bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthy and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Dogs Have Differences in Serum Metabolomics and Renal Diet May Have Slowed Disease Progression
Authors: Brunetto Marcio Antonio , Ruberti Bruna , Halfen Doris Pereira , Caragelasco Douglas Segalla , Vendramini Thiago Henrique Annibale , Pedrinelli Vivian , Macedo Henrique Tobaro , Jeremias Juliana Toloi , Pontieri Cristiana Fonseca Ferreira , Ocampos Fernanda Maria Marins , Colnago Luis Alberto , Kogika Marcia Mery
Published: November 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent in dogs, and metabolomics investigation has been recently introduced for a better understanding of the role of diet in CKD. This study aimed to compare the serum metabolomic profile of healthy dogs (CG) and dogs with CKD (CKD-T0 and CKD-T6) to evaluate whether the diet would affect metabolites. Six dogs (5 females; 1 male; 7.47 ± 2.31 years old) with CKD stage 3 or 4 (IRIS) were included. CG consisted of 10 healthy female dogs (5.89 ± 2.57 years old) fed a maintenance diet. Serum metabolites were analyzed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were performed to assess differences in metabolomic profiles between groups and before (CKD-T0) and after renal diet (CKD-T6). Data analysis was performed on SIMCA-P software. Dogs with CKD showed an altered metabolic profile with increased urea, creatinine, creatine, citrate, and lipids. Lactate, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and glutamine were decreased in the CKD group. However, after 6 months of diet, the metabolite profiles of CKD-T0 and CKD-T6 were similar. Metabolomics profile may be useful to evaluate and recognize metabolic dysfunction and progression of CKD, and the diet may have helped maintain and retard the progression of CKD.
Flavonoids as Inhibitors of Bacterial Efflux Pumps
Authors: Waditzer Martin , Bucar Franz
Published: November 2021

Flavonoids are widely occurring secondary plant constituents, and are abundant in vegetable and fruit diets as well as herbal medicines. Therapeutic treatment options for bacterial infections are limited due to the spread of antimicrobial resistances. Hence, in a number of studies during the last few years, different classes of plant secondary metabolites as resistance-modifying agents have been carried out. In this review, we present the role of flavonoids as inhibitors of bacterial efflux pumps. Active compounds could be identified in the subclasses of chalcones, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, flavonolignans and isoflavones; by far the majority of compounds were aglycones, although some glycosides like kaempferol glycosides with p-coumaroyl acylation showed remarkable results. Staphylococcus aureus NorA pump was the focus of many studies, followed by mycobacteria, whereas Gram-negative bacteria are still under-investigated.
Iturin A Induces Resistance and Improves the Quality and Safety of Harvested Cherry Tomato
Authors: Jiang Mengxi , Pang Xinyi , Liu Huawei , Lin Fuxing , Lu Fengxia , Bie Xiaomei , Lu Zhaoxin , Lu Yingjian
Published: November 2021

The soft rot disease caused by Rhizopus stolonifer is an important disease in cherry tomato fruit. In this study, the effect of iturin A on soft rot of cherry tomato and its influence on the storage quality of cherry tomato fruit were investigated. The results showed that 512 μg/mL of iturin A could effectively inhibit the incidence of soft rot of cherry tomato fruit. It was found that iturin A could induce the activity of resistance-related enzymes including phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), glucanase (GLU), and chitinase (CHI), and active oxygen-related enzymes including ascorbate peroxidases (APX), superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalases (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR) of cherry tomato fruit. In addition, iturin A treatment could slow down the weight loss of cherry tomato and soften the fruit. These results indicated that iturin A could retard the decay and improve the quality of cherry tomato fruit by both the inhibition growth of R. stolonifera and the inducing the resistance.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as a Functional Component in Durum Wheat Pasta Production: Impact on Chemical Composition, In Vitro Glycemic Index, and Quality Properties
Authors: Krawęcka Ada , Sobota Aldona , Pankiewicz Urszula , Zielińska Ewelina , Zarzycki Piotr
Published: November 2021

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a good source of biologically active compounds with proven beneficial health effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of nettle herb supplementation on chemical composition, including the content of selected minerals and pigments, the in vitro glycemic response, and the cooking and sensory quality of extruded pasta. Tagliatelle-shaped pasta was produced under semi-technical scale by partial replacement of durum wheat semolina with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% of lyophilized nettle. The partial substitution with freeze-dried nettle caused a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the content of minerals, especially calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium in the products. The calcium content in the pasta fortified with 5%-addition of stinging nettle was 175.9 mg 100 g−1 and this concentration was 5.8 times higher than in the control sample. At the same time, high content of chlorophylls and carotenoids (237.58 µg g−1 and 13.35 µg g−1, respectively) was noticed. Enriching pasta with a 0–5% addition of stinging nettle resulted in a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in the content of the total dietary fiber (TDF) (from 5.1 g 100 g−1 to 8.82 g 100 g−1) and the insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) (from 2.29 g 100 g−1 to 5.63 g 100 g−1). The lowest hydrolysis index of starch (HI = 17.49%) and the lowest glycemic index (GI = 49.31%) were noted for the pasta enriched with 3% nettle.
Structural Design, Synthesis and Antioxidant, Antileishmania, Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Activities of a Novel Quercetin Acetylated Derivative
Authors: da Silva Saul Vislei Simões , Barboza Orlando Maia , Souza Jéssica Teles , Soares Érica Novaes , dos Santos Cleonice Creusa , Pacheco Luciano Vasconcellos , Santos Ivanilson Pimenta , Magalhães Tatiana Barbosa dos Santos , Soares Milena Botelho Pereira , Guimarães Elisalva Teixeira , Meira Cássio Santana , Costa Silvia Lima , da Silva Victor Diógenes Amaral , de Santana Lourenço Luís Botelho , de Freitas Santos Júnior Aníbal
Published: November 2021

Quercetin (Q) is a bioflavonoid with biological potential; however, poor solubility in water, extensive enzymatic metabolism and a reduced bioavailability limit its biopharmacological use. The aim of this study was to perform structural modification in Q by acetylation, thus, obtaining the quercetin pentaacetate (Q5) analogue, in order to investigate the biological potentials (antioxidant, antileishmania, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity activities) in cell cultures. Q5 was characterized by FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR spectra. The antioxidant potential was evaluated against the radical ABTS•+. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by measuring the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and the production of nitric oxide (NO) in peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice. Cytotoxicity tests were performed using the AlamarBlue method in cancer cells HepG2 (human hepatocarcinoma), HL-60 (promyelocytic leukemia) and MCR-5 (healthy human lung fibroblasts) as well as the MTT method for C6 cell cultures (rat glioma). Q and Q5 showed antioxidant activity of 29% and 18%, respectively, which is justified by the replacement of hydroxyls by acetyl groups. Q and Q5 showed concentration-dependent reductions in NO and TNF production (p < 0.05); Q and Q5 showed higher activity at concentrations > 40µM when compared to dexamethasone (20 µM). For the HL-60 lineage, Q5 demonstrated selectivity, inducing death in cancer cells, when compared to the healthy cell line MRC-5 (IC50 > 80 µM). Finally, the cytotoxic superiority of Q5 was verified (IC50 = 11 µM), which, at 50 µM for 24 h, induced changes in the morphology of C6 glioma cells characterized by a round body shape (not yet reported in the literature). The analogue Q5 had potential biological effects and may be promising for further investigations against other cell cultures, particularly neural ones.
Light-Induced Reactions within Poly(4-vinyl pyridine)/Pyridine Gels: The 1,6-Polyazaacetylene Oligomers Formation
Authors: Vaganova Evgenia , Eliaz Dror , Shimanovich Ulyana , Leitus Gregory , Aqad Emad , Lokshin Vladimir , Khodorkovsky Vladimir
Published: November 2021

Cyclic 6-membered aromatic compounds such as benzene and azabenzenes (pyridine, pyridazine, and pyrazine) are known to be light-sensitive, affording, in particular, the Dewar benzene type of intermediates. Pyridine is known to provide the only Dewar pyridine intermediate that undergoes reversible ring-opening. We found that irradiation of photosensitive gels prepared from poly(4-vinyl pyridine) and pyridine at 254 or 312 nm leads to pyridine ring-opening and subsequent formation of 5-amino-2,4-pentadienals. We show that this light-induced process is only partially reversible, and that the photogenerated aminoaldehyde and aminoaldehyde-pending groups undergo self-condensation to produce cross-linked, conjugated oligomers that absorb light in the visible spectrum up to the near-infrared range. Such a sequence of chemical reactions results in the formation of gel with two distinct morphologies: spheres and fiber-like matrices. To gain deeper insight into this process, we prepared poly(4-vinyl pyridine) with low molecular weight (about 2000 g/mol) and monitored the respective changes in absorption, fluorescence, 1H-NMR spectra, and electrical conductivity. The conductivity of the polymer gel upon irradiation changes from ionic to electronic, indicative of a conjugated molecular wire behavior. Quantum mechanical calculations confirmed the feasibility of the proposed polycondensation process. This new polyacetylene analog has potential in thermal energy-harvesting and sensor applications.
A Study on Synthesis and Upscaling of 2′-O-AECM-5-methyl Pyrimidine Phosphoramidites for Oligonucleotide Synthesis
Authors: Karalė Kristina , Bollmark Martin , Stulz Rouven , Honcharenko Dmytro , Tedebark Ulf , Strömberg Roger
Published: November 2021

2′-O-(N-(Aminoethyl)carbamoyl)methyl-modified 5-methyluridine (AECM-MeU) and 5-methylcytidine (AECM-MeC) phosphoramidites are reported for the first time and prepared in multigram quantities. The syntheses of AECM-MeU and AECM-MeC nucleosides are designed for larger scales (approx. 20 g up until phosphoramidite preparation steps) using low-cost reagents and minimizing chromatographic purifications. Several steps were screened for best conditions, focusing on the most crucial steps such as N3 and/or 2′-OH alkylations, which were improved for larger scale synthesis using phase transfer catalysis (PTC). Moreover, the need of chromatographic purifications was substantially reduced by employing one-pot synthesis and improved work-up strategies.
The Occurrence and Contamination Level of Ochratoxin A in Plant and Animal-Derived Food Commodities
Authors: Li Xianjiang , Ma Wen , Ma Zhiyong , Zhang Qinghe , Li Hongmei
Published: November 2021

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a highly toxic mycotoxin and poses great threat to human health. Due to its serious toxicity and widespread contamination, great efforts have been made to evaluate its human exposure. This review focuses on the OTA occurrence and contamination level in nine plant and animal derived food commodities: cereal, wine, coffee, beer, cocoa, dried fruit, spice, meat, and milk. The occurrence and contamination level varied greatly in food commodities and were affected by many factors, including spices, geography, climate, and storage conditions. Therefore, risk monitoring must be routinely implemented to ensure minimal OTA intake and food safety.
5-epi-Sinuleptolide from Soft Corals of the Genus Sinularia Exerts Cytotoxic Effects on Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines via the Inhibition of JAK2/STAT3, AKT, and ERK Activity
Authors: Tsai Wan-Chi , Wang Wen-Hung , Huang Bo-Cian , Huang Chiung-Yao , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: November 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal malignancies: more than half of patients are diagnosed with a metastatic disease, which is associated with a five-year survival rate of only 3%. 5-epi-Sinuleptolide, a norditerpene isolated from Sinularia sp., has been demonstrated to possess cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. However, the cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cells and the related mechanisms are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-pancreatic cancer potential of 5-epi-sinuleptolide and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The inhibitory effects of 5-epi-sinuleptolide treatment on the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells were determined and the results showed that 5-epi-sinuleptolide treatment inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest, and suppressed the invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. The results of western blotting further revealed that 5-epi-sinuleptolide could inhibit JAK2/STAT3, AKT, and ERK phosphorylation, which may account for the diverse cytotoxic effects of 5-epi-sinuleptolide. Taken together, our present investigation unveils a new therapeutic and anti-metastatic potential of 5-epi-sinuleptolide for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Natural Ingredients from Medicine Food Homology as Chemopreventive Reagents against Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Modulating Gut Microbiota Homoeostasis
Authors: Xia Xiaoyan , Xiao Jiao
Published: November 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a noteworthy worldwide public health problem. It represents a complex metabolic disorder, mainly characterized as hyperglycemia and lipid dysfunction. The gut microbiota dysbiosis has been proposed to play a role in the development of diabetes. Recently, there has been considerable interest in the use of medicine food homology (MFH) and functional food herbs (FF) to ameliorate diabetes and lead to a natural and healthy life. Hence, this review compiles some reports and findings to demonstrate that the practical use of the MFH/FF can modulate the homoeostasis of gut microbiota, thereby ameliorating the development of T2DM. The results provided useful data to support further investigation of the functional basis and application of MFH/FF to treat T2DM through maintaining intestinal homeostasis.
Optimization of Sacrificial Layer Etching in Single-Crystal Silicon Nano-Films Transfer Printing for Heterogeneous Integration Application
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Wu Yichang , Yang Guofang , Chen Dazheng , Zhang Jincheng , You Hailong , Zhang Chunfu , Hao Yue
Published: November 2021

As one of the important technologies in the field of heterogeneous integration, transfer technology has broad application prospects and unique technical advantages. This transfer technology includes the wet chemical etching of a sacrificial layer, such that silicon nano-film devices are released from the donor substrate and can be transferred. However, in the process of wet etching the SiO2 sacrificial layer present underneath the single-crystal silicon nano-film by using the transfer technology, the etching is often incomplete, which seriously affects the efficiency and quality of the transfer and makes the device preparation impossible. This article analyzes the principle of incomplete etching, and compares the four factors that affect the etching process, including the size of Si nano-film on top of the sacrificial layer, the location of the anchor point, the shape of Si nano-film on top of the sacrificial layer, and the thickness of the sacrificial layer. Finally, the etching conditions are obtained to avoid the phenomenon of incomplete etching of the sacrificial layer, so that the transfer technology can be better applied in the field of heterogeneous integration. Additionally, Si MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) on sapphire substrate were fabricated by using the optimized transfer technology.
Fabrication of ZnO/CNTs for Application in CO2 Sensor at Room Temperature
Authors: Saad Rana , Gamal Ahmed , Zayed Mohamed , Ahmed Ashour M. , Shaban Mohamed , BinSabt Mohammad , Rabia Mohamed , Hamdy Hany
Published: November 2021

Thin films of ZnO and ZnO/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are prepared and used as CO2 gas sensors. The spray pyrolysis method was used to prepare both ZnO and ZnO/CNTs films, with CNTs first prepared using the chemical vapor deposition method (CVD). The chemical structure and optical analyses for all the prepared nanomaterials were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV/Vis spectrophotometer devices, respectively. According to the XRD analysis, the crystal sizes of ZnO and ZnO/CNTs were approximately 50.4 and 65.2 nm, respectively. CNTs have average inner and outer diameters of about 3 and 13 nm respectively, according to the transmitted electron microscope (TEM), and a wall thickness of about 5 nm. The detection of CO2 is accomplished by passing varying rates of the gas from 30 to 150 sccm over the prepared thin-film electrodes. At 150 sccm, the sensitivities of ZnO and ZnO/CNTs sensors are 6.8% and 22.4%, respectively. The ZnO/CNTs sensor has a very stable sensitivity to CO2 gas for 21 days. Moreover, this sensor has a high selectivity to CO2 in comparison with other gases, in which the ZnO/CNTs sensor has a higher sensitivity to CO2 compared to H2 and C2H2.
Hybrid Molecularly Imprinted Polymers: The Future of Nanomedicine?
Authors: Garnier Maylis , Sabbah Michèle , Ménager Christine , Griffete Nébéwia
Published: November 2021

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been widely used in nanomedicine in the last few years. However, their potential is limited by their intrinsic properties resulting, for instance, in lack of control in drug release processes or complex detection for in vivo imaging. Recent attempts in creating hybrid nanomaterials combining MIPs with inorganic nanomaterials succeeded in providing a wide range of new interesting properties suitable for nanomedicine. Through this review, we aim to illustrate how hybrid molecularly imprinted polymers may improve patient care with enhanced imaging, treatments, and a combination of both.
Unconventional Thermal and Magnetic-Field-Driven Changes of a Bipartite Entanglement of a Mixed Spin-(1/2,S) Heisenberg Dimer with an Uniaxial Single-Ion Anisotropy
Authors: Vargová Hana , Strečka Jozef
Published: November 2021

The concept of negativity is adapted in order to explore the quantum and thermal entanglement of the mixed spin-(1/2,S) Heisenberg dimers in presence of an external magnetic field. The mutual interplay between the spin size S, XXZ exchange and uniaxial single-ion anisotropy is thoroughly examined with a goal to tune the degree and thermal stability of the pairwise entanglement. It turns out that the antiferromagnetic spin-(1/2,S) Heisenberg dimers exhibit higher degree of entanglement and higher threshold temperature in comparison with their ferromagnetic counterparts when assuming the same set of model parameters. The increasing spin magnitude S accompanied with an easy-plane uniaxial single-ion anisotropy can enhance not only the thermal stability but simultaneously the degree of entanglement. It is additionally shown that the further enhancement of a bipartite entanglement can be achieved in the mixed spin-(1/2,S) Heisenberg dimers, involving half-odd-integer spins S. Under this condition the thermal negativity saturates at low-enough temperatures in its maximal value regardless of the magnitude of half-odd-integer spin S. The magnetic field induces consecutive discontinuous phase transitions in the mixed spin-(1/2,S) Heisenberg dimers with S>1, which are manifested in a surprising oscillating magnetic-field dependence of the negativity observed at low enough temperature.
Psychopathological Symptoms and Well-Being in Overweight and Underweight Adolescents: A Network Analysis
Authors: Zeiler Michael , Philipp Julia , Truttmann Stefanie , Waldherr Karin , Wagner Gudrun , Karwautz Andreas
Published: November 2021

Overweight and underweight adolescents have an increased risk of psychological problems and reduced quality of life. We used a network analysis approach on a variety of psychopathology and well-being variables to identify central factors in these populations. The network analysis was conducted on data of 344 overweight adolescents (>90th BMI-percentile) and 423 underweight adolescents (<10th BMI-percentile) drawn from a large community sample (10–19 years) including behavioral and emotional problems (Youth Self-Report), eating disorder risk (SCOFF) and well-being variables (KIDSCREEN). Additionally, psychopathology and well-being scores of overweight and underweight individuals were compared with 1.560 normal weight adolescents. Compared to their normal weight peers, overweight adolescents showed elevated psychopathology and eating disorder risk as well as reduced well-being. Underweight adolescents reported increased levels of internalizing problems but no increased eating disorder risk or reduced well-being. The network analysis revealed that anxious/depressed mood and attention problems were the most central and interconnected nodes for both overweight and underweight subsamples. Among underweight individuals, social problems and socially withdrawn behavior additionally functioned as a bridge between other nodes in the network. The results support psychological interventions focusing on improving mood, coping with negative emotions and tackling inner tension.
Risk Factors for Malnutrition among IBD Patients
Authors: Einav Larisa , Hirsch Ayal , Ron Yulia , Cohen Nathaniel Aviv , Lahav Sigalit , Kornblum Jasmine , Anbar Ronit , Maharshak Nitsan , Fliss-Isakov Naomi
Published: November 2021

(1) Background: Malnutrition is a highly prevalent complication in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It is strongly associated with poor clinical outcomes and quality of life. Screening for malnutrition risk is recommended routinely; however, current malnutrition screening tools do not incorporate IBD specific characteristics and may be less adequate for screening these patients. Therefore, we aimed to identify IBD-related risk factors for development of malnutrition. (2) Methods: A retrospective case-control study among IBD patients attending the IBD clinic of the Tel-Aviv Medical Center for ≥2 consecutive physician consultations per year during 2017–2020. Cases who had normal nutritional status and developed malnutrition between visits were compared to matched controls who maintained normal nutritional status. Detailed information was gathered from medical files, including: demographics, disease phenotype, characteristics and activity, diet altering symptoms and comorbidities, medical and surgical history, annual healthcare utility, nutritional intake and the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) score. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify malnutrition risk factors. The independent risk factors identified were summed up to calculate the IBD malnutrition risk score (IBD-MR). (3) Results: Data of 1596 IBD patients met the initial criteria for the study. Of these, 59 patients developed malnutrition and were defined as cases (n = 59) and matched to controls (n = 59). The interval between the physician consultations was 6.2 ± 3.0 months, during which cases lost 5.3 ± 2.3 kg of body weight and controls gained 0.2 ± 2.3 kg (p < 0.001). Cases and controls did not differ in demographics, disease duration, disease phenotype or medical history. Independent IBD-related malnutrition risk factors were: 18.5 ≤ BMI ≤ 22 kg/m2 (OR = 4.71, 95%CI 1.13–19.54), high annual healthcare utility (OR = 5.67, 95%CI 1.02–31.30) and endoscopic disease activity (OR = 5.49, 95%CI 1.28–23.56). The IBD-MR was positively associated with malnutrition development independently of the MUST score (OR = 7.39, 95%CI 2.60–20.94). Among patients with low MUST scores determined during the index visit, identification of ≥2 IBD-MR factors was strongly associated with malnutrition development (OR = 8.65, 95%CI 2.21–33.82, p = 0.002). (4) Conclusions: We identified IBD-related risk factors for malnutrition, highlighting the need for a disease-specific malnutrition screening tool, which may increase malnutrition risk detection.
Effects of Plant-Based Diets on Weight Status in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Austin Grace , Ferguson Jessica J. A. , Garg Manohar L.
Published: November 2021

Excessive adiposity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D), and dietary patterns are important determinants of weight status. Plant-based dietary patterns (PBDs) are known for their therapeutic effects on T2D. The aim is to systematically review RCTs to investigate the effects of various PBDs compared to regular meat-eating diets (RMDs), in individuals who normally consume a RMD on body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in T2D. RCTs investigating PBDs and body weight, BMI, WC for ≥6 weeks in adults with T2D since 1980 were eligible for inclusion. Seven trials (n = 269) were included in the meta-analysis using random-effects models and expressed as MD (95%Cls). Compared to RMDs, PBDs significantly lowered body weight (−2.35 kg, 95% CI: −3.51, −1.19, p < 0.001), BMI (−0.90 kg/m2, 95% CI: −1.42, −0.38, p = 0.001) and WC (−2.41 cm, 95% CI: −3.72, −1.09, p < 0.001). PBDs alone significantly reduced body weight by 5.1% (−4.95 kg, 95% CI: −7.34, −2.55, p < 0.001), BMI by 5.4% (−1.87 kg/m2, 95% CI: −2.78, −0.95, p < 0.001) and WC by 4.3%(−4.23, 95% CI: −6.38, −2.07, p < 0.001). Interventions not limiting energy intake led to a significant reduction in body weight (−2.54 kg, 95% CI: −4.16, −0.92, p < 0.005) and BMI (−0.91 kg/m2, 95% CI: −1.56, −0.25, p < 0.005). Trials ≥16 weeks had a pronounced reduction in body weight (−2.93 kg, 95% CI: −5.00, −0.87, p = 0.005) and BMI (−1.13 kg/m2, 95% CI: −1.89, −0.38, p < 0.005). These findings provide evidence for the implementation of PBDs for better management of central adiposity in individuals with T2D.
Creatine and Nicotinamide Prevent Oxidant-Induced Senescence in Human Fibroblasts
Authors: Mahajan Avinash S. , Arikatla Venkata S. , Thyagarajan Anita , Zhelay Tetyana , Sahu Ravi P. , Kemp Michael G. , Spandau Dan F , Travers Jeffrey B.
Published: November 2021

Dermal fibroblasts provide structural support by producing collagen and other structural/support proteins beneath the epidermis. Fibroblasts also produce insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which binds to the IGF-1 receptors (IGF-1Rs) on keratinocytes to activate signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation and cellular responses to genotoxic stressors like ultraviolet B radiation. Our group has determined that the lack of IGF-1 expression due to fibroblast senescence in the dermis of geriatric individuals is correlated with an increased incidence of skin cancer. The present studies tested the hypothesis that pro-energetics creatine monohydrate (Cr) and nicotinamide (NAM) can protect normal dermal human fibroblasts (DHF) against experimentally induced senescence. To that end, we used an experimental model of senescence in which primary DHF are treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in vitro, with senescence measured by staining for beta-galactosidase activity, p21 protein expression, and senescence associated secretory phenotype cytokine mRNA levels. We also determined the effect of H2O2 on IGF-1 mRNA and protein expression. Our studies indicate that pretreatment with Cr or NAM protects DHF from the H2O2-induced cell senescence. Treatment with pro-energetics post-H2O2 had no effect. Moreover, these agents also inhibited reactive oxygen species generation from H2O2 treatment. These studies suggest a potential strategy for protecting fibroblasts in geriatric skin from undergoing stress-induced senescence, which may maintain IGF-1 levels and therefore limit carcinogenesis in epidermal keratinocytes.
Changes in the Sodium Content of Foods Sold in Four Latin American Countries: 2015 to 2018
Authors: Blanco-Metzler Adriana , Vega-Solano Jaritza , Franco-Arellano Beatriz , Allemandi Lorena , Larroza Rodrigo Burgos , Saavedra-Garcia Lorena , Weippert Madyson , Sivakumar Bridve , Benavides-Aguilar Karla , Tiscornia Victoria , Sequera Buzarquis Guillermo , Guarnieri Leila , Meza-Hernández Mayra , Cañete Villalba Felicia , Castronuovo Luciana , Schermel Alyssa , L’Abbé Mary R. , Arcand JoAnne
Published: November 2021

In 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) published sodium targets for packaged foods, which included two distinct levels: one “regional” and one “lower” target. Changes to the sodium content of the food supply in Latin American Countries (LAC) has not been evaluated. A repeated cross-sectional study used food label data from 2015 (n = 3859) and 2018 (n = 5312) to determine changes in the proportion of packaged foods meeting the PAHO sodium targets and the distribution in the sodium content of foods in four LAC (Argentina, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Peru). Foods were classified into the 18 food categories in the PAHO targets. The proportion of foods meeting the regional targets increased from 82.9% to 89.3% between 2015 and 2018 (p < 0.001). Overall, 44.4% of categories had significant decreases in mean sodium content. Categories with a higher proportion of foods meeting the regional and lower targets in 2018 compared to 2015 (p < 0.05) were breaded meat and poultry, wet and dry soups, snacks, cakes, bread products, flavored cookies and crackers, and dry pasta and noodles. While positive progress has been made in reducing the sodium content of foods in LAC, sodium intakes in the region remain high. More stringent targets are required to support sodium reduction in LAC.
Predicting Hospital Length of Stay at Admission Using Global and Country-Specific Competing Risk Analysis of Structural, Patient, and Nutrition-Related Data from nutritionDay 2007–2015
Authors: Kiss Noemi , Hiesmayr Michael , Sulz Isabella , Bauer Peter , Heinze Georg , Mouhieddine Mohamed , Schuh Christian , Tarantino Silvia , Simon Judit
Published: November 2021

Hospital length of stay (LOS) is an important clinical and economic outcome and knowing its predictors could lead to better planning of resources needed during hospitalization. This analysis sought to identify structure, patient, and nutrition-related predictors of LOS available at the time of admission in the global nutritionDay dataset and to analyze variations by country for countries with n > 750. Data from 2006–2015 (n = 155,524) was utilized for descriptive and multivariable cause-specific Cox proportional hazards competing-risks analyses of total LOS from admission. Time to event analysis on 90,480 complete cases included: discharged (n = 65,509), transferred (n = 11,553), or in-hospital death (n = 3199). The median LOS was 6 days (25th and 75th percentile: 4–12). There is robust evidence that LOS is predicted by patient characteristics such as age, affected organs, and comorbidities in all three outcomes. Having lost weight in the last three months led to a longer time to discharge (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.89; 99.9% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.85–0.93), shorter time to transfer (HR 1.40; 99.9% CI 1.24–1.57) or death (HR 2.34; 99.9% CI 1.86–2.94). The impact of having a dietician and screening patients at admission varied by country. Despite country variability in outcomes and LOS, the factors that predict LOS at admission are consistent globally.
School-Based Nutrition Interventions in Children Aged 6 to 18 Years: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: O’Brien Kate M. , Barnes Courtney , Yoong Serene , Campbell Elizabeth , Wyse Rebecca , Delaney Tessa , Brown Alison , Stacey Fiona , Davies Lynda , Lorien Sasha , Hodder Rebecca K.
Published: November 2021

Schools are identified as a key setting to influence children’s and adolescents’ healthy eating. This umbrella review synthesised evidence from systematic reviews of school-based nutrition interventions designed to improve dietary intake outcomes in children aged 6 to 18 years. We undertook a systematic search of six electronic databases and grey literature to identify relevant reviews of randomized controlled trials. The review findings were categorised for synthesis by intervention type according to the World Health Organisation Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework domains: nutrition education; food environment; all three HPS framework domains; or other (not aligned to HPS framework domain). Thirteen systematic reviews were included. Overall, the findings suggest that school-based nutrition interventions, including nutrition education, food environment, those based on all three domains of the HPS framework, and eHealth interventions, can have a positive effect on some dietary outcomes, including fruit, fruit and vegetables combined, and fat intake. These results should be interpreted with caution, however, as the quality of the reviews was poor. Though these results support continued public health investment in school-based nutrition interventions to improve child dietary intake, the limitations of this umbrella review also highlight the need for a comprehensive and high quality systematic review of primary studies.
The Prevalence of ‘‘Food Addiction’’ during the COVID-19 Pandemic Measured Using the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) among the Adult Population of Poland
Authors: Zielińska Magdalena , Łuszczki Edyta , Bartosiewicz Anna , Wyszyńska Justyna , Dereń Katarzyna
Published: November 2021

The announcement of the coronavirus pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), ongoing restrictions and isolation led to a break with the daily routine, and suspension of social contacts, but also imposed new challenges on the population related to maintaining healthy eating habits. The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of “food addiction” (FA) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland in relation to several variables including depression. The method of analysis was a questionnaire containing original questions and the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS). A total of 1022 Polish residents aged 18–75 participated in the study (N = 1022; 93.7% women, 6.3% men). The prevalence of FA during the COVID-19 pandemic measured with the YFAS 2.0 scale was 14.1%. The average weight gain during the pandemic in 39% of respondents was 6.53 kg. Along with the increase in the value of the BMI index, the intensity of “food addiction” increased in the study group. People with depression had statistically significantly more FA symptoms than healthy people. This work may motivate future research to evaluate the association and potential overlap of “food addiction” and problem eating behaviors during the pandemic and the obesity problem.
The Effect of Lifestyle Intervention on Diabetes Prevention by Ethnicity: A Systematic Review of Intervention Characteristics Using the TIDieR Framework
Authors: Chen Mingling , Ukke Gebresilasea Gendisha , Moran Lisa J. , Sood Surbhi , Bennett Christie J. , Bahri Khomami Mahnaz , Absetz Pilvikki , Teede Helena , Harrison Cheryce L. , Lim Siew
Published: November 2021

Lifestyle intervention is effective in preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the efficacy of intervention components across different ethnic groups is less clear. This systematic review examined the effects of intervention characteristics of lifestyle interventions on diabetes incidence and weight loss by ethnicity using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) framework. MEDLINE, EMBASE and other databases were searched for randomized and non-randomized controlled trials on lifestyle interventions (diet and/or physical activity) in adults at risk of T2DM. Ethnicity was categorized into European, South Asian, East and Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American and African groups. Forty-five studies (18,789 participants) were included in the systematic review and 41 studies in meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed a high number of intervention sessions was significantly associated with a greater reduction in diabetes incidence (P = 0.043) and weight (P = 0.015), while other intervention characteristics including intervention provider and delivery format did not alter the outcomes (all P > 0.05). Additionally, narrative synthesis showed long-term interventions (≥12 months) were associated with significant diabetes risk reduction for all ethnic groups, while short-term interventions (<12 months) were more effective in weight loss in most ethnic groups. There may be ethnic preferences for the optimal number of intervention sessions.
An Ultra-Processed Food Dietary Pattern Is Associated with Lower Diet Quality in Portuguese Adults and the Elderly: The UPPER Project
Authors: de Moraes Milena Miranda , Oliveira Bruno , Afonso Cláudia , Santos Cristina , Torres Duarte , Lopes Carla , de Miranda Renata Costa , Rauber Fernanda , Antoniazzi Luiza , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Rodrigues Sara
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to identify dietary patterns (DPs) and their associations with sociodemographic factors and diet quality in Portuguese adults and the elderly. Cross-sectional data were obtained from the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2015–2016), with two non-consecutive dietary 24 h recalls. Food items were classified according to the NOVA system and its proportion (in grams) in the total daily diet was considered to identify DPs by latent class analysis, using age and sex as concomitant variables. Multinomial logistic and linear regressions were performed to test associations of DPs with sociodemographic characteristics and diet quality, respectively. Three DPs were identified: “Traditional” (higher vegetables, fish, olive oil, breads, beer and wine intake), “Unhealthy” (higher pasta, sugar-sweetened beverages, confectionery and sausages intake) and “Diet concerns” (lower intake of cereals, red meat, sugar-sweetened and alcoholic beverages). “Unhealthy” was associated with being younger and lower intake of dietary fiber and vitamins and the highest free sugars and ultra-processed foods (UPF). “Diet concerns” was associated with being female and a more favorable nutrient profile, but both DPs presented a higher contribution of UPF than the “Traditional” DP. These findings should be considered for the design of food-based interventions and public policies for these age groups in Portugal.
The Fellowship of Privileged Scaffolds—One Structure to Inhibit Them All
Authors: Skoreński Marcin , Sieńczyk Marcin
Published: November 2021

Over the past few years, the application of privileged structure has emerged as a powerful approach to the discovery of new biologically active molecules. Privileged structures are molecular scaffolds with binding properties to the range of different biological targets. Moreover, privileged structures typically exhibit good drug-like properties, thus assuring more drug-like properties of modified compound. Our main objective is to discuss the privileged structures used for the development of antiviral agents.
Cannabidiol Does Not Cause Significant Changes to Working Memory Performance in the N-Back Task
Authors: Jones Éamon , Vlachou Styliani
Published: November 2021

Cannabis use can be traced back to several centuries before the Common Era, when it was used for industrial, medicinal and recreational purposes. More recently, over 100 different cannabinoid compounds have been identified, one of which is cannabidiol (CBD), a compound widely used for anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic treatment. The literature surrounding the cognitive effects of CBD is limited, with most studies focusing on the effects of other cannabinoids on cognition. To expand this literature, this study investigated whether CBD causes significant differences to working memory (WM) functioning, as measured by the N-back task. It was hypothesised that CBD does not cause statistically significant differences to WM. In all, 54 participants, 33 females and 21 males, were recruited, with a mean age of 32.63 years. Of these 54 participants, 26 reported using CBD and no other cannabinoids, while 28 reported not using any cannabinoid. The participants were instructed to answer a short online survey to gather basic demographic data and to complete an online N-back task to measure WM. For the computerised N-back task, the participants completed a practice and three test blocks, where they were instructed to respond to whether a series of letter stimuli were presented one trial back (1-back), two trials back (2-back) or three trials back (3-back). Multivariate analysis of covariance yielded no statistically significant difference on either response time or response accuracy data between groups after controlling for how long the participants use CBD and for what reason they use CBD. These results support our hypothesis that CBD does not cause significant changes to WM functioning. Further research is greatly needed to investigate the long-term effects of CBD use on WM and on general cognitive functioning.
HDAC4 Is Indispensable for Reduced Slow Myosin Expression at the Early Stage of Hindlimb Unloading in Rat Soleus Muscle
Authors: Paramonova Inna I. , Vilchinskaya Natalia A. , Shenkman Boris S.
Published: November 2021

It is well known that reduced contractile activity of the main postural soleus muscle during long-term bedrest, immobilization, hindlimb unloading, and space flight leads to increased expression of fast isoforms and decreased expression of the slow isoform of myosin heavy chain (MyHC). The signaling cascade such as HDAC4/MEF2-D pathway is well-known to take part in regulating MyHC I gene expression. Earlier, we found a significant increase of HDAC4 in myonuclei due to AMPK dephosphorylation during 24 h of hindlimb unloading via hindlimb suspension (HU) and it had a significant impact on the expression of MyHC isoforms in rat soleus causing a decrease in MyHC I(β) pre-mRNA and mRNA expression as well as MyHC IIa mRNA expression. We hypothesized that dephosphorylated HDAC4 translocates into the nuclei and can lead to a reduced expression of slow MyHC. To test this hypothesis, Wistar rats were treated with HDAC4 inhibitor (Tasquinimod) for 7 days before HU as well as during 24 h of HU. We discovered that Tasquinimod treatment prevented a decrease in pre-mRNA expression of MyHC I. Furthermore, 24 h of hindlimb suspension resulted in HDAC4 nuclear accumulation of rat soleus but Tasquinimod pretreatment prevented this accumulation. The results of the study indicate that HDAC4 after 24 h of HU had a significant impact on the precursor MyHC I mRNA expression in rat soleus.
Anti-Aging β-Klotho Gene-Activated Scaffold Promotes Rejuvenative Wound Healing Response in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Laiva Ashang L. , O’Brien Fergal J. , Keogh Michael B.
Published: November 2021

Wound healing requires a tight orchestration of complex cellular events. Disruption in the cell-signaling events can severely impair healing. The application of biomaterial scaffolds has shown healing potential; however, the potential is insufficient for optimal wound maturation. This study explored the functional impact of a collagen-chondroitin sulfate scaffold functionalized with nanoparticles carrying an anti-aging gene β-Klotho on human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for rejuvenative healing applications. We studied the response in the ADSCs in three phases: (1) transcriptional activities of pluripotency factors (Oct-4, Nanog and Sox-2), proliferation marker (Ki-67), wound healing regulators (TGF-β3 and TGF-β1); (2) paracrine bioactivity of the secretome generated by the ADSCs; and (3) regeneration of basement membrane (fibronectin, laminin, and collagen IV proteins) and expression of scar-associated proteins (α-SMA and elastin proteins) towards maturation. Overall, we found that the β-Klotho gene-activated scaffold offers controlled activation of ADSCs’ regenerative abilities. On day 3, the ADSCs on the gene-activated scaffold showed enhanced (2.5-fold) activation of transcription factor Oct-4 that was regulated transiently. This response was accompanied by a 3.6-fold increase in the expression of the anti-fibrotic gene TGF-β3. Through paracrine signaling, the ADSCs-laden gene-activated scaffold also controlled human endothelial angiogenesis and pro-fibrotic response in dermal fibroblasts. Towards maturation, the ADSCs-laden gene-activated scaffold further showed an enhanced regeneration of the basement membrane through increases in laminin (2.1-fold) and collagen IV (8.8-fold) deposition. The ADSCs also expressed 2-fold lower amounts of the scar-associated α-SMA protein with improved qualitative elastin matrix deposition. Collectively, we determined that the β-Klotho gene-activated scaffold possesses tremendous potential for wound healing and could advance stem cell-based therapy for rejuvenative healing applications.
Cannabidiol Induces Cell Death in Human Lung Cancer Cells and Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Hamad Hussein , Olsen Birgitte Brinkmann
Published: November 2021

Currently, there is no effective therapy against lung cancer due to the development of resistance. Resistance contributes to disease progression, recurrence, and mortality. The presence of so-called cancer stem cells could explain the ineffectiveness of conventional treatment, and the development of successful cancer treatment depends on the targeting also of cancer stem cells. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid with anti-tumor properties. However, the effects on cancer stem cells are not well understood. The effects of CBD were evaluated in spheres enriched in lung cancer stem cells and adherent lung cancer cells. We found that CBD decreased viability and induced cell death in both cell populations. Furthermore, we found that CBD activated the effector caspases 3/7, increased the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, increased the levels of reactive oxygen species, as well as a leading to a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in both populations. We also found that CBD decreased self-renewal, a hallmark of cancer stem cells. Overall, our results suggest that CBD is effective against the otherwise treatment-resistant cancer stem cells and joins a growing list of compounds effective against cancer stem cells. The effects and mechanisms of CBD in cancer stem cells should be further explored to find their Achilles heel.
Brief on Recent Application of Liposomal Vaccines for Lower Respiratory Tract Viral Infections: From Influenza to COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Attia Mohamed Ahmed , Essa Ebtessam Ahmed , Elebyary Toka Tarek , Faheem Ahmed Mostafa , Elkordy Amal Ali
Published: November 2021

Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing infectious diseases and saving lives. Modern biotechnology largely enabled vaccine development. In the meantime, recent advances in pharmaceutical technology have resulted in the emergence of nanoparticles that are extensively investigated as promising miniaturized drug delivery systems. Scientists are particularly interested in liposomes as an important carrier for vaccine development. Wide acceptability of liposomes lies in their flexibility and versatility. Due to their unique vesicular structure with alternating aqueous and lipid compartments, liposomes can enclose both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds, including antigens. Liposome composition can be tailored to obtain the desired immune response and adjuvant characteristics. During the current pandemic of COVID-19, many liposome-based vaccines have been developed with great success. This review covers a liposome-based vaccine designed particularly to combat viral infection of the lower respiratory tract (LRT), i.e., infection of the lung, specifically in the lower airways. Viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2) are common causes of LRT infections, hence this review mainly focuses on this category of viruses.