bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex Tumor Spheroid Formation and One-Step Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Purification from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tissue Promoted by Inorganic Surface Topography
Authors: Dituri Francesco , Centonze Matteo , Berenschot Erwin J. W. , Tas Niels R. , Susarrey-Arce Arturo , Krol Silke
Published: December 2021

In vitro cell models play important roles as testbeds for toxicity studies, drug development, or as replacements in animal experiments. In particular, complex tumor models such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are needed to predict drug efficacy and facilitate translation into clinical practice. In this work, topographical features of amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO2) are fabricated and tested for cell culture of primary HCC cells and cell lines. The topographies vary from pyramids to octahedrons to structures named fractals, with increased hierarchy and organized in periodic arrays (square or Hexagonal). The pyramids were found to promote complex 2D/3D tissue formation from primary HCC cells. It was found that the 2D layer was mainly composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), while the 3D spheroids were composed of tumor cells enwrapped by a CAF layer. Compared with conventional protocols for 3D cultures, this novel approach mimics the 2D/3D complexity of the original tumor by invading CAFs and a microtumor. Topographies such as octahedrons and fractals exclude tumor cells and allow one-step isolation of CAFs even directly from tumor tissue of patients as the CAFs migrate into the structured substrate. Cell lines form spheroids within a short time. The presented inorganic topographical surfaces stimulate complex spheroid formation while avoiding additional biological scaffolds and allowing direct visualization on the substrate.
In Situ DRIFTS-MS Methanol Adsorption Study onto Supported NiSn Nanoparticles: Mechanistic Implications in Methanol Steam Reforming
Authors: Bobadilla Luis F. , Azancot Lola , Ivanova Svetlana , Delgado Juan J. , Romero-Sarria Francisca , Centeno Miguel A. , Roger Anne-Cécile , Odriozola José A.
Published: December 2021

Methanol adsorption over both supported NiSn Nps and analogous NiSn catalyst prepared by impregnation was studied by in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to gain insights into the basis of hydrogen production from methanol steam reforming. Different intermediate species such as methoxides with different geometry (bridge and monodentate) and formate species were identified after methanol adsorption and thermal desorption. It is proposed that these species are the most involved in the methanol steam reforming reaction and the major presence of metal-support interface sites in supported NiSn Nps leads to higher production of hydrogen. On the basis of these results, a plausible reaction mechanism was elucidated through the correlation between the thermal stability of these species and the evolution of the effluent gas released. In addition, it was demonstrated that DME is a secondary product generated by condensation of methoxides over the acid sites of alumina support in an acid-catalyzed reaction.
MOFs Derived Hetero-ZnO/Fe2O3 Nanoflowers with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance towards Efficient Degradation of Organic Dyes
Authors: Zaman Fakhr uz , Xie Bing , Zhang Jinyang , Gong Tianyu , Cui Kai , Hou Linrui , Xu Jiali , Zhai Zhirou , Yuan Changzhou
Published: December 2021

It is still a challenge for wastewater treatment to develop efficient yet low-cost photocatalysts on a large scale. Herein, a facile yet efficient method was devised to successfully synthesize ZnO/Fe2O3 nanoflowers (NFs) by using metal organic framework ZIF-8 as the precursor. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared hetero-ZnO/Fe2O3 NFs are purposefully evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) under UV light irradiation. The resulting ZnO/Fe2O3 NFs display even higher photocatalytic activities than those of single-phase ZnO and Fe2O3 as a photocatalyst for the degradation of both MB ad MO. Particularly, nearly 100% MB can be photocatalytically degraded in 90 min under UV light irradiation using the hetero-NFs photocatalyst. The enhanced photocatalytic properties are probably ascribed to the synergistic contributions from the suitable band alignment of ZnO and Fe2O3, large surface area, and strong light absorption property. Radical scavenger experiments prove that the photogenerated holes, ·OH and ·O2-, play key roles in photocatalytic degradation process of organic dyes. Accordingly, the photocatalytic degradation mechanism of hetero-ZnO/Fe2O3 NFs towards dyes is tentatively proposed. The work contributes an effective way to rationally design and fabricate advanced photocatalysts with heterojunction structures for photocatalytic applications.
Mo:BiVO4 Nanoparticles-Based Optical Modulator and Its Application in a 2-μm Pulsed Laser
Authors: Zhao Lina , Zhang Wenyu , Yuan Ye , Tong Luyang , Liu Jingjing , Liu Jie , Cai Yangjian , Gao Yuanmei
Published: December 2021

Mo:BiVO4 nanoparticles were employed as an optical modulator in a Q-switched all-solid-state Tm:YAP laser for the first time. The nonlinear optical parameters of Mo:BiVO4 nanoparticles in the 2-μm region were characterized by measuring nonlinear transmission. Saturation intensity was 718 MW/cm2, and the modulation depth was 12.3%. A stable pulse sequence was acquired with a 70.08 kHz maximum repetition rate and an 821 ns pulse width. The maximum output average power was 153 mW, corresponding to 2.18 μJ single pulse energy and 2.67 W peak power. Although the response wavelength of Mo:BiVO4 is in visible light region, our experimental results demonstrates that a saturable absorption effect for wavelengths much longer than visible light (2 μm wavelength) is still possible due to sub-bandgap absorption. Therefore, we experimentally proved that Mo:BiVO4 nanoparticles are a great candidate for use as an optical modulator of a 2-μm pulsed laser.
Polydopamine Doping and Pyrolysis of Cellulose Nanofiber Paper for Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Nanocarbon with Improved Yield and Capacitive Performances
Authors: Zhu Luting , Uetani Kojiro , Nogi Masaya , Koga Hirotaka
Published: December 2021

Biomass-derived three-dimensional (3D) porous nanocarbons have attracted much attention due to their high surface area, permeability, electrical conductivity, and renewability, which are beneficial for various electronic applications, including energy storage. Cellulose, the most abundant and renewable carbohydrate polymer on earth, is a promising precursor to fabricate 3D porous nanocarbons by pyrolysis. However, the pyrolysis of cellulosic materials inevitably causes drastic carbon loss and volume shrinkage. Thus, polydopamine doping prior to the pyrolysis of cellulose nanofiber paper is proposed to fabricate the 3D porous nanocarbons with improved yield and volume retention. Our results show that a small amount of polydopamine (4.3 wt%) improves carbon yield and volume retention after pyrolysis at 700 °C from 16.8 to 26.4% and 15.0 to 19.6%, respectively. The pyrolyzed polydopamine-doped cellulose nanofiber paper has a larger specific surface area and electrical conductivity than cellulose nanofiber paper that without polydopamine. Owing to these features, it also affords a good specific capacitance up to 200 F g−1 as a supercapacitor electrode, which is higher than the recently reported cellulose-derived nanocarbons. This method provides a pathway for the effective fabrication of high-performance cellulose-derived 3D porous nanocarbons.
High-Yield Production of Selected 2D Materials by Understanding Their Sonication-Assisted Liquid-Phase Exfoliation
Authors: Goni Freskida , Chemelli Angela , Uhlig Frank
Published: December 2021

Liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE) is a widely used and promising method for the production of 2D nanomaterials because it can be scaled up relatively easily. Nevertheless, the yields achieved by this process are still low, ranging between 2% and 5%, which makes the large-scale production of these materials difficult. In this report, we investigate the cause of these low yields by examining the sonication-assisted LPE of graphene, boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs), and molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MoS2 NS). Our results show that the low yields are caused by an equilibrium that is formed between the exfoliated nanosheets and the flocculated ones during the sonication process. This study provides an understanding of this behaviour, which prevents further exfoliation of nanosheets. By avoiding this equilibrium, we were able to increase the total yields of graphene, BNNSs, and MoS2 NS up to 14%, 44%, and 29%, respectively. Here, we demonstrate a modified LPE process that leads to the high-yield production of 2D nanomaterials.
Humulus scandens-Derived Biochars for the Effective Removal of Heavy Metal Ions: Isotherm/Kinetic Study, Column Adsorption and Mechanism Investigation
Authors: Bai Xingang , Xing Luyang , Liu Ning , Ma Nana , Huang Kexin , Wu Dapeng , Yin Mengmeng , Jiang Kai
Published: December 2021

Humulus scandens was first adopted as a biomass precursor to prepare biochars by means of a facile molten salt method. The optimized biochar exhibits a high specific surface area of ~450 m2/g, a rich porous structure and abundant oxygen functional groups, which demonstrate excellent adsorption performance for heavy metal ions. The isotherm curves fit well with the Langmuir models, indicating that the process is governed by the chemical adsorption, and that the maximum adsorption capacity can reach 748 and 221 mg/g for Pb2+ and Cu2+, respectively. In addition, the optimized biochar demonstrates good anti-interference ability and outstanding removal efficiency for Cu2+ and Pb2+ in simulated wastewater. The mechanism investigation and DFT calculation suggest that the oxygen functional groups play dominant roles in the adsorption process by enhancing the binding energy towards the heavy metal ions. Meanwhile, ion exchange also serves as the main reason for the effective removal.
Light-Excited Ag-Doped TiO2−CoFe2O4 Heterojunction Applied to Toluene Gas Detection
Authors: Wang Wenhao , Zhang Lu , Kang Yanli , Yu Feng
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: Toluene gas is widely used in indoor decoration and industrial production, and it not only pollutes the environment but also poses serious health risks. (2) Methods: In this work, TiO2−CoFe2O4−Ag quaternary composite gas-sensing material was prepared using a hydrothermal method to detect toluene. (3) Results: The recombination of electron–hole pairs was suppressed, and the light absorption range was expanded after constructing a heterojunction and doping with Ag, according to ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflectance spectra and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Moreover, in the detection range of toluene gas (3 ppm–50 ppm), the response value of TiO2−CoFe2O4−Ag increased from 2 to 15, which was much higher than that of TiO2−Ag (1.7) and CoFe2O4−Ag (1.7). In addition, the working temperature was reduced from 360 °C to 263 °C. Furthermore, its response/recovery time was 40 s/51 s, its limit of detection was as low as 10 ppb, and its response value to toluene gas was 3–7 times greater than that of other interfering gases under the same test conditions. In addition, the response value to 5 ppm toluene was increased from 3 to 5.5 with the UV wavelength of 395 nm–405 nm. (4) Conclusions: This is primarily due to charge flow caused by heterojunction construction, as well as metal sensitization and chemical sensitization of novel metal doping. This work is a good starting point for improving gas-sensing capabilities for the detection of toluene gas.
Short Pyridine-Furan Springs Exhibit Bistable Dynamics of Duffing Oscillators
Authors: Avetisov Vladik A. , Frolkina Maria A. , Markina Anastasia A. , Muratov Alexander D. , Petrovskii Vladislav S.
Published: December 2021

The intensive development of nanodevices acting as two-state systems has motivated the search for nanoscale molecular structures whose dynamics are similar to those of bistable mechanical systems, such as Euler arches and Duffing oscillators. Of particular interest are the molecular structures capable of spontaneous vibrations and stochastic resonance. Recently, oligomeric molecules that were a few nanometers in size and exhibited the bistable dynamics of an Euler arch were identified through molecular dynamics simulations of short fragments of thermo-responsive polymers subject to force loading. In this article, we present molecular dynamics simulations of short pyridine-furan springs a few nanometers in size and demonstrate the bistable dynamics of a Duffing oscillator with thermally-activated spontaneous vibrations and stochastic resonance.
Enhancing Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production of g-C3N4 by Selective Deposition of Pt Cocatalyst
Authors: Li Yang , Lu Yue , Ma Zhaoyu , Dong Lianqing , Jia Xiaofang , Zhang Junying
Published: December 2021

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has been widely studied as a photocatalyst for the splitting of water to produce hydrogen. In order to solve the problems of limited number of active sites and serious recombination rate of charge-carriers, noble metals are needed as cocatalysts. Here, we selectively anchored Pt nanoparticles (NPs) to specific nitrogen species on the surface of g-C3N4 via heat treatment in argon–hydrogen gas mixture, thus achieving g-C3N4 photocatalyst anchored by highly dispersed homogeneous Pt NPs with the co-existed metallic Pt0 and Pt2+ species. The synergistic effect of highly dispersed metallic Pt0 and Pt2+ species makes the catalyst exhibit excellent photocatalytic performance. Under the full-spectrum solar light irradiation, the photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of the photocatalyst is up to 18.67 mmol·g−1·h−1, which is 5.1 times of the catalyst prepared by non-selective deposition of Pt NPs.
Energy Efficiency for Green Internet of Things (IoT) Networks: A Survey
Authors: Farhan Laith , Hameed Rasha Subhi , Ahmed Asraa Safaa , Fadel Ali Hussein , Gheth Waled , Alzubaidi Laith , Fadhel Mohammed A. , Al-Amidie Muthana
Published: December 2021

The last decade has witnessed the rise of the proliferation of Internet-enabled devices. The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming ever more pervasive in everyday life, connecting an ever-greater array of diverse physical objects. The key vision of the IoT is to bring a massive number of smart devices together in integrated and interconnected heterogeneous networks, making the Internet even more useful. Therefore, this paper introduces a brief introduction to the history and evolution of the Internet. Then, it presents the IoT, which is followed by a list of application domains and enabling technologies. The wireless sensor network (WSN) is revealed as one of the important elements in IoT applications, and the paper describes the relationship between WSNs and the IoT. This research is concerned with developing energy-efficiency techniques for WSNs that enable the IoT. After having identified sources of energy wastage, this paper reviews the literature that discusses the most relevant methods to minimizing the energy exhaustion of IoT and WSNs. We also identify the gaps in the existing literature in terms of energy preservation measures that could be researched and it can be considered in future works. The survey gives a near-complete and up-to-date view of the IoT in the energy field. It provides a summary and recommendations of a large range of energy-efficiency methods proposed in the literature that will help and support future researchers. Please note that the manuscript is an extended version and based on the summary of the Ph.D. thesis. This paper will give to the researchers an introduction to what they need to know and understand about the networks, WSNs, and IoT applications from scratch. Thus, the fundamental purpose of this paper is to introduce research trends and recent work on the use of IoT technology and the conclusion that has been reached as a result of undertaking the Ph.D. study.
Editorial: A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System—Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection
Authors: Marcos Ascensión
Published: December 2021

The emergence of the SARS-CoV virus in December 2019 saw the beginning of an unprecedented pandemic that represents the most significant public health problem in recent memory [...]
Dietary Magnesium Alleviates Experimental Murine Colitis through Modulation of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Del Chierico Federica , Trapani Valentina , Petito Valentina , Reddel Sofia , Pietropaolo Giuseppe , Graziani Cristina , Masi Letizia , Gasbarrini Antonio , Putignani Lorenza , Scaldaferri Franco , Wolf Federica I.
Published: December 2021

Nutritional deficiencies are common in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In patients, magnesium (Mg) deficiency is associated with disease severity, while in murine models, dietary Mg supplementation contributes to restoring mucosal function. Since Mg availability modulates key bacterial functions, including growth and virulence, we investigated whether the beneficial effects of Mg supplementation during colitis might be mediated by gut microbiota. The effects of dietary Mg modulation were assessed in a murine model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis by monitoring magnesemia, weight, and fecal consistency. Gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S-rRNA based profiling on fecal samples. Mg supplementation improved microbiota richness in colitic mice, increased abundance of Bifidobacterium and reduced Enterobacteriaceae. KEEG pathway analysis predicted an increase in biosynthetic metabolism, DNA repair and translation pathways during Mg supplementation and in the presence of colitis, while low Mg conditions favored catabolic processes. Thus, dietary Mg supplementation increases bacteria involved in intestinal health and metabolic homeostasis, and reduces bacteria involved in inflammation and associated with human diseases, such as IBD. These findings suggest that Mg supplementation may be a safe and cost-effective strategy to ameliorate disease symptoms and restore a beneficial intestinal flora in IBD patients.
Consumer Acceptance and Market Potential of Iodine-Biofortified Fruit and Vegetables in Germany
Authors: Welk Ann-Kristin , Kleine-Kalmer Ruth , Daum Diemo , Enneking Ulrich
Published: December 2021

Biofortification of food crops with iodine is a novel approach to preventing iodine deficiency in humans. The present study analyses the consumer target groups and the market potential of iodine-biofortified fruit and vegetables in Germany. For this purpose, an online survey of 1016 German fruit and vegetable consumers was conducted to investigate the acceptance of different product categories as well as relevant criteria for the market launch. The results show that iodine-biofortified fruit and vegetables are particularly attractive to consumers who purchase at farmers’ markets, organic food shops, and farm stores. Out of this group, 39% of consumers rate such iodine-rich foods as very appealing. They attach importance to food that naturally contains iodine and prefer produce from integrated domestic cultivation. With their focus on sustainability and naturalness, this group of consumers clearly differs from typical users of dietary supplements, who are primarily concerned with health benefits. However, overall about 85% of respondents would prefer biofortified fruits and vegetables to supplements to improve their iodine supply. The greatest market potential for iodine-biofortified fruit and vegetables is to be expected in supermarkets, as this is the preferred food shopping location for most consumers. A total of 28% of those who buy here rate the biofortified foods presented as very appealing. Nevertheless, a successful market launch requires that the benefits of the new products are communicated according to the potential consumer group needs.
The Effects of Butyrate on Induced Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Precision-Cut Liver Slices
Authors: Prins Grietje H. , Rios-Morales Melany , Gerding Albert , Reijngoud Dirk-Jan , Olinga Peter , Bakker Barbara M.
Published: December 2021

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) starts with hepatic triglyceride accumulation (steatosis) and can progress to more severe stages such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and even cirrhosis. Butyrate, and butyrate-producing bacteria, have been suggested to reduce liver steatosis directly and systemically by increasing liver β-oxidation. This study aimed to examine the influence of butyrate directly on the liver in an ex vivo induced MAFLD model. To maintain essential intercellular interactions, precision-cut liver slices (PCLSs) were used. These PCLSs were prepared from male C57BL/6J mice and cultured in varying concentrations of fructose, insulin, palmitic acid and oleic acid, to mimic metabolic syndrome. Dose-dependent triglyceride accumulation was measured after 24 and 48 h of incubation with the different medium compositions. PCLSs viability, as indicated by ATP content, was not affected by medium composition or the butyrate concentration used. Under induced steatotic conditions, butyrate did not prevent triglyceride accumulation. Moreover, it lowered the expression of genes encoding for fatty acid oxidation and only increased C4 related carnitines, which indicate butyrate oxidation. Nevertheless, butyrate lowered the fibrotic response of PCLSs, as shown by reduced gene expression of fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin and osteopontin, and protein levels of type I collagen. These results suggest that in the liver, butyrate alone does not increase lipid β-oxidation directly but might aid in the prevention of MAFLD progression to NASH and cirrhosis.
Association between Fat-Free Mass and Brain Size in Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Binder Christoph , Buchmayer Julia , Thajer Alexandra , Giordano Vito , Schmidbauer Victor , Harreiter Karin , Klebermass-Schrehof Katrin , Berger Angelika , Goeral Katharina
Published: December 2021

Postnatal growth restriction and deficits in fat-free mass are associated with impaired neurodevelopment. The optimal body composition to support normal brain growth and development remains unclear. This study investigated the association between body composition and brain size in preterm infants. We included 118 infants born <28 weeks of gestation between 2017–2021, who underwent body composition (fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM)) and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging to quantify brain size (cerebral biparietal diameter (cBPD), bone biparietal diameter (bBPD), interhemispheric distance (IHD), transverse cerebellar diameter (tCD)) at term-equivalent age. FFM Z-Score significantly correlated with higher cBPD Z-Score (rs = 0.69; p < 0.001), bBPD Z-Score (rs = 0.48; p < 0.001) and tCD Z-Score (rs = 0.30; p = 0.002); FM Z-Score significantly correlated with lower brain size (cBPD Z-Score (rs = −0.32; p < 0.001) and bBPD Z-Score (rs = −0.42; p < 0.001). In contrast weight (rs = 0.08), length (rs = −0.01) and head circumference Z-Score (rs = 0.14) did not. Linear regression model adjusted for important neonatal variables revealed that FFM Z-Score was independently and significantly associated with higher cBPD Z-Score (median 0.50, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.43; p < 0.001) and bBPD Z-Score (median 0.31, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.19; p < 0.001); FM Z-Score was independently and significantly associated with lower cBPD Z-Score (median −0.27, 95% CI: −0.42, −0.11; p < 0.001) and bBPD Z-Score (median −0.32, 95% CI: −0.45, −0.18; p < 0.001). Higher FFM Z-Score and lower FM Z-scores were significantly associated with larger brain size at term-equivalent age. These results indicate that early body composition might be a useful tool to evaluate and eventually optimize brain growth and neurodevelopment.
Purchasing Behavior, Setting, Pricing, Family: Determinants of School Lunch Participation
Authors: Sobek Carolin , Ober Peggy , Abel Sarah , Spielau Ulrike , Kiess Wieland , Meigen Christof , Poulain Tanja , Igel Ulrike , Vogel Mandy , Lipek Tobias
Published: December 2021

Despite growing school lunch availability in Germany, its utilization is still low, and students resort to unhealthy alternatives. We investigated predictors of school lunch participation and reasons for nonparticipation in 1215 schoolchildren. Children reported meal habits, parents provided family-related information (like socioeconomic status), and anthropometry was conducted on-site in schools. Associations between school lunch participation and family-related predictors were estimated using logistic regression controlling for age and gender if necessary. School was added as a random effect. School lunch participation was primarily associated with family factors. While having breakfast on schooldays was positively associated with school lunch participation (ORadj = 2.20, p = 0.002), lower secondary schools (ORadj = 0.52, p < 0.001) and low SES (ORadj = 0.25, p < 0.001) were negatively associated. The main reasons for nonparticipation were school- and lunch-related factors (taste, time constraints, pricing). Parents reported pricing as crucial a reason as an unpleasant taste for nonparticipation. Nonparticipants bought sandwiches and energy drinks significantly more often on school days, whereas participants were less often affected by overweight (OR = 0.66, p = 0.043). Our data stress school- and lunch-related factors as an important opportunity to foster school lunch utilization.
Trans-ε-Viniferin Encapsulation in Multi-Lamellar Liposomes: Consequences on Pharmacokinetic Parameters, Biodistribution and Glucuronide Formation in Rats
Authors: Beaumont Pauline , Faure Chrystel , Courtois Arnaud , Jourdes Michael , Marchal Axel , Teissedre Pierre-Louis , Richard Tristan , Atgié Claude , Krisa Stéphanie
Published: December 2021

Trans-ε-viniferin (εVin) is a resveratrol dimer exhibiting promising biological activities for human health. Its bioavailability being low, the development of encapsulation methods would be used to overcome this issue. The aim of this study was to measure the consequences of the encapsulation of εVin in multilamellar liposomes on its pharmacokinetic parameters, metabolism and tissue distribution in rats. After oral administration of εVin (20 mg/kg body weight), either as free or encapsulated forms, plasmas were sequentially collected (from 0 to 4 h) as well as liver, kidneys and adipose tissues (4 h after administration) and analyzed by LC-HRMS. The glucuronide metabolites (εVG) were also produced by hemisynthesis for their quantification in plasma and tissues. The encapsulation process did not significantly modify the pharmacokinetic parameters of εVin itself. However, a significant increase of the T1/2 was noticed for εVG after administration of the encapsulated form as compared to the free form. An accumulation of εVin and εVG in adipose tissues was noticed, and interestingly a significant increase of the latter in the mesenteric one after administration of the encapsulated form was highlighted. Since adipose tissues could represent storage depots, and encapsulation allows for prolonging the exposure time of glucuronide metabolites in the organism, this could be of interest to promote their potential biological activities.
Sexually Dimorphic Effects of a Western Diet on Brain Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Neurocognitive Function
Authors: Lord Magen N. , Heo Jun-Won , Schifino Albino G. , Hoffman Jessica R. , Donohue Kristen N. , Call Jarrod A. , Noble Emily E.
Published: December 2021

A Western diet (WD), high in sugars and saturated fats, impairs learning and memory function and contributes to weight gain. Mitochondria in the brain provide energy for neurocognitive function and may play a role in body weight regulation. We sought to determine whether a WD alters behavior and metabolic outcomes in male and female rodents through impacting hippocampal and hypothalamic mitochondrial bioenergetics. Results revealed a sexually dimorphic macronutrient preference, where males on the WD consumed a greater percentage of calories from fat/protein and females consumed a greater percentage of calories from a sugar-sweetened beverage. Both males and females on a WD gained body fat and showed impaired glucose tolerance when compared to same-sex controls. Males on a WD demonstrated impaired hippocampal functioning and an elevated tendency toward a high membrane potential in hippocampal mitochondria. Comprehensive bioenergetics analysis of WD effects in the hypothalamus revealed a tissue-specific adaption, where males on the WD oxidized more fat, and females oxidized more fat and carbohydrates at peak energy demand compared to same-sex controls. These results suggest that adult male rats show a susceptibility toward hippocampal dysfunction on a WD, and that hypothalamic mitochondrial bioenergetics are altered by WD in a sex-specific manner.
DHA Supplementation of Obese Rats throughout Pregnancy and Lactation Modifies Milk Composition and Anxiety Behavior of Offspring
Authors: Zambrano Elena , Rodríguez-González Guadalupe L. , Reyes-Castro Luis A. , Bautista Claudia J. , Castro-Rodríguez Diana C. , Juárez-Pilares Gimena , Ibáñez Carlos A. , Hernández-Rojas Alejandra , Nathanielsz Peter W. , Montaño Sara , Arredondo Armando , Huang Fengyang , Bolaños-Jiménez Francisco
Published: December 2021

We investigated if supplementing obese mothers (MO) with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves milk long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) composition and offspring anxiety behavior. From weaning throughout pregnancy and lactation, female Wistar rats ate chow (C) or a high-fat diet (MO). One month before mating and through lactation, half the mothers received 400 mg DHA kg−1 d−1 orally (C+DHA or MO+DHA). Offspring ate C after weaning. Maternal weight, total body fat, milk hormones, and milk nutrient composition were determined. Pups’ milk nutrient intake was evaluated, and behavioral anxiety tests were conducted. MO exhibited increased weight and total fat, and higher milk corticosterone, leptin, linoleic, and arachidonic acid (AA) concentrations, and less DHA content. MO male and female offspring had higher ω-6/ ω-3 milk consumption ratios. In the elevated plus maze, female but not male MO offspring exhibited more anxiety. MO+DHA mothers exhibited lower weight, total fat, milk leptin, and AA concentrations, and enhanced milk DHA. MO+DHA offspring had a lower ω-6/ω-3 milk intake ratio and reduced anxiety vs. MO. DHA content was greater in C+DHA milk vs. C. Supplementing MO mothers with DHA improves milk composition, especially LCPUFA content and ω-6/ω-3 ratio reducing offspring anxiety in a sex-dependent manner.
Evaluation of Latent Models Assessing Physical Fitness and the Healthy Eating Index in Community Studies: Time-, Sex-, and Diabetes-Status Invariance
Authors: Maitland Scott B. , Brauer Paula , Mutch David M. , Royall Dawna , Klein Doug , Tremblay Angelo , Rheaume Caroline , Dhaliwal Rupinder , Jeejeebhoy Khursheed
Published: December 2021

Accurate measurement requires assessment of measurement equivalence/invariance (ME/I) to demonstrate that the tests/measurements perform equally well and measure the same underlying constructs across groups and over time. Using structural equation modeling, the measurement properties (stability and responsiveness) of intervention measures used in a study of metabolic syndrome (MetS) treatment in primary care offices, were assessed. The primary study (N = 293; mean age = 59 years) had achieved 19% reversal of MetS overall; yet neither diet quality nor aerobic capacity were correlated with declines in cardiovascular disease risk. Factor analytic methods were used to develop measurement models and factorial invariance were tested across three time points (baseline, 3-month, 12-month), sex (male/female), and diabetes status for the Canadian Healthy Eating Index (2005 HEI-C) and several fitness measures combined (percentile VO2 max from submaximal exercise, treadmill speed, curl-ups, push-ups). The model fit for the original HEI-C was poor and could account for the lack of associations in the primary study. A reduced HEI-C and a 4-item fitness model demonstrated excellent model fit and measurement equivalence across time, sex, and diabetes status. Increased use of factor analytic methods increases measurement precision, controls error, and improves ability to link interventions to expected clinical outcomes.
Cameroonian Spice Extracts Modulate Molecular Mechanisms Relevant to Cardiometabolic Diseases in SW 872 Human Liposarcoma Cells
Authors: Atchan Nwakiban Achille Parfait , Passarelli Anna , Da Dalt Lorenzo , Olivieri Chiara , Demirci Tugba Nur , Piazza Stefano , Sangiovanni Enrico , Carpentier-Maguire Eugénie , Martinelli Giulia , Shivashankara Shilpa Talkad , Manjappara Uma Venkateswaran , Tchamgoue Armelle Deutou , Agbor Gabriel Agbor , Kuiate Jules-Roger , Daglia Maria , Dell’Agli Mario , Magni Paolo
Published: December 2021

The molecular pathophysiology of cardiometabolic diseases is known to be influenced by dysfunctional ectopic adipose tissue. In addition to lifestyle improvements, these conditions may be managed by novel nutraceutical products. This study evaluatedthe effects of 11 Cameroonian medicinal spice extracts on triglyceride accumulation, glucose uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and interleukin secretion in SW 872 human adipocytes after differentiation with 100 µM oleic acid. Triglyceride content was significantly reduced by all spice extracts. Glucose uptake was significantly increased by Tetrapleura tetraptera, Aframomum melegueta and Zanthoxylum leprieurii. Moreover, Xylopia parviflora, Echinops giganteus and Dichrostachys glomerata significantly reduced the production of ROS. Concerning pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, we observed that Tetrapleura tetraptera, Echinops giganteus, Dichrostachys glomerata and Aframomum melegueta reduced IL-6 secretion. In addition, Xylopia parviflora, Monodora myristica, Zanthoxylum leprieurii, and Xylopia aethiopica reduced IL-8 secretion, while Dichrostachys glomerata and Aframomum citratum increased it. These findings highlight some interesting properties of these Cameroonian spice extracts in the modulation of cellular parameters relevant to cardiometabolic diseases, which may be further exploited, aiming to develop novel treatment options for these conditions based on nutraceutical products.
Differential Influence of Soluble Dietary Fibres on Intestinal and Hepatic Carbohydrate Response
Authors: Pontifex Matthew G. , Mushtaq Aleena , Le Gall Gwenaëlle , Rodriguez-Ramiro Ildefonso , Blokker Britt Anne , Hoogteijling Mara E. M. , Ricci Matthew , Pellizzon Michael , Vauzour David , Müller Michael
Published: December 2021

Refined foods are commonly depleted in certain bioactive components that are abundant in ‘natural’ (plant) foods. Identification and addition of these ‘missing’ bioactives in the diet is, therefore, necessary to counteract the deleterious impact of convenience food. In this study, multiomics approaches were employed to assess the addition of the popular supplementary soluble dietary fibers inulin and psyllium, both in isolation and in combination with a refined animal feed. A 16S rRNA sequencing and 1H NMR metabolomic investigation revealed that, whilst inulin mediated an increase in Bifidobacteria, psyllium elicited a broader microbial shift, with Parasutterella and Akkermansia being increased and Enterorhabdus and Odoribacter decreased. Interestingly, the combination diet benefited from both inulin and psyllium related microbial changes. Psyllium mediated microbial changes correlated with a reduction of glucose (R −0.67, −0.73, respectively, p < 0.05) and type 2 diabetes associated metabolites: 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid (R −0.72, −0.78, respectively, p < 0.05), and citrulline (R −0.77, −0.71, respectively, p < 0.05). This was in line with intestinal and hepatic carbohydrate response (e.g., Slc2a2, Slc2a5, Khk and Fbp1) and hepatic lipogenesis (e.g., Srebf1 and Fasn), which were significantly reduced under psyllium addition. Although established in the liver, the intestinal response associated with psyllium was absent in the combination diet, placing greater significance upon the established microbial, and subsequent metabolomic, shift. Our results therefore highlight the heterogeneity that exists between distinct dietary fibers in the context of carbohydrate uptake and metabolism, and supports psyllium containing combination diets, for their ability to negate the impact of a refined diet.
The Effects of a Brief Lifestyle Intervention on the Health of Overweight Airline Pilots during COVID-19: A 12-Month Follow-Up Study
Authors: Wilson Daniel , Driller Matthew , Winwood Paul , Johnston Ben , Gill Nicholas
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to perform a 12-month follow-up of health parameters after a 17-week lifestyle intervention in overweight airline pilots. A parallel-group (intervention and control) study was conducted amongst 72 overweight airline pilots (body mass index > 25) over a 12-month period following the emergence of COVID-19. The intervention group (n = 35) received a personalized dietary, sleep, and physical activity program over a 17-week period. The control group (n = 37) received no intervention. Measurements for subjective health (physical activity, sleep quality and quantity, fruit and vegetable intake, and self-rated health) via an electronic survey, and objective measures of body mass and blood pressure were taken at baseline and at 12 months. Significant interactions for group × time from baseline to 12-months were found for all outcome measures (p < 0.001). Body mass and mean arterial pressure significantly decreased in the intervention group when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Outcome measures for subjective health (physical activity, sleep quality and quantity, fruit and vegetable intake, and self-rated health) significantly increased in the intervention group when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Results provide preliminary evidence that a brief three-component healthy sleep, diet and physical activity intervention can elicit and sustain long-term improvements in body mass and blood pressure management, health behaviors, and perceived subjective health in pilots and may support quality of life during an unprecedented global pandemic.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Eating Disorders among University Students
Authors: Tavolacci Marie-Pierre , Ladner Joel , Dechelotte Pierre
Published: December 2021

An online cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2021 to identify factors, such as changes in food choices, lifestyle, risk and protective behavior, mental health, and social demographics, on eating disorders (ED) among students of a French university. Students were invited to fill out an online questionnaire. ED were identified using the French version of the five-item “Sick, Control, One stone, Fat, Food” (SCOFF) questionnaire. The Expali™-validated algorithmic tool, combining SCOFF and body mass index, was used to screen EDs into four diagnostic categories: bulimic ED, hyperphagic ED, restrictive ED and other ED. A total of 3508 students filled the online questionnaire, 67.3% female, mean age 20.7 years (SD = 2.3). The prevalence of ED was 51.6% in women and 31.9% in men (p < 0.0001). Lower food security scores were associated with a higher risk for all ED categories. Depression and academic stress due to COVID-19 were associated with ED regardless of category. Regarding health behaviors, a high adherence to the National nutrition recommendation was a protective factor for the risk of bulimic ED, hyperphagic ED and restrictive ED. A lower frequency of moderate and vigorous physical activity was associated with a higher risk of hyperphagic ED. Our study has shown a high screening of ED among the students of a French university fourteen months after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. By disrupting academic learning, jobs and social life, the COVID-19 pandemic could have exacerbated existing ED or contributed to the onset of new ED.
Recent Progress in Applicability of Exercise Immunology and Inflammation Research to Sports Nutrition
Authors: Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: December 2021

This article focuses on how nutrition may help prevent and/or assist with recovery from the harmful effects of strenuous acute exercise and physical training (decreased immunity, organ injury, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fatigue), with a focus on nutritional supplements. First, the effects of ketogenic diets on metabolism and inflammation are considered. Second, the effects of various supplements on immune function are discussed, including antioxidant defense modulators (vitamin C, sulforaphane, taheebo), and inflammation reducers (colostrum and hyperimmunized milk). Third, how 3-hydroxy-3-methyl butyrate monohydrate (HMB) may offset muscle damage is reviewed. Fourth and finally, the relationship between exercise, nutrition and COVID-19 infection is briefly mentioned. While additional verification of the safety and efficacy of these supplements is still necessary, current evidence suggests that these supplements have potential applications for health promotion and disease prevention among athletes and more diverse populations.
Trends and Seasonality of Information Searches Carried Out through Google on Nutrition and Healthy Diet in Relation to Occupational Health: Infodemiological Study
Authors: Palomo-Llinares Ruben , Sánchez-Tormo Julia , Wanden-Berghe Carmina , Sanz-Valero Javier
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to analyze and relate the population interest through information search trends on Nutrition and Healthy Diet (HD) with the Occupational Health (OH). Ecological and correlational study of the Relative Search Volume (RSV) obtained from Google Trends query, segmented in two searched periods concerning antiquity; date of query: 20 April 2021. The RSV trends for the analyzed three Topics were: Nutrition (R2 = 0.02), HD (R2 = 0.07) and OH (R2 = −0.72). There was a good positive correlation between Nutrition and OH (R = 0.56, p < 0.001) and a moderate one between HD and OH (R = 0.32, p < 0.001). According to seasons, differences were verified between RSV means in the Topics HD (p < 0.01) and OH (p < 0.001). Temporal dependence was demonstrated on Nutrition searches (Augmented Dickey–Fuller = −2.35, p > 0.05). There was only a significant relationship between the RSV Topic HD (p < 0.05) for the Developing and Least Developed countries. The data on the analyzed RSV demonstrated diminishing interest in the search information on HD and OH as well as a clearly positive trend change in recent years for Nutrition. A good positive correlation was observed between the RSV of nutrition and OH whereas the correlation between HD and OH was moderate. There were no milestones found that may report a punctual event leading to the improvement of information searches. Temporal dependence was corroborated in the RSV on Nutrition, but not in the other two Topics. Strangely, only an association was found on HD searches between the Developing and Least Developed Countries. The study of information search trends may provide useful information on the population’s interest in the disease data, as well as would gradually allow the analysis of differences in popularity, or interest even between different countries. Thus, this information might be used as a guide for public health approaches regarding nutrition and a healthy diet at work.
Diet Quality Assessment and the Relationship between Diet Quality and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Petersen Kristina S. , Kris-Etherton Penny M.
Published: December 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. and globally. Dietary risk factors contribute to over half of all CVD deaths and CVD-related disability. The aim of this narrative review is to describe methods used to assess diet quality and the current state of evidence on the relationship between diet quality and risk of CVD. The findings of the review will be discussed in the context of current population intake patterns and dietary recommendations. Several methods are used to calculate diet quality: (1) a priori indices based on dietary recommendations; (2) a priori indices based on foods or dietary patterns associated with risk of chronic disease; (3) exploratory data-driven methods. Substantial evidence from prospective cohort studies shows that higher diet quality, regardless of the a priori index used, is associated with a 14–29% lower risk of CVD and 0.5–2.2 years greater CVD-free survival time. Limited evidence is available from randomized controlled trials, although evidence shows healthy dietary patterns improve risk factors for CVD and lower CVD risk. Current dietary guidance for general health and CVD prevention and management focuses on following a healthy dietary pattern throughout the lifespan. High diet quality is a unifying component of all dietary recommendations and should be the focus of national food policies and health promotion.
Changes in Diet and Anthropometric Parameters in Children and Adolescents with Celiac Disease—One Year of Follow-Up
Authors: Kozioł-Kozakowska Agnieszka , Salamon Dominika , Grzenda-Adamek Zofia , Krawczyk Agnieszka , Duplaga Mariusz , Gosiewski Tomasz , Kowalska-Duplaga Kinga
Published: December 2021

Celiac disease (CD) may cause numerous nutrient deficiencies that a proper gluten-free diet (GFD) should compensate for. The study group consists of 40 children, aged 8.43 years (SD 3.5), on average, in whom CD was diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms, immunological and histopathological results. The patients’ height, weight, diet and biochemical tests were assessed three times: before diagnosis, after six months, and following one year of GFD. After one year, the patients’ weight and height increased but nutritional status (body mass index, BMI percentile) did not change significantly. The children’s diet before diagnosis was similar to that of the general Polish population: insufficient implementation of the dietary norm for energy, fiber, calcium, iodine, iron as well as folic acid, vitamins D, K, and E was observed. Over the year, the GFD of the children with CD did not change significantly for most of the above nutrients, or the changes were not significant for the overall assessment of the diet. Celiac patients following GFD may have a higher risk of iron, calcium and folate deficiencies. These results confirm the need for personalized nutritional education aimed at excluding gluten from the diet, as well as balancing the diet properly, in patients with CD.
Using Nature to Nurture: Breast Milk Analysis and Fortification to Improve Growth and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Infants
Authors: Ottolini Katherine Marie , Schulz Elizabeth Vinson , Limperopoulos Catherine , Andescavage Nickie
Published: December 2021

Premature infants are born prior to a critical window of rapid placental nutrient transfer and fetal growth—particularly brain development—that occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy. Subsequently, a large proportion of preterm neonates experience extrauterine growth failure and associated neurodevelopmental impairments. Human milk (maternal or donor breast milk) is the recommended source of enteral nutrition for preterm infants, but requires additional fortification of macronutrient, micronutrient, and energy content to meet the nutritional demands of the preterm infant in attempts at replicating in utero nutrient accretion and growth rates. Traditional standardized fortification practices that add a fixed amount of multicomponent fortifier based on assumed breast milk composition do not take into account the considerable variations in breast milk content or individual neonatal metabolism. Emerging methods of individualized fortification—including targeted and adjusted fortification—show promise in improving postnatal growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.