bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo and In Vitro Assays Evaluating the Biological Activity of Taurine, Glucose and Energetic Beverages
Authors: Mateo-Fernández Marcos , Valenzuela-Gómez Fernando , Font Rafael , Del Río-Celestino Mercedes , Merinas-Amo Tania , Alonso-Moraga Ángeles
Published: April 2021

Taurine is one of the main ingredients used in energy drinks which are highly consumed in adolescents for their sugary taste and stimulating effect. With energy drinks becoming a worldwide phenomenon, the biological effects of these beverages must be evaluated in order to fully comprehend the potential impact of these products on the health due to the fact nutrition is closely related to science since the population consumes food to prevent certain diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of taurine, glucose, classic Red Bull® and sugar-free Red Bull® in order to check the food safety and the nutraceutical potential of these compounds, characterising different endpoints: (i) Toxicology, antitoxicology, genotoxicology and life expectancy assays were performed in the Drosophila melanogaster model organism; (ii) The in vitro chemopreventive activity of testing compounds was determined by assessing their cytotoxicity, the proapoptotic DNA-damage capability to induce internucleosomal fragmentation, the strand breaks activity and the modulator role on the methylation status of genomic repetitive sequences of HL-60 promyelocytic cells. Whereas none tested compounds showed toxic or genotoxic effect, all tested compounds exerted antitoxic and antigenotoxic activity in Drosophila. Glucose, classic Red Bull® and sugar-free Red Bull® were cytotoxic in HL-60 cell line. Classic Red Bull® induced DNA internucleosomal fragmentation although none of them exhibited DNA damage on human leukaemia cells. In conclusion, the tested compounds are safe on Drosophila melanogaster and classic Red Bull® could overall possess nutraceutical potential in the in vivo and in vitro model used in this study. Besides, taurine could holistically be one of the bioactive compounds responsible for the biological activity of classic Red Bull®.
Bioassay-Guided Identification of the Antiproliferative Compounds of Cissus trifoliata and the Transcriptomic Effect of Resveratrol in Prostate Cancer Pc3 Cells
Authors: Méndez-López Luis Fernando , Caboni Pierluigi , Arredondo-Espinoza Eder , Carrizales-Castillo Juan J. J. , Balderas-Rentería Isaías , Camacho-Corona María del Rayo
Published: April 2021

The bioassay-guided fractionation of a CHCl3-MeOH extract from the stems of Cissus trifoliata identified an active fraction against PC3 prostate cancer cells. The treatment for 24 h showed an 80% reduction in cell viability (p ≤ 0.05) by a WST-1 assay at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. The HPLC-QTOF-MS analysis of the fraction showed the presence of coumaric and isoferulic acids, apigenin, kaempferol, chrysoeriol, naringenin, ursolic and betulinic acids, hexadecadienoic and octadecadienoic fatty acids, and the stilbene resveratrol. The exposure of PC3 cells to resveratrol (IC25 = 23 μg/mL) for 24 h induced significant changes in 847 genes (Z-score ≥ ±2). The functional classification tool of the DAVID v6.8 platform indicates that the underlying molecular mechanisms against the proliferation of PC3 cells were associated (p ≤ 0.05) with the process of differentiation and metabolism. These findings provide experimental evidence suggesting the potential of C. trifoliata as a promising natural source of anticancer compounds.
Bimetallic Iron–Palladium Catalyst System as a Lewis-Acid for the Synthesis of Novel Pharmacophores Based Indole Scaffold as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Ali M. , Al-Majid Abdullah Mohammed , Alamary Abdullah Saleh , Alshahrani Saeed , Yousuf Sammer , Choudhary Muhammad Iqbal , Barakat Assem
Published: April 2021

The Friedel–Crafts reaction between substituted indoles as nucleophiles with chalcones-based benzofuran and benzothiophene scaffolds was carried out by employing a highly efficient bimetallic iron–palladium catalyst system. This catalytic approach produced the desired bis-heteroaryl products with low catalyst loading, a simple procedure, and with acceptable yield. All synthesized indole scaffolds 3a–3s were initially evaluated for their cytotoxic effect against human fibroblast BJ cell lines and appeared to be non-cytotoxic. All non-cytotoxic compounds 3a–3s were then evaluated for their anticancer activities against cervical cancer HeLa, prostate cancer PC3, and breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines, in comparison to standard drug doxorubicin, with IC50 values 1.9 ± 0.4 µM, 0.9 ± 0.14 µM and 0.79 ± 0.05 µM, respectively, and appeared to be moderate to weak anticancer agents. Fluoro-substituted chalcone moiety-containing compounds, 3b appeared to be the most active member of the series against cervical HeLa (IC50 = 8.2 ± 0.2 µM) and breast MCF-7 cancer cell line (IC50 = 12.3 ± 0.04 µM), whereas 6-fluroindol-4-bromophenyl chalcone-containing compound 3e (IC50 = 7.8 ± 0.4 µM) appeared to be more active against PC3 prostate cancer cell line.
Quantitative GC–MS Analysis of Artificially Aged Paints with Variable Pigment and Linseed Oil Ratios
Authors: Tammekivi Eliise , Vahur Signe , Vilbaste Martin , Leito Ivo
Published: April 2021

In this study, quantitative gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis was used to evaluate the influence of pigment concentration on the drying of oil paints. Seven sets of artificially aged self-made paints with different pigments (yellow ochre, red ochre, natural cinnabar, zinc white, Prussian blue, chrome oxide green, hematite + kaolinite) and linseed oil mixtures were analysed. In the pigment + linseed oil mixtures, linseed oil concentration varied in the range of 10 to 95 g/100 g. The results demonstrate that the commonly used palmitic acid to stearic acid ratio (P/S) to distinguish between drying oils varied in a vast range (from especially low 0.6 to a common 1.6) even though the paints contained the same linseed oil. Therefore, the P/S ratio is an unreliable parameter, and other criteria should be included for confirmation. The pigment concentration had a substantial effect on the values used to characterise the degree of drying (azelaic acid to palmitic acid ratio (A/P) and the relative content of dicarboxylic acids (∑D)). The absolute quantification showed that almost all oil paint mock-ups were influenced by pigment concentration. Therefore, pigment concentration needs to be considered as another factor when characterising oil-based paint samples based on the lipid profile.
Synthesis of 4-Arylselanyl-1H-1,2,3-triazoles from Selenium-Containing Carbinols
Authors: Begini Francesca , Balaguez Renata A. , Larroza Allya , Lopes Eric F. , Lenardão Eder João , Santi Claudio , Alves Diego
Published: April 2021

In this work, we present a simple way to achieve 4-arylselanyl-1H-1,2,3-triazoles from selenium-containing carbinols in a one-pot strategy. The selenium-containing carbinols were used as starting materials to produce a range of selanyl-triazoles in moderate to good yields, including a quinoline and Zidovudine derivatives. One-pot protocols are crucial to the current concerns about waste production and solvent consumption, avoiding the isolation and purification steps of the reactive terminal selanylalkynes. We could also isolate an interesting and unprecedented by-product with one alkynylselenium moiety connected to the triazole.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Modeling of Aza-Crown Ethers
Authors: Basok Stepan S. , Schepetkin Igor A. , Khlebnikov Andrei I. , Lutsyuk Anatoliy F. , Kirichenko Tatiana I. , Kirpotina Liliya N. , Pavlovsky Victor I. , Leonov Klim A. , Vishenkova Darya A. , Quinn Mark T.
Published: April 2021

Synthetic and natural ionophores have been developed to catalyze ion transport and have been shown to exhibit a variety of biological effects. We synthesized 24 aza- and diaza-crown ethers containing adamantyl, adamantylalkyl, aminomethylbenzoyl, and ε-aminocaproyl substituents and analyzed their biological effects in vitro. Ten of the compounds (8, 10–17, and 21) increased intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in human neutrophils, with the most potent being compound 15 (N,N’-bis[2-(1-adamantyl)acetyl]-4,10-diaza-15-crown-5), suggesting that these compounds could alter normal neutrophil [Ca2+]i flux. Indeed, a number of these compounds (i.e., 8, 10–17, and 21) inhibited [Ca2+]i flux in human neutrophils activated by N-formyl peptide (fMLF). Some of these compounds also inhibited chemotactic peptide-induced [Ca2+]i flux in HL60 cells transfected with N-formyl peptide receptor 1 or 2 (FPR1 or FPR2). In addition, several of the active compounds inhibited neutrophil reactive oxygen species production induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and neutrophil chemotaxis toward fMLF, as both of these processes are highly dependent on regulated [Ca2+]i flux. Quantum chemical calculations were performed on five structure-related diaza-crown ethers and their complexes with Ca2+, Na+, and K+ to obtain a set of molecular electronic properties and to correlate these properties with biological activity. According to density-functional theory (DFT) modeling, Ca2+ ions were more effectively bound by these compounds versus Na+ and K+. The DFT-optimized structures of the ligand-Ca2+ complexes and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis showed that the carbonyl oxygen atoms of the N,N’-diacylated diaza-crown ethers participated in cation binding and could play an important role in Ca2+ transfer. Thus, our modeling experiments provide a molecular basis to explain at least part of the ionophore mechanism of biological action of aza-crown ethers.
Quo Vadis Advanced Prostate Cancer Therapy? Novel Treatment Perspectives and Possible Future Directions
Authors: Kvízová Jana , Pavlíčková Vladimíra , Kmoníčková Eva , Ruml Tomáš , Rimpelová Silvie
Published: April 2021

Prostate cancer is a very common disease, which is, unfortunately, often the cause of many male deaths. This is underlined by the fact that the early stages of prostate cancer are often asymptomatic. Therefore, the disease is usually detected and diagnosed at late advanced or even metastasized stages, which are already difficult to treat. Hence, it is important to pursue research and development not only in terms of novel diagnostic methods but also of therapeutic ones, as well as to increase the effectiveness of the treatment by combinational medicinal approach. Therefore, in this review article, we focus on recent approaches and novel potential tools for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer; these include not only androgen deprivation therapy, antiandrogen therapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, immunotherapy, multimodal therapy, but also poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, Akt and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors.
High-Performance Blue Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode via Solvent Optimization Strategy for ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Ji , Wang Lixi , Zhao Xueliang , Shi Yutong , Shi Yongjiao , Liu Ting
Published: April 2021

Here, we report on the high-performance blue quantum dots (QDs) light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), in which the ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are employed as the electron transport layer (ETL) and optimized with different alcohol solvents. The experimental results demonstrate that the properties of solvent used for ZnO NPs—such as polarity, viscosity and boiling point—play a crucial role in the quality of film where they modulate the electron injection across the QDs/ETL interface. The maximum current efficiency of 3.02 cd/A and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 3.3% are achieved for blue QLEDs with ZnO NPs dispersed in butanol, exhibiting obvious enhancement compared with the other solvents. This work provides a new method to select proper solvent for ETL which can further improve the device performance.
Development of a Novel Multifunctional Cementitious-Based Geocomposite by the Contribution of CNT and GNP
Authors: Abedi Mohammadmahdi , Fangueiro Raul , Correia António Gomes
Published: April 2021

In this study, a self-sensing cementitious stabilized sand (CSS) was developed by the incorporation of hybrid carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) based on the piezoresistivity principle. For this purpose, different concentrations of CNTs and GNPs (1:1) were dispersed into the CSS, and specimens were fabricated using the standard compaction method with optimum moisture. The mechanical and microstructural, durability, and piezoresistivity performances, of CSS were investigated by various tests after 28 days of hydration. The results showed that the incorporation of 0.1%, 0.17%, and 0.24% CNT/GNP into the stabilized sand with 10% cement caused an increase in UCS of about 65%, 31%, and 14%, respectively, compared to plain CSS. An excessive increase in the CNM concentration beyond 0.24% to 0.34% reduced the UCS by around 13%. The addition of 0.1% CNMs as the optimum concentration increased the maximum dry density of the CSS as well as leading to optimum moisture reduction. Reinforcing CSS with the optimum concentration of CNT/GNP improved the hydration rate and durability of the specimens against severe climatic cycles, including freeze–thaw and wetting–drying. The addition of 0.1%, 0.17%, 0.24%, and 0.34% CNMs into the CSS resulted in gauge factors of about 123, 139, 151, and 173, respectively. However, the Raman and X-ray analysis showed the negative impacts of harsh climatic cycles on the electrical properties of the CNT/GNP and sensitivity of nano intruded CSS.
Adsorption Characteristics of Pristine and Magnetic Olive Stones Biochar with Respect to Clofazimine
Authors: El-Azazy Marwa , Nabil Iman , Hassan Siham S. , El-Shafie Ahmed S.
Published: April 2021

Olive stone biochars (OSBC), both pristine and following magnetization (MAG–OSBC), were utilized as eco-friendly and cost-effective sorbents for the antituberculosis, clofazimine (CLOF). Morphologies, textures, surface functionalities, and thermal stabilities of both adsorbents were explored using SEM, EDX, TEM, BET, FT-IR, Raman, XRD and TGA analyses. SEM analysis showed meso- and macroporous surfaces. BET data showed that the MAG–OSBC possesses a larger surface area (33.82 m2/g) and pore volume. Batch adsorption studies were conducted following the experimental scenario of Box–Behnken (BB) design. The adsorption efficiency of both adsorbents was evaluated in terms of the % removal (%R) and the sorption capacity (qe, mg/g). Dependent variables (%R and qe) were maximized as a function of four factors: pH, sorbent dose (AD), the concentration of CLOF ([CLOF]), and contact time (CT). A %R of 98.10% and 98.61% could be obtained using OSBC and MAG–OSBC, respectively. Equilibrium studies indicated that both Langmuir and Freundlich models were perfectly fit for adsorption of CLOF. Maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 174.03 mg/g was obtained using MAG–OSBC. Adsorption kinetics could be best illustrated using the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model. The adsorption–desorption studies showed that both adsorbents could be restored with the adsorption efficiency being conserved up to 92% after the sixth cycles.
New Insights on the Conversion Reaction Mechanism in Metal Oxide Electrodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Mosa Jadra , García-García Francisco José , González-Elipe Agustín R. , Aparicio Mario
Published: April 2021

Due to the abundance and low cost of exchanged metal, sodium-ion batteries have attracted increasing research attention for the massive energy storage associated with renewable energy sources. Nickel oxide (NiO) thin films have been prepared by magnetron sputtering (MS) deposition under an oblique angle configuration (OAD) and used as electrodes for Na-ion batteries. A systematic chemical, structural and electrochemical analysis of this electrode has been carried out. The electrochemical characterization by galvanostatic charge–discharge cycling and cyclic voltammetry has revealed a certain loss of performance after the initial cycling of the battery. The conversion reaction of NiO with sodium ions during the discharge process to generate sodium oxide and Ni metal has been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and micro-Raman analysis. Likewise, it has been determined that the charging process is not totally reversible, causing a reduction in battery capacity.
Deep Learning Based Instance Segmentation of Titanium Dioxide Particles in the Form of Agglomerates in Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Monchot Paul , Coquelin Loïc , Guerroudj Khaled , Feltin Nicolas , Delvallée Alexandra , Crouzier Loïc , Fischer Nicolas
Published: April 2021

The size characterization of particles present in the form of agglomerates in images measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) requires a powerful image segmentation tool in order to properly define the boundaries of each particle. In this work, we propose to use an algorithm from the deep statistical learning community, the Mask-RCNN, coupled with transfer learning to overcome the problem of generalization of the commonly used image processing methods such as watershed or active contour. Indeed, the adjustment of the parameters of these algorithms is almost systematically necessary and slows down the automation of the processing chain. The Mask-RCNN is adapted here to the case study and we present results obtained on titanium dioxide samples (non-spherical particles) with a level of performance evaluated by different metrics such as the DICE coefficient, which reaches an average value of 0.95 on the test images.
Synthesis of Polystyrene-Based Cationic Nanomaterials with Pro-Oxidant Cytotoxic Activity on Etoposide-Resistant Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Alfei Silvana , Marengo Barbara , Valenti Giulia , Domenicotti Cinzia
Published: April 2021

Drug resistance is a multifactorial phenomenon that limits the action of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics. Therefore, it is essential to develop new therapeutic strategies capable of inducing cytotoxic effects circumventing chemoresistance. In this regard, the employment of natural and synthetic cationic peptides and polymers has given satisfactory results both in microbiology, as antibacterial agents, but also in the oncological field, resulting in effective treatment against several tumors, including neuroblastoma (NB). To this end, two polystyrene-based copolymers (P5, P7), containing primary ammonium groups, were herein synthetized and tested on etoposide-sensitive (HTLA-230) and etoposide-resistant (HTLA-ER) NB cells. Both copolymers were water-soluble and showed a positive surface charge due to nitrogen atoms, which resulted in protonation in the whole physiological pH range. Furthermore, P5 and P7 exhibited stability in solution, excellent buffer capacity, and nanosized particles, and they were able to reduce NB cell viability in a concentration-dependent way. Interestingly, a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was observed in both NB cell populations treated with P5 or P7, establishing for both copolymers an unequivocal correlation between cytotoxicity and ROS generation. Therefore, P5 and P7 could be promising template macromolecules for the development of new chemotherapeutic agents able to fight NB chemoresistance.
Properties and Mechanism of PEALD-In2O3 Thin Films Prepared by Different Precursor Reaction Energy
Authors: Zhao Ming-Jie , Zhang Zhi-Xuan , Hsu Chia-Hsun , Zhang Xiao-Ying , Wu Wan-Yu , Lien Shui-Yang , Zhu Wen-Zhang
Published: April 2021

Indium oxide (In2O3) film has excellent optical and electrical properties, which makes it useful for a multitude of applications. The preparation of In2O3 film via atomic layer deposition (ALD) method remains an issue as most of the available In-precursors are inactive and thermally unstable. In this work, In2O3 film was prepared by ALD using a remote O2 plasma as oxidant, which provides highly reactive oxygen radicals, and hence significantly enhancing the film growth. The substrate temperature that determines the adsorption state on the substrate and reaction energy of the precursor was investigated. At low substrate temperature (100–150 °C), the ratio of chemically adsorbed precursors is low, leading to a low growth rate and amorphous structure of the films. An amorphous-to-crystalline transition was observed at 150–200 °C. An ALD window with self-limiting reaction and a reasonable film growth rate was observed in the intermediate temperature range of 225–275 °C. At high substrate temperature (300–350 °C), the film growth rate further increases due to the decomposition of the precursors. The resulting film exhibits a rough surface which consists of coarse grains and obvious grain boundaries. The growth mode and properties of the In2O3 films prepared by plasma-enhanced ALD can be efficiently tuned by varying the substrate temperature.
Monitoring Dark-State Dynamics of a Single Nitrogen-Vacancy Center in Nanodiamond by Auto-Correlation Spectroscopy: Photonionization and Recharging
Authors: Zhang Mengdi , Li Bai-Yan , Liu Jing
Published: April 2021

In this letter, the photon-induced charge conversion dynamics of a single Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) center in nanodiamond between two charge states, negative (NV−) and neutral (NV0), is studied by the auto-correlation function. It is observed that the ionization of NV− converts to NV0, which is regarded as the dark state of the NV−, leading to fluorescence intermittency in single NV centers. A new method, based on the auto-correlation calculation of the time-course fluorescence intensity from NV centers, was developed to quantify the transition kinetics and yielded the calculation of transition rates from NV− to NV0 (ionization) and from NV0 to NV− (recharging). Based on our experimental investigation, we found that the NV−-NV0 transition is wavelength-dependent, and more frequent transitions were observed when short-wavelength illumination was used. From the analysis of the auto-correlation curve, it is found that the transition time of NV− to NV0 (ionization) is around 0.1 μs, but the transition time of NV0 to NV− (recharging) is around 20 ms. Power-dependent measurements reveal that the ionization rate increases linearly with the laser power, while the recharging rate has a quadratic increase with the laser power. This difference suggests that the ionization in the NV center is a one-photon process, while the recharging of NV0 to NV− is a two-photon process. This work, which offers theoretical and experimental explanations of the emission property of a single NV center, is expected to help the utilization of the NV center for quantum information science, quantum communication, and quantum bioimaging.
Decrease in the Crystallite Diameter of Solid Crystalline Magnetite around the Curie Temperature by Microwave Magnetic Fields Irradiation
Authors: Tsuchida Takayuki , Fukushima Jun , Takizawa Hirotsugu
Published: April 2021

A decrease in the crystallite diameter of ferrites irradiated with microwaves has been considered as a non-thermal effect of so-called de-crystallization; however, its mechanism has not been elucidated. We hypothesized that a decrease in the crystallite diameter is caused by interaction between the ordered spins of ferrite and the magnetic field of microwaves. To verify this, we focused on magnetite with a Curie temperature of 585 °C. Temperature dependence around this temperature and time dependence of the crystallite diameter of the magnetite irradiated with microwaves at different temperatures and durations were investigated. From the X-ray diffraction data, the crystallite diameter of magnetite exhibited a minimum value at 500 °C, just below the Curie temperature of magnetite, where the energy loss of the interaction between magnetite’s spins and the microwaves takes the maximum value. The crystallite diameter exhibited a minimum value at 5 min irradiation time, during which the microwaves were excessively absorbed. Transmission electron microscopy observations showed that the microstructure of irradiated magnetite in this study was different from that reported previously, indicating that a decrease in the crystallite diameter is not caused by de-crystallization but its similar phenomenon. A decrease in coercivity and lowering temperature of Verwey transition were observed, evidencing decreased crystallite diameter. This study can thus contribute to the development of the theory of a non-thermal effect.
Improved Mechanical Properties of Ultra-High Shear Force Mixed Reduced Graphene Oxide/Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite Produced Using Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Wang Bing-Yen , Hsu Steven , Chou Chia-Man , Wu Tair-I , Hsiao Vincent K. S.
Published: April 2021

The addition of nanomaterials, such as graphene and graphene oxide, can improve the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposites (NCPs). However, both the dispersive state of the starting materials and the sintering process play central roles in improving the mechanical properties of the final HA NCPs. Herein, we studied the mechanical properties of a reduced graphene oxide (r-GO)/HA NCP, for which an ultra-high shear force was used to achieve a nano-sized mixture through the dispersion of r-GO. A low-temperature, short-duration spark plasma sintering (SPS) process was used to realize high-density, non-decomposing r-GO/HA NCPs with an improved fracture toughness of 97.8% via the addition of 0.5 wt.% r-GO. Greater quantities of r-GO improve the hardness and the fracture strength. The improved mechanical properties of r-GO/HA NCPs suggest their future applicability in biomedical engineering, including use as sintered bodies in dentistry, plasma spray-coatings for metal surfaces, and materials for 3D printing in orthopedics.
The Formation of Mn-Ce Oxide Catalysts for CO Oxidation by Oxalate Route: The Role of Manganese Content
Authors: Bulavchenko Olga A. , Afonasenko Tatyana N. , Osipov Alexey R. , Pochtar’ Alena A. , Saraev Andrey A. , Vinokurov Zahar S. , Gerasimov Evgeny Yu. , Tsybulya Sergey V.
Published: April 2021

The Mn-Ce oxide catalysts active in the oxidation of CO were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), transition electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-Ray (EDX), and a differential dissolution technique. The Mn-Ce catalysts were prepared by thermal decomposition of oxalates by varying the Mn:Ce ratio. The nanocrystalline oxides with a fluorite structure and particle sizes of 4–6 nm were formed. The introduction of manganese led to a reduction of the oxide particle size, a decrease in the surface area, and the formation of a MnyCe1−yO2−δ solid solution. An increase in the manganese content resulted in the formation of manganese oxides such as Mn2O3, Mn3O4, and Mn5O8. The catalytic activity as a function of the manganese content had a volcano-like shape. The best catalytic performance was exhibited by the catalyst containing ca. 50 at.% Mn due to the high specific surface area, the formation of the solid solution, and the maximum content of the solid solution.
Stabilization of Li0.33La0.55TiO3 Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layer and Enhancement of Cycling Performance of LiNi0.5Co0.3Mn0.2O2 Battery Cathode with Buffer Layer
Authors: Tan Feihu , An Hua , Li Ning , Du Jun , Peng Zhengchun
Published: April 2021

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are attractive for energy storage, mainly because introducing solid-state electrolytes significantly improves the battery performance in terms of safety, energy density, process compatibility, etc., compared with liquid electrolytes. However, the ionic conductivity of the solid-state electrolyte and the interface between the electrolyte and the electrode are two key factors that limit the performance of ASSBs. In this work, we investigated the structure of a Li0.33La0.55TiO3 (LLTO) thin-film solid electrolyte and the influence of different interfaces between LLTO electrolytes and electrodes on battery performance. The maximum ionic conductivity of the LLTO was 7.78 × 10−5 S/cm. Introducing a buffer layer could drastically improve the battery charging and discharging performance and cycle stability. Amorphous SiO2 allowed good physical contact with the electrode and the electrolyte, reduced the interface resistance, and improved the rate characteristics of the battery. The battery with the optimized interface could achieve 30C current output, and its capacity was 27.7% of the initial state after 1000 cycles. We achieved excellent performance and high stability by applying the dense amorphous SiO2 buffer layer, which indicates a promising strategy for the development of ASSBs.
Numerical Study of Natural Convection Heat Transfer in a Porous Annulus Filled with a Cu-Nanofluid
Authors: Zhang Lingyun , Hu Yupeng , Li Minghai
Published: April 2021

Natural convection heat transfer in a porous annulus filled with a Cu nanofluid has been investigated numerically. The Darcy–Brinkman and the energy transport equations are employed to describe the nanofluid motion and the heat transfer in the porous medium. Numerical results including the isotherms, streamlines, and heat transfer rate are obtained under the following parameters: Brownian motion, Rayleigh number (103–105), Darcy number (10−4–10−2), nanoparticle volume fraction (0.01–0.09), nanoparticle diameter (10–90 nm), porosity (0.1–0.9), and radius ratio (1.1–10). Results show that Brownian motion should be considered. The nanoparticle volume fraction has a positive effect on the heat transfer rate, especially with high Rayleigh number and Darcy number, while the nanoparticle diameter has an inverse influence. The heat transfer rate is enhanced with the increase of porosity. The radius ratio has a significant influence on the isotherms, streamlines, and heat transfer rate, and the rate is greatly enhanced with the increase of radius ratio.
How Does the Dietary Intake of Female Field-Based Team Sport Athletes Compare to Dietary Recommendations for Health and Performance? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Renard Michèle , Kelly David T. , Chéilleachair Niamh Ní , Catháin Ciarán Ó
Published: April 2021

Field-based team sports present large energetic demands given their intermittent high-intensity nature. Current evidence suggests that the dietary intake of female athletes may be insufficient to meet such demands, resulting in negative consequences for athletic performance and health. The primary aim of this review was to therefore assess the adequacy of dietary intake of female field-based team sport athletes when compared to dietary recommendations. A systematic search of databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and OpenGrey, was performed from the earliest record available until July 2020, obtaining an initial total of 2588 articles. To be included within the final review, articles were required to provide a quantitative assessment of baseline dietary intake specific to the target population. A total of 20 studies (n = 462) met the full eligibility criteria. A majority reported that the dietary intake of female field-based team sport athletes was insufficient in overall energy (2064 ± 309 kcal·day−1), carbohydrate (4.3 ± 1.2 g·kg·day−1), and iron intake (13.6 ± 6.2 mg·day−1) when compared to recommendations. Future research is required to establish why female team sport athletes consistently demonstrate deficient dietary practices, and to explore the potential negative consequences of this.
Characterizing Micronutrient Status and Risk Factors among Late Adolescent and Young Women in Rural Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Assessment of the MaPPS Trial
Authors: Baxter Jo-Anna B. , Wasan Yaqub , Hussain Amjad , Soofi Sajid B. , Ahmed Imran , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: April 2021

Nutritional deficiencies are a leading underlying risk factor contributing to the global burden of disease. In Pakistan, late adolescence is considered a nutritionally vulnerable period, as micronutrient requirements are increased to support maturation, and dietary staples are nutrient poor. However, there has been limited evaluation of micronutrient status beyond anemia and its determinants. Using cross-sectional data from late adolescent and young women (15–23 years) at enrolment in the Matiari emPowerment and Preconception Supplementation (MaPPS) Trial, we aimed to describe the prevalence of key micronutrient deficiencies of public health concern, and generate hierarchical models to examine associations with proxies for social determinants of health (SDoH). The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies was high: 53.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 53.0–54.3%) had anemia; 38.0% (95% CI: 36.4–39.6%) iron deficiency anemia; 31.8% (95% CI: 30.2–33.3%) vitamin A deficiency; and 81.1% (95% CI: 79.8–82.4%) vitamin D deficiency. At least one deficiency was experienced by 91.0% (95% CI: 90.1–92.0%). Few SDoH were maintained in the final hierarchical models, although those maintained were often related to socioeconomic status (e.g., education, occupation). To improve the micronutrient status of late adolescent and young women in Pakistan, a direct micronutrient intervention is warranted, and should be paired with broader poverty alleviation methods.
Metabolic Basis of Creatine in Health and Disease: A Bioinformatics-Assisted Review
Authors: Bonilla Diego A. , Kreider Richard B. , Stout Jeffrey R. , Forero Diego A. , Kerksick Chad M. , Roberts Michael D. , Rawson Eric S.
Published: April 2021

Creatine (Cr) is a ubiquitous molecule that is synthesized mainly in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Most of the Cr pool is found in tissues with high-energy demands. Cr enters target cells through a specific symporter called Na+/Cl−-dependent Cr transporter (CRT). Once within cells, creatine kinase (CK) catalyzes the reversible transphosphorylation reaction between [Mg2+:ATP4−]2− and Cr to produce phosphocreatine (PCr) and [Mg2+:ADP3−]−. We aimed to perform a comprehensive and bioinformatics-assisted review of the most recent research findings regarding Cr metabolism. Specifically, several public databases, repositories, and bioinformatics tools were utilized for this endeavor. Topics of biological complexity ranging from structural biology to cellular dynamics were addressed herein. In this sense, we sought to address certain pre-specified questions including: (i) What happens when creatine is transported into cells? (ii) How is the CK/PCr system involved in cellular bioenergetics? (iii) How is the CK/PCr system compartmentalized throughout the cell? (iv) What is the role of creatine amongst different tissues? and (v) What is the basis of creatine transport? Under the cellular allostasis paradigm, the CK/PCr system is physiologically essential for life (cell survival, growth, proliferation, differentiation, and migration/motility) by providing an evolutionary advantage for rapid, local, and temporal support of energy- and mechanical-dependent processes. Thus, we suggest the CK/PCr system acts as a dynamic biosensor based on chemo-mechanical energy transduction, which might explain why dysregulation in Cr metabolism contributes to a wide range of diseases besides the mitigating effect that Cr supplementation may have in some of these disease states.
Coffee Consumption and All-Cause, Cardiovascular, and Cancer Mortality in an Adult Mediterranean Population
Authors: Torres-Collado Laura , Compañ-Gabucio Laura María , González-Palacios Sandra , Notario-Barandiaran Leyre , Oncina-Cánovas Alejandro , Vioque Jesús , García-de la Hera Manuela
Published: April 2021

We assessed the association between usual coffee consumption and all-cause, cardiovascular (CV), and cancer mortality in an adult population in Spain, taking into account both the amount and type of coffee consumed. We used baseline data on coffee consumption and other personal variables, and the number of deaths during an 18-year follow-up period, for 1567 participants aged 20 years and older from the Valencia Nutrition Study in Spain. Total, caffeinated, and decaffeinated coffee consumption was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Cox regression models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During the 18-year follow-up period, 317 died; 115 due to CV disease and 82 due to cancer. Compared with no-consumption, the consumption of ≤1 cup per day and >1 cup per day of coffee was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, HR = 0.73 (95% CI: 0.56–0.97) and HR 0.56 (95% CI: 0.41–0.77), respectively. A lower cancer mortality was observed among drinkers of more than 1 cup per day compared with nondrinkers, HR 0.41 (95% CI 0.20–0.86). Regarding the type of coffee, only the overall consumption of caffeinated coffee was associated with lower all-cause mortality at 12 and 18 years of follow-up, HR = 0.66 (95% CI:0.46–0.94) and HR = 0.59 (95% CI: 0.44–0.79), respectively. In conclusion, this study suggests that the moderate consumption of coffee, particularly caffeinated coffee (range 1–6.5 cups per day), is associated with a lower all-cause and cancer mortality after a long follow-up period. No significant association was found between coffee consumption and CVD mortality.
Relative Validity of an Italian EPIC Food Frequency Questionnaire for Dietary Factors in Children and Adolescents. A Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute Study
Authors: Huybrechts Inge , Miglio Rossella , Mistura Lorenza , Grioni Sara , Pozzebon Irene , Odorifero Carmen , Borea Renato , Gitto Angelo , Terrafino Mariela , Scipioni Mattia , Turrini Aida , Krogh Vittorio , Ricci Susanna , Martucci Gianfranco , Longhi Alessandra
Published: April 2021

Dietary factors play a major role in the development of non-communicable diseases, however little is known regarding the impact of nutrition on rare diseases like sarcomas. This Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute study aimed to evaluate the relative validity of a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to measure the consumption of foods in comparison with a 3-days diary diet in a healthy Italian student population aged between 12 and 17 years. An extended version (including food groups for children) of the semi-quantitative FFQ used in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) was administered. The validity of the FFQ was assessed by comparing the intakes from the FFQ against the 3-day diary method. 254 Italian subjects were included in the analyses: 128 females; 126 males; 116 from High Secondary School (14–17 years); 138 from Low Secondary School (12–13 years). Mean and median intakes are overall higher in the FFQs than in the food diaries. Spearman correlations adjusted for within-person variability were highest for legumes, vegetables and coffee/tea (>0.5), followed by potatoes, meat, fruits, breakfast cereals, biscuits and candies, and milk/yoghurts (>0.4). Moderate correlations were found for alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, juices, and grains (>0.3). For some food groups, such as fish, potatoes, and bread, correlations tend to become higher when stratifying the analyses for age group. These results demonstrate that the adapted EPIC COS FFQ validated in Italian adults is also appropriate and well understood by Italian children and adolescents.
Relationship between Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Saliva Composition
Authors: Louro Teresa , Simões Carla , Penetra Maria João , Carreira Laura , Castelo Paula Midori , Luis Henrique , Moreira Pedro , Lamy Elsa
Published: April 2021

Dietary polyphenol exposure is known to change protein saliva composition in rodents, but less is known in humans. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between saliva protein composition and adherence to Mediterranean Diet (MD) and polyphenol intake levels. Participants were assessed for their dietary habits, which were converted in Mediterranean adherence level, according to Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score (MEDAS) score. Total polyphenol and total flavanol intakes were extrapolated from dietary data, using Phenol explorer database. Whole saliva was collected, and proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE. Salivary S-type cystatins were highly expressed in the group with medium adherence to MD, being positively correlated with wine intake in overweight individuals. The association between salivary amylase and MD adherence also depended on Body Mass Index (BMI), with a positive association only in normal weight individuals. Polyphenol intake was positively associated with S-type cystatins levels, particularly when flavanols were considered separately. These results show that saliva relationship with MD adherence depend on BMI, suggesting that normal weight and overweight individuals may have different salivary responses to diet. Moreover, these results reinforce the link between saliva and dietary polyphenols (flavanols) levels, leading to the hypothesis that salivary proteome can have a role in polyphenol-rich foods acceptance.
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Determinants Among Pregnant Women: The NELA Cohort
Authors: Suárez-Martínez Clara , Yagüe-Guirao Genoveva , Santaella-Pascual Marina , Peso-Echarri Patricia , Vioque Jesús , Morales Eva , García-Marcos Luis , Martínez-Graciá Carmen ,   The NELA Study Group
Published: April 2021

The Mediterranean diet represents one of the most studied dietary patterns; however, there is no single tool for measuring the grade of adherence and no single set of criteria for adapting these indices to pregnant women. We characterized the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MDA) of pregnant women participating in the NELA (Nutrition in Early Life and Asthma) cohort and identified the sociodemographic determinants and lifestyle habits associated with a higher risk of a low MDA. Maternal diet during gestation was assessed by a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) (n = 665). We estimated the Relative Mediterranean Diet score (rMED), Alternative Mediterranean Diet score (aMED), and the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010). Multivariate regression models were performed to identify the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with each index. Mothers with a lower age and more previous deliveries had a greater probability of low MDA (p < 0.05). For the aMED index only, mothers with university education and/or who practiced sport activities for two or more hours per week had a lower probability of a low MDA (p < 0.01). The three indices classified the NELA cohort as having a medium level of adherence. These results may be improved by designing intervention strategies and dietary recommendations for both maternal and offspring health.
The Ability of Exercise to Mitigate Caloric Restriction-Induced Bone Loss in Older Adults: A Structured Review of RCTs and Narrative Review of Exercise-Induced Changes in Bone Biomarkers
Authors: Wherry Sarah J. , Miller Ryan M. , Jeong Sarah H. , Beavers Kristen M.
Published: April 2021

Despite the adverse metabolic and functional consequences of obesity, caloric restriction- (CR) induced weight loss is often contra-indicated in older adults with obesity due to the accompanying loss of areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and subsequent increased risk of fracture. Several studies show a positive effect of exercise on aBMD among weight-stable older adults; however, data on the ability of exercise to mitigate bone loss secondary to CR are surprisingly equivocal. The purpose of this review is to provide a focused update of the randomized controlled trial literature assessing the efficacy of exercise as a countermeasure to CR-induced bone loss among older adults. Secondarily, we present data demonstrating the occurrence of exercise-induced changes in bone biomarkers, offering insight into why exercise is not more effective than observed in mitigating CR-induced bone loss.
Whole and Isolated Protein Fractions Differentially Affect Gastrointestinal Integrity Markers in C57Bl/6 Mice Fed Diets with a Moderate-Fat Content
Authors: Price Tara R. , Baskaran Sangeetha A. , Moncada Kristin L. , Minamoto Yasushi , Klemashevich Cory , Jayuraman Arul , Sucholdoski Jan S. , Tedeschi Luis O. , Steiner Jörg M. , Pillai Suresh D. , Walzem Rosemary L.
Published: April 2021

Various proteins or protein fractions reportedly positively affect gastrointestinal integrity and inflammation in diets providing >45% energy as fat. This study tested whether benefits were seen in diets providing 30% of energy as fat. Purified diets (PD) with isolated soy protein (ISP), dried whole milk powder (DWMP), milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), or milk protein concentrate (MPC) as protein sources were fed to C57BL/6J mice (n = 15/diet group) for 13 weeks. MFGM-fed mice were heaviest (p < 0.005) but remained within breeder norms. Growth rates and gut motility were similar for all PD-fed mice. FITC-dextran assessed gut permeability was lowest in DWMP and MFGM (p = 0.054); overall, plasma endotoxin and unprovoked circulating cytokines indicated a non-inflammatory state for all PD-fed mice. Despite differences in cecal butyrate and intestinal gene expression, all PDs supported gastrointestinal health. Whole milk provided more positive effects compared to its fractions. However, ISP-fed mice showed a >370%, (p < 0.006) increase in colonic myeloperoxidase activity indicative of tissue neutrophil infiltration. Surprisingly, FITC-dextran and endotoxin outcomes were many folds better in PD-fed mice than mice (strain, vendor, age and sex matched) fed a “chow-type” nutritionally adequate non-PD. Additional variables within a diet’s matrix appear to affect routine indicators or gastrointestinal health.
Effect of High Fat and Fructo-Oligosaccharide Consumption on Immunoglobulin A in Saliva and Salivary Glands in Rats
Authors: Yamamoto Yuko , Morozumi Toshiya , Takahashi Toru , Saruta Juri , Sakaguchi Wakako , To Masahiro , Kubota Nobuhisa , Shimizu Tomoko , Kamata Yohei , Kawata Akira , Tsukinoki Keiichi
Published: April 2021

Consumption of indigestible dietary fiber increases immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in saliva. The purpose of this study is to clarify the synergistic effect of the intake of a high amount of fats and indigestible dietary fiber on IgA levels in saliva and submandibular glands (SMG). Seven-week-old Wistar rats were fed a low-fat (60 g/kg) fiberless diet, low-fat fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS, 30 g/kg) diet, high-fat (220 g/kg) fiberless diet, or high-fat FOS diet for 70 days. The IgA flow rate of saliva (IgA FR-saliva) was higher in the low-fat FOS group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the concentration of tyrosine hydroxylase (a marker of sympathetic nerve activation) in the SMG was higher in the low-fat FOS group (p < 0.05) and positively correlated with the IgA FR-saliva (rs = 0.68. p < 0.0001. n = 32) in comparison to that in the other groups. These findings suggest that during low-fat FOS intake, salivary IgA levels may increase through sympathetic nerve activation.