bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Olive Fruit Fly Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) Infestation on Certain Chemical Parameters of Produced Olive Oils
Authors: Valenčič Vasilij , Butinar Bojan , Podgornik Maja , Bučar-Miklavčič Milena
Published: December 2020

Olives affected by active and damaging infestation (olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Rossi)) were assayed for their chemical composition. Biophenols were determined by HPLC, sterols, triterpenic dialcohols, and fatty acids by gas chromatography analysis. The acquired data were statistically analyzed. Oils produced from “Istrska belica” fruit affected by active infestation compared to the oils made from fruit affected by damaging infestation showed higher amounts of total oleuropein biofenols (377.3 versus (vs.) 106.6 mg/kg), total biophenols (755 vs. 377 mg/kg), lignans (85.3 vs. 32.9 mg/kg), the dialdehydic form of decarboxymethyl oleuropein aglycone (DMO-Agl-dA) (148.3 vs. 49.0 mg/kg), its oxidized form (DMO-Agl-dA)ox (35.2 vs. 8.5 mg/kg), the dialdehydic form of oleuropein aglycone (O-Agl-dA) (61.1 vs. 8.0 mg/kg), the dialdehydic form of ligstroside aglycone (L-Agl-dA) (63.5 vs. 28.0 mg/kg), the aldehydic form of oleuropein aglycone (O-Agl-A) (40.6 vs. 8.4 mg/kg), and lower amounts of tyrosol (Tyr) (6.0 vs. 13. 9 mg/kg) and the aldehydic form of ligstroside aglycone (L-Agl-A) (13.8 vs. 40.3 mg/kg). Higher values of stigmasterol (2.99%) and lower values of campesterol (2.25%) were determined in oils affected by damaging infestation; an increase in triterpenic dialcohols was also observed (3.04% for damaging and 1.62% for active infestation). Oils affected by damaging infestation, compared to active infestation, showed lower amounts of oleic acid (73.89 vs. 75.15%) and higher amounts of myristic (0.013 vs. 0.011%), linoleic (7.27 vs. 6.48%), and linolenic (0.74 vs. 0.61%) acids.
Imaging Hydrogen Sulfide in Hypoxic Tissue with [99mTc]Tc-Gluconate
Authors: Kweon Yongkyoung , Park Ji-Yong , Kim Young-Joo , Lee Yun-Sang , Jeong Jae-Min
Published: December 2020

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the third gasotransmitter and is generated endogenously in hypoxic or inflammatory tissues and various cancers. We have recently demonstrated that endogenous H2S can be imaged with [99mTc]Tc-gluconate. In the present study, we detected H2S generated in hypoxic tissue, both in vitro and in vivo, using [99mTc]Tc-gluconate. In vitro uptake of [99mTc]Tc-gluconate was measured under hypoxic and normoxic conditions, using the colon carcinoma cell line CT26, and was higher in hypoxic cells than that in normoxic cells. An acute hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion model was established in BALB/c mice by exposing the animals to 3 h of ischemia and 3 h of reperfusion prior to in vivo imaging. [99mTc]Tc-gluconate (12.5 MBq) was intravenously injected through the tail vein, and uptake in the lower limb was analyzed by single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). SPECT/CT images showed five times higher uptake in the ischemic limb than that in the normal limb. The standard uptake value (SUVmean) of the ischemic limb was 0.39 ± 0.03, while that of the normal limb was 0.07 ± 0.01. [99mTc]Tc-gluconate is a novel imaging agent that can be used both in vitro and in vivo for the detection of endogenous H2S generated in hypoxic tissue.
Multi-Interactions in Ionic Liquids for Natural Product Extraction
Authors: Zhang Ying , Cao Yingying , Wang Hui
Published: December 2020

Natural products with a variety of pharmacological effects are important sources for commercial drugs, and it is very crucial to develop effective techniques to selectively extract and isolate bioactive natural components from the plants against the background of sustainable development. Ionic liquids (ILs) are a kind of designable material with unique physicochemical properties, including good thermal stability, negligible vapor pressure, good solvation ability, etc. ILs have already been used in pharmaceuticals for extraction, purification, drug delivery, etc. It has been reported that multi-interactions, like hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, play important roles in the extraction of bioactive components from the plants. In this review, recent progress in the understanding of scientific essence of hydrogen bonding, the special interaction, in ILs was summarized. The extraction of various natural products, one important area in pharmaceutical, by conventional and functional ILs as well as the specific roles of multi-interactions in this process were also reviewed. Moreover, problems existing in bioactive compound extraction by ILs and the future developing trends of this area are given, which might be helpful for scientists, especially beginners, in this field.
Rationally Designed CdS-Based Ternary Heterojunctions: A Case of 1T-MoS2 in CdS/TiO2 Photocatalyst
Authors: Chen Wenqian , Zhang Shaomei , Wang Ganyu , Huang Gang , Yu Zhichong , Li Yirui , Tang Liang
Published: December 2020

As promising heterojunction photocatalysts, the binary CdS-based heterojunctions were investigated extensively. In most of the reported CdS-based heterojunctions, however, electrons come from the semiconductor with wide band gap (e.g., TiO2) would limit the visible-light absorption of CdS and hence lower the performance. In this work, we introduced 1T-MoS2 to form a novel ternary heterojunction, namely CdS/1T-MoS2/TiO2, in which 1T-MoS2 has more positive conduction band than CdS and TiO2. The hydrogen evolution rate of CdS/1T-MoS2/TiO2 reaches 3.15 mmol g−1 h−1, which is approximately 12 and 35 times higher than that of pure CdS and CdS/TiO2 binary heterojunction under the same conditions, respectively. This performance enhancement could be attributed to the presence of 1T-MoS2 and a plausible mechanism is proposed based on photoelectrochemical characterizations. Our results illustrate that the performance of CdS-based heterojunctions for solar hydrogen evolution can be greatly improved by appropriate materials selection.
Recent Progress of Black Silicon: From Fabrications to Applications
Authors: Fan Zheng , Cui Danfeng , Zhang Zengxing , Zhao Zhou , Chen Hongmei , Fan Yanyun , Li Penglu , Zhang Zhidong , Xue Chenyang , Yan Shubin
Published: December 2020

Since black silicon was discovered by coincidence, the special material was explored for many amazing material characteristics in optical, surface topography, and so on. Because of the material property, black silicon is applied in many spheres of a photodetector, photovoltaic cell, photo-electrocatalysis, antibacterial surfaces, and sensors. With the development of fabrication technology, black silicon has expanded in more and more applications and has become a research hotspot. Herein, this review systematically summarizes the fabricating method of black silicon, including nanosecond or femtosecond laser irradiation, metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE), reactive ion etching (RIE), wet chemical etching, electrochemical method, and plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) methods. In addition, this review focuses on the progress in multiple black silicon applications in the past 10 years. Finally, the prospect of black silicon fabricating and various applications are outlined.
A Unique Synthesis of Macroporous N-Doped Carbon Composite Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Karunagaran Ramesh , Tran Diana , Tung Tran Thanh , Shearer Cameron , Losic Dusan
Published: December 2020

Macroporous carbon materials (MCMs) are used extensively for many electrocatalytic applications, particularly as catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs)—for example, in fuel cells. However, complex processes are currently required for synthesis of MCMs. We present a rapid and facile synthetic approach to produce tailored MCMs efficiently via pyrolysis of sulfonated aniline oligomers (SAOs). Thermal decomposition of SAO releases SO2 gas which acts as a blowing agent to form the macroporous structures. This process was used to synthesise three specifically tailored nitrogen (N)-doped MCM catalysts: N-SAO, N-SAO (phenol formaldehyde) (PF) and N-SAO-reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of macropores (100–350 µm). Investigation of ORR efficacy showed that N-SAOPF performed with the highest onset potential of 0.98 V (vs. RHE) and N-SAOrGO showed the highest limiting current density of 7.89 mAcm−2. The macroporous structure and ORR efficacy of the MCM catalysts synthesised using this novel process suggest that this method can be used to streamline MCM production while enabling the formation of composite materials that can be tailored for greater efficiency in many applications.
[6S]-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid and Folic Acid Pregnancy Diets Differentially Program Metabolic Phenotype and Hypothalamic Gene Expression of Wistar Rat Dams Post-Birth
Authors: Pannia Emanuela , Hammoud Rola , Simonian Rebecca , Arning Erland , Ashcraft Paula , Wasek Brandi , Bottiglieri Teodoro , Pausova Zdenka , Kubant Ruslan , Anderson G. Harvey
Published: December 2020

[6S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (MTHF) is a proposed replacement for folic acid (FA) in diets and prenatal supplements. This study compared the effects of these two forms on maternal metabolism and hypothalamic gene expression. Pregnant Wistar rats received an AIN-93G diet with recommended FA (1X, 2 mg/kg, control), 5X-FA or equimolar levels of MTHF. During lactation they received the control diet and then a high fat diet for 19-weeks post-weaning. Body weight, adiposity, food intake, energy expenditure, plasma hormones, folate, and 1-carbon metabolites were measured. RNA-sequencing of the hypothalamus was conducted at parturition. Weight-loss from weaning to 1-week post-weaning was less in dams fed either form of the 5X vs. 1X folate diets, but final weight-gain was higher in 5X-MTHF vs. 5X-FA dams. Both doses of the MTHF diets led to 8% higher food intake and associated with lower plasma leptin at parturition, but higher leptin at 19-weeks and insulin resistance at 1-week post-weaning. RNA-sequencing revealed 279 differentially expressed genes in the hypothalamus in 5X-MTHF vs. 5X-FA dams. These findings indicate that MTHF and FA differ in their programing effects on maternal phenotype, and a potential adverse role of either form when given at the higher doses.
Identification of Withania somnifera-Silybum marianum-Trigonella foenum-graecum Formulation as a Nutritional Supplement to Contrast Muscle Atrophy and Sarcopenia
Authors: Salvadori Laura , Mandrone Manuela , Manenti Tommaso , Ercolani Catia , Cornioli Luca , Lianza Mariacaterina , Tomasi Paola , Chiappalupi Sara , Di Filippo Ester Sara , Fulle Stefania , Poli Ferruccio , Sorci Guglielmo , Riuzzi Francesca
Published: December 2020

Background: Muscle atrophy, i.e., the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is an unresolved problem associated with aging (sarcopenia) and several pathological conditions. The imbalance between myofibrillary protein breakdown (especially the adult isoforms of myosin heavy chain, MyHC) and synthesis, and the reduction of muscle regenerative potential are main causes of muscle atrophy. Methods: Starting from one-hundred dried hydroalcoholic extracts of medical plants, we identified those able to contrast the reduction of C2C12 myotube diameter in well-characterized in vitro models mimicking muscle atrophy associated to inflammatory states, glucocorticoid treatment or nutrient deprivation. Based on their ability to rescue type II MyHC (MyHC-II) expression in atrophying conditions, six extracts with different phytochemical profiles were selected, mixed in groups of three, and tested on atrophic myotubes. The molecular mechanism underpinning the effects of the most efficacious formulation, and its efficacy on myotubes obtained from muscle biopsies of young and sarcopenic subjects were also investigated. Results: We identified WST (Withania somnifera, Silybum marianum, Trigonella foenum-graecum) formulation as extremely efficacious in protecting C2C12 myotubes against MyHC-II degradation by stimulating Akt (protein kinase B)-dependent protein synthesis and p38 MAPK (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase)/myogenin-dependent myoblast differentiation. WST sustains trophism in C2C12 and young myotubes, and rescues the size, developmental MyHC expression and myoblast fusion in sarcopenic myotubes. Conclusion: WST strongly counteracts muscle atrophy associated to different conditions in vitro. The future validation in vivo of our results might lead to the use of WST as a food supplement to sustain muscle mass in diffuse atrophying conditions, and to reverse the age-related functional decline of human muscles, thus improving people quality of life and reducing social and health-care costs.
Zinc and Cadmium in the Aetiology and Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Frangos Theoharris , Maret Wolfgang
Published: December 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are inflammatory articular conditions with different aetiology, but both result in joint damage. The nutritionally essential metal zinc (Zn2+) and the non-essential metal cadmium (Cd2+) have roles in these arthritic diseases as effectors of the immune system, inflammation, and metabolism. Despite both metal ions being redox-inert in biology, they affect the redox balance. It has been known for decades that zinc decreases in the blood of RA patients. It is largely unknown, however, whether this change is only a manifestation of an acute phase response in inflammation or relates to altered availability of zinc in tissues and consequently requires changes of zinc in the diet. As a cofactor in over 3000 human proteins and as a signaling ion, zinc affects many pathways relevant for arthritic disease. How it affects the diseases is not just a question of zinc status, but also an issue of mutations in the many proteins that maintain cellular zinc homoeostasis, such as zinc transporters of the ZIP (Zrt-/Irt-like protein) and ZnT families and metallothioneins, and the multiple pathways that change the expression of these proteins. Cadmium interferes with zinc’s functions and there is increased uptake under zinc deficiency. Remarkably, cadmium exposure through inhalation is now recognized in the activation of macrophages to a pro-inflammatory state and suggested as a trigger of a specific form of nodular RA. Here, we discuss how these metal ions participate in the genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors that lead to joint destruction. We conclude that both metal ions should be monitored routinely in arthritic disease and that there is untapped potential for prognosis and treatment.
Dietary Supplements during COVID-19 Outbreak. Results of Google Trends Analysis Supported by PLifeCOVID-19 Online Studies
Authors: Hamulka Jadwiga , Jeruszka-Bielak Marta , Górnicka Magdalena , Drywień Małgorzata E. , Zielinska-Pukos Monika A.
Published: December 2020

The use of dietary supplements (DSs) has been steadily increasing all over the world and additionally, the sales of DSs have dynamical increased in the wake of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in most of the countries. We investigated DSs phenomenon in 2020 through (1) exploration of Google searches worldwide and in Poland (with Google Trends (GT) tool), and (2) analyses of results of PLifeCOVID-19 Online Studies conducted during the first and second wave of the pandemic. The conducted GT analysis and cross-sectional studies revealed that during the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020, the interest in immune-related compounds and foods like vitamins C and D, zinc, omega-3, garlic, ginger, or turmeric, as well as their consumption increased. Improving immunity was the main reason behind the supplementation and changes in consumption of pro-healthy foods. GT analysis has shown these interests were positively correlated with the interest in COVID-19, but adversely with cumulative cases or deaths. Respondents tended to start supplementation during the first COVID-19 wave rather than the second one. Except for the role of vitamins D and C, zinc, and selenium in patients with deficiencies of those nutrients, there are no clear and convincing studies that support the role of DSs use in COVID-19 prevention and treatment in healthy, well-nourished individuals. Moreover, as the risk of elevated intake of some nutrients due to the popularity of DSs exists, effective education of consumers in rationale use of DSs and health-protecting behaviors against COVID-19 should be developed.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Reduces β-conglycinin-Allergy-Induced Apoptotic Cells by Regulating Bacteroides and Bile Secretion Pathway in Intestinal Contents of BALB/c Mice
Authors: Chen Xiaoxu , Wu Yuekun , Hu Yaozhong , Zhang Yan , Wang Shuo
Published: December 2020

Allergy can cause intestinal damage, including through cell apoptosis. In this study, intestinal cell apoptosis was first observed in the β-conglycinin (β-CG) allergy model, and the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on reducing apoptosis of cells in the intestine and its underlying mechanisms were further investigated. Allergic mice received oral LGG daily, and intestinal tissue apoptotic cells, gut microbiota, and metabolites were evaluated six and nine days after intervention. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) analysis revealed that LGG intervention could reduce the incidence of cell apoptosis more effectively than natural recovery (NR). The results of 16S rRNA analysis indicated that LGG intervention led to an increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroides. Metabolite analysis of intestinal contents indicated that histamine, N-acetylhistamine, N(α)-γ-glutamylhistamine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, arachidonic acid malate, and xanthine were significantly decreased, and deoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid were significantly increased after the LGG intervention on β-CG allergy; the decreases in histamine and N(α)-γ-glutamylhistamine were significant compared with those of NR. In conclusion, LGG reduces apoptosis of cells induced by β-CG allergy, which may be related to regulation of Bacteroides and the bile secretion pathway.
Improvement of Executive Function after Short-Term Administration of an Antioxidants Mix Containing Bacopa, Lycopene, Astaxanthin and Vitamin B12: The BLAtwelve Study
Authors: Crosta Francesca , Stefani Amanda , Melani Francesco , Fabrizzi Paolo , Nizzardo Andrea , Grassi Davide , Bocale Raffaella , Necozione Stefano , Lombardi Francesca , Castelli Vanessa , Cicero Arrigo F. G. , Cimini Annamaria , Ferri Claudio , Desideri Giovambattista
Published: December 2020

During the last few years increasing interest has been focused on antioxidants as potentially useful agents in the prevention of the onset and progression of cognitive dysfunction. In this randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel arm study, the effects of daily consumption of an antioxidant mix on cognitive function in healthy older adults were evaluated. After a 1 week run-in period, 80 subjects aged 60 years or more, and with no evidence of cognitive dysfunction, were randomly allocated to a mix of four bioactive compounds (bacopa, lycopene, astaxanthin, and vitamin B12) or matched placebo, taken orally once a day for 8 weeks. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the changes in trial making test (TMT) scores from baseline to 8 weeks of treatment, analyzed in the following hierarchical order: TMT-B, TMT-A, and TMT-B minus TMT-A. TMT-B increased in the control group (+3.46 s) and decreased in the active group (−17.63 s). The treatment difference was −21.01 s in favor of the active group (95% C.I. −26.80 to −15.2, p < 0.0001). The decrease in TMT-A was significantly higher in the active group (−6.86 s) than in the control group (−0.37 s). TMT-B minus TMT-A increased in the control group (+3.84 s) and decreased in the active group (−10.46 s). The increase in letter fluency in the verbal fluency test (VFT) was also significantly higher in the active group and statistically significant (+5.28 vs. +1.07 words; p < 0.001). Our findings provide encouraging evidence that regular dietary supplementation with bacopa, lycopene, astaxanthin, and vitamin B12 may be an effective dietary approach for counteracting cognitive changes associated with brain aging.
Effects of Reduced Carbohydrate Intake after Sprint Exercise on Breath Acetone Level
Authors: Ota Naoki , Ito Hiroto , Goto Kazushige
Published: December 2020

Assessment of breath acetone level may be an alternative procedure to evaluate change in fat metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of insufficient carbohydrate (CHO) intake after sprint exercise on breath acetone level during post-exercise. Nine subjects conducted two trials, consisting of either reduced CHO trial (LOW trial) or normal CHO trial (NOR trial). In each trial, subjects visited to laboratory at 7:30 following an overnight fast to assess baseline breath acetone level. They commenced repeated sprint exercise from 17:00. After exercise, isoenergetic meals with different doses of CHO (LOW trial; 18% for CHO, 27% for protein, 55% for fat, NOR trial; 58% for CHO, 14% for protein, 28% for fat) were served. Breath acetone level was also monitored immediately before and after exercise, 1 h, 3 h, 4 h, and 15 h (on the following morning) after completing exercise. A significant higher breath acetone level was observed in LOW trial than in NOR trial 4 h after completion of exercise (NOR trial; 0.66 ppm, LOW trial; 0.9 ppm). However, breath acetone level did not differ on the following morning between two trials. Therefore, CHO intake following an exhaustive exercise affects breath acetone level during early phase of post-exercise.
Contribution of Dietary Oxalate and Oxalate Precursors to Urinary Oxalate Excretion
Authors: Crivelli Joseph J. , Mitchell Tanecia , Knight John , Wood Kyle D. , Assimos Dean G. , Holmes Ross P. , Fargue Sonia
Published: December 2020

Kidney stone disease is increasing in prevalence, and the most common stone composition is calcium oxalate. Dietary oxalate intake and endogenous production of oxalate are important in the pathophysiology of calcium oxalate stone disease. The impact of dietary oxalate intake on urinary oxalate excretion and kidney stone disease risk has been assessed through large cohort studies as well as smaller studies with dietary control. Net gastrointestinal oxalate absorption influences urinary oxalate excretion. Oxalate-degrading bacteria in the gut microbiome, especially Oxalobacter formigenes, may mitigate stone risk through reducing net oxalate absorption. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is the main dietary precursor for endogenous production of oxalate with several other compounds playing a lesser role. Renal handling of oxalate and, potentially, renal synthesis of oxalate may contribute to stone formation. In this review, we discuss dietary oxalate and precursors of oxalate, their pertinent physiology in humans, and what is known about their role in kidney stone disease.
Modified Fasting Compared to True Fasting Improves Blood Glucose Levels and Subjective Experiences of Hunger, Food Cravings and Mental Fatigue, But Not Cognitive Function: Results of an Acute Randomised Cross-Over Trial
Authors: Zajac Ian , Herreen Danielle , Hunkin Hugh , James-Martin Genevieve , Doyen Mathilde , Kakoschke Naomi , Brindal Emily
Published: December 2020

Recent dietary trends have prompted growing support for a variety of fasting paradigms involving extreme restriction or nil-caloric intake on fasting days. Some studies indicate that fasting may negatively influence factors including cognitive function through inducing fatigue, which may prove problematic in the context of completing a range of cognitively demanding activities required by daily obligations such as work. This randomised within-subjects cross-over trial explored the effects of true fasting (i.e., nil-caloric intake) versus modified fasting, the latter of which involved two sub-conditions: (1) extended distribution (three small meals distributed across the day; 522 kcal total); and (2) bulking (two meals eaten early in the day; 512 kcal total) over a period of 7.5 h on a single day with a 7-day washout period between conditions. Participants were n = 17 females (Body Mass Index (BMI) Mean (M) = 25.80, Standard Deviation (SD) = 2.30) aged 21–49 years. Outcomes included cognitive function, subjective mental fatigue, satiety, food cravings and blood glucose. Results showed that there were no differences in cognitive test performance between conditions;however, both modified fasting sub-conditions had improved blood glucose levels, cravings, hunger and fullness compared to true fasting. Moreover, subjective mental fatigue was significantly reduced in the modified fasting conditions relative to true fasting. Overall, results indicated that the subjective experience of true fasting and modified fasting is different, but that cognition does not appear to be impaired.
Physical Activity and Low Glycemic Index Mediterranean Diet: Main and Modification Effects on NAFLD Score. Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Franco Isabella , Bianco Antonella , Mirizzi Antonella , Campanella Angelo , Bonfiglio Caterina , Sorino Paolo , Notarnicola Maria , Tutino Valeria , Cozzolongo Raffaele , Giannuzzi Vito , Aballay Laura R. , Buongiorno Claudia , Bruno Irene , Osella Alberto R.
Published: December 2020

Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, and lifestyle modification is the current standard treatment. The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of two different physical activity (PA) programs, a Low Glycemic Index Mediterranean Diet (LGIMD), and their combined effect on the NAFLD score as measured by FibroScan®. Methods: Moderate or severe NAFLD subjects (n = 144) were randomly assigned to six intervention arms during three months. Interventions arms were a control diet, LGIMD, aerobic activity program (PA1), combined activity program (PA2), and LGIMD plus PA1 or LGIMD plus PA2. The data were compared at baseline, at 45 days, and at 90 days. Analysis of variance was performed under the intention-to-treat principle. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the NAFLD score after 45 days of treatment in every working arm except for Arm 1 (control diet). After 90 days, the best results were shown by the intervention arms in which LGIMD was associated with PA: LGIMD plus PA1 (−61.56 95% CI −89.61, −33.50) and LGIMD plus PA2 (−38.15 95% CI −64.53, −11.77). Conclusion: All treatments were effective to reduce NAFLD scores, but LGIMD plus PA1 was the most efficient.
Identification of Dish-Based Dietary Patterns for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner and Their Diet Quality in Japanese Adults
Authors: Shinozaki Nana , Murakami Kentaro , Asakura Keiko , Masayasu Shizuko , Sasaki Satoshi
Published: December 2020

We identified dish-based dietary patterns for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and assessed the diet quality of each pattern. Dietary data were obtained from 392 Japanese adults aged 20–69 years in 2013, using a 4 d dietary record. K-means cluster analysis was conducted based on the amount of each dish group, separately for breakfasts (n = 1462), lunches (n = 1504), and dinners (n = 1500). The diet quality of each dietary pattern was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) and Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 (NRF9.3). The extracted dietary patterns were as follows: ‘bread-based’ and ‘rice-based’ for breakfast; ‘bread’, ‘rice-based’, ‘ramen’, ‘udon/soba’, and ‘sushi/rice bowl dishes’ for lunch; and ‘miscellaneous’, ‘meat dish and beer’, and ‘hot pot dishes’ for dinner. For breakfast, the HEI-2015 and NRF9.3 total scores were higher in the ‘rice-based’ pattern than the ‘bread-based’ pattern. For lunch, the HEI-2015 and NRF9.3 total scores were relatively high in the ‘rice-based’ pattern and low in the ‘ramen’ pattern. For dinner, the HEI-2015 total score was the highest in the ‘meat dish and beer’ pattern, and the NRF9.3 total score was higher in the ‘hot pot dishes’ than the ‘miscellaneous’ pattern. These results suggested that breakfast, lunch, and dinner have distinctive dietary patterns with different diet qualities.
Delayed Rehabilitation Protocol after Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Berton Alessandra , De Salvatore Sergio , Candela Vincenzo , Cortina Gabriele , Lo Presti Daniela , Massaroni Carlo , Petrillo Stefano , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: December 2020

Rotator cuff tears are a frequent cause of shoulder pain that often require arthroscopic repair. After surgery an intense and well-studied rehabilitation protocol is needed to obtain the complete recovery of shoulder function. Fifty patients, who sustained arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for symptomatic, atraumatic and full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear, were involved. According to our rehabilitation protocol, during the first four postoperative weeks, the arm was supported with an abduction sling pillow, and pendulum exercises, table slide and active elbow extension and flexion were conceded. Outcome measures (Oxford shoulder score (OSS), simple shoulder test (SST), patient-reported satisfaction), shoulder function (range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength), and MRI examination were evaluated. The mean OSS score and SST score increased from 16 to 30.2 and from 5.3 to 11.4, respectively. Patient-reported satisfaction was 96%. At 12 months, patients improved ROM and muscle strength. Postoperative passive anterior elevation was 176; external rotation averaged 47; internal rotation was 90. Postoperative muscle strength during anterior elevation was 8.3 ± 2.2 kg, internal rotation 6.8 ± 3 kg, external rotation 5.5 ± 2.3 kg. Five out of seven patients with recurrent tears evaluated their results as satisfactory. They reported improvements in terms of OSS and SST mean scores despite recurrent tears; therefore, they did not undergo revision surgery. The delayed postoperative physical therapy protocol was associated with improvements in the outcome measures and shoulder function compared to the preoperatory state and rotator cuff healing demonstrated by MRI.
Selection of the First 99mTc-Labelled Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 2 Antagonist for Clinical Translation—Preclinical Assessment of Two Optimized Candidates
Authors: Fani Melpomeni , Weingaertner Viktoria , Kolenc Peitl Petra , Mansi Rosalba , Gaonkar Raghuvir H. , Garnuszek Piotr , Mikolajczak Renata , Novak Doroteja , Simoncic Urban , Hubalewska-Dydejczyk Alicja , Rangger Christine , Kaeopookum Piriya , Decristoforo Clemens
Published: December 2020

Recently, radiolabelled antagonists targeting somatostatin receptors subtype 2 (SST2) in neuroendocrine neoplasms demonstrated certain superior properties over agonists. Within the ERA-PerMED project “TECANT” two 99mTc-Tetramine (N4)-derivatized SST2 antagonists (TECANT-1 and TECANT-2) were studied for the selection of the best candidate for clinical translation. Receptor-affinity, internalization and dissociation studies were performed in human embryonic kidney-293 (HEK293) cells transfected with the human SST2 (HEK-SST2). Log D, protein binding and stability in human serum were assessed. Biodistribution and SPECT/CT studies were carried out in nude mice bearing HEK-SST2 xenografts, together with dosimetric estimations from mouse-to-man. [99mTc]Tc-TECANT-1 showed higher hydrophilicity and lower protein binding than [99mTc]-TECANT-2, while stability was comparable. Both radiotracers revealed similar binding affinity, while [99mTc]Tc-TECANT-1 had higher cellular uptake (>50%, at 2 h/37 °C) and lower dissociation rate (<30%, at 2 h/37 °C). In vivo, [99mTc]Tc-TECANT-1 showed lower blood values, kidney and muscles uptake, whereas tumour uptake was comparable to [99mTc]Tc-TECANT-2. SPECT/CT imaging confirmed the biodistribution results, providing the best tumour-to-background image contrast for [99mTc]Tc-TECANT-1 at 4 h post-injection (p.i.). The estimated radiation dose amounted to approximately 6 µSv/MBq for both radiotracers. This preclinical study provided the basis of selection of [99mTc]Tc-TECANT-1 for clinical translation of the first 99mTc-based SST2 antagonist.
Nasal Gel Loaded with Amphotericin Nanotransferosomes as Antifungal Treatment for Fungal Sinusitis
Authors: Hosny Khaled M. , Alhakamy Nabil A.
Published: December 2020

On the basis of fungal involvement, rhinosinusitis is categorized into allergic, mycetoma, chronic, and acute invasive types. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of an amphotericin gel in situ loaded with nanotransferosomes against Aspergillus flavus, which causes allergic rhinosinusitis. A Box–Behnken design was utilized to study the interaction among the nanotransferosomes and optimize independent variables in formulating them, in order to match the prerequisites of selected responses. The optimal formulation was determined to be 300 mg/mL soybean lecithin, 200 mg/mL amphotericin B (AMP), and 150 mg/mL clove oil, resulting in a particle size of 155.09 nm, 84.30% entrapment efficacy (EE), inhibition zone of 16.0 mm, and 0.1197 mmol serum creatinine. The optimized batch was further prepared into an in situ gel and evaluated for various parameters. The optimized formulation released 79.25% AMP and enhanced permeation through the nasal membrane, while the other formulations did not achieve complete absorption. According to in vivo tests using rabbits as animal models, the optimized AMP-nanotransferosomal formulations (NT) in in situ gel result in a non-significant difference among the various kidney function parameters. In conclusion, nasal in situ gel loaded with AMP-clove oil nanotreansfersomes can act as a promising novel carrier that enhances antifungal activity and decreases AMP nephrotoxicity.
Sterols and Triterpenes: Antiviral Potential Supported by In-Silico Analysis
Authors: Hisham Shady Nourhan , Youssif Khayrya A. , Sayed Ahmed M. , Belbahri Lassaad , Oszako Tomasz , Hassan Hossam M. , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan
Published: December 2020

The acute respiratory syndrome caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) caused severe panic all over the world. The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has already brought massive human suffering and major economic disruption and unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19 so far. Herbal medicines and purified natural products can provide a rich resource for novel antiviral drugs. Therefore, in this review, we focused on the sterols and triterpenes as potential candidates derived from natural sources with well-reported in vitro efficacy against numerous types of viruses. Moreover, we compiled from these reviewed compounds a library of 162 sterols and triterpenes that was subjected to a computer-aided virtual screening against the active sites of the recently reported SARS-CoV-2 protein targets. Interestingly, the results suggested some compounds as potential drug candidates for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics.
Rising Atmospheric Temperature Impact on Wheat and Thermotolerance Strategies
Authors: Khan Adeel , Ahmad Munir , Ahmed Mukhtar , Iftikhar Hussain M.
Published: December 2020

Temperature across the globe is increasing continuously at the rate of 0.15–0.17 °C per decade since the industrial revolution. It is influencing agricultural crop productivity. Therefore, thermotolerance strategies are needed to have sustainability in crop yield under higher temperature. However, improving thermotolerance in the crop is a challenging task for crop scientists. Therefore, this review work was conducted with the aim of providing information on the wheat response in three research areas, i.e., physiology, breeding, and advances in genetics, which could assist the researchers in improving thermotolerance. The optimum temperature for wheat growth at the heading, anthesis, and grain filling duration is 16 ± 2.3 °C, 23 ± 1.75 °C, and 26 ± 1.53 °C, respectively. The high temperature adversely influences the crop phenology, growth, and development. The pre-anthesis high temperature retards the pollen viability, seed formation, and embryo development. The post-anthesis high temperature declines the starch granules accumulation, stem reserve carbohydrates, and translocation of photosynthates into grains. A high temperature above 40 °C inhibits the photosynthesis by damaging the photosystem-II, electron transport chain, and photosystem-I. Our review work highlighted that genotypes which can maintain a higher accumulation of proline, glycine betaine, expression of heat shock proteins, stay green and antioxidant enzymes activity viz., catalase, peroxidase, super oxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase can tolerate high temperature efficiently through sustaining cellular physiology. Similarly, the pre-anthesis acclimation with heat treatment, inorganic fertilizer such as nitrogen, potassium nitrate and potassium chloride, mulches with rice husk, early sowing, presoaking of a 6.6 mM solution of thiourea, foliar application of 50 ppm dithiothreitol, 10 mg per kg of silicon at heading and zinc ameliorate the crop against the high temperature. Finally, it has been suggested that modern genomics and omics techniques should be used to develop thermotolerance in wheat.
Curcuma longa L. Rhizome Essential Oil from Extraction to Its Agri-Food Applications. A Review
Authors: Ibáñez María Dolores , Blázquez María Amparo
Published: December 2020

Curcuma longa L. rhizome essential oil is a valuable product in pharmaceutical industry due to its wide beneficial health effects. Novel applications in the agri-food industry where more sustainable extraction processes are required currently and safer substances are claimed for the consumer are being investigated. This review provides information regarding the conventional and recent extraction methods of C. longa rhizome oil, their characteristics and suitability to be applied at the industrial scale. In addition, variations in the chemical composition of C. longa rhizome and leaf essential oils regarding intrinsic and extrinsic factors and extraction methods are also analysed in order to select the most proper to obtain the most efficient activity. Finally, the potential applications of C. longa rhizome oil in the agri-food industry, such as antimicrobial, weedicide and a food preservative agent, are included. Regarding the data, C. longa rhizome essential oil may play a special role in the agri-food industry; however, further research to determine the application threshold so as not to damage crops or affect the organoleptic properties of food products, as well as efficient encapsulation techniques, are necessary for its implementation in global agriculture.
The Use of Essential Oil and Hydrosol Extracted from Cuminum cyminum Seeds for the Control of Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Pardavella Iro , Daferera Demetra , Tselios Theodoros , Skiada Panagiota , Giannakou Ioannis
Published: December 2020

The essential oil (EO) and hydrosol (HL) isolated from Cuminum cyminum (cumin) seeds were evaluated against the root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica. The efficacy of extracts on the motility, hatching, and survival in soil of second-stage juveniles (J2s), and the activity on egg differentiation were tested. All J2s were paralyzed after immersion in the EO at 62.5 μL/L concentration for 96 h. Encouraging results were recorded using HL equal to or higher than 10% concentration for both Meloidogyne species tested. More than 70% paralyzed J2s were recorded after immersion for 48 h, while the percentage was increased to higher than 90% after 96 h of immersion. A clear effect on egg differentiation was observed after immersion in EO or HL. A significant decrease in egg differentiation was revealed at even low concentrations of EO while an evident decrease in egg differentiation was recorded after immersion of eggs in 50% HL dilution. Decreased hatching of M. incognita and M. javanica J2s was observed with the increase in concentration. The lowest numbers of hatched J2s were recorded when EO was used at 1000 and 2000 μL/L concentrations. A constant reduction in root-knot nematode J2 hatching was observed upon increasing the concentration of HL from 5% to 50%. The EO of C. cyminum is characterized by the presence of γ-terpinene-7-al (34.95%), cumin aldehydes (26.48), and α-terpinene-7-al (12.77%). The above constituents were observed in HL following the same order as that observed in EO. The components γ-terpinene (11.09%) and ο-cymene (6.56%) were also recorded in EO while they were absent in HL.
Folic Acid-Terminated Poly(2-Diethyl Amino Ethyl Methacrylate) Brush-Gated Magnetic Mesoporous Nanoparticles as a Smart Drug Delivery System
Authors: Beagan Abeer M. , Alghamdi Ahlam A. , Lahmadi Shatha S. , Halwani Majed A. , Almeataq Mohammed S. , Alhazaa Abdulaziz N. , Alotaibi Khalid M. , Alswieleh Abdullah M.
Published: December 2020

Currently, chemotherapy is an important method for the treatment of various cancers. Nevertheless, it has many limitations, such as poor tumour selectivity and multi-drug resistance. It is necessary to improve this treatment method by incorporating a targeted drug delivery system aimed to reduce side effects and drug resistance. The present work aims to develop pH-sensitive nanocarriers containing magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MMSNs) coated with pH-responsive polymers for tumour-targeted drug delivery via the folate receptor. 2-Diethyl amino ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) was successfully grafted on MMSNs via surface initiated ARGET atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), with an average particle size of 180 nm. The end groups of poly (2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDEAEMA) brushes were converted to amines, followed by a covalent bond with folic acid (FA) as a targeting agent. FA conjugated to the nanoparticle surface was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). pH-Responsive behavior of PDEAEMA brushes was investigated by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The nanoparticles average diameters ranged from ca. 350 nm in basic media to ca. 650 in acidic solution. Multifunctional pH-sensitive magnetic mesoporous nanoparticles were loaded with an anti-cancer drug (Doxorubicin) to investigate their capacity and long-circulation time. In a cumulative release pattern, doxorubicin (DOX) release from nano-systems was ca. 20% when the particle exposed to acidic media, compared to ca. 5% in basic media. The nano-systems have excellent biocompatibility and are minimally toxic when exposed to MCF-7, and -MCF-7 ADR cells.
Aligned Nanofiber-Guided Bone Regeneration Barrier Incorporated with Equine Bone-Derived Hydroxyapatite for Alveolar Bone Regeneration
Authors: Lim Jae , Jang Kyoung-Je , Son Hyunmok , Park Sangbae , Kim Jae , Kim Hong , Seonwoo Hoon , Choung Yun-Hoon , Lee Myung , Chung Jong
Published: December 2020

Post-surgery failure of dental implants due to alveolar bone loss is currently critical, disturbing the quality of life of senior dental patients. To overcome this problem, bioceramic or bone graft material is loaded into the defect. However, connective tissue invasion instead of osteogenic tissue limits bone tissue regeneration. The guided bone regeneration concept was adapted to solve this problem and still has room for improvements, such as biochemical similarity or oriented structure. In this article, an aligned electrospun-guided bone regeneration barrier with xenograft equine bone-derived nano hydroxyapatite (EBNH-RB) was fabricated by electrospinning EBNH/PCL solution on high-speed rotating drum collector and fiber characterization, viability and differentiation enhancing properties of mesenchymal dental pulp stem cell on the barrier was determined. EBNH-RB showed biochemical and structural similarity to natural bone tissue electron microscopy image analysis and x-ray diffractometer analysis, and had a significantly better effect in promoting osteogenesis based on the increased bioceramic content by promoting cell viability, calcium deposition and osteogenic marker expression, suggesting that they can be successfully applied to regenerate alveolar bone as a guided bone regeneration barrier.
Characteristics of Low Band Gap Copolymers Containing Anthracene-Benzothiadiazole Dicarboxylic Imide: Synthesis, Optical, Electrochemical, Thermal and Structural Studies
Authors: Murad Ary R. , Iraqi Ahmed , Aziz Shujahadeen B. , Almeataq Mohammed S. , Abdullah Sozan N. , Brza Mohamad A.
Published: December 2020

Two novel low band gap donor–acceptor (D–A) copolymers, poly[9,10-bis(4-(dodecyloxy)phenyl)-2,6-anthracene-alt-5,5-(4′,7′-bis(2-thienyl)-2′,1′,3′-benzothiadiazole-N-5,6-(3,7-dimethyloctyl)dicarboxylic imide)] (PPADTBTDI-DMO) and poly[9,10-bis(4-(dodecyloxy)phenyl)-2,6-anthracene-alt-5,5-(4′,7′-bis(2-thienyl)-2′,1′,3′-benzothiadiazole-5,6-N-octyl-dicarboxylic imide)] (PPADTBTDI-8) were synthesized in the present work by copolymerising the bis-boronate ester of 9,10-phenylsubstituted anthracene flanked by thienyl groups as electron–donor units with benzothiadiazole dicarboxylic imide (BTDI) as electron–acceptor units. Both polymers were synthesized in good yields via Suzuki polymerisation. Two different solubilizing alkyl chains were anchored to the BTDI units in order to investigate the impact upon their solubilities, molecular weights, optical and electrochemical properties, structural properties and thermal stability of the resulting polymers. Both polymers have comparable molecular weights and have a low optical band gap (Eg) of 1.66 eV. The polymers have low-lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels of about −5.5 eV as well as the similar lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of −3.56 eV. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) of PPADTBTDI-DMO and PPADTBTDI-8 did not prove instability with decomposition temperatures at 354 and 313 °C, respectively. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies have shown that both polymers have an amorphous nature in the solid state, which could be used as electrolytes in optoelectronic devices.
Synthesis, Characterization and Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of a New Family of Poly (Ether-Block-Amide)s Based on Nylon 10T/10I
Authors: Tong Xin , Wang Zhao , Zhang Mei-Ling , Wang Xiao-Jun , Zhang Gang , Long Sheng-Ru , Yang Jie
Published: December 2020

A series of novel thermoplastic elastomers based on (poly(decamethylene terephthalamide/decamethylene isophthalamide), PA10T/10I) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were synthesized via a facile one-pot, efficient and pollution-free method. The thermal analysis demonstrates that the melting points of the resultant elastomers were in the range of 217.1–233.9 °C, and their initial decomposition temperatures were in the range of 385.3–387.5 °C. That is higher than most commercial polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomers. The tensile strength of the resultant elastomers ranges from 21.9 to 41.1 MPa. According to the high-temperature bending test results, the resultant samples still maintain considerably better mechanical properties than commercial products such as Pebax® 5533 (Arkema, Paris, France), and these novel thermoplastic elastomers could potentially be applied in high-temperature scenes. The non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of the resultant elastomers and PA10T/10I was investigated by means of Jeziorny and Mo’s methods. Both of them could successfully describe the crystallization behavior of the resultant elastomers. Additionally, the activation energy of non-isothermal crystallization was calculated by the Kissinger method and the Friedman equation. The results indicate that the crystallization rates follow the order of TPAE-2000 > TPAE-1500 > PA10T/10I > TPAE-1000. From the crystallization analysis, the crystallization kinetics and activation energies are deeply affected by the molecular weight of hard segment.