bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Thermal Conductive Graphite Films Derived from the Graphitization of Chemically Imidized Polyimide Films
Authors: Sun Meijiao , Wang Xiaoqiang , Ye Zhengyu , Chen Xiaodong , Xue Yuhua , Yang Guangzhi
Published: January 2022

With the large-scale application and high-speed operation of electronic equipment, the thermal diffusion problem presents an increasing requirement for effective heat dissipation materials. Herein, high thermal conductive graphite films were fabricated via the graphitization of polyimide (PI) films with different amounts of chemical catalytic reagent. The results showed that chemically imidized PI (CIPI) films exhibit a higher tensile strength, thermal stability, and imidization degree than that of purely thermally imidized PI (TIPI) films. The graphite films derived from CIPI films present a more complete crystal orientation and ordered arrangement. With only 0.72% chemical catalytic reagent, the graphitized CIPI film achieved a high thermal conductivity of 1767 W·m−1·K−1, which is much higher than that of graphited TIPI film (1331 W·m−1·K−1), with an increase of 32.8%. The high thermal conductivity is attributed to the large in-plane crystallite size and high crystal integrity. It is believed that the chemical imidization method prioritizes the preparation of high-quality PI films and helps graphite films achieve an excellent performance.
Visible-Light-Driven Reduced Graphite Oxide as a Metal-Free Catalyst for Degradation of Colored Wastewater
Authors: Mazarji Mahmoud , Mahmoodi Niyaz Mohammad , Nabi Bidhendi Gholamreza , Minkina Tatiana , Sushkova Svetlana , Mandzhieva Saglara , Bauer Tatiana , Soldatov Alexander
Published: January 2022

Reduced graphite oxide (rGO)-based materials have demonstrated promising potential for advanced oxidation processes. Along with its distinctive 2D characteristics, rGO offers the prospect of catalytic degradation of various kinds of organic pollutants from aqueous environments. The practical application of rGO as a metal-free catalyst material to promote the Fenton reaction depends on the degree of rGO reduction. In this regard, the rGO was prepared according to oxidation by modified Hummers’ method and two-step reduction via hydrothermal and calcination in the N2 atmosphere. The as-prepared rGO was characterized in terms of X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The effectiveness of as-prepared rGO as a photocatalyst and the metal-free catalyst to decolorize different textile dyes, including basic red 46, basic red 18, and methylene blue, was investigated in visible/rGO and visible/rGO/H2O2 systems. The impact of operational factors such as catalyst dose, pH, and initial dye concentration was examined. The dye degradation process was investigated by the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. In addition, the recyclability of rGO in the visible/rGO/H2O2 system was examined.
Carbon Double Coated Fe3O4@C@C Nanoparticles: Morphology Features, Magnetic Properties, Dye Adsorption
Authors: Lin Chun-Rong , Ivanova Oxana S. , Edelman Irina S. , Knyazev Yuriy V. , Zharkov Sergey M. , Petrov Dmitry A. , Sokolov Alexey E. , Svetlitsky Eugeniy S. , Velikanov Dmitry A. , Solovyov Leonid A. , Chen Ying-Zhen , Tseng Yaw-Teng
Published: January 2022

This work is devoted to the study of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles doubly coated with carbon. First, Fe3O4@C nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal decomposition. Then these synthesized nanoparticles, 20–30 nm in size were processed in a solution of glucose at 200 °C during 12 h, which led to an unexpected phenomenon—the nanoparticles self-assembled into large conglomerates of a regular shape of about 300 nm in size. The morphology and features of the magnetic properties of the obtained hybrid nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, differential thermo-gravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer, magnetic circular dichroism and Mössbauer spectroscopy. It was shown that the magnetic core of Fe3O4@C nanoparticles was nano-crystalline, corresponding to the Fe3O4 phase. The Fe3O4@C@C nanoparticles presumably contain Fe3O4 phase (80%) with admixture of maghemite (20%), the thickness of the carbon shell in the first case was of about 2–4 nm. The formation of very large nanoparticle conglomerates with a linear size up to 300 nm and of the same regular shape is a remarkable peculiarity of the Fe3O4@C@C nanoparticles. Adsorption of organic dyes from water by the studied nanoparticles was also studied. The best candidates for the removal of dyes were Fe3O4@C@C nanoparticles. The kinetic data showed that the adsorption processes were associated with the pseudo-second order mechanism for cationic dye methylene blue (MB) and anionic dye Congo red (CR). The equilibrium data were more consistent with the Langmuir isotherm and were perfectly described by the Langmuir–Freundlich model.
A Fluorescent Nanosensor for Silver (Ag+) and Mercury (Hg2+) Ions Using Eu (III)-Doped Carbon Dots
Authors: Correia Cátia , Martinho José , Maçôas Ermelinda
Published: January 2022

Carbon dots doped with Eu3+ ions (Eu-Cdots) were prepared by a hydrothermal treatment, using citric acid and urea as precursors and Eu (NO3)3 as a europium source. The Eu3+ ions are strongly coordinated with the carboxylate groups at the surface of the Cdots and incorporated within the nanographene network in the carbon core. Vibrational spectroscopy provides evidence of such interaction with identification of bands assigned to the stretching of the Eu-O bond. Eu3+ doped Cdots have larger diameters then undoped Cdots, but they are divided into smaller domains of sp2 carbon. The UV-vis excitation spectrum provides evidence of energy transfer from the Cdots to the Eu3+. The luminescence spectrum shows the characteristic sharp peaks of Eu3+ in the red part of the visible spectrum and a broad emission of Cdots centered at 450 nm. The luminescence of the Cdots is strongly quenched by Hg2+ and Ag+, but not by other cations. The quenching mechanism differs significantly depending on the nature of the ion. Both the blue emission of Cdots and the red emission of Eu3+ are quenched in the presence of Hg2+ while only the emission of the Cdots is affected by the presence of Ag+. A ratiometric sensor can be built using the ratio of luminescence intensities of the Cdots to the Eu3+ peaks.
Aqueous Organic Zinc-Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors Prepared by 3D Vertically Aligned Graphene-Polydopamine Composite Electrode
Authors: Cui Ruowei , Zhang Zhenwang , Zhang Huijuan , Tang Zhihong , Xue Yuhua , Yang Guangzhi
Published: January 2022

A three-dimensional vertical-aligned graphene-polydopamine electrode (PDA@3DVAG) composite with vertical channels and conductive network is prepared by a method of unidirectional freezing and subsequent self-polymerization. When the prepared PDA@3DVAG is constructed as the positive electrode of zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSCs), excellent electrochemical performances are obtained. Compared with the conventional electrolyte, PDA@3DVAG composite electrode in highly concentrated salt electrolyte exhibits better multiplicity performance (48.92% at a current density of 3 A g−1), wider voltage window (−0.8~0.8 V), better cycle performance with specific capacitance from 96.7 to 59.8 F g−1, and higher energy density (46.14 Wh kg−1).
Direct Laser Interference Ink Printing Using Copper Metal–Organic Decomposition Ink for Nanofabrication
Authors: Park Jun-Han , Lee Jung-Woon , Ma Yong-Won , Kang Bo-Seok , Hong Sung-Moo , Shin Bo-Sung
Published: January 2022

In this study, we developed an effective and rapid process for nanoscale ink printing, direct laser interference ink printing (DLIIP), which involves the photothermal reaction of a copper-based metal–organic decomposition ink. A periodically lined copper pattern with a width of 500 nm was printed on a 240 μm-wide line at a fabrication speed of 17 mm/s under an ambient environment and without any pre- or post-processing steps. This pattern had a resistivity of 3.5 μΩ∙cm, and it was found to exhibit a low oxidation state that was twice as high as that of bulk copper. These results demonstrate the feasibility of DLIIP for nanoscale copper printing with fine electrical characteristics.
Microstructure, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Advanced Layered WN/MeN (Me = Zr, Cr, Mo, Nb) Nanocomposite Coatings
Authors: Smyrnova Kateryna , Sahul Martin , Haršáni Marián , Pogrebnjak Alexander , Ivashchenko Volodymyr , Beresnev Vyacheslav , Stolbovoy Vyacheslav , Čaplovič Ľubomír , Čaplovičová Mária , Vančo Ľubomír , Kusý Martin , Kassymbaev Alexey , Satrapinskyy Leonid , Flock Dominik
Published: January 2022

Due to the increased demands for drilling and cutting tools working at extreme machining conditions, protective coatings are extensively utilized to prolong the tool life and eliminate the need for lubricants. The present work reports on the effect of a second MeN (Me = Zr, Cr, Mo, Nb) layer in WN-based nanocomposite multilayers on microstructure, phase composition, and mechanical and tribological properties. The WN/MoN multilayers have not been studied yet, and cathodic-arc physical vapor deposition (CA-PVD) has been used to fabricate studied coating systems for the first time. Moreover, first-principles calculations were performed to gain more insight into the properties of deposited multilayers. Two types of coating microstructure with different kinds of lattices were observed: (i) face-centered cubic (fcc) on fcc-W2N (WN/CrN and WN/ZrN) and (ii) a combination of hexagonal and fcc on fcc-W2N (WN/MoN and WN/NbN). Among the four studied systems, the WN/NbN had superior properties: the lowest specific wear rate (1.7 × 10−6 mm3/Nm) and high hardness (36 GPa) and plasticity index H/E (0.93). Low surface roughness, high elastic strain to failure, Nb2O5 and WO3 tribofilms forming during sliding, ductile behavior of NbN, and nanocomposite structure contributed to high tribological performance. The results indicated the suitability of WN/NbN as a protective coating operating in challenging conditions.
Delegated Proof of Secret Sharing: A Privacy-Preserving Consensus Protocol Based on Secure Multiparty Computation for IoT Environment
Authors: Geng Tieming , Njilla Laurent , Huang Chin-Tser
Published: January 2022

With the rapid advancement and wide application of blockchain technology, blockchain consensus protocols, which are the core part of blockchain systems, along with the privacy issues, have drawn much attention from researchers. A key aspect of privacy in the blockchain is the sensitive content of transactions in the permissionless blockchain. Meanwhile, some blockchain applications, such as cryptocurrencies, are based on low-efficiency and high-cost consensus protocols, which may not be practical and feasible for other blockchain applications. In this paper, we propose an efficient and privacy-preserving consensus protocol, called Delegated Proof of Secret Sharing (DPoSS), which is inspired by secure multiparty computation. Specifically, DPoSS first uses polynomial interpolation to select a dealer group from many nodes to maintain the consensus of the blockchain system, in which the dealers in the dealer group take turns to pack the new block. In addition, since the content of transactions is sensitive, our proposed design utilizes verifiable secret sharing to protect the privacy of transmission and defend against the malicious attacks. Extensive experiments show that the proposed consensus protocol achieves fairness during the process of reaching consensus.
Bifidobacterium longum Subspecies infantis Strain EVC001 Decreases Neonatal Murine Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Lueschow Shiloh R. , Boly Timothy J. , Frese Steven A. , Casaburi Giorgio , Mitchell Ryan D. , Henrick Bethany M. , McElroy Steven J.
Published: January 2022

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease mainly of preterm infants with a 30–50% mortality rate and long-term morbidities for survivors. Treatment strategies are limited and have not improved in decades, prompting research into prevention strategies, particularly with probiotics. Recent work with the probiotic B. infantis EVC001 suggests that this organism may generate a more appropriate microbiome for preterm infants who generally have inappropriate gut colonization and inflammation, both risk factors for NEC. Experimental NEC involving Paneth cell disruption in combination with bacterial dysbiosis or formula feeding was induced in P14-16 C57Bl/6 mice with or without gavaged B. infantis. Following completion of the model, serum, small intestinal tissue, the cecum, and colon were harvested to examine inflammatory cytokines, injury, and the microbiome, respectively. EVC001 treatment significantly decreased NEC in a bacterial dysbiosis dependent model, but this decrease was model-dependent. In the NEC model dependent on formula feeding, no difference in injury was observed, but trending to significant differences was observed in serum cytokines. EVC001 also improved wound closure at six and twelve hours compared to the sham control in intestinal epithelial monolayers. These findings suggest that B. infantis EVC001 can prevent experimental NEC through anti-inflammatory and epithelial barrier restoration properties.
Dietary Habits of a Group of Children with Crohn’s Disease Compared to Healthy Subjects: Assessment of Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies through a Bromatological Analysis
Authors: Labriola Flavio , Marcato Caterina , Zarbo Chiara , Betti Ludovica , Catelli Arianna , Valerii Maria Chiara , Spisni Enzo , Alvisi Patrizia
Published: January 2022

Diet is a matter of interest in the pathogenesis and management of Crohn’s Disease (CD). Little is known about CD children’s dietary habits. Our aim was assessing the quality and the amount of nutrient intake in a group of CD pediatric patients. Data were compared with those of healthy subjects (HS). In total, 20 patients (13 males) and 48 HS (24 males) aged 4–18 years were provided with a food diary to fill out for one week. Winfood software performed the bromatological analysis, providing data about intakes of proteins and amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, cholesterol, fibers, minerals, vitamins, and polyphenols. Estimates of the antioxidant activity of foods and of the dietetic protein load were also calculated. The diet of CD patients was poorer in fibers, polyphenols, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fatty acids, and richer in animal proteins, vitamin B12, and niacin. PRAL was higher in CD patients’ diets, while ORAC was higher in HS. No significant differences were observed in carbohydrate and other macro- and micronutrient consumptions. CD dietary habits seem to reflect the so-called Western diet, possibly involved in CD pathogenesis. Furthermore, analysis of dietary habits allows for prevention of nutritional deficiencies and timely correction through education and supplementation.
Exploring the Associations between Single-Child Status and Childhood High Blood Pressure and the Mediation Effect of Lifestyle Behaviors
Authors: Deng Rui , Lou Ke , Zhou Siliang , Li Xingxiu , Zou Zhiyong , Ma Jun , Dong Bin , Hu Jie
Published: January 2022

Background: This study aimed to assess the association between single-child status and childhood high blood pressure (HBP) and to explore the role of lifestyle behaviors in this relationship. Methods: This study used data from a cross-sectional survey of 50,691 children aged 7~18 years in China. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between single-child status and HBP, and interactions between single-child status and lifestyle behaviors were also evaluated. Mediation analysis was conducted to detect the mediation effect of lifestyle behaviors. Results: Of the participants enrolled, 67.2% were single children and 49.4% were girls. Non-single children were associated with a greater risk of HBP, especially in girls (OR = 1.11, 95%CI: 1.03~1.19). Meat consumption and sedentary behavior mediated 58.9% of the association between single-child status and HBP (p < 0.01). When stratified by sleeping duration, non-single girls of insufficient sleep and hypersomnia showed a higher risk of HBP (p < 0.05) than single-child peers, but not in those with adequate sleep. Conclusion: Findings suggest that non-single children had an increased risk of HBP, and keeping healthy lifestyle behaviors could help to mitigate the adverse impact in non-single children.
Lower Muscle and Blood Lactate Accumulation in Sickle Cell Trait Carriers in Response to Short High-Intensity Exercise
Authors: Messonnier Laurent A. , Oyono-Enguéllé Samuel , Vincent Lucile , Dubouchaud Hervé , Chatel Benjamin , Sanchez Hervé , Malgoyre Alexandra , Martin Cyril , Galactéros Frédéric , Bartolucci Pablo , Thiriet Patrice , Féasson Léonard
Published: January 2022

It remains unclear whether sickle cell trait (SCT) should be considered a risk factor during intense physical activity. By triggering the polymerization-sickling-vaso-occlusion cascade, lactate accumulation-associated acidosis in response to high-intensity exercise is believed to be one of the causes of complications. However, our understanding of lactate metabolism in response to high-intensity exercise in SCT carriers is incomplete. Thirty male SCT carriers (n = 15) and healthy subjects (n = 15) with and without α-thalassemia performed a 2-min high-intensity exercise. Blood and muscle lactate concentrations were measured at exercise completion. Time courses of blood lactate and glucose concentrations were followed during the subsequent recovery. Additional biochemical analyses were performed on biopsies of the vastus lateralis muscle. SCT was associated with lower blood and muscle lactate concentrations in response to the short high-intensity exercise. Compared to controls, the muscle content among SCT carriers of lactate transporter MCT4 and β2-adrenergic receptor were higher and lower, respectively. During recovery, the lactate removal ability was higher in SCT carriers. In the present study, no effect of α-thalassemia was observed. The lower blood and muscle lactate accumulations in SCT carriers may, to some extent, act as protective mechanisms: (i) against exercise-related acidosis and subsequent sickling, that may explain the relatively rare complications observed in exercising SCT carriers; and (ii) against the deleterious effects of intracellular lactate and associated acidosis on muscle function, that might explain the elevated presence of SCT carriers among the best sprinters.
Food Habits and Lifestyle of Romanians in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Năstăsescu Valentin , Mititelu Magdalena , Stanciu Tiberius Iustinian , Drăgănescu Doina , Grigore Nicoleta Diana , Udeanu Denisa Ioana , Stanciu Gabriela , Neacșu Sorinel Marius , Dinu-Pîrvu Cristina Elena , Oprea Eliza , Ghica Manuela
Published: January 2022

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has produced significant changes in socio-cultural life, diet, and interpersonal relationships across the world’s population. The present study aims to identify changes in lifestyle and diet among the Romanian population one year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire with 58 items (addressing the following aspects: socio-demographic and anthropometric data, current eating habits, and lifestyle changes) was distributed using institutional mailing lists and social media. A total number of 2040 respondents participated in the study, of whom 1464 were women, and 576 men. Among the respondents, 1598 came from urban areas and 442 from rural areas. The processing of the collected data showed significant changes in the behavior of the respondents caused by the pandemic situation with psycho-affective changes in some cases. The number of people who had anxiety, depression and nervousness increased by up to 20%. The majority of respondents (over 57%) were up to 30 years old, either students (43.50%) or employees going to workplaces (33.20%). Analyzing eating habits, we found that diet modification was needed to increase the daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and seafood. Regarding weight status during the pandemic, we noticed that 34.7% of normal-weight respondents said that they gained weight while 49.7% of overweight people and 52.5% of obese people said that they gained weight (p < 0.0001). Regarding psycho-emotional behavior, 11.81% of the surveyed women stated that they frequently had depressive states during the pandemic period and 11.63% of the men stated that they frequently presented depressive states during the pandemic (p = 0.005).
Vitamin D Intake May Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Infection Morbidity in Health Care Workers
Authors: Karonova Tatiana L. , Chernikova Alena T. , Golovatyuk Ksenia A. , Bykova Ekaterina S. , Grant William B. , Kalinina Olga V. , Grineva Elena N. , Shlyakhto Evgeny V.
Published: January 2022

In the last 2 years, observational studies have shown that a low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level affected the severity of infection with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This study aimed to analyze the potential effect of vitamin D supplementation in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection morbidity and severity in health care workers. Of 128 health care workers, 91 (consisting of 38 medical doctors (42%), 38 nurses (42%), and 15 medical attendants (16%)) were randomized into two groups receiving vitamin D supplementation. Participants of group I (n = 45) received water-soluble cholecalciferol at a dose of 50,000 IU/week for 2 consecutive weeks, followed by 5000 IU/day for the rest of the study. Participants of group II (n = 46) received water-soluble cholecalciferol at a dose of 2000 IU/day. For both groups, treatment lasted 3 months. Baseline serum 25(OH)D level in health care workers varied from 3.0 to 65.1 ng/mL (median, 17.7 (interquartile range, 12.2; 24.7) ng/mL). Vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and normal vitamin D status were diagnosed in 60%, 30%, and 10%, respectively. Only 78 subjects completed the study. Vitamin D supplementation was associated with an increase in serum 25(OH)D level, but only intake of 5000 IU/day was accompanied by normalization of serum 25(OH)D level, which occurred in 53% of cases. Neither vitamin D intake nor vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency were associated with a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 morbidity (odds ratio = 2.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.72 to 7.12). However, subjects receiving high-dose vitamin D had only asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 in 10 (26%) cases; at the same time, participants who received 2000 IU/day showed twice as many SARS-CoV-2 cases, with mild clinical features in half of them.
Increased School Breakfast Participation from Policy and Program Innovation: The Community Eligibility Provision and Breakfast after the Bell
Authors: Ferris Dan , Jabbari Jason , Chun Yung , Sándoval J.S. Onésimo
Published: January 2022

School meals provide significant access to food and nutrition for children and adolescents, particularly through universal free meal mechanisms. Alongside added nutritional meal requirements under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (2010), schools can utilize meal program and policy mechanisms such as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and Breakfast after the Bell (BATB) to increase participation. This study examines longitudinal statewide school-level CEP and BATB adoption and estimates the impact on increased free and reduced-price (FRP) breakfast participation. We find that FRP breakfast participation increased for schools that utilize both CEP and BATB (14-percentage-point increase) and that CEP-participating schools are more likely to use BATB approaches such as breakfast in the classroom, grab-and-go carts, and second-chance breakfast. Additionally, using a conditional Difference-in-Differences (DiD) approach, we find that BATB adoption accounted for a 1.4-percentage-point increase in FRP school breakfasts served (p < 0.05). Study findings can inform policy and school official decision making around the policy and program mechanisms at their disposal to increase school meal participation and student nutrition.
Key Stakeholder Perspectives on Introducing a Front-of-Pack Labelling Scheme on Packaged Foods in China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Yin Xuejun , Ye Lihong , Xin Xin , Xiang Lin , Yu Yue , Yan Ruijie , Wen Kehan , Tian Maoyi , Jones Alexandra , Pettigrew Simone , Liu Wei , Yang Yuexin , Zhang Juan
Published: January 2022

Front-of-pack (FoP) labelling on foods is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the growing global burden of diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), but this policy has not yet been implemented in China. The aim of this study was to ascertain key stakeholders’ views on barriers and facilitators to developing a feasible and acceptable FoP labelling policy in the Chinese context. Semistructured interviews were used to elicit opinions from diverse representatives in roles of FoP labelling policy influence. Participants were identified by purposive and snowball sampling. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was adopted to facilitate data collection and analysis. Themes and subthemes were generated using deductive and inductive approaches. Thirty participants were interviewed. The major barriers were the absence of national contextual analysis, perceived complexity of the process of policy development, disagreement on a preferred FoP labelling format, cost for the food industry, low priority compared to food safety policies, lack of existing regulatory framework or authorised nutrient profiling system, limited knowledge of FoP labelling, and the lack of planning and engagement with stakeholders. Facilitators included existing prerequisites, experiences and lessons from the pilot, policy coherence with Healthy China 2030, and support from external agents (e.g., WHO). Further efforts are required to develop and collate evidence to demonstrate the scientific, legal, and political feasibility of introducing effective FoP labelling.
Pharmacokinetic Outcomes of the Interactions of Antiretroviral Agents with Food and Supplements: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Siritientong Tippawan , Thet Daylia , Methaneethorn Janthima , Leelakanok Nattawut
Published: January 2022

Because pharmacokinetic changes in antiretroviral drugs (ARV), due to their concurrent administration with food or nutritional products, have become a clinical challenge, it is necessary to monitor the therapeutic efficacy of ARV in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to clarify the pharmacokinetic outcomes of the interaction between supplements such as food, dietary supplements, and nutrients, and ARV. Twenty-four articles in both healthy subjects and PLWH were included in the qualitative analysis, of which five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Food–drug coadministration significantly increased the time to reach maximum concentration (tmax) (p < 0.00001) of ARV including abacavir, amprenavir, darunavir, emtricitabine, lamivudine, zidovudine, ritonavir, and tenofovir alafenamide. In addition, the increased maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of ARV, such as darunavir, under fed conditions was observed. Area under the curve and terminal half-life were not significantly affected. Evaluating the pharmacokinetic aspects, it is vital to clinically investigate ARV and particular supplement interaction in PLWH. Educating patients about any potential interactions would be one of the effective recommendations during this HIV epidemic.
Food Security Interventions among Refugees around the Globe: A Scoping Review
Authors: Nisbet Christine , Lestrat Kassandra E. , Vatanparast Hassan
Published: January 2022

There are 26 million refugees globally, with as many as 80% facing food insecurity irrespective of location. Food insecurity results in malnutrition beginning at an early age and disproportionately affects certain groups such as women. Food security is a complex issue and must consider gender, policies, social and cultural contexts that refugees face. Our aim is to assess what is known about food security interventions in refugees and identify existing gaps in knowledge. This scoping review followed the guidelines set out in the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. We included all articles that discussed food security interventions in refugees published between 2010 and 2020. A total of 57 articles were eligible for this study with most interventions providing cash, vouchers, or food transfers; urban agriculture, gardening, animal husbandry, or foraging; nutrition education; and infant and young child feeding. Urban agriculture and nutrition education were more prevalent in destination countries. While urban agriculture was a focus of the FAO and cash/voucher interventions were implemented by the WFP, the level of collaboration between UN agencies was unclear. Food security was directly measured in 39% of studies, half of which used the UN’s Food Consumption Score, and the remainder using a variety of methods. As substantiated in the literature, gender considerations are vital to the success of food security interventions, and although studies include this in the planning process, few see gender considerations through to implementation. Including host communities in food security interventions improves the refugee–host relationship. Collaboration should be encouraged among aid organizations. To assess intervention efficacy, food security should be measured with a consistent tool. With the number of refugees in the world continuing to rise, further efforts are required to transition from acute aid to sustainability through livelihood strategies.
The Role of Macronutrients, Micronutrients and Flavonoid Polyphenols in the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis
Authors: Martiniakova Monika , Babikova Martina , Mondockova Vladimira , Blahova Jana , Kovacova Veronika , Omelka Radoslav
Published: January 2022

Osteoporosis is considered an age-related disorder of the skeletal system, characterized primarily by decreased bone mineral density (BMD), microstructural quality and an elevated risk of fragility fractures. This silent disease is increasingly becoming a global epidemic due to an aging population and longer life expectancy. It is known that nutrition and physical activity play an important role in skeletal health, both in achieving the highest BMD and in maintaining bone health. In this review, the role of macronutrients (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates), micronutrients (minerals—calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, as well as vitamins—D, C, K) and flavonoid polyphenols (quercetin, rutin, luteolin, kaempferol, naringin) which appear to be essential for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, are characterized. Moreover, the importance of various naturally available nutrients, whether in the diet or in food supplements, is emphasized. In addition to pharmacotherapy, the basis of osteoporosis prevention is a healthy diet rich mainly in fruits, vegetables, seafood and fish oil supplements, specific dairy products, containing a sufficient amount of all aforementioned nutritional substances along with regular physical activity. The effect of diet alone in this context may depend on an individual’s genotype, gene-diet interactions or the composition and function of the gut microbiota.
Reported Changes in Eating Habits Related to Less Healthy Foods and Beverages during the COVID-19 Pandemic among US Adults
Authors: Park Sohyun , Lee Seung Hee , Yaroch Amy L. , Blanck Heidi M.
Published: January 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered stress, anxiety, and disruption to many individuals’ daily lives, which might impact eating habits. Objective: To examine changes in eating habits related to less healthy foods and beverages during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants/setting: Authors used SummerStyles data gathered in June 2020 among 3916 US adults (≥18 years). Main outcome measures: The outcome of interest was the reported frequency of consuming more (1) unhealthy snacks and desserts including chips, cookies, and ice cream and (2) sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) like regular soda, fruit drinks, sports/energy drinks, sweetened coffee/teas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were categorized as Never/Rarely, Sometimes, or Often/Always. Explanatory variables were sociodemographics, weight status, and census regions. Statistical analyses performed: We used multinomial regressions to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for Sometimes or Often/Always consuming more unhealthy snacks/desserts (vs. Never/Rarely); and Sometimes or Often/Always more SSBs (vs. Never/Rarely). Results: Overall, 36% of adults reported sometimes consuming more unhealthy snacks/desserts; 16% did so often/always. Twenty-two percent of adults reported sometimes drinking more SSBs; 10% did so often/always. Factors significantly associated with higher odds of reporting often/always consuming more unhealthy snacks/desserts were younger adults (AOR range = 1.51–2.86 vs. adults ≥65 years), females (AOR = 1.58 vs. males), non-Hispanic Black (AOR = 1.89 vs. non-Hispanic White), lower household income (AOR = 2.01 for <USD 35,000 vs. ≥USD 100,000), and obesity (AOR = 1.56 vs. underweight/healthy weight). Factors significantly associated with odds of Often/Always drinking more SSBs were being younger (AOR range = 2.26–4.39 vs. adults ≥65 years), non-Hispanic Black (AOR = 3.25 vs. non-Hispanic White), Hispanic (AOR = 1.75 vs. non-Hispanic White), non-Hispanic Other race/ethnicity (AOR = 2.41 vs. non-Hispanic White), lower education (AOR = 2.03 for ≤high school; AOR = 1.80 for some college vs. college graduate), lower household income (AOR range = 1.64–3.15 vs. ≥USD 100,000), and obesity (AOR = 1.61 vs. underweight/healthy weight). Conclusions: Consuming more sugary foods and SSBs during the first phase of the pandemic was higher in younger adults, lower-income adults, people of racial/ethnic minority groups, and adults with obesity. Dietary shifts to less healthy foods and drinks may influence metabolic health if sustained long-term. Implementing strategies to support individual’s healthy eating habits during the ongoing pandemic and the pandemic recovery may benefit health and wellness.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Oceans in 2021
Authors:   Oceans Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Genome Plasticity of African Swine Fever Virus: Implications for Diagnostics and Live-Attenuated Vaccines
Authors: Faburay Bonto
Published: January 2022

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious transboundary viral hemorrhagic disease of domestic and wild pigs presenting a significant threat to the global swine industry. Following its introduction in Caucasus, Georgia, in 2007, the genome of the genotype II of African swine fever virus (ASFV) strain Georgia-07 and its derivatives accumulated significant mutations, resulting in the emergence of genetic variants within short epidemiological timescales as it spreads and infects different hosts in diverse ecosystems, causing outbreaks in Europe, South Asia, South East Asia and the Caribbean. This suggests that ASFV, with a comparatively large and complex DNA genome, is susceptible to genetic mutations including deletions and that although the virus is environmentally stable, it is genetically unstable. This has implications for the development of vaccines and diagnostic tests for disease detection and surveillance. Analysis of the ASFV genome revealed recombination hotspots, which in double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses represent key drivers of genetic diversity. The ability of pox virus, a dsDNA virus with a genome complexity similar to ASFV, regaining virulence following the deletion of a virulence gene via gene amplification, coupled with the recent emergence and spread of live-attenuated ASFV vaccine strains causing disease and death in pigs in China, raise legitimate concerns around the use of live-attenuated ASFV vaccines in non-endemic regions to control the potential introduction. Further research into the risk of using live-attenuated ASFV in non-endemic regions is highly needed.
Role of Efflux Pump-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in Quorum Sensing-Regulated Biofilm Formation by Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Dawan Jirapat , Li Yinyue , Lu Feng , He Xinlong , Ahn Juhee
Published: January 2022

This study was designed to assess the influence of efflux pump activity on the biofilm formation in Salmonella Typhimurium. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 19585 (STWT) and clinically isolated S. Typhimurium CCARM 8009 (STCI) were treated with ceftriaxone (CEF), chloramphenicol (CHL), ciprofloxacin (CIP), erythromycin (ERY), norfloxacin (NOR), and tetracycline (TET) in autoinducer-containing media in the absence and presence of phenylalanine-arginine β-naphthylamide (PAβN) to compare efflux pump activity with biofilm-forming ability. The susceptibilities of STWT and STCI were increased in the presence of PAβN. ERY+PAβN showed the highest decrease in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ERY from 256 to 2 μg/mL against STWT and STCI. The antimicrobial activity of NOR against planktonic cells was significantly increased in the presence of PAβN, showing the lowest numbers of STWT (3.2 log CFU/cm2), and the TET+PAβN effectively inhibited the growth of STCI (5.2 log CFU/cm2). The lowest biofilm-forming abilities were observed at NOR+PAβN against STWT (biofilm-forming index, BFI < 0.41) and CEF+PAβN against STCI (BFI = 0.32). The bacteria swimming motility and relative fitness varied depending on the antibiotic and PAβN treatments. The motility diameters of STWT were significantly decreased by NOR+PAβN (6 mm) and TET+PAβN (15 mm), while the lowest motility of STCI was observed at CIP+PAβN (8 mm). The significant decrease in the relative fitness levels of STWT and STCI was observed at CIP+PAβN and NOR+PAβN. The PAβN as an efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) can improve the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm efficacy of antibiotics against S. Typhimurium. This study provides useful information for understanding the role of efflux pump activity in quorum sensing-regulated biofilm formation and also emphasizes the necessity of the discovery of novel EPIs for controlling biofilm formation by antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Grass Snakes (Natrix natrix) as a Reservoir of Alaria alata and Other Parasites
Authors: Bełcik Aneta , Różycki Mirosław , Korpysa-Dzirba Weronika , Marucci Gianluca , Fafiński Zbigniew , Fafińska Patrycja , Karamon Jacek , Kochanowski Maciej , Cencek Tomasz , Bilska-Zając Ewa
Published: January 2022

The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of Alaria alata (Goeze, 1782) in fifty-one grass snakes (Natrix natrix) collected in Gostynińsko-Włocławski Landscape Park. Each snake was tested for the presence of A. alata mesocercariae using the AMT and MSM methods. 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) and 28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced for the purpose of species identification. Fifty grass snakes were infected with helminths. The molecular characterization of trematodes allowed us to identify A. alata in 30 snakes (58.8%), Conodiplostomum spathula (Dubois, 1937) in 16 snakes (31.3%), Strigea falconis (Szidat, 1928) in 12 snakes (23.5%), and Neodiplostomum attenuatum (Linstow, 1906) in 2 snakes (3.9%), while, in 4 snakes (7.8%), the trematodes species could not be identified. Based on the analysis of 18S and COI sequences, Crenosoma vulpis (Dujardin, 1845) was identified in four snakes (7.8%), while nematodes collected from three snakes remained unidentified. The tapeworm sample was identified as Ophiotaenia. The obtained results indicate that grass snakes are an excellent vector of A. alata and may be a potential source of infection for mammals, e.g., wild boars and foxes, which results in an increased risk of alariosis for consumers of raw or undercooked game meat.
The Relationship between Nuchal Cord and Adverse Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Młodawska Marta , Młodawski Jakub , Świercz Grzegorz , Zieliński Rafał
Published: January 2022

Objective: The twisting of the umbilical cord around the fetal neck is a common phenomenon in the delivery room, and despite the lack of univocal evidence of its negative impact on perinatal events, it causes anxiety and stress in patients. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of nuchal cord and its impact on adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study. All patients who gave birth in the clinic within one year (n = 1467) were included in the study group. We compared the prevalence of nuchal cord in distinct subgroups of patients. In the next stage, we estimated the chance of specific perinatal outcomes and compared the neonatal outcomes between groups with and without nuchal cord. Results: Nuchal cord was present in 24% of labors. It was twice as common among patients giving birth vaginally (32.14%) than among patients giving birth by a caesarean section (16.78%, p < 0.001). Nuchal cord was also more frequent in births with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (33.88% vs. 23.34%, p = 0.009). In the group of patients with nuchal cord, we observed a slight increase in the risk of a non-reassuring fetal heart rate trace (OR = 1.55, CI 95% 1.02–2.36) as an indication of the completion of labor by caesarean delivery. We did not note an increase in the risk of completing natural childbirth by vacuum extraction. In the group of nuchal cord patients, there was a higher chance of a serious or moderate neonatal condition in the first minute of life (Apgar 0–7 points) (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.14–3.49). Conclusions: Nuchal cord increases the risk of a caesarean delivery due to a non-reassuring fetal heart rate trace. Nuchal cord increases the chance of a reduced Apgar score (0–7 points) in the first minute of life. The observed relationships do not translate to neonatal arterial blood gas testing.
Tunicamycin Protects against LPS-Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Kubra Khadeja-Tul , Uddin Mohammad A. , Barabutis Nektarios
Published: January 2022

The pulmonary endothelium is a dynamic semipermeable barrier that orchestrates tissue-fluid homeostasis; regulating physiological and immunological responses. Endothelial abnormalities are caused by inflammatory stimuli interacting with intracellular messengers to remodel cytoskeletal junctions and adhesion proteins. Those phenomena are associated with sepsis, acute lung injury, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The molecular processes beyond those responses are the main interest of our group. Unfolded protein response (UPR) is a highly conserved molecular pathway resolving protein-folding defects to counteract cellular threats. An emerging body of evidence suggests that UPR is a promising target against lung and cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we reveal that Tunicamycin (TM) (UPR inducer) protects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury. The barrier function of the inflamed endothelium was evaluated in vitro (transendothelial and paracellular permeability); as well as in mice exposed to TM after LPS. Our study demonstrates that TM supports vascular barrier function by modulating actomyosin remodeling. Moreover, it reduces the internalization of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), enhancing endothelial integrity. We suggest that UPR activation may deliver novel therapeutic opportunities in diseases related to endothelial dysregulation.
Predicting Anticancer Drug Resistance Mediated by Mutations
Authors: Lin Yu-Feng , Liu Jia-Jun , Chang Yu-Jen , Yu Chin-Sheng , Yi Wei , Lane Hsien-Yuan , Lu Chih-Hao
Published: January 2022

Cancer drug resistance presents a challenge for precision medicine. Drug-resistant mutations are always emerging. In this study, we explored the relationship between drug-resistant mutations and drug resistance from the perspective of protein structure. By combining data from previously identified drug-resistant mutations and information of protein structure and function, we used machine learning-based methods to build models to predict cancer drug resistance mutations. The performance of our combined model achieved an accuracy of 86%, a Matthews correlation coefficient score of 0.57, and an F1 score of 0.66. We have constructed a fast, reliable method that predicts and investigates cancer drug resistance in a protein structure. Nonetheless, more information is needed concerning drug resistance and, in particular, clarification is needed about the relationships between the drug and the drug resistance mutations in proteins. Highly accurate predictions regarding drug resistance mutations can be helpful for developing new strategies with personalized cancer treatments. Our novel concept, which combines protein structure information, has the potential to elucidate physiological mechanisms of cancer drug resistance.
Dual-Sensitive Gold-Nanocubes Platform with Synergistic Immunotherapy for Inducing Immune Cycle Using NIR-Mediated PTT/NO/IDO
Authors: Tsao Hsin-Yi , Cheng Hung-Wei , Kuo Chia-Chi , Chen San-Yuan
Published: January 2022

Currently, the combination therapies based on immunotherapy have been rapidly developed, but the response rate has not always increased as expected. Nano-platform has become a potential strategy which can trigger multi-functions to increase immunotherapeutic efficacy via activating T-cells and photothermal effect. Herein, to avoid the self-degradation and provide pH-sensitive property, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) was loaded in gold nanocubes (AuNCs) with polyacrylic acid (PAA) coating. Subsequently, the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) and betanin can provide the conjugation of 1-methyl-D-tryptophan (1-M-DT) on the nanoparticle to form an NO gas-photothermal-immune nano-platform (GAPFBD) for achieving combinatory therapy of NO gas, photothermal therapy (PTT), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) immunotherapy. After irradiation by 808-nm laser, the GSNO was released under a lower pH environment due to the structural transformation of PAA and then transformed into NO production of 64.5 ± 1.6% under PTT. The combination of PTT and NO gas therapy can effectively eliminate cancer cells, resulting in a large amount of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) compared to the individual treatment in vitro. Additionally, the released 1-M-DT inhibited IDO and combined with TAAs to enhance maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), indicating the excellent synergistic effect of PTT and NO with IDO inhibitors. These results revealed that this dual-sensitive nanoparticle presented a combination strategy of PTT/NO/IDO for the synergistic effect to promote DC maturation.
Cytokines in the Brain and Neuroinflammation: We Didn’t Starve the Fire!
Authors: Konsman Jan
Published: January 2022

In spite of the brain-protecting tissues of the skull, meninges, and blood-brain barrier, some forms of injury to or infection of the CNS can give rise to cerebral cytokine production and action and result in drastic changes in brain function and behavior. Interestingly, peripheral infection-induced systemic inflammation can also be accompanied by increased cerebral cytokine production. Furthermore, it has been recently proposed that some forms of psychological stress may have similar CNS effects. Different conditions of cerebral cytokine production and action will be reviewed here against the background of neuroinflammation. Within this context, it is important to both deepen our understanding along already taken paths as well as to explore new ways in which neural functioning can be modified by cytokines. This, in turn, should enable us to put forward different modes of cerebral cytokine production and action in relation to distinct forms of neuroinflammation.