bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Aerobic Exercise Enhances Hepatoprotection in MAFLD by Modulating Exosomal miR-324 via ROCK1
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wei Qiangman , Geng Xue , Fang Guoliang
Published: December 2024

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is central to the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (MAFLD). While aerobic exercise reduces hepatic fat and enhances insulin sensitivity, the specific mechanisms—particularly those involving exosomal pathways—are not fully elucidated. Method: Exosomes were isolated from 15 MAFLD patients’ plasma following the final session of a 12-week aerobic exercise intervention. Liver fat content was measured using MRI-PDFF, and metabolic parameters were assessed via OGTT, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and VO2 max. Co-culture experiments evaluated the effects of exercise-derived exosomes on IR signaling pathways. miRNA microarray analysis identified miR-324, which was quantified in high-fat diet (HFD) mice with and without exercise and compared between athletes and sedentary controls. Functional assays assessed miR-324’s role in glucose and lipid metabolism, while luciferase reporter and Western blot assays confirmed ROCK1 as its direct target. Result: Aerobic exercise significantly reduced liver fat and improved insulin sensitivity in both MAFLD patients and HFD mice. Notably, exosomal miR-324 levels were lower in athletes than sedentary controls, indicating an inverse association with insulin sensitivity. Post-exercise, precursor and mature miR-324 increased in adipose tissue and decreased in muscle, suggesting its adipose origin and inverse regulation. Functional assays demonstrated that miR-324 modulates insulin resistance by targeting ROCK1. Conclusion: Exercise-induced exosomal miR-324 from adipose tissue targets ROCK1, revealing a novel mechanism by which aerobic exercise confers hepatoprotection against insulin resistance in MAFLD. These findings enhance our understanding of how exercise influences metabolic health and may inform future therapeutic strategies for managing MAFLD and related conditions.
Fatigue-Induced Failure of Polysilicon MEMS: Nonlinear Reduced-Order Modeling and Geometry Optimization of On-Chip Testing Device
Authors: Calegaro Daniel , Merli Massimiliano , Ferrari Giacomo , Mariani Stefano
Published: December 2024

In the case of repeated loadings, the reliability of inertial microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) can be linked to failure processes occurring within the movable structure or at the anchors. In this work, possible debonding mechanisms taking place at the interface between the polycrystalline silicon film constituting the movable part of the device and the silicon dioxide at the anchor points are considered. In dealing with cyclic loadings possibly inducing fatigue failure, a strategy is proposed to optimize the geometry of an on-chip testing device designed to characterize the strength of the aforementioned interface. Dynamic analyses are carried out to assess the deformation mode of the device and maximize the stress field leading to interface debonding. To cope with the computational costs of numerical simulations within the structural optimization framework, a reduced-order modeling procedure for nonlinear systems is discussed, based on the direct parametrization of invariant manifolds (DPIM). The results are reported in terms of maximum stress intensification for varying geometry of the testing device and actuation frequency to demonstrate the accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed methodology.
Topic Editorial on Photonic and Optoelectronic Devices and Systems
Authors: Brunetti Giuseppe , Butt Muhammad A.
Published: December 2024

Photonic and optoelectronic devices and systems represent a transformative paradigm in modern technology, exploiting the manipulation and utilization of light for diverse applications across various industries [...]
Effect of the Cross-Sectional Geometry of the Mixed Particle Zone on the Spiral Separation Process and Its Structural Optimization
Authors: Gao Shuling , Wang Qian , Zhou Xiaohong , Liu Chunyu , Shen Yanbai , Cui Baoyu
Published: December 2024

Cross-sectional geometry is of significance in determining the flow characteristics and the particles separation in spiral concentrators. The effects of the cross-sectional geometry within the mixed particle zone on the secondary flow and the separation process of hematite and quartz particles with a size of 89.5 μm were investigated via a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. The optimization of the line segment slopes was conducted using response surface methodology (RSM). The results indicate that the peak radial fluxes and average radial velocities of the secondary flow are positively correlated with the corresponding line segment slope. The independent adjustment of line slopes in regions I and II, and the interaction of line slopes in regions I and III, influence the separation efficiency of hematite and quartz particles significantly. The separation performance of the experimental spiral concentrator with a cross-sectional profile of the optimized line segments for a feed of hematite and quartz with a size range of −100 + 75 μm is remarkably improved by nearly 5%. This study provides insights for the cross-section design of spiral concentrators for the effective separation of coarse-grained hematite and quartz.
Quantifying the Contribution and Mobility of In Situ-Produced Helium in He-Retentive Minerals: A Case Study of the Salla-Kuolajarvi Metasomatic Rocks (Russia)
Authors: Gannibal Maria Andreevna , Gannibal Andrey Evgenievich , Kalinin Arkadii Avenirovich , Kaulina Tatiana Vladimirovna , Kolobov Vitalii Valentinovich
Published: December 2024

An alternative approach to separating trapped and radiogenic helium, and assessing the mobility of the latter in He-retentive minerals implemented in the present work, has been developed on the basis of helium extraction patterns obtained via incremental heating of mineral samples. We used these data both to estimate helium mobility in concentrates of various ore minerals (pyrite, magnetite, and hematite) and to assess the contribution of in situ-produced 4He in the total helium budget. The rocks of uranium-ore and gold mineralization of the Salla-Kuolajarvi belt (northern Karelia, Fennoscandian Shield) were used as test materials for the new approach. The method allowed such parameters as diffusivity, activation energy, closure temperature, and the contribution of the trapped helium to be obtained for all samples. The latter was used for the correction of apparent U-Th-He bulk ages. The interpretation of the calculated values was performed taking into account the closure temperatures of the U-Th-He system, as well as the peculiarities of each individual sample.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of HEMA-Based Hydrogels for Ophthalmological Applications
Authors: Filipecka-Szymczyk Katarzyna , Makowska-Janusik Malgorzata , Marczak Wojciech
Published: December 2024

The structural and dynamic properties of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [P(VP-co-HEMA)], dry and as hydrogels, were studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The P(VP-co-HEMA) chains differed in the number of VP mers, distributed randomly or in blocks. In all considered configurations, HEMA and VP side chains proved relatively rigid and stable. Water concentration had a significant impact on their dynamic behavior. Oxygen atoms of hydroxyl and carbonyl groups of HEMA and carbonyl groups of VP are preferred sites of hydrogen bonding with water molecules. The copolymer swelling results in diffusion channels, larger in systems with high water content. In low-hydrated materials, water shows subdiffusion, while normal diffusion predominates in the high-hydrated ones. The VP side chains in copolymers with HEMA do not enhance the mobility of water.
The Interactions of Anti-HIV Pronucleotides with a Model Phospholipid Membrane
Authors: Rojewska Monika , Romanowska Joanna , Kraszewski Adam , Sobkowski Michał , Prochaska Krystyna
Published: December 2024

Pronucleotides, after entering the cell, undergo chemical or enzymatic conversion into nucleotides with a free phosphate residue, and the released nucleoside 5′-monophosphate is then phosphorylated to the biologically active form, namely nucleoside 5′-triphosphate. The active form can inhibit HIV virus replication. For the most effective therapy, it is necessary to improve the transport of prodrugs into organelles. The introduction of new functional groups into their structure increases lipophilicity and, as a result, facilitates the interaction of pronucleotide molecules with components of biological membranes. Studies of these interactions were performed using the Langmuir technique. The prototype of the biological membrane was a thin monolayer composed of phospholipid molecules, DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine). The pronucleotides were 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) analogs, formed by the phosphorylation of AZT to monophosphate (AZTMP) and containing various masking moieties that could increase their lipophilicity. Our results show the influence of the pronucleotide’s chemical structure on the fluidization of the model biomembrane. Changes in monolayer morphology in the presence of prodrugs were investigated by BAM microscopy. It was found that the incorporation of new groups into the structure of the drug as well as the concentration of AZT derivatives have a significant impact on the surface properties of the formed DPPC monolayer.
Detection of VOCs and Biogenic Amines Through Luminescent Zn–Salen Complex-Tethered Pyrenyl Arms
Authors: Puglisi Roberta , Testa Caterina , Scuderi Sara , Greco Valentina , Trusso Sfrazzetto Giuseppe , Petroselli Manuel , Pappalardo Andrea
Published: December 2024

Amines are produced through various industrial and biological processes, contributing significantly to atmospheric pollution, particularly in the troposphere. Moreover, amine-related pollution raises global concerns due to its detrimental effects on human health, environmental quality, and the preservation of animal species. Low-molecular-weight volatile amines, categorized as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are present in the atmosphere, and they represent the main cause of air pollution. Biogenic amines, resulting from the natural decarboxylation of amino acids, are released into the environment from both natural and industrial sources. Several methods have been developed so far to detect amines in the environment. In this study, we present a novel fluorescent receptor based on a Zn–Salen complex, functionalized with pyrenyl moieties and a chiral diamine bridge, to enhance its affinity for a broad range of amines. Fluorescence titrations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal and explain the high binding affinity of this receptor toward selected amines, demonstrating its potential as an effective tool for amine detection.
Waterborne Polyurethane Treated with Flame Retardant Based on Polydimethylsiloxanes and Boron Phenolic Resin for Improving the Char Residue and Anti-Dripping Performance
Authors: Xie Yadian , Liu Chao , Wang Yujie , Bao Dongmei , Yan Wei , Zhou Guoyong
Published: December 2024

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) was cured with a flame retardant composed of polydimethylsiloxanes and boron phenolic resin. In comparison to unmodified WPU, the heat resistance of the cured WPU film was significantly improved by approximately 40.0 °C, and the limited oxygen index (LOI) increased from 21.9% to 32.6%. The outcomes reveal that the char residue yield of the cured WPU reached a substantial 8.93 wt.% at 600 °C, which is 60 times that of the unmodified WPU. The flame retardant facilitates the creation of char residue with a high degree of graphitization. Furthermore, the total smoke production (TSP), average effective heat of combustion (AEHC), total heat release (THR), and peak heat release rate (pHRR) of the cured WPU were diminished by 66.29%, 48.89%, 28.01%, and 27.96%, respectively, compared to the unmodified WPU. The CO/CO2 emission ratio was elevated by 46.32%, and the total flue gas emission was cut by 66.29%, demonstrating a remarkable smoke suppression effect. The cured WPU attained the UL-94 V0 rating without melt-dripping. These results indicate that the combined flame retardants (2.0 wt.%) can endow WPU with outstanding flame retardant properties.
Effect of Enterococcus hirae GS22 Fermentation-Assisted Extraction on the Physicochemical and Bioactivities of Sea Cucumber Intestinal Polysaccharides
Authors: Tan Xiqian , Wang Xiaoqing , Cui Fangchao , Zeshan Ali , Wang Dangfeng , Li Xuepeng , Li Jianrong
Published: December 2024

The sea cucumber intestine (SI), a secondary product from sea cucumber processing, contains polysaccharides as one of its active ingredients, and fermentation is an effective method for extracting bioactive substances from food by-products. In this study, to explore the effect of Enterococcus hirae GS22 fermentation on the extraction of SI polysaccharides, the polysaccharides were extracted through the SI with and without Enterococcus hirae GS22 fermentation, and the obtained polysaccharides were designated as SC-PF and SC-P. The extraction yield, the structural characteristics, and the biological functions of the polysaccharides were then evaluated. The results indicated that Enterococcus hirae GS22 could grow well using SI as the substrate and that fermentation could improve the extraction yield of the polysaccharide from 0.48% to 0.63%, decrease the molecular weight (Mw), and change the monosaccharide composition. The diameter of SC-PF was smaller than SC-P, and the absolute value of the zeta potential of SC-PF was found to be lower than SC-P. Fermentation does not change the functional group or the thermal ability of the polysaccharide. SC-PF had better antioxidant ability than SC-P; the DPPH and superoxide anion scavenging ability were 96.3% and 36.5%, respectively. SC-PF also showed nearly 1.3- and 1.1-fold higher inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase as compared to SC-P. The current results showed that E. hirae GS22 fermentation has the potential to extract SI polysaccharides with better prebiotic abilities.
Hypervalent Iodine-Mediated Synthesis of Steroidal 5/5-Spiroiminals
Authors: Kumar Rayala Naveen , Lee Seongmin
Published: December 2024

The hypervalent iodine-mediated formation of steroidal 5/5-spiroiminals and 5/5-spiroaminals from steroidal amines is presented. Under the influence of excess PhI(OAc)2 and iodine in acetonitrile at 0 °C, steroidal amines smoothly underwent cyclization to give a mixture of 5/5-spiroiminals and 5/5-spiroaminals. This reaction represents the first example of a C-H-activation-mediated formation of a spiroiminal. Presumably, the formation of 5/5-spiroiminals occurs through aminyl radical-mediated cyclization followed by amine-to-imine oxidation.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Size-Dependent Surface Energy in Pd Nanoparticles for Enhanced Alkaline Ethanol Electro-Oxidation
Authors: Santoveña-Uribe A. , Maya-Cornejo J. , Estevez M. , Santamaria-Holek I.
Published: December 2024

This work investigates the relationship between the mean diameter of palladium (Pd) nanoparticles and their surface energy, specifically in the context of alkaline ethanol electro-oxidation for fuel cell applications. Employing a recent generalization of the classical Laviron equation, we derive crucial parameters such as surface energy (σ), adsorption–desorption equilibrium constant (Keq), and electron transfer coefficient (α) from linear voltammograms obtained from Pd-based nanoparticles supported on Vulcan carbon. Synthesized using two distinct methods, these nanocatalysts exhibit mean diameters ranging from 10 to 41 nm. Our results indicate that the surface energy of the Pd/C nanocatalysts spans σ ~ 0.5–2.5 J/m2, showing a linear correlation with particle size while remaining independent of ethanol bulk concentration. The adsorption–desorption equilibrium constant varies with nanoparticle size (~0.1–6 × 10−6 mol−1) but is unaffected by ethanol concentration. Significantly, we identify an optimal mean diameter of approximately 28 nm for enhanced electrocatalytic activity, revealing critical size-dependent effects on catalytic efficiency. This research contributes to the ongoing development of cost-effective and durable fuel cell components by optimizing nanoparticle characteristics, thus advancing the performance of Pd-based catalysts in practical applications. Our findings are essential for the continued evolution of nanomaterials in fuel cell technologies, particularly in improving efficiency and reducing reliance on critical raw materials.
Palladium Nanocubes as Saturable Absorbers for Mode-Locked Laser Generation at 1.56 μm
Authors: Kang Zhe , Wang Fang
Published: December 2024

Palladium (Pd) nanocubes, a type of metallic nanostructure, have demonstrated remarkable optoelectronic properties, garnering significant attention. However, their nonlinear optical characteristics and related device applications remain underexplored. In this study, we report the fabrication of a novel saturable absorber (SA) by depositing Pd nanocubes onto a D-shaped fiber (DF). The Pd nanocubes, with an average size of 12 nm, were synthesized and integrated with a DF, resulting in a highly robust SA with broadband saturable absorption characteristics. When incorporated into Er3+-doped laser cavities, the Pd-DF SA enabled the generation of ultrafast pulses with a central wavelength of 1560 nm, a corresponding repetition rate of 26.7 MHz, and a temporal width of 1.85 ps. Our findings highlight the strong potential of the Pd-DF device as a versatile SA for constructing high-energy ultrafast fiber lasers.
Design of a Deep Learning-Based Metalens Color Router for RGB-NIR Sensing
Authors: Mu Hua , Zhang Yu , Liang Zhenyu , Gao Haoqi , Xu Haoli , Wang Bingwen , Wang Yangyang , Yang Xing
Published: December 2024

Metalens can achieve arbitrary light modulation by controlling the amplitude, phase, and polarization of the incident waves and have been applied across various fields. This paper presents a color router designed based on metalens, capable of effectively separating spectra from visible light to near-infrared light. Traditional design methods for meta-lenses require extensive simulations, making them time-consuming. In this study, we propose a deep learning network capable of forward prediction across a broad wavelength range, combined with a particle swarm optimization algorithm to design metalens efficiently. The simulation results align closely with theoretical predictions. The designed color router can simultaneously meet the theoretical transmission phase of the target spectra, specifically for red, green, blue, and near-infrared light, and focus them into designated areas. Notably, the optical efficiency of this design reaches 40%, significantly surpassing the efficiency of traditional color filters.
Near-Field Nano-Focusing and Nano-Imaging of Dielectric Microparticle Lenses
Authors: Ling Jinzhong , Wang Yucheng , Guo Jinkun , Liu Xin , Wang Xiaorui
Published: December 2024

Compared with traditional far-field objective lenses, microparticle lenses have a distinct advantage of nonobservance of the diffraction limit, which has attracted extensive attention for its application in subwavelength photolithography and super-resolution imaging. In this article, a complete simulation model for a microparticle lens assisted microscopic imaging system was built to analyze the imaging characteristics of any shape of microparticle lens. With this model, we simulated the resolution of a conventional objective lens, a microsphere lens and a hollow microsphere lens, which verified the correctness of our simulation model and demonstrated the super-resolution imaging ability of microsphere lenses. Secondly, the focusing and imaging characteristics of four typical microparticle lenses are illustrated, and how the focal spot affects imaging resolution and imaging quality is analyzed. Upon this conclusion, we reformed and upgraded the microsphere lens with several parameters for smaller focal spots and higher imaging resolution. Finally, three types of microparticle lenses were designed through the optimized parameters and their focusing and imaging characteristics were demonstrated with a minimum FWHM of 140 nm at the focal plane and a highest imaging resolution around 70 nm (~λ/6). Our work opens up a new perspective of super-resolution imaging with near-field microparticle lens.
Effect of Dietary Patterns on Vascular Aging Using the Brachial–Ankle Index
Authors: Llamas-Ramos Inés , Llamas-Ramos Rocío , Cortés-Rodríguez María , Rodríguez-Sánchez Emiliano , García-Ortiz Luis , Gómez-Marcos Manuel A. , Gómez-Sánchez Marta , Gómez-Sánchez Leticia
Published: December 2024

The Mediterranean diet (MD) plays an important role in delaying vascular aging. The main objective of this study was to analyze the association between adherence to the MD and vascular aging estimated with brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) in a Spanish population sample and the differences by sex. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 3437 subjects from the EVA, MARK and EVIDENT studies participated. The ba-PWV was assessed with the Vasera VS-1500® device. Vascular aging was classified as healthy vascular aging (HVA), normal vascular aging (NVA) and early vascular aging (EVA) and adherence to the MD was assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener questionnaire. Results: The mean age was 60.15 ± 9.55 (60.09 ± 9.71 in women; 60.20 ± 9.43 in men). Overall, MD adherence was observed in 48.0% of subjects (40% in women; 54% in men). The mean value of ba-PWV was 14.38 ± 2.71 (women 14.24 ± 2.89; men 14.49 ± 2.56). In multinomial logistic regression a positive association was found overall between HVA and NVA (OR = 1.751, 95% CI: 1.411–2.174, p < 0.001) and between HVA and EVA (OR = 1.501, 95% CI:1.295–1.740, p < 0.001); in women between HVA and NVA (OR = 2. 055, 95% CI:1.456–2.901, p < 0.001) and between HVA and EVA (OR = 1.413, 95% CI:1.124–1.776; p = 0.003); and in men between HVA and NVA (OR = 1.551, 95% CI: 1.175–2.047, p = 0.002) and between HVA and EVA (OR = 1.549, 95% CI: 1.275–1.882; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this work indicate that greater adherence to the MD is associated with healthier vascular aging.
Probiotics in the Prophylaxis of Premature Rupture of Membranes and Cervical Incompetence
Authors: Vaduva Constantin-Cristian , Petrescu Ana-Maria , Dira Laurentiu Mihai , Ruican Dan , Pana Razvan Cosmin
Published: December 2024

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and cervical incompetence (CI) are major contributors to preterm birth, a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Background/Objectives: Disorders of the vaginal microbiota, such as bacterial vaginosis, have been associated with an increased risk of PROM, CI, and subsequent preterm birth. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus strains, have been proposed as a preventive strategy to restore and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome. This review aims to summarize the latest evidence on the role of probiotics in the prevention of PROM and CI. Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotic interventions in the prevention of PROM and CI, yielding 1809 records from 2005 to 2024. Seven relevant studies were selected by searching medical databases and focusing on studies that investigated the restoration of healthy vaginal flora, the reduction of pathogenic bacteria colonization, and the modulation of immune responses by probiotics. Results: The studies analyzed suggest that probiotics may help restore healthy vaginal flora, reduce pathogenic bacterial colonization, and modulate immune responses, thereby reducing the risk of membrane rupture and cervical insufficiency. Evidence from randomized controlled trials and observational studies shows that the use of probiotics is associated with a lower incidence of PROM and preterm birth, especially in high-risk groups. Conclusions: Probiotics emerge as a potential non-invasive and cost-effective strategy to improve pregnancy outcomes in women at risk of preterm birth due to PROM. According to our research, probiotic prophylaxis of cervical insufficiency has not yet been sufficiently investigated. Despite the promising findings, further research is needed to determine standardized probiotic formulations, optimal timing, and routes of administration. Personalized probiotic therapies may represent the future of preterm birth prevention as they offer targeted interventions based on individual microbiome composition.
The Extraction, Biosynthesis, Health-Promoting and Therapeutic Properties of Natural Flavanone Eriodictyol
Authors: Yin Haiaolong , Li Yaxian , Feng Yi , Tian Lei , Li Ye
Published: December 2024

Eriodictyol is a flavanone compound commonly found in several edible plants. Ultrasound-assisted extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are commonly used methods for the separation and analysis of eriodictyol. Many studies show that some micro-organisms can produce eriodictyol as a host. What is more, eriodictyol has a wide range of health benefits, including skincare, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. In addition, the therapeutic properties of eriodictyol are cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anticancer, with protective effects on the lungs and kidneys, and so on. This review examines the extraction, biosynthesis, and health and therapeutic properties of the natural compound eriodictyol and its value in medicine and food.
Gut Microbiota: Association with Fiber Intake, Ultra-Processed Food Consumption, Sex, Body Mass Index, and Socioeconomic Status in Medical Students
Authors: Moreno-Altamirano Laura , Robles-Rivera Karina , Castelán-Sánchez Hugo , Vaca-Paniagua Felipe , Iñarritu Pérez María , Hernández-Valencia Sandra , Cruz-Casarrubias Carlos , García-García Juan , Ruíz de la Cruz Miguel , Martínez-Gregorio Héctor , Díaz Velásquez Clara , Soto-Estrada Guadalupe , Navarro-Ocaña Armando , Carrillo-Medina Santiago
Published: December 2024

The gut microbiota plays a vital role in various physical and physiological processes, including immune system regulation, neurotransmitter production, inflammatory response modulation, and the inhibition of pathogenic organisms. An imbalance in the microbial community, known as dysbiosis, has been associated with numerous health issues. Biological influences, health behaviors, socioeconomic determinants, and nutritional status can disrupt this balance. Objective: To evaluate the differences in the gut microbiota composition in medical students according to fiber intake, ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, sex, body mass index, and socioeconomic status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 91 medical students, and 82 fecal samples were analyzed. Sociodemographic and dietary data were collected via questionnaires, UPF consumption was assessed using the NOVA classification, and trained nutritionists performed anthropometry. DNA extraction and 16S rRNA sequencing were performed for the microbial analysis. Bioinformatics and statistical tests included the Dunn and Kruskal–Wallis tests, a PCoA analysis, PERMANOVA, ANOVA, Spearman’s rank correlation, and alpha and beta diversity metrics. Results: Dietary fiber intake strongly influences gut microbiota composition. Lower fiber intake was associated with a higher prevalence of Parabacteroides and Muribaculaceae. Prevotella was more prevalent in individuals with lower UPF intake, while Phascolarctobacterium was prevalent in those with higher UPF consumption. Significant differences were associated with sex and UPF consumption but not BMI or SES. Women consumed more UPF, which correlated with distinct gut microbiota profiles. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant impact of diet, particularly fiber intake and UPF, on gut microbiota composition, emphasizing the importance of dietary habits in maintaining gut health.
Prevalence of Overweight, Obesity, and Abdominal Obesity in Polish Adults: Sociodemographic Analysis from the 2016–2020 National Health Program
Authors: Traczyk Iwona , Kucharska Alicja , Sińska Beata I. , Panczyk Mariusz , Samel-Kowalik Piotr , Kłak Anna , Raciborski Filip , Wyleżoł Mariusz , Samoliński Bolesław , Szostak-Węgierek Dorota
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Excessive body weight, particularly the abdominal distribution of adipose tissue, has remained an important public health concern for years. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of general overweight status and obesity, as well as abdominal overweight status and obesity in the adult Polish population. Material and methods: The results are based on the analysis of anthropometric data of 3735 people aged 19 and over who were surveyed under the 2016–2020 National Health Program. Results: Excessive body weight (BMI > 25 kg/m2) was reported in 56.6% of the respondents. Abdominal overweight was found in 20.8% of respondents and abdominal obesity in 31.7% of the respondents. Abdominal obesity was more common in women than in men (44.3% vs. 18.0%, p < 0.001). Over half of women over 55 (approx. 60%) had abdominal obesity. The odds of becoming overweight/obese as measured by the BMI depended on the age and sex of the respondents. It was confirmed that men were over 28% more likely to develop such a condition than women (OR = 1.288, p < 0.001). The odds increased with age (OR = 1.029, p < 0.001). The type of person with obesity/found to be overweight in Polish population was most often a rural resident, aged 65.0–74.9, assessing their financial situation as average, being married/in a partnership, and not declaring the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. The person with an overweight status had secondary education, and the person with obesity had primary/lower secondary/vocational education. Conclusions: Being overweight and having obesity, both general and abdominal, are still a major epidemiological problem in Poland. The results obtained in this study suggest that the prevalence of being overweight and having obesity has decreased over the last 10 years, though this assumption requires further investigation. Rural residents with lower education should be covered by educational activities adapted to their needs and possibilities, considering that obesity in young women, especially when having abdominal obesity, may be associated with an increased risk of infertility caused by ovulation disorders. Further research and educational activities are necessary. Excessive body weight affected almost 42% of the women from the youngest age group, and abdominal obesity was found in 21% of them.
The Modelling of Pt-Bearing ORR and OER-Active Alloys
Authors: Shuttleworth Ian
Published: December 2024

Nanoparticles are a mainstay of heterogeneous catalysis. This is in part due to their mesoscopic structure; they can be grown to have large available surface areas which can be both regenerative and durable in reaction. Their utility is possible by the alloys used in their production—however, analysis of their operation is generally at the DFT or molecular dynamics level. This review will present an overview of the post-DFT methods relevant to materials supporting the ORR and OER reactions. Pt-bearing alloys will then be highlighted with a focus on their application in heterogeneous catalysis and the ORR/OER reactions. The current computational approaches to accurately predicting the band properties of the alloys will then be discussed and both the fundamental and applied importance of this modelling will be highlighted.
The Effectiveness of Salivary Sampling for the Detection and Quantification of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Khzam Nabil , Kujan Omar , Haubek Dorte , Arslan Aysen , Johansson Anders , Oscarsson Jan , Razooqi Zeinab , Miranda Leticia Algarves
Published: December 2024

The objective was to evaluate using unstimulated saliva in detecting Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and to compare the saliva and subgingival and mucosa membrane occurrence of this periodontal pathogen in patients diagnosed with advanced periodontitis. Patients with advanced forms of periodontitis (n = 220; mean age: 54.03 ± 03 years) at stage III/IV were sampled. Unstimulated saliva, buccal cheek mucosa, and pooled subgingival plaque samples were collected. The identification of A. actinomycetemcomitans was performed using qPCR. A descriptive analysis and Wilcoxon test and analysis of variance were performed. A. actinomycetemcomitans was isolated from 28.18% of the subjects. A total of 660 samples were obtained, 220 from unstimulated saliva, 220 from buccal cheek mucosa surfaces, and 220 from pooled subgingival plaque samples. A. actinomycetemcomitans was isolated from 21.80% of unstimulated saliva, 19.50% of buccal cheek swabs, and 17.70% of subgingival samples. There was a statistically significant difference between the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in the unstimulated saliva samples and in the buccal cheek mucosa swab samples and pooled subgingival plaque samples (p < 0.001). These results suggest that in advanced periodontitis, unstimulated saliva is representative of pooled subgingival plaque/buccal cheek mucosa samples and its use is adequate in the oral detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans in a cohort of patients with stage III and IV periodontitis.
Exploring Emerging Challenges: Survey on Phlebotomine Sand Flies and Leishmania infantum at the Northern Endemic Border in Europe
Authors: Ravasi Damiana , Schnyder Manuela , Guidi Valeria , Haye Tim , Parrondo Monton Diego , Flacio Eleonora
Published: December 2024

Although Switzerland is currently not endemic for canine leishmaniosis (CanL), imported cases of this emerging zoonosis are regularly detected. Also, phlebotomine sand flies, vectors of the causative agent Leishmania infantum, are present in the southern part of the country, in Canton Ticino, and endemic foci of CanL have been recently described in neighboring Italian municipalities. In 2022 and 2023, we evaluated the distribution of phlebotomine sand flies and the presence of antibodies against L. infantum in domestic dogs and cats in Ticino and Mesolcina (Canton of Grisons). An entomological survey was also carried out in the northwest of Switzerland (cantons Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft) close to an area in Germany where potential vectors are present. No sand flies were caught there. In Ticino, 15 out of 20 sites surveyed (75%) were positive for phlebotomine sand flies. Phlebotomus perniciosus, a potential vector of L. infantum, was the most abundant species, with site densities ranging from 0.1 to 5.3. The parasite was not detected in females. Leishmania infantum seroprevalences of 3.0% and 1.6% were observed in 101 and 126 dog and cat sera, respectively. Although, at this time, the risk of endemic CanL is extremely low, integrated surveillance and prevention measures should be considered.
The Effect of Water-Soluble Alpinia Galanga Extract on Sleep and the Activation of the GABAAergic/Serotonergic Pathway in Mice
Authors: Sahin Kazim , Korkusuz Ahmet Kayhan , Sahin Emre , Orhan Cemal , Er Besir , Morde Abhijeet , Padigaru Muralidhara , Kilic Ertugrul
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: With increasing interest in plant-based compounds that can enhance sleep quality without the side effects of caffeine, Alpinia galanga (AG) has emerged as a promising herbal supplement for improving mental alertness. This study assessed the impact of water-soluble AG extract on sleep quality; the activity of GABAergic, glutamatergic, and serotonergic receptors; and concentrations of dopamine and serotonin in the brains of mice. Methods: The study employed two experimental models using BALB/c mice to examine the impact of pentobarbital-induced sleep and caffeine-induced insomnia. In the first model, a set of 20 mice was assigned to four groups to assess the effects of pentobarbital (42 mg/kg) or pentobarbital with AG extract on sleep induction, with observations made 45 min post-administration. In the second model, 20 mice were divided into four groups to evaluate the impact of caffeine (25 mg/kg) alone or caffeine with varying doses of AG extract (61.25 or 205.50 mg/kg administered orally) on brain activity along with additional analyses on receptor proteins and neurotransmitters. Results: A higher dose of AG extract (205.50 mg/kg) significantly increased total deep sleep duration compared to the caffeine group (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, this dose extended sleep latency and suppressed GABAergic and glutamatergic receptor activity compared to the lower AG dose (p < 0.05). Additionally, the 205.50 mg/kg dose elevated serotonin and dopamine levels compared to caffeine (p < 0.0001), suggesting improved sleep quality alongside enhanced wakefulness. Conclusions: Our data indicate that a higher dose of AG extract improved sleep latency and duration by regulating GABAergic and glutamatergic receptors through the GABAergic/serotonergic pathway in mice.
Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss and Drug Interactions
Authors: Rivas García Francisco , García Sierra José Antonio , Valverde-Merino Maria-Isabel , Zarzuelo Romero Maria Jose
Published: December 2024

Food supplements are used for a variety of purposes, one of which is weight reduction. As excess weight is a long-term condition, some supplements are expected to be used for long periods of time. The long-term use of these dietary supplements makes it highly likely that they will be combined with medications, increasing the risk of food supplement–drug interactions, which are not always known or disclosed, and can lead to serious health problems, as has been observed. This article discusses some of the compounds used as food supplements for weight reduction (green tea extract, Garcinia cambogia, chitosan, quercetin and resveratrol) and the interactions they may cause with some drugs such as: dextromethorphan, buspirone, diclofenac, irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, cytochrome P450 inducers and inhibitors, statins, orlistat, warfarina, acenocoumarol, fluoxetine, valproate, quetiapine, carbamazepine. This information is expected to be useful for healthcare professionals to detect and intervene on food supplement–drug interactions to ensure the optimization of therapy and patient safety.
Advances in Research of Hydrogel Microneedle-Based Delivery Systems for Disease Treatment
Authors: Cao Juan , Wu Bo , Yuan Ping , Liu Yeqi , Hu Cheng
Published: December 2024

Microneedles (MNs), composed of multiple micron-scale needle-like structures attached to a base, offer a minimally invasive approach for transdermal drug delivery by penetrating the stratum corneum and delivering therapeutic agents directly to the epidermis or dermis. Hydrogel microneedles (HMNs) stand out among various MN types due to their excellent biocompatibility, high drug-loading capacity, and tunable drug-release properties. This review systematically examines the matrix materials and fabrication methods of HMN systems, highlighting advancements in natural and synthetic polymers, and explores their applications in treating conditions such as wound healing, hair loss, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Furthermore, the potential of HMNs for disease diagnostics is discussed. The review identifies key challenges, including limited mechanical strength, drug-loading efficiency, and lack of standardization, while proposing strategies to overcome these issues. With the integration of intelligent design and enhanced control over drug dosage and safety, HMNs are poised to revolutionize transdermal drug delivery and expand their applications in personalized medicine.
Effect of Insecticides Imidacloprid and Alpha-Cypermethrin on the Development of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Nodules
Authors: Gorshkov Artemii P. , Kusakin Pyotr G. , Vorobiev Maxim G. , Tsyganova Anna V. , Tsyganov Viktor E.
Published: December 2024

Insecticides are used commonly in agricultural production to defend plants, including legumes, from insect pests. It is a known fact that insecticides can have a harmful effect on the legume–rhizobial symbiosis. In this study, the effects of systemic seed treatment insecticide Imidor Pro (imidacloprid) and foliar insecticide Faskord (alpha-cypermethrin) on the structural organization of pea (Pisum sativum L.) nodules and their transcriptomic activity were investigated. The plants were treated as recommended by the manufacturer (10 mg/mL for Imidor Pro and 50 µg/mL for Faskord) and twofold concentrations were used for both insecticides. Insecticides had no visible effect on the growth of pea plants. The nodules also showed no visible changes, except for the variant treated with twofold concentration of Imidor Pro. However, the dry weight of shoots and roots differed significantly in insecticide-treated plants compared to untreated plants in almost all treatments. The number of nodules decreased in variants with Imidor Pro treatment. At the ultrastructural level, both insecticides caused cell wall deformation, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate accumulation in bacteroids, expansion of the peribacteroid space in symbiosomes, and inclusions in vacuoles. Treatment with Faskord caused chromatin condensation in nucleus. Imidor Pro treatment caused hypertrophy of infection droplets by increasing the amount of matrix, as confirmed by immunofluorescence analysis of extensins. Transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of expression of a number of extensin-like protein-coding genes in nodules after the Imidor Pro treatment. Overall, both insecticides caused some minor changes in the legume–rhizobial system when used at recommended doses, but Faskord, an enteric contact insecticide, has fewer negative effects on symbiotic nodules and legume plants; of these two insecticides, it is preferred in pea agricultural production.
In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oil: Effects on Mitochondrial Function and Cytotoxic Potential Against Cancer Cells
Authors: Munteanu Andreea , Gogulescu Armand , Șoica Codruța , Mioc Alexandra , Mioc Marius , Milan Andreea , Lukinich-Gruia Alexandra Teodora , Pricop Maria-Alexandra , Jianu Calin , Banciu Christian , Racoviceanu Roxana
Published: December 2024

The current study proposes the in vitro and in silico anticancer evaluation of clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) essential oil (CEO). The steam hydrodistillation method used yielded 10.7% (wt) CEO. GC-MS analysis revealed that the obtained oil is rich in eugenol (75%), β-caryophyllene (20%), and α- caryophyllene (2.8%) and also contains several other minor components accounting for approximately 1.5%. The DPPH-based scavenging antioxidant activity was assessed for the obtained CEO, exhibiting an IC50 value of 158 μg/mL. The cytotoxic effects of CEO, its major component eugenol, and CEO solubilized with Tween-20 and PEG-400 were tested against both noncancerous HaCaT cells and HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma, RPMI-7951 melanoma, A431 skin carcinoma, and NCI-H460 non-small lung cancer cells, using the Alamar Blue and LDH assay after 48 h treatment. The Tween-20 and PEG-400 CEO formulations, at 200 μg/mL, recorded the highest cytotoxic and selective effects against RPMI-7951 (72.75% and 71.56%), HT-29 (71.51% and 45.43%), and A431 cells (61.62% and 59.65%). Furthermore, CEO disrupted mitochondrial function and uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation. This effect was more potent for the CEO against the RPMI-7951 and HT-29 cells, whereas for the other two tested cell lines, a more potent inhibition of mitochondrial function was attributed to eugenol. The present study is the first to specifically investigate the effects of CEO and Tween-20 and PEG-400 CEO formulations on the mitochondrial function of RPMI-7951, HT-29, A431, and NCI-H460 cancer cell lines using high-resolution respirometry, providing novel insights into their impact on mitochondrial respiration and bioenergetics in cancer cells. The results obtained may explain the increased ROS production observed in cancer cell lines treated with eugenol and CEO. Molecular docking identified potential protein targets, related to the CEO anticancer activity, in the form of PI3Kα, where the highest active theoretical inhibitor was calamenene (−7.5 kcal/mol). Docking results also showed that calamenene was the overall most active theoretical inhibitor for all docked proteins and indicated a potential presence of synergistic effects among all CEO constituents.
Optimization of Selected Minerals and a Cytokinin for In Vitro Propagation of Little-Leaf Mockorange (Philadelphus microphyllus A. Gray) Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Khajehyar Razieh , Tripepi Robert , Price William J. , Love Stephen
Published: December 2024

Optimizing concentrations of minerals and phytohormones is essential when culturing a new plant species. The objective of this study was to use Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to evaluate combinations of selected minerals (N, Ca, and P) along with zeatin (Zea) to obtain optimum shoot growth of little-leaf mockorange. Forty-six treatment combinations were assigned using Proc Optex in SAS software version 9.4. The concentrations of Zea tested were 0.82, 1.095, or 1.37 µM, and the minerals were 22.5, 30, or 37.5 mM N, 1.13, 1.5, or 1.875 mM Ca, and 0.31, 0.625, or 0.937 mM P. Treatment concentrations were tested for their effects on the number of axillary shoots formed, shoot length, and dry weight. The response surface analyses showed that the optimum concentrations of N, Ca, and P were 34 to 39 mM, 1.5 mM, and 0.625 mM, respectively. Medium supplemented with 1.1 µM Zea affected shoot growth positively. Comparison of mineral concentrations in medium with concentrations in full-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, suggests ½ MS medium should be appropriate to efficiently multiply little-leaf mockorange shoots efficiently, thus saving the time and money involved in creating a custom medium formulation.
Towards the Albino Mutant Gene in Malus × Domestica Borkh.
Authors: Zhao Guodong , Li Yang , Jia Linguang , Chen Dongmei , Zhang Chaohong , Zhang Xinsheng , Yang Fengqiu , Zhao Tongsheng
Published: December 2024

Albino mutation is among the most common phenomena that often causes a water imbalance and disturbs physiological functions in higher species of trees. Albinism frequently occurs in hybridized apples, but almost all seedlings die shortly after germination. In this study, a spontaneous albino mutant on Fuji apple trees was obtained. After bud grafting, new albino shoots with greenish-white leaves grew, although they were slender, small, and died easily. Resequencing analysis indicated that a total of 49.37 Gbp clean data of the albino mutant samples was obtained; its Q30 reached 91.43%, the average rate mapped was 93.69%, and genome coverage was 96.47% (at least one base cover). Comparisons of the sequences for the albino mutants revealed 4,817,412 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 721,688 insertion/deletion markers (InDels), and 43,072 structural variations (SVs). The genes with non-synonymous SNPs, InDels, and SVs in CDS were compared with KEGG, GO, COG, NR, and SwissProt databases, and a total of 5700 variant genes were identified. A total of 1377 mutant genes had the GO annotation information. Among these, 1520 mutant genes had the pathway annotation and took part in 123 pathways. A total of 1935 variant genes were functionally classified into 25 COG categories. Further research on these variants could help understand the molecular regulatory mechanism of the apple albino mutant. Similarly, variations in the homologous MdAPG1 (Albino or pale-green mutant 1) gene, which was located on Chromosome 11 and belonged to the S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferases superfamily, may have led to the generation of this apple albino mutant.