bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering Ag43 Signal Peptides with Bacterial Display and Selection
Authors: Koh Darius Wen-Shuo , Tay Jian-Hua , Gan Samuel Ken-En
Published: December 2022

Protein display, secretion, and export in prokaryotes are essential for utilizing microbial systems as engineered living materials, medicines, biocatalysts, and protein factories. To select for improved signal peptides for Escherichia coli protein display, we utilized error-prone polymerase chain reaction (epPCR) coupled with single-cell sorting and microplate titer to generate, select, and detect improved Ag43 signal peptides. Through just three rounds of mutagenesis and selection using green fluorescence from the 56 kDa sfGFP-beta-lactamase, we isolated clones that modestly increased surface display from 1.4- to 3-fold as detected by the microplate plate-reader and native SDS-PAGE assays. To establish that the functional protein was displayed extracellularly, we trypsinized the bacterial cells to release the surface displayed proteins for analysis. This workflow demonstrated a fast and high-throughput method leveraging epPCR and single-cell sorting to augment bacterial surface display rapidly that could be applied to other bacterial proteins.
Tracing the Si Dangling Bond Nanopathway Evolution ina-SiNx:H Resistive Switching Memory by the Transient Current
Authors: Chen Tong , Leng Kangmin , Ma Zhongyuan , Jiang Xiaofan , Chen Kunji , Li Wei , Xu Jun , Xu Ling
Published: December 2022

With the big data and artificial intelligence era coming, SiNx-based resistive random-access memories (RRAM) with controllable conductive nanopathways have a significant application in neuromorphic computing, which is similar to the tunable weight of biological synapses. However, an effective way to detect the components of conductive tunable nanopathways in a-SiNx:H RRAM has been a challenge with the thickness down-scaling to nanoscale during resistive switching. For the first time, we report the evolution of a Si dangling bond nanopathway in a-SiNx:H resistive switching memory can be traced by the transient current at different resistance states. The number of Si dangling bonds in the conducting nanopathway for all resistive switching states can be estimated through the transient current based on the tunneling front model. Our discovery of transient current induced by the Si dangling bonds in the a-SiNx:H resistive switching device provides a new way to gain insight into the resistive switching mechanism of the a-SiNx:H RRAM in nanoscale.
Optimal Icosahedral Copper-Based Bimetallic Clusters for the Selective Electrocatalytic CO2 Conversion to One Carbon Products
Authors: Nabi Azeem Ghulam , Aman-ur-Rehman  , Hussain Akhtar , Chass Gregory A. , Di Tommaso Devis
Published: December 2022

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions can lead to high value-added chemical and materials production while helping decrease anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Copper metal clusters can reduce CO2 to more than thirty different hydrocarbons and oxygenates yet they lack the required selectivity. We present a computational characterization of the role of nano-structuring and alloying in Cu-based catalysts on the activity and selectivity of CO2 reduction to generate the following one-carbon products: carbon monoxide (CO), formic acid (HCOOH), formaldehyde (H2C=O), methanol (CH3OH) and methane (CH4). The structures and energetics were determined for the adsorption, activation, and conversion of CO2 on monometallic and bimetallic (decorated and core@shell) 55-atom Cu-based clusters. The dopant metals considered were Ag, Cd, Pd, Pt, and Zn, located at different coordination sites. The relative binding strength of the intermediates were used to identify the optimal catalyst for the selective CO2 conversion to one-carbon products. It was discovered that single atom Cd or Zn doping is optimal for the conversion of CO2 to CO. The core@shell models with Ag, Pd and Pt provided higher selectivity for formic acid and formaldehyde. The Cu-Pt and Cu-Pd showed lowest overpotential for methane formation.
Laser-Induced Synthesis of Electrocatalytically Active Ag, Pt, and AgPt/Polyaniline Nanocomposites for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Vasileva Anna A. , Mamonova Daria V. , Petrov Yuri V. , Kolesnikov Ilya E. , Leuchs Gerd , Manshina Alina A.
Published: December 2022

We present an efficient and easily implemented approach for creating stable electrocatalytically active nanocomposites based on polyaniline (PANI) with metal NPs. The approach combines in situ synthesis of polyaniline followed by laser-induced deposition (LID) of Ag, Pt, and AgPt NPs. The observed peculiarity of LID of PANI is the role of the substrate during the formation of multi-metallic nanoparticles (MNP). This allows us to solve the problem of losing catalytically active particles from the electrode’s surface in electrochemical use. The synthesized PANI/Ag, PANI/Pt, and PANI/AgPt composites were studied with different techniques, such as SEM, EDX, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS. These suggested a mechanism for the formation of MNP on PANI. The MNP–PANI interaction was demonstrated, and the functionality of the nanocomposites was studied through the electrocatalysis of the hydrogen evolution reaction. The PANI/AgPt nanocomposites demonstrated both the best activity and the most stable metal component in this process. The suggested approach can be considered as universal, since it can be extended to the creation of electrocatalytically active nanocomposites with various mono- and multi-metallic NPs.
Nanoengineering of NiO/MnO2/GO Ternary Composite for Use in High-Energy Storage Asymmetric Supercapacitor and Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER)
Authors: Arshad Natasha , Usman Muhammad , Adnan Muhammad , Ahsan Muhammad Tayyab , Rehman Mah Rukh , Javed Sofia , Ali Zeeshan , Akram Muhammad Aftab , Demopoulos George P. , Mahmood Asif
Published: December 2022

Designing multifunctional nanomaterials for high performing electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices has been very challenging. A number of strategies have been reported to introduce multifunctionality in electrode/catalyst materials including alloying, doping, nanostructuring, compositing, etc. Here, we report the fabrication of a reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based ternary composite NiO/MnO2/rGO (NMGO) having a range of active sites for enhanced electrochemical activity. The resultant sandwich structure consisted of a mesoporous backbone with NiO and MnO2 nanoparticles encapsulated between successive rGO layers, having different active sites in the form of Ni-, Mn-, and C-based species. The modified structure exhibited high conductivity owing to the presence of rGO, excellent charge storage capacity of 402 F·g−1 at a current density of 1 A·g−1, and stability with a capacitance retention of ~93% after 14,000 cycles. Moreover, the NMGO//MWCNT asymmetric device, assembled with NMGO and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as positive and negative electrodes, respectively, exhibited good energy density (28 Wh·kg−1), excellent power density (750 W·kg−1), and capacitance retention (88%) after 6000 cycles. To evaluate the multifunctionality of the modified nanostructure, the NMGO was also tested for its oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. The NMGO delivered a current density of 10 mA·cm−2 at the potential of 1.59 V versus RHE. These results clearly demonstrate high activity of the modified electrode with strong future potential.
SiO2 Passivated Graphene Saturable Absorber Mirrors for Ultrashort Pulse Generation
Authors: Wang Hongpei , Jiang Cheng , Chu Huiyuan , Dai Hao , Fu Beibei , Lu Shulong , Zhang Ziyang
Published: December 2022

Owing to its broadband absorption, ultrafast recovery time, and excellent saturable absorption feature, graphene has been recognized as one of the best candidates as a high-performance saturable absorber (SA). However, the low absorption efficiency and reduced modulation depth severely limit the application of graphene-based SA in ultrafast fiber lasers. In this paper, a single-layer graphene saturable absorber mirror (SG-SAM) was coated by a quarter-wave SiO2 passivated layer, and a significantly enhanced modulation depth and reduced saturation intensity were obtained simultaneously compared to the SG-SAM without the SiO2 coating layer. In addition, long-term operational stability was found in the device due to the excellent isolation and protection of the graphene absorption layer from the external environment by the SiO2 layer. The high performance of the SAM was further confirmed by the construction of a ring-cavity EDF laser generating mode-locked pulses with a central wavelength of 1563.7 nm, a repetition rate of 34.17 MHz, and a pulse width of 830 fs.
Bifunctional P-Containing RuO2 Catalysts Prepared from Surplus Ru Co-Ordination Complexes and Applied to Zn/Air Batteries
Authors: Lorca Sebastián , Torres Javier , Serrano José L. , Pérez José , Abad José , Santos Florencio , Fernández Romero Antonio J.
Published: December 2022

An innovative synthetic route that involves the thermal treatment of selected Ru co−ordination complexes was used to prepare RuO2-based materials with catalytic activity for oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution (OER) reactions. Extensive characterization confirmed the presence of Ru metal and RuP3O9 in the materials, with an improved electrocatalytic performance obtained from calcinated [(RuCl2(PPh3)3]. A mechanistic approach for the obtention of such singular blends and for the synergetic contribution of these three species to electrocatalysis is suggested. Catalysts added to carbon−based electrodes were also tested in all−solid and flooded alkaline Zn/air batteries. The former displayed a specific discharge capacity of 10.5 A h g−1 at 250 mA g−1 and a power density of 4.4 kW kg−1 cm−2. Besides, more than 800 discharge/charge cycles were reached in the flooded alkaline Zn/air battery
Thermal Transport in 2D Materials
Authors: Kalantari Mohammad Hassan , Zhang Xian
Published: December 2022

In recent decades, two-dimensional materials (2D) such as graphene, black and blue phosphorenes, transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g., WS2 and MoS2), and h-BN have received illustrious consideration due to their promising properties. Increasingly, nanomaterial thermal properties have become a topic of research. Since nanodevices have to constantly be further miniaturized, thermal dissipation at the nanoscale has become one of the key issues in the nanotechnology field. Different techniques have been developed to measure the thermal conductivity of nanomaterials. A brief review of 2D material developments, thermal conductivity concepts, simulation methods, and recent research in heat conduction measurements is presented. Finally, recent research progress is summarized in this article.
ZnO Nanoparticles from Different Precursors and Their Photocatalytic Potential for Biomedical Use
Authors: Gatou Maria-Anna , Lagopati Nefeli , Vagena Ioanna-Aglaia , Gazouli Maria , Pavlatou Evangelia A.
Published: December 2022

Semiconductor photocatalysts, particularly ZnO nanoparticles, were synthesized via the precipitation method using four different precursors (zinc acetate/zinc nitrate/zinc sulfate/zinc chloride) and compared, according to their optical, structural, photocatalytic, and anticancer properties. The materials were characterized via X-ray Diffraction method (XRD), micro-Raman, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) analysis. Photocatalysis was conducted under UV and visible light irradiation, using Rhodamine B as the organic pollutant. It was observed that the highest photocatalysis efficiency was obtained by the nanoparticles synthesized from the zinc acetate used as precursor material. A cell-dependent anticancer efficiency of the tested ZnO nanoparticles was also observed, that was also attributed to the different precursors and the synthesis method, revealing that the nanoparticles that were synthesized from zinc acetate were more bioactive among the four tested precursors. Overall, the data revealed that both the enhanced photocatalytic and biological activity of ZnO nanoparticles derived from zinc acetate precursor could be attributed to the reduced crystalline size, increased surface area, as well as the observed hexagonal crystalline morphology.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Insulin Resistance, from Protein Supply to Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: De Bandt Jean-Pascal , Coumoul Xavier , Barouki Robert
Published: December 2022

For more than a decade, there has been a wide debate about the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine, valine, and isoleucine, with, on the one hand, the supporters of their anabolic effects and, on the other hand, those who suspect them of promoting insulin resistance. Indeed, the role of leucine in the postprandial activation of protein synthesis has been clearly established, even though supplementation studies aimed at taking advantage of this property are rather disappointing. Furthermore, there is ample evidence of an association between the elevation of their plasma concentrations and insulin resistance or the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, although there are many confounding factors, starting with the level of animal protein consumption. After a summary of their metabolism and anabolic properties, we analyze in this review the factors likely to increase the plasma concentrations of BCAAs, including insulin-resistance. After an analysis of supplementation or restriction studies in search of a direct role of BCAAs in insulin resistance, we discuss an indirect role through some of their metabolites: branched-chain keto acids, C3 and C5 acylcarnitines, and hydroxyisobutyrate. Overall, given the importance of insulin in the metabolism of these amino acids, it is very likely that small alterations in insulin sensitivity are responsible for a reduction in their catabolism long before the onset of impaired glucose tolerance.
Maternal and Placental DNA Methylation Changes Associated with the Pathogenesis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Xu Peng , Dong Shuai , Wu Linlin , Bai Yule , Bi Xueqing , Li Yaping , Shu Chang
Published: December 2022

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an important metabolic complication of pregnancy, which affects the future health of both the mother and the newborn. The pathogenesis of GDM is not completely clear, but what is clear is that with the development and growth of the placenta, GDM onset and blood glucose is difficult to control, while gestational diabetes patients’ blood glucose drops and reaches normal after placenta delivery. This may be associated with placental secretion of insulin-like growth factor, adipokines, tumor necrosis factor-α, cytokines and insulin resistance. Therefore, endocrine secretion of placenta plays a key role in the pathogenesis of GDM. The influence of DNA methylation of these molecules and pathway-related genes on gene expression is also closely related to the pathogenesis of GDM. Here, this review attempts to clarify the pathogenesis of GDM and the related maternal and placental DNA methylation changes and how they affect metabolic pathways.
Circulating Extracellular Vesicles Are Increased in Newly Diagnosed Celiac Disease Patients
Authors: Efthymakis Konstantinos , Bologna Giuseppina , Simeone Pasquale , Pierdomenico Laura , Catitti Giulia , Vespa Simone , Milano Angelo , De Bellis Domenico , Laterza Francesco , Pandolfi Assunta , Pipino Caterina , Sallese Michele , Marchisio Marco , Miscia Sebastiano , Neri Matteo , Lanuti Paola
Published: December 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a class of circulating entities that are involved in intercellular crosstalk mechanisms, participating in homeostasis maintenance, and diseases. Celiac disease is a gluten-triggered immune-mediated disorder, characterized by the inflammatory insult of the enteric mucosa following local lymphocytic infiltration, resulting in villous atrophy. The goal of this research was the assessment and characterization of circulating EVs in celiac disease patients, as well as in patients already on an adequate gluten-free regimen (GFD). For this purpose, a novel and validated technique based on polychromatic flow cytometry that allowed the identification and enumeration of different EV sub-phenotypes was applied. The analysis evidenced that the total, annexin V+, leukocyte (CD45+), and platelet (CD41a+) EV counts were significantly higher in both newly diagnosed celiac disease patients and patients under GFD compared with the healthy controls. Endothelial-derived (CD31+) and epithelial-derived (EpCAM+) EV counts were significantly lower in subjects under gluten exclusion than in celiac disease patients, although EpCAM+ EVs maintained higher counts than healthy subjects. The numbers of EpCAM+ EVs were a statistically significant predictor of intraepithelial leukocytes (IEL). These data demonstrate that EVs could represent novel and potentially powerful disease-specific biomarkers in the context of celiac disease.
Sex- and Age-Dependent Changes in the Adiponectin/Leptin Ratio in Experimental Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice
Authors: Becerril Sara , Rodríguez Amaia , Catalán Victoria , Ramírez Beatriz , Mentxaka Amaia , Neira Gabriela , Gómez-Ambrosi Javier , Frühbeck Gema
Published: December 2022

Biological sex and aging impact obesity development and type 2 diabetes, changing the secretion of leptin and adiponectin. The balance between these factors has been propounded as a reliable biomarker of adipose tissue dysfunction. Our proposal was to study sexual differences and aging on the adiponectin/leptin (Adpn/Lep) ratio in order to acquire a broader view of the impact of consuming an high-fat diet (HFD) on energy metabolism according to sex and age. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal chow diet or an HFD for 12 or 32 weeks (n = 7–10 per group) and evolution of body weight, food intake and metabolic profile were registered. The HFD triggered an increase in body weight (p < 0.001), body weight gain (p < 0.01) and adiposity index (p < 0.01) in both sexes at 32 weeks of age, but female mice fed the HFD exhibited these changes to a significantly lower extent than males. Aged female mice showed an increase (p < 0.01) in the Adpn/Lep ratio, which was negatively correlated with body weight gain, changes in different fat depots and insulin resistance. Females were more metabolically protected from obesity development and its related comorbidities than males regardless of age, making the Adpn/Lep ratio a relevant factor for body composition and glucose metabolism.
Dietary Patterns and Non-Communicable Disease Biomarkers: A Network Meta-Analysis and Nutritional Geometry Approach
Authors: Liang Shuang , Mijatovic Jovana , Li Ang , Koemel Nicholas , Nasir Reeja , Toniutti Clémence , Bell-Anderson Kim , Skilton Michael , O’Leary Fiona
Published: December 2022

Quantitative rankings of multiple dietary patterns for their effects on non-communicable disease (NCD) biomarkers is lacking and would inform primary prevention strategies. Accordingly, a network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to compare and rank the effects of different dietary patterns on NCD biomarkers, and associations of dietary patterns’ underlying macronutrient composition with NCD biomarkers were determined by a nutritional geometry approach. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion if they enrolled healthy participants, employed food-based dietary pattern interventions without energy restriction, and reported NCD biomarker outcomes. NCD biomarkers were included as an outcome if ≥10 trials were available. A systematic search of five electronic databases identified 4008 records. Sixty-eight articles from 59 RCTs reporting lipids, glycemic, and inflammatory biomarkers were included for quantitative syntheses. Risk-of-bias was predominantly categorized as low or having some concerns, and confidence-of-evidence low. Relative to western habitual diet, the Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), dietary guidelines-based, plant-based, and low-fat diets reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean difference range: −0.29 to −0.17 mmol/L), total cholesterol (−0.36 to −0.24 mmol/L), and apolipoprotein B (−0.11 to −0.07 g/L) (all p < 0.05); the Paleo, plant-based and dietary guidelines-based diets reduced homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (−0.95 to −0.35, all p < 0.05). No dietary pattern ranked consistently highest. The Paleo diet received the highest all-outcomes-combined average Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking Curve value (67%), followed by DASH (62%) and Mediterranean diets (57%), whereas western habitual diet was lowest (36%). Our findings were independent of macronutrient composition, highlighting the significance of dietary pattern-level analysis.
The Mediterranean Diet in Paediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Cenni Sabrina , Sesenna Veronica , Boiardi Giulia , Casertano Marianna , Di Nardo Giovanni , Esposito Susanna , Strisciuglio Caterina
Published: December 2022

The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest dietary patterns worldwide, thanks to a combination of foods rich mainly in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Many studies have demonstrated a strong relationship between the Mediterranean diet and some chronic gastrointestinal diseases. The aim of this narrative review was to analyse the role of the Mediterranean diet in several gastrointestinal diseases, so as to give a useful overview on its effectiveness in the prevention and management of these disorders.
Dietary Intake, Body Composition and Performance of Professional Football Athletes in Slovenia
Authors: Macuh Matjaž , Levec Jana , Kojić Nenad , Knap Bojan
Published: December 2022

This is the first study to examine the nutritional status of professional Slovenian football players. This study aimed to analyze the dietary intake of elite football players during their preparation phase of the season and to investigate whether there is a relationship between energy and macronutrient intake with body composition and physical performance. Twenty-three footballers completed a three-day dietary and physical activity diary and underwent body composition measurements via bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA). Fifteen participants also took part in the Cooper treadmill test to assess their physical performance in correlation with their nutritional intake. Football players had an energy intake that was significantly too low for their needs, reflecting low energy availability. The average carbohydrate (CHO) intake was below the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) recommendations, i.e., <4 g CHO/kg body weight (BW). Additionally, players had adequate intakes of protein and fat, and inadequate intakes of saturated fat, fiber, calcium and vitamin D. There was a positive correlation between protein intake and lean body mass. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between body fat mass and carbohydrate intake as well as between performance with the percentage of energy intake from fat. Results of this study highlight what aspects of nutrition might be improved upon in professional football players to maximize performance, longevity and body composition of athletes, as well as the necessity of a nutritionist role in this process.
The Intake of Dicarbonyls and Advanced Glycation Endproducts as Part of the Habitual Diet Is Not Associated with Intestinal Inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients
Authors: de Graaf Marlijne C. G. , Scheijen Jean L. J. M. , Spooren Corinne E. G. M. , Mujagic Zlatan , Pierik Marieke J. , Feskens Edith J. M. , Keszthelyi Daniel , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Jonkers Daisy M. A. E.
Published: December 2022

A Western diet comprises high levels of dicarbonyls and advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), which may contribute to flares and symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We therefore investigated the intake of dietary dicarbonyls and AGEs in IBD and IBS patients as part of the habitual diet, and their association with intestinal inflammation. Food frequency questionnaires from 238 IBD, 261 IBS as well as 195 healthy control (HC) subjects were used to calculate the intake of dicarbonyls methylglyoxal, glyoxal, and 3-deoxyglucosone, and of the AGEs Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine, Nε-(1-carboxyethyl)lysine and methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1. Intestinal inflammation was assessed using faecal calprotectin. The absolute dietary intake of all dicarbonyls and AGEs was higher in IBD and HC as compared to IBS (all p < 0.05). However, after energy-adjustment, only glyoxal was lower in IBD versus IBS and HC (p < 0.05). Faecal calprotectin was not significantly associated with dietary dicarbonyls and AGEs in either of the subgroups. The absolute intake of methylglyoxal was significantly higher in patients with low (<15 μg/g) compared to moderate calprotectin levels (15–<50 μg/g, p = 0.031). The concentrations of dietary dicarbonyls and AGEs generally present in the diet of Dutch patients with IBD or IBS are not associated with intestinal inflammation, although potential harmful effects might be counteracted by anti-inflammatory components in the food matrix.
The Effect of Caffeinated Chewing Gum on Volleyball-Specific Skills and Physical Performance in Volleyball Players
Authors: Kaszuba Magdalena , Klocek Olga , Spieszny Michał , Filip-Stachnik Aleksandra
Published: December 2022

No previous study analyzed the effect of caffeinated chewing gum on volleyball-specific skills and physical performance in volleyball players. Twelve volleyball players participated ina randomized, crossover, and double-blind experiment after ingestion of (a) ~3.2 ± 0.4 mg/kg of body mass (BM) of caffeine via chewing gum or (b) non-caffeinated chewing gum (placebo) and performed: (a) a countermovement jump, (b) a squat jump, (c), an attack jump, (d) a block jump, (e) 5 and 10 m sprints, (f) a modified agility t-test, (g) an attack and service speed test, and (h) a spike and serve accuracy test. Compared to the placebo, the caffeine chewing gum supplementation significantly improved the accuracy of the attack (15 ± 4 vs. 18 ± 3 points, p = 0.02). However, the ingestion of caffeinated chewing gum had no effect on the remaining other performance tests (p from 0.12 to 1.00). A caffeine-containing chewing gum with a dose of ~3 mg/kg BM effectively improved the attack’s accuracy in volleyball players. However, this effect was not observed in better results in jumping, running, and other skill-based volleyball tests.
Association between Healthy Eating Index-2015 and Age-Related Cataract in American Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study of NHANES 2005–2008
Authors: Zhou Jingxin , Lou Lixia , Jin Kai , Ye Juan
Published: December 2022

Background: Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), a healthy eating pattern proposed by Dietary Guidelines for Americans, is proven to be protective against various diseases. However, whether it is associated with age-related cataracts is unknown. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study included 6395 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the cycles from 2005 to 2008. HEI-2015 was calculated from 24-h dietary recall interviews, ranging from 0 to 100, and higher HEI-2015 represents better diet quality. Age-related cataract was generated from the questionnaire. The association between HEI-2015 and cataract was assessed with logistic regression models. Propensity score weighting, restricted cubic spline, and subgroup analysis were conducted to further explore the relationship. Results: 6395 participants were included in the study, with a mean [standard deviation (SD)] age of 48.7 (15.3) years and 3115 (48.7%) being male. HEI-2015 was negatively associated with cataracts after adjusting all covariates included, both as a continuous variable [odds ratio (OR): 0.991, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.984–0.997, p = 0.006] and quartiles with the highest quartile compared to the lowest (OR: 0.739, 95% CI: 0.559–0.980, p = 0.035). After propensity score weighting, the association remained significant. Restricted cubic spline revealed no non-linear relationship (p for non-linearity 0.085). Subgroup analysis showed that there were no interaction effects. Conclusions: Adherence to the healthy eating pattern, HEI-2015, was associated with a lower risk of age-related cataracts.
Health-Promoting Behaviors among Older Adults with Noncommunicable Diseases in Rural and Urban Areas during the New Normal Post-COVID-19 Era: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Suksatan Wanich , Teravecharoenchai Supat , Sarayuthpitak Jintana
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to develop and test a causal relationship among perceived self-efficacy (PSE), health literacy (HL), access to COVID-19 preventive material (ACPM), social networks (SN), and health-promoting behaviors (HPBs). Multistage stratified random sampling was used to recruit 250 older adults with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) from Thai urban and rural communities. The data were collected with self-reported questionnaires. Data analyses used descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling. The results indicated that participants in urban communities had higher PSE, ACPM, HL, SN, and HPBs than rural participants. The fitness parameters of the modified model (χ2 = 71.936, df = 58, p-value = 0.103, χ2/df = 1.240; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.031; standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.042; goodness of fit index (GFI) = 0.964; normed-fit index (NFI) = 0.964; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.993) indicated its suitability as the research model. HPBs were directly positively influenced by PSE (β = 0.40, p < 0.001), ACPM (β = 0.24, p < 0.001), HL (β = 0.19, p < 0.01), and SN (β = 0.01, p < 0.05). Therefore, taking all predicting variables together could explain 81.0% of the variance in HPBs. Multidisciplinary healthcare teams could use these findings to establish proper interventions or healthcare activities to increase HPBs among older adults, particularly in this era of the “new normal”.
The Synergistic Protective Effect of γ-Oryzanol (OZ) and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) against Experimentally Induced NAFLD in Rats Entails Hypoglycemic, Antioxidant, and PPARα Stimulatory Effects
Authors: Alwadani Ashwag H. , Almasri Soheir A. , Aloud Amal A. , Albadr Nawal A. , Alshammari Ghedeir M. , Yahya Mohammed Abdo
Published: December 2022

This study estimated that the combined effect of γ-Oryzanol and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats also estimated some of their mechanisms of action. Adult male rats were divided into seven groups (n = 8 each) as control, control + NAC, control + γ-Oryzanol, HFD, HFD + NAC, HFD + γ-Oryzanol, and HFD + NAC + γ-Oryzanol. NAC was administered orally at a final concentration of 200 mg/kg, whereas γ-Oryzanol was added to diets at a concentration of 0.16. All treatments were conducted for 17 weeks and daily. Both NAC and γ-Oryzanol were able to reduce final body weights, fat weights, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, serum, and serum levels of liver function enzymes as well as the inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukine-6 (IL-6), and leptin in HFD-fed rats. They also improved hepatic structure and glucose tolerance, increased adiponectin levels, and reduced serum and hepatic levels of triglycerides (TGs) and cholesterol (CHOL) in these rats. These effects were concomitant with a reduction in the hepatic levels of lipid peroxides (MDA) and serum levels of LDL-C, but also with an increment in the hepatic levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Interestingly, only treatment with γ-Oryzanol stimulated the mRNA levels of proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) in the liver and white adipose tissue (WAT) of rats. Of note, the combination therapy of both drugs resulted in maximum effects and restored almost normal liver structure and basal levels of all the above-mentioned metabolic parameters. In conclusion, a combination therapy of γ-Oryzanol and NAC is an effective therapy to treat NAFLD, which can act via several mechanisms on the liver and adipose tissue.
Association between Coffee Consumption, Caffeine Intake, and Metabolic Syndrome Severity in Patients with Self-Reported Rheumatoid Arthritis: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2018
Authors: Wang Shuolin , Han Yingdong , Zhao He , Han Xinxin , Yin Yue , Wu Juan , Zhang Yun , Zeng Xuejun
Published: December 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is chronic inflammatory disease. Although coffee impacts metabolism, no evidence has shown an association between coffee consumption and decreased risk for developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) among RA patients. Hence, we examined the association between coffee consumption and metabolic syndrome severity among 1094 participants with self-reported RA. Accordingly, patients with MetS z-scores of <0 and ≥0 were designated as low- and high-risk groups, respectively. In the fully adjusted model, drinking over two cups of coffee daily was associated with a decrease in the MetS z-score (p = 0.04). Subgroup analysis showed that in the low-risk group, daily intake of <2 cups of coffee was associated with low MetS z-scores (p = 0.003), scores (p = 0.03). Coffee intake was associated with low body mass index (p = 0.03 for 0–2 cups per day; p = 0.02 for >2 cups per day) and low HOMA-IR (β, −2.62; 95%CI, −5.13 to −0.11; p = 0.04). Our study suggests that coffee, but not decaffeinated coffee consumption and total caffeine intake, is associated with MetS severity in RA.
Extensively Hydrolyzed Hypoallergenic Infant Formula with Retained T Cell Reactivity
Authors: Freidl Raphaela , Garib Victoria , Linhart Birgit , Haberl Elisabeth M. , Mader Isabelle , Szépfalusi Zsolt , Schmidthaler Klara , Douladiris Nikos , Pampura Alexander , Varlamov Evgeniy , Lepeshkova Tatiana , Beltyukov Evgeny , Naumova Veronika , Taka Styliani , Nosova Dina , Guliashko Olga , Kundi Michael , Kiyamova Alina , Katsamaki Stefani , Valenta Rudolf
Published: December 2022

Background: Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated cow’s milk allergy (CMA) can be life-threatening and affects up to 3% of children. Hypoallergenic infant formulas based on hydrolyzed cow’s milk protein are increasingly considered for therapy and prevention of cow’s milk allergy. The aim of this study was to investigate the allergenic activity and ability to induce T cell and cytokine responses of an infant formula based on extensively hydrolyzed cow’s milk protein (whey) (eHF, extensively hydrolyzed formula) supplemented with Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 (LF) to determine its suitability for treatment and prevention of CMA. Methods: eHF and standard protein formula based on intact cow’s milk proteins (iPF) with or without Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 (LF) were investigated with allergen-specific antibodies and tested for IgE reactivity and allergenic activity in basophil degranulation assays with sera from cow’s milk (CM)-allergic infants/children. Their ability to stimulate T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from CM-allergic infants and children was studied with a FACS-based carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) dilution assay and xMAP Luminex fluorescent bead-based technology, respectively. Results: An eHF supplemented with GOS and LF exhibiting almost no IgE reactivity and allergenic activity was identified. This eHF induced significantly lower inflammatory cytokine secretion as compared to an intact protein-based infant formula but retained T cell reactivity. Conclusions: Due to strongly reduced allergenic activity and induction of inflammatory cytokine secretion but retained T cell reactivity, the identified eHF may be used for treatment and prevention of CMA by induction of specific T cell tolerance.
Dairy Food Intakes, Postpartum Weight Retention, and Risk of Obesity
Authors: Yuan Mengjie , Hu Frank B. , Li Yanping , Cabral Howard J. , Das Sai Krupa , Deeney Jude T. , Moore Lynn L.
Published: December 2022

Excessive postpartum weight retention puts women at risk for health problems. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dairy foods on weight retention and risk of obesity in postpartum women in the Nurses’ Health Study II. Weight was reported every 2 years. We identified the pre-pregnancy and postpartum exams that were approximately 2 years before and after the birth year. Dairy consumption was averaged during these 4 years. Linear models were used to assess postpartum weight retention. Multivariable models were used to estimate risk of obesity. Women with higher yogurt (≥2 servings/week vs. <1 serving/month) intakes had 0.61 pounds less postpartum weight retention. Consuming ≥ 5 cheese servings/week was associated with 0.63 pounds less weight retention than the lowest intake. Among sedentary women, only yogurt intake was associated with lower risk of postpartum obesity (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.71–1.00), though of borderline statistical significance. Among women with less healthy diets, yogurt consumption was also associated with lower postpartum obesity risk (RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.57–0.85). In sum, higher yogurt and cheese intakes were associated with less postpartum weight retention and among higher risk women (sedentary or lower diet quality) greater yogurt intake was associated with lower risks of postpartum obesity.
Management of Rat Lungworm Disease (Neuroangiostrongyliasis) Using Anthelmintics: Recent Updates and Recommendations
Authors: Jacob John , Steel Argon , Howe Kathleen , Jarvi Susan
Published: December 2022

While there have been legitimate concerns in the past regarding the use of anthelmintics for the management of neuroangiostrongyliasis (rat lungworm disease), recent studies demonstrate that they can be considered safe and efficacious, particularly albendazole, which is regarded as the choice anthelmintic for its management. However, physician hesitancy to prescribe, as well as problems of availability persist, at least in Hawaii, which is considered the epicenter of this disease in the US. As a result, many patients suffer a diminished quality of life or even death. Here, we discuss recent studies that provide insights into new treatments and preventative interventions, which can be more rigorously used for the management of neuroangiostrongyliasis. In summary, results from recent studies suggest that albendazole and avermectins are beneficial for post-exposure management, pyrantel pamoate is beneficial as a post-exposure prophylactic, and levamisole is deserving of further study for the treatment of neuroangiostrongyliasis.
Xiaochaihu Decoction Treatment of Chicken Colibacillosis by Improving Pulmonary Inflammation and Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Song Ke , Li Jiang , Tan Yuerong , Yu Jiaying , Li Miao , Shen Siyang , Peng Luyuan , Yi Pengfei , Fu Bendong
Published: December 2022

Chicken colibacillosis—the most common disease of poultry, is caused mainly by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). It has a major impact on the poultry industry worldwide. The present study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effects of Xiaochaihu Decoction (XCHD) supplementation on clinical manifestation, organ index, bacterial load in organ and inflammatory mediators in a chicken model challenged with APEC. The results showed that all doses of XCHD significantly elevated the survival rate of infected chickens. XCHD improved the clinical signs of infected chickens, reduced the organ index, reduced the bacterial load of organs, and inhibited the secretion of serum and pulmonary inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF- α. Taken together, this study demonstrates that XCHD had protective effects on APEC-infected chickens. Its mechanism includes anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. These findings may contribute to the further study of the mechanism of the formula and the prevention or treatment of colibacillosis in poultry. The significance of this study is that it provides a certain theoretical basis for the replacement of antibiotics by XCHD.
Low Transmission of Chikungunya Virus by Aedes aegypti from Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
Authors: Calvez Elodie , Miot Elliott F. , Keosenhom Sitsana , Vungkyly Vaekey , Viengphouthong Souksakhone , Bounmany Phaithong , Brey Paul T. , Marcombe Sébastien , Grandadam Marc
Published: December 2022

In 2012–2013, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was the cause of a major outbreak in the southern part of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Since then, only a few imported cases, with isolates belonging to different lineages, were recorded between 2014 and 2020 in Vientiane capital and few autochthonous cases of ECSA-IOL lineage were detected in the south of the country in 2020. The CHIKV epidemiological profile contrasts with the continuous and intensive circulation of dengue virus in the country, especially in Vientiane capital. The study’s aim was to investigate the ability of the local field-derived Aedes aegypti population from Vientiane capital to transmit the Asian and ECSA-IOL lineages of CHIKV. Our results revealed that, for both CHIKV lineages, infection rates were low and dissemination rates were high. The transmission rates and efficiencies evidenced a low vector competence for the CHIKV tested. Although this population of Ae. aegypti showed a relatively modest vector competence for these two CHIKV lineages, several other factors could influence arbovirus emergence such as the longevity and density of female mosquitoes. Due to the active circulation of CHIKV in Southeast Asia, investigations on these factors should be done to prevent the risk of CHIKV emergence and spread in Lao PDR and neighboring countries.
Antibiofilm Action of Plant Terpenes in Salmonella Strains: Potential Inhibitors of the Synthesis of Extracellular Polymeric Substances
Authors: Palomares-Navarro Julian J. , Bernal-Mercado Ariadna T. , González-Aguilar Gustavo A. , Ortega-Ramirez Luis A. , Martínez-Téllez Miguel A. , Ayala-Zavala Jesús F.
Published: December 2022

Salmonella can form biofilms that contribute to its resistance in food processing environments. Biofilms are a dense population of cells that adhere to the surface, creating a matrix composed of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) consisting mainly of polysaccharides, proteins, and eDNA. Remarkably, the secreted substances, including cellulose, curli, and colanic acid, act as protective barriers for Salmonella and contribute to its resistance and persistence when exposed to disinfectants. Conventional treatments are mostly ineffective in controlling this problem; therefore, exploring anti-biofilm molecules that minimize and eradicate Salmonella biofilms is required. The evidence indicated that terpenes effectively reduce biofilms and affect their three-dimensional structure due to the decrease in the content of EPS. Specifically, in the case of Salmonella, cellulose is an essential component in their biofilms, and its control could be through the inhibition of glycosyltransferase, the enzyme that synthesizes this polymer. The inhibition of polymeric substances secreted by Salmonella during biofilm development could be considered a target to reduce its resistance to disinfectants, and terpenes can be regarded as inhibitors of this process. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these compounds against Salmonella enzymes that produce extracellular polymeric substances.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Clade 2.3.4.4b in Wild Birds and Live Bird Markets, Egypt
Authors: El-Shesheny Rabeh , Moatasim Yassmin , Mahmoud Sara , Song Yi , El Taweel Ahmed , Gomaa Mokhtar , Kamel Mina , Sayes Mohamed , Kandeil Ahmed , Lam Tommy , McKenzie Pamela , Webby Richard , Kayali Ghazi , Ali Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx influenza viruses have further diversified into several subclades. Sub-clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses have been widely circulating in wild birds and detected in Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America since October 2020. In this study, we report the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses in wild birds and domestic ducks from live bird markets in Egypt. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Egyptian H5N1 virus retained the genomic composition of Eurasian strains. Mutations in the viral proteins associated with zoonotic potential and pathogenicity were detected in Egyptian isolates. Egypt is considered a hot spot for the evolution of the influenza virus, so active surveillance of avian influenza viruses in Egypt is warranted.
Omics Approaches in Drug Development against Leishmaniasis: Current Scenario and Future Prospects
Authors: Rabaan Ali A. , Bakhrebah Muhammed A. , Mohapatra Ranjan K. , Farahat Ramadan Abdelmoez , Dhawan Manish , Alwarthan Sara , Aljeldah Mohammed , Al Shammari Basim R. , Al-Najjar Amal H. , Alhusayyen Mona A. , Al-Absi Ghadeer H. , Aldawood Yahya , Alsaleh Abdulmonem A. , Alshamrani Saleh A. , Almuthree Souad A. , Alawfi Abdulsalam , Alshengeti Amer , Alwashmi Ameen S. S. , Hajissa Khalid , Nassar Majed S.
Published: December 2022

Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease transmitted in humans by the bite of Leishmania-infected phlebotomine sandflies. Each year approximately 58,500 cases of leishmaniasis are diagnosed across the globe, with a mortality rate of nearly seven percent. There are over 20 parasitic strains of Leishmania which are known to cause distinct types of leishmaniasis and pose an endemic threat to humans worldwide. Therefore, it is crucial to develop potential medications and vaccines to combat leishmaniasis. However, the task of developing therapeutic solutions is challenging due to Leishmania’s digenetic lifecycle. The challenge is further intensified by cases of resistance against the available drugs. Owing to these challenges, the conventional drug development regimen is further limited by target discovery and ligand suitability for the targets. On the other hand, as an added advantage, the emergence of omics-based tools, such as high-end proteomics, transcriptomics and genomics, has hastened the pace of target discovery and target-based drug development. It is now becoming apparent that multi-omics convergence and an inter-connected systems approach is less time-consuming and more cost-effective for any drug-development process. This comprehensive review is an attempt to summarize the current knowledge on the muti-omics approach in drug development against leishmaniasis. In particular, it elaborates the potential target identification from secreted proteins in various stages of Leishmania infection and also illustrates the convergence of transcriptomic and genomic data towards the collective goal of drug discovery. This review also provides an understanding of the potential parasite’s drug targets and drug resistance characteristics of the parasite, which can be used in designing effective and specific therapeutics.