bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Pot Hydrothermal Preparation of Hydroxyapatite/Zinc Oxide Nanorod Nanocomposites and Their Cytotoxicity Evaluation against MG-63 Osteoblast-like Cells
Authors: Sivaperumal Vignesh Raj , Mani Rajkumar , Polisetti Veerababu , Aruchamy Kanakaraj , Oh Taehwan
Published: January 2023

In the present study, HAp-ZnO nanorod nanocomposites were successfully prepared using a customized hydrothermal reactor and studied for their compatibility against MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. The crystallinity, morphology, presence of chemical elements, and surface area properties were studied by XRD (X-ray diffraction), FE-SEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), EDS (energy dispersive spectrum) and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm techniques, respectively. Further, the mechanical strength and thermal analysis were carried out using the nanoindentation method and thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimeter (TG/DSC) methods, respectively. Moreover, in vitro biocompatibility studies for the prepared samples were carried out against human osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63). The crystalline nature of the samples without any impurity phases was notified from XRD results. The formation of composites with the morphology of nanorods and the presence of desired elements in the intended ratio were verified using FE-SEM and EDS spectra, respectively. The TG/DSC results revealed the improved thermal stability of the HAp matrix, promoted by the reinforcement of the ZnO nanorods. The nanoindentation study ensured a significant enhancement in the mechanical stability of the prepared composite material. Finally, it demonstrated that the HAp matrix’s mechanical strength and thermal stability were improved by the reinforcement of ZnO, and the cytotoxicity evaluation affirmed the biocompatible nature of the biomimetic hydroxyapatite in the composite.
Rosmarinic and Glycyrrhetinic Acid-Modified Layered Double Hydroxides as Functional Additives for Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(Butylene Succinate) Blends
Authors: Cicogna Francesca , Passaglia Elisa , Benedettini Matilde , Oberhauser Werner , Ishak Randa , Signori Francesca , Coiai Serena
Published: January 2023

Immobilizing natural antioxidant and biologically active molecules in layered double hydroxides (LDHs) is an excellent method to retain and release these substances in a controlled manner, as well as protect them from thermal and photochemical degradation. Herein, we describe the preparation of host–guest systems based on LDHs and rosmarinic and glycyrrhetinic acids, two molecules obtained from the extraction of herbs and licorice root, respectively, with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Intercalation between the lamellae of the mono-deprotonated anions of rosmarinic and glycyrrhetinic acid (RA and GA), alone or in the presence of an alkyl surfactant, allows for readily dispersible systems in biobased polymer matrices such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and a 60/40 wt./wt. PLA/PBS blend. The composites based on the PLA/PBS blend showed better interphase compatibility than the neat blend, correlated with increased adhesion at the interface and a decreased dispersed phase size. In addition, we proved that the active species migrate slowly from thin films of the composite materials in a hydroalcoholic solvent, confirming the optimization of the release process. Finally, both host–guest systems and polymeric composites showed antioxidant capacity and, in the case of the PLA composite containing LDH-RA, excellent inhibitory capacity against E. coli and S. aureus.
Rhenium(I) Block Copolymers Based on Polyvinylpyrrolidone: A Successful Strategy to Water-Solubility and Biocompatibility
Authors: Kisel Kristina S. , Baigildin Vadim A. , Solomatina Anastasia I. , Gostev Alexey I. , Sivtsov Eugene V. , Shakirova Julia R. , Tunik Sergey P.
Published: January 2023

A series of diphosphine Re(I) complexes Re1–Re4 have been designed via decoration of the archetypal core {Re(CO)2(N^N)} through the installations of the phosphines P0 and P1 bearing the terminal double bond, where N^N = 2,2′-bipyridine (N^N1), 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine (N^N2) or 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (N^N3) and P0 = diphenylvinylphosphine, and P1 = 4-(diphenylphosphino)styrene. These complexes were copolymerized with the corresponding N-vinylpyrrolidone-based Macro-RAFT agents of different polymer chain lengths to give water-soluble copolymers of low-molecular p(VP-l-Re) and high-molecular p(VP-h-Re) block-copolymers containing rhenium complexes. Compounds Re1–Re4, as well as the copolymers p(VP-l-Re) and p(VP-h-Re), demonstrate phosphorescence from a 3MLCT excited state typical for this type of chromophores. The copolymers p(VP-l-Re#) and p(VP-h-Re#) display weak sensitivity to molecular oxygen in aqueous and buffered media, which becomes almost negligible in the model physiological media. In cell experiments with CHO-K1 cell line, p(VP-l-Re2) and p(VP-h-Re2) displayed significantly reduced toxicity compared to the initial Re2 complex and internalized into cells presumably by endocytic pathways, being eventually accumulated in endosomes. The sensitivity of the copolymers to oxygen examined in CHO-K1 cells via phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (PLIM) proved to be inessential.
Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy with Dilution: A Powerful Method for Halide Perovskites Study
Authors: Murzin Aleksei O. , Samsonova Anna Yu. , Stoumpos Constantinos C. , Selivanov Nikita I. , Emeline Alexei V. , Kapitonov Yury V.
Published: January 2023

Halide perovskites and their low-dimensional analogs are promising semiconductor materials for solar cells, LEDs, lasers, detectors and other applications in the area of photonics. The most informative optical property of semiconductor photonics materials is the absorption spectrum enabling observation of the fundamental absorption edge, exciton structure, defect-related bands, etc. Traditionally, in the study of halide perovskites, this spectrum is obtained by absorption spectroscopy of thin films or diffuse reflectance spectroscopy of powders. The first method is applicable only to compounds with the developed thin film deposition technology, and in the second case, a large absorption coefficient narrows the observations down to the sample transparency region. In this paper, we suggest the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy with dilution as a method for obtaining the full-range absorption spectrum from halide perovskite powders, and demonstrate its application to practically important cases.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Indole-Containing Acyloin Derivatives
Authors: Alrashdi Saad , Casolari Federica , Alabed Aziz , Kyeremeh Kwaku , Deng Hai
Published: January 2023

Indole-containing acyloins are either key intermediates of many antimicrobial/antiviral natural products or building blocks in the synthesis of biologically active molecules. As such, access to structurally diverse indole-containing acyloins has attracted considerable attention. In this report, we present a pilot study of using biotransformation to provide acyloins that contain various indole substituents. The biotransformation system contains the tryptophan synthase standalone β-subunit variant, PfTrpB6, generated from directed evolution in the literature; a commercially available L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO); and the thiamine-diphosphate (ThDP)-dependent enzyme NzsH, encoded in the biosynthetic gene cluster (nzs) of the bacterial carbazole alkaloid natural product named neocarazostatin A. The utilization of the first two enzymes, the PfTrpB variant and LAAO, is designed to provide structurally diverse indole 3-pyruvate derivatives as donor substrates for NzsH-catalysed biotransformation to provide acyloin derivatives. Our results demonstrate that NzsH displays a considerable substrate profile toward donor substrates for production of acyloins with different indole ring systems, suggesting that NzsH could be further explored as a potential biocatalyst via directed evolution to improve the catalytic efficiency in the future.
Metal-Free Aerobic C–N Bond Formation of Styrene and Arylamines via Photoactivated Electron Donor–Acceptor Complexation
Authors: Fan Duona , Sabri Ahmed , Sasai Hiroaki , Takizawa Shinobu
Published: January 2023

This study processes a facile and green approach for the Markovnikov-selective hydroamination of styrene with naphthylamine through irradiation with UV LED light (365 nm) via an electron donor–acceptor complexation between naphthylamines and oxygen in situ. This protocol showcases the synthetic potential for aerobic C–N bond formation without using a metal catalyst and photosensitizer. Three naphthylamines were examined and afforded desired C–N bond formation product in moderate yield.
Chemical Evaluation of Liquidambar styraciflua L. Fruits Extracts and Their Potential as Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Pozzobon Rafaela G. , Rutckeviski Renata , Carlotto Juliane , Schneider Vanessa S. , Cordeiro Lucimara M. C. , Mancarz Graziele Francine Franco , Souza Lauro M. de , Mello Rosiane Guetter , Smiderle Fhernanda Ribeiro
Published: January 2023

Liquidambar styraciflua L. is an aromatic species, popularly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, coughs, and skin sores. The present study was designed to investigate the chemical composition and biological potential of extracts obtained from the fruits of this plant. For the chemical evaluation, it was used mainly liquid and gas chromatography, plus NMR, and colorimetric methods. The aqueous extract (EA) originated two other fractions: an aqueous (P-EA) and an ethanolic (S-EA). The three extracts were composed of proteins, phenolic compounds, and carbohydrates in different proportions. The analyses showed that the polysaccharide extract (P-EA) contained pectic polysaccharides, such as acetylated and methyl esterified homogalacturonans together with arabinogalactan, while the fraction S-EA presented phenolic acids and terpenes such as gallic acid, protocathecuic acid, liquidambaric acid, combretastatin, and atractyloside A. EA, P-EA, and S-EA showed antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 4.64 µg/mL, 16.45 µg/mL, and 3.67 µg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxicity followed the sequence S-EA > EA > P-EA, demonstrating that the toxic compounds were separated from the non-toxic ones by ethanol precipitation. While the fraction S-EA is very toxic to any cell line, the fraction P-EA is a promising candidate for studies against cancer due to its high toxicity to tumoral cells and low toxicity to normal cells.
Development of Gastroretentive Carriers for Curcumin-Loaded Solid Dispersion Based on Expandable Starch/Chitosan Films
Authors: Siripruekpong Worrawee , Issarachot Ousanee , Kaewkroek Kanidta , Wiwattanapatapee Ruedeekorn
Published: January 2023

Curcumin, a polyphenolic extract from the rhizomes of turmeric, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, which are beneficial for the treatment of gastric diseases. However, curcumin’s therapeutic usefulness is restricted by its low aqueous solubility and short gastric residence time. In this study, curcumin-loaded solid dispersion (ratio 1:5) was prepared using Eudragit® EPO (Cur EPO-SD), resulting in an approximately 12,000-fold increase in solubility to 6.38 mg/mL. Expandable films incorporating Cur EPO-SD were subsequently prepared by solvent casting using different types of starch (banana, corn, pregelatinized, and mung bean starch) in combination with chitosan. Films produced from banana, corn, pregelatinized and mung bean starch unfolded and expanded upon exposure to simulated gastric medium, resulting in sustained release of 80% of the curcumin content within 8 h, whereas films based on pregelatinized starch showed immediate release characteristics. Curcumin-loaded expandable films based on different types of starch exhibited similar cytotoxic effects toward AGS cells and more activity than unformulated curcumin. Furthermore, the films resulted in increased anti-inflammatory activity against RAW 264.7 macrophage cells compared with the NSAID, indomethacin. These findings demonstrate the potential of expandable curcumin-loaded films as gastroretentive dosage forms for the treatment of gastric diseases and to improve oral bioavailability.
Chemical Constituents from the Leaves of Ligustrum robustum and Their Bioactivities
Authors: Lu Shi-Hui , Zuo Hao-Jiang , Huang Jing , Li Wei-Neng , Huang Jie-Lian , Li Xiu-Xia
Published: January 2023

The leaves of Ligustrum robustum have been consumed as Ku-Ding-Cha for clearing heat and removing toxins, and they have been used as a folk medicine for curing hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in China. The phytochemical research on the leaves of L. robustum led to the isolation and identification of two new hexenol glycosides, two new butenol glycosides, and five new sugar esters, named ligurobustosides X (1a), X1 (1b), Y (2a), and Y1 (2b) and ligurobustates A (3a), B (3b), C (4b), D (5a), and E (5b), along with seven known compounds (4a and 6–10). Compounds 1–10 were tested for their inhibitory effects on fatty acid synthase (FAS), α-glucosidase, and α-amylase, as well as their antioxidant activities. Compound 2 showed strong FAS inhibitory activity (IC50 4.10 ± 0.12 μM) close to that of the positive control orlistat (IC50 4.46 ± 0.13 μM); compounds 7 and 9 revealed moderate α-glucosidase inhibitory activities; compounds 1–10 showed moderate α-amylase inhibitory activities; and compounds 1 and 10 displayed stronger 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) ammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging effects (IC50 3.41 ± 0.08~5.65 ± 0.19 μM) than the positive control l-(+)-ascorbic acid (IC50 10.06 ± 0.19 μM). This study provides a theoretical foundation for the leaves of L. robustum as a functional tea to prevent diabetes and its complications.
Natural Product-Oriented Photo-Induced Denitrogenative Annulations of 1-Alkenylbenzotriazoles
Authors: Wang Zhiguo , Chen Yi , Dong Zhen , Tang Yefeng
Published: January 2023

The photo-induced denitrogenative annulations of a variety of 1-alkenylbenzotriazoles were investigated. By judiciously manipulating the structural variations of 1-alkenylbenzotriazoles, two characteristic polycyclic skeletons associated with monoterpene indole alkaloids were constructed through a diverted and controllable manner. The present work not only enriches the photochemistry of 1-alkenylbenzotriazoles, but also offers a unified approach to access skeletally diverse indole alkaloid scaffolds.
Gold Nanoparticles as a Biosensor for Cancer Biomarker Determination
Authors: Li Chien-Hsiu , Chan Ming-Hsien , Chang Yu-Chan , Hsiao Michael
Published: January 2023

Molecular biology applications based on gold nanotechnology have revolutionary impacts, especially in diagnosing and treating molecular and cellular levels. The combination of plasmonic resonance, biochemistry, and optoelectronic engineering has increased the detection of molecules and the possibility of atoms. These advantages have brought medical research to the cellular level for application potential. Many research groups are working towards this. The superior analytical properties of gold nanoparticles can not only be used as an effective drug screening instrument for gene sequencing in new drug development but also as an essential tool for detecting physiological functions, such as blood glucose, antigen-antibody analysis, etc. The review introduces the principles of biomedical sensing systems, the principles of nanomaterial analysis applied to biomedicine at home and abroad, and the chemical surface modification of various gold nanoparticles.
Spectrally Selective Full-Color Single-Component Organic Photodetectors Based on Donor-Acceptor Conjugated Molecules
Authors: Mannanov Artur L. , Balakirev Dmitry O. , Papkovskaya Elizaveta D. , Solodukhin Alexander N. , Luponosov Yuriy N. , Paraschuk Dmitry Yu. , Ponomarenko Sergey A.
Published: January 2023

Photodetectors based on organic materials are attractive due to their tunable spectral response and biocompatibility, meaning that they are a promising platform for an artificial human eye. To mimic the photoelectric response of the human eye, narrowband spectrally-selective organic photodetectors are in great demand, and single-component organic photodetectors based on donor-acceptor conjugated molecules are a noteworthy candidate. In this work, we present single-component selective full-color organic photodetectors based on donor-acceptor conjugated molecules synthetized to mimic the spectral response of the cones and rods of a human eye. The photodetectors demonstrated a high responsivity (up to 70 mA/W) with a response time of less than 1 µs, which is three orders of magnitude faster than that of human eye photoreceptors. Our results demonstrate the possibility of the creation of an artificial eye or photoactive eye “prostheses”.
Isolation of Garlic Bioactives by Pressurized Liquid and Subcritical Water Extraction
Authors: Krstić Marko , Teslić Nemanja , Bošković Perica , Obradović Darija , Zeković Zoran , Milić Anita , Pavlić Branimir
Published: January 2023

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is widely used in various food products and traditional medicine. Besides unique taste and flavour, it is well known for its chemical profile and bioactive potential. The aim of this study was to apply subcritical water extraction (SWE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) for the extraction of bioactive compounds from the Ranco genotype of garlic. Moreover, PLE process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) in order to determine effects and optimize ethanol concentration (45–75%), number of cycles (1–3), extraction time (1–3 min) and temperature (70–110 °C) for maximized total phenols content (TP) and antioxidant activity evaluated by various in vitro assays. Furthermore, temperature effect in SWE process on all responses was evaluated, while allicin content (AC), as a major organosulphur compound, was determined in all samples. Results indicated that PLE provided tremendous advantage over SWE in terms of improved yield and antioxidant activity of garlic extracts. Therefore, high-pressure processes could be used as clean and green procedures for the isolation of garlic bioactives.
Mechanism and Selectivity of Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 on Metalloporphyrin Catalysts from DFT Studies
Authors: Masood Zaheer , Ge Qingfeng
Published: January 2023

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to value-added chemicals has been hindered by poor product selectivity and competition from hydrogen evolution reactions. This study aims to unravel the origin of the product selectivity and competitive hydrogen evolution reaction on [MP]0 catalysts (M = Fe, Co, Rh and Ir; P is porphyrin ligand) by analyzing the mechanism of CO2 reduction and H2 formation based on the results of density functional theory calculations. Reduction of CO2 to CO and HCOO− proceeds via the formation of carboxylate adduct ([MP-COOH]0 and ([MP-COOH]−) and metal-hydride [MP-H]−, respectively. Competing proton reduction to gaseous hydrogen shares the [MP-H]− intermediate. Our results show that the pKa of [MP-H]0 can be used as an indicator of the CO or HCOO−/H2 preference. Furthermore, an ergoneutral pH has been determined and used to determine the minimum pH at which selective CO2 reduction to HCOO− becomes favorable over the H2 production. These analyses allow us to understand the product selectivity of CO2 reduction on [FeP]0, [CoP]0, [RhP]0 and [IrP]0; [FeP]0 and [CoP]0 are selective for CO whereas [RhP]0 and [IrP]0 are selective for HCOO− while suppressing H2 formation. These descriptors should be applicable to other catalysts in an aqueous medium.
Comparative Effects of Two Forms of Chitosan on Selected Phytochemical Properties of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.)
Authors: Stasińska-Jakubas Maria , Hawrylak-Nowak Barbara , Wójciak Magdalena , Dresler Sławomir
Published: January 2023

In response to stress factors, plants produce a wide range of biologically active substances, from a group of secondary metabolites, which are applied in medicine and health prophylaxis. Chitosan is a well-known elicitor affecting secondary metabolism in plants, but its effect on the phytochemical profile of Plectranthus amboinicus has not been assessed yet. In the present experiment, the effectiveness of the foliar application of two forms of chitosan (chitosan suspension or chitosan lactate) was compared in order to evaluate their potential to induce the accumulation of selected polyphenolic compounds in the aboveground parts of P. amboinicus. It was shown that chitosan lactate had substantially higher elicitation efficiency, as the use of this form exerted a beneficial effect on the analysed quality parameters of the raw material, especially the content of selected polyphenolic compounds (total content of polyphenols, flavonols, anthocyanins, and caffeic acid derivatives) and the free radical-scavenging activity of extracts from elicited plants. Concurrently, it had no phytotoxic effects. Hence, chitosan lactate-based elicitation can be an effective method for optimisation of the production of high-quality P. amboinicus raw material characterised by an increased concentration of health-promoting and antioxidant compounds.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of the Antioxidation Mechanism of Loureirin C by Radical Scavenging for Treatment of Stroke
Authors: Liu Ye-Shu , Zhang Guo-Ying , Hou Yue
Published: January 2023

Recent pharmacological studies have shown that dragon’s blood has an anti-cerebral ischemia effect. Loureirin C (LC), a kind of dihydrochalcone compound in dragon’s blood, is believed to be play an important role in the treatment of ischemia stroke, but fewer studies for LC have been done. In this paper, we report the first experimental and theoretical studies on the antioxidation mechanism of LC by radical scavenging. The experimental studies show that LC has almost no effect on cell viability under 15 μM for the SH-SY5Y cells without any treatments. For the SH-SY5Y cells with oxygen and glucose deprivation-reperfusion (OGD/R) treatment, LC increased the viability of SH-SY5Y cells. The results of 2′,7′-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and MitoSox Red experiments indicate that LC is very efficient in inhibiting the generation of the intracellular/mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) or removing these two kinds of generated ROS. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations allowed us to elucidate the antioxidation mechanisms of LC. Fukui function analysis reveals the radical scavenging of LC by hydrogen abstraction mechanism, the complex formation by e-transfer, and radical adduct formation (RAF) mechanism. Among the H-abstraction, the complex formation by e-transfer, and radical adduct formation (RAF) reactions on LC, the H-abstraction at O-H35 position by OH• is favorable with the smallest energy difference between the product and two reactants of the attack of OH• to LC of −0.0748 Ha. The bond dissociation enthalpies (BDE), proton affinities (PA), ionization potential (IP), proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE), and electron transfer enthalpy (ETE) were calculated to determine thermodynamically preferred reaction pathway for hydrogen abstraction mechanism. In water, IP and the lowest PDE value at O3-H35 position are lower than the lowest BDE value at O3-H35 position; 41.8986 and 34.221 kcal/mol, respectively, indicating that SEPT mechanism is a preferred one in water in comparison with the HAT mechanism. The PA value of O3-H35 of LC in water is −17.8594 kcal/mol, thus the first step of SPLET would occur spontaneously. The minimum value of ETE is higher than the minimum value of PDE at O3-H35 position and IP value, 14.7332 and 22.4108 kcal/mol, respectively, which suggests that the SEPT mechanism is a preferred one in water in comparison with the SPLET mechanism. Thus, we can draw a conclusion that the SEPT mechanism of is the most favorite hydrogen abstraction mechanism in water, and O-H35 hydroxyl group has the greatest ability to donate H-atoms.
An Insight into the Degradation Processes of the Anti-Hypertensive Drug Furosemide
Authors: Giannetti Micaela , Canale Viviana Claudia , Micheli Laura , Fiori Maurizio , Mazzuca Claudia , Palleschi Antonio
Published: January 2023

Furosemide (FUR), an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) belonging to a group of drugs known as loop diuretics, has widespread use, but, is characterized by a strong instability to light, which causes chemical transformations that could give a yellowing phenomenon and have a significant impact from a health and marketing point of view. Many studies have tried to explain this phenomenon under different experimental conditions, but no detailed explanation of the yellowing phenomenon has been provided. This work, unlike the others, provides an overall view and explanation of the behavior of FUR in relation to the yellowing phenomenon, both in the solution and in solid state, considering several aspects, such as light exposure, presence of oxygen, and moisture effects.
A Decision-Support System to Analyse Customer Satisfaction Applied to a Tourism Transport Service
Authors: Ramos Célia M. Q. , Cardoso Pedro J. S. , Fernandes Hortênsio C. L. , Rodrigues João M. F.
Published: January 2023

Due to the perishable nature of tourist products, which impacts supply and demand, the possibility of analysing the relationship between customers’ satisfaction and service quality can contribute to increased revenues. Machine learning techniques allow the analysis of how these services can be improved or developed and how to reach new markets, and look for the emergence of ideas to innovate and improve interaction with the customer. This paper presents a decision-support system for analysing consumer satisfaction, based on consumer feedback from the customer’s experience when transported by a transfer company, in the present case working in the Algarve region, Portugal. The results show how tourists perceive the service and which factors influence their level of satisfaction and sentiment. One of the results revealed that the first impression associated with good news is what creates the most value in the experience, i.e., “first impressions matter”.
Pore-Rich Cellulose-Derived Carbon Fiber@Graphene Core-Shell Composites for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Yang Yadong , Wan Caichao , Huang Qiongtao , Hua Jun
Published: January 2023

Because of serious electromagnetic pollution caused by the widespread use of radio frequency equipment, the study of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials has been a long-standing topic. Carbon fiber and graphene composites have great potential as EMI shielding materials due to their unique microstructure and electrical conductivity. In this work, a novel kind of core-shell composite is fabricated based on the pore-rich pine needles-derived carbon fibers (coded as PNCFs) core and the graphene shell. The pore-rich PNCFs are created by KOH activation, and the integration between the pore-rich PNCFs and the graphene relies on a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method. The conductivity of the pore-rich PNCFs@graphene core-shell composite reaches 4.97 S cm−1, and the composite has an excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (SE > 70 dB over X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz)) and achieves a maximum value of ~77 dB at 10.4 GHz, which is higher than many biobased EMI shielding materials in the recent literature. By calculation and comparison, the large absorption loss (accounting for 90.8% of total loss) contributes to reducing secondary radiation, which is quite beneficial for stealth uses. Thus, this work demonstrates a promising design method for the preparation of green high-performance composites for EMI shielding and stealth applications (such as warcrafts, missiles, and stealth wears).
Three-Channel Metasurfaces for Multi-Wavelength Holography and Nanoprinting
Authors: Li Zuyu , Zhang Yuhang , Yuan Jiadong , Hong Yuhan , Liu Hongzhan , Guo Jianping , Dai Qiaofeng , Wei Zhongchao
Published: January 2023

Metasurfaces, employed to simultaneously generate nanoprinting and holographic images, have been extensively explored recently. Among them, multi-wavelength multiplexing in a single metasurface is often accompanied by dispersion and crosstalk, which hinder the display of multicolor patterns. Here, we propose an efficient phase method to decouple the wavelength and realize a three-channel display operating at different wavelengths. Holographic images appear in the far field with the illumination of two different circularly polarized lights while a nanoprinting image is reconstructed by inserting an orthogonal optical path with the illumination of linear polarization light. The proposed metasurface is only composed of four types of unit cells, which significantly decreases the complexity of fabrication and improves the information capacity. Benefiting from its different decoding strategies and capability of multi-wavelength control, this approach may develop broad applications in information encryption, security, and color display.
Zein Nanoparticles Containing Arginine-Phenylalanine-Based Surfactants: Stability, Antimicrobial and Hemolytic Activity
Authors: Perez Lourdes , Hafidi Zakaria , Pinazo Aurora , García Maria Teresa , Martín-Pastor Manuel , Sousa Francisco Fábio Oliveira de
Published: January 2023

Although cationic surfactants have a remarkable antimicrobial activity, they present an intrinsic toxicity that discourages their usage. In this work novel zein nanoparticles loaded with arginine-phenylalanine-based surfactants are presented. The nanoparticles were loaded with two single polar head (LAM and PNHC12) and two with double amino acid polar head surfactants, arginine-phenylalanine (C12PAM, PANHC12). The formulations were characterized and their stability checked up to 365 days. Furthermore, the antimicrobial and hemolytic activities were investigated. Finally, NMR and molecular docking studies were carried out to elucidate the possible interaction mechanisms of surfactant-zein. The nanoparticles were obtained with satisfactory size, zeta potential and dispersibility. The surfactants containing arginine-phenylalanine residues were found to be more stable. The nanoencapsulation maintained the antimicrobial activities unaltered in comparison to the surfactants’ solutions. These results are in agreement with the NMR and docking findings, suggesting that zein interacts with the surfactants by the aromatic rings of phenylalanine. As a result, the cationic charges and part of the aliphatic chains are freely available to attack the bacteria and fungi, while not available to disrupt the cellular membranes. This approach opens new possibilities for using cationic surfactants and benefits from their extraordinary antimicrobial responses for several applications.
Vitamin D3 Supplementation at 5000 IU Daily for the Prevention of Influenza-like Illness in Healthcare Workers: A Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: van Helmond Noud , Brobyn Tracy L. , LaRiccia Patrick J. , Cafaro Teresa , Hunter Krystal , Roy Satyajeet , Bandomer Brigid , Ng Kevin Q. , Goldstein Helen , Mitrev Ludmil V. , Tsai Alan , Thwing Denise , Maag Mary Ann , Chung Myung K.
Published: January 2023

Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of acute respiratory infections in populations at risk. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of preventing viral infections in healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to assess the hypothesis that vitamin D3 supplementation at 5000 IU daily reduces influenza-like illness (ILI), including COVID-19, in healthcare workers. We conducted a prospective, controlled trial at a tertiary university hospital. A random group of healthcare workers was invited to receive 5000 IU daily vitamin D3 supplementation for nine months, while other random healthcare system workers served as controls. All healthcare workers were required to self-monitor and report to employee health for COVID-19 testing when experiencing symptoms of ILI. COVID-19 test results were retrieved. Incidence rates were compared between the vitamin D and control groups. Workers in the intervention group were included in the analysis if they completed at least 2 months of supplementation to ensure adequate vitamin D levels. The primary analysis compared the incidence rate of all ILI, while secondary analyses examined incidence rates of COVID-19 ILI and non-COVID-19 ILI. Between October 2020 and November 2021, 255 healthcare workers (age 47 ± 12 years, 199 women) completed at least two months of vitamin D3 supplementation. The control group consisted of 2827 workers. Vitamin D3 5000 IU supplementation was associated with a lower risk of ILI (incidence rate difference: −1.7 × 10−4/person-day, 95%-CI: −3.0 × 10−4 to −3.3 × 10−5/person-day, p = 0.015) and a lower incidence rate for non-COVID-19 ILI (incidence rate difference: −1.3 × 10−4/person-day, 95%-CI −2.5 × 10−4 to −7.1 × 10−6/person-day, p = 0.038). COVID-19 ILI incidence was not statistically different (incidence rate difference: −4.2 × 10−5/person-day, 95%-CI: −10.0 × 10−5 to 1.5 × 10−5/person-day, p = 0.152). Daily supplementation with 5000 IU vitamin D3 reduces influenza-like illness in healthcare workers.
Maternal Pre-Pregnancy BMI and Gestational Weight Gain Modified the Association between Prenatal Depressive Symptoms and Toddler’s Emotional and Behavioral Problems: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Shumin , Ma Xuemei , Wei Qian , Zhang Yunhui , Wang Ling , Shi Huijing
Published: January 2023

Background: Maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and abnormal pre-pregnancy BMI have been scarcely reported to play interactive effects on child health. In this prospective cohort, we aimed to examine the interactive effects of maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and pre-pregnancy BMI as well as gestational weight gain (GWG) on offspring emotional and behavioral problems (EPBs). Methods: The study samples comprised 1216 mother–child pairs from Shanghai Maternal–Child Pairs Cohort recruited from 2016 to 2018. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG were obtained from medical records, and maternal depressive symptoms were assessed via the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at 32–36 gestational weeks. The child completed the behavioral measurement via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at 24 months postpartum. Results: There were 12.01% and 38.65% women with prenatal depressive symptoms and sub-threshold depressive symptoms during late pregnancy. Both maternal depressive symptoms and prenatal sub-threshold depressive symptoms were associated with higher internalizing (OR = 1.69, 95% CI, 1.05–2.72; OR = 1.48, 95% CI, 1.06–2.07) and externalizing (OR = 2.06, 95% CI, 1.30–3.25; OR = 1.42, 95% CI, 1.02–1.99) problems in children. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG modified the association between prenatal depressive symptoms and child externalizing or total difficulties problems (p < 0.10 for interaction). Among the overweight/obese pregnant women, maternal prenatal depressive symptoms were associated with a higher risk of externalizing problems (OR = 2.75, 95% CI, 1.06–7.11) in children. Among the women who gained inadequate GWG, maternal prenatal sub-threshold depressive symptoms were associated with 2.85-fold (95% CI 1.48–5.48) risks for child externalizing problems, and maternal depressive symptoms were associated with higher externalizing and total difficulties problems (OR = 4.87, 95% CI, 2.03–11.70 and OR = 2.94, 95% CI, 1.28–6.74, respectively), but these associations were not significant in the appropriate or excessive GWG group. Conclusions: Both maternal prenatal sub-threshold depressive symptoms and depressive symptoms increased the risks of child internalizing and externalizing problems at 24 months of age, while the effects on child externalizing problems were stronger among overweight/obese or inadequate GWG pregnant women. Our study highlights the importance of simultaneously controlling the weight of pregnant women before and throughout pregnancy and prompting mental health in pregnant women, which might benefit their offspring’s EBPs.
Effects of Long-Term Supplementation of Bovine Colostrum on Iron Homeostasis, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Female Athletes: A Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Cieślicka Mirosława , Ostapiuk-Karolczuk Joanna , Buttar Harpal S. , Dziewiecka Hanna , Kasperska Anna , Skarpańska-Stejnborn Anna
Published: January 2023

Bovine colostrum supplementation has been suggested as a potential factor in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of six months of bovine colostrum supplement intake (3.2 g; four capsules/day) in highly trained female athletes on changes in oxidative stress level, inflammation, and iron metabolism biomarkers after intense exercise. In this study, 20 trained female athletes were recruited. Participants were divided into two groups: 11 in the bovine colostrum (6-month supplementation) and 9 in the placebo group (6-month placebo supplementation). All participants completed an intense exercise test at the beginning of the experiment and after six months post-treatment. Blood samples were taken before, following exercise, and after 3 h recovery. Compared to the placebo group, the colostrum group showed a significant decrease in TBARS level (p< 0.01) at all time points, whereas a marked increase was observed in IL-6 (p < 0.01; pre-exercise) and SOD activity (p < 0.01), and transferrin (p < 0.01; rest period) and lactoferrin (p < 0.05; post-exercise) levels. The results suggested that 6-months of bovine colostrum supplementation is beneficial in the reduction of the harmful effects produced by free radicals (ROS), oxidative stress, and inflammation. In consequence, alleviation of the inflammatory response by bovine colostrum supplementation may also cause positive action on iron homeostasis in female athletes.
Usefulness of PET/CT with Carbon-11-Labeled Methionine in the Diagnosis of Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Kołodziej Maciej , Saracyn Marek , Lubas Arkadiusz , Dziuk Mirosław , Durma Adam Daniel , Smoszna Jerzy , Zelichowski Grzegorz , Niemczyk Stanisław , Kamiński Grzegorz
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (tHP) may develop in patients treated with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Parathyroidectomy may result in a significant reduction in the severity of symptoms. For the effective surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism, proper localization of the parathyroid glands prior to surgery is essential. The sensitivity of scintigraphy in the diagnosis of tHP is lower than in the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. In recent years, positron emission tomography (PET/CT) has been gaining importance, usually as a complementary technique. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of PET/CT with [11C]MET in the preoperative localization diagnosis of patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism caused by chronic kidney disease, in whom first-line diagnostic methods did not allow the localization of pathologically parathyroid glands. Material and methods: The study was conducted in a group of 19 adult patients with severe tHP who were resistant or intolerant to non-invasive treatment, with negative results of scintigraphy and ultrasonography of the neck. The study protocol included measurement of the concentration of calcium, phosphorus, and PTH in the blood serum and performing PET/CT with [11C]MET. Results: A positive result of PET/CT was obtained in 89.5% of the patients (17/19). Parathyroidectomy was performed in 52.9% of the patients (9/17) with positive results of PET/CT with [11C]MET, which were fully consistent with the results of the histopathological examinations of the removed parathyroid glands. On this basis, the sensitivity of PET/CT with [11C]MET in the preoperative localization diagnosis of patients with tHP was found to be 100%. Multiple lesions were visualized in 57.9% of the patients (11/19). Ectopic lesions were visualized in 21.1% of the patients (4/19). Conclusions: PET/CT with [11C]MET is a sensitive technique for the second-line preoperative imaging of parathyroid glands in patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism in whom first-line examinations, such as ultrasound and scintigraphy, has failed.
Evaluating Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding CalFresh Participation in University Students
Authors: Loofbourrow Brittany M. , Jones Anna M. , Chodur Gwen M. , Martinez Suzanna M. , Kemp Leslie C. , Scherr Rachel E.
Published: January 2023

Objective: (1) Identify demographic and academic differences among university students who are food secure or food insecure and (2) explore CalFresh knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) among university students. Design: A questionnaire, including the 10-item USDA Adult Food Security Survey Module, CalFresh KAPs, and student factors was distributed in Winter 2020 to 10,000 university students. Chi-square test of independence, logistic and linear regressions were used to assess associations between food-secure status and student factors. Exploratory factor analysis determined factors relating to CalFresh KAPs. Kendall’s tau assessed association between CalFresh KAPs factors. Setting: A public research university in California. Participants: Enrolled undergraduate and graduate/professional students (n = 10,000). 1535 responses with 1408 included in analysis for having complete data. Results: Food insecurity was associated with: race/ethnicity (Latino/a, OR = 1.97; p < 0.001); first-generation status (OR = 2.01; p < 0.001); and transfer status (OR = 1.58; p = 0.01). Exploratory factor analysis identified five factors related to CalFresh knowledge and attitudes: (1) CalFresh knowledge, (2) Positive attitudes around participating in CalFresh, (3) Negative attitudes around participating in CalFresh, (4) Negative attitudes around others participating in CalFresh, and (5) Fortunate attitudes for not participating in CalFresh. CalFresh knowledge was correlated with positive attitudes towards CalFresh participation (τb = 0.15, p = 0.025); negative attitudes towards other individuals’ CalFresh participation (τb = −0.28, p < 0.001); feeling fortunate for not needing CalFresh (τb = 0.12, p = 0.004); and CalFresh participation OR = 1.40; p = 0.02). Conclusions: CalFresh knowledge may influence program participation. Populations who are most impacted by food insecurity should be a focus for improving CalFresh knowledge to promote CalFresh participation.
Lysine or Threonine Deficiency Decreases Body Weight Gain in Growing Rats despite an Increase in Food Intake without Increasing Energy Expenditure in Response to FGF21
Authors: Moro Joanna , Roisné-Hamelin Gaëtan , Chaumontet Catherine , Even Patrick C. , Blais Anne , Cansell Celine , Piedcoq Julien , Gaudichon Claire , Tomé Daniel , Azzout-Marniche Dalila
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of a strictly essential amino acid (lysine or threonine; EAA) deficiency on energy metabolism in growing rats. Rats were fed for three weeks severely (15% and 25% of recommendation), moderately (40% and 60%), and adequate (75% and 100%) lysine or threonine-deficient diets. Food intake and body weight were measured daily and indirect calorimetry was performed the week three. At the end of the experimentation, body composition, gene expression, and biochemical analysis were performed. Lysine and threonine deficiency induced a lower body weight gain and an increase in relative food intake. Lysine or threonine deficiency induced liver FGF21 synthesis and plasma release. However, no changes in energy expenditure were observed for lysine deficiency, unlike threonine deficiency, which leads to a decrease in total and resting energy expenditure. Interestingly, threonine severe deficiency, but not lysine deficiency, increase orexigenic and decreases anorexigenic hypothalamic neuropeptides expression, which could explain the higher food intake. Our results show that the deficiency in one EAA, induces a decrease in body weight gain, despite an increased relative food intake, without any increase in energy expenditure despite an induction of FGF21.
Evaluation of the Usefulness of a Serological Test for Diagnosis of Celiac Disease Simultaneously Detecting Specific Antibodies and Total IgA
Authors: Majsiak Emilia , Cukrowska Bożena , Choina Magdalena , Bielawski Kornel , Cielecka-Kuszyk Joanna , Konopka Ewa , Wysokiński Mariusz , Bierła Joanna Beata
Published: January 2023

The diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) at the first diagnostic step requires the detection of specific class A antibodies to tissue transglutaminase type-2 (TG2 IgA) and the measurement of total immunoglobulin A (tIgA) to exclude IgA deficiency. The aim of the study was to evaluate the new quantitative immunoassay panel allowing for the detection of celiac-specific antibodies with the simultaneous determination of tIgA from the same sample of blood at one time. This retrospective study included 104 pediatric patients divided into groups with recognized CD and IgA deficiency (n = 20; 19%), immunocompetent children with CD (n = 28; 27%), children with IgA deficiency and without CD (n = 28; 27%), and the control group of immunocompetent children without CD (n = 28; 27%). Intestinal biopsy with histopathological evaluation (except five patients with CD who were diagnosed without biopsy) and measurement of reference celiac specific antibodies were performed in all children. Multiparametric quantitative immunoassay Polycheck® Celiac IgA plus total IgA test was used to evaluate its usefulness in CD screening and IgA deficiency diagnosis. The statistical analysis showed the high sensitivity and specificity of both TG2 IgA and tIgA on the multiparametric panel (sensitivity 96% and 100%; specificity 100% and 79%, respectively). The accuracy and area under the ROC curve for tIgA were 0.904 and 0.955, while for TG2 IgA they were 0.982 and 1.000, respectively. Although the sensitivity of IgA antibodies against deaminated gliadin peptides was low (20%), the specificity reached 100%. The study showed that Polycheck® Celiac IgA plus total IgA test is a specific and sensitive tool for simultaneous serological CD screening and recognition of IgA deficiency.
Are Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels Influencing Food Choices and Purchases, Diet Quality, and Modeled Health Outcomes? A Narrative Review of Four Systems
Authors: Braesco Véronique , Drewnowski Adam
Published: January 2023

Front-of-Pack Nutrition labels (FOPNLs) aim to improve consumers’ food purchases and prompt product reformulation by the food and beverage industry. Despite their widespread use, the effectiveness of FOPNL in achieving these goals is still a matter of debate. This review has gathered 65 original studies exploring the performances of four widely used FOPNLs (Multiple Traffic Light, Warning signs, Nutri-Score and Health Star Rating). Although FOPNLs have been associated with healthier food purchases, the magnitude of improvements was small and dependent on study settings. Any associated health effects were modeled rather than observed. None of the four FOPNLs clearly outperformed the other ones on any outcome. Few studies dealt with the impact of FOPNL on product reformulation. Some of those studies, but not all, found small reductions in energy, sodium, sugar and saturated fat content of foods in some food categories. Although global trends point to a small favorable effect of FOPNL, this conclusion is subject to caution since the evidence is inconsistent and comes from a wide variety of contexts and study designs. There remain numerous research gaps, notably with regard to the optimal characteristics of FOPNLs, the durability of FOPNL effects on consumer behaviors, and any possible unexpected consequences.