bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemical Stability of Oil Sands Tailings in Mine Closure Landforms
Authors: Cossey Heidi L. , Batycky Anya E. , Kaminsky Heather , Ulrich Ania C.
Published: August 2021

Oil sands surface mining in Alberta has generated over a billion cubic metres of waste, known as tailings, consisting of sands, silts, clays, and process-affected water that contains toxic organic compounds and chemical constituents. All of these tailings will eventually be reclaimed and integrated into one of two types of mine closure landforms: end pit lakes (EPLs) or terrestrial landforms with a wetland feature. In EPLs, tailings deposits are capped with several metres of water while in terrestrial landforms, tailings are capped with solid materials, such as sand or overburden. Because tailings landforms are relatively new, past research has heavily focused on the geotechnical and biogeochemical characteristics of tailings in temporary storage ponds, referred to as tailings ponds. As such, the geochemical stability of tailings landforms remains largely unknown. This review discusses five mechanisms of geochemical change expected in tailings landforms: consolidation, chemical mass loading via pore water fluxes, biogeochemical cycling, polymer degradation, and surface water and groundwater interactions. Key considerations and knowledge gaps with regard to the long-term geochemical stability of tailings landforms are identified, including salt fluxes and subsequent water quality, bioremediation and biogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and the biogeochemical implications of various tailings treatment methods meant to improve geotechnical properties of tailings, such as flocculant (polyacrylamide) and coagulant (gypsum) addition.
Demonstration of Optical Microscopy and Image Processing to Classify Respirable Coal Mine Dust Particles
Authors: Santa Nestor , Keles Cigdem , Saylor J. R. , Sarver Emily
Published: August 2021

Respirable coal mine dust represents a serious health hazard for miners. Monitoring methods are needed that enable fractionation of dust into its primary components, and that do so in real time. Near the production face, a simple capability to monitor the coal versus mineral dust fractions would be highly valuable for tracking changes in dust sources—and supporting timely responses in terms of dust controls or other interventions to reduce exposures. In this work, the premise of dust monitoring with polarized light microscopy was explored. Using images of coal and representative mineral particles (kaolinite, crystalline silica, and limestone rock dust), a model was built to exploit birefringence of the mineral particles and effectively separate them from the coal. The model showed >95% accuracy on a test dataset with known particles. For composite samples containing both coal and minerals, the model also showed a very good agreement with results from the scanning electron microscopy classification, which was used as a reference method. Results could further the concept of a “cell phone microscope” type monitor for semi-continuous measurements in coal mines.
Increasing the Power of Polyphenols through Nanoencapsulation for Adjuvant Therapy against Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Trindade Lucileno Rodrigues , da Silva Davi Vieira Teixeira , Baião Diego dos Santos , Paschoalin Vania Margaret Flosi
Published: August 2021

Polyphenols play a therapeutic role in vascular diseases, acting in inherent illness-associate conditions such as inflammation, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and oxidative stress, as demonstrated by clinical trials and epidemiological surveys. The main polyphenol cardioprotective mechanisms rely on increased nitric oxide, decreased asymmetric dimethylarginine levels, upregulation of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes via the Nrf2-ARE pathway and anti-inflammatory action through the redox-sensitive transcription factor NF-κB and PPAR-γ receptor. However, poor polyphenol bioavailability and extensive metabolization restrict their applicability. Polyphenols carried by nanoparticles circumvent these limitations providing controlled release and better solubility, chemical protection, and target achievement. Nano-encapsulate polyphenols loaded in food grade polymers and lipids appear to be safe, gaining resistance in the enteric route for intestinal absorption, in which the mucoadhesiveness ensures their increased uptake, achieving high systemic levels in non-metabolized forms. Nano-capsules confer a gradual release to these compounds, as well as longer half-lives and cell and whole organism permanence, reinforcing their effectiveness, as demonstrated in pre-clinical trials, enabling their application as an adjuvant therapy against cardiovascular diseases. Polyphenol entrapment in nanoparticles should be encouraged in nutraceutical manufacturing for the fortification of foods and beverages. This study discusses pre-clinical trials evaluating how nano-encapsulate polyphenols following oral administration can aid in cardiovascular performance.
Cholesterol Sequestration from Caveolae/Lipid Rafts Enhances Cationic Liposome-Mediated Nucleic Acid Delivery into Endothelial Cells
Authors: Maddila Santhosh Chandar , Voshavar Chandrashekhar , Arjunan Porkizhi , Chowath Rashmi Prakash , Rachamalla Hari Krishna Reddy , Balakrishnan Balaji , Balasubramanian Poonkuzhali , Banerjee Rajkumar , Marepally Srujan
Published: August 2021

Delivering nucleic acids into the endothelium has great potential in treating vascular diseases. However, endothelial cells, which line the vasculature, are considered as sensitive in nature and hard to transfect. Low transfection efficacies in endothelial cells limit their potential therapeutic applications. Towards improving the transfection efficiency, we made an effort to understand the internalization of lipoplexes into the cells, which is the first and most critical step in nucleic acid transfections. In this study, we demonstrated that the transient modulation of caveolae/lipid rafts mediated endocytosis with the cholesterol-sequestrating agents, nystatin, filipin III, and siRNA against Cav-1, which significantly increased the transfection properties of cationic lipid-(2-hydroxy-N-methyl-N,N-bis(2-tetradecanamidoethyl)ethanaminium chloride), namely, amide liposomes in combination with 1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) (AD Liposomes) in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (SK-Hep1). In particular, nystatin was found to be highly effective with 2–3-fold enhanced transfection efficacy when compared with amide liposomes in combination with Cholesterol (AC), by switching lipoplex internalization predominantly through clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis.
Optimization and Validation of an In Vitro Standardized Glycogen Phosphorylase Activity Assay
Authors: Rocha Sónia , Lucas Mariana , Araújo Alberto N. , Corvo M. Luísa , Fernandes Eduarda , Freitas Marisa
Published: August 2021

Glycogen phosphorylase (GP) is a key enzyme in the glycogenolysis pathway and a potential therapeutic target in the management of type 2 diabetes. It catalyzes a reversible reaction: the release of the terminal glucosyl residue from glycogen as glucose 1-phosphate; or the transfer of glucose from glucose 1-phosphate to glycogen. A colorimetric method to follow in vitro the activity of GP with usefulness in structure-activity relationship studies and high-throughput screening capability is herein described. The obtained results allowed the choice of the optimal concentration of enzyme of 0.38 U/mL, 0.25 mM glucose 1-phosphate, 0.25 mg/mL glycogen, and temperature of 37 °C. Three known GP inhibitors, CP-91149, a synthetic inhibitor, caffeine, an alkaloid, and ellagic acid, a polyphenol, were used to validate the method, CP-91149 being the most active inhibitor. The effect of glucose on the IC50 value of CP-91149 was also investigated, which decreased when the concentration of glucose increased. The assay parameters for a high-throughput screening method for discovery of new potential GP inhibitors were optimized and standardized, which is desirable for the reproducibility and comparison of results in the literature. The optimized method can be applied to the study of a panel of synthetic and/or natural compounds, such as polyphenols.
Zero-to-Two Nanoarchitectonics: Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Materials from Zero-Dimensional Fullerene
Authors: Chen Guoping , Shrestha Lok Kumar , Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: August 2021

Nanoarchitectonics of two-dimensional materials from zero-dimensional fullerenes is mainly introduced in this short review. Fullerenes are simple objects with mono-elemental (carbon) composition and zero-dimensional structure. However, fullerenes and their derivatives can create various types of two-dimensional materials. The exemplified approaches demonstrated fabrications of various two-dimensional materials including size-tunable hexagonal fullerene nanosheet, two-dimensional fullerene nano-mesh, van der Waals two-dimensional fullerene solid, fullerene/ferrocene hybrid hexagonal nanosheet, fullerene/cobalt porphyrin hybrid nanosheet, two-dimensional fullerene array in the supramolecular template, two-dimensional van der Waals supramolecular framework, supramolecular fullerene liquid crystal, frustrated layered self-assembly from two-dimensional nanosheet, and hierarchical zero-to-one-to-two dimensional fullerene assembly for cell culture.
Combination of Selenium and UVA Radiation Affects Growth and Phytochemicals of Broccoli Microgreens
Authors: Gao Meifang , He Rui , Shi Rui , Li Yamin , Song Shiwei , Zhang Yiting , Su Wei , Liu Houcheng
Published: August 2021

Addition of selenium or application of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation for crop production could be an effective way of producing phytochemical-rich food. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of selenium and UVA radiation, as well as their combination on growth and phytochemical contents in broccoli microgreens. There were three treatments: Se (100 μmol/L Na2SeO3), UVA (40 μmol/m2/s) and Se + UVA (with application of Se and UVA). The control (CK) was Se spraying-free and UVA radiation-free. Although treatment with Se or/and UVA inhibited plant growth of broccoli microgreens, results showed that phytochemical contents increased. Broccoli microgreens under the Se treatment had higher contents of total soluble sugars, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, ascorbic acid, Fe, and organic Se and had lower Zn content. The UVA treatment increased the contents of total chlorophylls, total soluble proteins, total phenolic compounds, and FRAP. However, the Se + UVA treatment displayed the most remarkable effect on the contents of total anthocyanins, glucoraphanin, total aliphatic glucosinolates, and total glucosinolates; here, significant interactions between Se and UVA were observed. This study provides valuable insights into the combinational selenium and UVA for improving the phytochemicals of microgreens grown in an artificial lighting plant factory.
Straightforward Synthesis of Mn3O4/ZnO/Eu2O3-Based Ternary Heterostructure Nano-Photocatalyst and Its Application for the Photodegradation of Methyl Orange and Methylene Blue Dyes
Authors: Shubha Jayachamarajapura Pranesh , Savitha Haralahalli Shivappa , Adil Syed Farooq , Khan Mujeeb , Hatshan Mohammad Rafe , Kavalli Kiran , Shaik Baji
Published: August 2021

Zinc oxide-ternary heterostructure Mn3O4/ZnO/Eu2O3 nanocomposites were successfully prepared via waste curd as fuel by a facile one-pot combustion procedure. The fabricated heterostructures were characterized utilizing XRD, UV–Visible, FT-IR, FE-SEM, HRTEM and EDX analysis. The photocatalytic degradation efficacy of the synthesized ternary nanocomposite was evaluated utilizing model organic pollutants of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) in water as examples of cationic dyes and anionic dyes, respectively, under natural solar irradiation. The effect of various experimental factors, viz. the effect of a light source, catalyst dosage, irradiation time, pH of dye solution and dye concentration on the photodegradation activity, was systematically studied. The ternary Mn3O4/ZnO/Eu2O3 photocatalyst exhibited excellent MB and MO degradation activity of 98% and 96%, respectively, at 150 min under natural sunlight irradiation. Experiments further conclude that the fabricated nanocomposite exhibits pH-dependent photocatalytic efficacy, and for best results, concentrations of dye and catalysts have to be maintained in a specific range. The prepared photocatalysts are exemplary and could be employed for wastewater handling and several ecological applications.
Natural Product-Based Hybrids as Potential Candidates for the Treatment of Cancer: Focus on Curcumin and Resveratrol
Authors: Micale Nicola , Molonia Maria Sofia , Citarella Andrea , Cimino Francesco , Saija Antonina , Cristani Mariateresa , Speciale Antonio
Published: August 2021

One of the main current strategies for cancer treatment is represented by combination chemotherapy. More recently, this strategy shifted to the “hybrid strategy”, namely the designing of a new molecular entity containing two or more biologically active molecules and having superior features compared with the individual components. Moreover, the term “hybrid” has further extended to innovative drug delivery systems based on biocompatible nanomaterials and able to deliver one or more drugs to specific tissues or cells. At the same time, there is an increased interest in plant-derived polyphenols used as antitumoral drugs. The present review reports the most recent and intriguing research advances in the development of hybrids based on the polyphenols curcumin and resveratrol, which are known to act as multifunctional agents. We focused on two issues that are particularly interesting for the innovative chemical strategy involved in their development. On one hand, the pharmacophoric groups of these compounds have been used for the synthesis of new hybrid molecules. On the other hand, these polyphenols have been introduced into hybrid nanomaterials based on gold nanoparticles, which have many potential applications for both drug delivery and theranostics in chemotherapy.
Operando Raman Shift Replaces Current in Electrochemical Analysis of Li-ion Batteries: A Comparative Study
Authors: Radtke Mariusz , Hess Christian
Published: August 2021

Li-rich and catalytically active γ-LixV2O5 (x = 1.48) was investigated as a cathode for its heterogeneous charge transfer kinetics. Using a specially designed two-electrode system lithium half cell, Butler–Volmer analysis was performed, and Raman spectra were acquired in 18 mV intervals. A direct correlation was observed between the Raman shift of the active modes Ag,Bg, Au, and Bu, and the development of the Faraday current at the working electrode. The Raman intensity and the Raman shift were implemented to replace the current in a Tafel plot used for the analysis of Butler–Volmer kinetics. Striking similarities in the charge transfer proportionality constants α were found for current and Raman-based analysis. The potential of this new method of Raman-aided electrochemical detection at the diffraction limit is discussed.
Ion Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection for Determining Cyanide in Urine and Meconium Samples
Authors: Jaszczak-Wilke Ewa , Kozioł Krystyna , Kiełbratowska Bogumiła , Polkowska Żaneta
Published: August 2021

The parents’ addictions and eating habits have a significant influence on the child’s growth. The first stool of a newborn baby provides a large amount of information about xenobiotics transmitted by the mother’s body. The analytical technique used in the study is ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (IC-PAD). The biological samples, which were obtained from women staying in a maternity ward and their partners, revealed cyanide concentrations in urine samples spanning 1.30–25.3 μg L−1. Meanwhile, the results of the meconium samples were in the range of 1.54 μg L−1 to 24.9 μg L−1. Under the optimized chromatographic conditions, the IC-PAD system exhibited satisfactory repeatability (R < 3%, n = 3) and good linearity in the range of 1–100 μg L−1. Thus, it proved to be an effective tool for monitoring trace cyanide concentration in a series of human body fluid matrices, including meconium. Based on the literature review, this is the first application of the IC-PAD analytical technique for the determination of cyanide ions in meconium samples.
Perspective-Taking in Virtual Reality and Reduction of Biases against Minorities
Authors: Chen Vivian Hsueh Hua , Chan Sarah Hian May , Tan Yong Ching
Published: August 2021

This study examines the effect of perspective-taking via embodiment in virtual reality (VR) in improving biases against minorities. It tests theoretical arguments about the affective and cognitive routes underlying perspective-taking and examines the moderating role of self-presence in VR through experiments. In Study 1, participants embodied an ethnic minority avatar and experienced workplace microaggression from a first-person perspective in VR. They were randomly assigned to affective (focus on emotions) vs. cognitive (focus on thoughts) perspective-taking conditions. Results showed that ingroup bias improved comparably across both conditions and that this effect was driven by more negative perceptions of the majority instead of more positive perceptions of minorities. In Study 2, participants experienced the same VR scenario from the third-person perspective. Results replicated those from Study 1 and extended them by showing that the effect of condition on ingroup bias was moderated by self-presence. At high self-presence, participants in the affective condition reported higher ingroup bias than those in the cognitive condition. The study showed that in VR, the embodiment of an ethnic minority is somewhat effective in improving perceptions towards minority groups. It is difficult to clearly distinguish between the effect of affective and cognitive routes underlying the process of perspective-taking.
Time-Effective Simulation Methodology for Broadband Achromatic Metalens Using Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Fan Chun-Yuan , Su Guo-Dung J.
Published: August 2021

Metasurface has demonstrated potential and novel optical properties in previous research. The prevailing method of designing a macroscale metasurface is based on the local periodic approximation. Such a method relies on the pre-calculated data library, including phase delay and transmittance of the nanostructure, which is rigorously calculated by the electromagnetic simulation. However, it is usually time-consuming to design a complex metasurface such as broadband achromatic metalens due the required huge data library. This paper combined different numbers of nanofins and used deep neural networks to train our data library, and the well-trained model predicted approximately ten times more data points, which show a higher transmission for designing a broadband achromatic metalens. The results showed that the focusing efficiency of designed metalens using the augmented library is up to 45%, which is higher than that using the original library over the visible spectrum. We demonstrated that the proposed method is time-effective and accurate enough to design complex electromagnetic problems.
Electrospun Semi-Alicyclic Polyimide Nanofibrous Membrane: High-Reflectance and High-Whiteness with Superior Thermal and Ultraviolet Radiation Stability for Potential Applications in High-Power UV-LEDs
Authors: Zhi Xinxin , Wang Huasen , Wei Xinying , Zhang Yan , An Yuancheng , Qi Haoran , Liu Jingang
Published: August 2021

Polymeric nanofibrous membranes (NFMs) with both high whiteness and high thermal and ultraviolet (UV) stability are highly desired as reflectors for ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) devices. In the current work, a semi-alicyclic and fluoro-containing polyimide (PI) NFM with potential application in such kinds of circumstances was successfully fabricated from the organo-soluble PI resin solution via a one-step electrospinning procedure. In order to achieve the target, a semi-alicyclic PI resin was first designed and synthesized from an alicyclic dianhydride, 3,4-dicarboxy-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-decahydro-1-naphthalenesuccinic dianhydride (or hydrogenated tetralin dianhydride, HTDA), and a fluoro-containing diamine, 2,2-bis[4-(4-amino-phenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane (BDAF), via an imidization procedure. The derived PI (HTDA-BDAF) resin possessed a number-average molecular weight (Mn) higher than 33,000 g/mol and was highly soluble in polar aprotic solvents, such as N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc). The electrospinning solution was prepared by dissolving the PI resin in DMAc at a solid content of 25–35 wt%. For comparison, the conventional high-whiteness polystyrene (PS) NFM was prepared according to a similar electrospinning procedure. The thermal and UV stability of the derived PI and PS NFMs were investigated by exposure under the UV-LED (wavelength: 365 nm) irradiation. Various thermal evaluation results indicated that the developed PI (HTDA-BDAF) NFM could maintain both the high reflectance and high whiteness at elevated temperatures. For example, after thermal treatment at 200 °C for 1 h in air, the PI (HTDA-BDAF) NFM exhibited a reflectance at a wavelength of 457 nm (R457) of 89.0%, which was comparable to that of the pristine PI NMF (R457 = 90.2%). The PI (HTDA-BDAF) NFM exhibited a whiteness index (WI) of 90.88, which was also close to that of the pristine sample (WI = 91.22). However, for the PS NFM counterpart, the R457 value decreased from the pristine 88.4% to 18.1% after thermal treatment at 150 °C for 1 h, and the sample became transparent. The PI NFM maintained good optical and mechanical properties during the high dose (2670 J/cm2) of UV exposure, while the properties of the PS NFM apparently deteriorated under the same UV aging.
Mechanical Behaviors of Si/CNT Core/Shell Nanocomposites under Tension: A Molecular Dynamics Analysis
Authors: Shim Jee Soo , Lee Gi Hun , Cui Cheng Yu , Beom Hyeon Gyu
Published: August 2021

The silicon/carbon nanotube (core/shell) nanocomposite electrode model is one of the most promising solutions to the problem of electrode pulverization in lithium-ion batteries. The purpose of this study is to analyze the mechanical behaviors of silicon/carbon nanotube nanocomposites via molecular dynamics computations. Fracture behaviors of the silicon/carbon nanotube nanocomposites subjected to tension were compared with those of pure silicon nanowires. Effective Young’s modulus values of the silicon/carbon nanotube nanocomposites were obtained from the stress and strain responses and compared with the asymptotic solution of continuum mechanics. The size effect on the failure behaviors of the silicon/carbon nanotube nanocomposites with a fixed longitudinal aspect ratio was further explored, where the carbon nanotube shell was found to influence the brittle-to-ductile transition behavior of silicon nanowires. We show that the mechanical reliability of brittle silicon nanowires can be significantly improved by encapsulating them with carbon nanotubes because the carbon nanotube shell demonstrates high load-bearing capacity under tension.
Bariatric Surgery and Liver Disease: General Considerations and Role of the Gut–Liver Axis
Authors: Cerreto Maria , Santopaolo Francesco , Gasbarrini Antonio , Pompili Maurizio , Ponziani Francesca
Published: August 2021

Weight loss is a therapeutic solution for many metabolic disorders, such as obesity and its complications. Bariatric surgery aims to achieve lasting weight loss in all patients who have failed after multiple dietary attempts. Among its many benefits, it has been associated with the regression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is often associated with obesity, with evidence of substantial improvement in tissue inflammation and fibrosis. These benefits are mediated not only by weight loss, but also by favorable changes in systemic inflammation and in the composition of the gut microbiota. Changes in microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), capable of acting as endocrine mediators, and bile acids (BAs) as well as modifications of the gut-brain axis, are among the involved mechanisms. However, not all bariatric surgeries show beneficial effects on the liver; those leading to malabsorption can cause liver failure or a marked worsening of fibrosis and the development of cirrhosis. Nevertheless, there are still many unclear aspects, including the extent of the benefits and the magnitude of the risks of bariatric surgery in cirrhotic patients. In addition, the usefulness and the safety of these procedures in patients who are candidates to or who have undergone liver transplant need solid supporting evidence. This paper aims to review literature data on the use of bariatric surgery in the setting of chronic liver disease.
Quality of Life of Vegetarians during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Hargreaves Shila Minari , Nakano Eduardo Yoshio , Han Heesup , Raposo António , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Vega-Muñoz Alejandro , Zandonadi Renata Puppin
Published: August 2021

Health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic can negatively impact quality of life (QoL) due to higher levels of stress, social isolation, and uncertainties. In this scenario, distinct population groups might react differently. Vegetarians, who follow a non-conventional dietary pattern, could be more vulnerable to the abrupt changes in normal life routine and economic instability. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating if the current pandemic situation somehow affected vegetarians’ QoL. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Brazil between 28 July and 14 September 2020 to evaluate the QoL in vegetarians during the pandemic period. Vegetarian adults replied to an online survey that included the VEGQOL and WHOQOL-BREF instruments to evaluate QoL and questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 1282 individuals participated. Only 3.8% had tested positive for COVID-19, but 39.9% affirmed having a family member who tested positive for the disease. Almost half (46.3%) of the sample had an income drop due to the pandemic. Results of QoL scores in the different subcategories of vegetarians were similar to previously published data. Individuals who had already tested positive for COVID-19 had lower QoL scores than those who did not test positive, but only in the VEGQOL. QoL was lower for the participants who declared that Sars-Cov-2 had already infected a family member for almost all the parameters evaluated. On the other hand, an income drop affected QoL only partially. Studying how vegetarians are influenced by such conditions contributes to the generation of relevant data that can be used to support healthcare and public policies in the future.
Impacts of Digital Healthy Diet Literacy and Healthy Eating Behavior on Fear of COVID-19, Changes in Mental Health, and Health-Related Quality of Life among Front-Line Health Care Workers
Authors: Vu Dinh N. , Phan Dung T. , Nguyen Hoang C. , Le Lan T. H. , Nguyen Huu C. , Ha Tung H. , Dao Hung K. , Trinh Manh V. , Do Thinh V. , Nguyen Hung Q. , Nguyen Thao T. P. , Le Thuy T. , Tran Cuong Q. , Tran Khanh V. , Duong Trang T. , Pham Hai X. , Le Vinh-Tuyen T. , Van Duong Tuyen
Published: August 2021

Background: We aimed to examine the impacts of digital healthy diet literacy (DDL) and healthy eating behaviors (HES) on fear of COVID-19, changes in mental health, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among front-line healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: An online survey was conducted at 15 hospitals and health centers from 6–19 April 2020. Data of 2299 front-line HCWs were analyzed—including socio-demographics, symptoms like COVID-19, health literacy, eHealth literacy, DDL, HES, fear of COVID-19, changes in mental health, and HRQoL. Regression models were used to examine the associations. Results: HCWs with higher scores of DDL and HES had lower scores of FCoV-19S (regression coefficient, B, −0.04; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, −0.07, −0.02; p = 0.001; and B, −0.10; 95% CI, −0.15, −0.06; p < 0.001); had a higher likelihood of stable or better mental health status (odds ratio, OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.05; p = 0.029; and OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.07; p = 0.043); and HRQoL (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.03; p = 0.006; and OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02, 1.06; p = 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: DDL and HES were found as independent predictors of fear of COVID−19, changes in mental health status, and HRQoL in front-line HCWs. Improving DDL and HES should be considered as a strategic approach for hospitals and healthcare systems.
Anti-Salmonella Activity and Peptidomic Profiling of Peptide Fractions Produced from Sturgeon Fish Skin Collagen (Huso huso) Using Commercial Enzymes
Authors: Atef Maryam , Chait Yasmina Ait , Ojagh Seyed Mahdi , Latifi Ali Mohammad , Esmaeili Mina , Hammami Riadh , Udenigwe Chibuike C.
Published: August 2021

This study investigated peptide fractions from fish skin collagen for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella strains. The collagen was hydrolyzed with six commercial proteases, including trypsin, Alcalase, Neutrase, Flavourzyme, pepsin and papain. Hydrolyzed samples obtained with trypsin and Alcalase had the largest number of small peptides (molecular weight <10 kDa), while the hydrolysate produced with papain showed the lowest degree of hydrolysis and highest number of large peptides. Four hydrolysates were found to inhibit the growth of the Gram-negative bacteria, with papain hydrolysate showing the best activity against E. coli, and Neutrase and papain hydrolysates showing the best activity against S. abony; hydrolysates produced with trypsin and pepsin did not show detectable antibacterial activity. After acetone fractionation of the latter hydrolysates, the peptide fractions demonstrated enhanced dose-dependent inhibition of the growth (colony-forming units) of four Salmonella strains, including S. abony (NCTC 6017), S. typhimurium (ATCC 13311), S. typhimurium (ATCC 14028) and S. chol (ATCC 10708). Shotgun peptidomics analysis of the acetone fractions of Neutrase and papain hydrolysates resulted in the identification of 71 and 103 peptides, respectively, with chain lengths of 6–22 and 6–24, respectively. This work provided an array of peptide sequences from fish skin collagen for pharmacophore identification, structure–activity relationship studies, and further investigation as food-based antibacterial agents against pathogenic microorganisms.
What Links an Increased Cardiovascular Risk and Inflammatory Bowel Disease? A Narrative Review
Authors: Łykowska-Szuber Liliana , Rychter Anna Maria , Dudek Magdalena , Ratajczak Alicja Ewa , Szymczak-Tomczak Aleksandra , Zawada Agnieszka , Eder Piotr , Lesiak Maciej , Dobrowolska Agnieszka , Krela-Kaźmierczak Iwona
Published: August 2021

Several studies have shown increased rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly in cases of early atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. IBD most frequently begins at an early age, patients usually present normal weight and remain under constant care of a physician, as well as of a nutritionist. Therefore, the classical risk factors of CVD are not reflected in the higher prevalence of CVD in the IBD population. Still, both groups are characterised by chronic inflammation and display similar physiopathological mechanisms. In the course of IBD, increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine, may lead to endothelial dysfunctions and the development of CVD. Furthermore, gut microbiota dysbiosis in patients with IBD also constitutes a risk factor for an increased susceptibility to cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Additionally, diet is an essential factor affecting both positively and negatively the course of the aforementioned diseases, whereas several dietary patterns may also influence the association between IBD and CVD. Thus, it is essential to investigate the factors responsible for the increased cardiovascular (CV) risk in this group of patients. Our paper attempts to review the role of potential inflammatory and nutritional factors, as well as intestinal dysbiosis and pharmacotherapy, in the increased risk of CVD in IBD patients.
The Association of Nighttime Fasting Duration and Prostate Cancer Risk: Results from the Multicase-Control (MCC) Study in Spain
Authors: Palomar-Cros Anna , Espinosa Ana , Straif Kurt , Pérez-Gómez Beatriz , Papantoniou Kyriaki , Gómez-Acebo Inés , Molina-Barceló Ana , Olmedo-Requena Rocío , Alguacil Juan , Fernández-Tardón Guillermo , Casabonne Delphine , Aragonés Nuria , Castaño-Vinyals Gemma , Pollán Marina , Romaguera Dora , Kogevinas Manolis
Published: August 2021

Nighttime fasting has been inconclusively associated with a reduced risk of cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate this association in relation to prostate cancer risk. We examined data from 607 prostate cancer cases and 848 population controls who had never worked in night shift work from the Spanish multicase-control (MCC) study, 2008–2013. Through an interview, we collected circadian information on meal timing at mid-age. We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with unconditional logistic regression. After controlling for time of breakfast, fasting for more than 11 h overnight (the median duration among controls) was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer compared to those fasting for 11 h or less (OR = 0.77, 95% 0.54–1.07). Combining a long nighttime fasting and an early breakfast was associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer compared to a short nighttime fasting and a late breakfast (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.27–1.04). This study suggests that a prolonged nighttime fasting duration and an early breakfast may be associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Findings should be interpreted cautiously and add to growing evidence on the importance of chrononutrition in relation to cancer risk.
Osteopontin Levels in Human Milk Are Related to Maternal Nutrition and Infant Health and Growth
Authors: Aksan Aysegül , Erdal Izzet , Yalcin Siddika Songül , Stein Jürgen , Samur Gülhan
Published: August 2021

Background: Osteopontin (OPN) is a glycosylated phosphoprotein found in human tissues and body fluids. OPN in breast milk is thought to play a major role in growth and immune system development in early infancy. Here, we investigated maternal factors that may affect concentrations of OPN in breast milk, and the possible associated consequences for the health of neonates. Methods: General characteristics, health status, dietary patterns, and anthropometric measurements of 85 mothers and their babies were recorded antenatally and during postnatal follow-up. Results: The mean concentration of OPN in breast milk was 137.1 ± 56.8 mg/L. Maternal factors including smoking, BMI, birth route, pregnancy weight gain, and energy intake during lactation were associated with OPN levels (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were determined between body weight, length, and head circumference, respectively, and OPN levels after one (r = 0.442, p = < 0.001; r = −0.284, p = < 0.001; r = −0.392, p = < 0.001) and three months (r = 0.501, p = < 0.001; r = −0.450, p = < 0.001; r = −0.498, p = < 0.001) of lactation. A negative relation between fever-related infant hospitalizations from 0–3 months and breast milk OPN levels (r = −0.599, p < 0.001) was identified. Conclusions: OPN concentrations in breast milk differ depending on maternal factors, and these differences can affect the growth and immune system functions of infants. OPN supplementation in infant formula feed may have benefits and should be further investigated.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Brazilian Community Restaurants for the Dimension of Low-Income People Access to Food
Authors: Sousa Mateus Santana , Teixeira Camila Silveira Silva , Souza Jamacy Costa , Costa Priscila Ribas de Farias , Zandonadi Renata Puppin , Botelho Raquel Braz Assunção , Han Heesup , Raposo António , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Araya-Castillo Luis , Akutsu Rita de Cássia Coelho de Almeida
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of community restaurants (CRs), managed by the Government of the State of Bahia/Brazil, for the dimension of access to food. The study used secondary data obtained from the public opinion survey Profile of users of community restaurants in Salvador. The nutritional information was accessed through the analysis of CRs’ menus. Adequate effectiveness of access to food was considered when the CR served meals to 50% to 70% of the users considered the target audience (individuals served by the two CRs located in the city of Salvador/Bahia/Brazil). The participants (n = 1464; 778 as low-income individuals) were adult CR users from Salvador/Brazil. Most of the respondents were male, 40 to 54 years old, not white, had up to 9 years of formal education, without a partner, and living in the municipality of Salvador. The evaluated CRs are effective in serving 53.1% of the target population in their total service capacity. Meal provision only reached an estimated 0.7% of the socially vulnerable community in the district. The average energy value of the meal served by the CR units was 853.05 kcal/meal, with a mean energy density composition classified as average (1.15 kcal/g). The effectiveness of the evaluated community restaurants showed that these instruments were minimally effective in promoting access to food for the low-income population within their total daily service capacity, and the current quantity of these facilities was insufficient. However, these instruments stand out in the fundamental role of promoting the daily distribution of meals to the Brazilian population with the highest social vulnerability levels.
Association between the Sociodemographic Characteristics of Parents with Health-Related and Lifestyle Markers of Children in Three Different Spanish-Speaking Countries: An Inter-Continental Study at OECD Country Level
Authors: Álvarez Cristian , Guzmán-Guzmán Iris Paola , Latorre-Román Pedro Ángel , Párraga-Montilla Juan , Palomino-Devia Constanza , Reyes-Oyola Felipe Augusto , Paredes-Arévalo Lorena , Leal-Oyarzún Marlys , Obando-Calderón Isabel , Cresp-Barria Mauricio , Machuca-Barria Claudia , Peña-Troncoso Sebastián , Jerez-Mayorga Daniel , Delgado-Floody Pedro
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this cross-cultural study was to determine the association between the sociodemographic background of a child’s parents (i.e., their socioeconomic level, marital status, and educational level) with the child’s lifestyle (i.e., Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST)), and health markers. Material: This cross-sectional study included 1273 children, from Chile (n = 496), Colombia (n = 340), and Spain (n = 437). The sociodemographic information together with the lifestyle and health markers of the children were measured. There was an inverse association between a low or medium-low socioeconomic level for the parents of Chilean children and handgrip strength (β −0.61, p < 0.001); meanwhile, for Spanish children, an inverse association between a low or medium-low socioeconomic level and PA after school (β −0.58, p = 0.016), lifestyle (β −0.74, p = 0.015), and with MD adherence (β −0.86, p = 0.004) was found. The risk (i.e., by odd ratios (OR)) of being divorced/separated parents marital status showed an inverse association with abdominal obesity (OR 0.21, p = 0.045) in Spanish children; however, the parent’s marital status and a low educational level were risk factors for the suffering of a low nutritional level in Colombian children (OR 2.02, p = 0.048; OR 2.49, p < 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, a low educational level for parents reported for Chilean children had a positive association with ST of ≥4 h per day (OR 1.82, p = 0.020). In conclusion, in Spanish-speaking children, the lifestyle and health markers of the children are affected by the sociodemographic background of their parents; however, these effects could be moderated by the socio-cultural and economic status of their countries as members of the OCDE; therefore, it is essential to develop policies that decrease these gaps, so that children who are under-resourced can reach their full potential.
Effects of a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention and Metformin Treatment on Serum Urate: Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hu Jiun-Ruey , Yeh Hsin-Chieh , Mueller Noel T. , Appel Lawrence J. , Miller Edgar R. , Maruthur Nisa M. , Jerome Gerald J. , Chang Alex R. , Gelber Allan C. , Juraschek Stephen P.
Published: August 2021

Background: Lower body mass index (BMI) has been associated with lower serum urate (SU), but only in observational studies. We sought to determine the effects of behavioral weight loss and metformin treatment on SU in a randomized trial. Methods and Findings: The Survivorship Promotion In Reducing IGF-1 Trial (SPIRIT) was a parallel three-arm randomized controlled trial of overweight/obese adult cancer survivors without gout at a single center in Maryland, United States. Participants were randomized to: (1) coach-directed weight loss (behavioral telephonic coaching), (2) metformin (up to 2000 mg daily), or (3) self-directed weight loss (informational brochures; reference group). SU and BMI were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-randomization. The 121 participants had a mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of 60 ± 9 years, 79% were female, and 45% were Black. At baseline, BMI was 35 ± 5 kg/m2, and SU was 5.6 ± 1.3 mg/dL. Compared to the self-directed group, at 12 months, the coach-directed group reduced BMI by 0.9 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval (CI): −1.5, −0.4) and metformin reduced BMI by 0.6 kg/m2 (95% CI: −1.1, −0.1). However, compared to the self-directed group, the coach-directed group unexpectedly increased SU by 0.3 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.05, 0.6), and metformin non-significantly increased SU by 0.2 mg/dL (95% CI: −0.04, 0.5); these effects were attenuated when analyses included change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Conclusions: In this randomized trial of cancer survivors without gout, reductions in BMI either increased or did not change SU, potentially due to effects on eGFR. These results do not support a focus on BMI reduction for SU reduction; however, long-term studies are needed. ClinicalTrials.gov Registration: NCT02431676.
Milk Osteopontin for Gut, Immunity and Brain Development in Preterm Pigs
Authors: Aasmul-Olsen Karoline , Henriksen Nicole Lind , Nguyen Duc Ninh , Heckmann Anne Birgitte , Thymann Thomas , Sangild Per Torp , Bering Stine Brandt
Published: August 2021

Deficient levels of milk osteopontin (OPN) in infant formula may partly account for developmental differences between infants fed formula or maternal milk. We hypothesized that a milk diet supplemented with bovine milk OPN improves gut, immunity and brain development and tested this in a preterm pig model. Preterm pigs delivered by cesarean section (90% gestation) were fed raw bovine milk (CON, n = 19) or the same diet supplemented with a physiologically relevant dose of OPN (46 mg/(kg·d), n = 16). Endpoints related to clinical outcomes, systemic immunity and neurocognitive development were assessed during the study and gut tissues were collected at Day 19. Growth pattern, early motor development and most systemic immune parameters were similar between OPN and CON pigs. The OPN pigs had higher villus-to-crypt ratios than CON pigs and higher monocyte and lymphocyte counts on Day 8. Gut digestive and absorptive functions and cognitive performance (T-maze test) were similar between OPN and CON pigs. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with OPN above basal bovine milk levels induced minor improvements in gut structure and systemic immunity without any effects on cognitive performance. The minimal levels of OPN in infant formula to secure optimal adaptation in the immediate neonatal period remain to be determined.
A Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary, Personalized, Lifestyle Intervention Program Is Associated with Increased Leukocyte Telomere Length in Children and Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Paltoglou George , Raftopoulou Christina , Nicolaides Nicolas C. , Genitsaridi Sofia M. , Karampatsou Sofia I. , Papadopoulou Marina , Kassari Penio , Charmandari Evangelia
Published: August 2021

Leucocyte telomere length (LTL) is a robust marker of biological aging and is associated with obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors in childhood and adolescence. We investigated the effect of a structured, comprehensive, multidisciplinary, personalized, lifestyle intervention program of healthy diet and physical exercise on LTL in 508 children and adolescents (239 males, 269 females; 282 prepubertal, 226 pubertal), aged 10.14 ± 0.13 years. Participants were classified as obese (n = 267, 52.6%), overweight (n = 174, 34.2%), or of normal BMI (n = 67, 13.2%) according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cutoff points and were studied prospectively for one year. We demonstrated that LTL increased significantly after 1 year of the lifestyle interventions, irrespective of gender, pubertal status, or body mass index (BMI). Waist circumference was the best negative predictor of LTL at initial assessment. The implementation of the lifestyle interventions also resulted in a significant improvement in clinical (BMI, BMI z-score and waist to height ratio) and body composition indices of obesity, inflammatory markers, hepatic enzymes, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and lipid profile in all participants. These findings indicate that the increased LTL may be associated with a more favorable metabolic profile and decreased morbidity later in life.
Field Evaluation of Preventive Efficacy of Monthly Multimodal Prophylactic Treatment (Milbactor® and Vectra® 3D) against Dirofilaria spp. in Dogs
Authors: Laidoudi Younes , Medkour Hacène , Tahir Djamel , Dahmana Handi , Marié Jean-Lou , Varloud Marie , Mediannikov Oleg , Davoust Bernard
Published: August 2021

Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are mosquito-borne pathogens responsible for dirofilariasis in humans and animals. Their transmission and spread depend on the activity of vectors and the frequency of hosts in a given area. Here, we investigated the efficacy of a monthly multimodal prophylactic (MMP) strategy against canine dirofilariasis on Corsica Island (France). The study was conducted as evidence of an efficacy trial in which eighty dogs were divided into two groups: (i) one test group consisted of 25 dogs under the MMP [per-os administration of 1.5 tablets of milbemycin-oxime-praziquantel (Milbactor®) and a topical line-on application of a 3.6 mL solution of dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen (Vectra® 3D)] and (ii) a control group under different real-life prophylactic treatments (RLP) based on the use of ectoparasiticides (different formulations: deltamethrin, fluralaner, fipronil) and/or macrocyclic lactone-based products (milbemycin-oxime/praziquantel, milbemycin-oxime, moxidectin) during the period from June to October 2017. All animals were followed up for one year, with blood collected at day 0, with follow-up at 6 and 12 months. Samples were tested for Dirofilaria spp. by species-specific qPCR. At the end of the study, no new case of Dirofilaria spp. infection was detected in the test group. However, the cumulative incidence of Dirofilaria spp. infection was 16.4% (n = 9; p = 0.027) in the control group. The data illustrate that, in contrast to RLP treatment, which failed to protect at least 16.4% of dogs, the MMP based on the simultaneous administration of milbemycin oxime-praziquantel and dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen efficiently protects dogs in a high-risk area from Dirofilaria spp. infection.