bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Magnetic Fe3O4 Nano Hollow Spheres for Industrial TNT Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Rehman Shafi Ur , Javaid Sana , Shahid Muhammad , Baig Mutawara Mahmood , Rashid Badar , Szczepanski Caroline R. , Curley Sabrina J.
Published: March 2022

The aim of the present work was to synthesize magnetite (Fe3O4) nano hollow spheres (NHS) via simple, one-pot, template-free, hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological, and surface analysis of Fe3O4 NHS were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction technique (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR and burner-Emmett-teller (BET). The as obtained magnetic (Fe3O4) NHS were used as an adsorbent for treating industrial trinitrotoluene (TNT) wastewater to reduce its Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values. Adsorption capacity (Qe) of the NHS obtained is 70 mg/g, confirming the attractive forces present between adsorbent (Fe3O4 NHS) and adsorbate (TNT wastewater). COD value of TNT wastewater was reduced to >92% in 2 h at room temperature. The adsorption capacity of Fe3O4 NHS was observed as a function of time, initial concentration, pH, and temperature. The applied Fe3O4 NHS was recovered for reuse by simply manipulating its magnetic properties with slight shift in pH of the solution. A modest decrease in Qe (5.0–15.1%) was observed after each cycle. The novel Fe3O4 NHS could be an excellent candidate for treating wastewater generated by the intermediate processes during cyclonite, cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine (HMX), nitroglycerin (NG) production and other various environmental pollutants/species.
Reconfigurable, Stretchable Strain Sensor with the Localized Controlling of Substrate Modulus by Two-Phase Liquid Metal Cells
Authors: Mao Linna , Pan Taisong , Guo Junxiong , Ke Yizhen , Zhu Jia , Cheng Huanyu , Lin Yuan
Published: March 2022

Strain modulation based on the heterogeneous design of soft substrates is an effective method to improve the sensitivity of stretchable resistive strain sensors. In this study, a novel design for reconfigurable strain modulation in the soft substrate with two-phase liquid cells is proposed. The modulatory strain distribution induced by the reversible phase transition of the liquid metal provides reconfigurable strain sensing capabilities with multiple combinations of operating range and sensitivity. The effectiveness of our strategy is validated by theoretical simulations and experiments on a hybrid carbonous film-based resistive strain sensor. The strain sensor can be gradually switched between a highly sensitive one and a wide-range one by selectively controlling the phases of liquid metal in the cell array with a external heating source. The relative change of sensitivity and operating range reaches a maximum of 59% and 44%, respectively. This reversible heterogeneous design shows great potential to facilitate the fabrication of strain sensors and might play a promising role in the future applications of stretchable strain sensors.
A Quantitative Chemical Method for Determining the Surface Concentration of Stone–Wales Defects for 1D and 2D Carbon Nanomaterials
Authors: Voznyakovskii Alexander , Neverovskaya Anna , Vozniakovskii Aleksei , Kidalov Sergey
Published: March 2022

A quantitative method is proposed to determine Stone–Wales defects for 1D and 2D carbon nanostructures. The technique is based on the diene synthesis reaction (Diels–Alder reaction). The proposed method was used to determine Stone–Wales defects in the few-layer graphene (FLG) nanostructures synthesized by the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) process in reduced graphene oxide (rGO) synthesized based on the method of Hammers and in the single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) TUBAL trademark, Russia. Our research has shown that the structure of FLG is free of Stone–Wales defects, while the surface concentration of Stone–Wales defects in TUBAL carbon nanotubes is 1.1 × 10−5 mol/m2 and 3.6 × 10−5 mol/m2 for rGO.
Pixelated Vacuum Flat Panel Detector Using ZnS Photoconductor and ZnO Nanowires Cold Cathode
Authors: Hu Delin , Bai Xingpeng , Wang Chengyun , Zhang Zhipeng , Li Xiaojie , Zhang Guofu , Deng Shaozhi , Chen Jun
Published: March 2022

Vacuum flat panel detectors (VFPDs) using cold cathode have important applications in large-area photoelectric detection. Based on the electron-bombardment-induced photoconductivity (EBIPC) mechanism, the photoconductor-type VFPDs achieved high detection sensitivity. However, pixelated imaging devices have not yet been developed. In this paper, we fabricate a 4 × 7 pixel vacuum flat panel detector array made of ZnS photoconductor and ZnO nanowires cold cathode for an imaging application. The responsivity of the device and the pixel current uniformity are studied, and imaging of the patterned objects is achieved. Our results verify the feasibility of VFPDs for imaging.
Physicochemical Characterization and Antibacterial Properties of Carbon Dots from Two Mediterranean Olive Solid Waste Cultivars
Authors: Nocito Giuseppe , Sciuto Emanuele Luigi , Franco Domenico , Nastasi Francesco , Pulvirenti Luca , Petralia Salvatore , Spinella Corrado , Calabrese Giovanna , Guglielmino Salvatore , Conoci Sabrina
Published: March 2022

Carbon nanomaterials have shown great potential in several fields, including biosensing, bioimaging, drug delivery, energy, catalysis, diagnostics, and nanomedicine. Recently, a new class of carbon nanomaterials, carbon dots (CDs), have attracted much attention due to their easy and inexpensive synthesis from a wide range of precursors and fascinating physical, chemical, and biological properties. In this work we have developed CDs derived from olive solid wastes of two Mediterranean regions, Puglia (CDs_P) and Calabria (CDs_C) and evaluated them in terms of their physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Results show the nanosystems have a quasi-spherical shape of 12–18 nm in size for CDs_P and 15–20 nm in size for CDs_C. UV–Vis characterization indicates a broad absorption band with two main peaks at about 270 nm and 300 nm, respectively, attributed to the π-π* and n-π* transitions of the CDs, respectively. Both samples show photoluminescence (PL) spectra excitation-dependent with a maximum at λem = 420 nm (λexc = 300 nm) for CDs_P and a red-shifted at λem = 445 nm (λexc = 300 nm) for CDs_C. Band gaps values of ≈ 1.48 eV for CDs_P and ≈ 1.53 eV for CDs_C are in agreement with semiconductor behaviour. ζ potential measures show very negative values for CDs_C compared to CDs_P (three times higher, −38 mV vs. −18 mV at pH = 7). The evaluation of the antibacterial properties highlights that both CDs have higher antibacterial activity towards Gram-positive than to Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, CDs_C exhibit bactericidal behaviour at concentrations of 360, 240, and 120 µg/mL, while lesser activity was found for CDs_P (bacterial cell reduction of only 30% at the highest concentration of 360 µg/mL). This finding was correlated to the higher surface charge of CDs_C compared to CDs_P. Further investigations are in progress to confirm this hypothesis and to gain insight on the antibacterial mechanism of both cultivars.
Ferric Ion Diffusion for MOF-Polymer Composite with Internal Boundary Sinks
Authors: Louw Kirsten I. , Bradshaw-Hajek Bronwyn H. , Hill James M.
Published: March 2022

Simple and economical ferric ion detection is necessary in many industries. An europium-based metal organic framework has selective sensing properties for solutions containing ferric ions and shows promise as a key component in a new sensor. We study an idealised sensor that consists of metal organic framework (MOF) crystals placed on a polymer surface. A two-dimensional diffusion model is used to predict the movement of ferric ions through the solution and polymer, and the ferric ion association to a MOF crystal at the boundary between the different media. A simplified one-dimensional model identifies the choice of appropriate values for the dimensionless parameters required to optimise the time for a MOF crystal to reach steady state. The model predicts that a large non-dimensional diffusion coefficient and an effective association with a small effective flux will reduce the time to steady-state. The effective dissociation is the most significant parameter to aid the estimation of the ferric ion concentration. This paper provides some theoretical insight for material scientists to optimise the design of a new ferric ion sensor.
4-Levels Vertically Stacked SiGe Channel Nanowires Gate-All-Around Transistor with Novel Channel Releasing and Source and Drain Silicide Process
Authors: Cheng Xiaohong , Li Yongliang , Zhao Fei , Chen Anlan , Liu Haoyan , Li Chun , Zhang Qingzhu , Yin Huaxiang , Luo Jun , Wang Wenwu
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the fabrication and electrical performance optimization of a four-levels vertically stacked Si0.7Ge0.3 channel nanowires gate-all-around transistor are explored in detail. First, a high crystalline quality and uniform stacked Si0.7Ge0.3/Si film is achieved by optimizing the epitaxial growth process and a vertical profile of stacked Si0.7Ge0.3/Si fin is attained by further optimizing the etching process under the HBr/He/O2 plasma. Moreover, a novel ACT@SG-201 solution without any dilution at the temperature of 40 °C is chosen as the optimal etching solution for the release process of Si0.7Ge0.3 channel. As a result, the selectivity of Si to Si0.7Ge0.3 can reach 32.84 with a signature of “rectangular” Si0.7Ge0.3 extremities after channel release. Based on these newly developed processes, a 4-levels vertically stacked Si0.7Ge0.3 nanowires gate-all-around device is prepared successfully. An excellent subthreshold slope of 77 mV/dec, drain induced barrier-lowering of 19 mV/V, Ion/Ioff ratio of 9 × 105 and maximum of transconductance of ~83.35 μS/μm are demonstrated. However, its driven current is only ~38.6 μA/μm under VDS = VGS = −0.8 V due to its large resistance of source and drain (9.2 × 105 Ω). Therefore, a source and drain silicide process is implemented and its driven current can increase to 258.6 μA/μm (about 6.7 times) due to the decrease of resistance of source and drain to 6.4 × 104 Ω. Meanwhile, it is found that a slight increase of leakage after the silicide process online results in a slight deterioration of the subthreshold slope and Ion/Ioff ratio. Its leakage performance needs to be further improved through the co-optimization of source and drain implantation and silicide process in the future.
Direct Z-Scheme Heterojunction Catalysts Constructed by Graphitic-C3N4 and Photosensitive Metal-Organic Cages for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Lv Chuying , Qin Su , Lei Yang , Li Xinao , Huang Jianfeng , Liu Junmin
Published: March 2022

The demand for improving the activity, durability, and recyclability of metal-organic cages (MOCs) that work as photocatalytic molecular devices in a homogeneous system has promoted research to combine them with other solid materials. An M2L4 type photosensitive metal-organic cage MOC-Q2 with light-harvesting ligands and catalytic Pd2+ centers has been synthesized and further heterogenized with graphitic carbon nitride to prepare a robust direct Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for visible-light-driven hydrogen generation. The optimized g-C3N4/MOC-Q2 (0.7 wt%) sample exhibits a high H2 evolution activity of 6423 μmol g−1 h−1 in 5 h, and a total turnover number of 39,695 after 10 h, significantly superior to the bare MOC-Q2 used in the homogeneous solution and the comparison sample Pd/g-C3N4/L-4. The enhanced performances of g-C3N4/MOC-Q2 can be ascribed to its direct Z-scheme heterostructure, which effectively improves the charge separation and transfer efficiency. This work presents a rational approach of designing a binary photocatalytic system through combing micromolecular MOCs with heterogeneous semiconductors for water splitting.
Numerical and Thermal Investigation of Magneto-Hydrodynamic Hybrid Nanoparticles (SWCNT-Ag) under Rosseland Radiation: A Prescribed Wall Temperature Case
Authors: Hassan Ali , Hussain Azad , Arshad Mubashar , Alanazi Meznah M. , Zahran Heba Y.
Published: March 2022

Thermal heat generation and enhancement have been examined extensively over the past two decades, and nanofluid technology has been explored to address this issue. In the present study, we discuss the thermal heat coefficient under the influence of a rotating magneto-hydrodynamic hybrid nanofluid over an axially spinning cone for a prescribed wall temperature (PWT) case. The governing equations of the formulated problem are derived by utilizing the Rivlin–Ericksen tensor and boundary layer approximation (BLA). We introduce our suppositions to transform the highly non-linear partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations. The numerical outcomes of the problem are drafted in MATLAB with the of help the boundary value problem algorithm. The influences of several study parameters are obtained to demonstrate and analyze the magneto-hydrodynamic flow characteristics. The heat and mass transfer coefficients increase and high Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are obtained with reduced skin coefficients for the analyzed composite nanoparticles. The analyzed hybrid nanofluid (SWCNT-Ag–kerosene oil) produces reduced drag and lift coefficients and high thermal heat rates when compared with a recent study for SWCNT-MWCNT–kerosene oil hybrid nanofluid. Maximum Nusselt (Nu) and Sherwood (Sh) numbers are observed under a high rotational flow ratio and pressure gradient. Based on the results of this study, we recommend more frequent use of the examined hybrid nanofluid.
Enhanced Thermal Transport Properties of Graphene/SiC Heterostructures on Nuclear Reactor Cladding Material: A Molecular Dynamics Insight
Authors: Wu Lei , Sun Xiangyang , Gong Feng , Luo Junyi , Yin Chunyu , Sun Zhipeng , Xiao Rui
Published: March 2022

Owing to the excellent thermal properties of graphene, silicon carbide (SiC) combined with graphene is expected to obtain more outstanding thermal performance and structural stability at high temperatures. Herein, the thermal conductivity of graphene/SiC heterostructures (GS-Hs) with different structures and atomic orientations was calculated through non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations. The temperature dependence and size effect on the thermal transport properties of GS-Hs were systematically investigated and discussed. The continuous addition of graphene layers did not always have a positive effect. The thermal transport performance of GS-Hs approached the intrinsic thermal conductivity of SiC when the interaction gradually decreased with the distance between SiC and graphene. Studies on temperature and size dependence show opposite trends. The enhancement effect of graphene was limited at small distances. The thermal conductivity of GS-Hs had a negative correlation with temperature and increased with the system size. Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity of GS-Hs was predicted to be 156.25 (W·m−1·K−1) at the macroscopic scale via extrapolation. The model established in this paper is also applicable to other material simulation processes, as long as the corresponding parameters and potential functions are available. This study will provide inspiration for the optimized design and preparation of highly efficient cladding materials in nuclear reactors.
Synthesis and Characterization of Indium Tin Oxide Nanowires with Surface Modification of Silver Nanoparticles by Electrochemical Method
Authors: Yang Shu-Meng , Yen Hsi-Kai , Lu Kuo-Chang
Published: March 2022

In this study, indium tin oxide nanowires (ITO NWs) with high density and crystallinity were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) via a vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) route; the NWs were decorated with 1 at% and 3 at% silver nanoparticles on the surface by a unique electrochemical method. The ITO NWs possessed great morphologies with lengths of 5~10 μm and an average diameter of 58.1 nm. Characterization was conducted through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) to identify the structure and composition of the ITO NWs. The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) studies show that the ITO NWs were of visible light-emitting properties, and there were a large number of oxygen vacancies on the surface. The successful modification of Ag was confirmed by TEM, XRD and XPS. PL analysis reveals that there was an extra Ag signal at around 1.895 eV, indicating the potential application of Ag-ITO NWs as nanoscale optical materials. Electrical measurements show that more Ag nanoparticles on the surface of ITO NWs contributed to higher resistivity, demonstrating the change in the electron transmission channel of the Ag-ITO NWs. ITO NWs and Ag-ITO NWs are expected to enhance the performance of electronic and optoelectronic devices.
The Theoretical Study of Kink Deformation in Graphite Based on Differential Geometric Method
Authors: Lei Xiao-Wen , Shimizu Shungo , Shi Jin-Xing
Published: March 2022

Kink deformation is often observed in materials with laminated layers. Graphite composed of stacked graphene layers has the unique laminated structure of carbon nanomaterials. In this study, we performed the interlayer deformation of graphite under compression using a simulation of molecular dynamics and proposed a differential geometrical method to evaluate the kink deformation. We employed “mean curvature” for the representativeness of the geometrical properties to explore the mechanism of kink deformation and the mechanical behaviors of graphite in nanoscale. The effect of the number of graphene layers and the lattice chirality of each graphene layer on kink deformation and stress–strain diagrams of compressed graphite are discussed in detail. The results showed that kink deformation occurred in compressed graphite when the strain was approximately equal to 0.02, and the potential energy of the compressed graphite proportionately increased with the increasing compressive strain. The proposed differential geometric method can not only be applied to kink deformation in nanoscale graphite, but could also be extended to solving and predicting interlayer deformation that occurs in micro- and macro-scale material structures with laminated layers.
A Low-Overhead Message Authentication and Secure Message Dissemination Scheme for VANETs
Authors: Mistareehi Hassan , Manivannan D.
Published: March 2022

Given the enormous interest shown by customers as well as industry in autonomous vehicles, the concept of Internet of Vehicles (IoV) has evolved from Vehicular Ad hoc NETworks (VANETs). VANETs are likely to play an important role in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). VANETs based on fixed infrastructures, called Road Side Units (RSUs), have been extensively studied. Efficient, authenticated message dissemination in VANETs is important for the timely delivery of authentic messages to vehicles in appropriate regions in the VANET. Many of the approaches proposed in the literature use RSUs to collect events (such as accidents, weather conditions, etc.) observed by vehicles in its region, authenticate them, and disseminate them to vehicles in appropriate regions. However, as the number of messages received by RSUs increases in the network, the computation and communication overhead for RSUs related to message authentication and dissemination also increases. We address this issue and propose a low-overhead message authentication and dissemination scheme in this paper. We compare the overhead, related to authentication and message dissemination, of our approach with an existing approach and also present an analysis of privacy and security implications of our approach.
Reply to Janssen et al. Comment on “Sobczyk, M.K.; Gaunt, T.R. The Effect of Circulating Zinc, Selenium, Copper and Vitamin K1 on COVID-19 Outcomes: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Nutrients 2022, 14, 233”
Authors: Sobczyk Maria K. , Gaunt Tom R.
Published: March 2022

In their correspondence arising from our recent manuscript [...]
Comment on Moz-Christofoletti, M.A.; Wollgast, J. Sugars, Salt, Saturated Fat and Fibre Purchased through Packaged Food and Soft Drinks in Europe 2015–2018: Are We Making Progress? Nutrients 2021, 13, 2416
Authors: Hodac Nicholas , Wittekind Anna
Published: March 2022

The European soft drinks industry fully supports efforts to monitor nutrition composition of food products [...]
Reply to Hodac, N.; Wittekind, A. Comment on “Moz-Christofoletti, M.A.; Wollgast, J. Sugars, Salt, Saturated Fat and Fibre Purchased through Packaged Food and Soft Drinks in Europe 2015–2018: Are We Making Progress? Nutrients 2021, 13, 2416”
Authors: Moz-Christofoletti Maria Alice , Wollgast Jan
Published: March 2022

We acknowledge the points raised by Hodac and Wittekind [...]
A Decentralized Study Setup Enables to Quantify the Effect of Polymerization and Linkage of α-Glucans on Post-Prandial Glucose Response
Authors: Delodder Frederik , Rytz Andreas , Foltzer Fabien , Lamothe Lisa , d’Urzo Carmine , Feraille-Naze Ludivine , Mauger Julia , Morlet Justine , Piccardi Nathalie , Philippe Lionel , Caijo François , Schmitt Jeroen , Colombo Mottaz Sara
Published: March 2022

The complexity of the carbohydrate structure is associated with post-prandial glucose response and diverse health benefits. The aim of this study was to determine whether, thanks to the usage of minimally invasive glucose monitors, it was possible to evaluate, in a decentralized study setup, the post-prandial glycemic response (PPGR) of α-glucans differing systematically in their degree of polymerization (DP 3 vs. DP 60) and in their linkage structure (dextrin vs. dextran). Ten healthy subjects completed a double-blind, randomized, decentralized crossover trial, testing at home, in real life conditions, four self-prepared test beverages consisting of 25 g α-glucan dissolved in 300 mL water. The incremental area under the curve of the 120 min PPGR (2h-iAUC) was the highest for Dextrin DP 3 (163 ± 27 mmol/L*min), followed by Dextrin DP 60 (−25%, p = 0.208), Dextran DP 60 (−59%, p = 0.002), and non-fully caloric Resistant Dextrin (−68%, p = 0.002). These results show that a fully decentralized crossover study can be successfully used to assess the influence of both polymerization and structure of α-glucans on PPGR.
The Effect of Oral Probiotics (Streptococcus Salivarius k12) on the Salivary Level of Secretory Immunoglobulin A, Salivation Rate, and Oral Biofilm: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Babina Ksenia , Salikhova Dilara , Polyakova Maria , Svitich Oxana , Samoylikov Roman , Ahmad El-Abed Samya , Zaytsev Alexandr , Novozhilova Nina
Published: March 2022

We aimed to assess the effect of oral probiotics containing the Streptococcus salivarius K12 strain on the salivary level of secretory immunoglobulin A, salivation rate, and oral biofilm. Thirty-one consenting patients meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm, parallel-group study and randomly divided into probiotic (n = 15) and placebo (n = 16) groups. Unstimulated salivation rate, concentration of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A, Turesky index, and Papillary-Marginal-Attached index were assessed after 4 weeks of intervention and 2 weeks of washout. Thirty patients completed the entire study protocol. We found no increase in salivary secretory immunoglobulin A levels and salivary flow rates in the probiotic group compared with placebo. Baseline and outcome salivary secretory immunoglobulin A concentrations (mg/L) were 226 ± 130 and 200 ± 113 for the probiotic group and 205 ± 92 and 191 ± 97 for the placebo group, respectively. A significant decrease in plaque accumulation was observed in the probiotic group at 4 and 6 weeks. Within the limitations of the present study, it may be concluded that probiotic intake (Streptococcus salivarius K12) does not affect salivation rates and secretory immunoglobulin A salivary levels but exhibits a positive effect on plaque accumulation. Trial registration NCT05039320. Funding: none.
Added Fructose in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and in Metabolic Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Authors: Coronati Mattia , Baratta Francesco , Pastori Daniele , Ferro Domenico , Angelico Francesco , Del Ben Maria
Published: March 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the most common chronic liver disease and it is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Diet represents the key element in NAFLD and MetS treatment, but some nutrients could play a role in their pathophysiology. Among these, fructose added to foods via high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and sucrose might participate in NAFLD and MetS onset and progression. Fructose induces de novo lipogenesis (DNL), endoplasmic reticulum stress and liver inflammation, promoting insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Fructose also reduces fatty acids oxidation through the overproduction of malonyl CoA, favoring steatosis. Furthermore, recent studies suggest changes in intestinal permeability associated with fructose consumption that contribute to the risk of NAFLD and MetS. Finally, alterations in the hunger–satiety mechanism and in the synthesis of uric acid link the fructose intake to weight gain and hypertension, respectively. However, further studies are needed to better evaluate the causal relationship between fructose and metabolic diseases and to develop new therapeutic and preventive strategies against NAFLD and MetS.
Do Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Follow a Different Dietary Pattern than That of Their Control Peers?
Authors: Rojo-Marticella Meritxell , Arija Victoria , Alda José Ángel , Morales-Hidalgo Paula , Esteban-Figuerola Patricia , Canals Josefa
Published: March 2022

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. A current area of interest is the association between ADHD and food consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the food consumption and dietary patterns of children with and without ADHD in relation to their age and ADHD presentation. The study involved 259 preschoolers aged 3 to 6 years old (57 with ADHD and 202 controls) and 475 elementary-school-age children, aged 10 to 12 years old (213 with ADHD and 262 controls) from Spain. ADHD was diagnosed in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) from Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children interviews. Eating data were collected using a food consumption frequency questionnaire, and principal component analysis was carried out to analyze dietary patterns. Western-like, sweet, and healthy patterns were identified. The ADHD group was negatively associated with the healthy pattern (p < 0.001) and positively associated with the Western-like diet (p = 0.004). Children with inattentive presentation showed lower adherence (12.2%) to a healthy pattern than that of the control group (39.9%) (p < 0.001). There is an association between ADHD and dietary habits; children with inattentive presentation may particularly be at risk of unhealthy eating habits.
Evaluating the Effects of Diet-Gut Microbiota Interactions on Sleep Traits Using the UK Biobank Cohort
Authors: Qi Xin , Ye Jing , Wen Yan , Liu Li , Cheng Bolun , Cheng Shiqiang , Yao Yao , Zhang Feng
Published: March 2022

Previous studies showed that diet and gut microbiota had a correlation with sleep. However, the potential interaction effects of diet and gut microbiota on sleep are still unclear. The phenotypic data of insomnia (including 374,505 subjects) and sleep duration (including 372,805 subjects) were obtained from the UK Biobank cohort. The Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with 114 gut microbiota, 84 dietary habits, and 4 dietary compositions were derived from the published Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS). We used Linkage Disequilibrium Score Regression (LDSC) to estimate the genetic correlation and colocalization analysis to assess whether dietary habits and insomnia/sleep duration shared a causal variant in a region of the genome. Using UK Biobank genotype data, the polygenetic risk score of gut microbiota, dietary habits, and dietary compositions were calculated for each subject. Logistic regression and linear regression models were used to assess the potential effects of diet-gut microbiota interactions on sleep phenotypes, including insomnia and sleep duration. Insomnia and sleep duration were used as dependent variables, and sex, age, the Townsend Deprivation Index scores, and smoking and drinking habits were selected as covariates in the regression analysis. All statistical analyses were conducted using R-3.5.1 software. Significant genetic correlations were discovered between insomnia/sleep duration and dietary habits. Further, we found several significant dietary compositions-gut microbiota interactions associated with sleep, such as fat × G_Collinsella_RNT (p = 1.843 × 10−2) and protein × G_Collinsella_HB (p = 7.11 × 10−3). Besides, multiple dietary habits-gut microbiota interactions were identified for sleep, such as overall beef intake × G_Desulfovibrio_RNT (p = 3.26 × 10−4), cups of coffee per day × G_Escherichia_Shigella_RNT (p = 1.14 × 10−3), and pieces of dried fruit per day × G_Bifidobacterium_RNT (p = 5.80 × 10−3). This study reported multiple diet-gut microbiota interactions associated with sleep, which may provide insights into the biological mechanisms of diet and gut microbiota affecting sleep.
Development and Validation of a New Home Cooking Frequency Questionnaire: A Pilot Study
Authors: Goni Leticia , Gil Mario , de la O Víctor , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Eisenberg David M. , Pueyo-Garrigues María , Vasilj Maria , Gayoso Lucía , Etxeberria Usune , Ruiz-Canela Miguel
Published: March 2022

Home cooking and the type of cooking techniques can have an effect on our health. However, as far as we know, there is no questionnaire that measures in depth the frequency and type of cooking techniques used at home. Our aim was to design a new Home Cooking Frequency Questionnaire (HCFQ) and to preliminarily assess its psychometric properties. For this purpose we used a five-phase approach, as follows: Phase 1: item generation based on expert opinion, relevant literature and previous surveys; Phase 2: content validity assessed by experts for relevance and clarity (epidemiologists, dietitians, chefs); Phase 3: face validity and inter-item reliability; Phase 4: criterion validity using a 7-day food and culinary record; and Phase 5: test stability and inter-item reliability. The content validity index for scale and item level values provided evidence of the content validity for relevance and clarity. Criterion validity analysis showed intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.31–0.69. Test–retest reliability coefficients ranged from 0.49–0.92, with ƙ values > 0.44. Overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.90. In conclusion, the HCFQ is a promising tool with sound content and face validity, substantial criterion validity, and adequate reliability. This 174-item HCFQ is the first questionnaire to assess how often people cook and which cooking methods they use at home.
Anti-Inflammatory Nutrients and Obesity-Associated Metabolic-Inflammation: State of the Art and Future Direction
Authors: Grosso Giuseppe , Laudisio Daniela , Frias-Toral Evelyn , Barrea Luigi , Muscogiuri Giovanna , Savastano Silvia , Colao Annamaria
Published: March 2022

Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that dietary factors may play a role in systemic low-grade chronic inflammation. Summary evidence from randomized controlled trials has shown substantial effects on biomarkers of inflammation following the adoption of plant-based diets (including, but not limited to, the Mediterranean diet), while consistent findings have been reported for higher intakes of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and positive trends observed for the consumption of legumes, pulses, nuts, and olive oil. Among animal food groups, dairy products have been shown to have the best benefits on biomarkers of inflammation, while red meat and egg have been shown to have neutral effects. The present review provides an overview of the mechanisms underlying the relation between dietary factors and immune system, with a focus on specific macronutrient and non-nutrient phytochemicals (polyphenols) and low-grade inflammation. Substantial differences within each macronutrient group may explain the conflicting results obtained regarding foods high in saturated fats and carbohydrates, underlying the role of specific subtypes of molecules (i.e., short-chain fatty acids or fiber vs. long chain fatty acids or free added sugars) when exploring the relation between diet and inflammation, as well as the importance of the food matrix and the commixture of foods in the context of whole dietary patterns. Dietary polyphenols and oligopeptides have been hypothesized to exert several functions, including the regulation of the inflammatory response and effects on the immune system. Overall, evidence suggests that dietary factors may affect the immune system regardless of obesity-related inflammation.
Effects of Oral Creatine Supplementation on Power Output during Repeated Treadmill Sprinting
Authors: Bogdanis Gregory C. , Nevill Mary E. , Aphamis George , Stavrinou Pinelopi S. , Jenkins David G. , Giannaki Christoforos D. , Lakomy Henryk K. A. , Williams Clyde
Published: March 2022

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of creatine (Cr) supplementation on power output during repeated sprints on a non-motorized treadmill. Sixteen recreationally active males volunteered for this study (age 25.5 ± 4.8 y, height 179 ± 5 cm, body mass 74.8 ± 6.8 kg). All participants received placebo supplementation (75 mg of glucose·kg−1·day−1) for 5 days and then performed a baseline repeated sprints test (6 × 10 s sprints on a non-motorised treadmill). Thereafter, they were randomly assigned into a Cr (75 mg of Cr monohydrate·kg−1·day−1) or placebo supplementation, as above, and the repeated sprints test was repeated. After Cr supplementation, body mass was increased by 0.99 ± 0.83 kg (p = 0.007), peak power output and peak running speed remained unchanged throughout the test in both groups, while the mean power output and mean running speed during the last 5 s of the sprints increased by 4.5% (p = 0.005) and 4.2% to 7.0%, respectively, during the last three sprints (p = 0.005 to 0.001). The reduction in speed within each sprint was also blunted by 16.2% (p = 0.003) following Cr supplementation. Plasma ammonia decreased by 20.1% (p = 0.037) after Cr supplementation, despite the increase in performance. VO2 and blood lactate during the repeated sprints test remained unchanged after supplementation, suggesting no alteration of aerobic or glycolytic contribution to adenosine triphosphate production. In conclusion, Cr supplementation improved the mean power and speed in the second half of a repeated sprint running protocol, despite the increased body mass. This improvement was due to the higher power output and running speed in the last 5 s of each 10 s sprint.
A Positive Impact of an Observational Study on Breastfeeding Rates in Two Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Laborie Sophie , Abadie Géraldine , Denis Angélique , Touzet Sandrine , Fischer Fumeaux Céline J.
Published: March 2022

We aimed to investigate whether the participation in an observational study on breastfeeding (Doal) modified breastfeeding outcomes in enrolling neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This bi-centric before-and-after study included neonates who were admitted during a 4-month period before and a 4-month period after the implementation of Doal. Breastfeeding intention and breastfeeding rates at discharge were compared between the two periods. The association between inclusion in Doal and breastfeeding at discharge was assessed among the infants fulfilling the inclusion criteria of Doal. The present study included 655 neonates. After adjustments, both breastfeeding (aOR 1.21, 95%CI [1.1; 1.4], p = 0.001) and exclusive breastfeeding (aOR 1.8, 95%CI [1.4; 2.3], p < 0.001) at discharge increased in the period after. Breastfeeding intention was higher in one center in the period after (79%) compared to before (59%, p = 0.019). Compared to the period before, neonates who were not included in Doal in the period after had a lower chance to be breastfed at discharge, whereas those included were more frequently exclusively breastfed. The participation in an observational study on breastfeeding was associated with an increase in breastfeeding outcomes in enrolling neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Patients who are not included deserve attention as they are at risk to be disadvantaged regarding breastfeeding success.
Alpha-Ketoglutarate Promotes Goblet Cell Differentiation and Alters Urea Cycle Metabolites in DSS-Induced Colitis Mice
Authors: Bravo Iniguez Alejandro , Tian Qiyu , Du Min , Zhu Mei-Jun
Published: March 2022

The metabolite, alpha-ketoglutarate (aKG), shows promise as an approach for ameliorating colitis, but much remains unknown about the full extent of its effects on the metabolome and mucosal barrier. To further elucidate this matter, C57BL/6 male mice received drinking water with or without 1% aKG for three weeks, then were subjected to 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induction for 7 days followed by 7 days of recovery. Cecal content and intestinal tissue samples were analyzed for changes in metabolite profile and signaling pathways. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolomics revealed a separation between the metabolome of mice treated with or without aKG; putrescine and glycine were significantly increased; and ornithine and amide products, oleamide and urea were significantly decreased. Based on a pathway analysis, aKG treatment induced metabolite changes and enriched glutathione metabolism and the urea cycle. Additionally, signaling pathways committing epithelial cells to the secretory lineage were elevated in aKG-treated mice. Consistently, aKG supplementation increased goblet cells staining, mRNA expression of mucin 2, and, trefoil factor 3 and Krüppel-like factor 4, markers of goblet cell differentiation. These data suggest the ameliorating the effects of aKG against chemically induced colitis involves a reduction in harmful metabolites and the promotion of goblet cell differentiation, resulting in a more-fortified mucus layer.
Supportive Care in Oncology—From Physical Activity to Nutrition
Authors: Schmidt Thorsten , Süß Philip , Schulte Dominik M. , Letsch Anne , Jensen Wiebke
Published: March 2022

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer are associated with impairment at the physical and at psychological level. In addition, side effects are a potentially treatment-limiting factor that may necessitate dose reduction, delay, or even discontinuation of therapy, with negative consequences for outcome and mean survival. Numerous studies have shown that physical activity and sports and exercise therapy programs are not only practicable but also recommendable for oncologic patients during the acute phase and in the aftercare. Furthermore, nutrition plays an important role in all stages of tumor therapy. A timely integration of a nutrition therapy and physical activity in the form of physiotherapy and sports therapy serves to prevent and reduce treatment-associated side effects. Evidence-based recommendations on cancer prevention through nutrition therapy, physical activity, and sports and exercise therapy should be integrated into treatment plans for oncology patients as well as in health care services for the general population. Individual counselling by trained nutrition and exercise specialists may be advisable to receive concrete recommendations on the respective tumor entity or specific side effects. This mini review is based on a selective literature search in the PubMed database and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials on the subjects of healthy diet and physical activity in primary prevention and follow-up about cancer.
Tuning of Reciprocal Plasmonic Metasurface Resonances by Ultra-Thin Conformal Coatings
Authors: McLamb Micheal , Park Serang , Stinson Victoria Paige , Li Yanzeng , Shuchi Nuren , Boreman Glenn D. , Hofmann Tino
Published: March 2022

Metamaterials, in the form of perfect absorbers, have recently received attention for sensing and light-harvesting applications. The fabrication of such metamaterials involves several process steps and can often lead to nonidealities, which limit the performance of the metamaterial. A novel reciprocal plasmonic metasurface geometry composed of two plasmonic metasurfaces separated by a dielectric spacer was developed and investigated here. This geometry avoids many common fabrication-induced nonidealities by design and is synthesized by a combination of two-photon polymerization and electron-beam-based metallization. Infrared reflection measurements revealed that the reciprocal plasmonic metasurface is very sensitive to ultra-thin, conformal dielectric coatings. This is shown here by using Al2O3 grown by atomic layer deposition. It was observed experimentally that incremental conformal coatings of amorphous Al2O3 result in a spectral red shift of the absorption band of the reciprocal plasmonic metasurface. The experimental observations were corroborated by finite element model calculations, which also demonstrated a strong sensitivity of the reciprocal plasmonic metasurface geometry to conformal dielectric coatings. These coatings therefore offer the possibility for post-fabrication tuning of the reciprocal plasmonic metasurface resonances, thus rendering this novel geometry as an ideal candidate for narrow-band absorbers, which allow for cost-effective fabrication and tuning.
A Case of a Giant Sublingual Epidermoid Cyst Removed by Content Reducing Surgery
Authors: Hikasa Hiroshi , Sakata Ken-ichiro , Mizuno Takayuki , Kato Takumi , Kitagawa Yoshimasa , Sakakibara Noriyuki
Published: March 2022

The frequency of epidermoid cysts in the maxillofacial region is relatively low. Reported: a case of a giant sublingual epidermoid cyst on the floor of the mouth. Case: 38-year-old woman. Chief complaint: oral swelling and respiratory distress. History of present illness: no special notes. Current medical history: she was aware of swelling of the floor of the mouth six months before visiting our department and was referred to our department because of increasing size. Present symptoms: at the time of examination, forced respiration and dysarthria were observed and a spherical soft elastic and well-defined mass was observed on the floor of the mouth. Due to the lesion, the tongue was displaced to the pharyngeal side and the tip of the tongue could not be confirmed. Imaging tests revealed a 65 mm × 76 mm × 54 mm well-defined mass on the mylohyoid muscle, and a dermoid or epidermoid cyst was suspected. Based on the clinical diagnosis of the cyst, the bulk of the cyst contents was reduced under general anesthesia, and the cyst was removed by intraoral surgery. The pathological diagnosis was an epidermoid cyst. For sublingual giant epidermoid cysts, removal by content reducing surgery was considered to be effective.
Prevalence of Bacterial Species in Skin, Urine, Diarrheal Stool, and Respiratory Samples in Cats
Authors: Moon Dong Chan , Choi Ji-Hyun , Boby Naila , Kim Su-Jeong , Song Hyun-Ju , Park Ho-Sung , Gil Min-Chan , Yoon Soon-Seek , Lim Suk-Kyung
Published: March 2022

Bacterial infections are a significant cause of illness and death in different animals. However, these bacterial infections could be a source of human disease or illness if these pathogenic bacteria are present in companion animals. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria associated with different site infections in cats in the Republic of Korea. For this purpose, samples were collected from the skin/ear, urine, respiratory, and diarrheal stool origins of cats obtained between 2018 and 2019 from seven different laboratories and centers participating in the Korean Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System. These samples were subjected to analysis for the identification and isolation of associated bacterial species using a bacterial culture approach. A total of 609 isolates were identified in four different cat samples. Among them, 267, 184, 57, and 101 were extracted from diarrheal stool, skin, urine, and respiratory samples, respectively. The findings of this study showed that Escherichia coli was the most prevalent species among isolated bacterial species of diarrheal stool and urine origin. Staphylococcus felis and Pasteurella multocida were most prevalent in the skin and respiratory tract, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in bacterial distribution among the different age groups in all samples. This is the first nationwide surveillance report that associates bacterial prevalence with their site of origin and helps in the prevention of bacterial infections in cats. Moreover, the pattern of bacterial prevalence could provide sufficient guidance for the selection of empirical antimicrobial therapy against infections in cats.
Towards Accurate Point-of-Care Tests for Tuberculosis in Children
Authors: Vaezipour Nina , Fritschi Nora , Brasier Noé , Bélard Sabine , Domínguez José , Tebruegge Marc , Portevin Damien , Ritz Nicole
Published: March 2022

In childhood tuberculosis (TB), with an estimated 69% of missed cases in children under 5 years of age, the case detection gap is larger than in other age groups, mainly due to its paucibacillary nature and children’s difficulties in delivering sputum specimens. Accurate and accessible point-of-care tests (POCTs) are needed to detect TB disease in children and, in turn, reduce TB-related morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population. In recent years, several POCTs for TB have been developed. These include new tools to improve the detection of TB in respiratory and gastric samples, such as molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and portable polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based GeneXpert. In addition, the urine-based detection of lipoarabinomannan (LAM), as well as imaging modalities through point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS), are currently the POCTs in use. Further to this, artificial intelligence-based interpretation of ultrasound imaging and radiography is now integrated into computer-aided detection products. In the future, portable radiography may become more widely available, and robotics-supported ultrasound imaging is currently being trialed. Finally, novel blood-based tests evaluating the immune response using “omic-“techniques are underway. This approach, including transcriptomics, metabolomic, proteomics, lipidomics and genomics, is still distant from being translated into POCT formats, but the digital development may rapidly enhance innovation in this field. Despite these significant advances, TB-POCT development and implementation remains challenged by the lack of standard ways to access non-sputum-based samples, the need to differentiate TB infection from disease and to gain acceptance for novel testing strategies specific to the conditions and settings of use.