bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-Dependent Metabolic Effects in Diet-Induced Obese Rats following Intermittent Fasting Compared with Continuous Food Restriction
Authors: Bosch de Basea Laia , Boguñà Marina , Sánchez Alicia , Esteve Montserrat , Grasa Mar , Romero Maria del Mar
Published: March 2024

Recently, intermittent fasting has gained relevance as a strategy to lose weight and improve health as an alternative to continuous caloric restriction. However, the metabolic impact and the sex-related differences are not fully understood. The study aimed to compare the response to a continuous or intermittent caloric restriction in male and female rats following a previous induction of obesity through a cafeteria diet by assessing changes in body weight, energy intake, metabolic parameters, and gene expression in liver hepatic and adipose tissue. The continuous restriction reduced the energy available by 30% and the intermittent restriction consisted of a 75% energy reduction on two non-consecutive days per week. The interventions reduced body weight and body fat in both sexes, but the loss of WAT in females was more marked in both models of caloric restriction, continuous and intermittent. Both caloric restrictions improved insulin sensitivity, but more markedly in females, which showed a more pronounced decrease in HOMA-IR score and an upregulation of hepatic IRS2 and Sirt1 gene expression that was not observed in males. These findings suggest the fact that females are more sensitive than males to reduced caloric content in the diet.
Intra- and Interpersonal Dimensions of Orthorexia: Preliminary Development and Validation of an Intra- and Interpersonal Effects Scale for Orthorexia
Authors: Styk Wojciech , Gortat Mateusz , Samardakiewicz-Kirol Emilia , Zmorzynski Szymon , Samardakiewicz Marzena
Published: March 2024

Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is a disorder characterized by dietary restrictions and an obsessive focus on “healthy” eating. The present study analyzes two aspects of ON. One related to the inner experiences of the individual (intrapersonal). The other concerns the impact of ON on interpersonal relationships (interpersonal). The developed scale was named the Intra- and Interpersonal Effects Scale of Orthorexia (IIESO). The analysis showed an average correlation between the INTER and INTRA factors (r = 0.46). Both the INTER and INTRA scales correlated strongly with both subscales of the TOS but weakly with the ORTO-R score. Females obtained higher scores on the INTER scale (p < 0.01), while no differences were shown for the INTRA subscale or the overall scale score (p < 0.01). Subjects using supplements had higher mean scores on the INTER and INTRA subscales and for the total score. Among the analyzed results, the greatest strength effect was shown for the total score on the IIESO scale (INTER+INTRA) and the TOS scale. The questionnaires used to date have not distinguished between behaviors from interpersonal and intrapersonal perspectives. Research on these dimensions could expand our knowledge of the disorder and refine diagnostic criteria.
Impact of Melatonin Supplementation on Sports Performance and Circulating Biomarkers in Highly Trained Athletes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Celorrio San Miguel Ana M. , Roche Enrique , Herranz-López María , Celorrio San Miguel Marta , Mielgo-Ayuso Juan , Fernández-Lázaro Diego
Published: March 2024

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5 methoxytryptamine) is an indolic neurohormone that modulates a variety of physiological functions due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to critically review the effects of melatonin supplementation in sports performance and circulating biomarkers related to the health status of highly trained athletes. Data were obtained by performing searches in the following three bibliography databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. The terms used were “Highly Trained Athletes”, “Melatonin”, and “Sports Performance”, “Health Biomarkers” using “Humans” as a filter. The search update was carried out in February 2024 from original articles published with a controlled trial design. The PRISMA rules, the modified McMaster critical review form for quantitative studies, the PEDro scale, and the Cochrane risk of bias were applied. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were selected out of 294 references. The dose of melatonin supplemented in the trials ranged between 5 mg to 100 mg administered before or after exercise. The outcomes showed improvements in antioxidant status and inflammatory response and reversed liver damage and muscle damage. Moderate effects on modulating glycemia, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine were reported. Promising data were found regarding the potential benefits of melatonin in hematological biomarkers, hormonal responses, and sports performance. Therefore, the true efficiency of melatonin to directly improve sports performance remains to be assessed. Nevertheless, an indirect effect of melatonin supplementation in sports performance could be evaluated through improvements in health biomarkers.
In Vivo Absorption and Lymphatic Bioavailability of Docosahexaenoic Acid from Microalgal Oil According to Its Physical and Chemical Form of Vectorization
Authors: Couëdelo Leslie , Lennon Stephanie , Abrous Hélène , Chamekh Ikram , Bouju Corentin , Griffon Hugues , Vaysse Carole , Larvol Lionel , Breton Gildas
Published: March 2024

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential fatty acid (FA) with proven pro-health effects, but improving its bioavailability is becoming a public health issue. The bioavailability of DHA from microalgal (A) oil has been comprehensively assessed, particularly in terms of the molecular structuring capabilities offered by A-oil. Here, we explored the impact of five DHA-rich formulas differing in terms of (i) molecular structure, i.e., ethyl ester (EE), monoglyceride (MG), or triglyceride (TG), and (ii) supramolecular form, i.e., emulsified TG or TG + phospholipids (PL blend) on the lymphatic kinetics of DHA absorption and the lipid characteristics of the resulting lipoproteins. We demonstrated in rats that the conventional A-DHA TG structure afforded more effective DHA absorption than the EE structure (+23%). Furthermore, the A-DHA MG and A-DHA emulsions were the better DHA vectors (AUC: 89% and +42%, respectively) due to improved lipolysis. The A-DHA MG and A-DHA emulsion presented the richest DHA content in TG (+40%) and PL (+50%) of lymphatic chylomicrons, which could affect the metabolic fate of DHA. We concluded that structuring A-DHA in TG or EE form would better serve for tissue and hepatic metabolism whereas A-DHA in MG and emulsion form could better target nerve tissues.
The Effect of Menthol Mouth Rinsing and Fluid Temperature on Male Cycling Performance in Thermoneutral Conditions
Authors: Gavel Erica H. , Hawke Kierstyn V. , Logan-Sprenger Heather M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a menthol (MEN) mouth rinse (MR) on cycling time trial (TT) performance in thermoneutral conditions and to explore the impact of fluid temperature (cold water [CW] or thermoneutral water [TNW]) on MEN’s effect on performance. Methods: Twelve trained male cyclists (VO2 peak, 61.4 ± 12.1 mL/kg/min) completed a cycling TT in thermoneutral conditions (21 ± 0.2 °C, 40 ± 0.6% relative humidity) with four different mouth rinses: (1) MEN + CW; (2) MEN + TNW; (3) CW; and (4) TNW. The time to complete the TT and the power output (W) were recorded. The ratings of perceived exertion (RPE, Borg 6-20), thermal sensation (TS), and thermal comfort (TC) were recorded prior to and throughout the TT. The core body temperature (Tc) and heart rate (HR) were recorded throughout. Results: The TT duration was not significantly different between trials (MEN + TNW: 38:11 ± 12:48, MEN + CW: 37:21 ± 13:00, CW: 38:12 ± 13:54, TNW: 36:06 ± 14:12 mins:secs, p < 0.05). The mean trial power output did not significantly differ between conditions (>0.05). The Tc, HR, RPE, TS, and TC were not significantly different between trials (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that a MEN MR with either CW or TNW does not significantly improve cycling TT performance in trained male cyclists compared to a CW or TNW MR in thermoneutral conditions.
The Association between the Diversity of Coenzyme Q10 Intake from Dietary Sources and the Risk of New-Onset Hypertension: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Dai Suming , Tian Zezhong , Zhao Dan , Liang Ying , Zhong Zepei , Xu Yixuan , Hou Shanshan , Yang Yan
Published: March 2024

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a food active component with blood-pressure-improving properties. However, the association between the variety and quantity of different sources of dietary CoQ10 and new-onset hypertension remains uncertain. We aimed to investigate the associations between the diversity and quantity of CoQ10 intake from eight major food sources and new-onset hypertension risk. A total of 11,489 participants were included. Dietary intake was evaluated via three consecutive 24 h recalls and household food inventory. The diversity score of CoQ10 sources was calculated by the sum of food groups consumed in the ideal range. Cox proportional hazard models were used for evaluating their associations with hypertension. Model performance was assessed by ROC analyses and 200-times ten-fold cross-validation. The relationships between CoQ10 and hypertension were U-shaped for meat, egg, vegetable, and fruit sources, inverse J-shaped for fish, and nut sources, and L-shaped for dairy products sources (all p-values < 0.001). A higher diversity score was associated with lower hypertension risk (HR (95% CI): 0.66 (0.64, 0.69)). The mean areas under the ROC curves for 6, 12 and 18 years were 0.81, 0.80 and 0.78, respectively. There is a negative correlation between the diversity of CoQ10 with moderate intake from different sources and new-onset hypertension. One diversity score based on CoQ10 was developed.
Study on the Dose–Response Relationship between Magnesium and Type 2 Diabetes of Childbearing Women in the China Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance 2015
Authors: Zhang Huidi , Yang Jingxin , Cao Yang , Shan Xiaoyun , Yang Lichen
Published: March 2024

Background: Magnesium (Mg) is an essential element and participates in many metabolic pathways. Many studies have found a certain negative correlation between magnesium and blood glucose parameters, but the dose–response relationship between them is still a relatively narrow research field. We aim to explore the dose–response relationship between plasma and dietary Mg and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among childbearing women in a nationally representative sample. And we will also initially explore the threshold of dietary and plasma magnesium in the prevention of T2DM and their consistency. Methods: A total of 2912 18–44 year-old childbearing women were recruited from the China Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance (2015). Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the dose–response relationship between plasma and dietary Mg and glucose parameters. The threshold effect between Mg and T2DM was explored by a restricted cubic spline regression. Results: It was found that when plasma Mg was increased by 0.041 mmol/L, the risk of T2DM, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and HbA1c-hyperglycemia was reduced by 18%, 19%, and 18%, respectively. The possible threshold value for plasma Mg to prevent the risk of T2DM was 0.87 mmol/L. Through the quality control of the sample dietary survey data, 2469 cases were finally included for dietary analysis. And the possible threshold value for dietary Mg to prevent the risk of T2DM was 408 mg/d. Taking the recommended dietary Mg intake of 330 mg/d as the reference group, when the Mg intake reached 408 mg/d, the risk of T2DM was significantly reduced. And the average plasma Mg level of the people whose dietary intake reached 408 mg/d was 0.87 mmol/L. Conclusions: These results indicate that dietary Mg and plasma Mg have good consistency on the threshold effect of glucose parameters in women of childbearing age.
Less Favorable Nutri-Score Consumption Ratings Are Prospectively Associated with Abdominal Obesity in Older Adults
Authors: Rey-García Jimena , Mérida Diana María , Donat-Vargas Carolina , Sandoval-Insausti Helena , Rodríguez-Ayala Montserrat , Banegas José Ramón , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Guallar-Castillón Pilar
Published: March 2024

Nutri-Score is a front-of-package (FOP) labeling designed to assist consumers in selecting healthier options at the point of purchase and ultimately enhance their health. This study aims to evaluate the association between the Nutri-Score system and incident abdominal obesity (AO) in community-dwelling older adults. A prospective cohort of 628 individuals aged ≥ 60 were recruited in Spain between 2008–2010 and were reexamined between 2015–2017. Dietary intake was evaluated utilizing a validated computerized dietary history. Food was categorized based on the Nutri-Score system into five levels from A (green, representing the best quality) to E (red, representing the poorest quality). A five-color Nutri-Score dietary index (5-CNS DI) in g/day/kg was calculated for each participant. AO was determined by a waist circumference (WC) of ≥102 cm for men and ≥88 cm for women. Logistic regression models were adjusted for the main potential confounders. During a mean six-year follow-up, 184 incident cases of AO occurred. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for AO, when comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of the 5-CNS DI, were 2.45 (1.17–5.14), with a p-value for trend of 0.035. In sensitivity analyses, the OR was 2.59 (1.22–5.52, p-trend: 0.032) after adjustment for WC at baseline, and 1.75 (0.74–4.18, p-trend: 0.316) after adjustment for ultra-processed food consumption. In conclusion, less favorable food-consumption ratings in the Nutri-Score are associated with incident AO in the elderly. These findings support the use of this FOP system to potentially improve metabolic health.
Prospects for Controlling Hepatitis B Globally
Authors: Soriano Vicente , Moreno-Torres Víctor , Treviño Ana , de Jesús Fernando , Corral Octavio , de Mendoza Carmen
Published: March 2024

Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly prevalent globally. Over 250 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis B, and more than 800,000 patients die each year due to hepatitis B complications, including liver cancer. Although protective HBV vaccines are recommended for all newborns, global coverage is suboptimal. In adults, sexual transmission is by far the most frequent route of contagion. The WHO estimates that 1.5 million new HBV infections occur annually. Oral nucleos(t)ide analogues entecavir and tenofovir are the most frequent antivirals prescribed as HBV therapy. Almost all patients adherent to the medication achieve undetectable plasma viremia beyond 6 months of monotherapy. However, less than 5% achieve anti-HBs seroconversion, and viral rebound occurs following drug discontinuation. Therefore, nucleos(t)ide analogues need to be lifelong. New long-acting formulations of tenofovir and entecavir are being developed that will maximize treatment benefit and overcome adherence barriers. Furthermore, new antiviral agents are in development, including entry inhibitors, capside assembly modulators, and RNA interference molecules. The use of combination therapy pursues a functional HBV cure, meaning it is negative for both circulating HBV-DNA and HBsAg. Even when this goal is achieved, the cccDNA reservoir within infected hepatocytes remains a signal of past infection, and HBV can reactivate under immune suppression. Therefore, new gene therapies, including gene editing, are eagerly being pursued to silence or definitively disrupt HBV genomes within infected hepatocytes and, in this way, ultimately cure hepatitis B. At this time, three actions can be taken to push HBV eradication globally: (1) expand universal newborn HBV vaccination; (2) perform once-in-life testing of all adults to identify susceptible HBV persons that could be vaccinated (or re-vaccinated) and unveil asymptomatic carriers that could benefit from treatment; and (3) provide earlier antiviral therapy to chronic HBV carriers, as being aviremic reduces the risk of both clinical progression and transmission.
Identification and Characterization of Onchocerca volvulus Heat Shock Protein 70 (OvHSP70) as Novel Diagnostic Marker of Onchocerciasis in Human Urine
Authors: Ambe Lum Abienwi , Limunga Elisabeth , Mbah Clarisse Engowei , Adela Ngwewondo , Eric Ndumu , Ngoe Martha , Sone Bertrand , Lochnit Günter , Tachu Julius Babila , Wanji Samuel , Taubert Anja , Hermosilla Carlos , Kamena Faustin
Published: March 2024

Despite several decades of mass drug administration and elimination-related activities, human onchocerciasis still represents a major parasitic threat in endemic regions. Among the challenges encountered by the elimination program is the lack of a suitable diagnostic tool that is accurate and non-invasive. Currently used methods are either invasive or not suitable for monitoring large numbers of patients. Herein, we describe the identification and characterization of Onchocerca volvulus heat shock protein 70 (OvHSP70) as a novel diagnostic biomarker for human onchocerciasis, which can directly be detected in urine samples of infected patients. This nematode-specific antigen was identified through LC-MS after differential SDS-PAGE using urine-derived protein extracts from O. volvulus-infected patients in Cameroon. Polyclonal antibodies generated in rabbits after cloning and expression of OvHSP70 in Escherichia coli reliably differentiated between urine samples from infected- and uninfected patients in a hypoendemic area of human onchocerciasis. These results provide an excellent basis for further development of a non-invasive and scalable diagnostic assay for human onchocerciasis using urine samples. Such a urine-based diagnostic assay will be of major importance for the elimination program of human onchcerciasis in endemic countries.
Analysis of Mycotoxins and Cytotoxicity of Airborne Molds Isolated from the Zoological Garden—Screening Research
Authors: Plewa-Tutaj Kinga , Twarużek Magdalena , Kosicki Robert , Soszczyńska Ewelina
Published: March 2024

Objective: The objective of this paper was to assess the airborne mold contamination, secondary metabolite profiles, and cytotoxicity of the dominant fungal species isolated from the air in selected rooms at a Zoological Garden. Materials and methods: Fungal concentrations were measured with MAS-100 air samplers. The collected airborne fungi were identified using a combination of morphological and molecular methods. The cytotoxicity of 84 strains belonging to two Penicillium and Aspergillus genera was determined using the quantitative colorimetric MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium salt) assay. The mycotoxins were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a mass spectrometry detector. Results: The ITS gene was amplified and sequenced to identify the 132 species. For mycotoxicological and cytotoxicity analyses, 52 Penicillium isolates and 32 Aspergillus representatives were selected. Cytotoxicity was confirmed in 97.6% of cases analyzed. Using the LC-MS/MS method, 42 out of 84 strains produced at least one of the following toxins: ochratoxin A, ochratoxin B, patulin, gliotoxin, roquefortine C, griseofulvin, sterigmatocystin, fumonisin B2, moniliformin, and mycophenolic acid. Conclusions: Analytical methods for assessing the presence of mycotoxins in fungal isolates collected directly from the air have proven to be an effective tool. Our research provides new information on the occurrence of potentially toxin-producing molds within a zoo.
Comparative Assessment of Lignan Profiling and Biological Activities of Schisandra henryi Leaf and In Vitro PlantForm Bioreactor-Grown Culture Extracts
Authors: Jafernik Karolina , Kubica Paweł , Dziurka Michał , Kulinowski Łukasz , Korona-Głowniak Izabela , Elansary Hosam O. , Waligórski Piotr , Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna , Szopa Agnieszka
Published: March 2024

This research’s scope encompassed biotechnological, phytochemical, and biological studies of Schisandra henryi, including investigations into its in vitro microshoot culture grown in PlantForm bioreactors (temporary immersion systems, TISs), as well as extracts from leaves of the parent plant, focusing on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. The phytochemical analysis included the isolation and quantification of 17 compounds from dibenzocyclooctadiene, aryltetralin lignans, and neolignans using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), HPLC-DAD, and UHPLC-MS/MS tandem mass spectrometry with triple quadrupole mass filter methods. Higher contents of compounds were found in microshoots extracts (max. 543.99 mg/100 g DW). The major compound was schisantherin B both in the extracts from microshoots and the leaves (390.16 and 361.24 mg/100 g DW, respectively). The results of the anti-inflammatory activity in terms of the inhibition of COX-1, COX-2, sPLA2, and LOX-15 enzymes indicated that PlantForm microshoot extracts showed strong activity against COX-1 and COX-2 (for 177 mg/mL the inhibition percentage was 76% and 66%, respectively). The antioxidant potential assessed using FRAP, CUPRAC, and DPPH assays showed that extracts from microshoot cultures had 5.6, 3.8, and 3.3 times higher power compared to extracts from the leaves of the parent plant, respectively. The total polyphenol content (TPC) was 4.1 times higher in extracts from the in vitro culture compared to the leaves. The antiproliferative activity against T-cell lymphoblast line Jurkat, breast adenocarcinoma cultures (MCF-7), colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29), and cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), showed that both extracts have considerable effects on the tested cell lines. The antimicrobial activity tested against strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi showed the highest activity towards H. pylori (MIC and MBC 0.625 mg/mL).
The Lipid-Lowering Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Combination Including Leucoselect Phytosome, Red Yeast Rice, Policosanol and Folic Acid in Dyslipidaemia Patients: Real-World Insights
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Napolitano Nicola , Ascrizzi Antonia , Leonardi Silvia , Pisacane Filomena , Di Micco Pierpaolo , Imbalzano Egidio , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo , D’Andrea Antonello , Caturano Alfredo , Mauriello Alfredo
Published: March 2024

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a global health concern and reducing plasma LDL-C levels is a major goal in cardiovascular prevention. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutraceutical formulation including leucoselect® phytosome®, red yeast rice, policosanol and folic acid on LDL-c levels in patients at low cardiovascular risk with dyslipidemia. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled all consecutive patients with dyslipidemia at low cardiovascular risk who were unresponsive to diet and physical activity. Clinical assessments and laboratory analyses, encompassing lipid profile, hepatic function, and CPK levels, were performed at baseline prior to initiating treatment and repeated at the 12-week mark following administration of the study nutraceutical. Results: Sixty (60) consecutive patients (mean age 48.02 ± 10.1 years; 60% male) were included. At the 12-week follow-up, a statistically significant reduction in Total Cholesterol (13.1%) and LDL-c serum level (20.4%) was observed. Hepatic and muscular function remain stable over the time. The adherence to therapy was 99% and the persistence was maximum. Conclusions: The nutraceutical formulation including leucoselect® phytosome® red yeast rice, policosanol and folic acid significantly reduced the LDL-c plasma levels, consistent with previous research showing that the bioactive component in red yeast rice—lovastatin—is effective in addressing problems with lipid metabolism. Importantly, it was safe and well-tolerated among patients with dyslipidemia in a real-world setting.
The MET Oncogene: Thirty Years of Insights into Molecular Mechanisms Driving Malignancy
Authors: Crepaldi Tiziana , Gallo Simona , Comoglio Paolo Maria
Published: March 2024

The discovery and subsequent research on the MET oncogene’s role in cancer onset and progression have illuminated crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms driving malignancy. The identification of MET as the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor has paved the path for characterizing the MET tyrosine kinase activation mechanism and its downstream signaling cascade. Over the past thirty years, research has established the importance of HGF/MET signaling in normal cellular processes, such as cell dissociation, migration, proliferation, and cell survival. Notably, genetic alterations that lead to the continuous activation of MET, known as constitutive activation, have been identified as oncogenic drivers in various cancers. The genetic lesions affecting MET, such as exon skipping, gene amplification, and gene rearrangements, provide valuable targets for therapeutic intervention. Moreover, the implications of MET as a resistance mechanism to targeted therapies emphasize the need for combination treatments that include MET inhibitors. The intriguing “flare effect” phenomenon, wherein MET inhibition can lead to post-treatment increases in cancer cell proliferation, underscores the dynamic nature of cancer therapeutics. In human tumors, increased protein expression often occurs without gene amplification. Various mechanisms may cause an overexpression: transcriptional upregulation induced by other oncogenes; environmental factors (such as hypoxia or radiation); or substances produced by the reactive stroma, such as inflammatory cytokines, pro-angiogenic factors, and even HGF itself. In conclusion, the journey to understanding MET’s involvement in cancer onset and progression over the past three decades has not only deepened our knowledge, but has also paved the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. Selective pharmacological inactivation of MET stands as a promising avenue for achieving cancer remission, particularly in cases where MET alterations are the primary drivers of malignancy.
Identification of Metabolites from Catharanthus roseus Leaves and Stem Extract, and In Vitro and In Silico Antibacterial Activity against Food Pathogens
Authors: Jamal Qazi Mohammad Sajid , Ahmad Varish
Published: March 2024

The plant produced powerful secondary metabolites and showed strong antibacterial activities against food-spoiling bacterial pathogens. The present study aimed to evaluate antibacterial activities and to identify metabolites from the leaves and stems of Catharanthus roseus using NMR spectroscopy. The major metabolites likely to be observed in aqueous extraction were 2,3-butanediol, quinic acids, vindoline, chlorogenic acids, vindolinine, secologanin, and quercetin in the leaf and stem of the Catharanthus roseus. The aqueous extracts from the leaves and stems of this plant have been observed to be most effective against food spoilage bacterial strains, followed by methanol and hexane. However, leaf extract was observed to be most significant in terms of the content and potency of metabolites. The minimum inhibitory concentration (20 µg/mL) and bactericidal concentrations (35 g/mL) of leaf extract were observed to be significant as compared to the ampicillin. Molecular docking showed that chlorogenic acid and vindolinine strongly interacted with the bacterial penicillin-binding protein. The docking energies of chlorogenic acid and vindolinine also indicated that these could be used as food preservatives. Therefore, the observed metabolite could be utilized as a potent antibacterial compound for food preservation or to treat their illness, and further research is needed to perform.
Influence of Aza-Glycine Substitution on the Internalization of Penetratin
Authors: Tarchoun Karima , Soltész Dóra , Farkas Viktor , Lee Ho-Jin , Szabó Ildikó , Bánóczi Zoltán
Published: March 2024

The cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) penetratin has gained much attention over many years due to its potential role as a transporter for a broad range of cargo into cells. The modification of penetratin has been extensively investigated too. Aza-peptides are peptide analogs in which one or more of the amino residues are replaced by a semicarbazide. This substitution results in conformational restrictions and modifications in hydrogen bonding properties, which affect the structure and may lead to enhanced activity and selectivity of the modified peptide. In this work, the Trp residues of penetratin were substituted by aza-glycine or glycine residues to examine the effect of these modifications on the cellular uptake and the internalization mechanism. The substitution of Trp48 or Trp48,56 dramatically reduced the internalization, showing the importance of Trp48 in cellular uptake. Interestingly, while aza-glycine in the position of Trp56 increased the cellular uptake, Gly reduced it. The two Trp-modified derivatives showed altered internalization pathways, too. Based on our knowledge, this is the first study about the effect of aza-amino acid substitution on the cell entry of CPPs. Our results suggest that aza-amino acid insertion is a useful modification to change the internalization of a CPP.
Antimicrobial Effects of Some Natural Products on Adhesion and Biofilm Inhibition of Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Wultańska Dorota , Piotrowski Michał , Pituch Hanna
Published: March 2024

Understanding the potential antimicrobial properties of natural compounds and their impacts on Clostridioides difficile virulence factors may aid in developing alternative strategies for preventing and treating C. difficile infections (CDI). In this study, we investigated the bactericidal effects of ginger oil (GO), peppermint oil (PO), curcumin (CU), cinnamon aldehyde (CI), and trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCI) on the adhesion and biofilm disruption of C. difficile. We used three reference and five clinical C. difficile strains of different ribotypes. The bactericidal activity was assessed using the broth microdilution method. The adhesion was evaluated using human epithelial cell lines, and biofilm formation was visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy. All tested strains exhibited susceptibility to CU, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 128 µg/mL to 2048 µg/mL. Similarly, all strains were susceptible to CI and TCI, with MIC values ranging from 6.25% (v/v) to 25% (v/v). Most of the tested substances reduced the adhesion of C. difficile strains, while two tested strains showed significantly higher adhesion when co-incubated with the tested substances. Similar observations were made for biofilm formation, with observed density and morphology varied depending on the strain. In conclusion, the tested products demonstrated bactericidal activity and reduced the adhesion of C. difficile strains. They may be considered for further studies as potential antimicrobial agents targeting biofilm-related infections.
The Diffraction Efficiency of Acrylate-Based Holographically Photopolymerized Gratings Enhanced by the Dark Reaction
Authors: Bai Ziyan , Cai Wenfeng , Cheng Ming , Lan Shun , Kong Delai , Shen Jian , Cen Mengjia , Luo Dan , Chen Yuan , Liu Yan Jun
Published: March 2024

Photopolymers, especially acrylate-based ones with low cost and simple preparation, are promising materials for high-efficiency holographic gratings. However, it is still challenging to achieve high-performance gratings, due to the influences of many factors. In this work, we found that the dark reaction plays a critical role. The effect of the dark reaction on the optical properties of holographic gratings was investigated. Experimental results reveal that the diffraction efficiency of the gratings can be improved by a factor of three by involving the dark reaction process, and the highest diffraction efficiency for gratings can reach 97.8% after optimization. Therefore, the dark reaction can greatly enhance the optical performance of acrylate-based holographic gratings and other optical elements, thus holding great potential for many applications.
A Superimposed Codebook Design for Downlink Sparse Code Multiple Access Visible Light Communication System
Authors: Dong Jingxuan , Wang Zixiong , Yu Jinlong , Jiang Yang
Published: March 2024

The capacity performance of visible light communication (VLC) systems can be improved by using sparse code multiple access (SCMA). Since SCMA is a codebook-based multiple access scheme, the design of the codebook is crucial. SCMA codebook performance is severely affected by shot noise. Although several codebook design metrics have been proposed to compensate for the constellation distortion caused by shot noise, the improvement in performance is limited. In order to solve this problem, we use a separable codebook design structure to derive the analytical expression of the symbol error rate (SER) for the SCMA-VLC system under shot noise. According to the SER expression, we formulate an optimization problem and obtain a multi-user superimposed codebook to achieve a minimum SER for the SCMA-VLC system. The simulation results show that the proposed codebook significantly improves the performance of the SCMA-VLC system, especially in the case of high shot noise.
Kerr-Lens Mode-Locked Yb:BaF2 Laser
Authors: Li Zhi-Qiang , Lin Zhang-Lang , Loiko Pavel , Zeng Huang-Jun , Zhang Ge , Nie Hai-Yu , Normani Simone , Benayad Abdelmjid , Camy Patrice , Mateos Xavier , Petrov Valentin , Chen Weidong
Published: March 2024

We present sub-50 fs soliton pulse generation from a diode-pumped Kerr-lens mode-locked laser based on an Yb3+-doped BaF2 crystal. Utilizing a spatially single-mode, fiber-coupled InGaAs laser diode at 976 nm as a pump source, the Yb:BaF2 laser generates pulses as short as 46 fs at 1060.1 nm with an average output power of 45 mW at a pulse repetition rate of ~65.6 MHz via soft-aperture Kerr-lens mode locking. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first demonstration of Kerr-lens mode-locked operation of the Yb:BaF2 crystal, as well as the shortest pulse duration ever achieved from any diode-pumped mode-locked laser based on an Yb3+-doped alkaline-earth fluoride crystal.
Compressed Sensing Image Reconstruction with Fast Convolution Filtering
Authors: Guo Runbo , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2024

Image reconstruction is a crucial aspect of computational imaging. The compressed sensing reconstruction (CS) method has been developed to obtain high-quality images. However, the CS method is commonly time-consuming in image reconstruction. To overcome this drawback, we propose a compressed sensing reconstruction method with fast convolution filtering (F-CS method), which significantly increases reconstruction speed by reducing the number of convolution operations without image fill. The experimental results show that by using the F-CS method, the reconstruction speed can be increased by a factor of 7 compared to the conventional CS method. Moreover, the F-CS method proposed in this paper is compared with the back-propagation reconstruction (BP) method and super-resolution reconstruction (SR) method, and it is validated that the proposed method has a lower computational resource cost for high-quality image reconstruction and exhibits a much more balanced capability.
Moving Bragg Solitons in a Dual-Core System Composed of a Linear Bragg Grating with Dispersive Reflectivity and a Uniform Nonlinear Core
Authors: Ahmed Tanvir , Atai Javid
Published: March 2024

The existence and stability of moving Bragg grating solitons are systematically investigated in a dual-core system, where one core is uniform and has Kerr nonlinearity, and the other is linear with Bragg grating and dispersive reflectivity. It is found that moving soliton solutions exist throughout the upper and lower bandgaps, whereas no soliton solutions exist in the central bandgap. Similar to the quiescent solitons in the system, it is found that when dispersive reflectivity is nonzero, for certain values of parameters, sidelobes appear in the solitons’ profiles. The stability of the moving solitons is characterized using systematic numerical stability analysis. Additionally, the impact and interplay of dispersive reflectivity, soliton velocity, and group velocity on the stability border are analyzed.
Broadband Thin-Film Lithium Niobate Electro-Optic Modulator
Authors: Tao Jinming , Yang Yinuo , Li Xintong , Wang Peng , Li Jinye , Liu Jianguo
Published: March 2024

Recently, thin-film lithium niobate electro-optical modulators have developed rapidly and have become the core solution for the next generation of electro-optical problems. Compared with bulk lithium niobate modulators, these modulators not only retain the advantages of lithium niobate materials, such as low loss, high extinction ratio, high linear response and high optical power handling capabilities, but can also effectively improve some performance parameters, such as the voltage bandwidth performance of the modulator. Unfortunately, the extremely small electrode gap of thin-film lithium niobate EO (electro-optic) modulators causes metal absorption, resulting in higher microwave losses. The electro-optical performance of the modulator, thus, deteriorates at high frequencies. We designed traveling-wave electrodes with microstructures to overcome this limitation and achieve a 3 dB electro-optical bandwidth of 51.2 GHz. At the same time, we maintain low on-chip losses of <2 dB and a high extinction ratio of 15 dB. It is important to note that the devices we manufactured were metal-encapsulated and passed a series of reliability tests. The success of this modulator module marks a key step in the commercialization and application of thin-film lithium niobate modulation devices.
The Physiological Response of Apricot Flowers to Low-Temperature Stress
Authors: Gao Jingjing , Guo Wenbo , Liu Qingwei , Liu Meige , Shang Chen , Song Yuqin , Hao Ruijie , Li Liulin , Feng Xinxin
Published: March 2024

The growth and development of apricot flower organs are severely impacted by spring frosts. To better understand this process, apricot flowers were exposed to temperatures ranging from 0 °C to −8 °C, including a control at 18 °C, in artificial incubators to mimic diverse low-temperature environments. We aimed to examine their physiological reactions to cold stress, with an emphasis on changes in phenotype, membrane stability, osmotic substance levels, and antioxidant enzyme performance. Results reveal that cold stress induces significant browning and cellular damage, with a sharp increase in browning rate and membrane permeability below −5 °C. Soluble sugars and proteins initially rise as osmoprotectants, but their content decreases at lower temperatures. Proline content consistently increases, suggesting a protective role. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), exhibit a complex pattern, with initial increases followed by declines at more severe cold conditions. Correlation and principal component analyses highlight the interplay between these responses, indicating a multifaceted adaptation strategy. The findings contribute to the understanding of apricot cold tolerance and inform breeding efforts for improved crop resilience.
Investigation of Silk Fibroin/Poly(Acrylic Acid) Interactions in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Škrbić Jelena , Spasojević Ljiljana , Sharipova Altynay , Aidarova Saule , Babayev Alpamys , Sarsembekova Raziya , Popović Ljiljana , Bučko Sandra , Milinković Budinčić Jelena , Fraj Jadranka , Petrović Lidija , Katona Jaroslav
Published: March 2024

Silk fibroin (SF) is a protein with many outstanding properties (superior biocompatibility, mechanical strength, etc.) and is often used in many advanced applications (epidermal sensors, tissue engineering, etc.). The properties of SF-based biomaterials may additionally be tuned by SF interactions with other (bio)polymers. Being a weak amphoteric polyelectrolyte, SF may form polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) with other polyelectrolytes of opposite charge, such as poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). PAA is a widely used, biocompatible, synthetic polyanion. Here, we investigate PEC formation between SF and PAA of two different molecular weights (MWs), low and high, using various techniques (turbidimetry, zeta potential measurements, capillary viscometry, and tensiometry). The colloidal properties of SF isolated from Bombyx mori and of PAAs (MW, overlap concentration, the influence of pH on zeta potential, adsorption at air/water interface) were determined to identify conditions for the SF-PAA electrostatic interaction. It was shown that SF-PAA PEC formation takes place at different SF:PAA ratios, at pH 3, for both high and low MW PAA. SF-PAA PEC’s properties (phase separation, charge, and surface activity) are influenced by the SF:PAA mass ratio and/or the MW of PAA. The findings on the interactions contribute to the future development of SP-PAA PEC-based films and bioadhesives with tailored properties.
Fabrication of High-Performance Densified Wood via High-Pressure Steam Treatment and Hot-Pressing
Authors: Huang Weizhi , Jin Yangxi , Guo Yi , Deng Jiaqi , Yu Haoyang , He Bobing
Published: March 2024

The fabrication of sustainable structural materials with high physical properties to replace engineering plastics is a major challenge for modern industry, and wood, as the most abundant sustainable natural raw material on the planet, has received a great deal of attention from researchers. Researchers have made efforts to enhance the physical properties of wood in order to replace plastics. However, it is also difficult to meet practical demands at a low cost. Herein, we report a simple and efficient top-down strategy to transform bulk natural basswood into a high-performance structural material. This three-step strategy involves partial removal of hemicellulose and lignin via treating basswood by boiling an aqueous mixture of NaOH and Na2SO3, and a high-pressure steam treatment (HPST) was applied to delignified wood followed by hot-pressing, which allowed the wood to absorb moisture uniformly and quickly. HPST-treated dense delignified wood (HDDW) has a tensile strength of ~420 MPa, which is 6.5 times better than natural basswood (~65 MPa). We systematically investigated the various factors affecting the tensile strength of this wood material and explored the reasons why these factors affect the tensile strength, as well as the intrinsic connection between the moisture absorbed through HPST and the increased tensile strength of HDDW. Through our experiments, we realized the enhancement mechanism of HDDW and the optimal experimental conditions for the fabrication of HDDW.
Numerical Simulation of Flow Characteristics for Supercritical CO2-Sprayed Polyurethane Resin
Authors: Li Chichao , Zhang Chengrui , Xiang Minghua , Chen Qing , Luo Zhenyang , Luo Yanlong
Published: March 2024

Conventional paint spraying processes often use small molecule organic solvents and emit a large amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are highly toxic, flammable, and explosive. Alternatively, the spraying technology using supercritical CO2 (scCO2) as a solvent has attracted attention because of its ability to reduce VOC emissions, but the flow characteristics of coatings have not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, we numerically simulate the spraying process based on the actual process of scCO2 spraying polyurethane coatings by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The effects of inlet pressure and volume fraction of scCO2 on the fluid motion parameters inside the nozzle as well as the atomization effect of droplets outside the nozzle are investigated. The simulated results show that a fluid with a large volume fraction of scCO2 will obtain a smaller density, resulting in a larger velocity and a larger distance for the spray to effectively spray. Higher coating content and bigger inlet pressures will result in higher discrete phase model (DPM) concentrations, and thus a bigger inlet pressure should be used to make the droplets more uniform across the 30° spray range. This study can provide theoretical guidance for the process of scCO2-sprayed polyurethane resin.
Rigid Polyurethane Foams’ Development and Optimization from Polyols Based on Depolymerized Suberin and Tall Oil Fatty Acids
Authors: Ivdre Aiga , Kirpluks Mikelis , Abolins Arnis , Vevere Laima , Sture Beatrise , Paze Aigars , Godina Daniela , Rizikovs Janis , Cabulis Ugis
Published: March 2024

The utilization of polyols derived from renewable sources presents an opportunity to enhance the sustainability of rigid polyurethane (PUR) foams, thereby contributing to the advancement of a circular bioeconomy. This study explores the development of PUR rigid foams exclusively using polyols sourced from second-generation renewable biomass feedstocks, specifically depolymerized birch bark suberin (suberinic acids) and tall oil fatty acids. The polyols achieved a total renewable material content as high as 74%, with a suberinic acid content of 37%. Response surface modeling was employed to determine the optimal bio-polyol, blowing agents, and catalyst content, hence, optimizing the bio-based foam formulations. In addition, response surface modeling was applied to rigid PUR foam formulations based on commercially available petroleum-based polyols for comparison. The results, including apparent density (~40–44 kg/m3), closed cell content (~95%), compression strength (>0.2 MPa, parallel to the foaming direction), and thermal conductivity (~0.019 W/(m·K)), demonstrated that the suberinic acids-based rigid PUR foam exhibited competitive qualities in comparison to petroleum-based polyols. Remarkably, the bio-based rigid PUR foams comprised up to 29% renewable materials. These findings highlight the potential of suberinic acid-tall oil polyols as effective candidates for developing rigid PUR foams, offering promising solutions for sustainable insulation applications.
Prospect of Gum Arabic–Cocoliposome Matrix to Encapsulate Curcumin for Oral Administration
Authors: Hudiyanti Dwi , Al Khafiz Muhammad Fuad , Anam Khairul , Siahaan Parsaoran , Suyati Linda , Sunarsih Sunarsih , Christa Sherllyn Meida
Published: March 2024

Curcumin is an antioxidant that can effectively eliminate free radicals. However, as its oral bioavailability is low, an effective delivery method is required. Phospholipid-based liposomes can encapsulate lipophilic drugs, such as curcumin, while liposome, cholesterol, and gum Arabic (GA) can enhance the internal and external stability of drug membranes. This present study used concentrations of cholesterol (Cchol) and GA (CGA), ranging from 0 to 10, 20, 30, and 40% as well as 0 to 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40%, respectively, to encapsulate curcumin in a GA–cocoliposome (CCL/GA) matrix and test its efficacy in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and simulated gastric fluid (SGF). The absence of new characteristic peaks in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra results indicate the presence of non-covalent interactions in the CCL/GA encapsulation. Furthermore, increasing the Cchol decreased the encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), and antioxidant activity (IR) of the CCL/GA encapsulation but increased its release rate (RR). Conversely, increasing CGA increased its EE and IR but decreased its LC and RR. The two conditions applied confirmed this. Liposomal curcumin had the highest IR in SIF (84.081%) and the highest RR in SGF (0.657 ppm/day). Furthermore, liposomes loaded with 10% Cchol and 20% CGA performed best in SIF, while those loaded with 10% Cchol and 30% CGA performed best in SGF. Lastly, the CCL/GA performed better in SIF than SGF.