bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach for Resource Estimation of Highly Skewed Gold Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Zaki M. M. , Chen Shaojie , Zhang Jicheng , Feng Fan , Khoreshok Aleksey A. , Mahdy Mohamed A. , Salim Khalid M.
Published: July 2022

With the complicated geology of vein deposits, their irregular and extremely skewed grade distribution, and the confined nature of gold, there is a propensity to overestimate or underestimate the ore grade. As a result, numerous estimation approaches for mineral resources have been developed. It was investigated in this study by using five machine learning algorithms to estimate highly skewed gold data in the vein-type at the Quartz Ridge region, including Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Decision Tree Ensemble (DTE), Fully Connected Neural Network (FCNN), and K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN). The accuracy of MLA is compared to that of geostatistical approaches, such as ordinary and indicator kriging. Significant improvements were made during data preprocessing and splitting, ensuring that MLA was estimated accurately. The data were preprocessed with two normalization methods (z-score and logarithmic) to enhance network training performance and minimize substantial differences in the dataset’s variable ranges on predictions. The samples were divided into two equal subsets using an integrated data segmentation approach based on the Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA). The ranking shows that the GPR with logarithmic normalization is the most efficient method for estimating gold grade, far outperforming kriging techniques. In this study, the key to producing a successful mineral estimate is more than just the technique. It also has to do with how the data are processed and split.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Cobalt Catalyst for Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis in Silicon Microchannel Microreactor
Authors: Mohammad Nafeezuddin , Aravamudhan Shyam , Kuila Debasish
Published: July 2022

In recent years, rising environmental concerns have led to the focus on some of the innovative alternative technologies to produce clean burning fuels. Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis is one of the alternative chemical processes to produce synthetic fuels, which has a current research focus on reactor and catalyst improvements. In this work, a cobalt nanofilm (~4.5 nm), deposited by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique in a silicon microchannel microreactor (2.4 cm long × 50 µm wide × 100 µm deep), was used as a catalyst for atmospheric Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis. The catalyst film was characterized by XPS, TEM-EDX, and AFM studies. The data from AFM and TEM clearly showed the presence of polygranular cobalt species on the silicon wafer. The XPS studies of as-deposited and reduced cobalt nanofilm in silicon microchannels showed a shift on the binding energies of Co 2p spin splits and confirmed the presence of cobalt in the Co0 chemical state for FT synthesis. The FT studies using the microchannel microreactor were carried out at two different temperatures, 240 °C and 220 °C, with a syngas (H2:CO) molar ratio of 2:1. The highest CO conversion of 74% was observed at 220 °C with the distribution of C1–C4 hydrocarbons. The results showed no significant selectivity towards butane at the higher temperature, 240 °C. The deactivation studies were performed at 220 °C for 60 h. The catalyst exhibited long-term stability, with only ~13% drop in the CO conversion at the end of 60 h. The deactivated cobalt film in the microchannels was investigated by XPS, showing a weak carbon peak in the XPS spectra.
Photo- and Radiofrequency-Induced Heating of Photoluminescent Colloidal Carbon Dots
Authors: Mussabek Gauhar , Zhylkybayeva Nazym , Lysenko Ivan , Lishchuk Pavlo O. , Baktygerey Saule , Yermukhamed Dana , Taurbayev Yerzhan , Sadykov Gani , Zaderko Alexander N. , Skryshevsky Valeriy A. , Lisnyak Vladyslav V. , Lysenko Vladimir
Published: July 2022

Nitrogen- and oxygen-containing carbon nanoparticles (O, N-CDs) were prepared by a facile one-step solvothermal method using urea and citric acid precursors. This method is cost-effective and easily scalable, and the resulting O, N-CDs can be used without additional functionalization and sample pretreatment. The structure of O, N-CDs was characterized by TEM, AFM, Raman, UV-vis, and FTIR spectroscopies. The obtained O, N-CDs with a mean diameter of 4.4 nm can be easily dispersed in aqueous solutions. The colloidal aqueous solutions of O, N-CDs show significant photothermal responses under red-IR and radiofrequency (RF) irradiations. The as-prepared O, N-CDs have a bright temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL). PL/PLE spectral maps were shown to be used for temperature evaluation purposes in the range of 30–50 °C. In such a way, the O, N-CDs could be used for biomedicine-related applications such as hyperthermia with simultaneous temperature estimation with PL imaging.
Tailoring the Emission Wavelength of Color Centers in Hexagonal Boron Nitride for Quantum Applications
Authors: Cholsuk Chanaprom , Suwanna Sujin , Vogl Tobias
Published: July 2022

Optical quantum technologies promise to revolutionize today’s information processing and sensors. Crucial to many quantum applications are efficient sources of pure single photons. For a quantum emitter to be used in such application, or for different quantum systems to be coupled to each other, the optical emission wavelength of the quantum emitter needs to be tailored. Here, we use density functional theory to calculate and manipulate the transition energy of fluorescent defects in the two-dimensional material hexagonal boron nitride. Our calculations feature the HSE06 functional which allows us to accurately predict the electronic band structures of 267 different defects. Moreover, using strain-tuning we can tailor the optical transition energy of suitable quantum emitters to match precisely that of quantum technology applications. We therefore not only provide a guide to make emitters for a specific application, but also have a promising pathway of tailoring quantum emitters that can couple to other solid-state qubit systems such as color centers in diamond.
Universal Preparation Strategy for Ultradurable Antibacterial Fabrics through Coating an Adhesive Nanosilver Glue
Authors: Feng Jundan , Feng Lingling , Xu Sijun , Zhu Chunhong , Pan Gangwei , Yao Lirong
Published: July 2022

Microbiological protection textile materials played an important role in the battle against the epidemic. However, the traditional active antimicrobial treatment of textiles suffers from narrow textile applicability, low chemical stability, and poor washability. Here, a high-strength adhesive nanosilver glue was synthesized by introducing nontoxic water-soluble polyurethane glue as a protectant. The as-prepared nanosilver glue could adhere firmly to the fiber surfaces by forming a flexible polymer film and could encapsulate nanosilver inside the glue. The as-prepared nanosilver had a torispherical structure with diameter of ~22 nm, zeta potential of −42.7 mV, and good dispersibility in water, and it could be stored for one year. Further studies indicated that the nanosilver glue had wide applicability to the main fabric species, such as cotton and polyester fabric, surgical mask, latex paint, and wood paint. The antimicrobial cotton and polyester fabrics were prepared by a simple impregnation–padding–baking process. The corresponding antimicrobial activity was positively correlated with nanosilver content. The treated fabrics (500 mg/kg) exhibited ultrahigh washing resistance (maintained over 99% antibacterial rates for 100 times of standard washing) and wear resistance (99% antibacterial rates for 8000 times of standard wearing), equivalent breathability to untreated fabric, improved mechanical properties, and good flexibility, demonstrating a potential in cleanable and reusable microbiological protection textiles.
Optimized Thermoelectric Properties of Sulfide Compound Bi2SeS2 by Iodine Doping
Authors: Liang Chongbin , Jabar Bushra , Liu Chen , Chen Yuexing , Zheng Zhuanghao , Fan Ping , Li Fu
Published: July 2022

The Te-free compound Bi2SeS2 is considered as a potential thermoelectric material with less environmentally hazardous composition. Herein, the effect of iodine (I) substitution on its thermoelectric transport properties was studied. The electrical conductivity was enhanced due to the increased carrier concentration caused by the carrier provided defect Ise. Thus, an enhanced power factor over 690 μWm−1K−2 was obtained at 300 K by combining a moderate Seebeck coefficient above 150 µV/K due to its large effective mass, which indicated iodine was an effective n-type dopant for Bi2SeS2. Furthermore, a large drop in the lattice thermal conductivity was observed due to the enhanced phonon scattering caused by nanoprecipitates, which resulted in a low total thermal conductivity (<0.95 Wm−1K−1) for all doped samples. Consequently, a maximum ZT value of 0.56 was achieved at 773 K for a Bi2Se1−xIxS2 (x = 1.1%) sample, a nearly threefold improvement compared to the undoped sample.
Solid Phase Epitaxy of Single Phase Two-Dimensional Layered InSe Grown by MBE
Authors: Wu Chia-Hsing , Huang Yu-Che , Ho Yen-Teng , Chang Shu-Jui , Wu Ssu-Kuan , Huang Ci-Hao , Chou Wu-Ching , Yang Chu-Shou
Published: July 2022

Single-phase two-dimensional (2D) indium monoselenide (γ-InSe) film is successfully grown via solid phase epitaxy in the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) system. Having high electron mobility and high photoresponsivity, ultrathin 2D γ-InSe semiconductors are attractive for future field-effect transistor and optoelectronic devices. However, growing single-phase γ-InSe film is a challenge due to the polymorphic nature of indium selenide (γ-InSe, α-In2Se3, β-In2Se3, γ-In2Se3, etc.). In this work, the 2D α-In2Se3 film was first grown on a sapphire substrate by MBE. Then, the high In/Se ratio sources were deposited on the α-In2Se3 surface, and an γ-InSe crystal emerged via solid-phase epitaxy. After 50 min of deposition, the initially 2D α-In2Se3 phase was also transformed into a 2D γ-InSe crystal. The phase transition from 2D α-In2Se3 to γ-InSe was confirmed by Raman, XRD, and TEM analysis. The structural ordering of 2D γ-InSe film was characterized by synchrotron-based grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS).
Photoluminescence and Fluorescence Quenching of Graphene Oxide: A Review
Authors: Xiao Xinzhe , Zhang Yumin , Zhou Lei , Li Bin , Gu Lin
Published: July 2022

In recent decades, photoluminescence (PL) material with excellent optical properties has been a hot topic. Graphene oxide (GO) is an excellent candidate for PL material because of its unique optical properties, compared to pure graphene. The existence of an internal band gap in GO can enrich its optical properties significantly. Therefore, GO has been widely applied in many fields such as material science, biomedicine, anti-counterfeiting, and so on. Over the past decade, GO and quantum dots (GOQDs) have attracted the attention of many researchers as luminescence materials, but their luminescence mechanism is still ambiguous, although some theoretical results have been achieved. In addition, GO and GOQDs have fluorescence quenching properties, which can be used in medical imaging and biosensors. In this review, we outline the recent work on the photoluminescence phenomena and quenching process of GO and GOQDs. First, the PL mechanisms of GO are discussed in depth. Second, the fluorescence quenching mechanism and regulation of GO are introduced. Following that, the applications of PL and fluorescence quenching of GO–including biomedicine, electronic devices, material imaging–are addressed. Finally, future development of PL and fluorescence quenching of GO is proposed, and the challenges exploring the optical properties of GO are summarized.
Saturated Emission States in Fluorescent Nanostructured Media: The Role of Competition between the Stimulated Emission and Radiation Losses in the Local Emitters of Fluorescence
Authors: Zimnyakov Dmitry , Volchkov Sergey , Kochkurov Leonid , Dorogov Alexander
Published: July 2022

A fundamental limitation of the spectral response of laser-pumped fluorescent nanostructured media was considered in terms of a probabilistic model establishing the relationship between the enhancement factor of a spectral quality and characteristic propagation and amplification scales of pump light and fluorescence in the medium. It was shown that the minimum spectral width of fluorescent response of the pumped medium is limited by competition between the stimulated emission and radiation losses in microscopic fluorescence emitters associated with the speckles randomly modulating the pumping light field. Theoretical results were compared to the experimental data on the spectral properties of the fluorescent response of laser-pumped nanostructured “anatase nanoparticles—dye solutions” systems with various structural and optical properties. Rhodamine 6G and 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran (DCM) were applied as fluorescent components in the examined systems with various scatter volume fractions, which were pumped by pulse-periodic laser radiation with various intensities at 532 nm. Comparison showed a fair agreement between the theoretical and experimental results.
3D-Printed Nanocomposite Denture-Base Resins: Effect of ZrO2 Nanoparticles on the Mechanical and Surface Properties In Vitro
Authors: Alshaikh Ali A. , Khattar Abdulrahman , Almindil Ibrahim A. , Alsaif Majed H. , Akhtar Sultan , Khan Soban Q. , Gad Mohammed M.
Published: July 2022

Due to the low mechanical performances of 3D-printed denture base resins, ZrO2 nanoparticles (ZrO2NPs) were incorporated into different 3D-printed resins and their effects on the flexure strength, elastic modulus, impact strength, hardness, and surface roughness were evaluated. A total of 286 specimens were fabricated in dimensions per respective test and divided according to materials into three groups: heat-polymerized as a control group and two 3D-printed resins (NextDent and ASIGA) which were modified with 0.5 wt.%, 1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, and 5 wt.% ZrO2NPs. The flexure strength and elastic modulus, impact strength, hardness, and surface roughness (µm) were measured using the three-point bending test, Charpy’s impact test, Vickers hardness test, and a profilometer, respectively. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). The results showed that, in comparison to heat-polymerized resin, the unmodified 3D-printed resins showed a significant decrease in all tested properties (p < 0.001) except surface roughness (p = 0.11). In between 3D-printed resins, the addition of ZrO2NPs to 3D-printed resins showed a significant increase in flexure strength, impact strength, and hardness (p < 0.05) while showing no significant differences in surface roughness and elastic modulus (p > 0.05). Our study demonstrated that the unmodified 3D-printed resins showed inferior mechanical behavior when compared with heat-polymerized acrylic resin while the addition of ZrO2NPs improved the properties of 3D-printed resins. Therefore, the introduced 3D-printable nanocomposite denture-base resins are suitable for clinical use.
Atomistic Investigation of the Titanium Carbide MXenes under Impact Loading
Authors: Xia Kang , Zhan Haifei , Zhang Xinjie , Li Zhiyong
Published: July 2022

2D Titanium carbide MXenes with a structural formula recognized as Tin+1Cn have attracted attention from both the academic and industry fields due to their intriguing mechanical properties and appealing potential in a variety of areas such as nano-electronic circuits/devices, bio sensors, energy storage and reinforcing material for composites. Based on mutli-body comb3 (third-generation Charge-Optimized Many-Body) potential, this work investigated the impact resistance of monolayer Tin+1Cn nanosheets (namely, Ti2C Ti3C2 and Ti4C3) under hypervelocity up to 7 km/s. The deformation behavior and the impact resist mechanisms of Tin+1Cn nanosheets were assessed. Penetration energy is found to positively correlate with the number of titanium atom layer (n). However, in tracking atomic Von Mises stress distribution, Ti2C exhibits the most significant elastic wave propagation velocity among the examined nanosheets, suggesting the highest energy delocalization rate and stronger energy dissipation via deformation prior to bond break. Consistently, Ti2C presents superior specific penetration energy due its Young’s-modulus-to-density ratio, followed by Ti3C2 and Ti4C3, suggesting an inverse correlation between the titanium atom layer number and specific penetration energy. This study provides a fundamental understanding of the deformation and penetration mechanisms of titanium carbide MXene nanosheets under impact, which could be beneficial to facilitating their emerging impact protection applications.
Carbon Nanotube Coated Fibrous Tubes for Highly Stretchable Strain Sensors Having High Linearity
Authors: Li Chenchen , Zhou Bangze , Zhou Yanfen , Ma Jianwei , Zhou Fenglei , Chen Shaojuan , Jerrams Stephen , Jiang Liang
Published: July 2022

Strain sensors are currently limited by an inability to operate over large deformations or to exhibit linear responses to strain. Producing strain sensors meeting these criteria remains a particularly difficult challenge. In this work, the fabrication of a highly flexible strain sensor based on electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fibrous tubes comprising wavy and oriented fibers coated with carboxylated multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is described. By combining spraying and ultrasonic-assisted deposition, the number of CNTs deposited on the electrospun TPU fibrous tube could reach 12 wt%, which can potentially lead to the formation of an excellent conductive network with high conductivity of 0.01 S/cm. The as-prepared strain sensors exhibited a wide strain sensing range of 0–760% and importantly high linearity over the whole sensing range while maintaining high sensitivity with a GF of 57. Moreover, the strain sensors were capable of detecting a low strain (2%) and achieved a fast response time whilst retaining a high level of durability. The TPU/CNTs fibrous tube-based strain sensors were found capable of accurately monitoring both large and small human body motions. Additionally, the strain sensors exhibited rapid response time, (e.g., 45 ms) combined with reliable long-term stability and durability when subjected to 60 min of water washing. The strain sensors developed in this research had the ability to detect large and subtle human motions, (e.g., bending of the finger, wrist, and knee, and swallowing). Consequently, this work provides an effective method for designing and manufacturing high-performance fiber-based wearable strain sensors, which offer wide strain sensing ranges and high linearity over broad working strain ranges.
Controllable Valley Polarization and Strain Modulation in 2D 2H–VS2/CuInP2Se6 Heterostructures
Authors: Yang Fan , Shang Jing , Kou Liangzhi , Li Chun , Deng Zichen
Published: July 2022

Two–dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides endow individually addressable valleys in momentum space at the K and K’ points in the first Brillouin zone due to the breaking of inversion symmetry and the effect of spin–orbit coupling. However, the application of 2H–VS2 monolayer in valleytronics is limited due to the valence band maximum (VBM) located at the Γ point. Here, by involving the 2D ferroelectric (FE) CuInP2Se6 (CIPSe), the ferrovalley polarization, electronic structure, and magnetic properties of 2D 2H–VS2/CIPSe heterostructures with different stacking patterns and FE polarizations have been investigated by using first–principles calculations. It is found that, for the energetically favorable AB–stacking pattern, the valley polarization is preserved when the FE polarization of CIPSe is upwards (CIPSe↑) or downwards (CIPSe↓) with the splitting energies slightly larger or smaller compared with that of the pure 2H–VS2. It is intriguing that, for the FE CIPSe↑ case, the VBM is expected to pass through the Fermi energy level, which can be eventually achieved by applying biaxial strain and thus the valleytronic nature is turned off; however, for the CIPSe↓ situation, the heterostructure basically remains semiconducting even under biaxial strains. Therefore, with the influence of proper strains, the FE polar reversal of CIPSe can be used as a switchable on/off to regulate the valley polarization in VS2. These results not only demonstrate that 2H–VS2/CIPSe heterostructures are promising potential candidates in valleytronics, but also shed some light on developing practical applications of valleytronic technology.
Spinal Vascular Shunts: Single-Center Series and Review of the Literature of Their Classification
Authors: Lizana Jafeth , Aliaga Nelida , Marani Walter , Escribano Amanda , Montemurro Nicola
Published: July 2022

Spinal arteriovenous shunts (sAVSs) are an uncommon disease, constituting 3 to 4% of intradural lesions; 70% of these lesions are spinal arteriovenous fistulas (sAVFs), whereas spinal arteriovenous malformations (sAVMs) are rarer. Both share the problem of their classification due to the heterogeneity of their angioarchitecture. The aim of this study is to report a series of sAVSs treated in the neurosurgery department of the Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara during the 2018–2020 period and to present an overview of the current literature on sAVS classification. We reviewed all medical records of patients diagnosed with sAVFs and sAVMs during the 2018–2020 period, and then we analyzed images with Horos v4.0.0, illustrated some cases with Clip Studio Paint v1.10.5, and performed a descriptive statistical analysis with SPSS v25. Twelve patients were included in this study, eight of which were women (67%) and four of which were men (33%); the age range was from 3 to 74 years. Eight sAVSs were sAVFs, whereas four were sAVMs. The most frequent clinical manifestation was chronic myelopathy in seven patients (58%). Of those treated only by embolization, seven (70%) resulted in complete occlusion (five sAVFs and two sAVMs), while three (30%) remained with a residual lesion. At last follow-up, five patients (42%) improved clinically, and the seven remaining (58%) maintained the same neurological state. sAVSs require a detailed study of their angioarchitecture for proper management. The endovascular treatment is safe with acceptable cure rates. The surgical option should not be set aside.
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy
Authors: O’Neal Teri B. , Shrestha Sanjay , Singh Harsimar , Osagie Ihianle , Ben-Okafor Kenechukwu , Cornett Elyse M. , Kaye Alan D.
Published: July 2022

Epilepsy is a complex neurological condition with numerous etiologies and treatment options. In a subset of these patients, sudden unexpected death can occur, and to date, there are numerous explanations as to the pathophysiological mechanisms and how to mitigate these catastrophic outcomes. Approximately 2.3 million Americans have epilepsy, and nearly 150,000 people develop the condition each year. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) accounts for 2–18% of all epilepsy-related deaths and this is equivalent to one death in 1000 person-years of diagnosed epilepsy. It is more common in young adults aged 20–45. Seizures in the past year; the absence of terminal remission in the last five years; increased seizure frequency, particularly GTCS; and nocturnal seizures are the most potent modifiable risk factors for SUDEP. Patients not receiving any antiepileptic drug therapy are at higher risk of SUDEP. Patient education on medication compliance; care plans for seizure clusters (rescue medicines); epilepsy self-management programs; and lifestyle changes to avoid seizure-triggering factors, including avoiding excessive alcohol use and sleep deprivation, should be provided by health care providers. Continued research into SUDEP will hopefully lead to effective interventions to minimize occurrences. At present, aggressive control of epilepsy and enhanced education for individuals and the public are the most effective weapons for combating SUDEP. This narrative review focuses on updated information related to SUDEP epidemiology; pathophysiology; risk factor treatment options; and finally, a discussion of important clinical studies. We seek to encourage clinicians who care for patients with epilepsy to be aggressive in controlling seizure activity and diligent in their review of risk factors and education of patients and their families about SUDEP.
The Health Benefits of Egg Protein
Authors: Puglisi Michael J. , Fernandez Maria Luz
Published: July 2022

Once the general public accepts that dietary cholesterol is not a concern for cardiovascular disease risk, foods that have been labeled as high-cholesterol sources, including eggs, may be appreciated for their various other dietary components. One of the nutrients in eggs that deserves further discussion is egg protein. Egg protein has been recognized to be highly digestible and an excellent source of essential amino acids, with the highest attainable protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score. Egg protein has been shown to decrease malnutrition in underdeveloped countries, possibly increase height in children, and protect against kwashiorkor. Egg protein has been demonstrated to be important to skeletal muscle health and protective against sarcopenia. Egg protein also can decrease appetite, resulting in a reduction in the caloric intake from the next meal and weight reduction. Other protective effects of egg protein addressed in this review include protection against infection as well as hypotensive and anti-cancer effects.
Effects of Avocado Oil Supplementation on Insulin Sensitivity, Cognition, and Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers in Different Tissues of Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: de Oliveira Marques Schérolin , Muller Alexandre Pastoris , Luciano Thais Fernandes , dos Santos Tramontin Natália , da Silva Caetano Mateus , Luis da Silva Pieri Bruno , Amorim Tatiane Lima , de Oliveira Marcone Augusto Leal , de Souza Cláudio Teodoro
Published: July 2022

Obesity induces insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurocognitive impairment. Avocado oil (AO) has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. This study evaluated the effect of AO supplementation on obese mice in the adipose tissue, muscle, liver, and hippocampus. Male C57BL/6J mice received a standard and high-fat diet (20 weeks) and then were supplemented with AO (4 mL/kg of body weight, 90 days) and divided into the following groups: control (control), control + avocado oil (control + AO), diet-induced obesity (DIO), and diet-induced obesity + avocado oil (DIO + AO) (n = 10/group). AO supplementation was found to improve insulin sensitivity and decrease hepatic fat accumulation and serum triglyceride levels in DIO mice. AO improved cognitive performance and did not affect mood parameters. Oxidative marker levels were decreased in DIO + AO mice in all the tissues and were concomitant with increased catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in the epididymal adipose tissue and quadriceps, as well as increased catalase activity in the liver. AO in obese animals further induced reductions in TNF-α and IL-1β expressions in the epididymal adipose tissue and quadriceps. These results suggest that AO supplementation has the potential to be an effective strategy for combating the effects of obesity in rats, and human studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Analysis of Sodium Content in 4082 Kinds of Commercial Foods in China
Authors: Hao Zhilin , Liang Li , Pu Dandan , Zhang Yuyu
Published: July 2022

High-sodium intake is associated with the increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Monitoring and analyzing the sodium content in commercial food is instructive for reducing sodium intake in the general population. The sodium content of 4082 commercial foods across 12 food groups and 41 food categories was collected and analyzed, including 4030 pre-packaged foods and 52 artisanal foods. The food group with the highest average sodium content (6888.6 mg/100 g) contained sauces, dressings, springs and dips, followed by bean products (1326.1 mg/100 g) and fish, meat and egg products (1302.1 mg/100 g). The average sodium content of all the collected commercial foods was 1018.6 mg/100 g. Meanwhile, the sodium content of non-alcoholic beverages (49.7 mg/100 g), confectionery (111.8 mg/100 g) and dairy products (164.1 mg/100 g) was much lower than the average sodium content of the 12 food groups. The sodium contents of different food groups and categories were significantly different. The proportion of high-sodium food (600 mg/100 g) was more than one-third of all the products. There are a few products marked with salt reduction on the package. Sixteen salt-reduced products were collected, which belong to the food category of soy sauce and account for 16% of all the soy sauce products. The average sodium content in salt-reduced soy sauce is 2022.8 mg/100 g lower than that of non-salt-reduced soy sauce products. These data provide a primary assessment with sodium content in commercial foods and potential improvements for the food industry to achievement the goal of sodium reduction.
Costing Foodservices in Aged Care Is More Than Food Alone: The Development of the FCT
Authors: Wheeler Mikaela , Abbey Karen , Capra Sandra
Published: July 2022

Foodservices in residential aged-care homes (RACHs) play a vital role in providing meals and maintaining residents’ health through good nutrition. However, foodservices are often required to work within a budget, and the costs involved in foodservices are often misunderstood and underestimated. The aim of this work was to design a costing tool that included all relevant costs of a foodservice. A systems approach was used to inform the development of the Foodservice Costing Tool (FCT). Eight domains were identified, including costs that are both directly and indirectly associated with foodservices. The tool was piloted and trialled in the Australian aged-care setting and compared to currently available national estimates of costs. Through four pilots and subsequent trials, the FCT was able to capture the costs of a foodservice system in a small sample of RACHs, although the low response rate may have biased the sample toward those homes that had fewer problems with the FCT. The results highlighted the limitations of currently reported estimates, which underestimate total costs, as they fail to encompass the complexity of foodservices and to recognise that costs extend beyond the kitchen. The FCT is a useful tool and has the potential to be used by RACHs to both measure and understand their costs at a more granular level to ensure cost effectiveness and accountability. Further research is required to validate the tool and investigate the implementation of the FCT on a larger scale.
Anthropometrics, Hemoglobin Status and Dietary Micronutrient Intake among Tanzanian and Mozambican Pigeon Pea Farmers
Authors: Eleraky Laila , Issa Ramula , Maciel Sónia , Mbwana Hadijah , Rybak Constance , Frank Jan , Stuetz Wolfgang
Published: July 2022

Inadequate consumption of micronutrient-dense and protein-rich foods such as vegetables, legumes and meat is an important contributing cause for anemia and deficiencies of vitamin A and iron in rural communities of Tanzania and Mozambique. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the nutritional status (anthropometrics and hemoglobin) and diets in particular micronutrient intake of female and male pigeon pea farmers from Lindi, Tanzania, and Gurué, the Zambézia province of Mozambique. A total of 1526 farmers (669 from Tanzania, 857 from Mozambique) were studied, of whom 16% were overweight and 35% were anemic. The highest prevalence of overweight and anemia, at 35% and 48%, was observed in Tanzanian and Mozambican women, respectively. Overall, only a small proportion of women and men reached the recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin A (10%), iron (51%) and zinc (44%). Multiple regression models revealed that dark green leafy vegetables (DGLVs) highly predicted vitamin A intake, whereas legumes in Tanzania and starchy plants in Mozambique were actually the dominant sources of vitamin A. Cereals covered over half of the iron and the zinc intake in both countries. An increased consumption of micronutrient-rich DGLVs and legumes, while reducing the high amounts of refined maize or polished rice, is suggested to counteract the high prevalence of anemia and overweight among smallholder farmers in East and South Eastern Africa.
Essential Amino Acids-Rich Diet Decreased Adipose Tissue Storage in Adult Mice: A Preliminary Histopathological Study
Authors: Corsetti Giovanni , Romano Claudia , Codenotti Silvia , Pasini Evasio , Fanzani Alessandro , Dioguardi Francesco S.
Published: July 2022

Background: Excess body adipose tissue accumulation is a common and growing health problem caused by an unbalanced diet and/or junk food. Although the effects of dietary fat and glucose on lipid metabolism regulation are well known, those of essential amino acids (EAAs) have been poorly investigated. Our aim was to study the influence of a special diet containing all EAAs on retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (rpWAT) and interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) of mice. Methods: Two groups of male Balb/C mice were used. The first was fed with a standard diet. The second was fed with an EAAs-rich diet (EAARD). After 3 weeks, rpWAT and BAT were removed and prepared for subsequent immunohistochemical analysis. Results: EAARD, although consumed significantly less, moderately reduced body weight and BAT, but caused a massive reduction in rpWAT. Conversely, the triceps muscle increased in mass. In rpWAT, the size of adipocytes was very small, with increases in leptin, adiponectin and IL-6 immunostaining. In BAT, there was a reduction in lipid droplet size and a simultaneous increase in UCP-1 and SIRT-3. Conclusions: A diet containing a balanced mixture of free EAA may modulate body adiposity in mice, promoting increased thermogenesis.
Healthberry 865® and a Subset of Its Single Anthocyanins Attenuate Oxidative Stress in Human Endothelial In Vitro Models
Authors: Ockermann Philipp , Lizio Rosario , Hansmann Jan
Published: July 2022

Oxidative stress and inflammation play a pivotal role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, an ever-growing worldwide problem. As a non-pharmacological approach, diet, especially a flavonoid-rich diet, showed promising results in the reduction of cardiovascular diseases and alleviation of their symptoms. In this study, in vitro systems based on human microvascular endothelial cells (hmvEC) and human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVEC) were established to determine the effect of Healthberry 865® (HB) and ten of its relating single anthocyanins on oxidative stress. Furthermore, five metabolites were used in order to examine the effect of anthocyanin’s most common breakdown molecules. The results showed an effect of HB in both models after 24 h, as well as most of its single anthocyanins. Cyanidin-rutinoside, peonidin-galactoside, and petunidin-glucoside had a model-specific effect. For the metabolites, phloroglucinaldeyhde (PGA) showed an effect in both models, while vanillic acid (VA) only had an effect in HUVEC. When combined, a combination of several anthocyanins did not have a cumulative effect, except for combining glucosides in hmvEC. The combination of PGA and VA even revealed an inhibitive behavior. Overall, the study demonstrates the antioxidative effect of HB and several of its single anthocyanins and metabolites, which are partially model specific, and coincides with animal studies.
Comparison of Five Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Vegans and Omnivores from Germany and Finland
Authors: Dietrich Stefan , Elorinne Anna-Liisa , Bergau Nick , Abraham Klaus , Grune Tilman , Laakso Juha , Weber Daniela , Weikert Cornelia , Monien Bernhard H.
Published: July 2022

When the amount of reactive oxygen species produced by human metabolism cannot be balanced by antioxidants, this phenomenon is commonly referred to as oxidative stress. It is hypothesised that diets with high amounts of plant food products may have a beneficial impact on oxidative stress status. However, few studies have examined whether a vegan diet is associated with lower oxidative stress compared to an omnivorous diet. The present cross-sectional study aimed to compare the levels of five oxidative stress biomarkers in vegans and omnivores. Data of 36 vegans and 36 omnivores from Germany and of 21 vegans and 18 omnivores from Finland were analysed. HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry or fluorescence detection and ELISA methods were used to measure the oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls and 3-nitrotyrosine in plasma and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) in 24 h urine. Analyses of variance and covariance, considering potential confounders, were used. Vegans and omnivores showed no differences in MDA and protein carbonyl concentrations. In Finnish but not in German vegans, the concentrations of 3-nitrotyrosine were lower compared to those in omnivores (p = 0.047). In Germany, vegans showed lower excretion levels of 8-iso-PGF2α than omnivores (p = 0.002) and with a trend also of 8-OHdG (p = 0.05). The sensitivity analysis suggests lower 8-iso-PGF2α excretion levels in women compared to men, independently of the dietary group. The present study contributes to expanding our knowledge of the relationship between diet and oxidative stress and showed that 3-nitrotyrosine, 8-OHdG and 8-iso-PGF2α tended to be lower in vegans. Furthermore, studies are recommended to validate the present findings.
Associations between Dietary Intake and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Scores by Repeated Measurements in School-Age Children
Authors: Ryu Su-a , Choi Yean-Jung , An Hyojin , Kwon Ho-Jang , Ha Mina , Hong Yun-Chul , Hong Soo-Jong , Hwang Hyo-Jeong
Published: July 2022

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychiatric disorder in school-age children and adolescents. However, the reported associations between ADHD and single nutrient intake are inconsistent. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between dietary intake changes and the prevalence of ADHD over time with repeat measurements using data from the Children Health and Environment Research (CHEER). To assess changes over time, we used data obtained in 2006 and 2008 (Phases 1 and 2). In this study, there were 2899 children aged 8 years or older in Phase 1 and 2120 children aged 9 years or older in Phase 2 from Korea, and the ADHD scores and dietary intake of 1733 children in Phases 1 and 2 were used in the final analysis. The YN group refers to children whose disease had improved in Phase 2, and the NY group refers to children diagnosed with ADHD in Phase 2. A notable within-group result was the increase in vegetable protein (p = 0.03) in the YN group. A between-group comparison showed that significant changes in nutrient intake could be confirmed most in the NY group, and the YN group tended to have a lower nutrient intake than the NY group. In the correlation of changes in nutrient intake and three subtypes (combined, AD, and HD), the total fat (p = 0.048) and animal protein (p = 0.099) showed a positive correlation with the prevalence of AD. Vegetable iron (p = 0.061 and p = 0.044, respectively), zinc (p = 0.022 and p = 0.007, respectively), vegetable protein (p = 0.074), and calcium (p = 0.057) had inhibitory effects on ADHD and its subtype. In conclusion, management of dietary and nutritional status should be considered to ameliorate ADHD and its subtypes in school-age children, and these relationships require further exploration in other settings.
Iodine Status Modifies the Association between Fluoride Exposure in Pregnancy and Preschool Boys’ Intelligence
Authors: Goodman Carly V. , Hall Meaghan , Green Rivka , Chevrier Jonathan , Ayotte Pierre , Martinez-Mier Esperanza Angeles , McGuckin Taylor , Krzeczkowski John , Flora David , Hornung Richard , Lanphear Bruce , Till Christine
Published: July 2022

In animal studies, the combination of in utero fluoride exposure and low iodine has greater negative effects on offspring learning and memory than either alone, but this has not been studied in children. We evaluated whether the maternal urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) modifies the association between maternal urinary fluoride (MUF) and boys’ and girls’ intelligence. We used data from 366 mother–child dyads in the Maternal–Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Study. We corrected trimester-specific MUF and MUIC for creatinine, and averaged them to yield our exposure variables (MUFCRE, mg/g; MUICCRE, µg/g). We assessed children’s full-scale intelligence (FSIQ) at 3 to 4 years. Using multiple linear regression, we estimated a three-way interaction between MUFCRE, MUICCRE, and child sex on FSIQ, controlling for covariates. The MUICCRE by MUFCRE interaction was significant for boys (p = 0.042), but not girls (p = 0.190). For boys whose mothers had low iodine, a 0.5 mg/g increase in MUFCRE was associated with a 4.65-point lower FSIQ score (95% CI: −7.67, −1.62). For boys whose mothers had adequate iodine, a 0.5 mg/g increase in MUFCRE was associated with a 2.95-point lower FSIQ score (95% CI: −4.77, −1.13). These results suggest adequate iodine intake during pregnancy may minimize fluoride’s neurotoxicity in boys.
Neuroprotective Role of Lactoferrin during Early Brain Development and Injury through Lifespan
Authors: Schirmbeck Gabriel Henrique , Sizonenko Stéphane , Sanches Eduardo Farias
Published: July 2022

Early adverse fetal environments can significantly disturb central nervous system (CNS) development and subsequently alter brain maturation. Nutritional status is a major variable to be considered during development and increasing evidence links neonate and preterm infant impaired brain growth with neurological and psychiatric diseases in adulthood. Breastfeeding is one of the main components required for healthy newborn development due to the many “constitutive” elements breastmilk contains. Maternal intake of specific nutrients during lactation may alter milk composition, thus affecting newborn nutrition and, potentially, brain development. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a major protein present in colostrum and the main protein in human milk, which plays an important role in the benefits of breastfeeding during postnatal development. It has been demonstrated that Lf has antimicrobial, as well as anti-inflammatory properties, and is potentially able to reduce the incidence of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which are particularly frequent in premature births. The anti-inflammatory effects of Lf can reduce birth-related pathologies by decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory factors and inhibiting premature cervix maturation (also related to commensal microbiome abnormalities) that could contribute to disrupting brain development. Pre-clinical evidence shows that Lf protects the developing brain from neuronal injury, enhances brain connectivity and neurotrophin production, and decreases inflammation in models of perinatal inflammatory challenge, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). In this context, Lf can provide nutritional support for brain development and cognition and prevent the origin of neuropsychiatric diseases later in life. In this narrative review, we consider the role of certain nutrients during neurodevelopment linking to the latest research on lactoferrin with respect to neonatology. We also discuss new evidence indicating that early neuroprotective pathways modulated by Lf could prevent neurodegeneration through anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory processes.
A Digital Therapeutic Allowing a Personalized Low-Glycemic Nutrition for the Prophylaxis of Migraine: Real World Data from Two Prospective Studies
Authors: Lelleck Vivian Valeska , Schulz Franziska , Witt Oliver , Kühn Gianna , Klein Dominik , Gendolla Astrid , Evers Stefan , Gaul Charly , Thaçi Diamant , Sina Christian , Schröder Torsten
Published: July 2022

Migraine is a headache disorder associated with a high socioeconomic burden. The digital therapeutic sinCephalea provides an individualized low-glycemic diet based on continuous glucose measurement and is intended to provide a non-pharmacological migraine prophylaxis. We performed two prospective studies with migraine patients who used sinCephalea over a period of 16 weeks. The patients used a headache diary and recorded their migraine-related daily life impairments using the assessment tools HIT-6 and MIDAS for a pre versus post comparison. In addition, continuous glucose data of patients were compared to healthy controls. In both studies, patients reported a reduction of headache and migraine days as well as reductions in HIT-6 and MIDAS scores. More specifically, migraine days decreased by 2.40 days (95% CI [−3.37; −1.42]), HIT-6 improved by 3.17 points (95% CI [−4.63; −1.70]) and MIDAS by 13.45 points (95% CI [−22.01; −4.89]). Glucose data suggest that migraine patients have slightly increased mean glucose values compared to healthy controls, but drop into a glucose range that is below one’s individual standard range before a migraine attack. In conclusion, sinCephalea is a non-pharmacological, digital migraine prophylaxis that induces a therapeutic effect within the range of pharmacological interventions.
Anti-Obesity Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Sunbanghwalmyung-Eum in High-Fat- and High-Cholesterol-Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Kim Hye-Lin , Ahn You Mee , Lee So Min , Seo Chang-Seob , Park Seong-Hwan , Bang Ok-Sun , Jung Jeeyoun
Published: July 2022

Sunbanghwalmyung-eum (SBH) is a traditional herbal medicine that exhibits various pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. In this study, we investigated the systemic anti-obesity effects of an aqueous extract of SBH in the liver, adipose, and muscle tissue from high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (HFHCD)-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. After 6 weeks of an HFHCD, the mice were continuously fed HFHC with oral administration of SBH (100 mg/kg/day), Sim (simvastatin, 5 mg/kg/day, positive control), or water (HFHC only) for another 6 weeks. Our results showed that SBH attenuated the HFHCD-induced body weight gain and fat accumulation in the liver, and improved plasma lipid levels, such as those of triglycerides (TGs), blood total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c). SBH and Sim inhibited the inflammation accompanied by obesity via decreasing inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1). Moreover, SBH downregulated the expression of protein levels of adipogenic-related factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), in the liver, adipose, and muscle tissue. The SBH and Sim treatment also significantly upregulated the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) in the liver and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in the adipose tissue. Overall, the effects of SBH on HFHCD-induced obesity were similar to or more potent than those of simvastatin. These results indicated that SBH has great potential as a therapeutic herbal medicine for obesity.