bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Variability of a Caryophyllane Chemotype Essential Oil of Eugenia patrisii Vahl Occurring in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: da Cruz Ellen de Nazaré S. , Peixoto Luana de Sousa , da Costa Jamile S. , Mourão Rosa Helena V. , do Nascimento Walnice Maria O. , Maia José Guilherme S. , Setzer William N. , da Silva Joyce Kelly , Figueiredo Pablo Luis B.
Published: April 2022

Eugenia patrisii Vahl is a native and non-endemic myrtaceous species of the Brazilian Amazon. Due to few botanical and phytochemical reports of this species, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the seasonal variability of their leaf essential oils, performed by GC and GC-MS and chemometric analysis. The results indicated that the variation in oil yields (0.7 ± 0.1%) could be correlated with climatic conditions and rainy (R) and dry seasons (D). (E)-caryophyllene (R = 17.1% ± 16.0, D = 20.2% ± 17.7) and caryophyllene oxide (R = 30.1% ± 18.4, D = 14.1% ± 19.3) are the major constituents and did not display significant differences between the two seasons. However, statistically, a potential correlation between the main constituents of E. patrisii essential oil and the climatic parameters is possible. It was observed that the higher temperature and insolation rates and the lower humidity rate, which are characteristics of the dry season, lead to an increase in the (E)-caryophyllene contents, while lower temperature and insolation and higher humidity, which occur in the rainy season, lead to an increase in the caryophyllene oxide content. The knowledge of variations in the E. patrisii essential oil composition could help choose the best plant chemical profile for medicinal purposes.
Isolation, Identification and Antibacterial Mechanism of the Main Antibacterial Component from Pickled and Dried Mustard (Brassica juncea Coss. var. foliosa Bailey)
Authors: Huang Shirong , Chen Xiaojie , Yan Rui , Huang Meng , Chen Dongfang
Published: April 2022

Our previous study showed that the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) from an ethanolic extract of pickled and dried mustard (Brassica juncea Coss. var. foliosa Bailey) had significant antibacterial activity. Here, the EAF was further separated into seven sub-fractions by silica gel column chromatography. The antibacterial activities of the EAF and its sub-fractions against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas fluorescens were assessed using the agar diffusion method and double dilution method. Among the seven sub-fractions, the third sub-fraction (Fr 3) possessed the strongest antibacterial activity. The main component in Fr 3 was identified by GC-MS, UV-vis, FT-IR, HPLC, 1H NMR and 13C NMR techniques, and was found to be succinic acid. The content of succinic acid in Fr 3 was determined as 88.68% (w/w) by HPLC. Finally, the antibacterial mechanism of succinic acid against the tested strains was explored by determining the intracellular component leakage, measuring the cell particle size and observing the cell morphology. The results showed that succinic acid could damage the cell membrane structure and intracellular structure to increase the leakage of cell components and reduce the cell particle size. Our results suggest that succinic acid could be used in food industry to control bacterial contamination by S. aureus and P. fluorescens.
Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, α-Glucosidase and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Quinoa Extract and Its Fractions
Authors: Chen Xi , He Xuemei , Sun Jian , Wang Zhenxing
Published: April 2022

This study is aimed to evaluate the chemical compositions and biological activities of quinoa, a novel and excellent food crop. Quinoa extract and its fractions were prepared by ethanol extraction and liquid-liquid extraction, including ethanol crude extract, and petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate (EAF), and n-butanol and water fractions. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activities, α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory abilities of the extract and fractions were further determined. Based on these foundations, the chemical composition of the EAF fraction exhibiting the strongest functional activity was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed the EAF fraction had the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents, and the highest antioxidant activities, as well as the strongest α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory abilities, which is even better than the positive control. The phytochemical composition of the EAF fraction indicated that 661 and 243 metabolites were identified in positive and negative ion modes, which were classified into superclass, class and subclass levels, respectively. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were the major bioactive compounds in the EAF fraction. This study found that quinoa, especially its ethyl acetate fraction, had the potential for the development of natural antioxidants, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and hypoglycemic agents.
Enhancing the Anticancer Potential of Targeting Tumor-Associated Metalloenzymes via VEGFR Inhibition by New Triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidinone Acyclo C-Nucleosides Multitarget Agents
Authors: Abd Al Moaty Mohamed Nabil , El Ashry El Sayed Helmy , Awad Laila Fathy , Ibrahim Nihal Ahmed , Abu-Serie Marwa Muhammad , Barakat Assem , Altowyan Mezna Saleh , Teleb Mohamed
Published: April 2022

The role of metalloenzymes in tumor progression had broadened their application in cancer therapy. Of these, MMPs and CAs are validated druggable targets that share some pivotal signaling pathways. The majority of MMPs or CAs inhibitors are designed as single-target agents. Despite their transient efficacy, these agents are often susceptible to resistance. This set the stage to introduce dual inhibitors of correlated MMPs and CAs. The next step is expected to target the common vital signaling nodes as well. In this regard, VEGFR-2 is central to various tumorigenesis events involving both families, especially MMP-2 and CA II. Herein, we report simultaneous inhibition of MMP-2, CA II, and VEGFR-2 via rationally designed hybrid 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidinone acyclo C-nucleosides. The promising derivatives were nanomolar inhibitors of VEGFR-2 (8; IC50 = 5.89 nM, 9; IC50 = 10.52 nM) and MMP-2 (8; IC50 = 17.44 nM, 9; IC50 = 30.93 nM) and submicromolar inhibitors of CA II (8; IC50 = 0.21 µM, 9; IC50 = 0.36 µM). Docking studies predicted their binding modes into the enzyme active sites and the structural determinants of activity regarding substitution and regioselectivity. MTT assay demonstrated that both compounds were 12 folds safer than doxorubicin with superior anticancer activities against three human cancers recording single-digit nanomolar IC50, thus echoing their enzymatic activities. Up to our knowledge, this study introduces the first in class triazolopyrimidinone acyclo C-nucleosides VEGFR-2/MMP-2/CA II inhibitors that deserve further investigation.
Formulation and Testing of Antioxidant and Protective Effect of Hyalurosomes Loading Extract Rich in Rosmarinic Acid Biotechnologically Produced from Lavandula angustifolia Miller
Authors: Perra Matteo , Fancello Laura , Castangia Ines , Allaw Mohamad , Escribano-Ferrer Elvira , Peris José Esteban , Usach Iris , Manca Maria Letizia , Koycheva Ivanka K. , Georgiev Milen I. , Manconi Maria
Published: April 2022

Culture of plant cells or tissues is a scalable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly approach to obtain extracts and secondary metabolites of uniform quality that can be continuously supplied in controlled conditions, independent of geographical and seasonal variations, environmental factors, and negative biological influences. In addition, tissues and cells can be extracted/obtained from the by-products of other industrial cultivations such as that of Lavandula angustifolia Miller (L. angustifolia), which is largely cultivated for the collection of flowers. Given that, an extract rich in rosmarinic acid was biotechnologically produced starting from cell suspension of L. angustifolia, which was then loaded in hyalurosomes, special phospholipid vesicles enriched with sodium hyaluronate, which in turn are capable of both immobilizing and stabilizing the system. These vesicles have demonstrated to be good candidates for skin delivery as their high viscosity favors their residence at the application site, thus promoting their interaction with the skin components. The main physico-chemical and technological characteristics of vesicles (i.e., mean diameter, polydispersity index, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency of extract in vesicles) were measured along with their biological properties in vitro: biocompatibility against fibroblasts and ability to protect the cells from oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. Overall, preliminary results disclosed the promising properties of obtained formulations to be used for the treatment of skin diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.
Phenoxyaromatic Acid Analogues as Novel Radiotherapy Sensitizers: Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Zhang Hongquan , Wen Chunxi , Li Bingting , Yan Xinlin , Xu Yangrong , Guo Jialin , Hou Shi , Chang Jiajia , Li Song , Xiao Junhai
Published: April 2022

Radiotherapy is a vital approach for brain tumor treatment. The standard treatment for glioblastoma (GB) is maximal surgical resection combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the non-sensitivity of tumor cells in the hypoxic area of solid tumors to radiotherapy may cause radioresistance. Therefore, radiotherapy sensitizers that increase the oxygen concentration within the tumor are promising for increasing the effectiveness of radiation. Inspired by hemoglobin allosteric oxygen release regulators, a series of novel phenoxyacetic acid analogues were designed and synthesized. A numerical method was applied to determine the activity and safety of newly synthesized compounds. In vitro studies on the evaluation of red blood cells revealed that compounds 19c (∆P50 = 45.50 mmHg) and 19t (∆P50 = 44.38 mmHg) improve the oxygen-releasing property effectively compared to positive control efaproxiral (∆P50 = 36.40 mmHg). Preliminary safety evaluation revealed that 19c exhibited no cytotoxicity towards HEK293 and U87MG cells, while 19t was cytotoxic toward both cells with no selectivity. An in vivo activity assay confirmed that 19c exhibited a radiosensitization effect on orthotopically transplanted GB in mouse brains. Moreover, a pharmacokinetic study in rats showed that 19c was orally available.
Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Germanium Heterojunction for High-Performance Near-Infrared Photodetector
Authors: Qi Tao , Yu Yaolun , Hu Yanyan , Li Kangjie , Guo Nan , Jia Yi
Published: April 2022

In this research, we report on a high-performance near-infrared (near-IR) photodetector based on single-walled carbon nanotube-germanium (SWCNT-Ge) heterojunction by assembling SWCNT films onto n-type Ge substrate with ozone treatment. The ozone doping enhances the conductivity of carbon nanotube films and the formed interfacial oxide layer (GeOx) suppresses the leakage current and carriers’ recombination. The responsivity and detectivity in the near-IR region are estimated to be 362 mA W−1 and 7.22 × 1011 cm Hz1/2 W−1, respectively, which are three times the value of the untreated device. Moreover, a rapid response time of ~11 μs is obtained simultaneously. These results suggest that the simple SWCNT-Ge structure and ozone treatment method might be utilized to fabricate high-performance and low-cost near-IR photodetectors.
Ultrafast Laser Material Damage Simulation—A New Look at an Old Problem
Authors: Zhang Simin , Menoni Carmen , Gruzdev Vitaly , Chowdhury Enam
Published: April 2022

The chirped pulse amplification technique has enabled the generation of pulses of a few femtosecond duration with peak powers multi-Tera and Peta–Watt in the near infrared. Its implementation to realize even shorter pulse duration, higher energy, and higher repetition rate laser systems relies on overcoming the limitations imposed by laser damage of critical components. In particular, the laser damage of coatings in the amplifiers and in post-compression optics have become a bottleneck. The robustness of optical coatings is typically evaluated numerically through steady-state simulations of electric field enhancement in multilayer stacks. However, this approach cannot capture crucial characteristics of femtosecond laser induced damage (LID), as it only considers the geometry of the multilayer stack and the optical properties of the materials composing the stack. This approach neglects that in the interaction of an ultrashort pulse and the materials there is plasma generation and associated material modifications. Here, we present a numerical approach to estimate the LID threshold of dielectric multilayer coatings based on strong field electronic dynamics. In this dynamic scheme, the electric field propagation, photoionization, impact ionization, and electron heating are incorporated through a finite-difference time-domain algorithm. We applied our method to simulate the LID threshold of bulk fused silica, and of multilayer dielectric mirrors and gratings. The results are then compared with experimental measurements. The salient aspects of our model, such as the implementation of the Keldysh photoionization model, the impact ionization model, the electron collision model for ‘low’-temperature, dense plasma, and the LID threshold criterion for few-cycle pulses are discussed.
Lightweight and Flexible Graphene Foam Composite with Improved Damping Properties
Authors: Li Tong , Du Juan , Xu Mi , Song Zhuoyu , Ren Mingfa
Published: April 2022

As an elastomer, PDMS can effectively suppress vibration in various fields in a certain temperature range by its viscoelastic behavior in the vitrification transition region, but the vibration isolation effect is poor at high temperature. In this paper, a three-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) foam is fabricated by solution processing method and freeze-drying techniques. After sequential infiltration synthesis, a GO-foam-reinforced PDMS nanocomposite (GO/PDMS) is fabricated with improved damping ability. By adjusting the content of GO, the micros-tructure of GO foam can be sensitively changed, which is crucial to the damping properties of composites. In this paper, by the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of pure PDMS and five kinds of GO/PDMS composites, it is proved that the GO/PDMS composites developed in this work have reliable elasticity and viscoelasticity at 25 °C, which is 100 °C higher than the applicable temperature of pure PDMS. The storage modulus can reach 3.58 MPa, and the loss modulus can reach 0.45 MPa, which are 1.87 times and 2.0 times of pure PDMS, respectively. This GO-based nanocomposite is an ideal candidate for damping materials in passive vibration isolation devices.
Nanocrystalline Yb:YAG-Doped Silica Glass with Good Transmittance and Significant Spectral Performance Enhancements
Authors: Dong Hehe , Chen Yinggang , Jiao Yan , Zhou Qinling , Cheng Yue , Zhang Hui , Lu Yujie , Wang Shikai , Yu Chunlei , Hu Lili
Published: April 2022

In this study, Yb:YAG-nanocrystal-doped silica glass with high transmission and excellent spectral properties was successfully prepared using a modified sol–gel method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM) analyses confirmed that the Yb:YAG nanocrystals, with their low content, homogeneous distribution, and small crystal size, directly crystallized into the silica glass network without annealing treatment. In contrast with conventional microcrystalline glass having large particles (>0.1 μm) and a large particle content, nanocrystalline glass with a homogeneous distribution and sizes of ~22 nm had higher optical transmittance and better spectral properties. Compared with Yb3+ doped silica glass without nanocrystals, the Yb:YAG-nanocrystal-doped silica glass had a 28% increase in absorption cross-section at 975 nm and a 172% enhanced emission cross-section at 1030 nm without any changes in the spectral pattern of the Yb3+ ions in the silica glass. Meanwhile, the Yb:YAG-doped silica glass with large size and high optical quality was easily prepared. Therefore, the Yb:YAG-nanocrystal-doped silica glass is expected to be a promising near-infrared laser material.
Biotemplated CdS Nano-Aggregate Networks for Highly Effective Visible-Light Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: He Jiao , Zhou Hongli , Xiao Guo , Chen Yongjuan , Yan Zhiying , Wang Jiaqiang
Published: April 2022

In the last few decades, many new synthesis techniques have been developed in order to obtain an effective visible-light responsive photocatalyst for hydrogen production by water splitting. Among these new approaches, the biotemplated synthesis method has aroused much attention because of its unique advantages in preparing materials with special morphology and structure. In this work, Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle was used as a biotemplate to synthesize a CdS photocatalyst. The as-synthesized sample had the microstructure of nano-scaled aggregate networks and its activity for photocatalytic hydrogen production was six times higher than that of CdS synthesized without a template in an Na2S-Na2SO3 sacrificial system. The use of Pt and PdS as cocatalysts further improved the hydrogen production rate to 14.86 mmol/g·h under visible-light (λ ≥ 420 nm) irradiation, so the hydrogen production can be directly observed by the naked eye. The results of characterization showed that the as-synthesized CdS photocatalyst has a high specific surface area and narrow band gap, which is favorable for light absorption and photocatalytic reaction. This work provides a new way to search for efficient visible-light catalysts and confirms the uniqueness of a biotemplated synthesis method in obtaining specially structured materials.
An Integrated Nanocomposite Proximity Sensor: Machine Learning-Based Optimization, Simulation, and Experiment
Authors: Moheimani Reza , Gonzalez Marcial , Dalir Hamid
Published: April 2022

This paper utilizes multi-objective optimization for efficient fabrication of a novel Carbon Nanotube (CNT) based nanocomposite proximity sensor. A previously developed model is utilized to generate a large data set required for optimization which included dimensions of the film sensor, applied excitation frequency, medium permittivity, and resistivity of sensor dielectric, to maximize sensor sensitivity and minimize the cost of the material used. To decrease the runtime of the original model, an artificial neural network (ANN) is implemented by generating a one-thousand samples data set to create and train a black-box model. This model is used as the fitness function of a genetic algorithm (GA) model for dual-objective optimization. We also represented the 2D Pareto Frontier of optimum solutions and scatters of distribution. A parametric study is also performed to discern the effects of the various device parameters. The results provide a wide range of geometrical data leading to the maximum sensitivity at the minimum cost of conductive nanoparticles. The innovative contribution of this research is the combination of GA and ANN, which results in a fast and accurate optimization scheme.
Tuning the Electronic and Optical Properties of the Novel Monolayer Noble-Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides Semiconductor β-AuSe via Strain: A Computational Investigation
Authors: Chen Qing-Yuan , Zhao Bo-Run , Zhao Yi-Fen , Yang Hai , Xiong Kai , He Yao
Published: April 2022

The strain-controlled structural, electronic, and optical characteristics of monolayer β-AuSe are systematically studied using first-principles calculations in this paper. For the strain-free monolayer β-AuSe, the structure is dynamically stable and maintains good stability at room temperature. It belongs to the indirect band gap semiconductor, and its valence band maximum (VBM) and conduction band minimum (CBM) consist of hybrid Au-d and Se-p electrons. Au–Se is a partial ionic bond and a partial polarized covalent bond. Meanwhile, lone-pair electrons exist around Se and are located between different layers. Moreover, its optical properties are anisotropic. As for the strained monolayer β-AuSe, it is susceptible to deformation by uniaxial tensile strain. It remains the semiconductor when applying different strains within an extensive range; however, only the biaxial compressive strain is beyond −12%, leading to a semiconductor–semimetal transition. Furthermore, it can maintain relatively stable optical properties under a high strain rate, whereas the change in optical properties is unpredictable when applying different strains. Finally, we suggest that the excellent carrier transport properties of the strain-free monolayer β-AuSe and the stable electronic properties of the strained monolayer β-AuSe originate from the p–d hybridization effect. Therefore, we predict that monolayer β-AuSe is a promising flexible semiconductive photoelectric material in the high-efficiency nano-electronic and nano-optoelectronic fields.
Nonlinear Optical Microscopy and Plasmon Enhancement
Authors: Cao Yi , Li Jing , Sun Mengtao , Liu Haiyan , Xia Lixin
Published: April 2022

Improving nonlinear optics efficiency is currently one of the hotspots in modern optical research. Moreover, with the maturity of nonlinear optical microscope systems, more and more biology, materials, medicine, and other related disciplines have higher imaging resolution and detection accuracy requirements for nonlinear optical microscope systems. Surface plasmons of metal nanoparticle structures could confine strong localized electromagnetic fields in their vicinity to generate a new electromagnetic mode, which has been widely used in surface-enhanced Raman scattering, surface-enhanced fluorescence, and photocatalysis. In this review, we summarize the mechanism of nonlinear optical effects and surface plasmons and also review some recent work on plasmon-enhanced nonlinear optical effects. In addition, we present some latest applications of nonlinear optical microscopy system research.
Liposomal Nanoformulation as a Carrier for Curcumin and pEGCG—Study on Stability and Anticancer Potential
Authors: Piwowarczyk Ludwika , Kucinska Malgorzata , Tomczak Szymon , Mlynarczyk Dariusz T. , Piskorz Jaroslaw , Goslinski Tomasz , Murias Marek , Jelinska Anna
Published: April 2022

Nanoformulations are regarded as a promising tool to enable the efficient delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients to the target site. One of the best-known and most studied nanoformulations are liposomes—spherical phospholipid bilayered nanocarriers resembling cell membranes. In order to assess the possible effect of a mixture of polyphenols on both the stability of the formulation and its biological activity, two compounds were embedded in the liposomes—(i) curcumin (CUR), (ii) a peracetylated derivative of (−)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (pEGCG), and (iii) a combination of the aforementioned. The stability of the formulations was assessed in two different temperature ranges (4–8 and 20 °C) by monitoring both the particle size and their concentration. It was found that after 28 days of the experiment, the liposomes remained largely unchanged in terms of the particle size distribution, with the greatest change from 130 to 146 nm. The potential decomposition of the carried substances was evaluated using HPLC. The combined CUR and pEGCG was sensitive to temperature conditions; however its stability was greatly increased when compared to the solutions of the individual compounds alone—up to 9.67% of the initial concentration of pEGCG in liposomes after 28 days storage compared to complete decomposition within hours for the non-encapsulated sample. The potential of the prepared formulations was assessed in vitro on prostate (LNCaP) and bladder cancer (5637) cell lines, as well as on a non-cancerous human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5), with the highest activity of IC50 equal 15.33 ± 2.03 µM for the mixture of compounds towards the 5637 cell line.
Methylammonium Lead Bromide Perovskite Nano-Crystals Grown in a Poly[styrene-co-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl Methacrylate)] Matrix Immobilized on Exfoliated Graphene Nano-Sheets
Authors: Stergiou Anastasios , Sideri Ioanna K. , Kafetzi Martha , Ioannou Anna , Arenal Raul , Mousdis Georgios , Pispas Stergios , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: April 2022

Development of graphene/perovskite heterostructures mediated by polymeric materials may constitute a robust strategy to resolve the environmental instability of metal halide perovskites and provide barrierless charge transport. Herein, a straightforward approach for the growth of perovskite nano-crystals and their electronic communication with graphene is presented. Methylammonium lead bromide (CH3NH3PbBr3) nano-crystals were grown in a poly[styrene-co-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)], P[St-co-DMAEMA], bi-functional random co-polymer matrix and non-covalently immobilized on graphene. P[St-co-DMAEMA] was selected as a bi-modal polymer capable to stabilize the perovskite nano-crystals via electrostatic interactions between the tri-alkylamine amine sites of the co-polymer and the A-site vacancies of the perovskite and simultaneously enable Van der Waals attractive interactions between the aromatic arene sites of the co-polymer and the surface of graphene. The newly synthesized CH3NH3PbBr3/co-polymer and graphene/CH3NH3PbBr3/co-polymer ensembles were formed by physical mixing of the components in organic media at room temperature. Complementary characterization by dynamic light scattering, microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the formation of uniform spherical perovskite nano-crystals immobilized on the graphene nano-sheets. Complementary photophysical characterization by UV-Vis absorption, steady-state, and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy unveiled the photophysical properties of the CH3NH3PbBr3/co-polymer colloid perovskite solution and verified the electronic communication within the graphene/CH3NH3PbBr3/co-polymer ensembles at the ground and excited states.
Emerging Functions of Nano-Organized Polysaccharides
Authors: Kitaoka Takuya
Published: April 2022

Natural polysaccharides, such as cellulose and chitin, possess unique hierarchical nanoarchitectures, e [...]
High Power Generation with Reducing Agents Using Compost Soil as a Novel Electrocatalyst for Ammonium Fuel Cells
Authors: Magotra Verjesh Kumar , Lee Seung Joo , Kang Tae Won , Inamdar Akbar I. , Kim Deuk Young , Im Hyunsik , Jeon Hee Chang
Published: April 2022

Ammonium toxicity is a significant source of pollution from industrial civilization that is disrupting the balance of natural systems, adversely affecting soil and water quality, and causing several environmental problems that affect aquatic and human life, including the strong promotion of eutrophication and increased dissolved oxygen consumption. Thus, a cheap catalyst is required for power generation and detoxification. Herein, compost soil is employed as a novel electrocatalyst for ammonium degradation and high-power generation. Moreover, its effect on catalytic activity and material performances is systematically optimized and compared by treating it with various reducing agents, including potassium ferricyanide, ferrocyanide, and manganese dioxide. Ammonium fuel was supplied to the compost soil ammonium fuel cell (CS-AFC) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g/mL. The overall results show that ferricyanide affords a maximum power density of 1785.20 mW/m2 at 0.2 g/mL fuel concentration. This study focuses on high-power generation for CS-AFC. CS-AFCs are sustainable for many hours without any catalyst deactivation; however, they need to be refueled at regular intervals (every 12 h). Moreover, CS-AFCs afford the best performance when ferricyanide is used as the electron acceptor at the cathode. This study proposes a cheap electrocatalyst and possible solutions to the more serious energy generation problems. This study will help in recycling ammonium-rich wastewaters as free fuel for running CS-AFC devices to yield high-power generation with reducing agents for ammonium fuel cell power applications.
Coupling Electronic and Phonon Thermal Transport in Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) Nanofibers
Authors: Dong Lan , Bao Chengpeng , Hu Shiqian , Wang Yuanyuan , Wu Zihua , Xie Huaqing , Xu Xiangfan
Published: April 2022

The thermal transport of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) nanofiber is contributed by the electronic component of thermal conduction and the phonon component of thermal conduction. The relationship between the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of these conducting polymers is of great interest in thermoelectric energy conversation. In this work, we characterized the axial electrical conductivities and thermal conductivities of the single PEDOT:PSS nanofibers and found that the Lorenz number L is larger than Sommerfeld value L0 at 300 K. In addition, we found that the L increased significantly in the low-temperature region. We consider that this trend is due to the bipolar contribution of conducting polymers with low-level electrical conductivity and the increasing trend of the electronic contribution to thermal conductivity in low-temperature regions.
Alcohol Deprivation Differentially Changes Alcohol Intake in Female and Male Rats Depending on Early-Life Stressful Experience
Authors: Carvalho Marielly , Morais-Silva Gessynger , Caixeta Graziele Alícia Batista , Marin Marcelo T. , Amaral Vanessa C. S.
Published: April 2022

Experiencing early-life adverse events has enduring effects on individual vulnerability to alcohol abuse and the development of addiction-related behaviors. In rodents, it can be studied using maternal separation (MS) stress. Studies have shown that, depending on the protocol used, MS can affect the mother and pups’ behavior and are associated with behavioral alterations later in adulthood, associated with both positive or negative outcomes. However, it is not fully elucidated how MS affects relapse-like behaviors when experienced by female or male individuals. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of brief and prolonged MS on the alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) in female and male rats. Female and male Wistar rats were exposed to brief (15 min/day) or prolonged (180 min/day) MS from postnatal day (PND) 2 to 10. Later, during adulthood (PND 70), animals were submitted to an ADE protocol. Brief MS exposure prevented the ADE in both females and males, while prolonged MS exposure also prevented the ADE in female rats. Moreover, the ADE was more robust in females when compared to males. In conclusion, we showed that male and female rats are differentially affected by alcohol deprivation periods depending on their early-life experiences.
Inositols, Probiotics, and Gestational Diabetes: Clinical and Epigenetic Aspects
Authors: Vitacolonna Ester , Masulli Maria , Palmisano Luisa , Stuppia Liborio , Franzago Marica
Published: April 2022

There is growing interest in the potential role of different stereoisomers of inositol or their combination as well as probiotics supplementation in healthy glucose metabolism during pregnancy and in promoting offspring health. The aim of this review is to clarify the effects of several inositol and probiotics-based supplements in the prevention and treatment of gestational diabetes (GDM). Moreover, we will discuss the epigenetic aspects and their short- and long-term effects in response to probiotic intervention as well as the possible implications of these findings in guiding appropriate supplementation regimens in pregnancy.
A Comparison of the Low-FODMAPs Diet and a Tritordeum-Based Diet on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Profile of Patients Suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Diarrhea Variant (IBS-D): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Russo Francesco , Riezzo Giuseppe , Orlando Antonella , Linsalata Michele , D’Attoma Benedetta , Prospero Laura , Ignazzi Antonia , Giannelli Gianluigi
Published: April 2022

The dietary approach low in oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and fermentable polyols (FODMAPs-LFD) is a good strategy for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Beyond the LFD, other dietary approaches with beneficial effects may be hypothesized. Among them, consumption of Tritordeum-based foods (TBD, bread, bakery products, and pasta) in substitution of other cereals seem to achieve promising results. In a randomized controlled trial, we compared the effects of 12 weeks of LFD to TBD in improving the symptom profile of IBS-diarrhea (IBS-D) patients. The two diets equally improved gastrointestinal symptoms and QoL, measured by the IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) questionnaire, reducing the total score after four weeks and maintaining this range until the end of treatment (IBS-SSS total score change: −132.1; 95% CI: −74.9 to −189.4 and −130.5; 95% CI: −73.2 to −187.7; p < 0.0001 after LFD and TBD, respectively). The two diets did not modify the micronutrients content when extended for 12 weeks. LFD could be regarded as a first-line dietary approach for IBS-D patients. However, TBD may represent a valid alternative, with high palatability, especially among Italian patients, for whom pasta is considered one of the main assets of dietetic culture, and would be easier to manage in their daily habits.
Daily Inclusion of Resistant Starch-Containing Potatoes in a Dietary Guidelines for Americans Dietary Pattern Does Not Adversely Affect Cardiometabolic Risk or Intestinal Permeability in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cao Sisi , Shaw Emily L. , Quarles William R. , Sasaki Geoffrey Y. , Dey Priyankar , Hodges Joanna K. , Pokala Avinash , Zeng Min , Bruno Richard S.
Published: April 2022

Poor diet quality influences cardiometabolic risk. Although potatoes are suggested to adversely affect cardiometabolic health, controlled trials that can establish causality are limited. Consistent with potatoes being rich in micronutrients and resistant starch, we hypothesized that their inclusion in a Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)-based dietary pattern would improve cardiometabolic and gut health in metabolic syndrome (MetS) persons. In a randomized cross-over trial, MetS persons (n = 27; 32.5 ± 1.3 year) consumed a DGA-based diet for 2 weeks containing potatoes (DGA + POTATO; 17.5 g/day resistant starch) or bagels (DGA + BAGEL; 0 g/day resistant starch) prior to completing oral glucose and gut permeability tests. Blood pressure, fasting glucose and insulin, and insulin resistance decreased (p < 0.05) from baseline regardless of treatment without any change in body mass. Oral glucose-induced changes in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, nitric oxide homeostasis, and lipid peroxidation did not differ between treatment arms. Serum endotoxin AUC0–120 min and urinary lactulose/mannitol, but not urinary sucralose/erythritol, were lower in DGA + POTATO. Fecal microbiome showed limited between-treatment differences, but the proportion of acetate was higher in DGA + POTATO. Thus, short-term consumption of a DGA-based diet decreases cardiometabolic risk, and the incorporation of resistant starch-containing potatoes into a healthy diet reduces small intestinal permeability and postprandial endotoxemia.
Effects of Diet-Induced Weight Loss on Plasma Markers for Cholesterol Absorption and Synthesis: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial in Abdominally Obese Men
Authors: Mashnafi Sultan , Plat Jogchum , Mensink Ronald P. , Joris Peter J. , Kusters Yvo H. A. M. , Houben Alfons J. H. M. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Baumgartner Sabine
Published: April 2022

Cross-sectional studies have shown that obesity is associated with lower intestinal cholesterol absorption and higher endogenous cholesterol synthesis. These metabolic characteristics have also been observed in patients with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, steatosis or cholestasis. The number of intervention studies evaluating the effect of weight loss on these metabolic characteristics is, however, limited, while the role of the different fat compartments has not been studied into detail. In a randomized trial, abdominally obese men (N = 54) followed a 6-week very low caloric (VLCD) diet, followed by a 2 week weight-maintenance period. Non-cholesterol sterols were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks, and compared to levels in lean participants (N = 25). After weight loss, total cholesterol (TC)-standardized cholestanol levels increased by 0.18 µmol/mmol (p < 0.001), while those of campesterol and lathosterol decreased by 0.25 µmol/mmol (p < 0.05) and 0.39 µmol/mmol (p < 0.001), respectively. Moreover, after weight loss, TC-standardized lathosterol and cholestanol levels were comparable to those of lean men. Increases in TC-standardized cholestanol after weight loss were significantly associated with changes in waist circumference (p < 0.01), weight (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001) and visceral fat (p < 0.01), but not with subcutaneous and intrahepatic lipids. In addition, cross-sectional analysis showed that visceral fat fully mediated the association between BMI and TC-standardized cholestanol levels. Intrahepatic lipid content was a partial mediator for the association between BMI and TC-standardized lathosterol levels. In conclusion, diet-induced weight loss decreased cholesterol synthesis and increased cholesterol absorption. The increase in TC-standardized cholestanol levels was not only related to weight loss, but also to a decrease in visceral fat volume. Whether these metabolic changes ameliorate other metabolic risk factors needs further study.
Effect of Warning Labels on Consumer Motivation and Intention to Avoid Consuming Processed Foods
Authors: Adasme-Berríos Cristian , Aliaga-Ortega Luís , Schnettler Berta , Parada Manuel , Andaur Yocelin , Carreño Constanza , Lobos Germán , Jara-Rojas Roberto , Valdes Rodrigo
Published: April 2022

Nutritional warnings (NWs) as a front-of-package label were implemented as a public policy aiding consumers with recognizing processed foods with high levels of critical nutrients (sodium, saturated fats, carbohydrates, and calories). However, in spite of this tool being well positioned in consumer decision making, there is little extant knowledge about the relationship between the message sent by NW, nutritional knowledge, consumer motivation, and the intention to avoid consuming processed foods. To understand these dimensions’ relations, a theoretical model was created and subsequently tested through structural equations. We applied a survey to 807 home food purchasing decision makers. The results show that the direct effect of NW messages raises the intention to avoid processed foods, while eating motivation is negative in its direct effect on the same avoidance intention. However, the message sent by NWs had a mediating effect between the intentions to avoid processed food and eating motivation but showed no such effect on nutritional knowledge. This suggests that the message sent by NWs was able to turn negative eating motivation into positive eating motivation to avoid processed foods. In conclusion, NWs help mitigate eating motivations, as well as boost the intention to avoid processed foods.
Mediterranean Diet and Soy Isoflavones for Integrated Management of the Menopausal Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Marini Herbert Ryan
Published: April 2022

The transition from premenopause to postmenopause is associated with the development of multiple elements of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) [...]
Genistein Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Inhibiting the Process of Gluconeogenesis in Mice
Authors: Gan Mailin , Chen Xinquan , Chen Zongjian , Chen Lei , Zhang Shunhua , Zhao Ye , Niu Lili , Li Xuewei , Shen Linyuan , Zhu Li
Published: April 2022

Genistein is an isoflavone phytoestrogen that has been shown to improve obesity; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved therein have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we administered genistein to high-fat diet-induced obese mice to investigate its effect on hepatic gluconeogenesis. The results showed that genistein treatment significantly inhibited body weight gain, hyperglycemia, and adipose and hepatic lipid deposition in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Glucose tolerance test (GTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT) and pyruvate tolerance test (PTT) showed that genistein treatment significantly inhibited gluconeogenesis and improved insulin resistance in obese mice. In addition, this study also found that genistein could promote the expression of miR-451 in vitro and in vivo, and the dual-luciferase reporter system showed that G6pc (glucose-6-phosphatase) may be a target gene of miR-451. Both genistein treatment and in vivo injection of miR-451 agomir significantly inhibited gluconeogenesis and inhibited the expression of G6pc and Gk (glycerol kinase, a known target gene of miR-451). In conclusion, genistein may inhibit gluconeogenesis in obese mice by regulating the expression of Gk and G6pc through miR-451. These results may provide insights into the functions of miR-451 and food-derived phytoestrogens in ameliorating and preventing gluconeogenesis-related diseases.
Retinoic Acid: Sexually Dimorphic, Anti-Insulin and Concentration-Dependent Effects on Energy
Authors: Napoli Joseph L.
Published: April 2022

This review addresses the fasting vs. re-feeding effects of retinoic acid (RA) biosynthesis and functions, and sexually dimorphic RA actions. It also discusses other understudied topics essential for understanding RA activities—especially interactions with energy-balance-regulating hormones, including insulin and glucagon, and sex hormones. This report will introduce RA homeostasis and hormesis to provide context. Essential context also will encompass RA effects on adiposity, muscle function and pancreatic islet development and maintenance. These comments provide background for explaining interactions among insulin, glucagon and cortisol with RA homeostasis and function. One aim would clarify the often apparent RA contradictions related to pancreagenesis vs. pancreas hormone functions. The discussion also will explore the adverse effects of RA on estrogen action, in contrast to the enhancing effects of estrogen on RA action, the adverse effects of androgens on RA receptors, and the RA induction of androgen biosynthesis.
Platelet Activation Favours NOX2-Mediated Muscle Damage in Elite Athletes: The Role of Cocoa-Derived Polyphenols
Authors: D’Amico Alessandra , Cavarretta Elena , Fossati Chiara , Borrione Paolo , Pigozzi Fabio , Frati Giacomo , Sciarretta Sebastiano , Costa Vincenzo , De Grandis Fabrizio , Nigro Antonia , Peruzzi Mariangela , Miraldi Fabio , Saade Wael , Calogero Antonella , Rosa Paolo , Galardo Gioacchino , Loffredo Lorenzo , Pignatelli Pasquale , Nocella Cristina , Carnevale Roberto
Published: April 2022

Mechanisms of exercise-induced muscle injury with etiopathogenesis and its consequences have been described; however, the impact of different intensities of exercise on the mechanisms of muscular injury development is not well understood. The aim of this study was to exploit the relationship between platelet activation, oxidative stress and muscular injuries induced by physical exercise in elite football players compared to amateur athletes. Oxidant/antioxidant status, platelet activation and markers of muscle damage were evaluated in 23 elite football players and 23 amateur athletes. Compared to amateurs, elite football players showed lower antioxidant capacity and higher oxidative stress paralleled by increased platelet activation and muscle damage markers. Simple linear regression analysis showed that sNOX2-dp and H2O2, sCD40L and PDGF-bb were associated with a significant increase in muscle damage biomarkers. In vitro studies also showed that plasma obtained from elite athletes increased oxidative stress and muscle damage in human skeletal muscle myoblasts cell line compared to amateurs’ plasma, an effect blunted by the NOX2 inhibitor or by the cell treatment with cocoa-derived polyphenols. These results indicate that platelet activation increased muscular injuries induced by oxidative stress. Moreover, NOX2 inhibition and polyphenol extracts treatment positively modulates redox status and reduce exercise-induced muscular injury.
The Lifestyle Profile of Individuals with Cardiovascular and Endocrine Diseases in Cyprus: A Hierarchical, Classification Analysis
Authors: Kyprianidou Maria , Panagiotakos Demosthenes , Makris Konstantinos C. , Kambanaros Maria , Christophi Costas A. , Giannakou Konstantinos
Published: April 2022

The study aims to explore the lifestyle profile of adult individuals with cardiovascular and endocrine diseases in Cyprus. Age and sex-specific analyses were applied. A representative sample of the general adult population was recruited during 2018–2019 using stratified sampling among the five government-controlled municipalities of the Republic of Cyprus. Data on Mediterranean diet adherence, quality of sleep, smoking status, physical activity, Body Mass Index, and the presence of cardiovascular and endocrine diseases were collected using a validated questionnaire. Diseases were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). A total of 1140 men and women over 18 years old (range: 18–94) participated in the study. The prevalence of cardiovascular and endocrine diseases among the adult general population of Cyprus was 24.8% and 17.2%, respectively, with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in men, and a higher prevalence of endocrine diseases in women. Among individuals with cardiovascular disease, 23.3% were aged between 18–44 years old, while the corresponding percentage among endocrine disease individuals was 48%. The prevalence of smoking, physical activity, a low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, poor quality of sleep and obesity among the study population was 35.5%, 48.0%, 32.9%, 39.0% and 13.6%, respectively. Individuals with cardiovascular and endocrine diseases were characterized by poor quality of sleep, inadequate physical activity, and a higher BMI. This is the first study in Cyprus exploring the profile of individuals with cardiovascular and endocrine diseases in Cyprus. Health promotion and educational programs focusing on the importance of sleep quality, healthier dietary habits, physical activity, and lower BMIs among people with cardiovascular and endocrine diseases should be developed.