bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolite Profiling, Antioxidant and Key Enzymes Linked to Hyperglycemia Inhibitory Activities of Satureja hispidula: An Underexplored Species from Algeria
Authors: Haouat Ammar , Rechek Habiba , Pinto Diana C. G. A. , Cardoso Susana M. , Válega Mónica S. G. A. , Boudjerda Abdelhamid , Silva Artur M. S. , Mekkiou Ratiba
Published: December 2022

In the present study, two extracts from the aerial parts of the endemic species Satureja hispidula were analyzed for the first time by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and an electrospray mass spectrometer (UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) method in order to identify and quantify their phenolic compounds. These extracts’ antioxidant, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities were also evaluated. UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS allowed the identification of 28 and 20 compounds in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively; among them, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid was the most abundant in both extracts. The biological assay results indicate that the species S. hispidula, besides its high antioxidant power, is also potentially useful for inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme. In both antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays, the aqueous extract exhibited the most promising results, significantly better than the standards used as positive controls.
(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Directly Binds Cyclophilin D: A Potential Mechanism for Mitochondrial Protection
Authors: Wu Annan , Zhang Jie , Li Quanhong , Liao Xiaojun , Wang Chunyu , Zhao Jing
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been reported to improve mitochondrial function in cell models, while the underlying mechanism is not clear. Cyclophilin D (CypD) is a key protein that regulates mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening. (2) Methods: In this study, we found that EGCG directly binds to CypD and this interaction was investigated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. (3) Results: SPR showed an affinity of 2.7 × 10−5 M. The binding sites of EGCG on CypD were mapped to three regions by 2D NMR titration, which are Region 1 (E23-V29), Region 2 (T89-G104) and Region 3 (G124-I133). Molecular docking showed binding interface consistent with 2D NMR titration. MD simulations revealed that at least two conformations of EGCG-CypD complex exist, one with E23, D27, L90 and V93 as the most contributed residues and E23, L5 and I133 for the other. The major driven force for EGCG-CypD binding are Van der Waals and electrostatic interactions. (4) Conclusions: These results provide the structural basis for EGCG-CypD interaction, which might be a potential mechanism of how EGCG protects mitochondrial functions.
Effect of Negative Ion Generation on Complex Plasma Structure Properties
Authors: Zobnin Andrey V. , Lipaev Andrey M. , Usachev Alexander D.
Published: December 2022

We propose a low-density discharge plasma model that takes into account the impact of oxygen admixture in typical conditions of complex (dusty) plasmas. Numerical simulations based on this model show that the concentration of negative ions turns out to be very high, and they play an important role in the overall kinetics in this particular range of plasma conditions. The ambipolar diffusion electric field drags these negative ions into the center of the plasma. The density of negative ions is high enough to push the negatively charged dust component out of the center, both by weakening the radial electric field and by increasing the thermophoretic force. This phenomenon was observed in the published experiment and qualitatively supports the proposed model. Additionally, the proposed model allows an alternative explanation of the experiment.
Donor-Acceptor Dyads and Triads Employing Core-Substituted Naphthalene Diimides: A Synthetic and Spectro (Electrochemical) Study
Authors: Quinn Samuel , Davies E. Stephen , Pearce Nicholas , Rosenberg Callum , Pfeiffer Constance R. , Orton Georgia R. F. , Champness Neil R.
Published: December 2022

Donor-acceptor dyads and triads comprising core-substituted naphthalene diimide (NDI) chromophores and either phenothiazine or phenoxazine donors are described. Synthesis combined with electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical investigations facilitates characterisation of the various redox states of these molecules, confirming the ability to combine arrays of electron donating and accepting moieties into single species that retain the redox properties of these individual moieties.
Verbenalin Reduces Amyloid-Beta Peptide Generation in Cellular and Animal Models of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lim Juhee , Kim Seokhee , Lee Changhyun , Park Jeongwoo , Yang Gabsik , Yook Taehan
Published: December 2022

Verbenalin, among the major constituents of Verbena officinalis, has been reported to exhibit sleep-promoting and antioxidant activities. This study demonstrates the effects of verbenalin on amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide generation in Swedish mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP)-overexpressing Neuro2a cells (SweAPP/N2a) and in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) animal models. We further performed molecular biological analyses of these in vitro and in vivo models of AD. The effects of verbenalin were assessed based on the expression of factors related to Aβ peptide production using Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The intracellular expression and release of APP protein were both decreased by verbenalin treatment in SweAPP/N2a cells. Thus, the production of Aβ peptides was decreased. Compared to those in AD transgenic (Tg) mice, IHC revealed that verbenalin-treated animals showed decreased Aβ and tau expression levels in the hippocampus. In addition, verbenalin restored the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of AD animal models. These findings suggest that verbenalin may decrease Aβ formation both in vitro and in vivo. Verbenalin may also help improve the pathological hallmarks of AD.
Usability Tests for Texture Comparison in an Electroadhesion-Based Haptic Device
Authors: Castiço Afonso , Cardoso Paulo
Published: December 2022

Haptic displays have been gaining more relevance over the recent years, in part because of the multiple advantages they present compared with standard displays, especially for improved user experience and their many different fields of application. Among the various haptic technologies, electroadhesion is seen as capable of better interaction with a user, through a display. TanvasTouch is an economically competitive haptic device using electroadhesion, providing an API and respective haptic engine, which makes the development of applications much easier and more systematic than in the past, back when the creation of these haptic solutions required a greater amount of work and resulted in ad-hoc solutions. Despite these advantages, it is important to access its ability to describe textures in a way understandable by the user’s touch. The current paper presents a set of experiments using TanvasTouch electroadhesion-based haptic technology to access how a texture created on a TanvasTouch device can be perceived as a representation of a real-world object.
First-Principles Molecular Dynamics Simulations on Water–Solid Interface Behavior of H2O-Based Atomic Layer Deposition of Zirconium Dioxide
Authors: Xu Rui , Zhou Zhongchao , Wang Yingying , Xiao Hongping , Xu Lina , Ding Yihong , Li Xinhua , Li Aidong , Fang Guoyong
Published: December 2022

As an important inorganic material, zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) has a wide range of applications in the fields of microelectronics, coating, catalysis and energy. Due to its high dielectric constant and thermodynamic stability, ZrO2 can be used as dielectric material to replace traditional silicon dioxide. Currently, ZrO2 dielectric films can be prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using water and zirconium precursors, namely H2O-based ALD. Through density functional theory (DFT) calculations and first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) simulations, the adsorption and dissociation of water molecule on the ZrO2 surface and the water–solid interface reaction were investigated. The results showed that the ZrO2 (111) surface has four Lewis acid active sites with different coordination environments for the adsorption and dissociation of water. The Zr atom on the surface can interacted with the O atom of the water molecule via the p orbital of the O atom and the d orbital of the Zr atom. The water molecules could be dissociated via the water–solid interface reaction of the first or second layer of water molecules with the ZrO2 (111) surface. These insights into the adsorption and dissociation of water and the water–solid interface reaction on the ZrO2 surface could also provide a reference for the water–solid interface behavior of metal oxides, such as H2O-based ALD.
Reduced Graphene Oxide-Wrapped Novel CoIn2S4 Spinel Composite Anode Materials for Li-ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Ting-Yu , Liu Wei-Ren
Published: December 2022

In this study, we proposed a novel CoIn2S4/reduced graphene oxide (CoIn2S4/rGO) composite anode using a hydrothermal method. By introducing electronic-conductive reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to buffer the extreme volume expansion of CoIn2S4, we prevented its polysulfide dissolution during the lithiation/de-lithiation processes. After 100 cycles, the pristine CoIn2S4 electrode demonstrated poor cycle performance of only 120 mAh/g at a current density of 0.1 A/g. However, the composition-optimized CoIn2S4/rGO composite anode demonstrated a reversible capacity of 580 mAh/g for 100 cycles, which was an improvement of 4.83 times. In addition, the ex situ XRD measurements of the CoIn2S4/rGO electrode were conducted to determine the reaction mechanism and electrochemical behavior. These results suggest that the as-synthesized CoIn2S4/rGO composite anode is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries.
A Scenario for the Critical Fluctuations near the Transition of Few-Bilayer Films of High-Temperature Cuprate Superconductors
Authors: Botana Martín M. , Ramallo Manuel V.
Published: December 2022

We study the critical fluctuations near the resistive transition of very thin films of high-temperature cuprate superconductors composed of a number N of only a few unit cells of superconducting bilayers. For that, we solve the fluctuation spectrum of a Gaussian–Ginzburg–Landau model for few-bilayers superconductors considering two alternating Josephson interlayer interaction strengths, and we obtain the corresponding paraconductivity above the transition. Then, we extend these calculations to temperatures below the transition through expressions for the Ginzburg number and Kosterlitz–Thouless-like critical region. When compared with previously available data in YBa2Cu3O7−δ few-bilayers systems, with N = 1 to 4, our results seem to provide a plausible scenario for their critical regime.
Solid-State Synthesis of Cobalt/NCS Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Dual Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Ashmath Shaik , Kwon Hyuk-Jun , Peera Shaik Gouse , Lee Tae Gwan
Published: December 2022

Due to the high cost of presently utilized Pt/C catalysts, a quick and sustainable synthesis of electrocatalysts made of cost-effective and earth-abundant metals is urgently needed. In this work, we demonstrated a mechanochemically synthesized cobalt nanoparticles supported on N and S doped carbons derived from a solid-state-reaction between zinc acetate and 2-amino thiazole as metal, organic ligand in presence of cobalt (Co) metal ions ZnxCox(C3H4N2S). Pyrolysis of the ZnxCox(C3H4N2S) produced, Co/NSC catalyst in which Co nanoparticles are evenly distributed on the nitrogen and sulfur doped carbon support. The Co/NSC catalyst have been characterized with various physical and electrochemical characterization techniques. The Co content in the ZnxCox(C3H4N2S) is carefully adjusted by varying the Co content and the optimized Co/NSC-3 catalyst is subjected to the oxygen reduction reaction in 0.1 M HClO4 electrolyte. The optimized Co/NSC-3 catalyst reveals acceptable ORR activity with the half-wave potential of ~0.63 V vs. RHE in acidic electrolytes. In addition, the Co/NSC-3 catalyst showed excellent stability with no loss in the ORR activity after 10,000 potential cycles. When applied as cathode catalysts in dual chamber microbial fuel cells, the Co/NCS catalyst delivered satisfactory volumetric power density in comparison with Pt/C.
Mechanically Enhanced Nanocrystalline Cellulose/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Polyethylene Glycol Electrically Conductive Composite Film
Authors: Xie Pengbo , Ge Ying , Wang Yida , Zhou Jing , Miao Yuanyuan , Liu Zhenbo
Published: December 2022

Traditional conductive materials do not meet the increasing requirements of electronic products because of such materials’ high rigidity, poor flexibility, and slow biodegradation after disposal. Preparing flexible conductive materials with excellent mechanical properties is an active area of research. The key to flexible conductive materials lies in the combination of the polymer matrix and conductive components. This combination can be achieved by making a film of renewable nano-microcrystalline cellulose (NCC) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with excellent electrical conductivity—by simple filtration and introducing polyethylene glycol (PEG) to enhance the functionality of the composite film. Graphene imparted conductivity to the composite film, which reached 5.67 S·m−1. A reinforced NCC/rGO/PEG-4 composite film with a thickness of only 21 μm exhibited a tensile strength of 30.56 MPa, which was 83% higher than that of the sample without PEG (16.71 MPa), and toughness of 727.18 kJ·m−3, which was about 132% higher than that of the control sample (NCC/rGO, 313.86 kJ·m−3). This ultra-thin conductive composite film—which can be prepared simply, consists of environmentally sustainable and biodegradable raw materials, and exhibits excellent mechanical properties—has substantial potential for applications in e.g., flexible electronic wearable devices, electrodes, and capacitors.
All–Inorganic Perovskite Quantum Dot–Based Blue Light–Emitting Diodes: Recent Advances and Strategies
Authors: Hu Yuyu , Cao Shijie , Qiu Peng , Yu Meina , Wei Huiyun
Published: December 2022

Light–emitting diodes (LEDs) based on all–inorganic lead halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) have undergone rapid development especially in the past five years, and external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of the corresponding green– and red–emitting devices have exceeded 23%. However, the blue–emitting devices are facing greater challenges than their counterparts, and their poor luminous efficiency has hindered the display application of PQD–based LEDs (PeQLEDs). This review focuses on the key challenges of blue–emitting PeQLEDs including low EQEs, short operating lifetime, and spectral instability, and discusses the essential mechanism by referring to the latest research. We then systematically summarize the development of preparation methods of blue emission PQDs, as well as the current strategies on alleviating the poor device performance involved in composition engineering, ligand engineering, surface/interface engineering, and device structural engineering. Ultimately, suggestions and outlooks are proposed around the major challenges and future research direction of blue PeQLEDs.
Polyacrylic Acid Functionalized Biomass-Derived Carbon Skeleton with Highly Porous Hierarchical Structures for Efficient Solid-Phase Microextraction of Volatile Halogenated Hydrocarbons
Authors: Long Anying , Liu Hailin , Xu Shengrui , Feng Suling , Shuai Qin , Hu Shenghong
Published: December 2022

In this study, polyacrylic acid functionalized N-doped porous carbon derived from shaddock peels (PAA/N-SPCs) was fabricated and used as a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coating for capturing and determining volatile halogenated hydrocarbons (VHCs) from water. Characterizations results demonstrated that the PAA/N-SPCs presented a highly meso/macro-porous hierarchical structure consisting of a carbon skeleton. The introduction of PAA promoted the formation of polar chemical groups on the carbon skeleton. Consequently, large specific surface area, highly hierarchical structures, and abundant chemical groups endowed the PAA/N-SPCs, which exhibited superior SPME capacities for VHCs in comparison to pristine N-SPCs and commercial SPME coatings. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the proposed analytical method presented wide linearity in the concentration range of 0.5–50 ng mL−1, excellent reproducibility with relative standard deviations of 5.8%–7.2%, and low limits of detection varying from 0.0005 to 0.0086 ng mL−1. Finally, the proposed method was applied to analyze VHCs from real water samples and observed satisfactory recoveries ranging from 75% to 116%. This study proposed a novel functionalized porous carbon skeleton as SPME coating for analyzing pollutants from environmental samples.
A Review of Perovskite-Based Photodetectors and Their Applications
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Sun Yu , Chen Jin , Wang Fengchao , Han Ruiyi , Zhang Canyun , Kong Jinfang , Li Lan , Yang Jing
Published: December 2022

Perovskite photodetectors have attracted much research and attention because of their outstanding photoelectric characteristics, such as good light harvesting capability, excellent carrier migration behavior, tunable band gap, and so on. Recently, the reported studies mainly focus on materials synthesis, device structure design, interface engineering and physical mechanism analysis to improve the device characteristics, including stability, sensitivity, response speed, device noise, etc. This paper systematically summarizes the application fields and device structures of several perovskite photodetectors, including perovskite photoconductors, perovskite photodiodes, and perovskite phototransistors. Moreover, based on their molecular structure, 3D, 2D, 1D, and 0D perovskite photodetectors are introduced in detail. The research achievements and applications of perovskite photodetectors are summarized. Eventually, the future research directions and main challenges of perovskite photodetectors are prospected, and some possible solutions are proposed. The aim of the work is to provide a new thinking direction for further improving the performance of perovskite photodetectors.
The Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis-Associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphism RS35705950 Is Transcribed in a MUC5B Promoter Associated Long Non-Coding RNA (AC061979.1)
Authors: Neatu Ruxandra , Enekwa Ifeanyi , Thompson Dean J. , Schwalbe Edward C. , Fois Giorgio , Abdelaal Gina , Veuger Stephany , Frick Manfred , Braubach Peter , Moschos Sterghios A.
Published: December 2022

LncRNAs are involved in regulatory processes in the human genome, including gene expression. The rs35705950 SNP, previously associated with IPF, overlaps with the recently annotated lncRNA AC061979.1, a 1712 nucleotide transcript located within the MUC5B promoter at chromosome 11p15.5. To document the expression pattern of the transcript, we processed 3.9 TBases of publicly available RNA-SEQ data across 27 independent studies involving lung airway epithelial cells. Epithelial lung cells showed expression of this putative pancRNA. The findings were independently validated in cell lines and primary cells. The rs35705950 is found within a conserved region (from fish to primates) within the expressed sequence indicating functional importance. These results implicate the rs35705950-containing AC061979.1 pancRNA as a novel component of the MUC5B expression control minicircuitry.
Dietary Characteristics of Elders with Frailty and with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Cross-Sectional Findings and Implications from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan 2014–2017
Authors: Wu Szu-Yun , Lee Shu-Chen , Yeh Nai-Hua , Wang Chi-Fen , Hung Shu-Yi , Wu Shin-Jiuan , Pan Wen-Harn
Published: December 2022

It is unclear whether low dietary intake accompanied with multiple nutrient deficiencies or specific nutrient inadequacy is associated with geriatric syndrome. This study aimed to examine the nutrition inadequacy profiles associated with frailty and cognitive impairment (CI). With information from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan, 2014–2017, sex-specific nutrient intakes and intake per kg of body weight (BW) were estimated from 24-hour recall data for two age groups (65–74 years; ≥75 years) regarding the three frailty and three CI subgroups. Total energy intakes were significantly lower with the severity of both frailty and CI in analysis combining both gender and age groups, and in both the 65-to-74-year-old women or the over-75-year-old women. These trends were observed but not significant in either of the two age groups in men. Significantly lower levels of energy intake have been observed when age, sex, and sampling strata were adjusted. Intake levels of multiple nutrients also decreased with the severity of frailty and CI. A greater number of nutrient inadequacies for the frail and the CI was found in the 65-to-74-year-old group than the over-75-year-old age group. However, most of the associations between micronutrients and the two geriatric syndromes disappeared after energy adjustment. The remaining few did not show consistency across age–sex subgroups. In conclusion, frailty or CI was associated with low amounts of food consumption accompanied by multiple nutrient insufficiencies. Dietary intervention to ensure adequate total energy and multiple nutrient intakes should be trialed in the geriatric population to address both the causal and efficacy issues.
Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi) Protects against Endothelial Dysfunction and Vascular Inflammation in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Wang Yuehan , Zhang Xutao , Zhou Chunxiu , Khan Haroon , Fu Manqin , Cheang Wai San
Published: December 2022

Dried tangerine peel (Citri reticulatae Pericarpium, CRP; Chenpi in Chinese) possesses medicine and food homology with hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of CRP extract on endothelial function and inflammation in type 2 diabetic rats and the related mechanisms. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced by high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ) in male Sprague Dawley rats, and CRP extract was orally administered at 400 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Rat and mouse aortas were treated with high glucose and CRP extract ex vivo. The data showed that the ethanolic extract of CRP normalized blood pressure and the plasma lipid profile as well as the plasma levels of liver enzymes in diabetic rats. Impaired endothelium-dependent relaxations in aortas, carotid arteries and renal arteries were improved. CRP extract suppressed vascular inflammatory markers and induced AMPK activation in aortas of diabetic rats. Exposure to high glucose impaired vasodilation in aortas of rats and mice, and this impairment was prevented by co-incubation with CRP extract. In conclusion, our findings suggest that CRP extract protects endothelial function by inhibiting the vascular inflammatory state on activation of AMPK in diabetic rats.
Polygonatum sibiricum saponin Exerts Beneficial Hypoglycemic Effects in Type 2 Diabetes Mice by Improving Hepatic Insulin Resistance and Glycogen Synthesis-Related Proteins
Authors: Chen Zefu , Luo Jiayuan , Jia Mingjie , Chai Yangyang , Bao Yihong
Published: December 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a systemic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin deficiency and insulin resistance. Recently, it has become a significant threat to public health. Polygonatum sibiricum saponin (PSS) has potential hypoglycemic effects, but its specific mechanism needs further study. In this study, PSS significantly decreased the level of blood glucose, water intake, and the organ index in diabetic mice. Meanwhile, PSS effectively reduced the content of total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TCHO), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the blood, and increased the content of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). This suggests that PSS could reduce the content of blood lipids and initially improve the damage of hepatocytes. We found that PSS alleviated hepatic insulin resistance, repaired islet beta cells, and enabled insulin to play its biological role normally. It also improved oral glucose tolerance and abated serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in T2DM mice. Furthermore, studies have found that PSS increased the content of phosphorylated protein kinase B (AKT), thereby promoting the effect of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4), and activating glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3β) and glycogen synthase (GS) proteins to promote hepatic glycogen synthesis. Finally, we found that PSS could promote the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, reduce the growth of harmful bacteria such as Enterococcus and Enterobacter, and preliminarily improve the composition of important bacteria in the intestine. These studies indicate that PSS has an excellent hypoglycemic effect, which provides a potential new treatment for T2DM and guidance for more in-depth research.
Postnatal Leptin Levels Correlate with Breast Milk Leptin Content in Infants Born before 32 Weeks Gestation
Authors: Chatmethakul Trassanee , Schmelzel Mendi L. , Johnson Karen J. , Walker Jacky R. , Santillan Donna A. , Colaizy Tarah T. , Roghair Robert D.
Published: December 2022

Perinatal leptin deficiency and reduced intake of mother’s milk may contribute to the development of childhood obesity. Preterm infants have reduced leptin production, and they are at heightened risk of neonatal leptin deficiency. Because fresh human milk contains significantly more leptin than donor milk, we used a cross-over design to determine if blood leptin levels in maternal milk-fed preterm infants fall during conversion to donor human milk. Infants born between 22 0/7 and 31 6/7 weeks gestation on exclusive maternal milk feedings were enrolled into a 21-day cross-over trial. On days 1–7 and 15–21, infants were fed maternal milk, and on days 8–14, infants were fed donor milk. On day 1, study infants had a mean postmenstrual age of 33 weeks. Plasma leptin correlated with milk leptin, and leptin levels in maternal milk far exceed the leptin levels of donor milk. Plasma leptin did not increase during donor milk administration, but it did following resumption of maternal milk (p < 0.05). In this crossover trial, preterm infant blood leptin levels correlated with milk leptin content. This suggests that preterm infants can enterally absorb leptin from human milk, and leptin-rich breast milk may be a targeted therapy for the prevention of obesity.
Obesity Contributes to Inflammation in Patients with IBS via Complement Component 3 and C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Thomas-Dupont Pablo , Velázquez-Soto Henry , Izaguirre-Hernández Irma Yadira , Amieva-Balmori Mercedes , Triana-Romero Arturo , Islas-Vázquez Lorenzo , Jiménez-Martínez María del Carmen , Remes-Troche José María
Published: December 2022

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is usually a lifelong state that disturbs the digestive system. IBS has been linked to low-grade inflammation and the release of inflammatory mediators into the bloodstream. This could be associated with the degree of obesity presented by patients with IBS. Reports imply that IBS is more frequent in obese patients than in the overall population, with a prevalence of up to 31%. Here, we evaluated the serum levels of immunological and inflammation molecules and their correlation with Body Mass Index in IBS patients and the healthy control (HC). Seventy-nine serum samples of the IBS patients and thirty-five of the HC group were analyzed to determine the levels of each molecule and compare them with their BMI. Serum levels of C3 and C4 were significantly increased in IBS patients. C3 and C4 levels were higher in IBS-M and IBS-D subtypes compared with the HC group. When patients were grouped by BMI, a positive correlation between serum C3 (r = 0.49, p < 0.0001) and CRP (r = 0.40, p < 0.001) levels was found. Our results show, for the first time, a correlation between immunological molecules and BMI in IBS patients, suggesting that the inflammatory nature of obesity could contribute to the development of the symptoms in IBS through the stimulation and release of proteins as complement components and CRP.
The Dietary Intake of Polyphenols Is Associated with a Lower Risk of Severe Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Case-Control Analysis from the PREFACE Study
Authors: Ruggiero Emilia , Esposito Simona , Costanzo Simona , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Storto Marianna , Carpineta Ettore , Cerletti Chiara , Donati Maria Benedetta , Paolini Sergio , Esposito Vincenzo , de Gaetano Giovanni , Innocenzi Gualtiero , Iacoviello Licia , Bonaccio Marialaura
Published: December 2022

Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We sought to examine the association of dietary polyphenols with the risk of severe lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), a condition possibly characterized by a high inflammatory component. A case-control study included 156 patients with LSS and indication to surgery and 312 controls, matched (1:2) for sex, age (±6 months), and physical activity. The polyphenol intake was calculated by matching food consumption data from a 188-item food frequency questionnaire with the Phenol-Explorer database regarding the polyphenol content of each reported food. In a multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis including lifestyles, sociodemographic factors, and the Mediterranean Diet Score, a 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in dietary polyphenols intake was associated with lower odds of LSS (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47–0.89). Analyses of different polyphenol classes showed that a per 1-SD in the consumption of flavonoids and stilbenes was related to lower LSS risk (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.42–0.78; OR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.27–0.61, respectively). Further adjustment for the total dietary antioxidant capacity did not modify the strength of these associations. A diet rich in polyphenols is independently associated with a lower risk of severe LSS, possibly through mechanisms that include the anti-inflammatory potential of these bioactive compounds.
Design of Culturally and Linguistically Tailored Nutrition Education Materials to Promote Healthy Eating Habits among Pakistani Women Participating in the PakCat Program in Catalonia
Authors: Mohamed-Bibi Saba , Vaqué-Crusellas Cristina , Alonso-Pedrol Núria
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Pakistani women are among one of Catalonia’s most affected groups by obesity and cardiovascular disease. The design of health education strategies for them has become a compelling need. This paper aims to enlighten the elaboration and evaluation procedure of culturally and linguistically tailored nutrition education materials for Pakistani women participating in the PakCat Program, which aims to evaluate the efficacy of a nutrition education strategy allowing the participants to become ambassadors of healthy eating habits for their community. (2) Methods: In this Randomised Control Trial (RCT), 137 Pakistani women (70 from the intervention and 67 from the control group) took part. We conducted 10 sessions for the intervention group and 3 sessions for the control group in the form of small groups. The sessions were conducted in Urdu and Punjabi, and the material was translated into Urdu, Catalan, Spanish and English. For some sessions, we elaborated on new materials and for others, we adapted them from the existing nutrition material in aspects of language and culture. We evaluated the nutritional material from the observation carried out by the dietician who developed the sessions, participants’ feedback at the end of the sessions and a satisfaction questionnaire. (3) Results: We summarised the elaborated material in form of two multilingual nutritional guidelines about portion size and heart-healthy foods. We also registered several materials generated for the PakCat program such as an infographic about myths and beliefs related to food, a booklet to read and interpret the food labels, a recipe book for healthy snacks, and an infographic of 10 tips for healthy eating. We also organised a PhotoVoice exhibition of 70 healthy plates elaborated by the intervention group participants. The participants highly appreciated the material in terms of visualization, cultural and linguistic adequacy, and level of comprehension through all three evaluation methods. (4) Conclusions: The design of culturally and linguistically tailored nutrition education material for Pakistani women living in Catalonia is attainable and effective to meet their specific needs. The healthy dietary recommendation can be adapted to them preserving their traditional dietary pattern, and they acquire the confidence to start following a healthy diet.
A Review of Food Texture Modification among Individuals with Cerebral Palsy: The Challenges among Cerebral Palsy Families
Authors: Kamal Sakinah , Kamaralzaman Sazlina , Sharma Shobha , Jaafar Nurul Hazirah , Chern Phei Ming , Hassan Nurul Izzaty , Toran Hasnah , Ismail Noor Akmal Shareela , Yusri Ghazali , Hamzaid Nur Hana
Published: December 2022

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently present with multiple feeding problems, which may require food texture modification to ensure safe feeding. This review aims to explore the challenges individuals with CP and their caregiver’s face and recommend modified food textures to ensure safety and improve the quality of life and nutritional status. A systematic search was carried out through four databases (i.e., EBSCO (Medline), PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science) between January 2011 and May 2022. Out of 86 articles retrieved, seven were selected based on keywords and seven other studies through manual search-five cross-sectional studies, two qualitative studies, one correlational study, one mixed method study, one case-control study, two sections of books, and two educational materials. The findings suggest that preparation and intake of food with modified texture play a necessary role in the safety of swallowing in addition to physical, social, and environmental aspects. Safety was found to be the crucial part of the food texture modification provision besides considering the stress of the caregivers and the nutritional status of individuals with CP. Currently, there are no standard guidelines available pertaining to food texture modification. This led to uncertainties in the dietary provision among caregivers, which may lead to undernourishment. Hence, standard guidelines relating to food texture modification that focuses on food preparation and menus with calorie and nutrient information are timely to be developed.
Effects of Carbohydrate Restriction on Body Weight and Glycemic Control in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Efficacy in Real-Life Settings
Authors: Weber Philip , Thomsen Mads N. , Skytte Mads Juul , Samkani Amirsalar , Carl Martin Hansen , Astrup Arne , Frystyk Jan , Holst Jens J. , Hartmann Bolette , Madsbad Sten , Magkos Faidon , Krarup Thure , Haugaard Steen B.
Published: December 2022

A fully provided, hypocaloric, carbohydrate-reduced high-protein (CRHP) diet compared to a hypocaloric conventional diabetes (CD) diet for 6 weeks improved glycemic control to a greater extent in face of an intended 6% weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present 24-week extension of that study reports on the efficacy of CRHP and CD diets in a real-life setting. Sixty-five individuals with T2DM who completed the initial 6-week fully provided diet period (% energy from carbohydrate, protein, and fat was 30/30/40 in CRHP, and 50/17/33 in CD) continued a free-living, dietician guided 24-week period of which 59 individuals completed. The CRHP compared to CD group reported a 4% lower carbohydrate intake and had higher urea excretion by 22% (both p ≤ 0.05) at week 30, suggesting less difference in carbohydrate and protein intake between groups during the 24-week extension compared to week 6. The loss of body weight during the initial 6 weeks was maintained in both groups during the 24-week extension (−5.5 ± 4.5 and −4.6 ± 4.8 kg) as well as HbA1c (−8.4 ± 6.2 and −8.4 ± 6.9 mmol/mol) with no significant differences between groups. The additional benefits on glucoregulation harnessed by carbohydrate restriction under full diet provision for 6 weeks combined with titrated weight loss could not be maintained in a real-life setting of self-prepared diet aiming on similar diets for 6 months.
Variability in Sleep Timing and Dietary Intake: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Rusu Adriana , Ciobanu Dana Mihaela , Inceu Georgeta , Craciun Anca-Elena , Fodor Adriana , Roman Gabriela , Bala Cornelia Gabriela
Published: December 2022

The objective of this scoping review was to summarize previous studies which examined the effect of day-to-day variability in sleep timing and social jetlag (SJL) on dietary intake. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science and we identified 22 records. No difference in caloric and macronutrient intake between SJL groups was observed in studies that enrolled healthy young adults. However, studies that enrolled participants with obesity and obesity-related chronic conditions reported a higher caloric intake and a higher intake of carbohydrates, total fat, saturated fats, and cholesterol in participants with SJL than in those without. Most studies reported a lower quality of diet, a delayed mealtime, and eating jetlag in participants with SJL vs. those without SJL. No correlation of day-to-day variability in sleep timing with average caloric intake was observed, but bed-time variability was negatively associated with diet quality. Methodological issues have been identified in sources assessed including study design, power calculation, population enrolled, and tools/metrics used for sleep timing variability assessment. Future well powered longitudinal studies, with clear protocols, standardized metrics, including all age groups from general population are needed to clarify the dietary intake consequences of variability in sleep timing.
Food Restriction in Mice Induces Food-Anticipatory Activity and Circadian-Rhythm-Related Activity Changes
Authors: Gabloffsky Theo , Gill Sadaf , Staffeld Anna , Salomon Ralf , Power Guerra Nicole , Joost Sarah , Hawlitschka Alexander , Kipp Markus , Frintrop Linda
Published: December 2022

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by emaciation, hyperactivity, and amenorrhea. To what extent AN-related symptoms are due to food restriction or neuronal dysfunction is currently unknown. Thus, we investigated the relevance of food restriction on AN-related symptoms. Disrupted circadian rhythms are hypothesized to contribute to the pathophysiology of AN. Starvation was induced by restricting food access in early adolescent or adolescent mice to 40% of their baseline food intake until a 20% weight reduction was reached (acute starvation). To mimic chronic starvation, the reduced weight was maintained for a further 2 weeks. Locomotor activity was analyzed using running wheel sensors. The circadian-rhythm-related activity was measured using the tracking system Goblotrop. Amenorrhea was determined by histological examination of vaginal smears. All cohorts showed an increase in locomotor activity up to 4 h before food presentation (food-anticipatory activity, FAA). While amenorrhea was present in all groups except in early adolescent acutely starved mice, hyperactivity was exclusively found in chronically starved groups. Adolescent chronically starved mice showed a decrease in circadian-rhythm-related activity at night. Chronic starvation most closely mimics AN-related behavioral changes. It appears that the FAA is a direct consequence of starvation. The circadian activity changes might underlie the pathophysiology of AN.
Listeria monocytogenes—How This Pathogen Uses Its Virulence Mechanisms to Infect the Hosts
Authors: Osek Jacek , Wieczorek Kinga
Published: December 2022

Listeriosis is a serious food-borne illness, especially in susceptible populations, including children, pregnant women, and elderlies. The disease can occur in two forms: non-invasive febrile gastroenteritis and severe invasive listeriosis with septicemia, meningoencephalitis, perinatal infections, and abortion. Expression of each symptom depends on various bacterial virulence factors, immunological status of the infected person, and the number of ingested bacteria. Internalins, mainly InlA and InlB, invasins (invasin A, LAP), and other surface adhesion proteins (InlP1, InlP4) are responsible for epithelial cell binding, whereas internalin C (InlC) and actin assembly-inducing protein (ActA) are involved in cell-to-cell bacterial spread. L. monocytogenes is able to disseminate through the blood and invade diverse host organs. In persons with impaired immunity, the elderly, and pregnant women, the pathogen can also cross the blood–brain and placental barriers, which results in the invasion of the central nervous system and fetus infection, respectively. The aim of this comprehensive review is to summarize the current knowledge on the epidemiology of listeriosis and L. monocytogenes virulence mechanisms that are involved in host infection, with a special focus on their molecular and cellular aspects. We believe that all this information is crucial for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of L. monocytogenes infection.
Lock and Key: Why Rickettsia Endosymbionts Do Not Harm Vertebrate Hosts?
Authors: Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro , Fogaça Andréa Cristina
Published: December 2022

Are tick endosymbionts transmitted to and able to injure vertebrate hosts [...]
Astrocytes Reduce Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry in Microglia under the Conditions of an Inflammatory Stimulus and Muscarinic Receptor Blockade
Authors: Kim Yoo Jin , Shin You Kyoung , Seo Eunhye , Seol Geun Hee
Published: December 2022

Inflammation and loss of cholinergic transmission are involved in neurodegenerative diseases, but possible interactions between them within neurons, astrocytes, and microglia have not yet been investigated. We aimed to compare store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia following cholinergic dysfunction in combination with (or without) an inflammatory stimulus and to investigate the effects of linalyl acetate (LA) on this process. We used the SH-SY5Y, U373, and BV2 cell lines related to neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, respectively. Scopolamine or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to antagonize the muscarinic receptors or induce inflammatory responses, respectively. The concentration of intracellular Ca2+ was measured using Fura-2 AM. Treatment with scopolamine and LPS significantly increased SOCE in the neuron-like cells and microglia but not in the scopolamine-pretreated astrocytes. LA significantly reduced SOCE in the scopolamine-pretreated neuron-like cells and microglia exposed to LPS, which was partially inhibited by the Na+-K+ ATPase inhibitor ouabain and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) inhibitor Ni2+. Notably, SOCE was significantly reduced in the LPS plus scopolamine-pretreated cells mixed with astrocytes and microglia, with a two-fold increase in the applied number of astrocytes. LA may be useful in protecting neurons and microglia by reducing elevated SOCE that is induced by inflammatory responses and inhibiting the muscarinic receptors via Na+-K+ ATPase and the forward mode of NCX. Astrocytes may protect microglia by reducing increased SOCE under the conditions of inflammation and a muscarinic receptor blockade.
Formulation of Multicomponent Chrysin-Hydroxy Propyl β Cyclodextrin-Poloxamer Inclusion Complex Using Spray Dry Method: Physicochemical Characterization to Cell Viability Assessment
Authors: Imam Syed Sarim , Alshehri Sultan , Mahdi Wael A. , Alotaibi Ahmed M. , Alhwaifi Moath H. , Hussain Afzal , Altamimi Mohammad A. , Qamar Wajhul
Published: December 2022

The work aimed to enhance chrysin (CHR) water solubility, dissolution, and in vitro antibacterial as well as cell viability. Chrysin binary, as well as ternary inclusion complex, were prepared using the spray drying method. The influence of an auxiliary component (poloxamer; PLX) was also assessed after being incorporated into the chrysin HP βCD complex (CHR-BC) and formed as a chrysin ternary complex (CHR-TC). The phase solubility investigation was carried out in order to assess the complexation efficiency and stability constant. The samples were assessed for the dissolution test, physicochemical evaluation, antibacterial activity, and cell viability tests were also assessed. The results of the phase solubility investigation showed that the stability constant for the binary system (268 M−1) was lower than the ternary system (720 M−1). The complex stability was validated by the greater stability constant value. The dissolution results showed that pure CHR had a limited release of 32.55 ± 1.7% in 60 min, while prepared CHR-TC and CHR-BC both demonstrated maximum CHR releases of 99.03 ± 2.34% and 71.95 ±2.1%, respectively. The dissolution study’s findings revealed that the release of CHR was much improved over that of pure CHR. A study using a scanning electron microscope showed that CHR-TC contains more agglomerated and amorphous components. The higher conversion of crystalline CHR into an amorphous form is responsible for the structural alterations that are observed. After complexation, the distinctive peaks of pure CHR changed due to the complexation with HP βCD and PLX. The antimicrobial and cell viability results revealed improved antimicrobial activity as well as a lower IC50 value than pure CHR against the tested anticancer cell line (MCF7).
Impact of Early Intrapatient Variability of Tacrolimus Concentrations on the Risk of Graft-Versus-Host Disease after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Using High-Dose Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Marco Daniel N. , Salas María Queralt , Gutiérrez-García Gonzalo , Monge Inés , Riu Gisela , Carcelero Esther , Roma Joan Ramón , Llobet Noemí , Arcarons Jordi , Suárez-Lledó María , Martínez Nuria , Pedraza Alexandra , Domenech Ariadna , Rosiñol Laura , Fernández-Avilés Francesc , Urbano-Ispízua Álvaro , Rovira Montserrat , Brunet Mercè , Martínez Carmen
Published: December 2022

Tacrolimus (Tac) is a pivotal immunosuppressant agent used to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). Tac is characterized by a narrow therapeutic window and a high inter-patient and intra-patient pharmacokinetic variability (IPV). Although high IPV of Tac concentrations has been associated with adverse post-transplant outcomes following solid organ transplantation, the effects of Tac IPV on alloHSCT recipients have not been determined. Tac IPV was therefore retrospectively evaluated in 128 alloHSCT recipients receiving high-dose post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and the effects of Tac IPV on the occurrence of acute GVHD (aGVHD) were analyzed. Tac IPV was calculated from pre-dose concentrations (C0) measured during the first month after Tac initiation. The cumulative rates of grades II-IV and grades III-IV aGVHD at day +100 were 22.7% and 7%, respectively. Higher Tac IPV was associated with a greater risk of developing GVHD, with patients having IPV > 50th percentile having significantly higher rates of grades II-IV (34.9% vs. 10.8%; hazard ratio [HR] 3.858, p < 0.001) and grades III-IV (12.7% vs. 1.5%; HR 9.69, p = 0.033) aGVHD than patients having IPV ≤ 50th percentile. Similarly, patients with IPV > 75th percentile had higher rates of grades II-IV (41.9% vs. 16.5%; HR 3.30, p < 0.001) and grades III-IV (16.1% vs. 4.1%; HR 4.99, p = 0.012) aGVHD than patients with IPV ≤ 75th percentile. Multivariate analyses showed that high Tac IPV (>50th percentile) was an independent risk factor for grades II-IV (HR 2.99, p = 0.018) and grades III-IV (HR 9.12, p = 0.047) aGVHD. Determination of Tac IPV soon after alloHSCT could be useful in identifying patients at greater risk of aGVHD.