bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alteration of Structure and Characteristics of Concrete with Coconut Shell as a Substitution of a Part of Coarse Aggregate
Authors: Stel’makh Sergey A. , Beskopylny Alexey N. , Shcherban’ Evgenii M. , Mailyan Levon R. , Meskhi Besarion , Shilov Alexandr A. , El’shaeva Diana , Chernil’nik Andrei , Kurilova Svetlana
Published: June 2023

One of the most promising ways to solve the problem of reducing the rate of depletion of natural non-renewable components of concrete is their complete or partial replacement with renewable plant counterparts that are industrial and agricultural waste. The research significance of this article lies in the determination at the micro- and macro-levels of the principles of the relationship between the composition, the process of structure formation and the formation of properties of concrete based on coconut shells (CSs), as well as the substantiation at the micro- and macro-levels of the effectiveness of such a solution from the point of view of fundamental and applied materials science. The aim of this study was to solve the problem of substantiating the feasibility of concrete consisting of a mineral cement–sand matrix and aggregate in the form of crushed CS, as well as finding a rational combination of components and studying the structure and characteristics of concrete. Test samples were manufactured with a partial substitution of natural coarse aggregate with CS in an amount from 0% to 30% in increments of 5% by volume. The following main characteristics have been studied: density, compressive strength, bending strength and prism strength. The study used regulatory testing and scanning electron microscopy. The density of concrete decreased to 9.1% with increasing the CS content to 30%. The highest values for the strength characteristics and coefficient of construction quality (CCQ) were recorded for concretes containing 5% CS: compressive strength—38.0 MPa, prism strength—28.9 MPa, bending strength—6.1 MPa and CCQ—0.01731 MPa × m3/kg. The increase in compressive strength was 4.1%, prismatic strength—4.0%, bending strength—3.4% and CCQ—6.1% compared with concrete without CS. Increasing the CS content from 10% to 30% inevitably led to a significant drop in the strength characteristics (up to 42%) compared with concrete without CS. Analysis of the microstructure of concrete containing CS instead of part of the natural coarse aggregate revealed that the cement paste penetrates into the pores of the CS, thereby creating good adhesion of this aggregate to the cement–sand matrix.
Freeze-Drying Process for the Fabrication of Collagen-Based Sponges as Medical Devices in Biomedical Engineering
Authors: Katrilaka Chrysoula , Karipidou Niki , Petrou Nestor , Manglaris Chris , Katrilakas George , Tzavellas Anastasios Nektarios , Pitou Maria , Tsiridis Eleftherios E. , Choli-Papadopoulou Theodora , Aggeli Amalia
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a systematic review of a key sector of the much promising and rapidly evolving field of biomedical engineering, specifically on the fabrication of three-dimensional open, porous collagen-based medical devices, using the prominent freeze-drying process. Collagen and its derivatives are the most popular biopolymers in this field, as they constitute the main components of the extracellular matrix, and therefore exhibit desirable properties, such as biocompatibility and biodegradability, for in vivo applications. For this reason, freeze-dried collagen-based sponges with a wide variety of attributes can be produced and have already led to a wide range of successful commercial medical devices, chiefly for dental, orthopedic, hemostatic, and neuronal applications. However, collagen sponges display some vulnerabilities in other key properties, such as low mechanical strength and poor control of their internal architecture, and therefore many studies focus on the settlement of these defects, either by tampering with the steps of the freeze-drying process or by combining collagen with other additives. Furthermore, freeze drying is still considered a high-cost and time-consuming process that is often used in a non-optimized manner. By applying an interdisciplinary approach and combining advances in other technological fields, such as in statistical analysis, implementing the Design of Experiments, and Artificial Intelligence, the opportunity arises to further evolve this process in a sustainable and strategic manner, and optimize the resulting products as well as create new opportunities in this field.
Dielectric Characterization of Fabric Aggregates around the 2.45 GHz ISM Band under Various Humidity, Density, and Temperature Conditions
Authors: Pérez-Campos Rafael , Monzó-Cabrera Juan , Fayos-Fernández José , Díaz-Morcillo Alejandro , Martínez-González Antonio , Lozano-Guerrero Antonio José , Pedreño-Molina Juan Luis , García-Gambín Jose Antonio
Published: June 2023

Fabric permittivity is critical for the manufacturing of wearable sensors and antennas as well as predicting how fabrics interact with electromagnetic fields. Engineers should also understand how permittivity changes under different temperatures, densities, and moisture content values, or when several fabrics are mixed in aggregates, when designing future applications such as microwave dryers. The permittivity of cotton, polyester, and polyamide fabric aggregates is investigated in this paper for a wide range of compositions, moisture content levels, density values, and temperature conditions around the 2.45 GHz ISM band using a bi-reentrant resonant cavity. The obtained results show extremely comparable responses for all characteristics investigated for single and binary fabric aggregates. Permittivity always increases as temperature, density, or moisture content levels rise. Moisture content is the most influential characteristic, causing enormous variations in the permittivity of aggregates. Fitting equations are supplied for all data, with exponential functions used to accurately model variation in temperature and polynomial functions employed to precisely model density and moisture content variations with low error levels. The temperature permittivity dependence of single fabrics without the influence of air gaps is also extracted from fabric and air aggregates by using complex refractive index equations for two-phase mixtures.
Au-Hyperdoped Si Nanolayer: Laser Processing Techniques and Corresponding Material Properties
Authors: Kovalev Michael , Nastulyavichus Alena , Podlesnykh Ivan , Stsepuro Nikita , Pryakhina Victoria , Greshnyakov Evgeny , Serdobintsev Alexey , Gritsenko Iliya , Khmelnitskii Roman , Kudryashov Sergey
Published: June 2023

The absorption of light in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum by Au-hyperdoped Si has been observed. While silicon photodetectors in this range are currently being produced, their efficiency is low. Here, using the nanosecond and picosecond laser hyperdoping of thin amorphous Si films, their compositional (energy-dispersion X-ray spectroscopy), chemical (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), structural (Raman spectroscopy) and IR spectroscopic characterization, we comparatively demonstrated a few promising regimes of laser-based silicon hyperdoping with gold. Our results indicate that the optimal efficiency of impurity-hyperdoped Si materials has yet to be achieved, and we discuss these opportunities in light of our results.
Processability of A6061 Aluminum Alloy Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion by In Situ Synthesis of Grain Refiners
Authors: Rosito Michele , Vanzetti Matteo , Padovano Elisa , Gili Flavia , Sampieri Roberta , Bondioli Federica , Badini Claudio Francesco
Published: June 2023

Despite the increasing interest in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), only a few cast aluminum alloys are available for this process. This study focuses on improving the LPBF processability of the A6061 alloy, which is challenging due to its wide solidification range, the dendritic columnar grain growth, and consequent solidification cracking. To address these issues, in situ-synthesized grain refiners can be used to induce equiaxial grain growth and prevent crack formation. A6061 RAM2 powder—a mixture of A6061, Ti, and B4C—was characterized and processed using a low-power LPBF machine to create an in situ particle-reinforced metal matrix composite. Parameter optimization was performed to evaluate the effect of their variation on the printability of the alloy. Microstructural characterization of the samples revealed that the complete reaction and the synthesis of the ceramic reinforcement did not occur. However, TiAl3 was synthesized during the process and promoted a partial grain refinement, leading to the formation of equiaxial grains and preventing the formation of solidification cracks. The tensile tests carried out on the optimized samples exhibit superior mechanical properties compared to those of A6061 processed through LPBF.
Microdroplet PCR in Microfluidic Chip Based on Constant Pressure Regulation
Authors: Duanmu Luyang , Yu Yuanhua , Meng Xiangkai
Published: June 2023

A device and method for the constant pressure regulation of microdroplet PCR in microfluidic chips are developed to optimize for the microdroplet movement, fragmentation, and bubble generation in microfluidic chips. In the developed device, an air source device is adopted to regulate the pressure in the chip, such that microdroplet generation and PCR amplification without bubbles can be achieved. In 3 min, the sample in 20 μL will be distributed into nearly 50,000 water-in-oil droplets exhibiting a diameter of about 87 μm, and the microdroplet will be subjected to a close arrangement in the chip without air bubbles. The device and chip are adopted to quantitatively detect human genes. As indicated by the experimental results, a good linear relationship exists between the detection signal and DNA concentration ranging from 101 to 105 copies/μL (R2 = 0.999). The microdroplet PCR devices based on constant pressure regulation chips exhibit a wide variety of advantages (e.g., achieving high pollution resistance, microdroplet fragmentation and integration avoidance, reducing human interference, and standardizing results). Thus, microdroplet PCR devices based on constant pressure regulation chips have promising applications for nucleic acid quantification.
SiC Electrochemical Sensor Validation for Alzheimer Aβ42 Antigen Detection
Authors: Montero-Arevalo Brayan , Seufert Bianca I. , Hossain Mohammad S. , Bernardin Evans , Takshi Arash , Saddow Stephen E. , Schettini Norelli
Published: June 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with only late-stage detection; thus, diagnosis is made when it is no longer possible to treat the disease, only its symptoms. Consequently, this often leads to caregivers who are the patient’s relatives, which adversely impacts the workforce along with severely diminishing the quality of life for all involved. It is, therefore, highly desirable to develop a fast, effective and reliable sensor to enable early-stage detection in an attempt to reverse disease progression. This research validates the detection of amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) using a Silicon Carbide (SiC) electrode, a fact that is unprecedented in the literature. Aβ42 is considered a reliable biomarker for AD detection, as reported in previous studies. To validate the detection with a SiC-based electrochemical sensor, a gold (Au) electrode-based electrochemical sensor was used as a control. The same cleaning, functionalization and Aβ1–28 antibody immobilization steps were used on both electrodes. Sensor validation was carried out by means of Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) aiming to detect an 0.5 µg·mL−1 Aβ42 concentration in 0.1 M buffer solution as a proof of concept. A repeatable peak directly related to the presence of Aβ42 was observed, indicating that a fast SiC-based electrochemical sensor was constructed and may prove to be a useful approach for the early detection of AD.
Feasibility of High-Density and Non-Segregable Niobium Ore Tailings
Authors: Furtado Renata Monteiro , Chaves Arthur Pinto , Testa Francisco Gregianin , de Paula Priscila Tavares
Published: June 2023

Tailings disposal in the form of diluted slurries has a tendency for particle size segregation, where coarse particles settle near the discharge point, and finer particles are carried by the water flux to more distant regions. This causes a loss of reservoir capacity due to voids between the coarser particles and increased water content in the deposit. This work aimed to evaluate the feasibility of reaching non-segregable high-density slurries with fine tailings from the niobium oreflotation process and measure its disposal parameters. The innovation is to achieve increased solids percentage in the settled deposit and to avoid particle size segregation along the slurry path with niobium tailings. The study involved physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterization and semi-pilot thickening tests to produce enough volume of underflow with different bed heights and solids flux rates. Slump, rheology, and flume tests were performed to evaluate underflow disposal characteristics. The results indicated that the thickener bed height did not significantly influence the underflow solids content, yield stress, or slump. The solids flux rate, on the other side, had a greater influence—the higher it was, the lower the solids content, yield stress, and disposal angle, along with a higher slump. In flume tests, a high density of non-segregable tailings slurry was achieved with 1.96 t/m3, corresponding to an underflow with 66.8% solids, 43.9 Pa of yield stress with 0.5 (t/h)/m2, and 0.5 m of bed height.
Characteristics and Geological Significance of High-Frequency Cycles in Salinized Lake Basins: The Paleogene Kumugeliemu Group in the Xinhe Area, Northern Tarim Basin
Authors: Yang Yanru , Tian Jingchun , Zhang Xiang , Li Yingxu , Zhang Yue , Xia Qiaoyi
Published: June 2023

Salinized lake basins have distinctive sedimentary response characteristics, similar to marine shallow-water carbonate platforms. High-frequency cycles can also be used to reveal more sedimentological information, such as relative lake-level fluctuations, lithofacies sequence combinations, and paleogeographic evolution. In this article, a comprehensive study on the stratigraphic shelf delineation and high-frequency cycles of the Paleozoic Kumugeliemu Group in Xinhe area, northern Tarim Basin, was performed using drilling cores, logging curves, and seismic analyses. As a result of the study, the following data were obtained: the three sets of marker beds in the Kumugeliemu Group in the study area could be divided into a bottom sandstone component (E1-2 km1), a lower gypsum mudstone component (E1-2 km2), a salt rock component (E1-2 km3), and an upper gypsum mudstone component (E1-2 km4) by petrology vertical overlay combination and isochronous tracking correlation, which constituted two third-order cycles (ESQ1, ESQ2). They were further divided into seven fourth-order cycles (Esq1–Esq7). Due to the droughty and saline lacustrine depositional system background, the internal rock fabric changed frequently and showed a periodic vertical overlay pattern. Stratified gypsum salt, gypsum mud (sand) rock, and gypsum rock were used as the cycle interface. A single cycle was mainly characterized by an upward shallower depositional sequence of rapid lake transgression followed by a slow lake regression, composed of massive sandstone–lamellar mudstone–lime dolomite–gypsum rock, massive sandstone–lamellar mudstone–gypsum rock (gypsum salt), massive sandstone–massive gypsum mud (sand) rock–gypsum rock, and other cycle structure types. The complete sedimentary cycle was superposed by a single cycle and compared by the inter-well thickness difference, indicating that the study area had a paleogeomorphology pattern of “West-Low–East-High”. The thickness of the cycles decreased gradually from bottom to top vertically, and five sedimentary stages were determined, i.e., freshwater, brackish, brackish water, salt lake, and semi-saltwater, reflecting the evolutionary process of increasing salinity, lake basin filling, and gradual salinization and shrinkage.
On the Microcrystal Structure of Sputtered Cu Films Deposited on Si(100) Surfaces: Experiment and Integrated Multiscale Simulation
Authors: Zhu Guo , Han Mengxin , Xiao Baijun , Gan Zhiyin
Published: June 2023

Sputtered Cu/Si thin films were experimentally prepared at different sputtering pressures and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and an atomic force microscope (AFM). Simultaneously, an application-oriented simulation approach for magnetron sputtering deposition was proposed in this work. In this integrated multiscale simulation, the sputtered atom transport was modeled using the Monte Carlo (MC) and molecular dynamics (MD) coupling method, and the deposition of sputtered atoms was simulated using the MD method. This application-oriented simulation approach was used to simulate the growth of Cu/Si(100) thin films at different sputtering pressures. The experimental results unveiled that, as the sputtering pressure decreased from 2 to 0.15 Pa, the surface roughness of Cu thin films gradually decreased; (111)-oriented grains were dominant in Cu thin films and the crystal quality of the Cu thin film was gradually improved. The simulation results were consistent with the experimental characterization results. The simulation results revealed that the transformation of the film growth mode from the Volmer–Weber growth mode to the two-dimensional layered growth mode resulted in a decrease in the surface roughness of Cu thin films; the increase in the amorphous compound CuSix and the hcp copper silicide with the decrease in the sputtering pressure was responsible for the improvement of the crystal quality of the Cu thin film. This work proposed a more realistic, integrated simulation scheme for magnetron sputtering deposition, providing theoretical guidance for the efficient preparation of high-quality sputtered films.
Special Issue “Nanotechnology to Overcome the World’s Most Critical Health Issues: Liposomes and Beyond—A Themed Issue Dedicated to Professor Yechezkel Barenholz”
Authors: Dobrovolskaia Marina A. , Afonin Kirill A.
Published: June 2023

This Special Issue is intended to celebrate Professor Yechezkel Barenholz’s distinguished achievements [...]
Binding Mechanism of Inhibitors to Heat Shock Protein 90 Investigated by Multiple Independent Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Prediction of Binding Free Energy
Authors: Yang Fen , Wang Yiwen , Yan Dongliang , Liu Zhongtao , Wei Benzheng , Chen Jianzhong , He Weikai
Published: June 2023

The heat shock protein (HSP90) has been an import target of drug design in the treatment of human disease. An exploration of the conformational changes in HSP90 can provide useful information for the development of efficient inhibitors targeting HSP90. In this work, multiple independent all-atom molecular dynamics (AAMD) simulations followed by calculations of the molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) were performed to explore the binding mechanism of three inhibitors (W8Y, W8V, and W8S) to HSP90. The dynamics analyses verified that the presence of inhibitors impacts the structural flexibility, correlated movements, and dynamics behavior of HSP90. The results of the MM-GBSA calculations suggest that the selection of GB models and empirical parameters has important influences on the predicted results and verify that van der Waals interactions are the main forces that determine inhibitor–HSP90 binding. The contributions of separate residues to the inhibitor–HSP90 binding process indicate that hydrogen-bonding interactions (HBIs) and hydrophobic interactions play important roles in HSP90–inhibitor identifications. Moreover, residues L34, N37, D40, A41, D79, I82, G83, M84, F124, and T171 are recognized as hot spots of inhibitor–HSP90 binding and provide significant target sites of for the design of drugs related to HSP90. This study aims to contribute to the development of efficient inhibitors that target HSP90 by providing an energy-based and theoretical foundation.
Synthesis of Methylgenipin and Evaluation of Its Anti-Hepatic Injury Activity
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Qiu Yongwei , Chen Yaohui , Zhou Feng , Wang Shuaikang , Chen Liping , Chen Yinfang , Yu Riyue , Huang Liping
Published: June 2023

Genipin has been the focus of research as a multifunctional compound for the treatment of pathogenic diseases. However, hepatotoxicity caused by oral genipin raises concerns about its safety. To obtain novel derivatives with low toxicity and efficacy, we synthesized methylgenipin (MG), a new compound, using structural modification, and investigated the safety of MG administration. The results showed that the LD50 of oral MG was higher than 1000 mg/kg, no mice died or were poisoned during the experiment in the treatment group, and there was no significant difference in biochemical parameters and liver pathological sections compared with the control. Importantly, MG (100 mg/kg/d) treatment for 7 days reduced alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced increases in liver index, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and total bilirubin (TBIL) levels. Histopathology demonstrated that MG could treat ANIT-induced cholestasis. In addition, using proteomics to investigate the molecular mechanism of MG in the treatment of a liver injury may be related to enhancing antioxidant function. Kit validation showed that ANIT induced an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels, while the MG pretreatments, both of which were significantly reversed to some extent, suggested that MG may alleviate ANIT-induced hepatotoxicity by enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting oxidative stress injury. In this study, we demonstrate that the treatment of mice with MG does not cause impaired liver function and provide an investigation of the efficacy of MG against ANIT-induced hepatotoxicity, laying the foundation for the safety evaluation and clinical application of MG.
Discovery of a Potent Highly Biased MOR Partial Agonist among Diastereomeric C9-Hydroxyalkyl-5-phenylmorphans
Authors: Lutz Joshua A. , Sulima Agnieszka , Gutman Eugene S. , Bow Eric W. , Luo Dan , Kaska Sophia , Prisinzano Thomas E. , Paronis Carol A. , Bergman Jack , Imler Gregory H. , Kerr Andrew T. , Jacobson Arthur E. , Rice Kenner C.
Published: June 2023

All possible diastereomeric C9-hydroxymethyl-, hydroxyethyl-, and hydroxypropyl-substituted 5-phenylmorphans were synthesized to explore the three-dimensional space around the C9 substituent in our search for potent MOR partial agonists. These compounds were designed to lessen the lipophilicity observed with their C9-alkenyl substituted relatives. Many of the 12 diastereomers that were obtained were found to have nanomolar or subnanomolar potency in the forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation assay. Almost all these potent compounds were fully efficacious, and three of those chosen for in vivo evaluation, 15, 21, and 36, were all extremely G-protein biased; none of the three compounds recruited beta-arrestin2. Only one of the 12 diastereomers, 21 (3-((1S,5R,9R)-9-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-phenethyl-2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-5-yl)phenol), was a MOR partial agonist with good, but not full, efficacy (Emax = 85%) and subnanomolar potency (EC50 = 0.91 nM) in the cAMP assay. It did not have any KOR agonist activity. This compound was unlike morphine in that it had a limited ventilatory effect in vivo. The activity of 21 could be related to one or more of three well-known theories that attempt to predict a dissociation of the desired analgesia from the undesirable opioid-like side-effects associated with clinically used opioids. In accordance with the theories, 21 was a potent MOR partial agonist, it was highly G-protein biased and did not attract beta-arrestin2, and it was found to have both MOR and DOR agonist activity. All the other diastereomers that were synthesized were either much less potent than 21 or had either too little or too much efficacy for our purposes. It was also noted that a C9-methoxymethyl compound with 1R,5S,9R stereochemistry (41) was more potent than the comparable C9-hydroxymethyl compound 11 (EC50 = 0.65 nM for 41 vs. 2.05 nM for 11). Both 41 and 11 were fully efficacious.
Novel Tryptanthrin Derivatives with Selectivity as c–Jun N–Terminal Kinase (JNK) 3 Inhibitors
Authors: Schepetkin Igor A. , Karpenko Oleksander S. , Kovrizhina Anastasia R. , Kirpotina Liliya N. , Khlebnikov Andrei I. , Chekal Stepan I. , Radudik Alevtyna V. , Shybinska Maryna O. , Quinn Mark T.
Published: June 2023

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) family includes three proteins (JNK1-3) that regulate many physiological processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation, cell survival, and inflammation. Because of emerging data suggesting that JNK3 may play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease, as well as cancer pathogenesis, we sought to identify JNK inhibitors with increased selectivity for JNK3. A panel of 26 novel tryptanthrin-6-oxime analogs was synthesized and evaluated for JNK1-3 binding (Kd) and inhibition of cellular inflammatory responses. Compounds 4d (8-methoxyindolo[2,1-b]quinazolin-6,12-dione oxime) and 4e (8-phenylindolo[2,1-b]quinazolin-6,12-dione oxime) had high selectivity for JNK3 versus JNK1 and JNK2 and inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nuclear factor-κB/activating protein 1 (NF-κB/AP-1) transcriptional activity in THP-1Blue cells and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production by MonoMac-6 monocytic cells in the low micromolar range. Likewise, compounds 4d, 4e, and pan-JNK inhibitor 4h (9-methylindolo[2,1-b]quinazolin-6,12-dione oxime) decreased LPS-induced c-Jun phosphorylation in MonoMac-6 cells, directly confirming JNK inhibition. Molecular modeling suggested modes of binding interaction of these compounds in the JNK3 catalytic site that were in agreement with the experimental data on JNK3 binding. Our results demonstrate the potential for developing anti-inflammatory drugs based on these nitrogen-containing heterocyclic systems with selectivity for JNK3.
Is Micellar Catalysis Green Chemistry?
Authors: Fabris Fabrizio , Illner Markus , Repke Jens-Uwe , Scarso Alessandro , Schwarze Michael
Published: June 2023

Many years ago, twelve principles were defined for carrying out chemical reactions and processes from a green chemistry perspective. It is everyone’s endeavor to take these points into account as far as possible when developing new processes or improving existing ones. Especially in the field of organic synthesis, a new area of research has thus been established: micellar catalysis. This review article addresses the question of whether micellar catalysis is green chemistry by applying the twelve principles to micellar reaction media. The review shows that many reactions can be transferred from an organic solvent to a micellar medium, but that the surfactant also has a crucial role as a solubilizer. Thus, the reactions can be carried out in a much more environmentally friendly manner and with less risk. Moreover, surfactants are being reformulated in their design, synthesis, and degradation to add extra advantages to micellar catalysis to match all the twelve principles of green chemistry.
Hibiscus acetosella: An Unconventional Alternative Edible Flower Rich in Bioactive Compounds
Authors: dos Santos Silva Laila Yasmim , da Silva Ramos Andrezza , Cavalcante Débora Nogueira , Kinupp Valdely Ferreira , da Silva Rodrigues João Vitor , Ventura Bianca Muniz Lacerda , de Oliveira Mendes Tiago Antônio , Sanches Edgar Aparecido , Campelo Pedro Henrique , de Araújo Bezerra Jaqueline
Published: June 2023

The interest in the consumption of edible flowers has increased since they represent a rich source of bioactive compounds, which are significantly beneficial to human health. The objective of this research was to access the bioactive compounds and antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of unconventional alternative edible flowers of Hibiscus acetosella Welw. Ex Hiern. The edible flowers presented pH value of 2.8 ± 0.00, soluble solids content of 3.4 ± 0.0 °Brix, high moisture content of about 91.8 ± 0.3%, carbohydrates (6.9 ± 1.2%), lipids (0.90 ± 0.17%), ashes (0.4 ± 0.0%), and not detectable protein. The evaluation of the scavenging activity of free radicals, such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), of the flower extract was better than the results observed for other edible flowers (507.8 ± 2.7 μM TE and 783.9 ± 30.8 μM TE, respectively) as well as the total phenolic composition (TPC) value (568.8 ± 0.8 mg GAE/g). These flowers are rich in organic acids and phenolic compounds, mainly myricetin, and quercetin derivatives, kaempferol, and anthocyanins. The extract showed no cytotoxicity for the cell lineages used, suggesting that the extract has no directly harmful effects to cells. The important bioactive compound identified in this study makes this flower especially relevant in the healthy food area due to its nutraceutical potential without showing cytotoxicity.
Designing 3D Ternary Hybrid Composites Composed of Graphene, Biochar and Manganese Dioxide as High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Babaahmadi Vahid , Pourhosseini S. E. M. , Norouzi Omid , Naderi Hamid Reza
Published: June 2023

Biochar derived from waste biomass has proven to be an encouraging novel electrode material in supercapacitors. In this work, luffa sponge-derived activated carbon with a special structure is produced through carbonization and KOH activation. The reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) are in-situ synthesized on luffa-activated carbon (LAC) to improve the supercapacitive behavior. The structure and morphology of LAC, LAC-rGO and LAC-rGO-MnO2 are characterized by the employment of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET analysis, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical performance of electrodes is performed in two and three-electrode systems. In the asymmetrical two-electrode system, the LAC-rGO-MnO2//Co3O4-rGO device shows high specific capacitance (SC), high-rate capability and excellent cycle reversibly in a wide potential window of 0–1.8 V. The maximum specific capacitance (SC) of the asymmetric device is 586 F g−1 at a scan rate of 2 mV s−1. More importantly, the LAC-rGO-MnO2//Co3O4-rGO device exhibits a specific energy of 31.4 W h kg−1 at a specific power of 400 W kg−1. Overall, the synergistic effect between the ternary structures of microporous LAC, rGO sheets and MnO2 nanoparticles leads to the introduction of high-performance hierarchical supercapacitor electrodes.
Synthesis of NiMoO4/NiMo@NiS Nanorods for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reactions in Electrocatalysts
Authors: Hu Sen , Xiang Cuili , Zou Yongjin , Xu Fen , Sun Lixian
Published: June 2023

As traditional energy structures transition to new sources, hydrogen is receiving significant research attention owing to its potential as a clean energy source. The most significant problem with electrochemical hydrogen evolution is the need for highly efficient catalysts to drive the overpotential required to generate hydrogen gas by electrolyzing water. Experiments have shown that the addition of appropriate materials can reduce the energy required for hydrogen production by electrolysis of water and enable it to play a greater catalytic role in these evolution reactions. Therefore, more complex material compositions are required to obtain these high-performance materials. This study investigates the preparation of hydrogen production catalysts for cathodes. First, rod-like NiMoO4/NiMo is grown on NF (Nickel Foam) using a hydrothermal method. This is used as a core framework, and it provides a higher specific surface area and electron transfer channels. Next, spherical NiS is generated on the NF/NiMo4/NiMo, thus ultimately achieving efficient electrochemical hydrogen evolution. The NF/NiMo4/NiMo@NiS material exhibits a remarkably low overpotential of only 36 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at a current density of 10 mA·cm−2 in a potassium hydroxide solution, indicating its potential use in energy-related applications for HER processes.
Prevalence of Depression and Fish Consumption among First Year Spanish University Students: UniHcos Project
Authors: Morales-Suárez-Varela María , Amezcua-Prieto Carmen , Llopis-Gonzalez Agustín , Ayan Perez Carlos , Mateos-Campos Ramona , Hernández-Segura Natalia , Ortiz-Moncada Rocío , Almaraz Ana , Alguacil Juan , Delgado Rodríguez Miguel , Blázquez Abellán Gemma , Alonso-Molero Jéssica , Martínez-Ruiz Virginia , Santana-Garcia Irene , Cancela José M. , Valero Juan Luis Félix , Martín-Peláez Sandra , Fernández-Villa Tania ,   Grupo de Investigación UniHcos
Published: June 2023

The World Health Organization estimates that one fifth of university students have experienced major depressive disorder at some point in their lives. Nutrition may be one of the modifiable factors that influence the development of depression. Specifically, low omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin D levels, both nutrients found in high quantities in fish, have been linked to depressive disorders. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of depression among young Spanish university students, in addition to the pattern of fish consumption among students and the possible relationship between fish consumption and the presence of depression. Data were collected retrospectively from a nationally representative sample of 11,485 Spanish university students aged 18 years or older in 11 Spanish universities, from 2012 to 2022. The respondents were analyzed according to frequency of consumption and compliance with weekly recommendations for fish intake and the presence of depression. Regression models were also performed to determine students’ odds of depression as a function of compliance with recommendations according to selected sociodemographic variables. The prevalence of depression was 10.5%; it was more prevalent in women, older students and in those with both high and low BMIs. In addition, it was also more prevalent in those that lived outside the family home, with roommates and those who were employed. Sixty-seven percent of the students met the fish intake recommendations. The most common frequency of fish consumption was 1–2 times/week (44.2%), and the least frequent was 2.3% daily fish consumption. Students from northern universities were more likely to consume fish (68.4%) than those from southern universities (66.4%). Non-consumption of fish was found to increase the risk of depression (ORa = 1.45 (1.28–1.64); AF = 31.0% (21.9–39.0)), but it was the student’s own conditions that had the greatest influence on the development of the disorder. In summary, a lower consumption of fish seems to be associated with a higher incidence of depression in Spanish university students; however, other social factors of the student may influence the development of the disorder, and all of this should be taken into account for the development of prevention strategies.
Featured Prebiotic Agent: The Roles and Mechanisms of Direct and Indirect Prebiotic Activities of Lactoferrin and Its Application in Disease Control
Authors: Liu Zhen-Shu , Chen Po-Wen
Published: June 2023

Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein found in mammalian milk, and lactoferricin is a peptide derived from LF hydrolysate. Both LF and lactoferricin (LFcin) have diverse functions that could benefit mammals. Bovine LF (BLF) and BLFcin exhibit a wide range of antimicrobial activities, but most probiotic strains are relatively resistant to their antibacterial effects. BLF and BLF hydrolysate can promote the growth of specific probiotics depending on the culture conditions, the dose of BLF or BLF-related peptides, and the probiotic strains used. BLF supplementation has been shown to modulate several central molecular pathways or genes in Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG under cold conditions, which may explain the prebiotic roles of BLF. LF alone or in combination with selected probiotics can help control bacterial infections or metabolic disorders, both in animal studies and in human clinical trials. Various LF-expressing probiotics, including those expressing BLF, human LF, or porcine LF, have been developed to facilitate the combination of LFs with specific probiotics. Supplementation with LF-expressing probiotics has positive effects in animal studies. Interestingly, inactivated LF-expressing probiotics significantly improved diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a mouse model. This review highlights the accumulated evidence supporting the use of LF in combination with selected LF-resistant probiotics or LF-expressing probiotics in the field.
Protein Matters and Proteins Matter: Proteomics and Peptidomics in Nutrition and Health
Authors: Kussmann Martin
Published: June 2023

Protein matters and proteins matter in nutrition and health—why [...]
Lifestyles, Food Consumption Frequencies, and Eating Behaviors among Three Main Disciplines of Undergraduate Students during the Early COVID-19 Outbreak in Thailand
Authors: Sahasakul Yuraporn , Amonsusawat Nantakan , Phansuea Phenphop
Published: June 2023

University students’ lifestyles and dietary habits have been considerably impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and its related policies and restrictions. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2020 to compare lifestyles, food consumption frequencies, and eating behaviors among three main disciplines of undergraduate students during the early COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand. The study involved 584 participants from Mahidol University, with 45.2% from Health Sciences (HS), 29.1% from Sciences and Technologies (ST), and 25.7% from Social Sciences and Humanities (SH). The results showed that ST students had the highest proportion of overweight and obese (33.5%) individuals, followed by HS (23.9%) and SH (19.3%) students. ST students skipped breakfast the most (34.7%), followed by SH (34%) and HS (30%) students. Furthermore, 60% of SH students spent 7 h or more daily on social media, and they had the least exercise and the highest frequency of ordering home-delivery food. SH students (43.3%) reported a higher likelihood of making unhealthier food choices and consuming fast food, processed meat, bubble tea, boxed fruit and vegetable juice, and crunchy snacks more frequently than students from other disciplines. The findings show that undergraduate students had poor eating behaviors and lifestyles during the early COVID-19 outbreak, highlighting the urgent need to promote food and nutrition security among students during and after the pandemic.
Food Allergens in Ultra-Processed Foods According to the NOVA Classification System: A Greek Branded Food Level Analysis
Authors: Katidi Alexandra , Xanthopoulou Stefania , Vlassopoulos Antonis , Noutsos Stamoulis , Priftis Kostas , Kapsokefalou Maria
Published: June 2023

Ultra-processed foods’ (UPFs’) consumption has been positively linked to the presence of allergic symptoms, but it is yet unknown whether this is linked to their nutritional composition or allergen load. This study used the ingredient lists available in the Greek Branded Food Composition Database, HelTH, to classify foods (n = 4587) into four grades of food processing (NOVA1–4) according to the NOVA System. Associations between NOVA grades and the presence of allergens (as an ingredient or trace) were studied. Overall, UPFs (NOVA4) were more likely to contain allergens than unprocessed foods, NOVA1 (76.1% vs. 58.0%). However, nested analyses among similar foods showed that in >90% of cases, processing degree was not linked to allergens’ presence. Recipe/matrix complexity was more strongly linked to allergens’ presence with NOVA4 foods declaring 1.3 allergenic ingredients vs. 0.4 allergenic ingredients in NOVA1 foods (p < 0.01). Exposure to trace allergens was more common for NOVA4 than NOVA1 foods (45.4% vs. 28.7%), but the extent of contamination was similar (2.3 vs. 2.8 trace allergens). Overall, UPFs are more complex mixtures with higher numbers of allergens per food and are more prone to cross-contamination. However, indicating a food’s degree of processing is not sufficient to help identify allergen-free choices within the same subcategory.
The Combination of Binding Avidity of Ovomucoid-Specific IgE Antibody and Specific IgG4 Antibody Can Predict Positive Outcomes of Oral Food Challenges during Stepwise Slow Oral Immunotherapy in Children with Hen’s Egg Allergy
Authors: Taniuchi Shoichiro , Sakai Rika , Nishida Takahiro , Goma Meguru , Mitomori Masatoshi , Imaide Aya , Enomoto Masahiro , Nishino Masamitsu , Okizuka Yo , Kido Hiroshi
Published: June 2023

To increase the prediction accuracy of positive oral food challenge (OFC) outcomes during stepwise slow oral immunotherapy (SS-OIT) in children with a hen’s egg (HE) allergy, we evaluated the predictive value of the combination of antigen-specific IgE (sIgE) with antigen binding avidity and sIgG4 values. Sixty-three children with HE allergy undergoing SS-OIT were subjected to repeated OFCs with HE. We measured the ovomucoid (OVM)-sIgE by ImmunoCAP or densely carboxylated protein (DCP) microarray, sIgG4 by DCP microarray, and the binding avidity of OVM-sIgE defined as the level of 1/IC50 (nM) measured by competitive binding inhibition assays. The OFC was positive in 37 (59%) patients undergoing SS-OIT. Significant differences in DCP-OVM-sIgE, CAP-OVM-sIgE, IC50, DCP-OVM-sIgG4, the multiplication products of DCP-OVM-sIgE, and the binding avidity of DCP-OVM-sIgE (DCP-OVM-sIgE/IC50) and DCP-OVM-sIgE/sIgG4 were compared between the negative and positive groups (p < 0.01). Among them, the variable with the greatest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was DCP-OVM-sIgE/IC50 (0.84), followed by DCP-OVM-sIgE/sIgG4 (0.81). DCP-OVM-sIgE/IC50 and DCP-OVM-sIgE/sIgG4 are potentially useful markers for the prediction of positive OFCs during HE-SS-OIT and may allow proper evaluation of the current allergic status in the healing process during HE-SS-OIT.
Prebiotic Supplementation during Lactation Affects Microbial Colonization in Postnatal-Growth-Restricted Mice
Authors: Marousez Lucie , Tran Léa Chantal , Micours Edwina , Antoine Matthieu , Gottrand Frédéric , Lesage Jean , Ley Delphine
Published: June 2023

Background: An inadequate perinatal nutritional environment can alter the maturation of the intestinal barrier and promote long-term pathologies such as metabolic syndrome or chronic intestinal diseases. The intestinal microbiota seems to play a determining role in the development of the intestinal barrier. In the present study, we investigated the impact of consuming an early postnatal prebiotic fiber (PF) on growth, intestinal morphology and the microbiota at weaning in postnatal-growth-restricted mice (PNGR). Methods: Large litters (15 pups/mother) were generated from FVB/NRj mice to induce PNGR at postnatal day 4 (PN4) and compared to control litters (CTRL, 8 pups/mother). PF (a resistant dextrin) or water was orally administered once daily to the pups from PN8 to PN20 (3.5 g/kg/day). Intestinal morphology was evaluated at weaning (PN21) using the ileum and colon. Microbial colonization and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production were investigated using fecal and cecal contents. Results: At weaning, the PNGR mice showed decreased body weight and ileal crypt depth compared to the CTRL. The PNGR microbiota was associated with decreased proportions of the Lachnospiraceae and Oscillospiraceae families and the presence of the Akkermansia family and Enterococcus genus compared to the CTRL pups. The propionate concentrations were also increased with PNGR. While PF supplementation did not impact intestinal morphology in the PNGR pups, the proportions of the Bacteroides and Parabacteroides genera were enriched, but the proportion of the Proteobacteria phylum was reduced. In the CTRL pups, the Akkermansia genus (Verrucomicrobiota phylum) was present in the PF-supplemented CTRL pups compared to the water-supplemented ones. Conclusions: PNGR alters intestinal crypt maturation in the ileum at weaning and gut microbiota colonization. Our data support the notion that PF supplementation might improve gut microbiota establishment during the early postnatal period.
Comparative Effects of Different Nutritional Supplements on Inflammation, Nutritional Status, and Clinical Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ye Jiayi , Hu Yanjie , Chen Xinrong , Chang Chengting , Li Ka
Published: June 2023

Nutritional supplements have been widely used in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to compare the effects of different nutritional supplements on inflammation, nutritional status, and clinical outcomes in CRC patients. Four electronic databases were searched until December 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing nutritional supplements of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3), arginine, vitamin D, glutamine, probiotics, or their combinations with placebo or standard treatment were selected. The outcomes were inflammatory indicators, nutritional indicators, and clinical outcomes. A random-effects Bayesian NMA was performed to rank the effect of each supplement. In total, 34 studies involving 2841 participants were included. Glutamine was superior in decreasing tumor necrosis factor-α (MD −25.2; 95% CrI [−32.62, −17.95]), whereas combined omega-3 and arginine supplementation was more effective in decreasing interleukin-6 (MD −61.41; 95% CrI [−97.85, −24.85]). No nutritional supplements significantly maintained nutritional indicators in CRC patients. Regarding clinical outcomes, glutamine ranked highest in reducing the length of hospital stay (MD −3.71; 95% CrI [−5.89, −1.72]) and the incidence of wound infections (RR 0.12; 95% CrI [0, 0.85]), and probiotics were rated as best in reducing the incidence of pneumonia (RR 0.38; 95% CrI [0.15, 0.81]). Future well-designed RCTs are needed to further confirm these findings.
Choline Regulates SOX4 through miR-129-5p and Modifies H3K27me3 in the Developing Cortex
Authors: Paules Evan M. , Silva-Gomez Jorge A. , Friday Walter B. , Zeisel Steve H. , Trujillo-Gonzalez Isis
Published: June 2023

Choline availability regulates neural progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation in the developing cerebral cortex. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying this process and demonstrated that choline regulates the transcription factor SOX4 in neural progenitor cells. Specifically, we found that low choline intake during neurogenesis reduces SOX4 protein levels, causing the downregulation of EZH2, a histone methyltransferase. Importantly, we demonstrate that low choline is not involved in SOX4 protein degradation rate and established that protein reduction is caused by aberrant expression of a microRNA (miR-129-5p). To confirm the role of miR-129-5p, we conducted gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays in neural progenitor cells and demonstrated that directly altering miR-129-5p levels could affect SOX4 protein levels. We also observed that the reduction in SOX4 and EZH2 led to decreased global levels of H3K27me3 in the developing cortex, contributing to reduced proliferation and precocious differentiation. For the first time, to our knowledge, we demonstrate that a nutrient, choline, regulates a master transcription factor and its downstream targets, providing a novel insight into the role of choline in brain development.