bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Long COVID Symptoms in Japanese Teenage Patients
Authors: Sakurada Yasue , Otsuka Yuki , Tokumasu Kazuki , Sunada Naruhiko , Honda Hiroyuki , Nakano Yasuhiro , Matsuda Yui , Hasegawa Toru , Ochi Kanako , Hagiya Hideharu , Ueda Keigo , Kataoka Hitomi , Otsuka Fumio
Published: January 2023

Background: Since the start of the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), not only adults but also many children have suffered from it. However, the clinical characteristics of long COVID in children remain unclear. Methods: In this retrospective observational study conducted in a single facility, we reviewed the medical records of all long COVID patients who visited Okayama University Hospital from February 2021 to October 2022, and we compared the clinical characteristics of long COVID in teenagers (11 to 18 years of age) with those in adults. Results: Data for 452 long COVID patients including 54 teenagers (11.9%) were analyzed. Fatigue was the most frequent symptom in teenagers (55.6% of the patients) and also in adults. On the other hand, the percentage of teenagers who complained of headache, which was the second most frequent complaint, was significantly higher than the percentage of adults (35.2% vs. 21.9%, p < 0.05). A comparison of the frequencies of symptoms depending on the viral variant showed that fatigue and headache were predominant symptoms in the Omicron variant phase. Of the 50 teenagers who were enrolled in schools, 28 (56.0%) could not attend school due to long COVID symptoms. The most common symptoms as reasons for absence from school were fatigue (85.7% of the patients), headache (42.9%), and insomnia (32.1%). Conclusions: Attention should be paid to the symptoms of fatigue and headache in teenagers with long COVID.
A New Parameter for Calcium Oxalate Stones: Impact of Linear Calculus Density on Non-Contrast Computed Tomography
Authors: Jeong Jae Yong , Cho Kang Su , Kim Dae Ho , Jun Dae Young , Moon Young Joon , Lee Joo Yong
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) is widely used to evaluate urolithiasis. The NCCT attenuation, measured in Hounsfield units (HU), has been evaluated to predict stone characteristics. We propose a novel parameter, linear calculus density (LCD), and analyze variables from NCCT imaging to predict calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones, which are common and challenging to fragment. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with urolithiasis between 2014 and 2017. Among those, 790 patients were included. Based on the NCCT pre-treatment, the maximal stone length (MSL), mean stone density (MSD), and stone heterogeneity index (SHI) were obtained. In addition, the variation coefficient of stone density (VCSD = SHI/MSD × 100) and linear calculus density (LCD = VCSD/MSL) were calculated. In accordance with the stone analysis, the patients were divided into two groups (CaOx and non-CaOx groups). The logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for predictive modeling. Results: In the CaOx group, the SHI, VCSD, and LCD were more significant than in the non-CaOx group (all p < 0.001). SHI (OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.001–1.004, p < 0.001), VCSD (OR 1.028, 95% CI 1.016–1.041, p < 0.001), and LCD (OR 1.352, 95% CI 1.270–1.444, p < 0.001) were significant independent factors for CaOx stones in the logistic regression models. The areas under the ROC curve for predicting CaOx stones were 0.586 for SHI, 0.66 for VCSD, and 0.739 for LCD, with a cut-point of 2.25. Conclusions: LCD can be a useful new parameter to provide additional information to help discriminate CaOx stones before treatment.
Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Characterization of Chitosan and Native Glutinous Rice Starch-Based Composite Edible Films: Influence of Different Essential Oils Incorporation
Authors: Venkatachalam Karthikeyan , Rakkapao Natthida , Lekjing Somwang
Published: January 2023

Biopolymer-based edible packaging is an effective way of preserving food while protecting the environment. This study developed an edible composite film using chitosan and native glutinous rice starch (NGRS) and incorporated essential oils (EOs) such as garlic, galangal, turmeric, and kaffir lime at fixed concentrations (0.312 mg/mL) to test its physicochemical and antimicrobial properties. The EO-added films were found to significantly improve the overall color characteristics (lightness, redness, and yellowness) as compared to the control film. The control films had higher opacity, while the EO-added films had slightly reduced levels of opacity and produced clearer films. The tensile strength and elongation at break values of the films varied among the samples. The control samples had the highest tensile strength, followed by the turmeric EO-added samples. However, the highest elongation at break value was found in the galangal and garlic EO-added films. The Young’s modulus results showed that garlic EO and kaffir lime EO had the lowest stiffness values. The total moisture content and water vapor permeability were very low in the garlic EO-added films. Despite the differences in EOs, the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) patterns of the tested films were similar among each other. Microstructural observation of the surface and cross-section of the tested edible film exhibited smooth and fissureless patterns, especially in the EO-added films, particularly in the galangal and kaffir lime EO-added films. The antimicrobial activity of the EO-added films was highly efficient against various gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. Among the EO-added films, the garlic and galangal EO-added films exhibited superior inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas fluorescence, and turmeric and kaffir lime EO-added films showed potential antimicrobial activity against Lactobacillus plantarum and L. monocytogenes. Overall, this study concludes that the addition of EOs significantly improved the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of the CH-NGRS-based edible films, making them highly suitable for food applications.
Film Distillation with a Porous Condenser for Seawater Desalination: Evaluation of Materials’ Stability in the Tropical Climate of Vietnam
Authors: Kalmykov Denis , Anokhina Tatyana , Borisov Ilya , Long Hoang Thanh , Nguyen Trong Dan , Volkov Alexey
Published: January 2023

Desalination and treatment of wastewater has become critical for Asia regions with water scarcity. In this work, the concept of thin-film distillation equipped with a porous condenser (FDPC) was considered for its implementation in a tropical climate of Vietnam. It was found that samples with a concentration of biocide of 0.5 wt.% possessed lower biofouling, in contrast to the neat membranes. The FD-PC module was developed and water desalination experiments were conducted in Russia and Vietnam. The experiments showed high reproducibility of the results; in particular, the evaporation rate was (4.9/3.0) kg/m2h in Russia and (4.1/2.0) kg/m2h in Vietnam. In addition, as part of this work, the optimal configuration of the installation was calculated using solar collectors as the main energy source. The calculation showed high energy efficiency: specific energy consumption 0.1–0.5 kWh/m3.
Effects of Nickel Plating on Interference Fit between Medium Carbon Steel and Copper–Zinc Alloy Parts
Authors: Nguyen Huu Loc , Lam Vi Phong
Published: January 2023

Studies on load capacity enhancement for an interference fit mainly focused on the essential coupling material pair of steel–steel parts. With more complex requirements in technical assemblies, more notable cases of material pairs are applied in interference fits. Hence, it is crucial to highlight the variations across-coupling scenarios in order to identify a workable approach for load capacity augmentation. The goal of this study is to examine how nickel plating affects the interference fit between steel and brass assembly parts. The experiments in this research focus on comparing the load capacity of plated and non-plated specimens by evaluating the extraction force on a compression machine. The fit parameters are measured with a coordinate measuring machine and contact surface profiler. Some microscopic observations are made to confirm the phenomena of this coupling case. The axial extraction tests determined that the plated fits show an increase in axial force limits of around 20% in comparison with the non-plated ones. There are also some significant improvements in the plated shaft surface properties, which reduce the physical adhesions between the shaft and hub. These results confirm the possibility of reusing the plated assembly parts, which gives highly economic and environmental advantages.
Development of a Low-Density and High-Strength Titanium Alloy
Authors: Zhu Shiyan , Zhu Chengpeng , Luo Deng , Zhang Xiaoyong , Zhou Kechao
Published: January 2023

Weight reduction is often considered the primary goal in the development of structure materials. A new Ti-8Al-1Cr-1V-0.5Fe-0.1Si (wt.%) alloy with a low-density and a high-strength was developed in this work. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the alloy were investigated in hot-rolled and solution-aging (STA) treatment conditions. The microstructures of the alloy in both states consist of the spherical αp phase, acicular αs phase, and a small amount of β phase. Attributed to such heterogeneous microstructures, the hot-rolled alloy exhibits an outstanding tensile strength of 1046.1 MPa, a total elongation of ~8.3%, and an impressive low density of 4.23 g/cm3. After heat treatment, the alloy also exhibits a similar strength and ductility. A detailed analysis of the deformation modes shows that the numerous dislocations slippages and deformation twinning in the αp phase are the main reasons for the high ductility, and the acicular αs phase provides the alloy with high strength after heat treatment. This newly developed alloy is a potential material for various structural applications.
Pitting Potential Improvement of 304 Stainless Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Solution by Terminalia bellirica Fruit Extract
Authors: Sutthiruangwong Sutha , Wongpaiboon Chutikan , Sritha Nathatida , Anukulkich Nattha
Published: January 2023

Pitting is a form of localized corrosion. One way to increase pitting resistance is, therefore, to cover surfaces with inhibitor molecules. Many plant extracts have been reported to be able to adsorb onto metal surfaces. According to uniform corrosion, the corrosion rate is reported to be decreased due to adsorption. Terminalia bellirica fruit contains organic chemicals which can adsorb onto metal surfaces. The extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit was used in this work as a corrosion inhibitor for 304 stainless steel in an acidic solution. The results showed a decrease in the corrosion current density of 304 stainless steel when the extract was added. A very high corrosion inhibition efficiency (%IE) of 95% was obtained with an extract addition of 300 mg L–1. Moreover, Terminalia bellirica fruit extract clearly showed an increase in the pitting potential of 304 stainless steel in potentiodynamic polarization curves, which was caused by the physical adsorption. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm model can be used to describe the adsorption of the extract molecule on 304 stainless steel surfaces. Besides the conventional pitting potential (Epit), the parameter called pitting potential improvement in percentage (%PPI) was shown in this work. Additionally, it was calculated based on two boundaries. It can be used to quantify the pitting potential in a percentage. Pitting resistance both in terms of pitting potential and in terms of pitting potential improvement was found to be increased with increasing concentrations of the extract. The highest pitting potential improvement of 29% was achieved at 300 mg L–1 of extraction addition.
Mechanical Failure and Metal Degradation of Ships and Marine Structures
Authors: Xu Yunze , Xia Da-Hai , Zhang Jian , Liu Gang
Published: January 2023

In addition to the development of ocean engineering, many ships and offshore structures have been constructed in recent years for use in shipping, oil and gas exploration, clean energy, mining and military purposes [...]
Revised Harris–Benedict Equation: New Human Resting Metabolic Rate Equation
Authors: Pavlidou Eleni , Papadopoulou Sousana K. , Seroglou Kyriakos , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: January 2023

This paper contains a revision of the Harris–Benedict equations through the development and validation of new equations for the estimation of resting metabolic rate (RMR) in normal, overweight, and obese adult subjects, taking into account the same anthropometric parameters. A total of 722 adult Caucasian subjects were enrolled in this analysis. After taking a detailed medical history, the study enrolled non-hospitalized subjects with medically and nutritionally controlled diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid disease, excluding subjects with active infections and pregnant or lactating women. Measurement of somatometric characteristics and indirect calorimetry were performed. The values obtained from RMR measurement were compared with the values of the new equations and the Harris–Benedict, Mifflin–St Jeor, FAO/WHO/UNU, and Owen equations. New predictive RMR equations were developed using age, body weight, height, and sex parameters. RMR males: (9.65 × weight in kg) + (573 × height in m) − (5.08 × age in years) + 260; RMR females: (7.38 × weight in kg) + (607 × height in m) − (2.31 × age in years) + 43; RMR males: (4.38 × weight in pounds) + (14.55 × height in inches) − (5.08 × age in years) + 260; RMR females: (3.35 × weight in pounds) + (15.42 × height in inches) − (2.31 × age in years) + 43. The accuracy of the new equations was tested in the test group in both groups, in accordance with the resting metabolic rate measurements. The new equations showed more accurate results than the other equations, with the equation for men (R-squared: 0.95) showing better prediction than the equation for women (R-squared: 0.86). The new equations showed good accuracy at both group and individual levels, and better reliability compared to other equations using the same anthropometric variables as predictors of RMR. The new equations were created under modern obesogenic conditions, and do not exclude individuals with regulated (dietary or pharmacological) Westernized diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and thyroid disease).
Growth Hormone Alters Circulating Levels of Glycine and Hydroxyproline in Mice
Authors: Young Jonathan A. , Duran-Ortiz Silvana , Bell Stephen , Funk Kevin , Tian Yuan , Liu Qing , Patterson Andrew D. , List Edward O. , Berryman Darlene E. , Kopchick John J.
Published: January 2023

Growth hormone (GH) has established effects on protein metabolism, such as increasing protein synthesis and decreasing amino acid degradation, but its effects on circulating amino acid levels are less studied. To investigate this relationship, metabolomic analyses were used to measure amino acid concentrations in plasma and feces of mice with alterations to the GH axis, namely bovine GH transgenic (bGH; increased GH action) and GH receptor knockout (GHRKO; GH resistant) mice. To determine the effects of acute GH treatment, GH-injected GH knockout (GHKO) mice were used to measure serum glycine. Furthermore, liver gene expression of glycine metabolism genes was assessed in bGH, GHRKO, and GH-injected GHKO mice. bGH mice had significantly decreased plasma glycine and increased hydroxyproline in both sexes, while GHRKO mice had increased plasma glycine in both sexes and decreased hydroxyproline in males. Glycine synthesis gene expression was decreased in bGH mice (Shmt1 in females and Shmt2 in males) and increased in GHRKO mice (Shmt2 in males). Acute GH treatment of GHKO mice caused decreased liver Shmt1 and Shmt2 expression and decreased serum glycine. In conclusion, GH alters circulating glycine and hydroxyproline levels in opposing directions, with the glycine changes at least partially driven by decreased glycine synthesis.
Hypolipidemic Effects of Beetroot Juice in SHR-CRP and HHTg Rat Models of Metabolic Syndrome: Analysis of Hepatic Proteome
Authors: Šilhavý Jan , Mlejnek Petr , Šimáková Miroslava , Malínská Hana , Marková Irena , Hüttl Martina , Miklánková Denisa , Kazdová Ludmila , Vrbacký Marek , Pecinová Alena , Mráček Tomáš , Pravenec Michal
Published: January 2023

Recently, red beetroot has attracted attention as a health-promoting functional food. Studies have shown that beetroot administration can reduce blood pressure and ameliorate parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism; however, mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects of beetroot are not yet fully understood. In the current study, we analysed the effects of beetroot on parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism in two models of metabolic syndrome: (i) transgenic spontaneously hypertensive rats expressing human C-reactive protein (SHR-CRP rats), and (ii) hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (HHTg) rats. Treatment with beetroot juice for 4 weeks was, in both models, associated with amelioration of oxidative stress, reduced circulating lipids, smaller visceral fat depots, and lower ectopic fat accumulation in the liver compared to the respective untreated controls. On the other hand, beetroot treatment had no significant effects on the sensitivity of the muscle and adipose tissue to insulin action in either model. Analyses of hepatic proteome revealed significantly deregulated proteins involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, mTOR signalling, inflammation, and cytoskeleton rearrangement.
Nutritional Enrichment of Plant Leaves by Combining Genes Promoting Tocopherol Biosynthesis and Storage
Authors: Morelli Luca , García Romañach Laura , Glauser Gaetan , Shanmugabalaji Venkatasalam , Kessler Felix , Rodriguez-Concepcion Manuel
Published: January 2023

The enrichment of plant tissues in tocochromanols (tocopherols and tocotrienols) is an important biotechnological goal due to their vitamin E and antioxidant properties. Improvements based on stimulating tocochromanol biosynthesis have repeatedly been achieved, however, enhancing sequestering and storage in plant plastids remains virtually unexplored. We previously showed that leaf chloroplasts can be converted into artificial chromoplasts with a proliferation of plastoglobules by overexpression of the bacterial crtB gene. Here we combined coexpression of crtB with genes involved in tocopherol biosynthesis to investigate the potential of artificial leaf chromoplasts for vitamin E accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. We show that this combination improves tocopherol levels compared to controls without crtB and confirm that VTE1, VTE5, VTE6 and tyrA genes are useful to increase the total tocopherol levels, while VTE4 further leads to enrichment in α-tocopherol (the tocochromanol showing highest vitamin E activity). Additionally, we show that treatments that further promote plastoglobule formation (e.g., exposure to intense light or dark-induced senescence) result in even higher improvements in the tocopherol content of the leaves. An added advantage of our strategy is that it also results in increased levels of other related plastidial isoprenoids such as carotenoids (provitamin A) and phylloquinones (vitamin K1).
Diagnosis, Prevalence and Significance of Obesity in a Cohort of CKD Patients
Authors: Moriconi Diego , D’Alessandro Claudia , Giannese Domenico , Panichi Vincenzo , Cupisti Adamasco
Published: January 2023

Background: data regarding the association between obesity and morbidity/mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are uncertain and sometimes contradictory. The aims of our study were to determine the associations among different measures of obesity and adiposity, and the risk of all-cause mortality or dialysis entry in stage 3–5 CKD patients. Materials: this observational cohort study included 178 CKD patients followed for a median of 71 months. Biochemistry, anthropometric measures such as body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) and body composition by bioimpedance analysis were evaluated. Results: we found a weak agreement between BMI and other measures of adiposity. In multivariable regression analysis, all measures of obesity such as BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio were not associated with dialysis entry and/or mortality. Instead, MAMC was associated with dialysis entry HR 0.82 [95% CI: 0.75–0.89] and high FM% with mortality HR 2.08 [95% CI: 1.04–4.18]. Conclusions: in our CKD population, lower MAMC was predictive of dialysis commencing, while a higher percentage of fatty mass was a predictor of mortality. Instead, obesity, as defined by BMI, is not associated with dialysis commencing or all-cause mortality.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to Elucidate the Connections among Smell, Obesity with Related Metabolic Alterations, and Eating Habit in Patients with Weight Excess
Authors: Velluzzi Fernanda , Deledda Andrea , Lombardo Mauro , Fosci Michele , Crnjar Roberto , Grossi Enzo , Sollai Giorgia
Published: January 2023

Obesity is a severe health problem linked to an increased risk of comorbidity and mortality and its etiopathogenesis includes genetic, epigenetic, microbiota composition, and environmental factors, such as dietary habits. The olfactory system plays an important role in controlling food intake and meal size, influencing body weight and energy balance. This study aims to identify the connection between olfactory function and clinical and nutritional aspects related to weight excess in a group of 68 patients with overweight or obesity. All participants underwent the evaluation of olfactory function, anthropometric data (weight, height, BMI, waist circumference), clinical data (hypertension, disglycemia, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome), and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Mediterranean Diet Score). A fourth-generation artificial neural network data mining approach was used to uncover trends and subtle associations between variables. Olfactory tests showed that 65% of patients presented hyposmia. A negative correlation was found between olfactory scores and systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and triglycerides levels, but a positive correlation was found between olfactory scores and the Mediterranean diet score. The methodology of artificial neural networks and the semantic connectivity map “Auto-Contractive Map” highlighted the underlying scheme of the connections between the variables considered. In particular, hyposmia was linked to obesity and related metabolic alterations and the male sex. The female sex was connected with normosmia, higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and normal values of blood pressure, lipids, and glucose levels. These results highlight an inverse correlation between olfactory skills and BMI and show that a normosmic condition, probably because of greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet, seems to protect not only from an excessive increase in body weight but also from associated pathological conditions such as hypertension and metabolic syndrome.
Laboratory Study on the Use of Urease-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation for Stabilization of Coal Fly Ash
Authors: Jia Yinggang , Chen Jian
Published: January 2023

Coal fly ash (FA) dust negatively impacts human health and the environment. This study aimed to prevent wind erosion through the technology of enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) to improve the surface stability of FA. In order to investigate the influence of urease activity, salt solution ratio, and polyacrylamide (PAM) concentration on the EICP process, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, sieving test, and wind tunnel test was carried out in the laboratory. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used to analyze the microscopic crystal morphology characteristics of mineralized products. The results showed that the wind erosion rate of the samples treated with EICP reduced significantly (the minimum wind erosion rate is 1.986 mg/(m2·min)) due to the crystal bridge function of CaCO3, while the UCS of these samples increased clearly. Appropriately increasing urease activity in the treatment solution contributed to the increased CaCO3 content and microscopic size. Excess urea concentration had a certain inhibitory effect on urease activity. The addition of PAM provided more nucleation sites for the EICP process and improved the strength of the cementation. These findings suggested that the EICP-PAM was a promising technique for the protection of FA sites from wind erosion.
Health Benefits of Consuming Foods with Bacterial Probiotics, Postbiotics, and Their Metabolites: A Review
Authors: Vera-Santander Victor E. , Hernández-Figueroa Ricardo H. , Jiménez-Munguía María T. , Mani-López Emma , López-Malo Aurelio
Published: January 2023

Over the years, probiotics have been extensively studied within the medical, pharmaceutical, and food fields, as it has been revealed that these microorganisms can provide health benefits from their consumption. Bacterial probiotics comprise species derived from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (genus Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Streptococcus), the genus Bifidobacterium, and strains of Bacillus and Escherichia coli, among others. The consumption of probiotic products is increasing due to the current situation derived from the pandemic caused by COVID-19. Foods with bacterial probiotics and postbiotics are premised on being healthier than those not incorporated with them. This review aims to present a bibliographic compilation related to the incorporation of bacterial probiotics in food and to demonstrate through in vitro and in vivo studies or clinical trials the health benefits obtained with their metabolites and the consumption of foods with bacterial probiotics/postbiotics. The health benefits that have been reported include effects on the digestive tract, metabolism, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and psychobiotic properties, among others. Therefore, developing food products with bacterial probiotics and postbiotics is a great opportunity for research in food science, medicine, and nutrition, as well as in the food industry.
New Insights into the Medieval Hispano-Muslim Panel Painting: The Alfarje Found in a Balearic Casal (Spain)
Authors: Álvarez-Romero Carla , García-Bueno Ana , López-Martínez Teresa , Turatti-Guerrero Rafael , Montoya Noemí , Doménech-Carbó María Teresa
Published: January 2023

Hispano-Muslim culture flourished during the Middle Ages in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. During the restoration of a Balearic nobiliary building (casal), several panels with polychrome decoration on the back side were found. They were part of an old Muslim wooden ceiling (alfarje). A multi-technique strategy including optical microscopy, infrared and μRaman spectroscopies, field emission scanning electron microscopy-X-ray microanalysis (FESEM-EDX), focused ion beam (FIB-FESEM-EDX), atomic force microscopy nanoindentation (AFM-NI), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been applied in the analysis of these panel paintings and has provided morphological and compositional data that have led to the identification of the materials and artistic technique as well as the alteration mechanisms due to the natural aging and the adverse conditions of conservation. As a novelty, this study has confirmed the use of indigo as a blue pigment, an unusual material in Hispano-Muslim panel painting. Apart from the notable change in the visual appearance observed in the paintings, the study has also confirmed a change in the mechanical resistance in the paint layers. These changes have been induced by the combination of the chemical and microbiological alteration mechanisms identified.
Comparison of Oleocanthal-Low EVOO and Oleocanthal against Amyloid-β and Related Pathology in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Abdallah Ihab M. , Al-Shami Kamal M. , Alkhalifa Amer E. , Al-Ghraiybah Nour F. , Guillaume Claudia , Kaddoumi Amal
Published: January 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by several pathological hallmarks, including the deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. Growing evidence support the neuroprotective effects of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and oleocanthal (OC). In this work, we aimed to evaluate and compare the beneficial effects of equivalent doses of OC-low EVOO (0.5 mg total phenolic content/kg) and OC (0.5 mg OC/kg) on Aβ and related pathology and to assess their effect on neuroinflammation in a 5xFAD mouse model with advanced pathology. Homozygous 5xFAD mice were fed with refined olive oil (ROO), OC-low EVOO, or OC for 3 months starting at the age of 3 months. Our findings demonstrated that a low dose of 0.5 mg/kg EVOO-phenols and OC reduced brain Aβ levels and neuroinflammation by suppressing the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway and reducing the activation of NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes. On the other hand, only OC suppressed the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts/high-mobility group box 1 (RAGE/HMGB1) pathway. In conclusion, our results indicated that while OC-low EVOO demonstrated a beneficial effect against Aβ-related pathology in 5xFAD mice, EVOO rich with OC could provide a higher anti-inflammatory effect by targeting multiple mechanisms. Collectively, diet supplementation with EVOO or OC could prevent, halt progression, and treat AD.
IR Studies of Ethoxy Groups on CeO2
Authors: Podobiński Jerzy , Zimowska Małgorzata , Śliwa Michał , Datka Jerzy
Published: January 2023

The reaction of ethanol with a surface of CeO2 was studied using IR spectroscopy. In some experiments, CeO2 was pretreated in a vacuum at 820 K which caused a partial reduction. In other experiments, CeO2 was reduced with hydrogen at 770 K. We also used CeO2 oxidized by oxygen treatment at 670 K. At low coverages, ethoxy groups and new surface OH groups were formed and water was not produced. On the other hand, at higher loading surfaces, Ce-OH was consumed and ethoxy groups and water were formed. Three kinds of ethoxyls were found on CeO2: monodentate, bidentate, and tridentate ones. They were characterized by various frequencies of symmetrical, asymmetrical, and combinational bands of C-C-O units. The reduction of CeO2 increased the contribution of tridentate ethoxyls and the oxidation increased the contribution of monodentate ones. At higher temperatures, ethoxy groups were oxidized to acetate ions with the formation of new surface OH groups. Monodentate ethoxyls were the most reactive and tridentate ones were the least reactive during oxidation. The amounts of acetate species were the highest for the oxidized CeO2.
Chemical, Antioxidant and Biological Studies of Brassica incana subsp. raimondoi (Brassicaceae) Leaf Extract
Authors: Malfa Giuseppe Antonio , Pappalardo Francesco , Miceli Natalizia , Taviano Maria Fernanda , Ronsisvalle Simone , Tomasello Barbara , Bianchi Simone , Davì Federica , Spadaro Vivienne , Acquaviva Rosaria
Published: January 2023

Brassica incana subsp. raimondoi is an endemic taxon present in a restricted area located on steep limestone cliffs at an altitude of about 500 m a.s.l. in eastern Sicily. In this research, for the first time, studies on the phytochemical profile, the antioxidant properties in cell-free and cell-based systems, the cytotoxicity on normal and cancer cells by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay, and on Artemia salina Leach, were performed. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannin contents of the leaf hydroalcoholic extract were spectrophotometrically determined. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis highlighted the presence of several phenolic acids, flavonoids, and carotenoids, while High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-DAD) identified various kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives. The extract exhibited different antioxidant properties according to the five in vitro methods used. Cytotoxicity by MTT assay evidenced no impact on normal human fibroblasts (HFF-1) and prostate cancer cells (DU145), and cytotoxicity accompanied by necrotic cell death for colon cancer cells (CaCo-2) and hepatoma cells (HepG2), starting from 100 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, respectively. No cytotoxic effects were detected by the A. salina lethality bioassay. In the H2O2-induced oxidative stress cell model, the extract counteracted cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and preserved non-protein thiol groups (RSH) affected by H2O2 exposure in HepG2 cells. Results suggest the potential of B. incana subsp. raimondoi as a source of bioactive molecules.
Scattering of e± by C2H6 Molecule over a Wide Range of Energy: A Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Sathee N. M. B. , Khatun M. Mousumi , Rani Anita , Billah M. Masum , Abdullah M. Nure Alam , Khandker Mahmudul H. , Watabe Hiroshi , Haque A. K. Fazlul , Uddin M. Alfaz
Published: January 2023

The present work reports the theoretical investigation of the scattering of electrons and positrons by the ethane (C2H6) molecule over the energy range 1 eV–1 MeV. The investigation was carried out by taking into account the screening correction arising from a semiclassical analysis of the atomic geometrical overlapping of the scattering observables calculated in the independent atom approximation. The study is presented through the calculations of a broad spectrum of observable quantities, namely differential, integrated elastic, momentum transfer, viscosity, inelastic, grand total, and total ionization cross-sections and the Sherman functions. A comparative study was carried out between scattering observables for electron impact with those for positron impact to exhibit the similarity and dissimilarity arising out of the difference of the collisions of impinging projectiles with the target. Partial-wave decomposition of the scattering states within the Dirac relativistic framework employing a free-atom complex optical model potential was used to calculate the corresponding observable quantities of the constituent atoms. The results, calculated using our recipe, were compared with the experimental and theoretical works available in the literature. The Sherman function for a e±–C2H6 scattering system is presented for the first time in the literature. The addition of the screening correction to the independent atom approximation method was found to substantially reduce the scattering cross-sections, particularly at forward angles for lower incident energies.
Autoxidation Kinetics of Tetrahydrobiopterin—Giving Quinonoid Dihydrobiopterin the Consideration It Deserves
Authors: Boulghobra Ayoub , Bonose Myriam , Alhajji Eskandar , Pallandre Antoine , Flamand-Roze Emmanuel , Baudin Bruno , Menet Marie-Claude , Moussa Fathi
Published: January 2023

In humans, tetrahydrobiopterin (H4Bip) is the cofactor of several essential hydroxylation reactions which dysfunction cause very serious diseases at any age. Hence, the determination of pterins in biological media is of outmost importance in the diagnosis and monitoring of H4Bip deficiency. More than half a century after the discovery of the physiological role of H4Bip and the recent advent of gene therapy for dopamine and serotonin disorders linked to H4Bip deficiency, the quantification of quinonoid dihydrobiopterin (qH2Bip), the transient intermediate of H4Bip, has not been considered yet. This is mainly due to its short half-life, which goes from 0.9 to 5 min according to previous studies. Based on our recent disclosure of the specific MS/MS transition of qH2Bip, here, we developed an efficient HPLC-MS/MS method to achieve the separation of qH2Bip from H4Bip and other oxidation products in less than 3.5 min. The application of this method to the investigation of H4Bip autoxidation kinetics clearly shows that qH2Bip’s half-life is much longer than previously reported, and mostly longer than that of H4Bip, irrespective of the considered experimental conditions. These findings definitely confirm that an accurate method of H4Bip analysis should include the quantification of qH2Bip.
Recent Advances in the Discovery of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Allosteric Modulators
Authors: Manetti Dina , Dei Silvia , Arias Hugo R. , Braconi Laura , Gabellini Alessio , Teodori Elisabetta , Romanelli Maria Novella
Published: January 2023

Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), negative allosteric modulators (NAMs), silent agonists, allosteric activating PAMs and neutral or silent allosteric modulators are compounds capable of modulating the nicotinic receptor by interacting at allosteric modulatory sites distinct from the orthosteric sites. This survey is focused on the compounds that have been shown or have been designed to interact with nicotinic receptors as allosteric modulators of different subtypes, mainly α7 and α4β2. Minimal chemical changes can cause a different pharmacological profile, which can then lead to the design of selective modulators. Experimental evidence supports the use of allosteric modulators as therapeutic tools for neurological and non-neurological conditions.
Identification of a Novel Angiogenesis Signalling circSCRG1/miR-1268b/NR4A1 Pathway in Atherosclerosis and the Regulatory Effects of TMP-PF In Vitro
Authors: Yuan Rong , Xin Qiqi , Ma Xiaochang , Yu Meng , Miao Yu , Chen Keji , Cong Weihong
Published: January 2023

Angiogenesis contributes to plaque instability in atherosclerosis and further increases cardio-cerebrovascular risk. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are promising biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and paeoniflorin (PF) combination treatment (TMP-PF) inhibited oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced angiogenesis in vitro. However, whether circRNAs regulate angiogenesis in atherosclerosis and whether TMP-PF can regulate angiogenesis-related target circRNAs in atherosclerosis are unknown. In this study, human RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data were analysed to identify differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs in atherosclerosis and to obtain angiogenesis-associated circRNA-microRNA (miRNA)-messenger RNA (mRNA) networks. Target circRNA-related mechanisms in angiogenesis in atherosclerosis and the regulatory effects of TMP-PF on target circRNA signalling were studied in ox-LDL-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and luciferase reporter assays, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. A novel circRNA (circular stimulator of chondrogenesis 1, circSCRG1) was initially identified associated with angiogenesis in atherosclerosis, and circSCRG1 silencing up-regulated miR-1268b expression, increased nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) expression and then promoted ox-LDL-induced angiogenesis. TMP-PF (1 μmol/L TMP combined with 10 μmol/L PF) up-regulated circSCRG1 expression, mediated miR-1268b to suppress NR4A1 expression and then inhibited ox-LDL-induced angiogenesis. However, circSCRG1 silencing abolished the inhibitory effects of TMP-PF on ox-LDL-induced angiogenesis, which were rescued by the miR-1268b inhibitor. In conclusion, circSCRG1 might serve as a new target regulating angiogenesis in atherosclerosis via the circSCRG1/miR-1268b/NR4A1 axis and TMP-PF could regulate the circSCRG1/miR-1268b/NR4A1 axis to inhibit angiogenesis in atherosclerosis in vitro, indicating a novel angiogenesis signalling circSCRG1/miR-1268b/NR4A1 pathway in atherosclerosis and the regulatory effects of TMP-PF, which might provide a new pharmaceutical strategy to combat atherosclerotic plaque instability.
H2S Sensors: Synthesis, Optical Properties, and Selected Biomedical Applications under Visible and NIR Light
Authors: Liu Dongning , Hessler Winston , Henary Maged
Published: January 2023

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an essential signaling gas within the cell, and its endogenous levels are correlated with various health diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, Down’s syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Because it plays such diverse biological functions, being able to detect H2S quickly and accurately in vivo is an area of heightened scientific interest. Using probes that fluoresce in the near-infrared (NIR) region is an effective and convenient method of detecting H2S. This approach allows for compounds of high sensitivity and selectivity to be developed while minimizing cytotoxicity. Herein, we report a review on the synthesis, mechanisms, optical properties, and selected biomedical applications of H2S sensors.
Screening of Active Ingredients from Wendan Decoction in Alleviating Palmitic Acid-Induced Endothelial Cell Injury
Authors: Xu Nan , Ijaz Muhammad , Shi Haiyan , Shahbaz Muhammad , Cai Meichao , Wang Ping , Guo Xiuli , Ma Lei
Published: January 2023

(1) Objective: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an important role in the treatment of numerous illnesses. As a classic Chinese medicine, Wendan Decoction (WDD) encompasses a marvelous impact on the remedy of hyperlipidemia. It is known that hyperlipidemia leads to cardiovascular injury, therefore anti-vascular endothelial cell injury (AVECI) may be an underlying molecular mechanism of WDD in the cure of hyperlipidemia. However, there is no relevant research on the effect of WDD on vascular endothelial cells and its pharmacodynamic substances. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of WDD on vascular endothelial cells. (2) Methods: The chemical constituents of WDD were determined by LC-MS/MS technology. The protective effects of 16 batches of WDD on samples from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated. Finally, gray relation analysis (GRA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were used to analyze the potential correlation between chemical ingredients and AVECI. (3) Results: The results indicated that WDD had apparent protective effect on endothelial cells, and pharmacological properties in 16 batches of WDD tests were apparently discrepant. The GRA and PLSR showed that trigonelline, liquiritin, hesperidin, hesperetin, scopoletin, morin, quercetin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin and formononetin may be the active ingredients of AVECI in WDD. (4) Conclusions: WDD has a protective effect on endothelial cell injury induced by palmitic acid, which may be related to its component content. This method was suitable for the search of active components in classical TCM.
Wavelength-Independent Excitation Bessel Beams for High-Resolution and Deep Focus Imaging
Authors: Wen Jing , Xie Zhouyu , Liu Shiliang , Chen Xu , Tang Tianchen , Kanwal Saima , Zhang Dawei
Published: January 2023

Bessel beams are attaining keen interest in the current era considering their unique non-diffractive, self-healing nature and their diverse applications spanning over a broad spectral range of microwave to optical frequencies. However, conventional generators are not only bulky and complex but are also limited in terms of numerical aperture (NA) and efficiency. In this study, we experimentally develop a wavelength-independent Bessel beam generator through custom-designed metasurfaces to accomplish high resolution and large depth-of-focus imaging. These meta-axicons exhibit a high NA of up to 0.7 with an ability to generate Bessel beams with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 300 nm (~λ/2) and a depth of focus (DOF) of 153 μm (~261λ) in a broad spectral range of 500–700 nm. This excitation approach can provide a promising avenue for cutting-edge technology and applications related to Bessel beams for imaging along with a high axial resolution and an ultra-large depth of focus.
Synthesis and Application of Ion-Exchange Magnetic Microspheres for Deep Removal of Trace Acetic Acid from DMAC Waste Liquid
Authors: Jin Xuna , Lu Yao , Zhang Heyao , Ju Yuheng , Zeng Xiaodan , Li Xiang , Chen Jie , Liu Zhigang , Yu Shihua , Wang Shanshan
Published: January 2023

In order to develop a deep method for removing trace acetic acid from industrial solvents, a type of quaternary ammonium-salt-modified magnetic microspheres was developed as a potential nanoadsorbent for low-concentration acetic-acid-enhanced removal from DMAC aqueous solution. The ion-exchange magnetic microspheres (Fe3O4@SiO2@N(CH3)3+) have been prepared by a two-step sol-gel method with N-trimethoxysilylpropyl-N, N, N-trimethylammonium chloride as functional monomer, tetraethyl orthosilicate as a cross-linking agent, Fe3O4@SiO2 as a matrix. The nanocomposite is characterized by SEM, FI-IR, XRD, VSM, and XPS. Moreover, the optimization of adsorption experiments shows that the maximum adsorption capacity of nanoadsorbent is 7.25 mg/g at a concentration = 30 mg/L, adsorbent dosage = 10 mg, V = 10 mL, and room temperature. Furthermore, the saturated Fe3O4@SiO2@N(CH3)3+ achieved an efficient regeneration using a simple desorption method and demonstrated a good regeneration performance after five adsorption/desorption cycles. In addition, Fe3O4@SiO2@N(CH3)3+ was used to remove acetic acid in DMAC waste liquid; the adsorption effect is consistent with that of a nanoadsorbent of acetic acid in an aqueous solution. These results indicate that Fe3O4@SiO2@N(CH3)3+ can efficiently treat acetic acid that is difficult to remove from DMAC waste liquid.
Fluorine-Free, Highly Durable Waterproof and Breathable Fibrous Membrane with Self-Clean Performance
Authors: Zhao Jinchao , Zhang Teng , Li Youmu , Huang Leping , Tang Youhong
Published: January 2023

Lightweight, durable waterproof and breathable membranes with multifunctional properties that mimic nature have great potential for application in high-performance textiles, efficient filtering systems and flexible electronic devices. In this work, the fluoride-free triblock copolymer poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) (SBS) fibrous membrane with excellent elastic performance was prepared using electrospinning. According to the bionics of lotus leaves, a coarse structure was built onto the surface of the SBS fiber using dip-coating of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs). Polydopamine, an efficient interfacial adhesive, was introduced between the SBS fiber and SiO2 NPs. The hydrophobicity of the modified nanofibrous membrane was highly improved, which exhibited a super-hydrophobic surface with a water contact angle large than 160°. The modified membrane retained super-hydrophobic properties after 50 stretching cycles under 100% strains. Compared with the SBS nanofibrous membrane, the hydrostatic pressure and WVT rate of the SBS/PDA/SiO2 nanofibrous membrane improved simultaneously, which were 84.2 kPa and 6.4 kg·m−2·d−1 with increases of 34.7% and 56.1%, respectively. In addition, the SBS/PDA/SiO2 nanofibrous membrane showed outstanding self-cleaning and windproof characteristics. The high-performance fibrous membrane provides a new solution for personal protective equipment.