bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug-Initiated Activity Metabolomics Identifies Myristoylglycine as a Potent Endogenous Metabolite for Human Brown Fat Differentiation
Authors: Guijas Carlos , To Andrew , Montenegro-Burke J. Rafael , Domingo-Almenara Xavier , Alipio-Gloria Zaida , Kok Bernard P. , Saez Enrique , Alvarez Nicole H. , Johnson Kristen A. , Siuzdak Gary
Published: August 2022

Worldwide, obesity rates have doubled since the 1980s and in the USA alone, almost 40% of adults are obese, which is closely associated with a myriad of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and arteriosclerosis. Obesity is derived from an imbalance between energy intake and consumption, therefore balancing energy homeostasis is an attractive target for metabolic diseases. One therapeutic approach consists of increasing the number of brown-like adipocytes in the white adipose tissue (WAT). Whereas WAT stores excess energy, brown adipose tissue (BAT) can dissipate this energy overload in the form of heat, increasing energy expenditure and thus inhibiting metabolic diseases. To facilitate BAT production a high-throughput screening approach was developed on previously known drugs using human Simpson–Golabi–Behmel Syndrome (SGBS) preadipocytes. The screening allowed us to discover that zafirlukast, an FDA-approved small molecule drug commonly used to treat asthma, was able to differentiate adipocyte precursors and white-biased adipocytes into functional brown adipocytes. However, zafirlukast is toxic to human cells at higher dosages. Drug-Initiated Activity Metabolomics (DIAM) was used to investigate zafirlukast as a BAT inducer, and the endogenous metabolite myristoylglycine was then discovered to mimic the browning properties of zafirlukast without impacting cell viability. Myristoylglycine was found to be bio-synthesized upon zafirlukast treatment and was unique in inducing brown adipocyte differentiation, raising the possibility of using endogenous metabolites and bypassing the exogenous drugs to potentially alleviate disease, in this case, obesity and other related metabolic diseases.
Analysis of Different Methods of Extracting NSAIDs in Biological Fluid Samples for LC-MS/MS Assays: Scoping Review
Authors: Siqueira Sandrin Viviane Silva , Oliveira Gabriela Moraes , Weckwerth Giovana Maria , Polanco Nelson Leonel Del Hierro , Faria Flávio Augusto Cardoso , Santos Carlos Ferreira , Calvo Adriana Maria
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic investigation and analysis of different drug extraction methods, specifically non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in biological fluid samples, for Liquid Chromatography in Mass Spectrometry assays (LC-MS/MS). A search was carried out in the main databases between 1999 and 2021, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Data were obtained through PubMed, Lilacs, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the Boolean operators AND and OR. Studies were pre-selected by title and abstract by two independent reviewers. The selected texts were read in full, and only those that were complete and compatible with the inclusion and exclusion criteria were eligible for this research. A total of 248 references were obtained in the databases. After removing the duplicates and analyzing the titles and abstracts, 79 references were evaluated and passed to the next phase, which comprised the complete reading of the article. A total of 39 publications were eligible for this study. In 52% of the studies, the authors used the liquid–liquid extraction method (LLE), while in 41%, the solid-phase extraction method (SPE) was used. A total of 5% used microextraction methods and 2% used less-conventional techniques. The literature on the main methods used, the LLE and SPE methods, is extensive and consolidated; however, we found other studies that reported modifications of these traditional techniques, which were equally validated for use in LC-MS/MS. From this review, it is concluded that the diversity of techniques, reliability, and practical information about each analytical method used in this study can be adapted to advances in LC-MS/MS techniques; however, more ecological, economic, and sustainable approaches should be explored in the future.
Towards the Estimation of Body Weight in Sheep Using Metaheuristic Algorithms from Biometric Parameters in Microsystems
Authors: Camacho-Pérez Enrique , Chay-Canul Alfonso Juventino , Garcia-Guendulain Juan Manuel , Rodríguez-Abreo Omar
Published: August 2022

The Body Weight (BW) of sheep is an important indicator for producers. Genetic management, nutrition, and health activities can benefit from weight monitoring. This article presents a polynomial model with an adjustable degree for estimating the weight of sheep from the biometric parameters of the animal. Computer vision tools were used to measure these parameters, obtaining a margin of error of less than 5%. A polynomial model is proposed after the parameters were obtained, where a coefficient and an unknown exponent go with each biometric variable. Two metaheuristic algorithms determine the values of these constants. The first is the most extended algorithm, the Genetic Algorithm (GA). Subsequently, the Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA) has a similar performance to the GA, which indicates that the value obtained by the GA is not a local optimum due to the poor parameter selection in the GA. The results show a Root-Mean-Squared Error (RMSE) of 7.68% for the GA and an RMSE of 7.55% for the CSA, proving the feasibility of the mathematical model for estimating the weight from biometric parameters. The proposed mathematical model, as well as the estimation of the biometric parameters can be easily adapted to an embedded microsystem.
Wide-Angle Mini-Light-Emitting Diodes without Optical Lens for an Ultrathin Flexible Light Source
Authors: Chen Yen-Lung , Chin Wen-Chung , Tsai Chun-Wei , Chiu Chang-Che , Tien Ching-Ho , Ye Zhi-Ting , Han Pin
Published: August 2022

This report outlines a proposed method of packaging wide-angle (WA) mini-light-emitting diode (mini-LED) devices without optical lenses to create a highly efficient, ultrathin, flexible planar backlight for portable quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) displays. Since the luminous intensity curve for mini-LEDs generally recommends a beam angle of 120°, numerous LEDs are necessary to achieve a uniform surface light source for a QLED backlight. The light-guide layer and diffusion layer were packaged together on a chip surface to create WA mini-LEDs with a viewing angle of 180°. These chips were then combined with a quantum dot (QD) film and an optical film to create a high-efficiency, ultrathin, flexible planar light source with excellent color purity that can be used as a QLED display backlight. A 6 in (14.4 cm) light source was used as an experimental sample. When 1.44 W was supplied to the sample, the 3200-piece WA mini-LED with a flexible planar QLED display had a beam angle of 180° on the luminous intensity curve, a planar backlight thickness of 0.98 mm, a luminance of 10,322 nits, and a luminance uniformity of 92%.
Investigation of Tunneling Effect for a N-Type Feedback Field-Effect Transistor
Authors: Oh Jong Hyeok , Yu Yun Seop
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the tunneling effect for a N-type feedback field-effect transistor (NFBFET) was investigated. The NFBFET has highly doped N-P junction in the channel region. When drain-source voltage is applied at the NFBFET, the aligning between conduction band of N-region and valence band of P-region occur, and band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) current can be formed on surface region of N-P junction in the channel of the NFBFET. When the doping concentration of gated-channel region (Ngc) is 4 × 1018 cm−3, the tunneling current makes off-currents increase approximately 104 times. As gate-source voltage is applied to NFBFET, the tunneling rate decreases owing to reducing of aligned region between bands by stronger gate-field. Eventually, the tunneling currents are vanished at the BTBT vanishing point before threshold voltage. When Ngc increase from 4 × 1018 to 6 × 1018, the tunneling current is generated not only at the surface region but also at the bulk region. Moreover, the tunneling length is shorter at the surface and bulk regions, and hence the leakage currents more increase. The BTBT vanishing point also increases due to increase of tunneling rates at surface and bulk region as Ngc increases.
Functional Analysis of Conserved Hypothetical Proteins from the Antarctic Bacterium, Pedobacter cryoconitis Strain BG5 Reveals Protein Cold Adaptation and Thermal Tolerance Strategies
Authors: Masnoddin Makdi , Ling Clemente Michael Wong Vui , Yusof Nur Athirah
Published: August 2022

Pedobacter cryoconitis BG5 is an obligate psychrophilic bacterium that was first isolated on King George Island, Antarctica. Over the last 50 years, the West Antarctic, including King George Island, has been one of the most rapidly warming places on Earth, hence making it an excellent area to measure the resilience of living species in warmed areas exposed to the constantly changing environment due to climate change. This bacterium encodes a genome of approximately 5694 protein-coding genes. However, 35% of the gene models for this species are found to be hypothetical proteins (HP). In this study, three conserved HP genes of P. cryoconitis, designated pcbg5hp1, pcbg5hp2 and pcbg5hp12, were cloned and the proteins were expressed, purified and their functions and structures were evaluated. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that these genes were expressed constitutively, suggesting a potentially important role where the expression of these genes under an almost constant demand might have some regulatory functions in thermal stress tolerance. Functional analysis showed that these proteins maintained their activities at low and moderate temperatures. Meanwhile, a low citrate synthase aggregation at 43 °C in the presence of PCBG5HP1 suggested the characteristics of chaperone activity. Furthermore, our comparative structural analysis demonstrated that the HPs exhibited cold-adapted traits, most notably increased flexibility in their 3D structures compared to their counterparts. Concurrently, the presence of a disulphide bridge and aromatic clusters was attributed to PCBG5HP1’s unusual protein stability and chaperone activity. Thus, this suggested that the HPs examined in this study acquired strategies to maintain a balance between molecular stability and structural flexibility. Conclusively, this study has established the structure–function relationships of the HPs produced by P. cryoconitis and provided crucial experimental evidence indicating their importance in thermal stress response.
Phytoplankton Responses to Bacterially Regenerated Iron in a Southern Ocean Eddy
Authors: Fourquez Marion , Strzepek Robert F. , Ellwood Michael J. , Hassler Christel , Cabanes Damien , Eggins Sam , Pearce Imojen , Deppeler Stacy , Trull Thomas W. , Boyd Philip W. , Bressac Matthieu
Published: August 2022

In the Subantarctic sector of the Southern Ocean, vertical entrainment of iron (Fe) triggers the seasonal productivity cycle but diminishing physical supply during the spring to summer transition forces microbial assemblages to rapidly acclimate. Here, we tested how phytoplankton and bacteria within an isolated eddy respond to different dissolved Fe (DFe)/ligand inputs. We used three treatments: one that mimicked the entrainment of new DFe (Fe-NEW), another in which DFe was supplied from bacterial regeneration of particles (Fe-REG), and a control with no addition of DFe (Fe-NO). After 6 days, 3.5 (Fe-NO, Fe-NEW) to 5-fold (Fe-REG) increases in Chlorophyll a were observed. These responses of the phytoplankton community were best explained by the differences between the treatments in the amount of DFe recycled during the incubation (Fe-REG, 15% recycled c.f. 40% Fe-NEW, 60% Fe-NO). This additional recycling was more likely mediated by bacteria. By day 6, bacterial production was comparable between Fe-NO and Fe-NEW but was approximately two-fold higher in Fe-REG. A preferential response of phytoplankton (haptophyte-dominated) relative to high nucleic acid (HNA) bacteria was also found in the Fe-REG treatment while the relative proportion of diatoms increased faster in the Fe-NEW and Fe-NO treatments. Comparisons between light and dark incubations further confirmed the competition between picophytoplankton and HNA for DFe. Overall, our results demonstrate great versatility by microorganisms to use different Fe sources that results in highly efficient Fe recycling within surface waters. This study also encourages future research to further investigate the interactions between functional groups of microbes (e.g. HNA and cyanobacteria) to better constraint modeling in Fe and carbon biogeochemical cycles.
A New Image Processing Workflow for the Detection of Quartz Types in Shales: Implications for Shale Gas Reservoir Quality Prediction
Authors: Guo Sen , Misch David , Sachsenhofer Reinhard F. , Zhu Yanming , Tang Xin , Bai Weichen
Published: August 2022

A shale lithofacies scheme is commonly used to characterize source rock reservoirs of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation. However, this classification ignores that individual components such as quartz may have different origins, potentially affecting reservoir quality. The main objective of this article is, therefore, to present a refined scheme for lithofacies and an image processing workflow for the detection of quartz types in the Niutitang Formation shales from the Jiumen outcrop in the Guizhou Province (Upper Yangtze Basin, SW China). In order to do so, a combination of bulk density, optical and scanning electron microscopy and image analysis was used. The shale lithology was macroscopically classified into seven major categories and nineteen subcategories. Subsequently, the shales were investigated at the microscopic level, mainly focusing on quartz types and microstructural variations. Afterwards, the workflow to calculate the weight per unit volume (1 cm3) of the quartz types was presented, i.e., firstly, by calculating the weight of mineral matter by subtraction of the measured weight of organic matter from the bulk shale; secondly, by calculating the weight of total quartz in bulk shale from the weight of mineral matter and its proportion calculated from X-ray diffraction data; thirdly, by calculating the weight of detrital quartz and non-detrital quartz with energy dispersive X-ray mapping, image processing and quartz density; finally, by calculating the weight of clay-sized quartz by subtracting of the weight of detrital and non-detrital quartz from the weight of the total quartz. The bulk quartz content was found to be dominated by clay-sized quartz, which may mainly control the mesopore volume available for gas storage and, hence, the shale gas reservoir development.
LA-ICP-MS Trace Element Composition of Sphalerite and Galena of the Proterozoic Carbonate-Hosted Morro Agudo Zn-Pb Sulfide District, Brazil: Insights into Ore Genesis
Authors: Aldis Colin , Olivo Gema R. , Morfin Samuel
Published: August 2022

The metal-rich Vazante-Paracatu Mineral Belt, in central Brazil, hosts the Zn-Pb sulfide Morro Agudo District in the Mesoproterozoic (1.3–1.1 Ga) upper carbonate sequence of the Vazante Group. The Morro Agudo district is comprised of the Morro Agudo deposit and the Bento Carmelo, Sucuri, and Morro do Capão occurrences. This carbonate sequence also hosts the Fagundes, Ambrósia and Bonsucesso Zn-Pb sulfide deposits (northern part) and the zinc silicate Vazante and North Extension deposits (southern part). The structurally controlled, stratabound and stratiform styles of mineralization in the Morro Agudo orebodies have been variably classified as sedimentary exhalative, Irish-type and Mississippi Valley-type. In this study, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) spot analyses of sphalerite and galena from the Morro Agudo district revealed that red sphalerite (interpreted as the last stage) has higher Fe and Mn and lower Bi, Co, Cu, Ge, Hg, Tl compared to the other types of sphalerite, whereas the first generation of galena (Gn-I) is enriched in Ag, Cd, and Se and depleted in Cu and Mn relative to later galena (Gn-II). Mineral paragenesis and principal component analysis (PCA) of ore mineral composition suggest that the Morro Agudo, Sucuri and Morro do Capão mineralized zones formed by similar processes involving Zn-Pb mineralizing fluids with various compositions, comprising two main elemental associations: (1) Fe, As, In, Mn, Sb, Ag; and (2) Cd, Bi, Co, Ga, and Se. Bento Carmelo is distinguished in PCA by its unique dolomite-hosted sphalerite composition with elevated concentrations of Cu, Ge, Hg and likely formed from distinct fluids or processes. Temperatures of the mineralizing fluids for the Morro Agudo district range from 82 to 320 °C, calculated based on the trace element composition of sphalerite. The styles of mineralization and ore compositions are consistent with MVT deposits; however, fluid temperatures are hotter than typical MVT mineralizing fluids and may reflect a higher geothermal gradient or active advective fluid flow during the Brasiliano orogeny.
A Three-Dimensional Melamine Sponge Modified with MnOx Mixed Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Photothermal Catalysis of Formaldehyde
Authors: Yin Rongyang , Sun Pengfei , Cheng Lujun , Liu Tingting , Zhou Baocheng , Dong Xiaoping
Published: August 2022

Much attention has been paid to developing effective visible light catalytic technologies for VOC oxidation without requiring extra energy. In this paper, a series of sponge-based catalysts with rich three-dimensional porosity are synthesized by combining MnOx and graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) with commercial melamine sponges (MS) coated with polydopamine (PDA), demonstrating excellent photothermal catalytic performance for formaldehyde (HCHO). The three-dimensional porous framework of MS can provide a good surface for material modification and a reliable interface for gas-solid interaction. The grown layer of PDA framework not only increases the near-infrared wavelength absorption for improving the light-to-heat conversion of catalysts, but also brings excellent adhesion for the subsequent addition of MnOX and GCN. The efficient formaldehyde oxidation is attributed to the sufficient oxygen vacancies generated by co-loaded MnOX and GCN, which is conducive to the activation of more O2− in the oxidation process. As the surface temperature of catalyst rapidly increases to its maximum value at ca. 115 °C under visible light irradiation, the HCHO concentration drops from 160 ppm to 46 ppm within 20 min. The reaction mechanism is certified as a classical Mars-van Krevelen mechanism based on the photo-induced thermal catalysis process.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.): Nutritional Composition, Bioactive Compounds, and Food Functional Properties
Authors: Devkota Hari Prasad , Paudel Keshav Raj , Khanal Shristi , Baral Ananda , Panth Nisha , Adhikari-Devkota Anjana , Jha Niraj Kumar , Das Niranjan , Singh Sachin Kumar , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Dua Kamal , Hansbro Philip M.
Published: August 2022

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L., Urticaceae) is commonly found in Asia, Africa, and Europe and has a long history of being used as food and traditional medicine. Recently, this plant is gaining attention as a highly nutritious food, where fresh leaves are dried and used as powder or in other forms. Leaves are rich in many bioactive compounds. This review aims to cover the traditional uses in food and medicine, as well as its nutritional composition, including its bioactive chemical constituents and reported food functional activities. Various bioactive chemical constituents have been isolated from stinging nettle to date, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acid, carotenoids, and fatty acids. Stinging nettle extracts and its compounds, such as rutin, kaempferol, and vitamin A, are also used for their nutritional properties and as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. Future studies should focus on the proper formulation and stability testing of the functional foods containing stinging nettle and their detailed activities in clinical studies.
Optimization of Polyphenols’ Recovery from Purple Corn Cobs Assisted by Infrared Technology and Use of Extracted Anthocyanins as a Natural Colorant in Pickled Turnip
Authors: Barba Francisco J. , Rajha Hiba N. , Debs Espérance , Abi-Khattar Anna-Maria , Khabbaz Stéphanie , Dar Basharat Nabi , Simirgiotis Mario J. , Castagnini Juan Manuel , Maroun Richard G. , Louka Nicolas
Published: August 2022

An ecofriendly extraction technology using infrared (IR) irradiation Ired-Irrad® was applied to purple corn cobs to enhance polyphenol recovery for the first time. The IR extraction efficiency was compared to that of the water bath (WB) method. Response surface methodology (RSM) using a central composite design was conducted to determine the effect of the experimental conditions (extraction time and treatment temperature) and their interactions on the total polyphenol and anthocyanin yields. Optimal extraction of total phenolic compounds (37 mg GAE/g DM) and total monomeric anthocyanins (14 mg C3G/g DM) were obtained at 63 °C for 77 min using IR as an extraction technique and water as a solvent. HPLC revealed that the recovery of peonidin 3-O-glucoside and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside was enhanced by 26% and 34%, respectively, when using IR. Finally, purple corn cobs’ spray-dried extract was proven to be an important natural colorant of pickled turnip. It offers great potential for use as a healthy alternative to the carcinogenic rhodamine B synthetic dye, which was banned.
Comparison of the Performance of Different Bile Salts in Enantioselective Separation of Palonosetron Stereoisomers by Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography
Authors: Hu Shaoqiang , Sun Tao , Li Rui , Zhang Dongdong , Zhang Yonghua , Yang Zhuo , Feng Ge , Guo Xuming
Published: August 2022

Bile salts are a category of natural chiral surfactants which have ever been used as the surfactant and chiral selector for the separation of many chiral compounds by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). In our previous works, the application of sodium cholate (SC) in the separation of four stereoisomers of palonosetron (PALO) by MEKC has been studied systematically. In this work, the parameters of other bile salts, including sodium taurocholate (STC), sodium deoxycholate (SDC), and sodium taurodeoxycholate (STDC) in the separation of PALO stereoisomers by MEKC were measured and compared with SC. It was found that all of four bile salts provide chiral recognition for both pairs of enantiomers, as well as achiral selectivity for diastereomers of different degrees. The structure of steroidal ring of bile salts has a greater impact on the separation than the structure of the side chain. The varying separation results by different bile salts were elucidated based on the measured parameters. A model to describe the contributions of the mobility difference of solutes in the aqueous phase and the selectivity of micelles to the chiral and achiral separation of stereoisomers was introduced. Additionally, a new approach to measure the mobility of micelles without enough solubility for hydrophobic markers was proposed, which is necessary for the calculation of separation parameters in MEKC. Under the guidance of derived equations, the separation by SDC and STDC was significantly improved by using lower surfactant concentrations. The complete separation of four stereoisomers was achieved in less than 3.5 min by using 4.0 mM of SDC. In addition, 30.0 mM of STC also provided the complete resolution of four stereoisomers due to the balance of different separation mechanisms. Its applicability for the analysis of a small amount of enantiomeric impurities in the presence of a high concentration of the effective ingredient was validated by a real sample.
Antifungal and Cytotoxic Activity of Diterpenes and Bisnorsesquiterpenoides from the Latex of Euphorbia resinifera Berg
Authors: Ourhzif El-Mahdi , Ricelli Alessandra , Stagni Venturina , Cirigliano Angela , Rinaldi Teresa , Bouissane Latifa , Saso Luciano , Chalard Pierre , Troin Yves , Khouili Mostafa , Akssira Mohamed
Published: August 2022

Euphorbia resinifera latex has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine due to its range of bioactivities. Chromatographic separations on silica gel of ethanol extract of E. resinifera latex led to the development of a new procedure for isolating resiniferatoxin (4) via dried E. resinifera latex and the identification of nine compounds. Among these, catechol (7), protocatechuic acid (8) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (9), known phenolic compounds, were identified for the first time in E. resinifera latex. Herein we investigated the effects of major compounds of the latex of E. resinifera on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, on the growth of Aspergillus carbonarius, a widespread fungal contaminant, and on the breast cancer cell line MCF7 as well as on MCF10A normal breast cells. 12-deoxyphorbol-13-isobutyrate-20-acetate (2) had an inhibiting effect on the growth of A. carbonarius, and 7-p-metoxyphenylacetate-3,8,12-triacetate ingol (3) showed a negative effect on yeast cell growth and also a cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cell line MCF7, but not on MCF10A cells. Deglucosyl euphorbioside A (5) and euphorbioside A (6) showed a discoloration effect that was possibly related to mitochondrial functionality in yeast, and also cytotoxicity only on the cancer cell line that was tested. Interestingly, treatment of MCF7 cells with 7-p-metoxyphenylacetate-3,8,12-triacetate ingol (3) and deglucosyl euphorbioside A (5) not only led to a specific cytotoxic effect but also to the increase in the level of intracellular ROS.
Recent Progress in Fabrication and Application of BN Nanostructures and BN-Based Nanohybrids
Authors: Shtansky Dmitry V. , Matveev Andrei T. , Permyakova Elizaveta S. , Leybo Denis V. , Konopatsky Anton S. , Sorokin Pavel B.
Published: August 2022

Due to its unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, such as a low specific density, large specific surface area, excellent thermal stability, oxidation resistance, low friction, good dispersion stability, enhanced adsorbing capacity, large interlayer shear force, and wide bandgap, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanostructures are of great interest in many fields. These include, but are not limited to, (i) heterogeneous catalysts, (ii) promising nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery to tumor cells and nanoparticles containing therapeutic agents to fight bacterial and fungal infections, (iii) reinforcing phases in metal, ceramics, and polymer matrix composites, (iv) additives to liquid lubricants, (v) substrates for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, (vi) agents for boron neutron capture therapy, (vii) water purifiers, (viii) gas and biological sensors, and (ix) quantum dots, single photon emitters, and heterostructures for electronic, plasmonic, optical, optoelectronic, semiconductor, and magnetic devices. All of these areas are developing rapidly. Thus, the goal of this review is to analyze the critical mass of knowledge and the current state-of-the-art in the field of BN-based nanomaterial fabrication and application based on their amazing properties.
Transformation of Amorphous Terbium Metal–Organic Framework on Terbium Oxide TbOx(111) Thin Film on Pt(111) Substrate: Structure of TbxOy Film
Authors: Brunckova Helena , Mudra Erika , Streckova Magdalena , Medvecky Lubomir , Sopcak Tibor , Shepa Ivan , Kovalcikova Alexandra , Lisnichuk Maksym , Kolev Hristo
Published: August 2022

The present study is focused on the synthesis and structural properties of amorphous terbium metal–organic framework thin film (TbMOF-TF) and its transformation to terbium oxide by pyrolysis at 450 °C in the air. The crystalline (cTbMOF) and amorphous (aTbMOF) films were prepared by solvothermal synthesis using different amounts (0.4 and 0.7 mmol) of the modulator (sodium acetate), respectively. The powders were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The varied chemical composition of the surface of TbMOFs and TbxOy was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that aTbMOF had been fully transformed to a Tb4O7 phase with a cubic crystal structure at 450 °C. The amorphous aTbMOF-TF film was prepared by dropping a colloidal solution of amorphous precursor nanocrystals on the SiO2/Si substrates covered with Pt as an interlayer. XPS confirmed the presence of Tb in two states, Tb3+ and Tb4+. The amorphous film has a rough, porous microstructure and is composed of large clusters of worm-like particles, while terbium oxide film consists of fine crystallites of cubic fluorite cF-TbOx, c-Tb4O7, and c-Tb2O3 phases. The surface topography was investigated by a combination of confocal (CM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The amorphous film is porous and rough, which is contrast to the crystalline terbium oxide film.
Role of Nutrition Information in Acceptance and Willingness to Pay for Biofortified Cereal Food: Implications for Better Health and Sustainable Diet
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Abbas Azhar , Xu Hui , Ahmed Umar Ijaz , Qing Ping , He Puming , Iqbal Muhammad Amjed , Shahzad Muhammad Aamir
Published: August 2022

A range of nutritional needs are met through the use of fortified farm-based foods. Wheat biorfortification with zinc is such an example where biorfortification is carried out for a crucial element like Zinc. Zinc-biofortified wheat (Zn-wheat) has been officially launched in Pakistan since 2016 but its wide-scale dissemination, adoption and consumption have not taken place till to date. On the other hand, essential nutrients deficiencies have wide-ranging implications for public health especially for children and lactating mothers. This study is undertaken to know the reasons for the slow progression of scaling up of biofortified wheat varieties in Pakistan, people’s awareness about biofortified wheat and to recognize the role of information in acceptance and willingness to pay for this wheat. For this purpose, randomly selected 474 households were interviewed from four districts of Punjab province. They were categorized into four groups based on their exposure to information in real and hypothetical cheap talk (game theory context). Study findings reveal that respondents were ready to pay for fortified wheat if they are aware about nutrient aspects and Zn deficiency. Using Discrete Choice Experiment, the preferences for and factors affecting the willingness to pay for fortified wheat are evaluated. Main factors having positive impact include household head’s education and income, having pregnant women and children <5 years age. It was also found that people having valid information about nutrients of a food would be willing to pay more. The study highlights need for policy focus on educating people about nutritional aspects as well as making available biofortified foods to promote healthy living.
Levels of Vitamin D and Expression of the Vitamin D Receptor in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk and Survival
Authors: Huss Linnea , Butt Salma Tunå , Borgquist Signe , Elebro Karin , Sandsveden Malte , Manjer Jonas , Rosendahl Ann
Published: August 2022

Previous research suggests associations between low systemic levels of vitamin D and poor breast cancer prognosis and between expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in breast cancers and survival. This study aimed to study associations between pre-diagnostic systemic levels of vitamin D and expression of VDR in subsequent breast tumors, and interactions between vitamin D and VDR on breast cancer mortality. Systemic vitamin D levels were measured in women within the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. The expression of VDR was evaluated immunohistochemically in a tissue microarray of subsequent breast cancers. Statistical analyses followed. Women with high levels of vitamin D had a smaller proportion of VDR negative breast tumors compared to women with low levels of vitamin D (odds ratio: 0.68; 95% confidence interval: 0.41–1.13). Vitamin D levels were not found to modify the association between low VDR expression and high breast cancer mortality. To conclude, there was no statistical evidence for an association between pre-diagnostic levels of vitamin D and the expression of VDRs in breast cancer, nor did vitamin D levels influence the association between VDR expression and breast cancer mortality. Further studies are needed in order to establish the effects of vitamin D on breast cancer.
Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acids and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: Mendelian Randomization Investigation
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Li Xue , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Bruzelius Maria , Larsson Susanna C. ,   on behalf of the INVENT Consortium
Published: August 2022

Circulating fatty acids may affect thrombosis but epidemiological data on the associations between fatty acids and risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are limited and conflicting. We conducted a Mendelian randomization study to examine the causal associations of 10 circulating fatty acids with VTE risk. Genetic variants strongly associated with ten fatty acids and without linkage disequilibrium were selected as instrumental variables from the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium. Genetic associations for VTE and its subtypes were obtained from the International Network Against Venous Thrombosis Consortium (30,234 cases and 172,122 controls) and the FinnGen study (11,288 VTE cases and 254,771 controls). Estimates from the two data sources were combined. Per standard deviation increase in genetically predicted fatty acid levels, the combined odds ratio (OR) of VTE was 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.92) for α-linolenic acid, 0.92 (95% CI 0.90–0.95) for linoleic acid, 0.85 (95% CI 0.78–0.92) for palmitoleic acid, 0.77 (95% CI 0.77–0.84) for oleic acid, 1.16 (95% CI 1.10–1.23) for eicosapentaenoic acid, 1.10 (95% CI 1.06–1.14) for docosapentaenoic acid, 1.06 (95% CI 1.04–1.08) for arachidonic acid, and 1.19 (95% CI 1.11–1.28) for stearic acid. Genetically predicted levels of docosahexaenoic acid or palmitoleic acid were not associated with VTE risk. Four and eight out of ten genetically predicted fatty acid levels were associated with risk of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, respectively. This study suggests that strategies targeting at fatty acids may act as prevention approaches for VTE.
Qualitative Study of Participation Facilitators and Barriers for Emergency School Meals and Pandemic Electronic Benefits (P-EBT) in an Urban Setting during COVID-19
Authors: Cadenhead Jennifer W. , McCarthy Julia E. , Nguyen Thanh Thanh T. , Rodriguez Michelle , Koch Pamela A.
Published: August 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly fewer of New York City’s (NYC’s) 1.1 million public school children participated in emergency grab-and-go meals—heightening the risk of inadequate nutrition security for many of NYC’s most vulnerable residents. This study sought to examine student families’ facilitators and barriers to participation in the grab-and-go meal service and their experiences with pandemic-electronic benefit transfer (P-EBT) funds, a cash benefit distributed when schools were closed. We recruited 126 parents of children in NYC public schools who had participated in the grab-and-go service. Using opened-ended questions, we interviewed 101 parents in 25 1-h online focus groups. We identified four main themes which broadly impacted school meal participation: communication, logistics, meal appeal, and personal circumstances. Key facilitating subthemes included clear communication, ease of accessing sites, and high variety. Key sub-themes negatively impacting participation included limited communication and low meal variety. Accurate, timely communication; easily accessible distribution locations; and convenient distribution times could have increased participation and satisfaction. For P-EBT, parents welcomed the funds and used them readily, but some experienced difficulties obtaining payments. The simultaneous inclusion of community-based research in the evaluation of emergency feeding programs could improve future outcomes for school meal participation and electronic benefits.
Serum Vitamin D Levels Explored in the Latvian Cohort of Patients with Basal Cell Carcinoma Linked to the Sonic Hedgehog and Vitamin D Binding Protein Cutaneous Tissue Indices
Authors: Moisejenko-Goluboviča Jeļena , Groma Valērija , Svirskis Šimons , Ivanova Anna
Published: August 2022

Ultraviolet radiation is known as one of the major contributors to skin malignancies, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common type of skin cancer. It is a heterogeneous tumor, which presents with various types that are stratified into low- and high-risk tumors. Sunlight is important for overall health and vitamin D synthesis in the skin, whereas deviations from the optimal level of vitamin D are shown to be associated with the risk of the development of BCC. The accumulating evidence suggests the ability of vitamin D to antagonize the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling, the key tumor pathway, and play a protective role in the development of BCC. Additionally, a vitamin D binding protein (DBP) is shown to be implicated in the complex regulation of vitamin D. Here, we aimed to explore serum vitamin D in patients with different primary and recurrent BCC of the head and neck and investigate cutaneous DBP and SHH indices, confirmed immunohistochemically in these subjects. According to the results, 94.9% of the Latvian cohort of BCC patients were found to be deficient in vitamin D. No significant differences in serum vitamin D levels were found between genders, primary and recurrent tumors, and different types of BCC. Serum vitamin D was inversely associated with tumor size. Susceptible male individuals with low blood vitamin D levels were recognized at risk of developing aggressive and recurrent BCC confirmed by the use of hierarchical clustering analysis. In smaller tumors with a favorable course, such as superficial and nodular BCC, the association between high DBP and low SHH tissue expression was found, providing supportive evidence of the existence of a link between vitamin D, proteins involved in its metabolism, as exemplified by the DBP and SHH signaling pathway. The assumption of a deficiency in the protective effect of vitamin D in patients with high-risk BCCs was proposed in low DBP and high SHH tissue indices. New extensions to existing knowledge and characterization of the BCC signaling pathways and their cross-talk with vitamin D are warranted when searching for a preferential effect of vitamin D on skin cancer.
Diet-Treated Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Is an Underestimated Risk Factor for Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Swedish Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Valgeirsdóttir Inga , Hanson Ulf , Schwarcz Erik , Simmons David , Backman Helena
Published: August 2022

In Sweden, diet-treated gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pregnancies have been managed as low risk. The aim was to evaluate the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes among women with diet-treated GDM compared with the background population and with insulin-treated GDM. This is a population-based cohort study using national register data between 1998 and 2012, before new GDM management guidelines and diagnostic criteria in Sweden were introduced. Singleton pregnancies (n = 1,455,580) without pregestational diabetes were included. Among 14,242 (1.0%) women diagnosed with GDM, 8851 (62.1%) were treated with diet and 5391 (37.9%) with insulin. In logistic regression analysis, the risk was significantly increased in both diet- and insulin-treated groups (vs. background) for large-for-gestational-age newborns, preeclampsia, cesarean section, birth trauma and preterm delivery. The risk was higher in the insulin-treated group (vs. diet) for most outcomes, but perinatal mortality rates neither differed between treatment groups nor compared to the background population. Diet as a treatment for GDM did not normalize pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancies with diet-treated GDM should therefore not be considered as low risk. Whether changes in surveillance and treatment improve outcomes needs to be evaluated.
The Effect of Diet and Exercise Interventions on Body Composition in Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Johnston Heidi E. , Takefala Tahnie G. , Kelly Jaimon T. , Keating Shelley E. , Coombes Jeff S. , Macdonald Graeme A. , Hickman Ingrid J. , Mayr Hannah L.
Published: August 2022

Alterations in body composition, in particular sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, are complications of liver cirrhosis associated with adverse outcomes. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of diet and/or exercise interventions on body composition (muscle or fat) in adults with cirrhosis. Five databases were searched from inception to November 2021. Controlled trials of diet and/or exercise reporting at least one body composition measure were included. Single-arm interventions were included if guideline-recommended measures were used (computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, or ultrasound). A total of 22 controlled trials and 5 single-arm interventions were included. Study quality varied (moderate to high risk of bias), mainly due to lack of blinding. Generally, sample sizes were small (n = 6–120). Only one study targeted weight loss in an overweight population. When guideline-recommended measures of body composition were used, the largest improvements occurred with combined diet and exercise interventions. These mostly employed high protein diets with aerobic and or resistance exercises for at least 8 weeks. Benefits were also observed with supplementary branched-chain amino acids. While body composition in cirrhosis may improve with diet and exercise prescription, suitably powered RCTs of combined interventions, targeting overweight/obese populations, and using guideline-recommended body composition measures are needed to clarify if sarcopenia/sarcopenic obesity is modifiable in patients with cirrhosis.
Survival of Vaccine-Induced Human Milk SARS-CoV-2 IgG, IgA and SIgA Immunoglobulins across Simulated Human Infant Gastrointestinal Digestion
Authors: Pieri Myrtani , Maniori Maria-Arsenia , Shahabian Lucy , Kanaan Elie , Paphiti-Demetriou Irene , Pipis Spyros , Felekkis Kyriakos , Nicolaidou Vicky , Papaneophytou Christos
Published: August 2022

Breastfeeding can be a vital way of acquiring passive immunity via the transfer of antibodies from the mother to the breastfeeding infant. Recent evidence points to the fact that human milk contains immunoglobulins (Ig) against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, either after natural infection or vaccination, but whether these antibodies can resist enzymatic degradation during digestion in the infant gastrointestinal (GI) tract or indeed protect the consumers remains inconclusive. Herein, we evaluated the levels of IgG, IgA, and secretory IgA (SIgA) antibodies against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in 43 lactating mothers who received at least two doses of either an mRNA-based vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna; n = 34) or an adenovirus-based vaccine (AstraZeneca; n = 9). We also accessed the potential persistence of SARS-CoV-2 IgA, IgG, and secretory IgA (SIgA) antibodies from vaccinated women in the GI tract of the infants by means of a static in vitro digestion protocol. Our data depict that, although slightly reduced, the IgA antibodies produced after vaccination resist both the gastric and intestinal phases of infant digestion, whereas the IgGs are more prone to degradation in both phases of digestion. Additionally, SIgA antibodies were found to greatly resist the gastric phase of digestion albeit showing some reduction during the intestinal phase. The evaluation of the vaccine induced Ig profile of breastmilk, and the extent to which these antibodies can resist digestion in the infant GI tract provide important information about the potential protective role of this form of passive immunity that could help decision making during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
The Potential of Topoisomerase Inhibitor-Based Antibody–Drug Conjugates
Authors: Han Seungmin , Lim Kwang Suk , Blackburn Brody J. , Yun Jina , Putnam Charles W. , Bull David A. , Won Young-Wook
Published: August 2022

DNA topoisomerases are essential enzymes that stabilize DNA supercoiling and resolve entanglements. Topoisomerase inhibitors have been widely used as anti-cancer drugs for the past 20 years. Due to their selectivity as topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitors that trap TOP1 cleavage complexes, camptothecin and its derivatives are promising anti-cancer drugs. To increase accumulation of TOP1 inhibitors in cancer cells through the targeting of tumors, TOP1 inhibitor antibody–drug conjugates (TOP1-ADC) have been developed and marketed. Some TOP1-ADCs have shown enhanced therapeutic efficacy compared to prototypical anti-cancer ADCs, such as T-DM1. Here, we review various types of camptothecin-based TOP1 inhibitors and recent developments in TOP1-ADCs. We then propose key points for the design and construction of TOP1-ADCs. Finally, we discuss promising combinatorial strategies, including newly developed approaches to maximizing the therapeutic potential of TOP1-ADCs.
Evaluating the Rhizosphere and Endophytic Microbiomes of a Bamboo Plant in Response to the Long-Term Application of Heavy Organic Amendment
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Huang Zhiyuan , Zhong Zheke , Li Qiaoling , Bian Fangyuan , Gao Guibin , Yang Chuanbao , Wen Xing
Published: August 2022

Root-associated bacteria play a major role in plant health and productivity. However, how organic amendment influences root-associated bacteria is uncertain in Lei bamboo (Phyllostachys praecox) plantations. Here, we compared the rhizosphere and endophytic microbiomes in two Lei bamboo plantations with (IMS) and without (TMS) the application of organic amendment for 16 years. The results showed IMS significantly increased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobiota. The root endophytic Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were significantly higher in abundance (p < 0.05) in the IMS than in the TMS, while Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were significantly lower in abundance. Five taxa were assigned to Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria, which were identified as keystones in the rhizosphere soil microbiome, while two species taxonomically affiliated with Proteobacteria were identified as keystones in the root endophytic microbiota, indicating this phylum can be an indicator for a root-associated microbiome in response to IMS. The soil pH, soil total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available potassium (AK), and TOC:TP ratio were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with the bacterial community composition of both rhizosphere soils and root endophytes. TMS increased the microbial network complexity of root endophytes but decreased the microbial network complexity of rhizosphere soil. Our results suggest IMS shapes the rhizosphere and endophytic bacterial community compositions and their interactions differently, which should be paid attention to when designing management practices for the sustainable development of forest ecosystems.