bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Potential of Select Dietary Compounds in the Management of Hypertension and its Cardiovascular Complications
Authors: Valookaran Aleena Francis , Bouchard Jenny , Aloud Basma Milad , Thandapilly Sijo Joseph , Netticadan Thomas
Published: October 2022

Hypertension is a common risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality worldwide. Proper nutrition and diet are known to play an indispensable role in the treatment and management of hypertension. Bioactive compounds that occur in small quantities in foods such as onions, fish and red wine are being intensively studied to uncover their vasoprotective, antioxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects which are beneficial to attenuate chronic disease and protect human health. In this article, the anti-hypertensive, and cardio-protective effects of five food-derived bioactive compounds: resveratrol, quercetin, coenzyme Q10, DHA and EPA and their proposed mechanisms of action are reviewed in detail.
Polymorph Separation by Ordered Patterning
Authors: Cavallini Massimiliano , Brucale Marco , Gentili Denis , Liscio Fabiola , Maini Lucia , Favaretto Laura , Manet Ilse , Zambianchi Massimo , Melucci Manuela
Published: October 2022

We herein address the problem of polymorph selection by introducing a general and straightforward concept based on their ordering. We demonstrated the concept by the ordered patterning of four compounds capable of forming different polymorphs when deposited on technologically relevant surfaces. Our approach exploits the fact that, when the growth of a crystalline material is confined within sufficiently small cavities, only one of the possible polymorphs is generated. We verify our method by utilizing several model compounds to fabricate micrometric “logic patterns” in which each of the printed pixels is easily identifiable as comprising only one polymorph and can be individually accessed for further operations.
Intramolecular Interactions in Derivatives of Uracil Tautomers
Authors: Wieczorkiewicz Paweł A. , Krygowski Tadeusz M. , Szatylowicz Halina
Published: October 2022

The influence of solvents on intramolecular interactions in 5- or 6-substituted nitro and amino derivatives of six tautomeric forms of uracil was investigated. For this purpose, the density functional theory (B97-D3/aug-cc-pVDZ) calculations were performed in ten environments (1 > ε > 109) using the polarizable continuum model (PCM) of solvation. The substituents were characterized by electronic (charge of the substituent active region, cSAR) and geometric parameters. Intramolecular interactions between non-covalently bonded atoms were investigated using the theory of atoms in molecules (AIM) and the non-covalent interaction index (NCI) method, which allowed discussion of possible interactions between the substituents and N/NH endocyclic as well as =O/−OH exocyclic groups. The nitro group was more electron-withdrawing in the 5 than in the 6 position, while the opposite effect was observed in the case of electron donation of the amino group. These properties of both groups were enhanced in polar solvents; the enhancement depended on the ortho interactions. Substitution or solvation did not change tautomeric preferences of uracil significantly. However, the formation of a strong NO∙∙∙HO intramolecular hydrogen bond in the 5-NO2 derivative stabilized the dienol tautomer from +17.9 (unsubstituted) to +5.4 kcal/mol (substituted, energy relative to the most stable diketo tautomer).
An Integrated Experimental and Theoretical Studies on the Corrosion Inhibition of Carbon Steel by Harmal Extracts
Authors: Hammud Hassan H. , Maache Sarah A. , Al Otaibi Nasreen , Sheikh Nadeem S.
Published: October 2022

The corrosion inhibition effect of the three extracts from Harmal roots (HRE), leaves (HLE), and flowers (HFE) were studied for carbon steel corrosion inhibition in 0.25 M H2SO4 solution. The electrochemical impedance study indicated that the three types of extracts decreased corrosion effectively through a charge transfer mechanism. Harmal roots and leaf extracts showed inhibition values of 94.1% and 94.2%, while it was 88.7% for Harmal flower extract at the inhibitor concentration of 82.6 ppm. Potentiodynamic polarization data revealed that Harmal extracts acted through predominant cathodic type inhibition. Both the corrosion current density and corrosion rate decreased significantly in the presence of Harmal extracts compared to blank solution. The corrosion rate (mpy) value was 63.3, 86.1, and 180.7 for HRE, HLE, and HFE, respectively. The adsorption-free energy change ΔGads (kJ·mol−1) values calculated from the Langmuir adsorption isotherm plots were for HRE (−35.08), HLE (−33.17), and HFE (−33.12). Thus, corrosion inhibition occurred due to the adsorption of Harmal extract on the carbon steel surface via the chemisorption mechanism. Moreover, a computational investigation using B3LYP/6-311G++(d,p) basis set in both gaseous and aqueous phases was performed for the major alkaloids (1–8) present in the Harmal extract.
Studies on Chemical Composition of Pueraria lobata and Its Anti-Tumor Mechanism
Authors: Fang Xiaoxue , Zhang Yegang , Cao Yiming , Shan Mengyao , Song Dimeng , Ye Chao , Zhu Difu
Published: October 2022

Fourteen compounds were isolated from Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi by column chromatography and preparative thin-layer chromatography; the structures were identified by spectroscopic analysis and compared with data reported in the literature. Seven compounds were isolated and identified from Pueraria lobata for the first time: Linoleic acid, Sandwicensin, Isovanillin, Ethyl ferulate, Haginin A, Isopterofuran, 3′.7-Dihydroxyisoflavan. The other 10 compounds were structurally identified as follows: Lupenone, Lupeol, β-sitosterol, Genistein, Medicarpin, Coniferyl Aldehyde, Syringaldehyde. All compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit SW480 and SW620 cells using the CCK-8 method; compound 5 (Sandwicensin) had the best activity, and compounds 6, 9, 11 and 12 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity. In addition, the targets and signaling pathways of Sandwicensin treatment for CRC were mined using network pharmacology, and MAPK3, MTOR, CCND1 and CDK4 were found to be closely associated with Sandwicensin treatment for CRC; the GO and KEGG analysis showed that Sandwicensin may directly regulate the cycle, proliferation and apoptosis of CRC cells through cancer-related pathways.
2′-Fucosyllactose Suppresses Angiogenesis and Alleviates Toxic Effects of 5-Fu in a HCT116 Colon Tumor-Bearing Model
Authors: Li Huiying , Wang Bingyuan , Wang Yang
Published: October 2022

The present study was aimed at examining the anti-tumor effects and molecular mechanisms of 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL). At the beginning, the viabilities of four types of colon cancer cells were analyzed after exposure to increasing concentrations of 2′-FL, and HCT116 cells were selected as the sensitive ones, which were applied in the further experiments; then, interestingly, 2′-FL (102.35 µM) was found to induce apoptosis of HCT116 cells, which coincides with significant changes in VEGFA/VEGFR2/p-PI3K/p-Akt/cleaved Caspase3 proteins. Next, in a tumor-bearing nude mouse model, HCT116 was chosen as the sensitive cell line, and 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) was chosen as the positive medicine. It was noteworthy that both 2′-FL group (2.41 ± 0.57 g) and 2′FL/5-Fu group (1.22 ± 0.35 g) had a significantly lower tumor weight compared with the control (3.87 ± 0.79 g), suggesting 2′-FL could inhibit colon cancer. Since 2′-FL reduced the number of new blood vessels and the malignancy of tumors, we confirmed that 2′-FL effectively inhibited HCT116 tumors, and its mechanism was achieved by regulating the VEGFA/VEGFR2/PI3K/Akt/Caspase3 pathway. Moreover, though HE staining and organ index measurement, 2′-FL was validated to alleviate toxic effects on liver and kidney tissue when combining with 5-Fu. In conclusion, 2′-FL had certain anti-tumor and detoxification effects.
An Overview on the Synthesis of Fused Pyridocoumarins with Biological Interest
Authors: Douka Matina D. , Litinas Konstantinos E.
Published: October 2022

Pyridocoumarins are a class of synthetic and naturally occurring organic compounds with interesting biological activities. This review focuses on the synthetic strategies for the synthesis of pyridocoumarins and presents the biological properties of those compounds. The synthesis involves the formation of the pyridine ring, at first, from a coumarin derivative, such as aminocoumarins, hydroxycoumarins, or other coumarins. The formation of a pyranone moiety follows from an existing pyridine or piperidine or phenol derivative. For the above syntheses, [4 + 2] cycloaddition reactions, multi-component reactions (MCR), as well as metal-catalyzed reactions, are useful. Pyridocoumarins present anti-cancer, anti-HIV, antimalarial, analgesic, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities.
Site-Directed Mutants of Parasporin PS2Aa1 with Enhanced Cytotoxic Activity in Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Suárez-Barrera Miguel O. , Visser Lydia , Pinzón-Reyes Efraín H. , Rondón Villarreal Paola , Alarcón-Aldana Juan S. , Rueda-Forero Nohora Juliana
Published: October 2022

Parasporin 2 has cytotoxic effects against numerous colon cancer cell lines, making it a viable alternative to traditional treatments. However, its mechanism of action and receptors remain unknown. In this study, site-directed mutagenesis was used to obtain PS2Aa1 mutants with variation in domain I at positions 256 and 257. Variants 015, 002, 3-3, 3-35, and 3-45 presented G256A, G256E, G257A, G257V, and G257E substitutions, respectively. Cytotoxicity tests were performed for the cell viability of cell lines SW480, SW620, and CaCo-2. Mutants 3-3, 3-35, and 3-45 efficiently killed the cell lines. It was found that the activated forms of caspase-3 and PARP were in higher abundance as well as increased production of γH2AX when 3-35 was used to treat CaCo-2 and SW480. To assess possible membrane-binding receptors involved in the interaction, an APN receptor blocking assay showed reduced activity of some parasporins. Hence, we performed molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to analyze the stability of possible interactions and identify the residues that could be involved in the protein–protein interaction of PS2Aa1 and APN. We found that residues 256 and 257 facilitate the interaction. Parasporin 3-35 is promising because it has higher cytotoxicity than PS2Aa1.
A Rapid and Sensitive LC−MS/MS Method for the Quantitation of Physalin A with Special Consideration to Chemical Stability in Rat Plasma: Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Li Yang , Zhao Na , Zhang Tingting , Feng Xinchi
Published: October 2022

Physalin A is a promising natural product with excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. However, the pharmacokinetic profile of physalin A is still unclear. In this study, a rapid and sensitive analytical method based on LC–MS/MS for the quantitation of physalin A in rat plasma with special consideration to its chemical stability was developed and validated. To avoid the degradation of physalin A, the separation of plasma was conducted at 4 °C directly after the blood samples were collected. Meanwhile, plasma samples were immediately precipitated with acetonitrile containing tolbutamide (internal standard, IS) and the pH of the supernatant was adjusted to 1.5 with formic acid. Chromatographic separation of physalin A and IS was achieved on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH-C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) using 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phase delivered at 0.3 mL/min in a gradient elution mode. Physalin A and IS were detected through negative ion electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The MS/MS ion transitions for physalin A and IS were m/z 525.1–148.9 and m/z 269.8–169.9, respectively. The developed method showed good linearity over the range of 2.00–400 ng/mL. This method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of physalin A in rats following its intragastric administration and the findings were beneficial for future studies of physalin A.
Computational Studies on Selected Macrolides Active against Escherichia coli Combined with the NMR Study of Tylosin A in Deuterated Chloroform
Authors: Arsic Biljana , Barber Jill , Cikos Ana , Kadirvel Manikandan , Kostic Emilija , McBain Andrew J. , Milicevic Jelena , Oates Angela , Regan Andrew
Published: October 2022

Although many antibiotics are active against Gram-positive bacteria, fewer also show activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we present a combination of in silico (electron ion-interaction potential, molecular docking, ADMET), NMR, and microbiological investigations of selected macrolides (14-membered, 15-membered, and 16-membered), aiming to discover the pattern of design for macrolides active against Gram-negative bacteria. Although the conformational studies of 14-membered and 15-membered macrolides are abundant in the literature, 16-membered macrolides, and their most prominent representative tylosin A, have received relatively little research attention. We therefore report the complete 1H and 13C NMR assignment of tylosin A in deuterated chloroform, as well as its 3D solution structure determined through molecular modelling (conformational search) and 2D ROESY NMR. Additionally, due to the degradation of tylosin A in deuterated chloroform, other species were also detected in 1D and 2D NMR spectra. We additionally studied the anti-bacterial activity of tylosin A and B against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Creatine Supplementation Improves Muscular Performance without Additional Impact on the Cardiovascular System in Trained Women
Authors: Azevedo Katia S. , Machek Steven B. , Lewis Abby E. , Azevedo Warleyson J. S. , Willardson Jeffrey M. , Pereira Rafael , Machado Marco
Published: October 2022

Creatine monohydrate supplementation in females is largely under-represented in the literature, and their potentially differential hemodynamic responses are unknown. Methods: Twenty-eight resistance-trained women (25.5 ± 6.1 years, 59.7 ± 6.3 kg, 163 ± 5 cm) were randomly assigned to the supplement creatine monohydrate (CRE; 5 g creatine monohydrate + 5 g dextrose) or placebo (PLA; 10 g dextrose) four times per day for 7 days in a double-blind fashion. Each subject subsequently completed resistance training sessions (3 × week) for four weeks with four sets to muscular failure of both half-squat and leg press exercises. The change in body mass (BM), exercise repetition number (REP), rated perceived exertion (RPE), and cardiovascular variables were assessed (sessions 1, 6, and 12). Statistical analyses were performed at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: Analyses revealed a significant CRE-specific BM increase (p = 0.013), as well as significantly greater half-squat (p = 0.006) and leg press (p = 0.017) REP per set versus PLA. Additionally, CRE demonstrated significantly lower relative RPE values at session 12 compared with previous sessions. Any significant main or interaction effects were observed for the studied cardiovascular variable. Conclusions: The present data substantiate the creatine’s efficacy to improve muscular performance in females while demonstrating the safety of combined creatine monohydrate supplementation and resistance training on cardiovascular parameters.
Effect of Smoke Exposure on Gene Expression in Bone Healing around Implants Coated with Nanohydroxyapatite
Authors: Nunes Felipe , Oliveira Paula , Bergamo Edmara , Kjellin Per , Novaes Arthur , Ghiraldini Bruna , Bezerra Fabio , Scombatti de Souza Sergio
Published: October 2022

This study evaluated the effect of smoke exposure on the expression of genes related to bone metabolism in implants coated with nanohydroxyapatite (NHA). A total of 36 rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for 60 days. The animals were allocated into three groups: machined implants (MAC), dual acid-etched implants (DAE), and NHA-coated implants (NHA). Implants were installed in the left tibia of the rats after 30 days of smoke exposure. The implants were retrieved 7 and 30 days after implantation, and the adjacent bone analyzed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction for gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OPN), receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), the RANKL/OPG ratio, osteocalcin (OCN) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). After 7 days, Runx2, OPN and OPG expression demonstrated significantly higher levels for the NHA surface treatment relative to DAE and MAC surfaces. NHA presented the lowest RANKL and RANKL/OPG levels. After 30 days, NHA-coated implants showed significantly higher levels of Runx2, ALP, OPN, OPG, OC, RANKL and RANKL/OPG relative to DAE and MAC implants. The results indicated a greater osteogenic and high osteoclastic activity around NHA implants, in comparison to DAE and MAC implants.
Enhancing Photoluminescence Intensity and Spectral Bandwidth of Hybrid Nanofiber/Thin-Film Multilayer Tm3+-Doped SiO2–HfO2
Authors: Zulfikri Nurul Izzati Zafirah , Ibrahim Abdel-Baset M. A. , Mustaffa Nur Amalina , Mohamad Yunus Rozan , Ahmad Kamil Suraya
Published: October 2022

Multilayering of optical thin films is widely used for a range of purposes in photonic technology, but the development of nanofiber structures that can outperform thin films and nanoparticles in optical applications cannot simply be disregarded. Hybrid structures composed of Tm3+-doped SiO2–HfO2 in the form of nanofibers (NFs) and thin films (TFs) are deposited on a single substrate using the electrospinning and dip-coating methods, respectively. Ultrafine nanofiber strands with a diameter of 10–60 nm were fabricated in both single and multilayer samples. Enhanced photoluminescence emission intensity of about 10 times was attained at wavelengths of around 457, 512 and 634 nm under an excitation of 350 nm for NF-TF-NF* hybrid structures when compared with single-layered NF and TF structures. The arrangement of nanofibers and thin films in a multilayer structure influenced the luminescence intensity and spectral bandwidth. High transparency in the range of 75–95% transparency across the wavelength of 200–2000 nm was achieved, making it ideal for photonic application. Theoretical findings obtained through IMD software were compared with experimental results, and they were found to be in good agreement.
Formation of Iron (Hydr)Oxide Nanoparticles with a pH-Clock
Authors: Kürsteiner Ronny , Ding Yong , Ritter Maximilian , Panzarasa Guido
Published: October 2022

We demonstrate the autonomous synthesis of iron (hydr)oxide (green rust, magnetite, and lepidocrocite) nanoparticles by precipitating iron(II) ions using hydroxide ions generated in situ with the methylene glycol-sulfite (MGS) reaction, a pH-clock. We show that the nature of the products can be predetermined by tuning the initial iron(II) concentration.
On the Development of Nanocomposite Covalent Associative Networks Based on Polycaprolactone and Reduced Graphite Oxide
Authors: Vallin Alberto , Battegazzore Daniele , Damonte Giacomo , Fina Alberto , Monticelli Orietta
Published: October 2022

In this work, the development of nanocomposite systems based on reduced graphite oxide (rGO) was combined with the development of crosslinked materials characterized by dynamic covalent bonds, i.e., a covalent associative network, starting from ad-hoc synthesized hydroxyl terminated polycaprolactone (PCL-OH). The crosslinking reaction was carried out using methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) to create systems capable of bond exchanges via transesterification and transcarbamoylation reactions, in the presence of stannous octoate as a catalyst. The above materials were prepared at two different temperatures (120 and 200 °C) and two PCL-OH:MDI ratios. FT-IR measurements proved the formation of urethane bonds in all the prepared samples. Crosslinking was demonstrated by contacting the samples with a solvent capable of dissolving the star-shaped PCL. These tests showed a significant increase in the crosslinked fraction with increasing the temperature and the PCL-OH:MDI ratio. In order to evidence the effect of crosslinking on rGO dispersion and the final properties of the material, a nanocomposite sample was also prepared using a linear commercial PCL, with the nanofiller mixed under the same conditions used to develop the crosslinked systems. The dispersion of rGO, which was investigated using FE-SEM measurements, was similar in the different systems prepared, indicating that the crosslinking process had a minor effect on the dispersibility of the nanofiller. As far as the thermal properties are concerned, the DSC measurements of the prepared samples showed that the crosslinking leads to a decrease in the crystallinity of the polymer, a phenomenon which was particularly evident in the sample prepared at 200 °C with a PCL-OH: MDI ratio of 1:1.33 and was related to the decrease in the polymer chain mobility. Moreover, rGO was found to act as a nucleating agent and increase the crystallization temperature of the nanocomposite sample based on linear commercial PCL, while the contribution of rGO in the crosslinked nanocomposite samples was minor. Rheological measurements confirmed the crosslinking of the PCL-OH system which generates a solid-like behavior depending on the PCL-OH:MDI ratio used. The presence of rGO during crosslinking generated a further huge increase in the viscosity of the melt with a remarkable solid-like behavior, confirming a strong interaction between rGO and crosslinked PCL. Finally, the prepared nanocomposites exhibited self-healing and recyclability properties, thus meeting the requirements for sustainable materials.
The Influence of Medium on Fluorescence Quenching of Colloidal Solutions of the Nd3+: LaF3 Nanoparticles Prepared with HTMW Treatment
Authors: Timofeeva Elena , Orlovskaya Elena , Popov Alexandr , Shaidulin Artem , Kuznetsov Sergei , Alexandrov Alexandr , Uvarov Oleg , Vainer Yuri , Silaev Gleb , Rähn Mihkel , Tamm Aile , Fedorenko Stanislav , Orlovskii Yurii
Published: October 2022

An original method was proposed to reduce the quenching of the NIR fluorescence of colloidal solutions of 0.1 at. % Nd3+: LaF3 nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by aqueous co-precipitation method followed by hydrothermal microwave treatment. For this, an aqueous colloidal solution of NPs was precipitated by centrifugation and dissolved in the same volume of DMSO. The kinetics of static fluorescence quenching of Nd3+ donors of doped NPs dispersed in two solvents was analyzed to determine and to compare the concentrations of OH- quenching acceptors uniformly distributed throughout the volume of the NPs. The dependences of the relative fluorescence quantum yield φ of colloidal solutions on the concentration of OH- groups in the NPs were calculated and were also used to determine concentration of acceptors in the volume of NPs in different solvents. It was found that the concentration of OH- groups in NPs dispersed in DMSO is almost two times lower than in NPs dispersed in water. This gives an almost two-fold increase in the relative fluorescence quantum yield φ for the former. The sizes of synthesized NPs were monitored by common TEM and by applying a rapid procedure based on optical visualization of the trajectories of the Brownian motion of NPs in solution using a laser ultramicroscope. The use of two different methods made it possible to obtain more detailed information about the studied NPs.
Potassium Iodide-Modified Lead-Free Cs3Bi2I9 Perovskites for Enhanced High-Efficiency Solar Cells
Authors: Hamukwaya Shindume Lomboleni , Hao Huiying , Mashingaidze Melvin Mununuri , Zhong Tingting , Tang Shu , Dong Jingjing , Xing Jie , Liu Hao
Published: October 2022

Lead-free, bismuth-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising, non-toxic, and stable alternatives to lead-based PSCs, which are environmentally harmful and highly unstable under deprived air conditions. However, bismuth-based PSCs still suffer from low-power-conversion efficiency (PCE) due to their large bandgap and poor film morphology. Their poor film-forming ability is the greatest obstacle to Cs₃Bi₂I₉ progress in thin-film solar cell technology. This study synthesizes novel, lead-free perovskites with a small bandgap, excellent stability, and highly improved photovoltaic performance by integrating different amounts of potassium iodide (KI) into a perovskite precursor solution. KI incorporation improves the crystallinity of the perovskite, increases the grain size, and decreases the potential contact distribution, which is demonstrated by X-ray diffraction, electronic scanning microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The Cs₃Bi₂I₉ PSC device with 2 vol. % incorporation of KI shows the highest PCE of 2.81% and Voc of 1.01 V as far as all the Bi-based cells fabricated for this study are concerned. The study demonstrates that incorporating KI in the Cs₃Bi₂I₉ perovskite layer highly stabilizes the resultant PSC device against humidity to the extent that it maintains 98% of the initial PCE after 90 days, which is suitable for solar cell applications. The devices also demonstrate greater resistance to airborne contaminants and high temperatures without encapsulation, opening up new possibilities for lead-free Cs₃Bi₂I₉ PSCs in future commercialization.
Storage of Lithium-Ion by Phase Engineered MoO3 Homojunctions
Authors: Ng Dickon H. L. , Li Sheng , Li Jun , Huang Jinning , Cui Yingxue , Lian Jiabiao , Wang Chuan
Published: October 2022

With high theoretical specific capacity, the low-cost MoO3 is known to be a promising anode for lithium-ion batteries. However, low electronic conductivity and sluggish reaction kinetics have limited its ability for lithium ion storage. To improve this, the phase engineering approach is used to fabricate orthorhombic/monoclinic MoO3 (α/h-MoO3) homojunctions. The α/h-MoO3 is found to have excessive hetero-phase interface. This not only creates more active sites in the MoO3 for Li+ storage, it regulates local coordination environment and electronic structure, thus inducing a built-in electric field for boosting electron/ion transport. In using α/h-MoO3, higher capacity (1094 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and rate performance (406 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1) are obtained than when using only the single phase h-MoO3 or α-MoO3. This work provides an option to use α/h-MoO3 hetero-phase homojunction in LIBs.
Fabrication and Performance of UV Photodetector of ZnO Nanorods Decorated with Al Nanoparticles
Authors: Shang Shiguang , Dong Yunpeng , Zhang Wenqian , Ren Wei
Published: October 2022

In this work, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) mediated by aluminum nanoparticles (Al NPs) was investigated to enhance the ultraviolet (UV) response of the zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) grown by the hydrothermal method. The ZnO NRs were characterized by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer, Raman spectrometer, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer and fluorescence spectrometer. The results show that the morphology and crystalline structure of the ZnO NRs could not be changed before and after decoration with Al NPs, but the absorption rates in the UV range and the photoluminescence (PL) properties were improved. The photo-to-dark current ratio of ZnO NRs with Al NPs was about 447 for 325 nm UV light (5 mW/cm2) at 3.0 V bias, with the sensitivity increasing from 9.5 to 47.8, and the responsivity increasing from 53 to 267 mA/W.
A Ti3C2Tx-Based Composite as Separator Coating for Stable Li-S Batteries
Authors: Yi Ruowei , Zhao Yinchao , Liu Chenguang , Sun Yi , Zhao Chun , Li Yinqing , Yang Li , Zhao Cezhou
Published: October 2022

The nitrogen-doped MXene carbon nanosheet-nickel (N-M@CNi) powder was successfully prepared by a combined process of electrostatic attraction and annealing strategy, and then applied as the separator coating in lithium–sulfur batteries. The morphology and structure of the N-M@CNi were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption method. The strong LiPS adsorption ability and high conductivity are associated with the N-doped carbon nanosheet-Ni modified surface. The modified separator offers the cathode of Li–S cell with greater sulfur utilization, better high-rate adaptability, and more stable cycling performance compared with the pristine separator. At 0.2 C the cell with N-M@CNi separator delivers an initial capacity of 1309 mAh g−1. More importantly, the N-M@CNi separator is able to handle a cathode with 3.18 mg cm−2 sulfur loading, delivering a capacity decay rate of 0.043% with a high capacity retention of 95.8%. Therefore, this work may provide a feasible approach to separator modification materials towards improved Li-S cells with improved stability.
Advances in Flexible Organic Photodetectors: Materials and Applications
Authors: Anabestani Hossein , Nabavi Seyedfakhreddin , Bhadra Sharmistha
Published: October 2022

Future electronics will need to be mechanically flexible and stretchable in order to enable the development of lightweight and conformal applications. In contrast, photodetectors, an integral component of electronic devices, remain rigid, which prevents their integration into everyday life applications. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to overcome the limitations of conventional rigid photodetectors, particularly their low mechanical deformability. One of the most promising routes toward facilitating the fabrication of flexible photodetectors is to replace conventional optoelectronic materials with nanomaterials or organic materials that are intrinsically flexible. Compared with other functional materials, organic polymers and molecules have attracted more attention for photodetection applications due to their excellent photodetection performance, cost-effective solution-fabrication capability, flexible design, and adaptable manufacturing processes. This article comprehensively discusses recent advances in flexible organic photodetectors in terms of optoelectronic, mechanical properties, and hybridization with other material classes. Furthermore, flexible organic photodetector applications in health-monitoring sensors, X-ray detection, and imager devices have been surveyed.
Topological Insulator Films for Terahertz Photonics
Authors: Kuznetsov Kirill A. , Tarasenko Sergey A. , Kovaleva Polina M. , Kuznetsov Petr I. , Lavrukhin Denis V. , Goncharov Yury G. , Ezhov Alexander A. , Ponomarev Dmitry S. , Kitaeva Galiya Kh.
Published: October 2022

We discuss experimental and theoretical studies of the generation of the third terahertz (THz) frequency harmonic in thin films of Bi2Se3 and Bi2-xSbxTe3-ySey (BSTS) topological insulators (TIs) and the generation of THz radiation in photoconductive antennas based on the TI films. The experimental results, supported by the developed kinetic theory of third harmonic generation, show that the frequency conversion in TIs is highly efficient because of the linear energy spectrum of the surface carriers and fast energy dissipation. In particular, the dependence of the third harmonic field on the pump field remains cubic up to the pump fields of 100 kV/cm. The generation of THz radiation in TI-based antennas is obtained and described for the pump, with the energy of photons corresponding to the electron transitions to higher conduction bands. Our findings open up possibilities for advancing TI-based films into THz photonics as efficient THz wave generators and frequency converters.
An Uncertainty-Driven Proactive Self-Healing Model for Pervasive Applications
Authors: Papathanasaki Maria , Fountas Panagiotis , Kolomvatsos Kostas
Published: October 2022

The ever-increasing demand for services of end-users in the Internet of Things (IoT) often causes great congestion in the nodes dedicated to serving their requests. Such nodes are usually placed at the edge of the network, becoming the intermediates between the IoT infrastructure and Cloud. Edge nodes offer many advantages when adopted to perform processing activities that are realized close to end-users, limiting the latency in the provision of responses. In this article, we attempt to solve the problem of the potential overloading of edge nodes by proposing a mechanism that always keeps free space in their queue to host high-priority processing tasks. We introduce a proactive, self-healing mechanism that utilizes the principles of Fuzzy Logic, in combination with a non-parametric statistical method that reveals the trend of nodes’ loads as depicted by the incoming tasks and their capability to serve them in the minimum possible time. Through our approach, we manage to ensure the uninterrupted service of high-priority tasks, taking into consideration the demand for tasks as well. Based on this approach, we ensure the fastest possible delivery of results to the requestors while keeping the latency for serving high-priority tasks at the lowest possible levels. A set of experimental scenarios is adopted to evaluate the performance of the suggested model by presenting the corresponding numerical results.
Exploring the Relationship between Sugar and Sugar Substitutes—Analysis of Income Level and Beverage Consumption Market Pattern Based on the Perspective of Healthy China
Authors: Liu Zeqi , Li Shanshan , Peng Jiaqi
Published: October 2022

This paper estimates the impact of income level on household beverage consumption, analyzes the consumption trends of sugar-sweetened beverages and sugar-free beverages in households, explores the future changes in the beverage consumption market pattern, and predicts the possible impact of the sugar industry on the development of sugar substitutes based on the beverage consumption data of Kantar Consumer Index in China from 2015 to 2017. The research results show that, firstly, there is an “inverted U-shaped” relationship between income level and household consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, which indicates that as income rises, household consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages tends to increase and then decrease. Secondly, income level has a positive effect on the household consumption of sugar-free beverages. Finally, in the future stage, with the further growth of income and the promotion of a healthy China, a large amount of sugar substitutes will be added to beverages instead of the original sugar, and the relationship between sugar and sugar substitute consumption will change from complementary to substitution. The findings of this paper have implications for encouraging food and beverage suppliers to produce “healthy”, “nutritious” and “innovative” low-sugar products to meet the health needs of residents and ensure the healthy and orderly development of the sugar industry.
Food and Beverage Consumption Habits through the Perception of Health Belief Model (Grab Food or Go Food) in Surabaya and Pasuruan
Authors: Mahmudiono Trias , Rachmah Qonita , Indriani Diah , Permatasari Erwanda Anugrah , Hera Nur Alifia , Chen Hsiu-Ling
Published: October 2022

Background: The metaverse as a digital environment for Industrial Revolution 4.0 is one major form of use of the internet. There are 202.6 million internet users in Indonesia in 2021, or 73.7% of the total population. A total of 138.1 million Indonesians aged 18–64 years have used the internet to make purchases through e-commerce and 74.4% make food purchases through online food delivery applications. Most of the foods sold in online applications are foods that are high in carbohydrate and fat, but with fewer vegetables and fruits. So, it can be concluded that the food sold is energy dense, nutrition poor. Because of that, people run the risk of degenerative diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke, and others. By using the health belief model approach, this study aims to analyze the association between the habits of consuming food and beverages purchased online through the Grab Food or Go Food applications with the nutritional status of the people in Surabaya and Pasuruan, East Java, Indonesia. Methods: This research is quantitative research using a cross-sectional approach. Data collection was carried out offline using paper questionnaires and analysis with SPSS. Result: There was significant association between the characteristics of the respondents (age, marriage status, profession, education level, income, and allowance) and health beliefs. However, there was no association between health beliefs and the frequency of online orders. Finally, no significant association was found between perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefit, perceived barrier, cues to action, self-efficacy and nutritional status. Thus, it is still important for the government to increase socialization and education in the importance of balanced nutrition and nutritional status so that people can protect themselves and prevent the onset of degenerative diseases.
Microbiota Modulation in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Araujo Ricardo , Borges-Canha Marta , Pimentel-Nunes Pedro
Published: October 2022

Metabolic syndrome (MS) comprises a vast range of metabolic dysfunctions, which can be associated to cardiovascular disease risk factors. MS is reaching pandemic levels worldwide and it currently affects around 25% in the adult population of developed countries. The definition states for the diagnosis of MS may be clear, but it is also relevant to interpret the patient data and realize whether similar criteria were used by different clinicians. The different criteria explain, at least in part, the controversies on the theme. Several studies are presently focusing on the microbiota changes according to the components of MS. It is widely accepted that the gut microbiota is a regulator of metabolic homeostasis, being the gut microbiome in MS described as dysbiotic and certain taxonomic groups associated to metabolic changes. Probiotics, and more recently synbiotics, arise as promising therapeutic alternatives that can mitigate some metabolic disturbances, namely by correcting the microbiome and bringing homeostasis to the gut. The most recent studies were revised and the promising results and perspectives revealed in this review.
Diagnostic Utility of Temporal Muscle Thickness as a Monitoring Tool for Muscle Wasting in Neurocritical Care
Authors: Maskos Andreas , Schmidbauer Moritz L. , Kunst Stefan , Rehms Raphael , Putz Timon , Römer Sebastian , Iankova Vassilena , Dimitriadis Konstantinos
Published: October 2022

Temporalis muscle (TM) atrophy has emerged as a potential biomarker for muscle wasting. However, its diagnostic utility as a monitoring tool in intensive care remains uncertain. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of sequential ultrasound- and computed tomography (CT)-based measurements of TM thickness (TMT). With a prospective observational design, we included 40 patients without preexisting sarcopenia admitted to a neurointensive care unit. TMT measurements, performed upon admission and serially every 3–4 days, were correlated with rectus femoris muscle thickness (RFT) ultrasound measurements. Interrater reliability was assessed by Bland Altmann plots and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Analysis of variance was performed in subgroups to evaluate differences in the standard error of measurement (SEM). RFT decline was paralleled by ultrasound- as well as CT-based TMT measurements (TMT to RFT: r = 0.746, p < 0.001; CT-based TMT to ultrasound-based RFT: r = 0.609, p < 0.001). ICC was 0.80 [95% CI 0.74, 0.84] for ultrasound-based assessment and 0.90 [95% CI 0.88, 0.92] for CT-based TMT measurements. Analysis of variance for BMI, Heckmatt score, fluid balance, and agitation showed no evidence of measurement errors in these subgroups. This study demonstrates the clinical feasibility and utility of ultrasound- and CT-based TMT measurements for the assessment of muscle wasting.
Effect of Intake of Leucine-Rich Protein Supplement in Parallel with Resistance Exercise on the Body Composition and Function of Healthy Adults
Authors: Oh Gyu Seok , Lee Ju-hak , Byun Kyunghee , Kim Dong-Il , Park Ki Deok
Published: October 2022

Although sarcopenia has been dealt with in several studies, the standardized guidelines for preventing sarcopenia resulting from increased life expectancy are still insufficient. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of daily resistance exercise and the intake of leucine-rich protein supplements daily for 12 weeks on the body composition and physical function of healthy adults aged >50 years living in Korea. The study analyzed 50 healthy people without medical conditions, who were randomly assigned to two groups (taking either protein powder or placebo powder) twice a day for 12 weeks. All participants performed resistance exercises regularly that could be repeated 8–12 times using a TheraBand for 12 weeks. A total of 41 participants completed the study. When measured via bioimpedance analysis (BIA), body fat mass (kg) and body fat (%) significantly decreased, and lean body mass (LBM) (kg) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (kg) significantly increased, in both groups. However, when measured via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), LBM was significantly increased only in the protein powder group. The LBM and SMM change measured via BIA was significantly greater in the protein powder group than in the placebo powder group (LBM: 0.95 ± 0.91 kg in the protein powder group vs. 0.38 ± 1.06 kg in the placebo powder group, p = 0.043; SMM: 0.69 ± 0.58 kg in the protein powder group vs. 0.29 ± 0.65 kg in the placebo powder group, p = 0.039, respectively). In the senior fitness test (SFT), significant functional improvement was found within the two groups, but no significant difference was found between the groups in the degree of improvement. In conclusion, in older people aged >50, to prevent sarcopenia, is more effective to combine resistance exercise and leucine-rich protein supplementation than to simply perform resistance exercise.
Fucoidan Improves Growth, Digestive Tract Maturation, and Gut Microbiota in Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea) Larvae
Authors: Yin Zhaoyang , Gong Ye , Liu Yongtao , He Yuliang , Yao Chuanwei , Huang Wenxing , Mai Kangsen , Ai Qinghui
Published: October 2022

The early life period is considered an essential period for gut microbial colonization. Manipulating gut microbiota interventions during early life periods has been proven to be a promising method to boost healthy growth. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary fucoidan (Fuc) on the growth, digestive tract maturation, and gut microbiota of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) larvae. Four diets were formulated with different levels of Fuc (0.00%, 0.50%, 1.00%, and 2.00%). Results showed that dietary Fuc significantly improved the growth performance of larvae. Meanwhile, dietary Fuc promoted digestive tract maturation. Dietary 1.00% Fuc significantly improved intestinal morphology. Dietary Fuc upregulated the expression of intestinal cell proliferation and differentiation related-genes and intestinal barrier related-genes. Dietary 2.00% Fuc significantly increased the activities of brush border membranes enzymes and lipase while inhibiting α-amylase. Furthermore, dietary Fuc maintained healthy intestinal micro-ecology. In detail, dietary 1.00% and 2.00% Fuc altered the overall structure of the gut microbiota and increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes while decreasing the relative abundance of opportunistic pathogens and facultative anaerobe. In conclusion, appropriate dietary Fuc (1.00–2.00%) could improve the growth of large yellow croaker larvae by promoting digestive tract maturation and maintaining an ideal intestinal micro-ecology.
Ferroptosis of Endothelial Cells in Vascular Diseases
Authors: Zhang Hanxu , Zhou Shuang , Sun Minxue , Hua Manqi , Liu Zhiyan , Mu Guangyan , Wang Zhe , Xiang Qian , Cui Yimin
Published: October 2022

Endothelial cells (ECs) line the inner surface of blood vessels and play a substantial role in vascular biology. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is strongly correlated with the initiation and progression of many vascular diseases. Regulated cell death, such as ferroptosis, is one of the multiple mechanisms that lead to ED. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death associated with various vascular diseases, such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and pulmonary vascular diseases. This review summarized ferroptosis of ECs in vascular diseases and discussed potential therapeutic strategies for treating ferroptosis of ECs. In addition to lipid peroxidation inhibitors and iron chelators, a growing body of evidence showed that clinical drugs, natural products, and intervention of noncoding RNAs may also inhibit ferroptosis of ECs.
Life with an Indwelling Urinary Catheter: Experiences from Male Patients Attending the Urology Clinic at a Tertiary Hospital in Northwestern Tanzania—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ndomba Asteria L. M. , Laisser Rose M. , Konje Eveline T. , Mwanga Joseph R. , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: October 2022

Experiences from patients living with a long-term indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) at home among men attending urology clinics have not been reported. Evidence-based information on such experiences is important for improving nursing care in low- and middle-income countries such as Tanzania. Using a descriptive phenomenological qualitative research design, we observed two main themes: “Adjustments to positive living with a catheter at home”, denoting that social interaction and psychological and spiritual support are important to positively live with the catheter, and “The home environment influences negative or positive living”, considering intimacy and altered body image to significantly influence the ability to practice sex, leading to wives’ self-sacrifice. Respondents experienced difficulties in living with a long-term IUC at home due to a lack of information from healthcare professionals on how to manage their catheters and urine bags. In adjusting to positive or negative living with a catheter at home, respondents had to figure out strategies to minimize psychological and emotional trauma and hasten the adjustment process. A clear guideline or checklist is needed to ensure that all important information is provided by health professionals at the time of discharge and during subsequent visits to patients on how to care for the catheter insertion sites and help them adjust to living with a long-term IUC.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Transmission in High-Incidence Settings—New Paradigms and Insights
Authors: Coleman Mikaela , Martinez Leonardo , Theron Grant , Wood Robin , Marais Ben
Published: October 2022

Tuberculosis has affected humankind for thousands of years, but a deeper understanding of its cause and transmission only arose after Robert Koch discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1882. Valuable insight has been gained since, but the accumulation of knowledge has been frustratingly slow and incomplete for a pathogen that remains the number one infectious disease killer on the planet. Contrast that to the rapid progress that has been made in our understanding SARS-CoV-2 (the cause of COVID-19) aerobiology and transmission. In this Review, we discuss important historical and contemporary insights into M. tuberculosis transmission. Historical insights describing the principles of aerosol transmission, as well as relevant pathogen, host and environment factors are described. Furthermore, novel insights into asymptomatic and subclinical tuberculosis, and the potential role this may play in population-level transmission is discussed. Progress towards understanding the full spectrum of M. tuberculosis transmission in high-burden settings has been hampered by sub-optimal diagnostic tools, limited basic science exploration and inadequate study designs. We propose that, as a tuberculosis field, we must learn from and capitalize on the novel insights and methods that have been developed to investigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission to limit ongoing tuberculosis transmission, which sustains the global pandemic.