bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Synthesis of Pyrrolidinyl Ferrocene-Containing Ligands and Their Application in Highly Enantioselective Rhodium-Catalyzed Olefin Hydrogenation
Authors: Li Xin , Brennan Therese B. , Kingston Cian , Ortin Yannick , Guiry Patrick J.
Published: September 2022

Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a series of chiral pyrrolidine-substituted ferrocene-derived ligands. The proficiency of this novel structural motif was demonstrated in the Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of dehydroamino acid esters and α-aryl enamides. The products were obtained with full conversions and excellent levels of enantioselectivities of up to >99.9% ee and 97.7% ee, respectively, using a BINOL-substituted phosphine-phosphoaramidite ligand which possesses planar, central, and axial chirality elements.
Nutritional Composition, Efficacy, and Processing of Vigna angularis (Adzuki Bean) for the Human Diet: An Overview
Authors: Wang Yao , Yao Xinmiao , Shen Huifang , Zhao Rui , Li Zhebin , Shen Xinting , Wang Fei , Chen Kaixin , Zhou Ye , Li Bo , Zheng Xianzhe , Lu Shuwen
Published: September 2022

Adzuki beans are grown in several countries around the world and are widely popular in Asia, where they are often prepared in various food forms. Adzuki beans are rich in starch, and their proteins contain a balanced variety of amino acids with high lysine content, making up for the lack of protein content of cereals in the daily diet. Therefore, the research on adzuki beans and the development of their products have broad prospects for development. The starch, protein, fat, polysaccharide, and polyphenol contents and compositions of adzuki beans vary greatly among different varieties. The processing characteristic components of adzuki beans, such as starch, isolated protein, and heated flavor, are reported with a view to further promote the processing and development of adzuki bean foods. In addition to favorable edibility, the human health benefits of adzuki beans include antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Furtherly, adzuki beans and extracts have positive effects on the prevention and treatment of diseases, including diabetes, diabetes-induced kidney disease or kidney damage, obesity, and high-fat-induced cognitive decline. This also makes a case for the dual use of adzuki beans for food and medicine and contributes to the promotion of adzuki beans as a healthy, edible legume.
Hosoya Polynomials of Power Graphs of Certain Finite Groups
Authors: Rather Bilal Ahmad , Ali Fawad , Alsaeed Suliman , Naeem Muhammad
Published: September 2022

Assume that G is a finite group. The power graph P(G) of G is a graph in which G is its node set, where two different elements are connected by an edge whenever one of them is a power of the other. A topological index is a number generated from a molecular structure that indicates important structural properties of the proposed molecule. Indeed, it is a numerical quantity connected with the chemical composition that is used to correlate chemical structures with various physical characteristics, chemical reactivity, and biological activity. This information is important for identifying well-known chemical descriptors based on distance dependence. In this paper, we study Hosoya properties, such as the Hosoya polynomial and the reciprocal status Hosoya polynomial of power graphs of various finite cyclic and non-cyclic groups of order pq and pqr, where p,q and r(p≥q≥r) are prime numbers.
Strontium Substituted β-Tricalcium Phosphate Ceramics: Physiochemical Properties and Cytocompatibility
Authors: Fadeeva Inna V. , Deyneko Dina V. , Forysenkova Anna A. , Morozov Vladimir A. , Akhmedova Suraya A. , Kirsanova Valentina A. , Sviridova Irina K. , Sergeeva Natalia S. , Rodionov Sergey A. , Udyanskaya Irina L. , Antoniac Iulian V. , Rau Julietta V.
Published: September 2022

Sr2+-substituted β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) powders were synthesized using the mechano-chemical activation method with subsequent pressing and sintering to obtain ceramics. The concentration of Sr2+ in the samples was 0 (non-substituted TCP, as a reference), 3.33 (0.1SrTCP), and 16.67 (0.5SrTCP) mol.% with the expected Ca3(PO4)2, Ca2.9Sr0.1(PO4)2, and Ca2.5Sr0.5(PO4)2 formulas, respectively. The chemical compositions were confirmed by the energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) and the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) methods. The study of the phase composition of the synthesized powders and ceramics by the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) method revealed that β-TCP is the main phase in all compounds except 0.1SrTCP, in which the apatite (Ap)-type phase was predominant. TCP and 0.5SrTCP ceramics were soaked in the standard saline solution for 21 days, and the phase analysis revealed the partial dissolution of the initial β-TCP phase with the formation of the Ap-type phase and changes in the microstructure of the ceramics. The Sr2+ ion release from the ceramic was measured by the ICP-OES. The human osteosarcoma MG-63 cell line was used for viability, adhesion, spreading, and cytocompatibility studies. The results show that the introduction of Sr2+ ions into the β-TCP improved cell adhesion, proliferation, and cytocompatibility of the prepared samples. The obtained results provide a base for the application of the Sr2+-substituted ceramics in model experiments in vivo.
Multipotent Cholinesterase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: Synthesis, Biological Analysis and Molecular Docking Study of Benzimidazole-Based Thiazole Derivatives
Authors: Hussain Rafaqat , Ullah Hayat , Rahim Fazal , Sarfraz Maliha , Taha Muhammad , Iqbal Rashid , Rehman Wajid , Khan Shoaib , Shah Syed Adnan Ali , Hyder Sajjad , Alhomrani Majid , Alamri Abdulhakeem S. , Abdulaziz Osama , Abdelaziz Mahmoud A.
Published: September 2022

Twenty-four analogues of benzimidazole-based thiazoles (1–24) were synthesized and assessed for their in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory potential. All analogues were found to exhibit good inhibitory potential against cholinesterase enzymes, having IC50 values in the ranges of 0.10 ± 0.05 to 11.10 ± 0.30 µM (for AChE) and 0.20 ± 0.050 µM to 14.20 ± 0.10 µM (for BuChE) as compared to the standard drug Donepezil (IC50 = 2.16 ± 0.12 and 4.5 ± 0.11 µM, respectively). Among the series, analogues 16 and 21 were found to be the most potent inhibitors of AChE and BuChE enzymes. The number (s), types, electron-donating or -withdrawing effects and position of the substituent(s) on the both phenyl rings B & C were the primary determinants of the structure-activity relationship (SAR). In order to understand how the most active derivatives interact with the amino acids in the active site of the enzyme, molecular docking studies were conducted. The results obtained supported the experimental data. Additionally, the structures of all newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by using several spectroscopic methods like 13C-NMR, 1H-NMR and HR EIMS.
Identification of Protosappanoside D from Caesalpinia decapetala and Evaluation of Its Pharmacokinetic, Metabolism and Pharmacological Activity
Authors: Li Yueting , Meng Wensha , Yuan Li , Jiang Li , Zhou Zuying , Chi Mingyan , Gong Zipeng , Ma Xue , Huang Yong , Zheng Lin
Published: September 2022

Protosappanoside D (PTD) is a new component isolated from the extract of Caesalpinia decapetala for the first time. Its structure was identified as protosappanin B-3-O-β-D-glucoside by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 2D-NMR and MS techniques. To date, the pharmacological activities, metabolism or pharmacokinetics of PTD has not been reported. Therefore, this research to study the anti-inflammatory activity of PTD was investigated via the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells model. At the same time, we also used the UHPLC/Q Exactive Plus MS and UPLC-MS/MS methods to study the metabolites and pharmacokinetics of PTD, to calculate its bioavailability for the first time. The results showed that PTD could downregulate secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the metabolic study, four metabolites were identified, and the primary degradative pathways in vivo involved the desaturation, oxidation, methylation, alkylation, dehydration, degradation and desugarization. In the pharmacokinetic study, PTD and its main metabolite protosappanin B (PTB) were measured after oral and intravenous administration. After oral administration of PTD, its Tmax was 0.49 h, t1/2z and MRT(0–t) were 3.47 ± 0.78 h and 3.06 ± 0.63 h, respectively. It shows that PTD was quickly absorbed into plasma and it may be eliminated quickly in the body, and its bioavailability is about 0.65%.
Non-Oxidative Propane Dehydrogenation on CrOx-ZrO2-SiO2 Catalyst Prepared by One-Pot Template-Assisted Method
Authors: Golubina Elena V. , Kaplin Igor Yu. , Gorodnova Anastasia V. , Lokteva Ekaterina S. , Isaikina Oksana Ya. , Maslakov Konstantin I.
Published: September 2022

A series of CrOx-ZrO2-SiO2 (CrZrSi) catalysts was prepared by a “one-pot” template-assisted evaporation-induced self-assembly process. The chromium content varied from 4 to 9 wt.% assuming Cr2O3 stoichiometry. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM-EDX, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR-H2), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The catalysts were tested in non-oxidative propane dehydrogenation at 500–600 °C. The evolution of active sites under the reaction conditions was investigated by reductive treatment of the catalysts with H2. The catalyst with the lowest Cr loading initially contained amorphous Cr3+ and dispersed Cr6+ species. The latter reduced under reaction conditions forming Cr3+ oxide species with low activity in propane dehydrogenation. The catalysts with higher Cr loadings initially contained highly dispersed Cr3+ species stable under the reaction conditions and responsible for high catalyst activity. Silica acted both as a textural promoter that increased the specific surface area of the catalysts and as a stabilizer that inhibited crystallization of Cr2O3 and ZrO2 and provided the formation of coordinatively unsaturated Zr4+ centers. The optimal combination of Cr3+ species and coordinatively unsaturated Zr4+ centers was achieved in the catalyst with the highest Cr loading. This catalyst showed the highest efficiency.
Dendronized Gelatin-Mediated Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Ding Yan , Zhang Xiacong , Li Wen , Zhang Afang
Published: September 2022

Thermoresponsive dendronized gelatins (GelG1) or gelatin methacrylates (GelG1MA) were used as precursors to modulate the efficient reduction of Au(III) to form stable gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through UV irradiation. These dendronized gelatins were obtained through the amidation of gelatin or gelatin methacrylates with dendritic oligoethylene glycols (OEGs). Crowded OEG dendrons along the gelatin backbones create a hydrophobic microenvironment, which promotes the reduction of Au(III). Gelatin backbones act as ligands through the electron-rich groups to facilitate the reduction, while the dendritic OEGs provide shielding effects through crowding to form a hydrophobic microenvironment, which not only enhances the reduction but also stabilize the formed AuNPs through encapsulation. The effects of dendron coverage on the dendronized biomacromolecules and their thermoresponsiveness on the reduction kinetics were examined. Dendronized gelatin/AuNPs hydrogels were further prepared through the in situ photo-crosslinking of GelG1MA. The modification of natural macromolecules through dendronization presented in this report facilitates a novel platform for the environmentally friendly synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles, which may form a new strategy for developing smart nano-biosensors and nano-devices.
Bioactive Potential: A Pharmacognostic Definition through the Screening of Four Hypericum Species from the Canary Islands
Authors: Lacret Rodney , Puerta Adrián , Granica Sebastian , González-Bakker Aday , Hevia Danela , Teng Yiling , Sánchez-Mateo Candelaria C. , Pérez de Paz Pedro Luis , Padrón José M.
Published: September 2022

In this work, we propose a general methodology to assess the bioactive potential (BP) of extracts in the quest of vegetable-based drugs. To exemplify the method, we studied the anticancer potential (AP) of four endemic species of genus Hypericum (Hypericum canariense L, Hypericum glandulosum Aiton, Hypericum grandifolium Choisy and Hypericum reflexum L.f) from the Canary Islands. Microextracts were obtained from the aerial parts of these species and were tested against six human tumor cell lines, A549 (non-small-cell lung), HBL-100 (breast), HeLa (cervix), SW1573 (non-small-cell lung), T-47D (breast) and WiDr (colon). The methanol–water microextracts were evaluated further for cell migration, autophagy and cell death. The most promising bioactive polar microextracts were analyzed by UHPLC–DAD–MS. The extraction yield, the bioactivity evaluation and the chemical profiling by LC–MS suggested that H. grandifolium was the species with the highest AP. Label-free live-cell imaging studies on HeLa cells exposed to the methanol–water microextract of H. grandifolium enabled observing cell death and several apoptotic hallmarks. Overall, this study allows us to select Hypericum grandifolium Choisy as a source of new chemical entities with a potential interest for cancer treatment.
Two Pairs of 7,7′-Cyclolignan Enantiomers with Anti-Inflammatory Activities from Perilla frutescens
Authors: Zuo Jing , Zhang Tian-Hao , Xiong Liang , Huang Lu , Peng Cheng , Zhou Qin-Mei , Dai Ou
Published: September 2022

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. (Labiatae), a medicinal plant, has been widely used for the therapy of multiple diseases since about 1800 years ago. It has been demonstrated that the extracts of P. frutescens exert significant anti-inflammatory effects. In this research, two pairs of 7,7′-cyclolignan enantiomers, possessing a cyclobutane moiety, (+)/(−)-perfrancin [(+)/(−)-1] and (+)/(−)-magnosalin [(+)/(−)-2], were separated from P. frutescens leaves. The present study achieved the chiral separation and determined the absolute configuration of (±)-1 and (±)-2. Compounds (+)-1 and (−)-1 have notable anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors (NO, TNF-α and IL-6) and the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS and COX-2). These findings indicate that cyclolignans are effective substances of P. frutescens with anti-inflammatory activity. The present study partially elucidates the mechanisms underlying the effects of P. frutescens.
Characterization of Hyaluronidase 4 Involved in the Catabolism of Chondroitin Sulfate
Authors: Yamada Shuhei , Mizumoto Shuji
Published: September 2022

Hyaluronidases (HYALs) are endo-beta-N-acetylhexosaminidases that depolymerize not only hyaluronan but also chondroitin sulfate (CS) at the initial step of their catabolism. Although HYAL1 hydrolyzes both CS and HA, HYAL4 is a CS-specific endoglycosidase. The substrate specificity of HYAL4 and identification of amino acid residues required for its enzymatic activity have been reported. In this study, we characterized the properties of HYAL4 including the expression levels in various tissues, cellular localization, and effects of its overexpression on intracellular CS catabolism, using cultured cells as well as mouse tissues. Hyal4 mRNA and HYAL4 protein were demonstrated to be ubiquitously expressed in various organs in the mouse. HYAL4 protein was shown to be present both on cell surfaces as well as in lysosomes of rat skeletal muscle myoblasts, L6 cells. Overexpression of HYAL4 in Chinese hamster ovary cells decreased in the total amount of CS, suggesting its involvement in the cellular catabolism of CS. In conclusion, HYAL4 may be widely distributed and play various biological roles, including the intracellular depolymerization of CS.
Chemical and Antimicrobial Characterization of Mentha piperita L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. Essential Oils and In Vitro Potential Cytotoxic Effect in Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Dolghi Alina , Coricovac Dorina , Dinu Stefania , Pinzaru Iulia , Dehelean Cristina Adriana , Grosu Cristina , Chioran Doina , Merghes Petru Eugen , Sarau Cristian Andrei
Published: September 2022

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of cancer, and the therapeutic solutions are frequently aggressive requiring improvements. Essential oils (EOs) are secondary metabolites of aromatic plants with important pharmacological properties that proved to be beneficial in multiple pathologies including cancer. Mentha piperita L. (M_EO) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (R_EO) essential oils are well-known for their biological effects (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic in different cancer cells), but their potential as complementary treatment in colorectal cancer is underexplored. The aim of the present study was to investigate the M_EO and R_EO in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects in a colorectal cancer cell line—HCT 116. The gas-chromatographic analysis revealed menthone and menthol, and eucalyptol, α-pinene and L-camphor as major compounds in M_EO and R_EO respectively. M_EO exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, moderate antioxidant activity and a low cytotoxic effect in HCT 116 cells. R_EO presented a significant cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cells and a low antimicrobial effect. The cytotoxic effect on non-cancerous cell line HaCaT was not significant for both essential oils. These results may provide an experimental basis for further research concerning the potential use of M_EO and R_EO for anticancer treatment.
Influence of the Degree of Hydrolysis on Functional Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Enzymatic Soybean Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Islam Monirul , Huang Yatao , Islam Serajul , Fan Bei , Tong Litao , Wang Fengzhong
Published: September 2022

Soybean protein hydrolysates were prepared using two proteolytic enzymes (Alcalase and Protamex) and the degree of hydrolysis (DH) and their functional and antioxidant properties were evaluated. The highest DH value was 20%, with a yield of 19.77% and protein content of 51.64%. The total amino acid content was more than 41% for all protein hydrolysates. The protein hydrolysates from Protamex at pH 2.0 had excellent solubility, emulsifying activity, and foaming capacity, at 83.83%, 95.03 m2/g, and 93.84%, respectively. The water-holding capacity was 4.52 g/g for Alcalase, and the oil-holding capacity was 4.91 g/g for Protamex. The antioxidant activity (62.07%), as measured by the samples’ reaction with DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and the reducing power (0.27) were the strongest for Protamex. An ABTS activity rate of 70.21% was recorded for Alcalase. These findings indicated a strong potential for the utilization of soybean protein hydrolysates to improve the functional properties and antioxidant activity of soybeans as well as their nutritional values.
High-Output Lotus-Leaf-Bionic Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on 2D MXene for Health Monitoring of Human Feet
Authors: Wang Like , Xu Huichen , Huang Fengchang , Tao Xiaoma , Ouyang Yifang , Zhou Yulu , Mo Xiaoming
Published: September 2022

As versatile energy harvesters, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted considerable attention in developing portable and self-powered energy suppliers. The question of how to improve the output power of TENGs using cost-effective means is still under vigorous investigation. In this paper, high-output TENGs were successfully produced by using a simple and low-cost lotus-leaf-bionic (LLB) method. Well-distributed microstructures were fabricated via the LLB method on the surface of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) negative triboelectric layer. 2D MXene (Ti3C2Tx) and graphene were doped into the structured PDMS to evaluate their effects on the performance of TENG. Owing to merits of the MXene doping and microstructures on the PDMS surface, the output power of MXene-doped LLB TENGs reached as high as 104.87 W/m2, which was about 10 times higher than that of graphene-doped devices. The MXene-doped LLB TENGs can be used as humidity sensors, with a sensitivity of 4.4 V per RH%. In addition, the MXene-doped LLB TENGs were also sensitive to human body motions; hence, a foot health monitoring system constructed by the MXene-doped LLB TENGs was successfully demonstrated. The results in this work introduce a way to produce cost-effective TENGs using bionic means and suggest the promising applications of TENGs in the smart monitoring system of human health.
Frontiers in Nanotoxicology
Authors: Gusev Alexander A.
Published: September 2022

The Special Issue of Nanomaterials “Frontiers in Nanotoxicology” highlights the modern problems of nanotoxicology and nanobiomedicine, including the toxicity of metal-based, silicon-based, carbon-based, and other types of nanoparticles, occupational safety of nanoproduction workers, comprehensive assessment on new biomedical nanomaterials, improvement of nanotoxicology methods, as well as the current state and prospects of research in the fields of theoretical, experimental, and toxicological aspects of the prospective biomedical application of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles activated by a low-frequency non-heating alternating magnetic field, biomedical applications and the toxicity of graphene nanoribbons, and fetotoxicity of nanoparticles [...]
Bio-Fabrication of Bio-Inspired Silica Nanomaterials from Orange Peels in Combating Oxidative Stress
Authors: Abomughaid Mosleh Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Silica nanoparticles were synthesized using the aqueous extract of orange peels by the green chemistry approach and simple method. The physicochemical properties such as optical and chemical banding of as-synthesized silica nanoparticles were analyzed with UV–visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis were employed to confirm the shape, size and elemental purities of the silica nanoparticles. The thermal stability and mass loss of the silica nanoparticles was examined using thermogravimetric analysis and zeta potential analysis. The surface plasmon resonance band of the silica nanoparticle was obtained in the wavelength of 292 nm. Silica nanoparticles with a spherical and amorphous nature and an average size of 20 nm were produced and confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The zeta potential of the silica nanoparticles was −25.00 mV. The strong and broad bands were located at 457, 642 and 796 cm−1 in the Fourier transform infrared spectra of the silica nanoparticles, associated with the Si–O bond. All the results of the present investigation confirmed and proved that the green synthesized silica nanoparticles were highly stable, pure and spherical in nature. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the green synthesized orange peel extract mediated by the silica nanoparticles was investigated with a DPPH assay. The antioxidant assay revealed that the synthesized silica nanoparticles had good antioxidant activity. In the future, green synthesized silica nanoparticles may be used for the production of nano-medicine.
Plasma-Modified PI Substrate for Highly Reliable Laser-Sintered Copper Films Using Cu2O Nanoparticles
Authors: Cheng Wei-Han , Lee Ming-Tsang , Yasuda Kiyokazu , Song Jenn-Ming
Published: September 2022

Plasma modification of polyimide (PI) substrates upon which electrical circuits are fabricated by the laser sintering of cuprous oxide nanoparticle pastes was investigated systematically in this study. Surface properties of the PI substrate were investigated by carrying out atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle measurements. Experimental results show that surface characteristics of PI substrates, including surface energy, surface roughness, and surface binding significantly affected the mechanical reliability of the sintered copper structure. Among the plasma gases tested (air, O2, Ar-5%H2, and N2-30%H2), O2 plasma caused the roughest PI surface as well as the most C=O and C–OH surface binding resulting in an increased polar component of the surface energy. The combination of all those factors caused superior bending fatigue resistance.
Anisotropy Engineering of ZnO Nanoporous Frameworks: A Lattice Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Sa Na , Chong Sue-Sin , Wang Hui-Qiong , Zheng Jin-Cheng
Published: September 2022

The anisotropy engineering of nanoporous zinc oxide (ZnO) frameworks has been performed by lattice dynamics simulation. A series of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoporous framework structures was designed by creating nanopores with different sizes and shapes. We examined the size effects of varying several features of the nanoporous framework (namely, the removal of layers of atoms, surface-area-to-volume ratio, coordination number, porosity, and density) on its mechanical properties (including bulk modulus, Young’s modulus, elastic constant, and Poisson ratio) with both lattice dynamics simulations. We also found that the anisotropy of nanoporous framework can be drastically tuned by changing the shape of nanopores. The maximum anisotropy (defined by Ymax/Ymin) of the Young’s modulus value increases from 1.2 for bulk ZnO to 2.5 for hexagon-prism-shaped ZnO nanoporous framework structures, with a density of 2.72 g/cm3, and, even more remarkably, to 89.8 for a diamond-prism-shape at a density of 1.72 g/cm3. Our findings suggest a new route for desirable anisotropy and mechanical property engineering with nanoporous frameworks by editing the shapes of the nanopores for the desired anisotropy.
High-Efficiency Utilization of Waste Tobacco Stems to Synthesize Novel Biomass-Based Carbon Dots for Precise Detection of Tetracycline Antibiotic Residues
Authors: Yang Hui , Wei Yunlong , Yan Xiufang , Nie Chao , Sun Zhenchun , Hao Likai , Su Xiankun
Published: September 2022

Recycling waste biomass into valuable products (e.g., nanomaterials) is of considerable theoretical and practical significance to achieve future sustainable development. Here, we propose a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis route to convert waste tobacco stems into biomass-based N, S-codoped carbon dots (C−dots) with the assistance of carbon black. Unlike most of the previously reported luminescent C−dots, these biomass-based C−dots showed a satisfactory stability, as well as an excitation-independent fluorescence emission at ~520 nm. Furthermore, they demonstrated a pH-dependent fluorescence emission ability, offering a scaffold to design pH-responsive assays. Moreover, these as-synthesized biomass-based C−dots exhibited a fluorescence response ability toward tetracycline antibiotics (TCs, e.g., TC, CTC, and OTC) through the inner filter effect (IFE), thereby allowing for the establishment a smart analytical platform to sensitively and selectively monitor residual TCs in real environmental water samples. In this study, we explored the conversion of waste tobacco stems into sustainable biomass-based C−dots to develop simple, efficient, label-free, reliable, low-cost, and eco-friendly analytical platforms for environmental pollution traceability analysis, which might provide a novel insight to resolve the ecological and environmental issues derived from waste tobacco stems.
Protective Effects and Mechanism of a Novel Probiotic Strain Ligilactobacillus salivarius YL20 against Cronobacter sakazakii-Induced Necrotizing Enterocolitis In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Wang Weiming , Geng Meng , Zhu Caixia , Huang Lei , Zhang Yue , Zhang Tengxun , Zhao Chongjie , Zhang Tongcun , Du Xinjun , Wang Nan
Published: September 2022

Exposure to probiotics in early life contributes to host intestinal development and prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii), an opportunistic pathogen, can cause NEC, bacteremia, and meningitis in neonates, but the research of probiotics against C. sakazakii is limited relative to other enteropathogens. Here, the protective effect and mechanism of a novel probiotic Ligilactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) YL20 isolated from breast milk on C. sakazakii-induced intestinal injury were explored by using two in vitro models, including an C. sakazakii-infected intestinal organoid model and intestinal barrier model, as well as an in vivo experimental animal model. Our results revealed that L. salivarius YL20 could promote epithelial cell proliferation in intestinal organoids, rescue budding-impaired organoids, prevent the decrease of mRNA levels of leucine-rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), zonula occludens-1 (Zo-1) and Occludin, and reverse C. sakazakii-induced low level of Mucin 2 (MUC2) in intestinal organoids. Additionally, YL20 could inhibit C. sakazakii invasion, increase the expression of ZO-1 and occludin in C. sakazakii-infected HT-29 cells, and reverse TEER decrease and corresponding permeability increase across C. sakazakii-infected Caco-2 monolayers. Furthermore, YL20 administration could alleviate NEC in C. sakazakii-infected neonatal mice by increasing the mice survival ratio, decreasing pathology scores, and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Meanwhile, YL20 could also enhance intestinal barrier function in vivo by increasing the number of goblet cells, the level of MUC-2 and the expression of ZO-1. Our overall findings demonstrated for the first time the beneficial effects of L. salivarius YL20 against C. sakazakii-induced NEC by improving intestinal stem cell function and enhancing intestinal barrier integrity.
Unravelling the Therapeutic Potential of Nano-Delivered Functional Foods in Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Clarence Dvya Delilaa , Paudel Keshav Raj , Manandhar Bikash , Singh Sachin Kumar , Devkota Hari Prasad , Panneerselvam Jithendra , Gupta Vivek , Chitranshi Nitin , Verma Nitin , Saad Sonia , Gupta Gaurav , Hansbro Philip Michael , Oliver Brian Gregory , Madheswaran Thiagarajan , Dua Kamal , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar
Published: September 2022

Chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract is one of the most concerning public health issues, as it can lead to chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), some of which are more detrimental than others. Chronic respiratory diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis. The conventional drug therapies for the management and treatment of CRDs only address the symptoms and fail to reverse or recover the chronic-inflammation-mediated structural and functional damage of the respiratory tract. In addition, the low efficacy and adverse effects of these drugs have directed the attention of researchers towards nutraceuticals in search of potential treatment strategies that can not only ameliorate CRD symptoms but also can repair and reverse inflammatory damage. Hence, there is a growing interest toward investigating the medicinal benefits of nutraceuticals, such as rutin, curcumin, zerumbone, and others. Nutraceuticals carry many nutritional and therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity properties, and usually do not have as many adverse effects, as they are naturally sourced. Recently, the use of nanoparticles has also been increasingly studied for the nano drug delivery of these nutraceuticals. The discrete size of nanoparticles holds great potential for the level of permeability that can be achieved when transporting these nutraceutical compounds. This review is aimed to provide an understanding of the use of nutraceuticals in combination with nanoparticles against CRDs and their mechanisms involved in slowing down or reversing the progression of CRDs by inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling pathways.
Hibiscus sabdariffa Extract Protects HaCaT Cells against Phenanthrene-Induced Toxicity through the Regulation of Constitutive Androstane Receptor/Pregnane X Receptor Pathway
Authors: Malar Dicson Sheeja , Prasanth Mani Iyer , Verma Kanika , Prasansuklab Anchalee , Tencomnao Tewin
Published: September 2022

Phenanthrene (Phe) exposure is associated with skin ageing, cardiotoxicity and developmental defects. Here, we investigated the mode of Phe toxicity in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and the attenuation of toxicity on pre-treatment (6 h) with ethanol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyxes (HS). Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) alteration, changes in the transcriptional activity of selected genes involved in phase I and II metabolism, antioxidant response and gluconeogenesis, western blot and docking studies were performed to determine the protective effect of HS against Phe. Phe (250 μM) induced cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells through AhR-independent, CAR/PXR/RXR-mediated activation of CYP1A1 and the subsequent alterations in phase I and II metabolism genes. Further, CYP1A1 activation by Phe induced ROS generation, reduced ΔΨm and modulated antioxidant response, phase II metabolism and gluconeogenesis-related gene expression. However, pre-treatment with HS extract restored the pathological changes observed upon Phe exposure through CYP1A1 inhibition. Docking studies showed the site-specific activation of PXR and CAR by Phe and inhibition of CYP1A1 and CYP3A4 by the bioactive compounds of HS similar to that of the positive controls tested. Our results conclude that HS extract can attenuate Phe-induced toxicity in HaCaT cells through CAR/PXR/RXR mediated inhibition of CYP1A1.
Inflammation in VTA Caused by HFD Induces Activation of Dopaminergic Neurons Accompanied by Binge-like Eating
Authors: Sun Runan , Sugiyama Mariko , Wang Sixian , Kuno Mitsuhiro , Sasaki Tomoyuki , Hirose Tomonori , Miyata Takashi , Kobayashi Tomoko , Tsunekawa Taku , Onoue Takeshi , Yasuda Yoshinori , Takagi Hiroshi , Hagiwara Daisuke , Iwama Shintaro , Suga Hidetaka , Arima Hiroshi
Published: September 2022

Binge eating is a characteristic symptom observed in obese individuals that is related to dysfunction of dopaminergic neurons (DNs). Intermittent administration of a high-fat diet (HFD) is reported to induce binge-like eating, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We generated dopaminergic neuron specific IKKβ deficient mice (KO) to examine the effects of inflammation in DNs on binge-like eating under inflammatory conditions associated with HFD. After administration of HFD for 4 weeks, mice were fasted for 24 h, and then the consumption of HFD was measured for 2 h. We also evaluated that the mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines, glial markers, and dopamine signaling-related genes in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and striatum. Moreover, insulin was administered intraventricularly to assess downstream signaling. The consumption of HFD was significantly reduced, and the phosphorylation of AKT in the VTA was significantly increased in female KO compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Analyses of mRNA expressions revealed that DNs activity and inflammation in the VTA were significantly decreased in female KO mice. Thus, our data suggest that HFD-induced inflammation with glial cell activation in the VTA affects DNs function and causes abnormal eating behaviors accompanied by insulin resistance in the VTA of female mice.
Nutritional Predictors of Mortality after 10 Years of Follow-Up in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease at a Multidisciplinary Unit of Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Barril Guillermina , Nogueira Angel , Alvarez-García Graciela , Núñez Almudena , Sánchez-González Carmen , Ruperto Mar
Published: September 2022

Nutritional monitoring in advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) units provides personalized care and improves clinical outcomes. This study aimed to identify mortality risk factors in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on nutritional follow-up in the multidisciplinary ACKD unit. A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 307 CKD patients’ stage 3b, 4–5 followed-up for 10 years. Clinical and nutritional monitoring was performed by malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS), biochemical parameters (s-albumin, s-prealbumin, and serum C-reactive protein (s-CRP), body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), anthropometry, and handgrip strength measurements. The sample was classified into non-survivors, survivors, and censored groups. Of the 307 CKD patients, the prevalence of protein-energy wasting (PEW) was 27.0% using MIS > 5 points, s-CRP > 1 mg/dL was 19.20%, and 27.18% died. Survivors had higher significant body cell mass (BCM%) and phase angle (PA). Survival analyses significantly showed that age > 72 years, MIS > 5 points, s-prealbumin ≤ 30 mg/dL, PA ≤ 4°, and gender-adjusted handgrip strength (HGS) were associated with an increased risk of mortality. By univariate and multivariate Cox regression, time on follow-up (HR:0.97), s-prealbumin (HR:0.94), and right handgrip strength (HR:0.96) were independent predictors of mortality risk at 10 years of follow-up in the ACKD unit. Nutritional monitoring in patients with stage 3b, 4–5 CKD helps to identify and treat nutritional risk early and improve adverse mortality prognosis.
High Prevalence of Anemia and Poor Compliance with Preventive Strategies among Pregnant Women in Mwanza City, Northwest Tanzania: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Konje Eveline T. , Ngaila Bernadin Vicent , Kihunrwa Albert , Mugassa Stella , Basinda Namanya , Dewey Deborah
Published: September 2022

Anemia in pregnancy is prevalent in Tanzania despite the implementation of existing prevention strategies. This study aims to determine the level of compliance with anemia preventive strategies among pregnant women and the factors associated with poor compliance. A cross sectional study was conducted among 768 pregnant women who attended the Bugando Medical Center, Sekou-Toure Regional Hospital, Nyamagana District Hospital, and Buzuruga Health Center in Mwanza, Northwest Tanzania. The prevalence of anemia at term was 68.8% (95% CI, 65.5–72.0%). The average hemoglobin level at term was 10.0 g/dL (95% CI, 9.8–10.1). Only 10.9% of pregnant women complied fully with anemia-preventive strategies. A decrease in mean hemoglobin level was observed across levels of compliance, with women who were non-compliant displaying a significantly lower mean hemoglobin level (8.3 g/dL) compared to women who were fully compliant (11.0 g/dL). Poor compliance was associated with no formal or primary education and initiating antenatal care in the 2nd or 3rd trimester. Anemia in pregnancy was commonly associated with lack of compliance with preventive strategies among participants. There is a need for community-based health education on the importance of complying with anemia-preventive strategies in order to reduce the burden during pregnancy and the consequences of anemia to the unborn baby.
Impact of Blueberry Consumption on the Human Fecal Bileacidome: A Pilot Study of Bile Acid Modulation by Freeze-Dried Blueberry
Authors: Gagnon William , Garneau Véronique , Trottier Jocelyn , Verreault Mélanie , Couillard Charles , Roy Denis , Marette André , Drouin-Chartier Jean-Philippe , Vohl Marie-Claude , Barbier Olivier
Published: September 2022

Cholesterol-derived bile acids (BAs) affect numerous physiological functions such as glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism and absorption, intestinal inflammation and immunity, as well as intestinal microbiota diversity. Diet influences the composition of the BA pool. In the present study, we analyzed the impact of a dietary supplementation with a freeze-dried blueberry powder (BBP) on the fecal BA pool composition. The diet of 11 men and 13 women at risk of metabolic syndrome was supplemented with 50 g/day of BBP for 8 weeks, and feces were harvested before (pre) and after (post) BBP consumption. BAs were profiled using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. No significant changes in total BAs were detected when comparing pre- vs. post-BBP consumption samples. However, post-BBP consumption samples exhibited significant accumulations of glycine-conjugated BAs (p = 0.04), glycochenodeoxycholic (p = 0.01), and glycoursodeoxycholic (p = 0.01) acids, as well as a significant reduction (p = 0.03) in the secondary BA levels compared with pre-BBP feces. In conclusion, the fecal bileacidome is significantly altered after the consumption of BBP for 8 weeks. While additional studies are needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and physiological implications of these changes, our data suggest that the consumption of blueberries can modulate toxic BA elimination.
Wound Care Self-Efficacy Assessment of Italian Registered Nurses and Wound Care Education in Italian Nursing Education System: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ielapi Nicola , Costa Davide , Peluso Antonio , Nobile Carmelo , Venditti Veronica , Bevacqua Egidio , Andreucci Michele , Bracale Umberto Marcello , Serra Raffaele
Published: September 2022

Wounds are a major public health challenge for nurses, and poor wound care has important implications for patients and health care systems. The aim of this study is to assess the Italian registered nurses’ (RNs) perception in the area of wound care, regarding their knowledge, tasks of care delivery, wound management, values, and attitudes, exploring also the previous specific education received during nursing education. An observational online web-based survey was used to assess learning goals and content for wound care education in undergraduate nursing education and the skills and level of self-efficacy in this area during clinical practice. The data were collected between April and May 2022. A total of 210 RNs were interviewed and divided into five national geographic areas. Northwestern RNs showed a better education about the wound care area during university courses: the rate of RNs that did not receive any training in the wound care area was lower than in other Italian geographical areas. Southern RNs presented a better knowledge about factors that expose the wound to becoming chronic, wound drains care, and the ability to assess diabetic foot. This study showed that, in Italy, education in wound care among nursing students is relatively poor, and many skills are achieved during an RN’s career in an empirical way.
Antiproliferative Effect of Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds Endowed with Antioxidant Activity on Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Consoli Valeria , Sorrenti Valeria , Burò Ilaria , Modica Maria N. , Vanella Luca
Published: September 2022

Several lines of evidence indicate that plant-derived antioxidant compounds can be used as anticancer agents to support conventional pharmacological therapy. In this context, heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) modulation has been proven to represent a valid approach for reducing cancer cells’ proliferation through the activation of apoptosis and ferroptosis. This study focused on three little studied HO-1 inducers (paeonol, rosolic acid and dimethoxy resveratrol) in order to evaluate their efficacy as antiproliferative compounds on breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231). Cell viability data showed an interesting selectivity of dimethoxy resveratrol (DMR) for MDA-MB 231 cells. The ineffectiveness of Ferrostatin-1 and Trolox treatment led to the exclusion of ferroptosis involvement; meanwhile, cell viability reduction was associated with caspase 3/7 activation and apoptosis. Taken together, our results suggest a potential role of DMR as an adjuvant in conventional chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment.
Near-Field Behaviors of Internal Energy Flows of Free-Space Electromagnetic Waves Induced by Electric Point Dipoles
Authors: Lee Hyoung-In
Published: September 2022

Both orbital and spin energy fluxes constitute the internal flows decomposed from a Poynting vector. For generic electromagnetic waves propagating through source-free media, these energy fluxes are quadratic in field variables so that their properties are not easily predictable. Notwithstanding, their near-field behaviors play important roles in nanoscale photonics. For time-oscillatory fields, we found two hitherto-overlooked distinctions between the two internal flows. The first is an unequal level between them because the vorticity of an orbital energy flux plays a role comparable to a spin energy flux itself. The second is regarding the electric-magnetic dual symmetry in handling the two internal flows, whence the reactive helicity plays a role as important as the electromagnetic helicity. By helicity conservation, an inter-electric-magnetic transport is possible for the spin angular momentum density, while the electric and magnetic constituents of orbital energy fluxes admit only respective intra-electric and intra-magnetic transports. We have tested the validities of all these claims by exemplarily taking the electromagnetic fields induced by an electric point dipole, either a linear or a circular one. We have thus made new contributions not only in deriving explicit forms of the internal energy flows but also in revealing the magnetic activities hidden under the electromagnetic waves induced by electric point dipoles.
Shock-Induced Mesoparticles and Turbulence Occurrence
Authors: Khantuleva Tatiana A. , Meshcheryakov Yurii I.
Published: September 2022

The development of a new approach to describe turbulent motions in condensed matter on the basis of nonlocal modeling of highly non-equilibrium processes in open systems is performed in parallel with an experiment studying the mesostructure of dynamically deformed solids. The shock-induced mesostructure formation inside the propagating waveform registered in real time allows the transient stages of non-equilibrium processes to be qualitatively and quantitatively revealed. A new nonlocal approach, developed on the basis of the nonlocal and retarded transport equations obtained within the non-equilibrium statistical physics, is used to describe the occurrence of turbulence. Within the approach, the reason for the transition to turbulence is that the non-equilibrium spatiotemporal correlation function generates the dynamic structures in the form of finite-size clusters on the mesoscale, with almost identical values of macroscopic densities moving as almost solid particles that can interact and rotate. The fragmentation of spatiotemporal correlations upon impact forms the mesoparticles that move at different speeds and transfer mass, momentum and energy-like wave packets. The movements recorded simultaneously at two scale levels indicate the energy exchange between them. Its description required a redefinition of the concept of energy far from local thermodynamic equilibrium. The experimental results show that the irreversible part of the dynamic mesostructure remains frozen into material as a new defect.