bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping of Urinary Volatile Organic Compounds by a Rapid Analytical Method Using Gas Chromatography Coupled to Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC–IMS)
Authors: Riccio Giulia , Baroni Silvia , Urbani Andrea , Greco Viviana
Published: November 2022

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a differentiated class of molecules, continuously generated in the human body and released as products of metabolic pathways. Their concentrations vary depending on pathophysiological conditions. They are detectable in a wide variety of biological samples, such as exhaled breath, faeces, and urine. In particular, urine represents an easily accessible specimen widely used in clinics. The most used techniques for VOCs detections are expensive and time-consuming, thus not allowing for rapid clinical analysis. In this perspective, the aim of this study is a comprehensive characterisation of the urine volatilome by the development of an alternative rapid analytical method. Briefly, 115 urine samples are collected; sample treatment is not needed. VOCs are detected in the urine headspace using gas chromatography coupled to ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) by an extremely fast analysis (10 min). The method is analytically validated; the analysis is sensitive and robust with results comparable to those reported with other techniques. Twenty-three molecules are identified, including ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, and sulphur compounds, whose concentration is altered in several pathological states such as cancer and metabolic disorders. Therefore, it opens new perspectives for fast diagnosis and screening, showing great potential for clinical applications.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease—A Concise Review of Noninvasive Tests and Biomarkers
Authors: Bassal Tamara , Basheer Maamoun , Boulos Mariana , Assy Nimer
Published: November 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide, with a continuously growing prevalence. The pathophysiology of the disease is complex and includes several mechanisms, with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance playing a major role. It is crucial to diagnose NAFLD before it advances to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can progress to cirrhosis, presented by its complications which include ascites, portal hypertension, bleeding varices and encephalopathy. Another important complication of NAFLD and cirrhosis is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a cancer with increasing incidence and poor prognosis. Even with the growing prevalence of NAFLD, diagnosis via liver biopsies is unrealistic, considering the costs and complications. Noninvasive tests, including serum biomarkers and elastography, are cost-effective and convenient, thereby replacing liver biopsies in diagnosing and excluding liver fibrosis. However, currently, these noninvasive tests have several limitations, such as variability, inadequate accuracy and risk factors for error. The limitations and variability of these tests comet the investigator to propose combining them in diagnostic algorithms to produce more accurate tools. Identifying patients with significant fibrosis is important for targeted therapies to prevent disease progression. Effective screening using noninvasive tests can be crucial for patient risk stratification and early diagnosis.
Rapid Profiling of Metabolites Combined with Network Pharmacology to Explore the Potential Mechanism of Sanguisorba officinalis L. against Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Dai Yubei , Zhang Kailian , Wang Long , Xiong Ling , Huang Feihong , Huang Qianqian , Wu Jianming , Zeng Jing
Published: November 2022

Sanguisorba officinalis L. (SO), a well-known herbal medicine, has been proven to show effect against thrombocytopenia. However, metabolites of SO in vivo are still unclear, and the underlying mechanism of SO against thrombocytopenia from the aspect of metabolites have not been well elucidated. In this study, an improved analytical method combined with UHPLC-QTOF MS and a molecular network was developed for the rapid characterization of metabolites in vivo based on fragmentation patterns. Then, network pharmacology (NP) was used to elucidate the potential mechanism of SO against thrombocytopenia. As a result, a total of 1678 exogenous metabolites were detected in urine, feces, plasma, and bone marrow, in which 104 metabolites were tentatively characterized. These characterized metabolites that originated from plasma, urine, and feces were then imported to the NP analysis. The results showed that the metabolites from plasma, urine, and feces could be responsible for the pharmacological activity against thrombocytopenia by regulating the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, JAK-STAT, VEGF, chemokine, actin cytoskeleton, HIF-1, and pluripotency of stem cells. This study provides a rapid method for metabolite characterization and a new perspective of underlying mechanism study from the aspect of active metabolites in vivo.
A 100 KS/s 8–10-Bit Resolution-Reconfigurable SAR ADC for Biosensor Applications
Authors: Hu Yunfeng , Hu Lexing , Tang Bin , Li Bin , Wu Zhaohui , Liu Xiaojia
Published: November 2022

A DAC switching scheme that combines energy efficiency and resolution reconfigurability is proposed. Compared with the conventional switching scheme, the proposed scheme achieves 93.8%, 96.1%, and 97.3% switching energy saving in 8-bit, 9-bit, and 10-bit modes, respectively. Based on the proposed switching scheme, an 8–10-bit resolution-reconfigurable SAR ADC for biosensor applications is designed. The ADC consists of resolution-reconfigurable binary-weighted capacitive DAC, a two-stage full dynamic comparator, sampling switch, and the resolution-control SAR logic. Simulated in 180 nm CMOS process and 100 kS/s sampling rate, the ADC achieves the 46.80/53.89/60.14 dB signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SNDR), the 55.22/62.51/73.09 dB spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) and the 0.81/0.91/1.01 μW power consumption in 8/9/10-bit mode, respectively.
High-Performance SAW Low Temperature Sensors with Double Electrode Transducers Based on 128° YX LiNbO3
Authors: Zhu Jiajun , Wang Hongliang , Zhang Feng , Ding Qi
Published: November 2022

Low temperature measurement is crucial in deep space exploration. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors can measure temperature wirelessly, making them ideal in extreme situations when wired sensors are not applicable. In this study, 128° YX LiNbO3 was first introduced into low temperature measurements for its little creep or hysteresis in cryogenic environments and affordable price. The finite element method was utilized to raise the design efficiency and optimize the performance of SAW sensors by comparing the performance with different interdigital transducer (IDT) structure parameters, including the height of electrodes, pairs of IDTs, reflecting grid logarithm and acoustic aperture. Once the parameters were changed, a novel design of high-performance SAW temperature sensors based on 128° YX LiNbO3 with double electrode transducers was obtained, of which the Q value could reach up to 5757.18, 4.2-times higher than originally reported. Low temperature tests were conducted, and the frequency responsiveness of SAW sensors was almost linear from −100 °C to 150 °C, which is in good agreement with the simulation results. All results demonstrate that double electrode transducers are considerably efficient for performance enhancement, especially for high-Q SAW sensors, and indicate that LiNbO3 substrate can be a potential high-performance substitute for cryogenic temperature measurements.
Diversity and Taxonomy of Soil Bacterial Communities in Urban and Rural Mangrove Forests of the Panama Bay
Authors: Quintero Indira J. , Castillo Anakena M. , Mejía Luis C.
Published: November 2022

Mangrove ecosystems are threatened worldwide by a wide range of factors including climate change, coastal development, and pollution. The effects of these factors on soil bacterial communities of Neotropical mangroves and their temporal dynamics is largely undocumented. Here we compared the diversity and taxonomic composition of bacterial communities in the soil of two mangrove forest sites of the Panama Bay: Juan Diaz (JD), an urban mangrove forest in Panama City surrounded by urban development, with occurrence of five mangrove species, and polluted with solid waste and sewage; and Bayano (B), a rural mangrove forest without urban development, without solid waste pollution, and with the presence of two mangrove species. Massive amplicon sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and community analyses were implemented. In total, 20,691 bacterial amplicon sequence variants were identified, and the bacterial community was more diverse in the rural mangrove forest based on Faith’s phylogenetic diversity index. The three dominant phyla of bacteria found and shared between the two sites were Proteobacteria, Desulfobacterota, and Chloroflexi. The ammonia oxidizing archaea class Nitrosphaeria was found among the top 10 most abundant. Dominant genera of bacteria that occurred in the two mangrove sites were: BD2-11_terrestrial_group (Gemmatimonadota), EPR3968-O8a-Bc78 (Gammaproteobacteria), Salinimicrobium (Bacteroidetes), Sulfurovum (Campylobacteria), and Woeseia (Gammaproteobacteria) of which the first three and Methyloceanibacter had increased in relative abundance in the transition from rainy to dry to rainy season in the urban mangrove forest. Altogether, our study suggests that factors such as urban development, vegetation composition, pollution, and seasonal changes may cause shifts in bacterial diversity and relative abundance of specific taxa in mangrove soils. In particular, taxa with roles in biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus, and on rhizosphere taxa, could be important for mangrove plant resilience to environmental stress.
Distribution of Mercury in the Water-Suspended Matter-Bottom Sediments System of the Lake Onego Water Area
Authors: Malov Victor , Subetto Dmitry , Strakhovenko Vera , Ovdina Ekaterina , Belkina Natalia
Published: November 2022

This paper presents for the first time data on the lateral distribution of total mercury in the water-suspended matter-bottom sediments system for the entire water area of Lake Onego, the second largest lake in Europe. The patterns of the total mercury vertical distribution in two types of bottom sediments stratification, have been established. The total mercury content in the Lake Onego water averages 0.32 ± 0.07 μg/L. The most common form of mercury in water is dissolved+colloid, with the exception of water samples from the Kondopoga and Povenetsky Bays. In the material of the sedimentation traps, the mercury content is 0.5 ± 0.3 μg/g, and in the upper and lower parts of the bottom sediments section is 0.067 ± 0.003 and 0.041 ± 0.001 μg/g, respectively. The paper considers the factors responsible for the mercury content increasing from the bottom sediments up through the sections. These factors include anthropogenic pollution, migration of Hg and its redeposition at the geochemical barrier together with Fe and Mn.
Influence of the Nature and Structure of Polyelectrolyte Cryogels on the Polymerization of (3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) and Spectroscopic Characterization of the Composites
Authors: Laishevkina Svetlana , Shevchenko Natalia , Iakobson Olga , Dobrodumov Anatoly , Chelibanov Vladimir , Tomšík Elena
Published: November 2022

Conductive hydrogels are polymeric materials that are promising for bioelectronic applications. In the present study, a complex based on sulfonic cryogels and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was investigated as an example of a conductive hydrogel. Preparation of polyacrylate cryogels of various morphologies was carried out by cryotropic gelation of 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate and sulfobetaine methacrylate in the presence of functional comonomers (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and vinyl acetate). Polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene in the presence of several of the above cryogels occurred throughout the entire volume of each polyelectrolyte cryogel because of its porous structure. Structural features of cryogel@PEDOT complexes in relation to their electrochemical properties were investigated. It was shown that poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) of a linear conformation was formed in the presence of a cryogel based on sulfobetaine methacrylate, while minimum values of charge-transfer resistance were observed in those complexes, and electrochemical properties of the complexes did not depend on diffusion processes.
Bispyrrolidinoindoline Epi(poly)thiodioxopiperazines (BPI-ETPs) and Simplified Mimetics: Structural Characterization, Bioactivities, and Total Synthesis
Authors: Martínez Claudio , García-Domínguez Patricia , Álvarez Rosana , de Lera Angel R.
Published: November 2022

Within the 2,5-dioxopiperazine-containing natural products generated by “head-to-tail” cyclization of peptides, those derived from tryptophan allow further structural diversification due to the rich chemical reactivity of the indole heterocycle, which can generate tetracyclic fragments of hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole or pyrrolidinoindoline skeleton fused to the 2,5-dioxopiperazine. Even more complex are the dimeric bispyrrolidinoindoline epi(poly)thiodioxopiperazines (BPI-ETPs), since they feature transannular (poly)sulfide bridges connecting C3 and C6 of their 2,5-dioxopiperazine rings. Homo- and heterodimers composed of diastereomeric epi(poly)thiodioxopiperazines increase the complexity of the family. Furthermore, putative biogenetically generated downstream metabolites with C11 and C11’-hydroxylated cores, as well as deoxygenated and/or oxidized side chain counterparts, have also been described. The isolation of these complex polycyclic tryptophan-derived alkaloids from the classical sources, their structural characterization, the description of the relevant biological activities and putative biogenetic routes, and the synthetic efforts to generate and confirm their structures and also to prepare and further evaluate structurally simple analogs will be reported.
Green Extracellular Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Pseudomonas alloputida, Their Growth and Biofilm-Formation Inhibitory Activities and Synergic Behavior with Three Classical Antibiotics
Authors: Pernas-Pleite Carlos , Conejo-Martínez Amparo M. , Marín Irma , Abad José P.
Published: November 2022

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is on the rise and hinders the fight against bacterial infections, which are expected to cause millions of deaths by 2050. New antibiotics are difficult to find, so alternatives are needed. One could be metal-based drugs, such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In general, chemical methods for AgNPs’ production are potentially toxic, and the physical ones expensive, while green approaches are not. In this paper, we present the green synthesis of AgNPs using two Pseudomonas alloputida B003 UAM culture broths, sampled from their exponential and stationary growth phases. AgNPs were physicochemically characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), showing differential characteristics depending on the synthesis method used. Antibacterial activity was tested in three assays, and we compared the growth and biofilm-formation inhibition of six test bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. We also monitored nanoparticles’ synergic behavior through the growth inhibition of E. coli and S. aureus by three classical antibiotics: ampicillin, nalidixic acid, and streptomycin. The results indicate that very good AgNP activity was obtained with particularly low MICs for the three tested strains of P. aeruginosa. A good synergistic effect on streptomycin activity was observed for all the nanoparticles. For ampicillin, a synergic effect was detected only against S. aureus. ROS production was found to be related to the AgNPs’ antibacterial activity.
Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermoelectric Systems for Round-the-Clock Energy Harvesting
Authors: Zhang Yingyao , Gao Peng
Published: November 2022

Due to their emission-free operation and high efficiency, photovoltaic cells (PVCs) have been one of the candidates for next-generation “green” power generators. However, PVCs require prolonged exposure to sunlight to work, resulting in elevated temperatures and worsened performances. To overcome this shortcoming, photovoltaic–thermal collector (PVT) systems are used to cool down PVCs, leaving the waste heat unrecovered. Fortunately, the development of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) provides a way to directly convert temperature gradients into electricity. The PVC–TEG hybrid system not only solves the problem of overheated solar cells but also improves the overall power output. In this review, we first discuss the basic principle of PVCs and TEGs, as well as the principle and basic configuration of the hybrid system. Then, the optimization of the hybrid system, including internal and external aspects, is elaborated. Furthermore, we compare the economic evaluation and power output of PVC and hybrid systems. Finally, a further outlook on the hybrid system is offered.
Nutritional and Polyphenolic Composition of Agrimonia procera Wallr. from Experimental Cultivation with Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Karlińska Elżbieta , Kaczorowska Olga , Romanowska Beata , Kosmala Monika
Published: November 2022

Plants of the genus Agrimonia, including fragrant agrimony Agrimonia procera Wallr., mainly used as pharmaceutical raw material, perfectly fit into the current trends in nutrition and food technology that are searching for organic raw materials with high contents of bioactive compounds, such as dietary polyphenols and fiber. The aim of the research was to determine the nutritional and polyphenolic composition of fragrant agrimony Agrimonia procera Wallr. from experimental cultivation with varying levels of nitrogen fertilization in the nitrate, ammonium, or amide forms. In the experimental cultivation of fragrant agrimony in a seeding medium with a moderately high level of mineral content, the aerial parts, especially the leaves, were characterized by contents protein, dietary fiber, fat, and polyphenols at levels of 11.5, 58.0, 3.0, and 10.5% of dry matter, respectively, and an energy value of about 260 kcal/100 g of dry matter. The effect of additional nitrogen fertilization, in the form of ammonium nitrate and urea, on the content and yield of nutrients and polyphenol in fragrant agrimony depends both on the dose and the form of nitrogen, as well as the morphological part, of the plant.
Design, Synthesis, and Antiproliferative Activity of Novel Neocryptolepine–Rhodanine Hybrids
Authors: El-Bahnsawye Mohamed , Hussein Mona K. Abo , Elmongy Elshaymaa I. , Awad Hanem Mohamed , Tolan Aliaa Abd El-Kader , Moemen Yasmine Shafik , El-Shaarawy Ahmed , El-Sayed Ibrahim El-Tantawy
Published: November 2022

A series of novel neocryptolepine–rhodanine hybrids (9a,b, 11a–d, 14, and 16a,b) have been synthesized by combining neocryptolepine core 5 modified at the C-11 position with rhodanine condensed with the appropriate aryl/hetero aryl aldehydes. Based on these findings, the structures of the hybrids were confirmed by spectral analyses. By employing the MTT assay, all hybrids were tested for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against two cancer cell lines, including MDA-MB-231 (human breast) and HepG-2 (hepatocellular carcinoma). Interestingly, the IC50 values of all hybrids except 9b and 11c showed activity comparable to the standard anticancer drug, 5-fluorouracil, against HepG-2 cancer cells. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of all the synthesized hybrids was investigated on a normal skin human cell line (BJ-1), and the results showed that these compounds had no significant cytotoxicity toward these healthy cells at the highest concentration used in this study. This study also indicated that the active hybrids exert their cytotoxic activity via the induction of apoptosis. A molecular docking study was used to shed light on the molecular mechanism of their anticancer activity. The docking results revealed that the hybrids exert their mode of action through DNA intercalation. Furthermore, in silico assessment for pharmacokinetic properties was performed on the most potent compounds, which revealed candidates with good bioavailability, high tolerability with cell membranes, and positive drug-likeness values.
Green Tea Catechins Attenuate Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cognitive Deficits
Authors: Afzal Obaid , Dalhat Mahmood Hassan , Altamimi Abdulmalik S. A. , Rasool Rabia , Alzarea Sami I. , Almalki Waleed Hassan , Murtaza Bibi Nazia , Iftikhar Saima , Nadeem Shamaila , Nadeem Muhammad Shahid , Kazmi Imran
Published: November 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases exert an overwhelming socioeconomic burden all around the globe. They are mainly characterized by modified protein accumulation that might trigger various biological responses, including oxidative stress, inflammation, regulation of signaling pathways, and excitotoxicity. These disorders have been widely studied during the last decade in the hopes of developing symptom-oriented therapeutics. However, no definitive cure has yet been discovered. Tea is one of the world’s most popular beverages. The same plant, Camellia Sinensis (L.).O. Kuntze, is used to make green, black, and oolong teas. Green tea has been most thoroughly studied because of its anti-cancer, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. The beneficial effect of consumption of tea on neurodegenerative disorders has been reported in several human interventional and observational studies. The polyphenolic compounds found in green tea, known as catechins, have been demonstrated to have many therapeutic effects. They can help in preventing and, somehow, treating neurodegenerative diseases. Catechins show anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant effects via blocking cytokines’ excessive production and inflammatory pathways, as well as chelating metal ions and free radical scavenging. They may inhibit tau protein phosphorylation, amyloid beta aggregation, and release of apoptotic proteins. They can also lower alpha-synuclein levels and boost dopamine levels. All these factors have the potential to affect neurodegenerative disorders. This review will examine catechins’ neuroprotective effects by highlighting their biological, pharmacological, antioxidant, and metal chelation abilities, with a focus on their ability to activate diverse cellular pathways in the brain. This review also points out the mechanisms of catechins in various neurodegenerative and cognitive diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and cognitive deficit.
Ultrasound-Assisted Water Extraction of Gentiopicroside, Isogentisin, and Polyphenols from Willow Gentian “Dust” Supported by Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin as Cage Molecules
Authors: Jovanović Miloš S. , Krgović Nemanja , Šavikin Katarina , Živković Jelena
Published: November 2022

The residue after sieving (“dust”) from the willow gentian underground parts is an unexploited herbal tea by-product, although it contains valuable bioactive compounds. Cyclodextrins as efficient green co-solvents, cage molecules, and multifunctional excipients could improve the extraction and contribute to the added value of the resulting extracts. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for the extraction of gentiopicroside, isogentisin, and total phenolics (TPC) from willow gentian “dust” using ultrasound-assisted water extraction coupled with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD). The influence of extraction temperature (X1: 20–80 °C), time (X2: 20–50 min), and HPβCD concentration (X3: 2–4% w/v) was analyzed employing the response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal extraction conditions for simultaneously maximizing the extraction yield of all monitored responses were X1: 74.89 °C, X2: 32.57 min, and X3: 3.01% w/v. The experimentally obtained response values under these conditions (46.96 mg/g DW for gentiopicroside, 0.51 mg/g DW for isogentisin, and 12.99 mg GAE/g DW for TPC) were in close agreement with those predicted, thus confirming the suitability and good predictive accuracy of the developed RSM models. Overall, the developed extraction system could be an applicable alternative strategy to improve the extraction of bioactive compounds from the underutilized “dust” of willow gentian underground parts.
Dissipation and Residues of Imidacloprid and Its Efficacy against Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in Tomato Plants under Field Conditions
Authors: Abdel razik Manal A. A. , Al Dhafar Zamzam M. , Alqahtani Aisha M. , Osman Mohamed A. , Sweelam Mohamed E.
Published: November 2022

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is the main pest for many field and horticultural crops, causing main and significant problems. The efficiency of imidacloprid insecticide as seed treatment and foliar spray at three rates against the whitefly, B. tabaci, was evaluated in tomato plants under field conditions; in addition, insecticide residues were determined in tomato leaves and fruits. The obtained results revealed that the seedlings produced from treated seeds with imidacloprid were the most effective treatment in decreasing whitefly stages. Reduction percentages of whitefly stages in seedlings produced from treated seeds and sprayed with ½, ¾ and 1 field rates of imidacloprid were more than that produced from untreated seeds. Tomato fruit yield in seedlings produced from treated seeds and sprayed with one recommended rate of imidacloprid was more than that of untreated seeds. The residues of imidacloprid in leaves and fruits in seedlings produced from treated seeds and sprayed with field rate were more than that of untreated seeds; additionally, the residues were higher in leaves than in fruits. The residual level in fruits was less than the maximum residual level (MRL = 1 mg kg−1) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The half-life (t ½) was 6.99 and 6.48 days for leaves and fruits of seedlings produced from treated seeds and 5.59 and 4.59 days for untreated seeds. Residues in tomato fruits were less than the MRL, therefore, imidacloprid is considered an unconventional insecticide appropriate for B. tabaci control that could be safe for the environment.
Novel Nanosized Spinel MnCoFeO4 for Low-Temperature Hydrocarbon Oxidation
Authors: Tumbalev Vencislav , Kovacheva Daniela , Spassova Ivanka , Velinova Ralitsa , Tyuliev Georgi , Velinov Nikolay , Naydenov Anton
Published: November 2022

The present paper reports on MnCoFeO4 spinels with peculiar composition and their catalytic behavior in the reactions of complete oxidation of hydrocarbons. The samples were synthesized by solution combustion method with sucrose and citric acid as fuels. All samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, N2-physisorption, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The catalytic properties of the spinels with Mn:Co:Fe = 1:1:1 composition were studied in reactions of complete oxidation of methane, propane, butane, and propane in the presence of water as model pollutants. Both prepared catalysts are nanosized materials. The slight difference in the compositions, structure, and morphology is due to the type of fuel used in the synthesis reaction. The spinel, prepared with sucrose, shows a higher specific surface area, pore volume, higher amount of small particles fraction, higher thermal stability, and as a result, more exposed active sites on the sample surface that lead to higher catalytic activity in the studied oxidation reactions. After the catalytic tests, both samples do not undergo any substantial phase and morphological changes; thus, they could be applied in low-temperature hydrocarbon oxidation reactions.
Janus Type Monolayers of S-MoSiN2 Family and Van Der Waals Heterostructures with Graphene: DFT-Based Study
Authors: Meftakhutdinov Ruslan M. , Sibatov Renat T.
Published: November 2022

Novel representative 2D materials of the Janus type family X-M-ZN2 are studied. These materials are hybrids of a transition metal dichalcogenide and a material from the MoSi2N4 family, and they were constructed and optimized from the MoSi2N4 monolayer by the substitution of SiN2 group on one side by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, or tellurium), and possibly replacing molybdenum (Mo) to tungsten (W) and/or silicon (Si) to germanium (Ge). The stability of novel materials is evaluated by calculating phonon spectra and binding energies. Mechanical, electronic, and optical characteristics are calculated by methods based on the density functional theory. All considered 2D materials are semiconductors with a substantial bandgap (>1 eV). The mirror symmetry breaking is the cause of a significant built-in electric field and intrinsic dipole moment. The spin–orbit coupling (SOC) is estimated by calculations of SOC polarized bandstructures for four most stable X-M-ZN2 structures. The possible van der Waals heterostructures of considered Janus type monolayers with graphene are constructed and optimized. It is demonstrated that monolayers can serve as outer plates in conducting layers (with graphene) for shielding a constant external electric field.
Improvement of Photocatalytic Performance by Building Multiple Heterojunction Structures of Anatase–Rutile/BiOI Composite Fibers
Authors: Li Dayu , Xu Kai , Zhang Chao
Published: November 2022

In this study, multiple heterojunction structures of anatase–rutile/Bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) composite fibers are designed by the combined method of electrospinning and hydrothermal techniques. The influence of different Ti/Bi atomic ratios ([Ti/Bi]) on the nanostructures and photocatalytic properties are investigated. It is found that the morphology of BiOI covered on the TiO2 fiber surface changed with [Ti/Bi] from nanosheets to submicron spheres structures. Additionally, the crystallization of the composite fibers including the phases of anatase, rutile, and BiOI is identified, theses phases are in close contact with each other, and the interfacial effects are helpful to form the multiple heterojunctions which lead to blue shifts on the chemical state of Ti. The absorption of visible light has been improved by compositing BiOI on TiO2, while the band gap values of the composite fibers are significantly reduced, which can enhance the generation and separation of electrons and holes. For the case of [Ti/Bi] = 1.57, the photodegradation rate of anatase–rutile/BiOI composite fibers is about 12 times that of pure TiO2. For the photocatalytic mechanism, the synergistic s-type heterojunctions increase the content of active oxides which have a positive effect on the degradation rate.
Microstructure, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Arc Ion Plating NbN-Based Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Fu Yingying , Li Hongxuan , Chen Jianmin , Guo Hongjian , Wang Xiang
Published: November 2022

NbN, NbN-Ag and NbN/NbN-Ag multilayer nanocomposite films were successfully deposited by an arc ion plating system (AIP), and their microstructures, mechanical and tribological properties were systematically investigated. The results show that all the films had a polycrystalline structure, and the Ag in the Ag-doped films existed independently as a face-centered cubic phase. The content of Ag in NbN-Ag and NbN/NbN-Ag films was 20.11 and 9.07 at.%, respectively. NbN films fabricated by AIP technique had excellent mechanical properties, and their hardness and critical load were up to 44 GPa and 34.6 N, respectively. The introduction of Ag into NbN films obviously reduced the friction coefficient at room temperature, while the mechanical properties and wear resistance were degraded sharply in comparison with that of NbN films. However, the NbN/NbN-Ag films presented better hardness, H/E*, H3/E*2, adhesive strength and wear resistance than NbN-Ag films. Additionally, analysis of wear surfaces of the studied films and Al2O3 balls using 3D images, depth profiles, energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and Raman spectra indicated that the main wear mechanisms of NbN and NbN/NbN-Ag films were adhesive and oxidation wear with slight abrasive wear, while the severe abrasive and oxidation wear were the dominant wear mechanism for NbN-Ag films.
Reduced Thermal Conductivity in Nanostructured AgSbTe2 Thermoelectric Material, Obtained by Arc-Melting
Authors: Gainza Javier , Serrano-Sánchez Federico , Dura Oscar , Nemes Norbert , Martínez Jose , Fernández-Díaz María , Alonso José
Published: November 2022

AgSbTe2 intermetallic compound is a promising thermoelectric material. It has also been described as necessary to obtain LAST and TAGS alloys, some of the best performing thermoelectrics of the last decades. Due to the random location of Ag and Sb atoms in the crystal structure, the electronic structure is highly influenced by the atomic ordering of these atoms and makes the accurate determination of the Ag/Sb occupancy of paramount importance. We report on the synthesis of polycrystalline AgSbTe2 by arc-melting, yielding nanostructured dense pellets. SEM images show a conspicuous layered nanostructuration, with a layer thickness of 25–30 nm. Neutron powder diffraction data show that AgSbTe2 crystalizes in the cubic Pm-3m space group, with a slight deficiency of Te, probably due to volatilization during the arc-melting process. The transport properties show some anomalies at ~600 K, which can be related to the onset temperature for atomic ordering. The average thermoelectric figure of merit remains around ~0.6 from ~550 up to ~680 K.
Competition between Ferroelectric and Ferroelastic Domain Wall Dynamics during Local Switching in Rhombohedral PMN-PT Single Crystals
Authors: Alikin Denis , Turygin Anton , Ushakov Andrei , Kosobokov Mikhail , Alikin Yurij , Hu Qingyuan , Liu Xin , Xu Zhuo , Wei Xiaoyong , Shur Vladimir
Published: November 2022

The possibility to control the charge, type, and density of domain walls allows properties of ferroelectric materials to be selectively enhanced or reduced. In ferroelectric–ferroelastic materials, two types of domain walls are possible: pure ferroelectric and ferroelastic–ferroelectric. In this paper, we demonstrated a strategy to control the selective ferroelectric or ferroelastic domain wall formation in the (111) single-domain rhombohedral PMN-PT single crystals at the nanoscale by varying the relative humidity level in a scanning probe microscopy chamber. The solution of the corresponding coupled electro-mechanical boundary problem allows explaining observed competition between ferroelastic and ferroelectric domain growth. The reduction in the ferroelastic domain density during local switching at elevated humidity has been attributed to changes in the electric field spatial distribution and screening effectiveness. The established mechanism is important because it reveals a kinetic nature of the final domain patterns in multiaxial materials and thus provides a general pathway to create desirable domain structure in ferroelectric materials for applications in piezoelectric and optical devices.
Effect of Black Corn Anthocyanin-Rich Extract (Zea mays L.) on Cecal Microbial Populations In Vivo (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Agrizzi Verediano Thaisa , Agarwal Nikita , Stampini Duarte Martino Hércia , Kolba Nikolai , Grancieri Mariana , Dias Paes Maria Cristina , Tako Elad
Published: November 2022

Black corn has been attracting attention to investigate its biological properties due to its anthocyanin composition, mainly cyanidin-3-glucoside. Our study evaluated the effects of black corn extract (BCE) on intestinal morphology, gene expression, and the cecal microbiome. The BCE intra-amniotic administration was evaluated by an animal model in Gallus gallus. The eggs (n = 8 per group) were divided into: (1) no injection; (2) 18 MΩ H2O; (3) 5% black corn extract (BCE); and (4) 0.38% cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G). A total of 1 mL of each component was injected intra-amniotic on day 17 of incubation. On day 21, the animals were euthanized after hatching, and the duodenum and cecum content were collected. The cecal microbiome changes were attributed to BCE administration, increasing the population of Bifidobacterium and Clostridium, and decreasing E. coli. The BCE did not change the gene expression of intestinal inflammation and functionality. The BCE administration maintained the villi height, Paneth cell number, and goblet cell diameter (in the villi and crypt), similar to the H2O injection but smaller than the C3G. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, E. coli, and villi GC diameter. The BCE promoted positive changes in the cecum microbiome and maintained intestinal morphology and functionality.
Assessment of Changes in Physiological Markers in Different Body Fluids at Rest and after Exercise
Authors: Jesuthasan Amalini , Ali Ajmol , Lee Jason Kai Wei , Rutherfurd-Markwick Kay
Published: November 2022

Physiological and biological markers in different body fluids are used to measure the body’s physiological or pathological status. In the field of sports and exercise medicine, the use of these markers has recently become more popular for monitoring an athlete’s training response and assessing the immediate or long-term effects of exercise. Although the effect of exercise on different physiological markers using various body fluids is well substantiated, no article has undertaken a review across multiple body fluids such as blood, saliva, urine and sweat. This narrative review aims to assess various physiological markers in blood, urine and saliva, at rest and after exercise and examines physiological marker levels obtained across similar studies, with a focus on the population and study methodology used. Literature searches were conducted using PRISMA guidelines for keywords such as exercise, physical activity, serum, sweat, urine, and biomarkers, resulting in an analysis of 15 studies for this review paper. When comparing the effects of exercise on physiological markers across different body fluids (blood, urine, and saliva), the changes detected were generally in the same direction. However, the extent of the change varied, potentially as a result of the type and duration of exercise, the sample population and subject numbers, fitness levels, and/or dietary intake. In addition, none of the studies used solely female participants; instead, including males only or both male and female subjects together. The results of some physiological markers are sex-dependent. Therefore, to better understand how the levels of these biomarkers change in relation to exercise and performance, the sex of the participants should also be taken into consideration.
Reduced Carbohydrate Diet Influence on Postprandial Glycemia—Results of a Short, CGM-Based, Interventional Study in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Lejk Agnieszka , Chrzanowski Jędrzej , Cieślak Adrianna , Fendler Wojciech , Myśliwiec Małgorzata
Published: November 2022

Therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1DM) focuses on maintaining optimal blood glucose levels, achieved with intensive insulin treatment, proper nutrition, and physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate postprandial glycemic changes under low (30%) and standard (50%) carbohydrate diets in adolescents with T1DM. A single-center cross-over nutritional study was conducted, during which 26 adolescent patients provided 220 continuous glucose-monitored (CGM) meals data from the two consecutive 3-day nutritional plans. Overall, the 50% carbohydrate diet was associated with higher postprandial glucose variability in the small meals (afternoon snacks, second breakfast) and greater postprandial peaks for other meals (breakfast, dinner, supper). Nevertheless, after the adjustment of a patient’s individual clinical variables (age, Tanner classification, glucose disposal rate), we observed that mean postprandial glucose was higher for afternoon snacks and lower for suppers in the 30% carbohydrate diet. Although a 30% carbohydrate diet seems to offer better postprandial glycemia, it requires additional attention from the physician and patient when it comes to modifying daily carbohydrate intake. Increased fat/protein content and size of the main meal lead to a prolonged postprandial glycemic response, which may affect the insulin treatment and result in suboptimal glycemic control.
Dietary Diversity, Micronutrient Adequacy and Bone Status during Pregnancy: A Study in Urban China from 2019 to 2020
Authors: Zhong Wuxian , Zhao Ai , Lan Hanglian , Mao Shuai , Li Pin , Jiang Hua , Wang Peiyu , Szeto Ignatius Man-Yau , Zhang Yumei
Published: November 2022

Diet quality during reproduction is crucial to maternal and infant health. However, the association between dietary diversity and bone health of pregnant women remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the dietary quality of Chinese urban gravidas using the dietary diversity score (DDS), and to explore the relationship of the DDS with micronutrient adequacy and bone health. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 775 pregnant women aged 18 years or older in urban China. Dietary diversity was assessed using the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) indicator. A 24-h dietary recall was used to collect diet data and to calculate the MDD-W and the nutrient intake. Bone health was measured using quantitative ultrasound and assessed by the speed of sound (SOS). Pearson’s correlation coefficients between the DDS and the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) were calculated. A multivariable linear regression model was used to estimate the effect size of the DDS on the SOS. The mean DDS was 6.61 ± 1.53 points and 91.0% of participants reported the consumption of five or more food groups. Women in the diverse diet subgroup (DDS ≥ 7 points) were more likely to consume all kinds of food except starchy staples and had higher NARs. Pearson’s correlation coefficients between the DDS and the NAR ranged from 0.161 to 0.484. For participants in the second trimester, those with a diverse diet had a higher SOS. A multivariable linear regression analysis showed that the DDS was positively and significantly associated with the SOS (β = 17.18, 95% CI = 5.97–28.39, p = 0.003), but this was not the case for women in the first and third trimesters. Urban Chinese women had good dietary diversity during pregnancy. A higher dietary diversity was associated with a higher NAR. From the point of view of bone, a diverse diet was positively correlated with better bone status, suggesting the importance of improving diet diversity for pregnant women, especially from mid-pregnancy.
“Ferrocrinology”—Iron Is an Important Factor Involved in Gluco- and Lipocrinology
Authors: Szklarz Michał , Gontarz-Nowak Katarzyna , Matuszewski Wojciech , Bandurska-Stankiewicz Elżbieta
Published: November 2022

“Ferrocrinology” is the term used to describe the study of iron effects on the functioning of adipose tissue, which together with muscle tissue makes the largest endocrine organ in the human body. By impairing exercise capacity, reducing AMP-activated kinase activity, and enhancing insulin resistance, iron deficiency can lead to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Due to impaired browning of white adipose tissue and reduced mitochondrial iron content in adipocytes, iron deficiency (ID) can cause dysfunction of brown adipose tissue. By reducing ketogenesis, aconitase activity, and total mitochondrial capacity, ID impairs muscle performance. Another important aspect is the effect of ID on the impairment of thermogenesis due to reduced binding of thyroid hormones to their nuclear receptors, with subsequently impaired utilization of norepinephrine in tissues, and impaired synthesis and distribution of cortisol, which all make the body’s reactivity to stress in ID more pronounced. Iron deficiency can lead to the development of the most common endocrinopathy, autoimmune thyroid disease. In this paper, we have discussed the role of iron in the cross-talk between glucocrinology, lipocrinology and myocrinology, with thyroid hormones acting as an active bystander.
Vitamin A Nutritional Status Is a Key Determinant of Bone Mass in Children
Authors: Zhang Xuanrui , Huang Jiapeng , Zhou Yingyu , Hong Zhen , Lin Xiaoping , Chen Shanshan , Ye Yongnong , Zhang Zheqing
Published: November 2022

The bone mass increases that occur during the period of childhood are of great significance for maximizing the peak bone mass in adults and preventing for osteoporosis. Studies have reported that VA can improve the bone health in adults. Moreover, limited studies have assessed such associations in children. In this cross-sectional study including 426 children, we assessed the children’s plasma retinol concentration by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and the dietary intake of VA and carotenoids using a structured Food Frequency Questionnaire. Their bone mineral content and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. After adjusting for potential confounders, the restricted cubic spline revealed an inverted U-shaped association between plasma retinol concentration and BMD; the estimated effects on the TBLH BMD per μmol/L increase in the plasma retinol concentration were 1.79 × 10−2 g/cm2 below 1.24 μmol/L and −5.78 × 10−3 g/cm2 above this point (p for non-linearity = 0.046). A multiple linear regression analysis revealed a positive association between the plasma retinol concentration and the TBLH BMC (β = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.64 × 10−1–3.62, p = 0.032). In conclusion, an appropriate plasma retinol concentration and greater intakes of dietary VA and β-carotene may enhance the bone mineral status of children who are aged 6–9 years.
Comparison of Adherence to Mediterranean Diet between Spanish and German School-Children and Influence of Gender, Overweight, and Physical Activity
Authors: Grams Lena , Nelius Anne-Katrin , Pastor Guadalupe Garrido , Sillero-Quintana Manuel , Veiga Óscar L. , Homeyer Denise , Kück Momme
Published: November 2022

Background: Poor dietary habits and low levels of physical activity (PA) have a strong tendency to track from childhood into adulthood. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is known to be extremely healthy, associated with lower BMI and a lower risk of obesity in children and adolescents. Therefore, adherence to the MD was compared between Spanish (n = 182) and German (n = 152) children aged 10 to 13 years to examine a possible more “westernized” diet in Spain with a non-Mediterranean country, that traditionally prefers a “Western diet” and to determine the association between adherence to the MD and gender, body composition, and PA levels. Methods: In the German observational longitudinal cohort study and the Spanish cohort study, body composition and questionnaires (KIDMED, Diet Quality (IAES)) were obtained, and accelerometers (Actigraph) were applied to detect PA. Results: Girls had higher BMI-standard deviation score (SDS) than boys and Spanish girls were less active than boys. Differences were detected in MD habits, such as favorable fruit-, vegetables-, fish-intakes, and dairy products in Spanish children and unfavorable consumptions of fast food, processed bakery goods, candies, and sweet beverages in German children. Independently of country, girls, children with lower BMI-SDS and children with higher PA level were related with better diet quality. Conclusion: Spanish children showed higher adherence to MD and diet quality (IAES) compared to German children, but there was a trend toward a more “westernized” diet. Gender, body composition, and PA influenced nutrition regardless of country.