Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of a synthesis method for odor sesquiterpenoid, (−)-rotundone, using non-heme Fe2+-chelate catalyst and ferric-chelate reductase

ABSTRACT (−)-Rotundone, a sesquiterpenoid that has a characteristic woody and peppery odor, is a key aroma component of spicy foodstuffs, such as black pepper and Australian Shiraz wine. (−)-Rotundone shows the lowest level of odor threshold in natural compounds and remarkably improves the quality of various fruit flavors. To develop a method for the synthesis of (−)-rotundone, we focused on non-heme Fe2+-chelates, which are biomimetic catalysts of the active center of oxygenases and enzymatic supply and regeneration of those catalysts. That is, we constructed a unique combination system composed of the oxidative synthesis of (−)-rotundone using the non-heme Fe2+-chelate catalyst, Fe(II)-EDTA, and the enzymatic supply and regeneration of Fe2+-chelate by ferric-chelate reductase, YqjH, from Escherichia coli. In addition, we improved the yield of (−)-rotundone by the application of cyclodextrin and glucose dehydrogenase to this system, and thus established a platform for efficient (−)-rotundone production. Graphical Abstract Catalytic synthesis of odor sesquiterpenoids by allylic oxidation using non-heme Fe2+-chelate catalyst and ferric-chelate reductase.
Plasmonics in the Ultraviolet with Aluminum, Gallium, Magnesium and Rhodium

Ultraviolet plasmonics (UV) has become an active topic of research due to the new challenges arising in fields such as biosensing, chemistry or spectroscopy. Recent studies have pointed out aluminum, gallium, magnesium and rhodium as promising candidates for plasmonics in the UV range. Aluminum and magnesium present a high oxidation tendency that has a critical effect in their plasmonic performance. Nevertheless, gallium and rhodium have drawn a lot of attention because of their low tendency of oxidation and, at the same time, good plasmonic response in the UV and excellent photocatalytic properties. Here, we present a short overview of the current state of UV plasmonics with the latest findings in the plasmonic response and applications of aluminum, gallium, magnesium and rhodium nanoparticles.
Influence of the Intention to Lean the Body Forward on Kinematics and Kinetics of Sprinting for Active Adults

This study investigated the influence of the intention to lean the body forward on spatiotemporal and ground reaction force variables during the acceleration phase of a sprint. Fourteen active adults performed two 50 m sprints (with and without the intention to lean), during which spatiotemporal variables and impulses were obtained using a long force platform system. Effect size (Cohen’s d) was used to examine the differences between the two trials. We found that running speed and net anteroposterior impulse did not change by the intention for all steps. However, step frequency increased in the initial two steps through decreases in support time and flight time by the intention. Moreover, these shorter support and flight times were caused by a decrease in the vertical impulse. The propulsive impulse did not change during the initial part of acceleration phase, but the braking impulse decreased at the first step. This study demonstrates that an intention to lean the body forward leads to a smaller braking impulse and a higher step frequency through shorter support and flight times and a smaller vertical impulse during the initial part of the acceleration phase of a sprint.
Effects of Dapagliflozin on Volume Status When Added to Renin–Angiotensin System Inhibitors

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of heart and kidney failure in patients with type 2 diabetes, possibly due to diuretic effects. Previous non-placebo-controlled studies with SGLT2 inhibitors observed changes in volume markers in healthy individuals and in patients with type 2 diabetes with preserved kidney function. It is unclear whether patients with type 2 diabetes and signs of kidney damage show similar changes. Therefore, a post hoc analysis was performed on two randomized controlled trials (n = 69), assessing effects of dapagliflozin 10 mg/day when added to renin–angiotensin system inhibition in patients with type 2 diabetes and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g. Blood and 24-h urine was collected at the start and the end of treatment periods lasting six and 12 weeks. Effects of dapagliflozin compared to placebo on various markers of volume status were determined. Fractional lithium excretion, a marker of proximal tubular sodium reabsorption, was assessed in 33 patients. Dapagliflozin increased urinary glucose excretion by 217.2 mmol/24 h (95% confidence interval (CI): from 155.7 to 278.7, p < 0.01) and urinary osmolality by 60.4 mOsmol/kg (from 30.0 to 90.9, p < 0.01), compared to placebo. Fractional lithium excretion increased by 19.6% (from 6.7 to 34.2; p < 0.01), suggesting inhibition of sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule. Renin and copeptin increased by 46.9% (from 21.6 to 77.4, p < 0.01) and 33.0% (from 23.9 to 42.7, p < 0.01), respectively. Free water clearance (FWC) decreased by −885.3 mL/24 h (from −1156.2 to −614.3, p < 0.01). These changes in markers of volume status suggest that dapagliflozin exerts both osmotic and natriuretic diuretic effects in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney damage, as reflected by increased urinary osmolality and fractional lithium excretion. As a result, compensating mechanisms are activated to retain sodium and water.
Recent advances in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder for mental health professionals.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Understanding the pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and treatment implications of the interface between mental disorder and the consequences of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) is important for mental health professionals (MHP) seeking to provide the most effective care. This review was written to highlight the importance of identifying and intervening with regards to the unique mental health and medical needs of individual with PAE. RECENT FINDINGS Over the last year, research has identified differences in the diagnostic criteria for Neurodevelopmental Disorder Associated with PAE (ND-PAE)/Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and called for standardization, given that diagnosis is the main route to appropriate support. Care will improve with advances in epigenetic, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological discoveries regarding the consequences of PAE. For example, recent progressions allow for improved detection of alterations in DNA methylation and functional connectivity between cortical and deep grey matter. Therapeutic innovations targeting specific neurocognitive impairment and ligand-specific symptom clusters, as well as lifelong multidisciplinary interventions to support patients, were reported as producing effective outcomes. SUMMARY Developments in genetics, epigenetics, imaging, and interventions are relevant to the current knowledge of FASD. MHP are encouraged to recognize the importance of understanding unique considerations for this population, including forensic implications and the whole-body impacts of FASD, which could assist in reducing stigma and improving quality of care.
Burden of Cancer Mortality in the Canadian Armed Forces, 1976–2012: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Military personnel may have potential exposures to carcinogens during their military careers. However, the generalizability of causal evidence between occupational exposures and cancer outcomes in military personnel is limited. This study aims to describe the epidemiology cause–specific cancer mortality in still serving and released Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel recruited between 1976 and 2012. Methods: Data came from the Canadian Forces Cancer and Mortality Study II (CF CAMS II), a record-linkage study of approximately 228,685 CAF Regular Force personnel and Reservists. Sex-stratified standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated for each neoplasm subcategory, with the Canadian general population (CGP) as the reference. Results: Approximately 1,450 deaths were attributable to neoplasms. Cancer mortality was lower in both men and women with military service (SMR = 0.77 and 0.78, respectively) versus CGP. Females had a significantly lower risk of breast cancer. Males in the cohort had a significantly lower risk of lip, oral cavity and pharynx, digestive organs, respiratory and intrathoracic organs, bone and articular cartilage, and mesothelial and soft-tissue cancers. However, males also had a significantly increased risk for neoplasms of the central nervous system and lymphoid cells, as well as for certain specific cancer diagnoses. Conclusions: Current and former CAF personnel were at comparable, or lower risk than, the CGP for cancer-related deaths. However, there was an increased risk for certain neoplasm subcategories and specific cancers. Impact: These findings contribute to the limited body of evidence investigating the link between military service and cancer mortality.
Slowing Down Ageing: The Role of Nutrients and Microbiota in Modulation of the Epigenome

The human population is getting ageing. Both ageing and age-related diseases are correlated with an increased number of senescent cells in the organism. Senescent cells do not divide but are metabolically active and influence their environment by secreting many proteins due to a phenomenon known as senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Senescent cells differ from young cells by several features. They possess more damaged DNA, more impaired mitochondria and an increased level of free radicals that cause the oxidation of macromolecules. However, not only biochemical and structural changes are related to senescence. Senescent cells have an altered chromatin structure, and in consequence, altered gene expression. With age, the level of heterochromatin decreases, and less condensed chromatin is more prone to DNA damage. On the one hand, some gene promoters are easily available for the transcriptional machinery; on the other hand, some genes are more protected (locally increased level of heterochromatin). The structure of chromatin is precisely regulated by the epigenetic modification of DNA and posttranslational modification of histones. The methylation of DNA inhibits transcription, histone methylation mostly leads to a more condensed chromatin structure (with some exceptions) and acetylation plays an opposing role. The modification of both DNA and histones is regulated by factors present in the diet. This means that compounds contained in daily food can alter gene expression and protect cells from senescence, and therefore protect the organism from ageing. An opinion prevailed for some time that compounds from the diet do not act through direct regulation of the processes in the organism but through modification of the physiology of the microbiome. In this review we try to explain the role of some food compounds, which by acting on the epigenetic level might protect the organism from age-related diseases and slow down ageing. We also try to shed some light on the role of microbiome in this process.
Comparison of Self-Administered Web-Based and Interviewer Printed Food Frequency Questionnaires for Dietary Assessment in Italian Adolescents

Innovative tools for assessing food and nutrient intakes in adolescence are essential to uncover the long-term effects of diet on chronic diseases. Here, we developed and compared a web-based self-administered food frequency questionnaire (web-FFQ) with a traditional interviewer printed FFQ (print-FFQ) among 174 Italian adolescents (aged 15–18 years). To assess the reliability of the web-FFQ compared with the print-FFQ, we used Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients, Wilcoxon rank test, quartile misclassification analysis, Cohen’s weighted kappa and the Bland–Altman method. Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.14 (i.e., pizza) to 0.67 (i.e., raw vegetables) for foods, and from 0.45 (i.e., monounsaturated fatty acids, MUFA) to 0.62 (i.e., zinc) for nutrients. Results from the Wilcoxon rank test showed that food and nutrient intakes were comparable between two FFQs, except for nuts, shellfish, fruit juices and MUFA. Adolescents classified into the same or adjacent quartiles ranged from 68.2% (i.e., tea) to 89.1% (i.e., raw vegetables and dipping sauces) for foods, and from 77.2% (i.e., vitamin C) to 87.2% (i.e., folate and calcium) for nutrients. Except for pizza, the weighted kappa indicated moderate to substantial agreement for other foods and nutrients. Finally, we demonstrated that the web-FFQ significantly overestimated shellfish and fruit juice intakes, while it underestimated nuts, canned fish, olive oil, total energy intake, fatty acids and calcium. The limits of agreement analysis indicated moderate to wide individual differences for all groups. In conclusion, our self-administered web-FFQ represents an easy, suitable and cost-effective tool for assessing food and nutrient intakes in adolescents. However, the wide individual differences in level of agreement suggest that additional refinements and calibrations are necessary to investigate the effects of absolute nutrient intakes at the individual level.
Predictive value of left ventricular myocardial strain by four‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography combined with red cell distribution width in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

The diagnostic difficulty of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is differentiating it in patients with similar symptoms and signs. This study aimed to assess the potential predictive value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), global radial strain (GRS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and global area strain (GAS) measured by four‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (4DSTE) combined with red cell distribution width (RDW) in patients with HFpEF.
Safety Evaluation of Oral Care Probiotics Weissella cibaria CMU and CMS1 by Phenotypic and Genotypic Analysis

Weissella cibaria CMU and CMS1 are known to exert beneficial effects on the oral cavity but have not yet been determined to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS), although they are used as commercial strains in Korea. We aimed to verify the safety of W. cibaria CMU and CMS1 strains through phenotypic and genotypic analyses. Their safety was evaluated by a minimum inhibitory concentration assay for 14 antibiotics, DNA analysis for 28 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and one conjugative element, antibiotic resistance gene transferability, virulence gene analysis, hemolysis, mucin degradation, toxic metabolite production, and platelet aggregation reaction. W. cibaria CMU showed higher kanamycin resistance than the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) cut-off, but this resistance was not transferred to the recipient strain. W. cibaria CMU and CMS1 lacked ARGs in chromosomes and plasmids, and genetic analysis confirmed that antibiotic resistance of kanamycin was an intrinsic characteristic of W. cibaria. Additionally, these strains did not harbor virulence genes associated with pathogenic bacteria and lacked toxic metabolite production, β-hemolysis, mucin degradation, bile salt deconjugation, β-glucuronidase, nitroreductase activity, gelatin liquefaction, phenylalanine degradation, and platelet aggregation. Our findings demonstrate that W. cibaria CMU and CMS1 can achieve the GRAS status in future.
The influence of body dissatisfaction on cardiovascular and strength-based physical activity by gender: a self-determination theory approach

Abstract Physical activity—or lack thereof—is one behaviour that may help explain why individuals who are dissatisfied with their bodies experience poor health outcomes. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the mediating role of behavioural regulations (i.e., autonomous and controlled) in the relation between body dissatisfaction and physical activity and to determine whether this mediated relationship was moderated by gender. Additionally, this relation was examined for both cardiovascular and strength-based physical activity. Design: A two-week daily-diary study was conducted. Measures: The Body Shape Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire – 3, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to test the main hypotheses. Results: For men and women, body dissatisfaction was related to less frequent cardiovascular and strength-based activity due to lower levels of intrinsic regulation. In women, the relation between body dissatisfaction and activity (cardiovascular and strength-based) was partially mediated by controlled regulations (i.e., external and introjected). That is, women who were dissatisfied exercised more because they were more likely to feel that they had to appease others or themselves. Conclusion: The present study provides direction for targeting physical activity behaviours in college students who are dissatisfied with their bodies.
Evaluation of the Pediatric Trauma Patient: Support for Judicious Use of CT Imaging.

Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited Pediatric Critical Care Medicine www.pccmjournal. org 579 The most common cause of mortality in children ages 1–9 is unintentional injury (1). For critically injured children, missed injuries can contribute to poor outcomes. Most pediatric trauma patients suffer injury from blunt mechanisms—such as falls or motor vehicle, sports, or bicycle accidents (2). In order to accurately and quickly identify such injuries, CT has been widely accepted as the standard of care as part of the initial clinical assessment (3). In addition, CT imaging may be necessary when the physical examination may be unreliable, especially in the setting of a head injury. There is little concern about the long-term effects of ionizing radiation exposure in injured adults. However, such concerns may be very real for the injured child. Longer life expectancy and higher cell turnover rates in children likely increase the occurrence of radiation-induced injury (4). Radiation exposure is believed to increase the risk of brain and blood cancers as well as genetic mutations that can be passed to offspring (5). In 2010, the Health Physical Society recommended 50 milliSeverts per year as the maximum effective dose of radiation for radiation workers and 100 milliSeverts in a lifetime. These values represent a level of risk below which radiation-induced injury is difficult to measure (6). The radiation dosage of a whole body CT (WBCT; head, cervical spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast) is approximately 30 milliSeverts. If the WBCT is performed with angiography, there is an additional exposure of about 20 milliSeverts (5). Accordingly, one WBCT could be equivalent to the recommended maximum yearly effective dose of radiation for an adult. Therefore, the community of pediatric medical and surgical providers has tried to decrease exposure to ionizing radiation. The use of selective CT in the evaluation of pediatric trauma patients is one area that is being studied. The report by Abe et al (7), published in this issue of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, asks the question whether
[The association of GSTP1 polymorphisms with male idiopathic infertility].

AIM To identify the association between Ile105Val, Ala114Val polymorphisms of gene GSTP1 (glutathione transferase pi1) and infertility in Russian men. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 160 infertile Russian men of reproductive age (mean age 30.2+/-3.6 years) were included in study group, while in control group there were 104 age-matched healthy fertile Russian male (mean age 31.3+/-5.4 years). Molecular and genetic studies of Ile105Val, Ala114Val polymorphisms of gene GSTP1 were performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood. RESULTS A frequency of genotypes (p=0.024; df=2; p=0.024) and alleles (z=2,778; p=0,005) of Ile105Val locus was significantly different in the study and control group. In the study group, there was an increase in the frequency of the Ile/Ile genotype by 13% (=3.995; df=1; p=0.046) and a decrease in the frequency of the Val/Val genotype by 6% (=4.887; df=1; p=0.027). A rate of genotype Ile/Ile in infertile men with was 1.7 time higher than in control group (odds ratio (OR):1.73; 95% confidence interval (Cl): 1.04-2.87; p<0.05). There was not significant difference in frequency of genotypes and alleles of Ala114Val polymorphism of gene GSTP1 between the study and control groups. CONCLUSIONS The male infertility in Russia is associated with Ile105Val polymorphism and not associated with Ala114Val polymorphism of gene GSTP1. In infertile men wild-type genotype and major allele Ile105Val polymorphism of gene GSTP1 were significant more frequent compared to control group. A rate of genotype Ile/Ile in men with infertility was 1.7 time higher.
Trehalose protects Escherichia coli against carbon stress manifested by protein acetylation and aggregation

The disaccharide trehalose is widely distributed in nature and can serve as a carbon reservoir, a signaling molecule for controlling glucose metabolism and a stress protectant. We demonstrated that in Escherichia coli ΔotsA cells, which are unable to synthesize trehalose, the aggregation of endogenous proteins during the stationary phase was increased in comparison to wild‐type cells. The lack of trehalose synthesis boosted Nε‐lysine acetylation of proteins, which in turn enhanced their hydrophobicity and aggregation. This increased Nε‐lysine acetylation could result from carbon overflow and the accumulation of acetyl phosphate caused by the ΔotsA mutation. These findings provide a better understanding of the previously reported protective functions of trehalose in protein stabilization and the prevention of protein aggregation. Our results indicate that trehalose may participate in proteostasis not only as a chemical chaperone but also as a metabolite that indirectly counteracts detrimental protein acetylation. We propose that trehalose protects E. coli against carbon stress – the synthesis and storage of trehalose can prevent carbon overflow, which otherwise is manifested by protein acetylation and aggregation.
Lactic Acid Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Mast Cell Function by Limiting Glycolysis and ATP Availability

Key Points Lactic acid suppresses LPS-mediated mast cell function. Suppression required the MCT-1 transporter and reduced NF-κB function. Lactic acid suppresses LPS-induced glycolysis; these effects are linked to suppression. Sepsis has a well-studied inflammatory phase, with a less-understood secondary immunosuppressive phase. Elevated blood lactate and slow lactate clearance are associated with mortality; however, regulatory roles are unknown. We hypothesized that lactic acid (LA) contributes to the late phase and is not solely a consequence of bacterial infection. No studies have examined LA effects in sepsis models in vivo or a mechanism by which it suppresses LPS-induced activation in vitro. Because mast cells can be activated systemically and contribute to sepsis, we examined LA effects on the mast cell response to LPS. LA significantly suppressed LPS-induced cytokine production and NF-κB transcriptional activity in mouse bone marrow–derived mast cells and cytokine production in peritoneal mast cells. Suppression was MCT-1 dependent and reproducible with sodium lactate or formic acid. Further, LA significantly suppressed cytokine induction following LPS-induced endotoxemia in mice. Because glycolysis is linked to inflammation and LA is a byproduct of this process, we examined changes in glucose metabolism. LA treatment reduced glucose uptake and lactate export during LPS stimulation. LA effects were mimicked by glycolytic inhibitors and reversed by increasing ATP availability. These results indicate that glycolytic suppression and ATP production are necessary and sufficient for LA effects. Our work suggests that enhancing glycolysis and ATP production could improve immune function, counteracting LA suppressive effects in the immunosuppressive phase of sepsis.