bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal Body Burden as Cardiovascular Risk Factor in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome and Overweight–Obesity Analysed with an Artificial Neural Network: The Role of Hair Mineralograms
Authors: Vigna Luisella , Tirelli Amedea Silvia , Grossi Enzo , Turolo Stefano , Tomaino Laura
Published: May 2023

In determining the so-called “body burden”, hair has been widely accepted for assessing toxic element exposure. However, its role in assessing essential elements is controversial. This study investigates the possible relationship between hair minerals, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular (CV) risk in non-occupationally exposed subjects with overweight–obesity. Ninety-five voluntary participants (aged 51 ± 12) were recruited in Northern Italy. Hair samples were collected and analysed via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; the total toxicity index (TI) was calculated as well. To evaluate cardiovascular risk factors in the presence or absence of MetS, the following factors were considered via the innovative artificial neural network (ANN) method Auto-CM: hair mineralograms (31 elements) and 25 variables including blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, insulin resistance and biochemical serum markers assessing inflammation. The Framingham risk score, fatty liver index (FLI), visceral adiposity index and CV risk scores were also taken into consideration. As shown by the semantic map, which was subsequently confirmed by an activation and competition system (ACS), obesity parameters are strictly associated with CV risk factors, TI and inflammation; meanwhile, the single mineral elements seem to be unimportant. Data obtained via ANN demonstrate that MetS may be at least partly mediated by altered mineral levels also in the presence of obesity and that waist circumference is a crucial point to be monitored rather than BMI alone. Furthermore, the mineral body burden is one of the important factors for CV risk.
An Improved Blind Zone Channelization Structure and Rapid Implementation Method
Authors: Jia Ziliang , Liu Hongxia
Published: May 2023

The paper proposes an enhanced design for broadband digital receivers that aims to improve signal capture probability, real-time performance, and the hardware development cycle. To overcome the issue of false signals in the blind zone channelization structure, this paper introduces an improved joint-decision channelization structure that reduces channel ambiguity during signal reception. Xilinx’s high-level synthesis (HLS) tools are used for accelerated algorithm implementation, and techniques such as pipelining and loop parallelization are employed to reduce system latency. The entire system is implemented on FPGA. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed solution effectively eliminates channel ambiguity, improves algorithm implementation speed, and meets the design requirements.
An Online Measurement and Calibration Method for a Radio Telescope Sub-Reflector Support Structure Using Fiber Bragg Grating
Authors: Xu Qian , Bao Hong
Published: May 2023

The position and altitude of a sub-reflector have an important influence on the pointing accuracy of a radio telescope. With the increase of the antenna aperture, the stiffness of the support structure for the sub-reflector decreases. This causes deformation of the support structure when environmental loads, such as gravity, temperature, and wind load, are applied to the sub-reflector, which will seriously influence antenna pointing accuracy. This paper proposes an online measurement and calibration method for assessing the deformation of the sub-reflector support structure based on the Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors. Firstly, a reconstruction model between the strain measurements and the deformation displacements of a sub-reflector support structure is established based on the inverse finite element method (iFEM). In addition, a temperature-compensating device with an FBG sensor is designed to eliminate the effects of temperature variations on strain measurements. Considering the lack of the trained original correction, a non-uniform rational B spline (NURBS) curve is built to extend the sample data set. Next, a self-structuring fuzzy network (SSFN) is designed for calibrating the reconstruction model, which can further improve the displacement reconstruction accuracy of the support structure. Finally, a full-day experiment was carried out using a sub-reflector support model to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Experimental Research on a New Mini-Channel Transcritical CO2 Heat Pump Gas Cooler
Authors: Jiang Jiawei , Liang Shiqiang , Xu Xiang , Chen Buze , Shen Zhixuan , Guo Chaohong , Yu Liqi , Qin Shuo
Published: May 2023

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of a novel spiral plate mini-channel gas cooler designed for use with supercritical CO2. The CO2 channel of the mini-channel spiral plate gas cooler has a circular spiral cross-section with a radius of 1 mm, while the water channel has an elliptical cross-section spiral channel with a long axis of 2.5 mm and a short axis of 1.3 mm. The results show that increasing the mass flux of CO2 can effectively enhance the overall heat transfer coefficient when the water side mass flow rate is 0.175 kg·s−1 and the CO2 side pressure is 7.9 MPa. Increasing the inlet water temperature can also improve the overall heat transfer coefficient. The overall heat transfer coefficient is higher when the gas cooler is vertically oriented compared to horizontally oriented. A Matlab program was developed to verify that the correlation based on Zhang’s method has the highest accuracy. The study found a suitable heat transfer correlation for the new spiral plate mini-channel gas cooler through experimental research, which can provide a reference for future designs.
Field-Effect Transistors Based on Single-Layer Graphene and Graphene-Derived Materials
Authors: Simionescu Octavian-Gabriel , Avram Andrei , Adiaconiţă Bianca , Preda Petruţa , Pârvulescu Cătălin , Năstase Florin , Chiriac Eugen , Avram Marioara
Published: May 2023

The progress of advanced materials has invoked great interest in promising novel biosensing applications. Field-effect transistors (FETs) are excellent options for biosensing devices due to the variability of the utilized materials and the self-amplifying role of electrical signals. The focus on nanoelectronics and high-performance biosensors has also generated an increasing demand for easy fabrication methods, as well as for economical and revolutionary materials. One of the innovative materials used in biosensing applications is graphene, on account of its remarkable properties, such as high thermal and electrical conductivity, potent mechanical properties, and high surface area to immobilize the receptors in biosensors. Besides graphene, other competing graphene-derived materials (GDMs) have emerged in this field, with comparable properties and improved cost-efficiency and ease of fabrication. In this paper, a comparative experimental study is presented for the first time, for FETs having a channel fabricated from three different graphenic materials: single-layer graphene (SLG), graphene/graphite nanowalls (GNW), and bulk nanocrystalline graphite (bulk-NCG). The devices are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and I-V measurements. An increased electrical conductance is observed for the bulk-NCG-based FET, despite its higher defect density, the channel displaying a transconductance of up to ≊4.9×10−3 A V−1, and a charge carrier mobility of ≊2.86×10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1, at a source-drain potential of 3 V. An improvement in sensitivity due to Au nanoparticle functionalization is also acknowledged, with an increase of the ON/OFF current ratio of over four times, from ≊178.95 to ≊746.43, for the bulk-NCG FETs.
An Indoor Visual Positioning Method with 3D Coordinates Using Built-In Smartphone Sensors Based on Epipolar Geometry
Authors: Zheng Ping , Qin Danyang , Bai Jianan , Ma Lin
Published: May 2023

In the process of determining positioning point by constructing geometric relations on the basis of the positions and poses obtained from multiple pairs of epipolar geometry, the direction vectors will not converge due to the existence of mixed errors. The existing methods to calculate the coordinates of undetermined points directly map the three-dimensional direction vector to the two-dimensional plane and take the intersection points that may be at infinity as the positioning result. To end this, an indoor visual positioning method with three-dimensional coordinates using built-in smartphone sensors based on epipolar geometry is proposed, which transforms the positioning problem into solving the distance from one point to multiple lines in space. It combines the location information obtained by the accelerometer and magnetometer with visual computing to obtain more accurate coordinates. Experimental results show that this positioning method is not limited to a single feature extraction method when the source range of image retrieval results is poor. It can also achieve relatively stable localization results in different poses. Furthermore, 90% of the positioning errors are lower than 0.58 m, and the average positioning error is less than 0.3 m, meeting the accuracy requirements for user localization in practical applications at a low cost.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Optics and Photonics in Micromachines
Authors: Kuang Cuifang , Zhao Wei
Published: May 2023

Micromachines, as a platform for manipulation, assembling, detection and imaging, is a typical interdisciplinary field related to broad areas, e [...]
Effect of Intensive Abrasion Breakage on Secondary Ball Mills for Magnetite
Authors: Yuan Chengfang , Wu Caibin , Ling Li , Li Zheyang , Xie Feng , Yao Xin , Wang Yihan
Published: May 2023

In order to investigate the breakage behavior of the feed in industrial secondary ball mills, the breakage characteristics of fine magnetite were analyzed. Magnetite particle breakage produces a bimodal particle size distribution that is consistent with the typical breakage characteristics of abrasion. The secondary ball mill can increase the surface area by reducing the diameter of steel balls to enhance the abrasion. Industrial application results show that after the abrasion of the secondary ball mill for grinding magnetite was enhanced, the circulating load of the grinding-classification system dropped by 29.90% and the specific energy of the secondary ball mill decreased by 39.14%. At the same time, the consumption of steel balls also dropped from 0.17 kg/t to 0.13 kg/t, a decrease of up to 20%. It should be noted that the reduction in the ball diameter should follow certain rules because if the energy of a single collision is lower than the critical breaking energy of the particles, the grinding process will be affected and thus have counterproductive effects.
Business Process Management Analysis with Cost Information in Public Organizations: A Case Study at an Academic Library
Authors: Kissa Barbara , Gounopoulos Elias , Kamariotou Maria , Kitsios Fotis
Published: May 2023

Public organizations must provide high-quality services at a lower cost. In order to accomplish this goal, they need to apply well accepted cost methods and evaluate the efficiency of their processes using Business Process Management (BPM). However, only a few studies have evaluated the addition of cost information to a process model in a public organization. The aim of the research is to evaluate the combination of cost data to process modeling in an academic library. Our research suggests a new and easy to implement process analysis in three phases. We have combined qualitative (i.e., interviews with the library staff) and quantitative research methods (i.e., estimation of time and cost for each activity and process) to model two important processes of the academic library of the University of Macedonia (UoM). We have modeled the lending and return processes using Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) in an easy-to-understand format. We have evaluated the costs of each process and sub process with the use of Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) method. The library’s managers found our methodology and results very helpful. Our analysis confirmed that the combination of workflow and cost analysis may significantly improve the decision-making procedure and the efficiency of an organization’s processes. However, we need to further research and evaluate the appropriateness of the combination of various cost and BPM methods in other public organizations.
Design Technology Co-Optimization Strategy for Ge Fraction in SiGe Channel of SGOI FinFET
Authors: Li Shixin , Wu Zhenhua
Published: May 2023

FinFET devices and Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) devices are two mainstream technical routes after the planar MOSFET reached the limit for scaling. The SOI FinFET devices combine the benefits of FinFET and SOI devices, which can be further boosted by SiGe channels. In this work, we develop an optimizing strategy of the Ge fraction in SiGe Channels of SGOI FinFET devices. The simulation results of ring oscillator (RO) circuits and SRAM cells reveal that altering the Ge fraction can improve the performance and power of different circuits for different applications.
Radiolysis-Assisted Direct Growth of Gold-Based Electrocatalysts for Glycerol Oxidation
Authors: Tuleushova Nazym , Amanova Aisara , Abdellah Ibrahim , Benoit Mireille , Remita Hynd , Cornu David , Holade Yaovi , Tingry Sophie
Published: May 2023

The electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol by metal electrocatalysts is an effective method of low-energy-input hydrogen production in membrane reactors in alkaline conditions. The aim of the present study is to examine the proof of concept for the gamma-radiolysis-assisted direct growth of monometallic gold and bimetallic gold–silver nanostructured particles. We revised the gamma radiolysis procedure to generate free-standing Au and Au-Ag nano- and micro-structured particles onto a gas diffusion electrode by the immersion of the substrate in the reaction mixture. The metal particles were synthesized by radiolysis on a flat carbon paper in the presence of capping agents. We have integrated different methods (SEM, EDX, XPS, XRD, ICP-OES, CV, and EIS) to examine in detail the as-synthesized materials and interrogate their electrocatalytic efficiency for glycerol oxidation under baseline conditions to establish a structure–performance relationship. The developed strategy can be easily extended to the synthesis by radiolysis of other types of ready-to-use metal electrocatalysts as advanced electrode materials for heterogeneous catalysis.
Association between Genetic Variation in the TAS2R38 Bitter Taste Receptor and Propylthiouracil Bitter Taste Thresholds among Adults Living in Japan Using the Modified 2AFC Procedure with the Quest Method
Authors: Aoki Kyoko , Mori Kanetaka , Iijima Shohei , Sakon Masato , Matsuura Nariaki , Kobayashi Tsuneto , Takanashi Masashi , Yoshimura Takeshi , Mori Norio , Katayama Taiichi
Published: May 2023

Individual taste sensitivity influences food preferences, nutritional control, and health, and differs greatly between individuals. The purpose of this study was to establish a method of measuring and quantifying an individual’s taste sensitivity and to evaluate the relationship between taste variation and genetic polymorphisms in humans using agonist specificities of the bitter taste receptor gene, TAS2R38, with the bitter compound 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP). We precisely detected the threshold of PROP bitter perception by conducting the modified two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) procedure with the Bayesian staircase procedure of the QUEST method and examined genetic variation in TAS2R38 in a Japanese population. There were significant differences in PROP threshold between the three TAS2R38 genotype pairs for 79 subjects: PAV/PAV vs AVI/AVI, p < 0.001; PAV/AVI vs AVI/AVI, p < 0.001; and PAV/PAV vs PAV/AVI, p < 0.01. Our results quantified individual bitter perception as QUEST threshold values: the PROP bitter perception of individuals with the PAV/PAV or PAV/AVI genotypes was tens to fifty times more sensitive than that of an individual with the AVI/AVI genotype. Our analyses provide a basic model for the accurate estimation of taste thresholds using the modified 2AFC with the QUEST approach.
Phytoextracts for Human Health from Raw and Roasted Hazelnuts and from Hazelnut Skin and Oil: A Narrative Review
Authors: Rondanelli Mariangela , Nichetti Mara , Martin Valentina , Barrile Gaetan Claude , Riva Antonella , Petrangolini Giovanna , Gasparri Clara , Perna Simone , Giacosa Attilio
Published: May 2023

The objectives of this narrative review are as follows: an evaluation of the bromatological composition of hazelnuts and a comparison of the nutritional properties of raw versus roasted hazelnuts, taking into account potential differences among varieties from different production territories such as Turkey, Italy, Chile, and New Zealand; an evaluation of nutrients contained in hazelnut skin; and an evaluation of nutrients contained in hazelnut oil. This review incorporates 27 scientific articles that measured and reported the concentrations of macro- and micro-nutrients in hazelnuts. These hazelnuts were subjected to different processing methods, originated from various geographical areas, or belonged to different varieties. Our results showed that the different varieties and territories where the hazelnuts were cultivated influence their bromatological composition, and we found that different processing steps can largely influence the concentration of specific nutrients. The removal of the skin, which contains a very high concentration of compounds with antioxidant action, is particularly critical. We should give greater attention to the skin, considering it not as a waste product, but as an important part of the hazelnut due to its nutritional properties of primary relevance in the Mediterranean diet. We provide a detailed assessment of the nutritional properties of the hazelnut kernel, skin, and oil, evaluating nutrient compositions and possible modifications (increases or reductions) that occur during the roasting process or that depend on the production territory and origin.
Effect of Menaquinone-7 Supplementation on Arterial Stiffness in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Naiyarakseree Nuanjanthip , Phannajit Jeerath , Naiyarakseree Wichai , Mahatanan Nanta , Asavapujanamanee Pagaporn , Lekhyananda Sookruetai , Vanichakarn Supat , Avihingsanon Yingyos , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Susantitaphong Paweena
Published: May 2023

Background: There is a very high prevalence of subclinical vitamin K deficiency in patients requiring hemodialysis (HD), and this problem is associated with vascular calcification and arterial stiffness. Vitamin K2 (MK-7) supplementation can improve vitamin K status in HD patients. However, the benefits of vitamin K supplementation on arterial stiffness have still not been established. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of menaquinone-7 (MK-7) supplementation on arterial stiffness in chronic HD patients. Methods: This open-label multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted in 96 HD patients who had arterial stiffness, defined by high carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV ≥ 10 m/s). The patients were randomly assigned to receive oral MK-7 (375 mcg once daily) for 24 weeks (n = 50) or standard care (control group; n = 46). The change in cfPWV was the primary outcome. Results: Baseline parameters were comparable between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the change in cPWV at 24 weeks between the MK-7 group and standard care [−6.0% (−20.2, 2.3) vs. −6.8% (−19.0, 7.3), p = 0.24]. However, we found that MK-7 significantly decreased cPWV in patients with diabetes [−10.0% (−15.9, −0.8) vs. 3.8% (−5.8, 11.6), p = 0.008]. In addition, the MK-7 group had a lower rate of arterial stiffness progression, compared to controls (30.2% vs. 39.5%, p = 0.37), especially in diabetes patients (21.4% vs. 72.7%, p = 0.01). No serious adverse events were observed during the 24 weeks. Conclusion: Vitamin K supplements provided a beneficial impact in lowering the rate of arterial stiffness progression in chronic hemodialysis patients with diabetes. Possible benefits on cardiovascular outcomes require further investigation.
Low Cooking Skills Are Associated with Overweight and Obesity in Undergraduates
Authors: da Costa Pelonha Rafaela Nayara , Jomori Manuela Mika , Maciel Tamara Gonçalves , Rocha Jéssica Adla Dantas , Passos Thaís Souza , Maciel Bruna Leal Lima
Published: May 2023

Culinary skills are defined as the confidence, attitude, and the application of one’s individual knowledge in performing culinary tasks, and their development may be associated with better diet quality and better health status. This study aimed to analyze the association between cooking skills, overweight, and obesity in undergraduates. This is a descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study, with data collected between October 2020 and March 2021, with undergraduate students (n = 823) at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Participants answered the online Brazilian Cooking Skills and Healthy Eating Questionnaire Evaluation, BCSQ, which included socioeconomic information. Logistic regressions were used to assess the associations of cooking skills with overweight and obesity. From the total of the students, 70.8% were female, with a median age of 23 (21–30) years; 43.6% were with overweight or obesity; 48.8% were eutrophic; and 7.7% underweight. Overweight and obesity were significantly associated with low levels of culinary self-efficacy and self-efficacy in the use of fruits, vegetables, and seasonings in the bivariate analysis. The logistic regressions showed that living with other people and eating out were associated with higher chances of overweight and obesity. Sharing the responsibility for preparing meals and a high self-efficacy in the use of fruits, vegetables, and seasonings were associated with lower chances for overweight/obesity. Overall, our study showed that overweight and obesity were associated with lower cooking skills in the studied undergraduates. Therefore, the study demonstrates that culinary skills can be explored in educational programs that aim to reduce overweight/obesity in students.
Systematic Review of the Literature to Inform the Development of a South African Dietary Polyphenol Composition Database
Authors: Jumat Malory , Duodu Kwaku Gyebi , van Graan Averalda
Published: May 2023

Comprehensively compiled dietary polyphenol data is required to compare polyphenol content between foods, calculate polyphenol intake and study its association with health and disease. The purpose of this review was to identify data on the presence and content of polyphenolic components in South African foods, with the aim of compiling the data into a database. An electronic literature search was conducted up until January 2020 using multiple databases. Additional literature was sourced from South African university repositories. A total of 7051 potentially eligible references were identified, of which 384 met the inclusion criteria. These studies provided information on food item name, geographical distribution, polyphenol type, quantity, and quantification method. Data for 1070 foods were identified, amounting to 4994 polyphenols. Spectrophotometry was the main method used for quantification of gross phenolic content in various assays such as total phenolic content (Folin–Ciocalteu assay), total flavonoid content (AlCl3 assay) and condensed tannin content (vanillin–HCl assay). Phenolic acids and flavonoids were the main polyphenol classes identified. This review highlights that South Africa has abundant information on the polyphenol content of foods, which could be utilised within a food composition database for the estimation of polyphenol intake for South Africa.
Correction: Gupta et al. Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Promote NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Glomerular Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetic Kidney Disease. Nutrients 2022, 14, 2965
Authors: Gupta Anubhuti , Singh Kunal , Fatima Sameen , Ambreen Saira , Zimmermann Silke , Younis Ruaa , Krishnan Shruthi , Rana Rajiv , Gadi Ihsan , Schwab Constantin , Biemann Ronald , Shahzad Khurrum , Rani Vibha , Ali Shakir , Mertens Peter Rene , Kohli Shrey , Isermann Berend
Published: May 2023

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Effectiveness of Food-Based Intervention to Improve the Linear Growth of Children under Five: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mamun Abdullah Al , Mahmudiono Trias , Yudhastuti Ririh , Triatmaja Nining Tyas , Chen Hsiu-Ling
Published: May 2023

Food-based interventions to improve linear growth are most often applied in low- and middle-income countries. However, not all food interventions have been proven to be effective in promoting linear growth. This study aimed to assess the impact and effectiveness of food interventions for improving linear growth in children under five years old. This study was conducted by following the PRISMA guidelines and the data were extracted and presented following the PRISMA recommendations. Studies were identified through a literature search of the SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest databases from 2000 to 2022. Only randomized control studies were included in this review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of 1125 studies identified, a total of 15 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The review result indicated that food-based intervention can help to improve linear growth (MD: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.35, p = 0.01) among children under five. However, there was no significant difference in changes in underweight status (MD: 0.25; CI: −0.15 to 0.64; p = 0.22) and wasting status (MD: 0.09; CI: −0.02 to 0.20; p = 0.12) between the intervention and control groups. Overall, food-based interventions were found to be helpful for improving children’s linear growth.
Dietary Fatty Acids Contribute to Maintaining the Balance between Pro-Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Responses during Pregnancy
Authors: Policastro Valeria , Righelli Dario , Ravà Lucilla , Vernocchi Pamela , Bianchi Marzia , Vallone Cristina , Signore Fabrizio , Manco Melania
Published: May 2023

Background: During pregnancy, the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses is essential for ensuring healthy outcomes. Dietary Fatty acids may modulate inflammation. Methods: We investigated the association between dietary fatty acids as profiled on red blood cells membranes and a few pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including the adipokines leptin and adiponectin at ~38 weeks in 250 healthy women. Results: We found a number of associations, including, but not limited to those of adiponectin with C22:3/C22:4 (coeff −1.44; p = 0.008), C18:1 c13/c14 (coeff 1.4; p = 0.02); endotoxin with C20:1 (coeff −0.9; p = 0.03), C22:0 (coeff −0.4; p = 0.05); MCP-1 with C16:0 (coeff 0.8; p = 0.04); and ICAM-1 with C14:0 (coeff −86.8; p = 0.045). Several cytokines including leptin were associated with maternal body weight (coeff 0.9; p = 2.31 × 10−5), smoking habits (i.e., ICAM-1 coeff 133.3; p = 0.09), or gestational diabetes (i.e., ICAM-1 coeff 688; p = 0.06). Conclusions: In a general cohort of pregnant women, the intake of fatty acids influenced the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules together with weight gain, smoking habits, and gestational diabetes.
Dietary Nutrient Deficiencies and Risk of Depression (Review Article 2018–2023)
Authors: Zielińska Magdalena , Łuszczki Edyta , Dereń Katarzyna
Published: May 2023

Depression is classified as one of the most common mental disorders. Its prevalence has recently increased, becoming a growing public health threat. This review focuses on clarifying the role and importance of individual nutrients in the diet and the impact of nutrient deficiencies on the risk of depression. Deficiencies in nutrients such as protein, B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids have a significant impact on brain and nervous system function, which can affect the appearance of depressive symptoms. However, it is important to remember that diet in itself is not the only factor influencing the risk of or helping to treat depression. There are many other aspects, such as physical activity, sleep, stress management, and social support, that also play an important role in maintaining mental health. The data review observed that most of the available analyses are based on cross-sectional studies. Further studies, including prospective cohort, case-control studies, are recommended to draw more reliable conclusions.
Ginsenosides and Polysaccharides from Ginseng Co-Fermented with Multi-Enzyme-Coupling Probiotics Improve In Vivo Immunomodulatory Effects
Authors: Bai Shaowei , Zhang Guangyun , Han Yaqin , Ma Jianwei , Bai Bing , Gao Jingjie , Zhang Zuoming
Published: May 2023

The active components of ginseng, such as ginsenosides and polysaccharides, have high therapeutic value in treating cancer, decreasing obesity, and enhancing immunity. However, simple primary ginseng treatment cannot maximize this medicinal potential. Therefore, in this study, Panax ginseng was co-fermented with multi-enzyme-coupling probiotics to obtain a fermentation broth with higher levels of ginsenosides, polysaccharides, and probiotics. When compared to other treatment methods for cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice, the results reveal that the P. ginseng fermentation broth treated with multi-enzyme-coupling probiotics could significantly improve the immune function of immunosuppressive mice and restore intestinal flora stability. Overall, this processing method will provide a novel strategy for promoting the application of ginseng and the relief of immunosuppression.
FimH and Type 1 Pili Mediated Tumor Cell Cytotoxicity by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli In Vitro
Authors: Van Eyssen Shelly Roselyn , Samarkina Anastasia , Isbilen Ovgu , Zeden Merve Suzan , Volkan Ender
Published: May 2023

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli express hairlike proteinaceous surface projections, known as chaperone–usher pathway (CUP) pili. Type 1 pili are CUP pili with well-established pathogenic properties. The FimH adhesin subunit of type 1 pili plays a key role in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) as it mediates the adhesion of the bacteria to urothelial cells of the bladder. In this study, two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, were used to demonstrate the cytotoxic activities of type 1 piliated uropathogenic E. coli UTI89 on breast cancer cells in a type 1 pili and FimH-mediated manner. E. coli were grown in static and shaking conditions to induce or inhibit optimal type 1 pili biogenesis, respectively. Deletion constructs of UTI89 ΔfimH and a complemented strain (UTI89 ΔfimH/pfimH) were further utilized to genetically assess the effect of type 1 pili and FimH on cancer cell viability. After incubation with the different strains, cytotoxicity was measured using trypan blue exclusion assays. UTI89 grown statically caused significant cytotoxicity in both breast cancer cell lines whereas cytotoxicity was reduced when the cells were incubated with bacteria grown under shaking conditions. The incubation of both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 with UTI89 Δfim operon or ΔfimH showed a significant reduction in cytotoxicity exerted by the bacterial strains, revealing that type 1 pili expression was necessary for cytotoxicity. Complementing the ΔfimH strain with pfimH reversed the phenotype, leading to a significant increase in cytotoxicity. Incubating type 1 pili expressing bacteria with the competitive FimH inhibitor D-mannose before cancer cell treatment also led to a significant reduction in cytotoxicity on both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cancer cells, compared to vehicle control or D-mannose alone, indicating the requirement for functional FimH for cytotoxicity. Overall, our results reveal that, as opposed to UTI89 lacking type 1 pili, type 1 piliated UTI89 causes significant cancer cell mortality in a FimH-mediated manner, that is decreased with D-mannose.
The Genus Dacryodes Vahl.: Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Biological Activities
Authors: Swana Leseho , Tsakem Bienvenu , Tembu Jacqueline V. , Teponno Rémy B. , Folahan Joy T. , Kalinski Jarmo-Charles , Polyzois Alexandros , Kamatou Guy , Sandjo Louis P. , Chamcheu Jean Christopher , Siwe-Noundou Xavier
Published: May 2023

Dacryodes Vahl. species, belonging to the Burseraceae family, are widely used in traditional medicine in tropical regions to treat a range of ailments including malaria, wounds, tonsillitis, and ringworms. This review discusses the distribution, ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Dacryodes species. The intent is to spur future research into isolating and identifying key active principles, secondary metabolites, and crude extracts, and evaluating their pharmacological and toxicological effects, as well as the mechanism of actions to understand their medicinal benefits. A systematic review of scientific electronic databases from 1963 to 2022 including Scifinder, Scopus, Pubmed, Springer Link, ResearchGate, Ethnobotany Research and Applications, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect was conducted with a focus on Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) H.J. Lam and Dacryodes rostrata (Blume) H.J. Lam. Pharmacological data revealed that D. edulis isolates contain secondary metabolites and other phytochemical groups belonging to the terpenoids class with anti-microbial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory and hepatoprotective activities, highlighting its pharmacological potential in the therapy or management of diverse cancers, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Thus, phytochemicals and standardized extracts from D. edulis could offer safer and cost-effective chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic health benefits/regimen, or as alternative therapeutic remedy for several human diseases. Nevertheless, the therapeutic potential of most of the plants in the genus have not been exhaustively explored with regard to phytochemistry and pharmacology, but mostly complementary approaches lacking rigorous, scientific research-based knowledge. Therefore, the therapeutic potentials of the Dacryodes genus remain largely untapped, and comprehensive research is necessary to fully harness their medicinal properties.
Asymmetric Lipid Vesicles: Techniques, Applications, and Future Perspectives as an Innovative Drug Delivery System
Authors: Gardea-Gutiérrez Denisse , Núñez-García Eduardo , Oseguera-Guerra Berenice E. , Román-Aguirre Manuel , Montes-Fonseca Silvia L.
Published: May 2023

Novel lipid-based nanosystems have been of interest in improving conventional drug release methods. Liposomes are the most studied nanostructures, consisting of lipid bilayers ideal for drug delivery, thanks to their resemblance to the cell plasma membrane. Asymmetric liposomes are vesicles with different lipids in their inner and outer layers; because of this, they can be configured to be compatible with the therapeutic drug while achieving biocompatibility and stability. Throughout this review, topics such as the applications, advantages, and synthesis techniques of asymmetric liposomes will be discussed. Further, an in silico analysis by computational tools will be examined as a helpful tool for designing and understanding asymmetric liposome mechanisms in pharmaceutical applications. The dual-engineered design of asymmetric liposomes makes them an ideal alternative for transdermal drug delivery because of the improved protection of pharmaceuticals without lowering adsorption rates and system biocompatibility.
Gout Remission as a Goal of Urate-Lowering Therapy: A Critical Review
Authors: Tabi-Amponsah Adwoa Dansoa , Stewart Sarah , Hosie Graham , Stamp Lisa K. , Taylor William J. , Dalbeth Nicola
Published: May 2023

Urate-lowering therapies for the management of gout lead to a reduction in serum urate levels, monosodium urate crystal deposition, and the clinical features of gout, including painful and disabling gout flares, chronic gouty arthritis, and tophi. Thus, disease remission is a potential goal of urate-lowering therapy. In 2016, preliminary gout remission criteria were developed by a large group of rheumatologists and researchers with expertise in gout. The preliminary gout remission criteria were defined as: serum urate < 0.36 mmol/L (6 mg/dL); an absence of gout flares; an absence of tophi; pain due to gout < 2 on a 0–10 scale; and a patient global assessment < 2 on a 0–10 scale over a 12-month period. In this critical review, we describe the development of the preliminary gout remission criteria, the properties of the preliminary gout remission criteria, and clinical studies of gout remission in people taking urate-lowering therapy. We also describe a future research agenda for gout remission.
Differential Expression of ABC Transporter Genes in Brain Vessels vs. Peripheral Tissues and Vessels from Human, Mouse and Rat
Authors: Zhang Wandong , Liu Qing Yan , Haqqani Arsalan S. , Liu Ziying , Sodja Caroline , Leclerc Sonia , Baumann Ewa , Delaney Christie E. , Brunette Eric , Stanimirovic Danica B.
Published: May 2023

Background: ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters comprise a superfamily of genes encoding membrane proteins with nucleotide-binding domains (NBD). These transporters, including drug efflux across the blood–brain barrier (BBB), carry a variety of substrates through plasma membranes against substrate gradients, fueled by hydrolyzing ATP. The expression patterns/enrichment of ABC transporter genes in brain microvessels compared to peripheral vessels and tissues are largely uncharacterized. Methods: In this study, the expression patterns of ABC transporter genes in brain microvessels, peripheral tissues (lung, liver and spleen) and lung vessels were investigated using RNA-seq and WesTM analyses in three species: human, mouse and rat. Results: The study demonstrated that ABC drug efflux transporter genes (including ABCB1, ABCG2, ABCC4 and ABCC5) were highly expressed in isolated brain microvessels in all three species studied; the expression of ABCB1, ABCG2, ABCC1, ABCC4 and ABCC5 was generally higher in rodent brain microvessels compared to those of humans. In contrast, ABCC2 and ABCC3 expression was low in brain microvessels, but high in rodent liver and lung vessels. Overall, most ABC transporters (with the exception of drug efflux transporters) were enriched in peripheral tissues compared to brain microvessels in humans, while in rodent species, additional ABC transporters were found to be enriched in brain microvessels. Conclusions: This study furthers the understanding of species similarities and differences in the expression patterns of ABC transporter genes; this is important for translational studies in drug development. In particular, CNS drug delivery and toxicity may vary among species depending on their unique profiles of ABC transporter expression in brain microvessels and BBB.
RETRACTED: An Innovative Tool for Evidence-Based, Personalized Treatment Trials in Mucopolysaccharidosis
Authors: Wiesinger Anna-Maria , Bigger Brian , Giugliani Roberto , Lampe Christina , Scarpa Maurizio , Moser Tobias , Kampmann Christoph , Zimmermann Georg , Lagler Florian
Published: May 2023

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a group of rare metabolic diseases associated with reduced life expectancy and a substantial unmet medical need. Immunomodulatory drugs could be a relevant treatment approach for MPS patients, although they are not licensed for this population. Therefore, we aim to provide evidence justifying fast access to innovative individual treatment trials (ITTs) with immunomodulators and a high-quality evaluation of drug effects by implementing a risk–benefit model for MPS. The iterative methodology of our developed decision analysis framework (DAF) consists of the following steps: (i) a comprehensive literature analysis on promising treatment targets and immunomodulators for MPS; (ii) a quantitative risk–benefit assessment (RBA) of selected molecules; and (iii) allocation phenotypic profiles and a quantitative assessment. These steps allow for the personalized use of the model and are in accordance with expert and patient representatives. The following four promising immunomodulators were identified: adalimumab, abatacept, anakinra, and cladribine. An improvement in mobility is most likely with adalimumab, while anakinra might be the treatment of choice for patients with neurocognitive involvement. Nevertheless, a RBA should always be completed on an individual basis. Our evidence-based DAF model for ITTs directly addresses the substantial unmet medical need in MPS and characterizes a first approach toward precision medicine with immunomodulatory drugs.
Biomimetic and Functional Nanomaterials for Molecular Imaging
Authors: Ramos-Cabrer Pedro , Ruiz-Cabello Jesús
Published: May 2023

Welcome to this Special Issue of the journal Pharmaceutics entitled “Biomimetic and Functional Nanomaterials for Molecular Imaging,” which focuses on the exciting advancements in molecular imaging facilitated by biomaterials and nanotechnology [...]
Screening Libraries to Discover Molecular Design Principles for the Targeted Delivery of mRNA with One-Component Ionizable Amphiphilic Janus Dendrimers Derived from Plant Phenolic Acids
Authors: Lu Juncheng , Atochina-Vasserman Elena N. , Maurya Devendra S. , Shalihin Muhammad Irhash , Zhang Dapeng , Chenna Srijay S. , Adamson Jasper , Liu Matthew , Shah Habib Ur Rehman , Shah Honey , Xiao Qi , Queeley Bryn , Ona Nathan A. , Reagan Erin K. , Ni Houping , Sahoo Dipankar , Peterca Mihai , Weissman Drew , Percec Virgil
Published: May 2023

Viral and synthetic vectors to deliver nucleic acids were key to the rapid development of extraordinarily efficient COVID-19 vaccines. The four-component lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), containing phospholipids, PEG-conjugated lipids, cholesterol, and ionizable lipids, co-assembled with mRNA via a microfluidic technology, are the leading nonviral delivery vector used by BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna to access COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. LNPs exhibit a statistical distribution of their four components when delivering mRNA. Here, we report a methodology that involves screening libraries to discover the molecular design principles required to realize organ-targeted mRNA delivery and mediate activity with a one-component ionizable multifunctional amphiphilic Janus dendrimer (IAJD) derived from plant phenolic acids. IAJDs co-assemble with mRNA into monodisperse dendrimersome nanoparticles (DNPs) with predictable dimensions, via the simple injection of their ethanol solution in a buffer. The precise location of the functional groups in one-component IAJDs demonstrated that the targeted organs, including the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and lung, are selected based on the hydrophilic region, while activity is associated with the hydrophobic domain of IAJDs. These principles, and a mechanistic hypothesis to explain activity, simplify the synthesis of IAJDs, the assembly of DNPs, handling, and storage of vaccines, and reduce price, despite employing renewable plant starting materials. Using simple molecular design principles will lead to increased accessibility to a large diversity of mRNA-based vaccines and nanotherapeutics.
Preparation of Co-Amorphous Levofloxacin Systems for Pulmonary Application
Authors: Gabelmann Aljoscha , Lehr Claus-Michael , Grohganz Holger
Published: May 2023

Addressing antimicrobial resistance requires new approaches in various disciplines of pharmaceutical sciences. The fluoroquinolone levofloxacin (LEV) plays an important role in the therapy of lung infections. However, its effectiveness is limited by its severe side effects involving tendinopathy, muscle weakness and psychiatric disturbance. Therefore, there is a need for the development of an effective formulation of LEV with reduced systemic drug concentrations, thereby also reducing the consumption and excretion of antibiotics or metabolites. This study aimed for the development of a pulmonary-applicable LEV formulation. Co-amorphous LEV-L-arginine (ARG) particles were prepared by spray drying and characterised by scanning electron microscopy, modulated differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and next generation impactor analysis. Co-amorphous LEV-ARG salts were produced independently of varying process parameters. The use of 30% (v/v) ethanol as a solvent led to better aerodynamic properties compared to an aqueous solution. With a mass median aerodynamic diameter of just over 2 µm, a fine particle fraction of over 50% and an emitted dose of over 95%, the product was deemed suitable for a pulmonary application. The created process was robust towards the influence of temperature and feed rate, as changing these parameters did not have a significant influence on the critical quality attributes, indicating the feasibility of producing pulmonary-applicable co-amorphous particles for sustainable antibiotic therapy.
Orodispersible Film Based on Maltodextrin: A Convenient and Suitable Method for Iron Supplementation
Authors: Cupone Irma Elisa , Roselli Giuliana , Marra Fabio , Riva Marika , Angeletti Silvia , Dugo Laura , Spoto Silvia , Fogolari Marta , Giori Andrea Maria
Published: May 2023

Orodispersible film (ODF) is an innovative dosage form used to administer drugs and nutrients, designed to disintegrate or dissolve in the oral cavity without needing water. One of the advantages of ODF is that it is suitable for administration in older people and children who have difficulty swallowing because of psychological or physiological deficiencies. This article describes the development of an ODF based on maltodextrin, which is easy to administer, has a pleasant taste, and is suitable for iron supplementation. An ODF containing 30 mg of iron as pyrophosphate and 400 µg of folic acid (iron ODF) was developed and manufactured on an industrial scale. The kinetic profile for serum iron and folic acid upon consumption of ODF compared with a Sucrosomial® iron capsule (known for its high bioavailability) was evaluated in a crossover clinical trial. The study was conducted in nine healthy women, and the serum iron profile (AUC0–8, Tmax, and Cmax) of both formulations was defined. Results showed that the rate and extent of elemental iron absorption with iron ODF was comparable to that obtained using the Sucrosomial® iron capsule. These data represent the first evidence of iron and folic acid absorption concerning the newly developed ODF. Iron ODF was proven to be a suitable product for oral iron supplementation.