound 1, H2L = 5-(pyridin-4-ylmethoxy)-isophthalic acid, azpy = 4,4′-azopyridine), was synthesized by a solvothermal method and further characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. The X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis for compound 1 indicated that two cis L22− ligands connected to two cobalt atoms resulted in a macrocycle structure. Through a series of adsorption tests, we found that compound 1 exhibited a high capacity of CO2, and the adsorption capacity could reach 30.04 cm3/g. More interestingly, under 273 K conditions, the adsorption of CO2 was 41.33 cm3/g. In addition, when the Co-MOF was irradiated by a 730 nm laser, rapid temperature increases for compound 1 were observed (temperature variation in 169 s: 26.6 °C), showing an obvious photothermal conversion performance. The photothermal conversion efficiency reached 20.3%, which might be due to the fact that the parallel arrangement of azo units inhibited non-radiative transition and promoted photothermal conversion. The study provides an efficient strategy for designing MOFs for the adsorption of CO2 and with good photothermal conversion performance.
Chemical Synthesis of Trans 8-Methyl-6-Nonenoyl-CoA and Functional Expression Unravel Capsaicin Synthase Activity Encoded by the Pun1 Locus
Authors: Milde Raika , Schnabel Arianne , Ditfe Toni , Hoehenwarter Wolfgang , Proksch Carsten , Westermann Bernhard , Vogt Thomas
Published: October 2022

Capsaicin, produced by diverse Capsicum species, is among the world’s most popular spices and of considerable pharmaceutical relevance. Although the capsaicinoid biosynthetic pathway has been investigated for decades, several biosynthetic steps have remained partly hypothetical. Genetic evidence suggested that the decisive capsaicin synthase is encoded by the Pun1 locus. Yet, the genetic evidence of the Pun1 locus was never corroborated by functionally active capsaicin synthase that presumably catalyzes an amide bond formation between trans 8-methyl-6-nonenoyl-CoA derived from branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis and vanilloylamine derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway. In this report, we demonstrate the enzymatic activity of a recombinant capsaicin synthase encoded by Pun1, functionally expressed in Escherichia coli, and provide information on its substrate specificity and catalytic properties. Recombinant capsaicin synthase is specific for selected aliphatic CoA-esters and highly specific for vanilloylamine. Partly purified from E. coli, the recombinant active enzyme is a monomeric protein of 51 kDa that is independent of additional co-factors or associated proteins, as previously proposed. These data can now be used to design capsaicin synthase variants with different properties and alternative substrate preferences.
A Review of Applications, Prospects, and Challenges of Proton-Conducting Zirconates in Electrochemical Hydrogen Devices
Authors: Hossain M. Khalid , Hasan S. M. Kamrul , Hossain M. Imran , Das Ranjit C. , Bencherif H. , Rubel M. H. K. , Rahman Md. Ferdous , Emrose Tanvir , Hashizume Kenichi
Published: October 2022

In the future, when fossil fuels are exhausted, alternative energy sources will be essential for everyday needs. Hydrogen-based energy can play a vital role in this aspect. This energy is green, clean, and renewable. Electrochemical hydrogen devices have been used extensively in nuclear power plants to manage hydrogen-based renewable fuel. Doped zirconate materials are commonly used as an electrolyte in these electrochemical devices. These materials have excellent physical stability and high proton transport numbers, which make them suitable for multiple applications. Doping enhances the physical and electronic properties of zirconate materials and makes them ideal for practical applications. This review highlights the applications of zirconate-based proton-conducting materials in electrochemical cells, particularly in tritium monitors, tritium recovery, hydrogen sensors, and hydrogen pump systems. The central section of this review summarizes recent investigations and provides a comprehensive insight into the various doping schemes, experimental setup, instrumentation, optimum operating conditions, morphology, composition, and performance of zirconate electrolyte materials. In addition, different challenges that are hindering zirconate materials from achieving their full potential in electrochemical hydrogen devices are discussed. Finally, this paper lays out a few pathways for aspirants who wish to undertake research in this field.
NiB-CrC Coatings Prepared by Magnetron Sputtering Using Composite Ceramic NiCr-BC Target Produced by Detonation Spray Coating
Authors: Sirota Viacheslav , Zaitsev Sergei , Prokhorenkov Dmitriy , Limarenko Mihail , Skiba Andrey , Kovaleva Marina
Published: October 2022

A metal–ceramic composite target for magnetron sputtering was fabricated for the first time by a robotic complex for the detonation spraying of coatings equipped with a multi-chamber detonation accelerator. A mixture of metal and ceramic NiCr/B4C powders was sprayed onto the copper base of the cylindrical composite target cathode. The study of the structure of a metal–ceramic composite coating target using scanning electron microscopy showed that the coating material is dense without visible pores; the elemental composition is evenly distributed in the material. The study of the cathode sputtering area after deposition in the DC mode showed that there are uniform traces of annular erosion on the target surface. The obtained cathode target with an NiCr-70B4C coating was used to deposit the NiB-Cr7C3 coating on flat specimens of 65G steel using equipment for magnetron sputtering UNICOAT 200. The coating was applied in the Direct Current mode. A dense NiB-Cr7C3 coating with a thickness of 2 μm was obtained. The NiB-Cr7C3 coating has a quasi-amorphous structure. The microstructures and concentration of oxygen and carbon impurities throughout the entire thickness of the coating were investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy. The results of the study show that the coatings have a nanocrystalline multi-phase structure. The microhardness of the NiB-Cr7C3 coating reached 10 GPa, and the adhesion fracture load exceeded 16 N. The results will open up new prospects for the further elaboration of technology for obtaining original composite cathodes for magnetron sputtering using detonation spraying of coatings.
Nanostructured MoS2 and WS2 Photoresponses under Gas Stimuli
Authors: Basyooni Mohamed A. , Zaki Shrouk E. , Alfryyan Nada , Tihtih Mohammed , Eker Yasin Ramazan , Attia Gamal F. , Yılmaz Mücahit , Ateş Şule , Shaban Mohamed
Published: October 2022

This study was on the optoelectronic properties of multilayered two-dimensional MoS2 and WS2 materials on a silicon substrate using sputtering physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques. For the first time, we report ultraviolet (UV) photoresponses under air, CO2, and O2 environments at different flow rates. The electrical Hall effect measurement showed the existence of MoS2 (n-type)/Si (p-type) and WS2 (P-type)/Si (p-type) heterojunctions with a higher sheet carrier concentration of 5.50 × 105 cm−2 for WS2 thin film. The IV electrical results revealed that WS2 is more reactive than MoS2 film under different gas stimuli. WS2 film showed high stability under different bias voltages, even at zero bias voltage, due to the noticeably good carrier mobility of 29.8 × 102 cm2/V. WS2 film indicated a fast rise/decay time of 0.23/0.21 s under air while a faster response of 0.190/0.10 s under a CO2 environment was observed. Additionally, the external quantum efficiency of WS2 revealed a remarkable enhancement in the CO2 environment of 1.62 × 108 compared to MoS2 film with 6.74 × 106. According to our findings, the presence of CO2 on the surface of WS2 improves such optoelectronic properties as photocurrent gain, photoresponsivity, external quantum efficiency, and detectivity. These results indicate potential applications of WS2 as a photodetector under gas stimuli for future optoelectronic applications.
Spatially-Localized Functionalization on Nanostructured Surfaces for Enhanced Plasmonic Sensing Efficacy
Authors: Bryche Jean-François , Vega Marlo , Tempez Agnès , Brulé Thibault , Carlier Thomas , Moreau Julien , Chaigneau Marc , Charette Paul G. , Canva Michael
Published: October 2022

This work demonstrates the enhancement in plasmonic sensing efficacy resulting from spatially-localized functionalization on nanostructured surfaces, whereby probe molecules are concentrated in areas of high field concentration. Comparison between SERS measurements on nanostructured surfaces (arrays of nanodisks 110 and 220 nm in diameter) with homogeneous and spatially-localized functionalization with thiophenol demonstrates that the Raman signal originates mainly from areas with high field concentration. TERS measurements with 10 nm spatial resolution confirm the field distribution profiles predicted by the numerical modeling. Though this enhancement in plasmonic sensing efficacy is demonstrated with SERS, results apply equally well to any type of optical/plasmonic sensing on functionalized surfaces with nanostructuring.
Synthesis of Hybrid Polyphenol/Hydroxyapatite Nanomaterials with Anti-Radical Properties
Authors: Palierse Estelle , Masse Sylvie , Laurent Guillaume , Le Griel Patrick , Mosser Gervaise , Coradin Thibaud , Jolivalt Claude
Published: October 2022

Plant-derived natural bioactive molecules are of great therapeutic potential but, so far, their application in nanomedicine has scarcely been studied. This work aimed at comparing two methodologies, i.e., adsorption and in situ incorporation, to prepare hybrid polyphenol/hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. Two flavonoids, baicalin and its aglycone derivative baicalein, and two phenolic acids derived from caffeic acid, rosmarinic and chlorogenic acids, were studied. Adsorption of these polyphenols on pre-formed hydroxyapatite nanoparticles did not modify particle size or shape and loading was less than 10% (w/w). In contrast, presence of polyphenols during the synthesis of nanoparticles significantly impacted and sometimes fully inhibited hydroxyapatite formation but recovered particles could exhibit higher loadings. For most hybrid particles, release profiles consisted of a 24 h burst effect followed by a slow release over 2 weeks. Antioxidant properties of the polyphenols were preserved after adsorption but not when incorporated in situ. These results provide fruitful clues for the valorization of natural bioactive molecules in nanomedicine.
Dynamical Behavior of Two Interacting Double Quantum Dots in 2D Materials for Feasibility of Controlled-NOT Operation
Authors: Kesorn Aniwat , Hunkao Rutchapon , Tivakornsasithorn Kritsanu , Sinsarp Asawin , Sukkabot Worasak , Suwanna Sujin
Published: October 2022

Two interacting double quantum dots (DQDs) can be suitable candidates for operation in the applications of quantum information processing and computation. In this work, DQDs are modeled by the heterostructure of two-dimensional (2D) MoS2 having 1T-phase embedded in 2H-phase with the aim to investigate the feasibility of controlled-NOT (CNOT) gate operation with the Coulomb interaction. The Hamiltonian of the system is constructed by two models, namely the 2D electronic potential model and the 4×4 matrix model whose matrix elements are computed from the approximated two-level systems interaction. The dynamics of states are carried out by the Crank–Nicolson method in the potential model and by the fourth order Runge–Kutta method in the matrix model. Model parameters are analyzed to optimize the CNOT operation feasibility and fidelity, and investigate the behaviors of DQDs in different regimes. Results from both models are in excellent agreement, indicating that the constructed matrix model can be used to simulate dynamical behaviors of two interacting DQDs with lower computational resources. For CNOT operation, the two DQD systems with the Coulomb interaction are feasible, though optimization of engineering parameters is needed to achieve optimal fidelity.
Application of Graphene Nanoplatelets in Supercapacitor Devices: A Review of Recent Developments
Authors: Worsley Eleri Anne , Margadonna Serena , Bertoncello Paolo
Published: October 2022

As worldwide energy consumption continues to increase, so too does the demand for improved energy storage technologies. Supercapacitors are energy storage devices that are receiving considerable interest due to their appealing features such as high power densities and much longer cycle lives than batteries. As such, supercapacitors fill the gaps between conventional capacitors and batteries, which are characterised by high power density and high energy density, respectively. Carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene nanoplatelets, are being widely explored as supercapacitor electrode materials due to their high surface area, low toxicity, and ability to tune properties for the desired application. In this review, we first briefly introduce the theoretical background and basic working principles of supercapacitors and then discuss the effects of electrode material selection and structure of carbon nanomaterials on the performances of supercapacitors. Finally, we highlight the recent advances of graphene nanoplatelets and how chemical functionalisation can affect and improve their supercapacitor performance.
Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Induced Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Lin Tsung-Ying , Wu Tung-Hsuan , Tzou Rong-Dar , Hsu Yi-Chiang , Lee Kuan-Ting , Tsai Tai-Hsin
Published: October 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive and devastating brain tumor characterized by poor prognosis and high rates of recurrence. Despite advances in multidisciplinary treatment, GBM constinues to have a poor overall survival. The Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata (RGP) has been reported to possess anti-allergic, neuroprotective, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, it not clear what effect it may have on tumorigenesis in GBM. This study demonstrated that RGP reduced glioma cell viability and attenuated glioma cell locomotion in GBM8401 and U87MG cells. RGP treated cells had significant increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells and rise in the percentage of caspase-3 activity. In addition, the results of study’s cell cycle analysis also showed that RGP arrested glioma cells at G2/M phase and Cell failure pass the G2 checkpoint by RGP treatment in GBM8401 Cells. Based on the above results, it seems to imply that RGP activated DNA damage checkpoint system and cell cycle regulators and induce apoptosis in established GBM cells. In conclusion, RGP can inhibit proliferation, cell locomotion, cell cycle progression and induce apoptosis in GBM cells in vitro.
Ecosystem Recovery in Progress? Initial Nutrient and Phytoplankton Response to Nitrogen Reduction from Sewage Treatment Upgrade in the San Francisco Bay Delta
Authors: Glibert Patricia M. , Wilkerson Frances P. , Dugdale Richard C. , Parker Alexander E.
Published: October 2022

The San Francisco Bay Delta has been an estuary of low productivity, with causes hypothesized to relate to light limitation, grazing by invasive clams, and polluting levels of NH4+ discharge from a wastewater treatment plant. Suppression of phytoplankton NO3− uptake by NH4+ has been well documented, and thus this estuary may have experienced the counterintuitive effect of depressed productivity due to wastewater NH4+ enrichment. In 2021, a new wastewater treatment plant came online, with a ~75% reduction in nitrogen load, and within-plant nitrification, converting the discharge to NO3−. The expectation was that this change in nitrogen loading would support healthier phytoplankton production, particularly of diatoms. Here, responses of the post-upgrade Bay Delta phytoplankton were compared to five years of data collected pre-upgrade during the fall season. Indeed, increased chlorophyll a accumulation in the estuary was documented after the implementation of the upgraded wastewater treatment and photophysiological responses indicated comparatively less stress. Major differences in river flow were also observed due to drought conditions during the decade covered by this study. While short-term favorable effects were observed, understanding longer-term ecological feedback interactions that may follow from this major nutrient change under variable flow conditions will require more years of observations.
Relative Validity of the Meal-Based Diet History Questionnaire for Estimating Nutrient Intake among Japanese Women and Men aged 30–76 Years
Authors: Murakami Kentaro , Shinozaki Nana , Kimoto Nana , Masayasu Shizuko , Sasaki Satoshi
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the relative validity of the Meal-based Diet History Questionnaire (MDHQ) for estimating nutrient intake. Dietary data were obtained from 111 Japanese women and 111 Japanese men, using the online MDHQ and the 4-non-consecutive-day weighed dietary record (DR). The number of nutrients (total n = 46) showing no significant mean differences between estimates from the online MDHQ and DR (with energy adjustment by the density model) was 17 among women and 12 among men. The median value (25th and 75th percentiles) of the Pearson correlation coefficients between the online MDHQ and DR estimates was 0.54 (0.35–0.57) among women and 0.45 (0.25–0.53) among men. Bland–Altman plots for energy-providing nutrients indicated wide limits of agreement (and proportional bias for protein) with overall underestimation of protein and fat and overestimation of carbohydrate by the online MDHQ. Similar results were found when the paper version of the MDHQ (completed after the DR) was examined. For example, the median value of the Pearson correlation coefficients was 0.54 for women and 0.45 for men. This study suggests that the MDHQ has an acceptable ability to rank individuals according to intakes of a wide range of nutrients.
Intuitive Eating Behavior, Diet Quality and Metabolic Health in the Postpartum in Women with Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Quansah Dan Yedu , Schenk Sybille , Gilbert Leah , Arhab Amar , Gross Justine , Marques-Vidal Pedro-Manuel , Gonzalez Rodriguez Elena , Hans Didier , Horsch Antje , Puder Jardena J.
Published: October 2022

Little is known regarding intuitive eating (IE), diet quality and adherence. We investigated the associations between IE, diet quality and metabolic health after gestational diabetes (GDM), who have an increased diabetes risk. Data from 179 women with GDM from MySweetheart trial (NCT02872974) were analyzed. IE was assessed using the eating for physical rather than emotional reasons (EPR) and reliance on hunger and satiety cues (RHSC) subscales of the French Intuitive Eating Scale-2. Metabolic outcomes included weight, central body fat and insulin resistance. Diet quality was calculated using the Alternative Health Eating Index (AHEI) and compliance with national recommendations was evaluated. Both IE subscales were associated with lower BMI and fat mass (BIA) at 1-year postpartum (all p ≤ 0.034). The EPR subscale inversely correlated with fat mass (DXA) and visceral adipose tissue (both p ≤ 0.028), whereas RHSC with higher insulin sensitivity (Matsuda, p = 0.034). RHSC during pregnancy predicted increased AHEI (p = 0.043) at 1-year postpartum, whilst EPR predicted lower fat mass and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (all p ≤ 0.04). In longitudinal analyses, both subscales were associated with increased adherence to dairy and fiber intake recommendations (both p ≤ 0.023). These data suggest IE may be an interesting approach to improve diet quality and metabolic outcomes in women with GDM.
Effects of an Omega-3 Supplemented, High-Protein Diet in Combination with Vibration and Resistance Exercise on Muscle Power and Inflammation in Old Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Haß Ulrike , Kochlik Bastian , Herpich Catrin , Rudloff Stefan , Norman Kristina
Published: October 2022

Background: Inflammaging is considered to drive loss of muscle function. Omega-3 fatty acids exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, we examined the effects of eight weeks of vibration and home-based resistance exercise combined with a whey-enriched, omega-3-supplemented diet on muscle power, inflammation and muscle biomarkers in community-dwelling old adults. Methods: Participants were randomized to either exercise (3x/week, n = 20), exercise + high-protein diet (1.2–1.5 g/kg, n = 20), or exercise + high-protein and omega-3-enriched diet (2.2 g/day, n = 21). Muscle power (watt/m2) and chair rise test (CRT) time (s) were assessed via CRT measured with mechanography. Furthermore, leg strength (kg/m2) and fasting concentrations of inflammatory (interleukin (IL-) 6, IL-10, high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1)) and muscle biomarkers (insulin-like growth factor (IGF-) 1, IGF-binding protein-3, myostatin) were assessed. Results: Sixty-one participants (70.6 ± 4.7 years; 47% men) completed the study. According to generalized linear mixed models, a high-protein diet improved leg strength and CRT time. Only IGF-1 increased with additional omega-3. Sex-specific analyses revealed that muscle power, IL-6, IL-6/IL-10 ratio, and HMGB-1 improved significantly in the male high-protein, omega-3-enriched group only. Conclusion: Vibration and home-based resistance exercise combined with a high-protein, omega-3-enriched diet increased muscle power and reduced inflammation in old men, but not in old women. While muscle biomarkers remained unchanged, a high-protein diet combined with exercise improved leg strength and CRT time.
Long-Term Food Variety and Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Frailty among Chinese Older Adults: A Cohort Study Based on CLHLS from 2014 to 2018
Authors: Zhang Jiajun , Wang Qi , Hao Wenting , Zhu Dongshan
Published: October 2022

(1) Objective: To examine the association between posterior-derived dietary patterns, food variety, and frailty measured by frailty index (FI) in Chinese elderly. (2) Method: A cohort study based on the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) from 2014 to 2018 was conducted among older adults. The food variety was defined by the food variety score (FVS), which was calculated using the frequency of food categories consumption. Dietary patterns were obtained using factor analysis. A FI composed of 38 health deficits was used to measure subjects’ frailty status. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the correlation between dietary factors and the incidence of frailty. (3) Results: Compared with low FVS, a high dietary diversity score at baseline was not associated with a reduced incidence of frailty after four years. Regarding long-term food variety, compared with the low variety maintained group, people with high variety maintained were associated with a lower risk of frailty (0.59, 95%CI 0.39–0.90). Adherence to the “egg-bean-pickle-sugar pattern” and “fruit-vegetable-meat-fish pattern” was associated with a lower risk of frailty. (4) Conclusion: Maintaining high food variety and adherence to two patterns, i.e., the egg-bean-pickle-sugar pattern and fruit-vegetable-meat-fish pattern, could reduce the incidence of frailty among Chinese older adults.
Participating in the Illness Journey: Meanings of Being a Close Relative to an Older Person Recovering from Hip Fracture—A Phenomenological Hermeneutical Study
Authors: Segevall Cecilia , Söderberg Siv
Published: October 2022

When an older person suffers an acute event, such as a hip fracture, it influences the whole family. Research shows that while close relatives want to be a part of the older person’s life during recovery it is associated with a high perceived level of stress and burden. To provide in-depth knowledge of close relatives’ experiences in this situation, the aim of this study was to elucidate meanings of being a close relative to an older person recovering from hip fracture surgery. This study has a qualitative descriptive phenomenological hermeneutical design. Narrative interviews were conducted with ten close relatives. Analysis was conducted using phenomenological hermeneutical interpretation which provided a deeper understanding of the close relatives’ lived experiences of their older person’s recovery from hip fracture surgery. The structural analysis revealed two themes; “Participating in the illness journey”, which was constructed of the subthemes of facing the unimaginable yet expected, encountering healthcare personnel, and noticing recovery and “Putting oneself aside”, which was constructed of the subthemes of placing daily life on hold, giving support, and feeling concern and fear.
The Fight against Plant-Parasitic Nematodes: Current Status of Bacterial and Fungal Biocontrol Agents
Authors: Pires David , Vicente Cláudia S. L. , Menéndez Esther , Faria Jorge M. S. , Rusinque Leidy , Camacho Maria J. , Inácio Maria L.
Published: October 2022

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are among the most notorious and underrated threats to food security and plant health worldwide, compromising crop yields and causing billions of dollars of losses annually. Chemical control strategies rely heavily on synthetic chemical nematicides to reduce PPN population densities, but their use is being progressively restricted due to environmental and human health concerns, so alternative control methods are urgently needed. Here, we review the potential of bacterial and fungal agents to suppress the most important PPNs, namely Aphelenchoides besseyi, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, Ditylenchus dipsaci, Globodera spp., Heterodera spp., Meloidogyne spp., Nacobbus aberrans, Pratylenchus spp., Radopholus similis, Rotylenchulus reniformis, and Xiphinema index.
Reemerging Influenza Virus Infections during the Dominance of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variant in Mexico
Authors: Ríos-Silva Mónica , Trujillo Xóchitl , Huerta Miguel , Benites-Godínez Verónica , Guzmán-Esquivel José , Bricio-Barrios Jaime Alberto , Mendoza-Cano Oliver , Lugo-Radillo Agustín , Murillo-Zamora Efrén
Published: October 2022

The burden of influenza in Mexico has been high. We aimed to characterize its epidemiological patterns before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A retrospective cohort study was conducted and 5652 PCR-confirmed cases of influenza (October 2019–April 2022) were analyzed. The highest incidence (144 per million) was observed in December 2019 and rapidly decreased right before the start of the pandemic (February 2020). No cases were documented in the 2020–2021 season, and infections reemerged at a low level (8 per million) in December 2021. The case-fatality rates were around 5% in both seasons (p = 0.591). The dominant strains were AH1N1 and AH3N2 in the 2019–2020 and 2021–2022 seasons, respectively. In multiple analysis, males and older patients were at increased risk of a fatal outcome. Flu vaccination and infection by B lineages (vs. AH1N1) showed a protective effect. Our results suggest that the spread of the influenza virus reemerged in the 2021–2022 season when the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was dominant. Efforts focusing on the prevention of transmission of respiratory viral pathogens, together with flu vaccination, may be useful to reduce the risk of an influenza outbreak.
Heparin and Heparin-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Pleiotropic Molecular Effects at Multiple Drug Resistance of Osteosarcoma and Immune Cells
Authors: Todosenko Natalia , Yurova Kristina , Khaziakhmatova Olga , Malashchenko Vladimir , Khlusov Igor , Litvinova Larisa
Published: October 2022

One of the main problems of modern health care is the growing number of oncological diseases both in the elderly and young population. Inadequately effective chemotherapy, which remains the main method of cancer control, is largely associated with the emergence of multidrug resistance in tumor cells. The search for new solutions to overcome the resistance of malignant cells to pharmacological agents is being actively pursued. Another serious problem is immunosuppression caused both by the tumor cells themselves and by antitumor drugs. Of great interest in this context is heparin, a biomolecule belonging to the class of glycosaminoglycans and possessing a broad spectrum of biological activity, including immunomodulatory and antitumor properties. In the context of the rapid development of the new field of “osteoimmunology,” which focuses on the collaboration of bone and immune cells, heparin and delivery systems based on it may be of intriguing importance for the oncotherapy of malignant bone tumors. Osteosarcoma is a rare but highly aggressive, chemoresistant malignant tumor that affects young adults and is characterized by constant recurrence and metastasis. This review describes the direct and immune-mediated regulatory effects of heparin and drug delivery systems based on it on the molecular mechanisms of (multiple) drug resistance in (onco) pathological conditions of bone tissue, especially osteosarcoma.
The Rate of Cisplatin Dosing Affects the Resistance and Metastatic Potential of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells, Independent of Hypoxia
Authors: Bhatavdekar Omkar , Godet Inês , Gilkes Daniele , Sofou Stavroula
Published: October 2022

To best control tumor growth and/or metastasis in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), it may be useful to understand the effect(s) of chemotherapy delivery (i.e., the rate and pattern of exposure to the drug) on cell sub-populations that have experienced different levels of hypoxia (and/or acidosis). In this spirit, MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells, and their hypoxia-reporter counterparts, were characterized for their sensitivity to cisplatin. When in the form of multicellular spheroids, that capture the diffusion-limited transport that generates hypoxic and acidic subregions within the avascular areas of solid tumors, the effects of the rate and pattern of exposure to cisplatin on cell viability and motility/migration potential were evaluated for each cell sub-population. We demonstrated that cell sensitivity to cisplatin was not dependent on acidosis, but cell resistance increased with exposure to hypoxia. In spheroids, the increase of the rates of cell exposure to cisplatin, at a constant cumulative dose, increased sensitivity to chemotherapy and lowered the cells’ metastatic potential, even for cells that had experienced hypoxia. This effect was also shown to be caused by nanocarriers engineered to quickly release cisplatin which deeply penetrated the spheroid interstitium, resulting in the fast and uniform exposure of the TNBC tumors to the agent. This rate and dosing-controlled model may effectively limit growth and/or metastasis, independent of hypoxia. This mode of chemotherapy delivery can be enabled by engineered nanocarriers.
Highly Efficient White Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Phosphorescent Iridium Complexes with Multi-Light-Emitting Layers
Authors: Wu Ruixia , Li Xiaokang , Liu Weiqiang , Zhou Liang
Published: October 2022

White organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs) incorporating a blend of blue, green and red phosphorescent small molecular materials are presented in this article. 4,4′,4″-Tris(carbazol-9-yl)triphenylamine (TcTa) and 9-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)-3,6-bis(triphenylsilyl)-9H-carbazole (CzSi) with different transmission characteristics were selected as hosts for different emitting layers aim to promote holes transport, which will reinforce carriers’ balance and broaden carrier composite. On account of adaptive energy levels of the utilized dopants and hosts, secured phosphorescent WOLED displayed high efficiencies, low operating voltage and slow efficiency roll-off. In addition, distribution of carriers’ recombination zone and spectral of change were studied in detail to further understand the light-emitting mechanisms of obtained WOLEDs. Finally, by majorizing the dosage concentration of (fbi)2Ir(acac) (bis(2-(9,9-diethyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)-1-phenyl-1H-benzoimidazol-N,C3)iridium(acetylacetonate)) and the architectures of WOLEDs, the optimal device exhibited the maximum efficiencies of 44.92 cd A−1, 42.85 lm W−1, 16.8%, respectively, turn on voltage of 2.6 V and Commission International de l’Eclairage coordinates of (0.337, 0.458) at the brightness level of 3000 cd m−2.
Impacts of Different Light Spectra on CBD, CBDA and Terpene Concentrations in Relation to the Flower Positions of Different Cannabis Sativa L. Strains
Authors: Reichel Philipp , Munz Sebastian , Hartung Jens , Kotiranta Stiina , Graeff-Hönninger Simone
Published: October 2022

Cannabis is one of the oldest cultivated plants, but plant breeding and cultivation are restricted by country-specific regulations. The plant has gained interest due to its medically important secondary metabolites, cannabinoids and terpenes. Besides biotic and abiotic stress factors, secondary metabolism can be manipulated by changing light quality and intensity. In this study, three morphologically different cannabis strains were grown in a greenhouse experiment under three different light spectra with three real light repetitions. The chosen light sources were as follows: a CHD Agro 400 ceramic metal-halide lamp with a sun-like broad spectrum and an R:FR ratio of 2.8, and two LED lamps, a Solray (SOL) and an AP67, with R:FR ratios of 13.49 and 4, respectively. The results of the study indicated that the considered light spectra significantly influenced CBDA and terpene concentrations in the plants. In addition to the different light spectra, the distributions of secondary metabolites were influenced by flower positions. The distributions varied between strains and indicated interactions between morphology and the chosen light spectra. Thus, the results demonstrate that secondary metabolism can be artificially manipulated by the choice of light spectrum, illuminant and intensity. Furthermore, the data imply that, besides the cannabis strain selected, flower position can have an impact on the medicinal potencies and concentrations of secondary metabolites.
Effect of Temperature and Radiation on Indica Rice Yield and Quality in Middle Rice Cropping System
Authors: Tu Debao , Wu Wenge , Xi Min , Zhou Yongjin , Xu Youzun , Chen Jinhua , Shao Caihong , Zhang Yuping , Zhao Quanzhi
Published: October 2022

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is cultivated in a wide range of climatic conditions, thereby inducing great variations in the rice growth, yield and quality. However, the comprehensive effects of temperature and solar radiation under different ecological regions on the rice growth, yield and quality are not well understood, especially in a middle rice cropping system. The rice growth, yield- and quality-related traits were investigated under different ecological regions. Among different areas, the days before the heading stage and after the heading stage of six cultivars ranged from 80 to 120 and from 30 to 50. The gaps of the grain yield, head rice rate, chalky grain rate and chalkiness level were about 1.2–52.4%, 1.0–3.0%, 2.7–12.7% and 0.3–4.5%, respectively. This study demonstrated that in these regions, temperature is a limiting factor compared with radiation. Moreover, the rice growth, yield and quality were closely associated with daily air (DT), maximum (MaT), minimum (MiT) and effective accumulated temperatures (EAT). An excellent rice growth, a high grain yield and an excellent quality could be achieved if the EAT was higher than 1592 °C·d and the MiT was lower than 23.1 °C before the heading stage, and if the DT, MiT and MaT were lower than 25.7 °C, 22.0 °C and 30 °C after the heading stage, respectively. These findings served as an important reference for optimizing cultivar selection for a specific area and determining suitable areas for a certain variety.
High Recovery from Either Waterlogging or Drought Overrides Any Beneficial Acclimation of Chloris gayana Facing a Subsequent Round of Stress
Authors: Mollard Federico P. O. , Di Bella Carla E. , Loguzzo María B. , Grimoldi Agustín A. , Striker Gustavo G.
Published: October 2022

Climate models predict that plants will face extreme fluctuations in water availability in future global change scenarios. Then, forage production will be more frequently subjected to the destabilizing pressure of sequentially occurring waterlogging and drought events. While the isolated effects of drought (D) and waterlogging (WL) are well characterized, little is known about the consequences when both stresses occur sequentially. We hypothesized that plants sequentially subjected to opposite water scenarios (D followed by WL or vice versa) are less stress tolerant than plants experiencing repetitions of the same type of water stress (i.e., D + D or WL + WL) due to contrasting acclimation and allocation to either shoots (WL) or roots (D). Chloris gayana (a tropical forage grass capable of tolerating either D and WL) plants were randomly assigned to nine treatments (a sequence of two stress rounds—WL or D—each followed by a recovery phase at field capacity). Relative growth rates and allometric responses were measured after each stress round and recovery period. In the first round of stress, both WL and D reduced plant RGR similarly, despite their allocation being opposite—prioritizing shoots or roots under WL and D, respectively. The high recovery displayed after either WL or D overrode any possible acclimation of the plants facing a second round of water stress. We conclude that the tolerance of C. gayana to sequential water stress (either for WL or D) is likely to depend more heavily on its recovery ability than on its previous adjustment to any stress scenario that may evoke memory responses. Knowledge like this could help improve forage grass breeding and the selection of cultivars for poorly drained soils subject to sequential stress events.