bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alteration of Bacterial Communities in Anterior Nares and Skin Sites of Patients Undergoing Arthroplasty Surgery: Analysis by 16S rRNA and Staphylococcal-Specific tuf Gene Sequencing
Authors: Iversen Søren , Johannesen Thor Bech , Ingham Anna Cäcilia , Edslev Sofie Marie , Tevell Staffan , Månsson Emeli , Nilsdotter-Augustinsson Åsa , Söderquist Bo , Stegger Marc , Andersen Paal Skytt
Published: December 2020

The aim was to study alterations of bacterial communities in patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty to assess the impact of chlorhexidine gluconate soap decolonisation and systemic antibiotic prophylaxis. A Swedish multicentre, prospective collection of samples obtained from elective arthroplasty patients (n = 83) by swabbing anterior nares, skin sites in the groin and the site of planned surgery, before and after arthroplasty surgery, was analysed by 16S rRNA (V3-V4) gene sequencing and a complementary targeted tuf gene sequencing approach to comprehensively characterise alterations in staphylococcal communities. Significant reductions in alpha diversity was detected for both bacterial (p = 0.04) and staphylococcal (p = 0.03) groin communities after arthroplasty surgery with significant reductions in relative Corynebacterium (p = 0.001) abundance and Staphylococcus hominis (p = 0.01) relative staphylococcal abundance. In nares, significant reductions occurred for Staphylococcus hominis (p = 0.02), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (p = 0.02), and Staphylococcus pasteuri (p = 0.003) relative to other staphylococci. Staphylococcus aureus colonised 35% of anterior nares before and 26% after arthroplasty surgery. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most abundant staphylococcal species at all sampling sites. No bacterial genus or staphylococcal species increased significantly after arthroplasty surgery. Application of a targeted tuf gene sequencing approach provided auxiliary staphylococcal community profiles and allowed species-level characterisation directly from low biomass clinical samples.
Exopolymeric Substances Control Microbial Community Structure and Function by Contributing to both C and Fe Nutrition in Fe-Limited Southern Ocean Provinces
Authors: Blanco-Ameijeiras Sonia , Cabanes Damien J. E. , Cable Rachel N. , Trimborn Scarlett , Jacquet Stéphan , Wiegmann Sonja , Völkner Christian , Lelchat Florian , Bracher Astrid , Duhaime Melissa B. , Hassler Christel S.
Published: December 2020

Organic ligands such as exopolymeric substances (EPS) are known to form complexes with iron (Fe) and modulate phytoplankton growth. However, the effect of organic ligands on bacterial and viral communities remains largely unknown. Here, we assessed how Fe associated with organic ligands influences phytoplankton, microbial, and viral abundances and their diversity in the Southern Ocean. While the particulate organic carbon (POC) was modulated by Fe chemistry and bioavailability in the Drake Passage, the abundance and diversity of microbes and viruses were not governed by Fe bioavailability. Only following amendments with bacterial EPS did bacterial abundances increase, while phenotypic alpha diversity of bacterial and viral communities decreased. The latter was accompanied by significantly enhanced POC, pointing toward the relief of C limitation or other drivers of the microbial loop. Based on the literature and our findings, we propose a conceptual framework by which EPS may affect phytoplankton, bacteria, and viruses. Given the importance of the Southern Ocean for Earth’s climate as well as the prevalence of viruses and their increasingly recognized impact on marine biogeochemistry and C cycling; the role of microbe–virus interactions on primary productivity in the Southern Ocean needs urgent attention.
Genomic Epidemiology of Carbapenemase Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains at a Northern Portuguese Hospital Enables the Detection of a Misidentified Klebsiella variicola KPC-3 Producing Strain
Authors: Perdigão João , Caneiras Cátia , Elias Rita , Modesto Ana , Spadar Anton , Phelan Jody , Campino Susana , Clark Taane G. , Costa Eliana , Saavedra Maria José , Duarte Aida
Published: December 2020

The evolutionary epidemiology, resistome, virulome and mobilome of thirty-one multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates from the northern Vila Real region of Portugal were characterized using whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. The genomic population structure was dominated by two main sequence types (STs): ST147 (n = 17; 54.8%) and ST15 (n = 6; 19.4%) comprising four distinct genomic clusters. Two main carbapenemase coding genes were detected (blaKPC-3 and blaOXA-48) along with additional extended-spectrum β-lactamase coding loci (blaCTX-M-15, blaSHV-12, blaSHV-27, and blaSHV-187). Moreover, whole genome sequencing enabled the identification of one Klebsiella variicola KPC-3 producer isolate previously misidentified as K. pneumoniae, which in addition to the blaKPC-3 carbapenemase gene, bore the chromosomal broad spectrum β-lactamase blaLEN-2 coding gene, oqxAB and fosA resistance loci. The blaKPC-3 genes were located in a Tn4401b transposon (K. variicolan = 1; K. pneumoniaen = 2) and Tn4401d isoform (K. pneumoniaen = 28). Overall, our work describes the first report of a blaKPC-3 producing K. variicola, as well as the detection of this species during infection control measures in surveillance cultures from infected patients. It also highlights the importance of additional control measures to overcome the clonal dissemination of carbapenemase producing clones.
A New Belt Ore Image Segmentation Method Based on the Convolutional Neural Network and the Image-Processing Technology
Authors: Ma Xiqi , Zhang Pengyu , Man Xiaofei , Ou Leming
Published: December 2020

In the field of mineral processing, an accurate image segmentation method is crucial for measuring the size distribution of run-of-mine ore on the conveyor belts in real time0The image-based measurement is considered to be real time, on-line, inexpensive, and non-intrusive. In this paper, a new belt ore image segmentation method was proposed based on a convolutional neural network and image processing technology. It consisted of a classification model and two segmentation algorithms. A total of 2880 images were collected as an original dataset from the process control system (PCS). The test images were processed using the proposed method, the PCS system, the coarse image segmentation (CIS) algorithm, and the fine image segmentation (FIS) algorithm, respectively. The segmentation results of each algorithm were compared with those of the manual segmentation. All empty belt images in the test images were accurately identified by our method. The maximum error between the segmentation results of our method and the results of manual segmentation is 5.61%. The proposed method can accurately identify the empty belt images and segment the coarse material images and mixed material images with high accuracy. Notably, it can be used as a brand new algorithm for belt ore image processing.
Heavy Metals Content in the Soils of the Tatra National Park Near Lake Morskie Oko and Kasprowy Wierch—A Case Study (Tatra Mts, Central Europe)
Authors: Korzeniowska Joanna , Krąż Paweł
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the content of selected heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the soils of the Tatra National Park (TNP). In order to determine the anthropogenic impact on the environment, the following coefficients were calculated: enrichment factors (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (Cf), degree of contamination (Cd), and modified degree of contamination (mCd). It turned out that in the Kasprowy Wierch and Lake Morskie Oko test areas, the content of metals in the soil decreases with the increasing altitude above sea level. In both regions, the highest concentrations of cadmium and lead were found, for which the coefficients indicated significant environmental pollution. These metals, since they persist in the atmosphere for a long time and have a small particle diameter, can be moved over long distances. Long-range emission contributes to environmental contamination on a global scale. Under the influence of such emissions, even protected areas such as the Tatra National Park, considered to be of natural value, are exposed to the effects of human activities (industry in general, automotive industry in particular).
Effect of Oligosaccharide Degree of Polymerization on the Induction of Xylan-Degrading Enzymes by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici
Authors: Najjarzadeh Nasim , Matsakas Leonidas , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul
Published: December 2020

Xylan is one of the most abundant carbohydrates on Earth. Complete degradation of xylan is achieved by the collaborative action of endo-β-1,4-xylanases and β-d-xylosidases and a number of accessories enzymes. In filamentous fungi, the xylanolytic system is controlled through induction and repression. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Substrates containing xylan promote the induction of xylanases, which release xylooligosaccharides. These, in turn, induce expression of xylanase-encoding genes. Here, we aimed to determine which xylan degradation products acted as inducers, and whether the size of the released oligomer correlated with its induction strength. To this end, we compared xylanase production by different inducers, such as sophorose, lactose, cellooligosaccharides, and xylooligosaccharides in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Results indicate that xylooligosaccharides are more effective than other substrates at inducing endoxylanase and β-xylosidases. Moreover, we report a correlation between the degree of xylooligosaccharide polymerization and induction efficiency of each enzyme. Specifically, xylotetraose is the best inducer of endoxylanase, xylohexaose of extracellular β-xylosidase, and xylobiose of cell-bound β-xylosidase.
In Vitro Evaluation of Pro- and Antioxidant Effects of Flavonoid Tricetin in Comparison to Myricetin
Authors: Chobot Vladimir , Hadacek Franz , Bachmann Gert , Weckwerth Wolfram , Kubicova Lenka
Published: December 2020

Flavonoids are rather common plant phenolic constituents that are known for potent antioxidant effects and can be beneficial for human health. Flavonoids with a pyrogallol moiety are highly efficient reducing agents with possible pro- and antioxidant effects, depending on the reaction milieu. Therefore, the redox properties of myricetin and tricetin were investigated by differential pulse voltammetry and deoxyribose degradation assay. Tricetin proved to be a good antioxidant but only showed negligible pro-oxidant activity in one of the deoxyribose degradation assay variants. Compared to tricetin, myricetin showed pro- and antioxidant effects. The more efficient reducing properties of myricetin are probably caused by the positive mesomeric effect of the enolic 3-hydroxy group on ring C. It is evident that the antioxidant properties of structurally similar flavonoids can be converted to apparent pro-oxidant effects by relatively small structural changes, such as hydroxylation. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) often serve as secondary messengers in pathological and physiological processes in animal and plant cells, the pro- and antioxidant properties of flavonoids are an important part of controlling mechanisms of tissue signal cascades.
Development and Characterization of an Orodispersible Film for Vitamin D3 Supplementation
Authors: Cupone Irma Elisa , Dellera Eleonora , Marra Fabio , Giori Andrea Maria
Published: December 2020

Vitamin D plays a crucial and very well-known role in regulation of calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism and mineralization. However, a huge and more recent body of evidence supports the positive influence of vitamin D on the regulation of immune response, ranging from protection against respiratory tract infections to prevention and management of asthma. Nevertheless, vitamin D deficiency is a very common condition and there is an increasing need for suitable products for proper supplementation, allowing good compliance also in specific populations. Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) were first developed to overcome the difficulty experienced by pediatric and geriatric patients of swallowing traditional oral dosage forms and, recently, orodispersible films (ODF) are gaining popularity as novel dosage form for assuming active pharmaceutical ingredients, vitamins, and ingredients for food supplements. This study describes a 2000 IU Vitamin D3 ODF for daily intake, consisting of hydrophilic polymers and suitable excipients, manufactured by film-casting process. Elongation-at-break (E%), Young’s modulus (Y), and tensile strength (TS) were investigated using a dynamometer. Chemical stability was evaluated assaying the vitamin D3 in the films stored at different environmental conditions. In addition, in vitro disintegration and dissolution studies were performed. Correlation existed between the mechanical properties of the film and the residual water, acting as plasticizer. The stability study showed that vitamin D3 assay was ≥90% also after 3 months at 40 °C. The film disintegrated in less than 1 min and the vitamin D3 released was ≥75% after 15 min. An ODF with suitable properties can be manufactured and used as innovative dosage form for vitamin D3 food supplements.
Therapeutic Effects of Gallic Acid in Regulating Senescence and Diabetes; an In Vitro Study
Authors: Rahimifard Mahban , Baeeri Maryam , Bahadar Haji , Moini-Nodeh Shermineh , Khalid Madiha , Haghi-Aminjan Hamed , Mohammadian Hossein , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Gallic acid (GA), a plant-derived ubiquitous secondary polyphenol metabolite, can be a useful dietary supplement. This in vitro study’s primary purpose was to assess the anti-aging properties of GA using rat embryonic fibroblast (REF) cells, antidiabetic effects via pancreatic islet cells, and finally, elucidating the molecular mechanisms of this natural compound. REF and islet cells were isolated from fetuses and pancreas of rats, respectively. Then, several senescence-associated molecular and biochemical parameters, along with antidiabetic markers, were investigated. GA caused a significant decrease in the β-galactosidase activity and reduced inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers in REF cells. GA reduced the G0/G1 phase in senescent REF cells that led cells to G2/M. Besides, GA improved the function of the β cells. Flow cytometry and spectrophotometric analysis showed that it reduces apoptosis via inhibiting caspase-9 activity. Taken together, based on the present findings, this polyphenol metabolite at low doses regulates different pathways of senescence and diabetes through its antioxidative stress potential and modulation of mitochondrial complexes activities.
The Anti-Cancer Effect of Linusorb B3 from Flaxseed Oil through the Promotion of Apoptosis, Inhibition of Actin Polymerization, and Suppression of Src Activity in Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Sung Nak Yoon , Jeong Deok , Shim Youn Young , Ratan Zubair Ahmed , Jang Young-Jin , Reaney Martin J. T. , Lee Sarah , Lee Byoung-Hee , Kim Jong-Hoon , Yi Young-Su , Cho Jae Youl
Published: December 2020

Linusorbs (LOs) are natural peptides found in flaxseed oil that exert various biological activities. Of LOs, LOB3 ([1–9-NαC]-linusorb B3) was reported to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities; however, its anti-cancer activity has been poorly understood. Therefore, this study investigated the anti-cancer effect of LOB3 and its underlying mechanism in glioblastoma cells. LOB3 induced apoptosis and suppressed the proliferation of C6 cells by inhibiting the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and p53, as well as promoting the activation of pro-apoptotic caspases, caspase-3 and -9. LOB3 also retarded the migration of C6 cells, which was achieved by suppressing the formation of the actin cytoskeleton critical for the progression, invasion, and metastasis of cancer. Moreover, LOB3 inhibited the activation of the proto-oncogene, Src, and the downstream effector, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), in C6 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that LOB3 plays an anti-cancer role by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the migration of C6 cells through the regulation of apoptosis-related molecules, actin polymerization, and proto-oncogenes.
Styrylpyrazoles: Properties, Synthesis and Transformations
Authors: Gomes Pedro M. O. , Ouro Pedro M. S. , Silva Artur M. S. , Silva Vera L. M.
Published: December 2020

The pyrazole nucleus and its reduced forms, pyrazolines and pyrazolidine, are privileged scaffolds in medicinal chemistry due to their remarkable biological activities. A huge number of pyrazole derivatives have been studied and reported over time. This review article gives an overview of pyrazole derivatives that contain a styryl (2-arylvinyl) group linked in different positions of the pyrazole backbone. Although there are studies on the synthesis of styrylpyrazoles dating back to the 1970s and even earlier, this type of compound has rarely been studied. This timely review intends to summarize the properties, biological activity, methods of synthesis and transformation of styrylpyrazoles; thus, highlighting the interest and huge potential for application of this kind of compound.
Changes in Feed Proanthocyanidin Profiles during Silage Production and Digestion by Lamb
Authors: Girard Marion , Lehtimäki Annika , Bee Giuseppe , Dohme-Meier Frigga , Karonen Maarit , Salminen Juha-Pekka
Published: December 2020

Proanthocyanidins are plant specialized metabolites which are beneficial to animal nutrition and health. This study determined how proanthocyanidin profiles of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) change during the forage conservation process and along the digestive tract of lamb. We determined soluble, protein- and fiber-bound proanthocyanidins by spectrophotometric methods and soluble proanthocyanidin profiles by UPLC-MS/MS. During the conservation process, the total proanthocyanidin contents reduced in both forages and the relative proportion of insoluble proanthocyanidins increased, especially in sainfoin. The soluble proanthocyanidins, their mean degree of polymerization and the relative prodelphinidin share declined in both feed species. In the abomasum of lambs fed sainfoin silage, most of the proanthocyanidins were in insoluble form bound to proteins and fibers, but in the small and large intestines, the proportion of soluble proanthocyanidins increased again. For lambs fed birdsfoot trefoil, the trend was not so clear as proanthocyanidins were already mainly soluble in the abomasum. Nevertheless, a large part of soluble proanthocyanidins was recovered in the digestive tract but could not be detected by the UPLC-MS/MS method used. This study suggests that proanthocyanidins have probably been metabolized in the digestive tract by the resident microbiota.
Genome Mining Reveals Two Missing CrtP and AldH Enzymes in the C30 Carotenoid Biosynthesis Pathway in Planococcus faecalis AJ003T
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Kim Jin Won , Lee Pyung Cheon
Published: December 2020

Planococcus faecalis AJ003T produces glycosyl-4,4′-diaponeurosporen-4′-ol-4-oic acid as its main carotenoid. Five carotenoid pathway genes were presumed to be present in the genome of P. faecalis AJ003T; however, 4,4-diaponeurosporene oxidase (CrtP) was non-functional, and a gene encoding aldehyde dehydrogenase (AldH) was not identified. In the present study, a genome mining approach identified two missing enzymes, CrtP2 and AldH2454, in the glycosyl-4,4′-diaponeurosporen-4′-ol-4-oic acid biosynthetic pathway. Moreover, CrtP2 and AldH enzymes were functional in heterologous Escherichia coli and generated two carotenoid aldehydes (4,4′-diapolycopene-dial and 4,4′-diaponeurosporene-4-al) and two carotenoid carboxylic acids (4,4′-diaponeurosporenoic acid and 4,4′-diapolycopenoic acid). Furthermore, the genes encoding CrtP2 and AldH2454 were located at a distance the carotenoid gene cluster of P. faecalis.
Galeon: A Biologically Active Molecule with In Silico Metabolite Prediction, In Vitro Metabolic Profiling in Rat Liver Microsomes, and In Silico Binding Mechanisms with CYP450 Isoforms
Authors: Rahman A. F. M. Motiur , Yin Wencui , Kadi Adnan A. , Jahng Yurngdong
Published: December 2020

Galeon, a natural cyclic-diarylheptanoid (CDH), which was first isolated from Myrica gale L., is known to have potent cytotoxicity against A549 cell lines, anti-tubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, chemo-preventive potential, and moderate topoisomerase inhibitory activity. Here, in silico metabolism and toxicity prediction of galeon by CYP450, in vitro metabolic profiling study in rat liver microsomes (RLMs), and molecular interactions of galeon-CYP450 isoforms were performed. An in silico metabolic prediction study showed demethyl and mono-hydroxy galeon were the metabolites with the highest predictability. Among the predicted metabolites, mono-hydroxy galeon was found to have plausible toxicities such as skin sensitization, thyroid toxicity, chromosome damage, and carcinogenicity. An in vitro metabolism study of galeon, incubated in RLMs, revealed eighteen Phase-I metabolites, nine methoxylamine, and three glutathione conjugates. Identification of possible metabolites and confirmation of their structures were carried out using ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry. In silico docking analysis of galeon demonstrated significant interactions with active site residues of almost all CYP450 isoforms.
Tailoring Carbon Nanotubes to Enhance their Efficiency as Electron Shuttle on the Biological Removal of Acid Orange 10 Under Anaerobic Conditions
Authors: Silva Ana Rita , Soares O. Salomé G.P. , Pereira M. Fernando R. , Alves M. Madalena , Pereira Luciana
Published: December 2020

Anaerobic treatments have been described for the biodegradation of pollutants. However, the reactions proceed slowly due to the recalcitrant nature of these compounds. Carbon nanomaterials (CNM) intermediate in, and favor, the electron transfer, accelerating the anaerobic reduction of pollutants, which act as final electron acceptors. In the present work, different carbon nanotubes (CNT) with modified surface chemistry, namely CNT oxidized with HNO3 (CNT_HNO3) and CNT doped with nitrogen in a ball milling process (CNT_N_MB) were prepared using commercial CNT as a starting material. The new CNM were tested as redox mediators (RM), 0.1 g L−1, in the biological reduction of the azo dye, Acid Orange 10 (AO10), with an anaerobic granular sludge, over 48 h of reaction. Methane production was also assessed to verify the microorganism’s activity and the CNM’s effect on the methanogenic activity. An improvement in the biological removal of AO10 occurred with all CNM (above 90%), when compared with the control without CNM (only 32.4 ± 0.3%). The best results were obtained with CNT_N_MB, which achieved 98.2 ± 0.1% biological AO10 removal, and an 11-fold reduction rate increase. In order to confer magnetic properties to the CNM, tailored CNT were impregnated with 2% of iron-samples: CNT@2%Fe, CNT@2%Fe_N_MB, and CNT@2%Fe_HNO3. The better performance of the CNT doped with nitrogen was confirmed with CNT@2%Fe_N_MB, and the magnetic character facilitated its recovery after treatment, and did not affect its good catalytic properties. No dye removal was observed in the abiotic assays, so the removal was not due to adsorption on the CNM. Furthermore, the microorganism’s viability was maintained during the assay and methane production was not affected by the presence of the CNM. Despite the toxic character of the aromatic amines formed, detoxification was observed after the biological process with thermally treated CNT.
Growth of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Gold—Influence of Surface Roughness and Chemical Composition
Authors: Grudzień Joanna , Jarosz Magdalena , Kamiński Kamil , Kobasa Mirosława , Wolski Karol , Kozieł Marcin , Pisarek Marcin , Sulka Grzegorz D.
Published: December 2020

The main focus of this work was to establish a correlation between surface topography and chemistry and surface colonization by lactic acid bacteria. For this reason, we chose gold substrates with different surface architectures (i.e., smooth and nanorough) that were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), electron scanning microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Moreover, to enhance biocompatibility, we modified gold substrates with polymeric monolayers, namely cationic dextran derivatives with different molar masses. The presence of those layers was confirmed by AFM, infrared spectroscopy (IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In order to determine the adhesion abilities of non-modified and modified gold surfaces, we tested three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains (i.e., Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus plantarum 299v). We have shown that surface roughness influences the surface colonization of bacteria, and the most significant impact on the growth was observed for the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain. What is more, covering the gold surface with a molecular polymeric film by using the layer-by-layer (LbL) method allows additional changes in the bacterial growth, independently on the used strain. The well-being of the bacteria cells on tested surfaces was confirmed by using selective staining and fluorescence microscopy. Finally, we have determined the bacterial metabolic activity by measuring the amount of produced lactic acid regarding the growth conditions. The obtained results proved that the adhesion of bacteria to the metallic surface depends on the chemistry and topography of the surface, as well as the specific bacteria strain.
Multi-Functional Properties of MWCNT/PVA Buckypapers Fabricated by Vacuum Filtration Combined with Hot Press: Thermal, Electrical and Electromagnetic Shielding
Authors: Cao Liyang , Liu Yongsheng , Wang Jing , Pan Yu , Zhang Yunhai , Wang Ning , Chen Jie
Published: December 2020

The applications of pure multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) buckypapers are still limited due to their unavoidable micro/nano-sized pores structures. In this work, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was added to a uniform MWCNTs suspension to form MWCNT/PVA buckypapers by vacuum infiltration combined with a hot press method. The results showed an improvement in the thermal, electrical, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties due to the formation of dense MWCNTs networks. The thermal and electrical properties rose from 1.394 W/m·k to 2.473 W/m·k and 463.5 S/m to 714.3 S/m, respectively. The EMI performance reached 27.08 dB. On the other hand, ABAQUS finite element software was used to simulate the coupled temperature-displacement performance. The electronic component module with buckypapers revealed a homogeneous temperature and thermal stress distribution. In sum, the proposed method looks promising for the easy preparation of multi-functional nanocomposites at low-cost.
The Effects of Brown Algae-Derived Monosaccharide L-Fucose on Lipid Metabolism in C57BL/6J Obese Mice
Authors: Yuan Xiao , Nakao Tomohiko , Satone Hina , Ohara Kazuyuki , Kominami Yuri , Ito Miho , Aizawa Teruki , Ueno Tomoya , Ushio Hideki
Published: December 2020

Obesity is a global public health problem and a risk factor for several metabolic disorders as well as cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of L-fucose on lipid metabolism through chronic and acute in vivo experiments in mice. In the chronic test, mice were fed a high-calorie diet (HCD) containing 0.0001%, 0.001%, 0.01%, and 0.1% L-fucose for one month. The L-fucose supplementation inhibited body weight and visceral fat mass gain in HCD-fed mice. The results of the acute test showed that L-fucose increased the ratio of serum high molecular weight adiponectin and enhanced glucose and lipid catabolism. Furthermore, L-fucose also decreased the expression of adipogenic genes (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and cluster of differentiation 36). In conclusion, this study provides a new approach to combat obesity and the related diseases.
High-Dose Cholecalciferol Booster Therapy is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Mortality in Patients with COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Multi-Centre Observational Study
Authors: Ling Stephanie F. , Broad Eleanor , Murphy Rebecca , Pappachan Joseph M. , Pardesi-Newton Satveer , Kong Marie-France , Jude Edward B.
Published: December 2020

The worldwide pandemic of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed the most substantial and severe public health issue for several generations, and therapeutic options have not yet been optimised. Vitamin D (in its “parent” form, cholecalciferol) has been proposed in the pharmacological management of COVID-19 by various sources. We aimed to determine whether COVID-19 mortality was affected by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, vitamin D status, or cholecalciferol therapy, and to elucidate any other predictors of COVID-19 mortality. Patients hospitalised with COVID-19 were opportunistically recruited from three UK hospitals, and their data were collected retrospectively. Logistic regression was used to determine any relationships between COVID-19 mortality and potential predictors, including 25(OH)D levels and cholecalciferol booster therapy. A total of 986 participants with COVID-19 were studied, of whom 151 (16.0%) received cholecalciferol booster therapy. In the primary cohort of 444 patients, cholecalciferol booster therapy was associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 mortality, following adjustment for potential confounders (ORadj 0.13, 95% CI 0.05–0.35, p < 0.001). This finding was replicated in a validation cohort of 541 patients (ORadj 0.38, 95% CI 0.17–0.84, p = 0.018). In this observational study, treatment with cholecalciferol booster therapy, regardless of baseline serum 25(OH)D levels, appears to be associated with a reduced risk of mortality in acute in-patients admitted with COVID-19. Further work with large population studies needs to be carried out to determine adequate serum 25(OH)D levels, as well as multi-dose clinical trials of cholecalciferol therapy to assess maximum efficacy.
Effect of Overeating Dietary Protein at Different Levels on Circulating Lipids and Liver Lipid: The PROOF Study
Authors: Bray George A. , Redman Leanne M. , Rood Jennifer , de Jonge Lilian , Smith Steven R.
Published: December 2020

Background: During overeating, a low protein diet slowed the rate of weight gain and increased the energy cost of the added weight, suggesting that low protein diets reduced energy efficiency. The Protein Overfeeding (PROOF) study explored the metabolic changes to low and high protein diets, and this sub-study examined the changes in body composition and blood lipids when eating high and low protein diets during overeating. Methods: Twenty-three healthy volunteers (M = 14; F = 9) participated in an 8-week, parallel arm study where they were overfed by ~40% with diets containing 5% (LPD = low protein diet), 15% (NPD = normal protein diet), or 25% (HPD = high protein diet) protein. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and computer tomography (CT) were used to quantify whole body and abdominal fat and intrahepatic lipid, respectively. Metabolites were measured by standard methods. Results: Protein intake and fat intake were inversely related since carbohydrate intake was fixed. Although overeating the LPD diet was associated with a significant increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (p < 0.001) and free fatty acids (p = 0.034), and a significant decrease in fat free mass (p < 0.0001) and liver density (p = 0.038), statistical models showed that dietary protein was the main contributor to changes in fat free mass (p = 0.0040), whereas dietary fat was the major predictor of changes in HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.014), free fatty acids (p = 0.0016), and liver fat (p = 0.0007). Conclusions: During 8 weeks of overeating, the level of dietary protein intake was positively related to the change in fat free mass, but not to the change in HDL-cholesterol, free fatty acids, and liver fat which were, in contrast, related to the intake of dietary fat.
Role of Fluid Milk in Attenuating Postprandial Hyperglycemia and Hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Leary Miriam , Tanaka Hirofumi
Published: December 2020

Postprandial plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations are predictive of relative cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and the pathogenesis of both insulin resistance and atherosclerosis has been attributed to acute states of hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Postprandial lipemia and hyperglycemia suppress vascular reactivity and induce endothelial dysfunction. Epidemiological studies suggest that chronically-high consumption of milk and milk products is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and CVD. The addition of dairy products to meals high in carbohydrates and fat may lessen these risks through reductions in postprandial glucose and triglyceride responses. Purported mechanisms include dairy proteins and bioactive compounds, which may explain the inverse relationship between dairy consumption and cardiometabolic diseases. The current review evaluates the available literature describing the relationships between metabolic dysfunction, postprandial metabolism, and vascular dysfunction and discusses the potential role of milk and dairy products in attenuating these impairments.
Dietary Ferulic Acid Supplementation Improves Antioxidant Capacity and Lipid Metabolism in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Wang Youxia , Chen Xiaoling , Huang Zhiqing , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , Yu Jie , Chen Hong , He Jun , Luo Yuheng , Zheng Ping
Published: December 2020

Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic compound that has antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antimicrobial, antiviral, and vasodilatory effects. This study was conducted to explore the effects of dietary FA supplementation on antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism in weaned piglets. Eighteen 21-day-old castrated male DLY (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) weaned piglets were randomly divided into control, 0.05%, and 0.45% FA groups. The results showed that, in serum, CAT and T-SOD activities and content of HDL-C were increased, but the content of MDA and the activities of T-CHO and LDL-C were decreased, by FA supplementation. In liver, dietary FA supplementation increased CAT, T-SOD, and GSH-PX activities and upregulated the mRNA levels of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, GST, GPX1, GR, Nrf2, HSL, CPT1b, and PPARα but decreased the contents of MDA and TG. Furthermore, dietary FA supplementation increased the protein level of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1. In longissimus dorsi muscle, dietary FA supplementation increased the activity of T-SOD and the mRNA abundance of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, GST, GPX1, GR, and Nrf2 but decreased the contents of MDA and T-CHO. Additionally, dietary FA supplementation increased the protein expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1. Together, our data suggest that FA could improve antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism in weaned piglets.
Placebo Effect of Caffeine on Maximal Strength and Strength Endurance in Healthy Recreationally Trained Women Habituated to Caffeine
Authors: Filip-Stachnik Aleksandra , Krzysztofik Michal , Kaszuba Magdalena , Leońska-Duniec Agata , Czarny Wojciech , Del Coso Juan , Wilk Michal
Published: December 2020

Background: By using deceptive experimental designs, several investigations have observed that trained individuals may increase their performance when told they were given caffeine, when in fact they received a placebo (i.e., the placebo effect of caffeine). However, most of these investigations on the placebo effect of caffeine used individuals with low caffeine consumption or did not report habitual caffeine consumption, especially in studies analyzing resistance-based exercise. Hence, it is unknown if habitual caffeine consumers benefit from the placebo effect of caffeine on exercise performance. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze the placebo effect of caffeine on maximal strength and strength-endurance performance during the bench press exercise (BP) in women with mild–moderate daily consumption of caffeine. Methods: Thirteen resistance-trained women (BP one-repetition maximum (1RM) = 40.0 ± 9.7 kg) habituated to caffeine (4.1 ± 1.7 mg/kg/day) completed a deceptive randomized experimental design with two experimental trials. On one occasion, participants were told that they would receive 6 mg/kg of caffeine but received a placebo (PLAC), and on other occasions, participants did not receive any substance and were told that this was a control situation (CONT). In each experimental trial, participants underwent a 1RM BP test and a strength-endurance test consisting of performing the maximal number of repetitions at 50% of their 1RM. Results: In comparison to CONT, PLAC did not enhance 1RM (40.0 ± 10.5 kg vs. 41.0 ± 9.5 kg, respectively; p = 0.10), nor did it enhance the number of repetitions (32.2 ± 5.1 vs. 31.8 ± 4.5; p = 0.66) or mean power (130 ± 34 vs. 121 ± 26; p = 0.08) in the strength-endurance test. Conclusion: Informing participants that they were given caffeine, when in fact they received a placebo, did not modify any performance variable measured in this investigation. Thus, the use of the placebo effect of caffeine seemed an ineffective strategy to enhance muscle strength and strength endurance during the BP exercise in women with mild–moderate consumption of caffeine.
Associations of Coarse Grain Intake with Undiagnosed Hypertension among Chinese Adults: Results from the China Kadoorie Biobank
Authors: Liu Xin , Lai Hao , Mi Baibing , Qi Xin , Gan Wei , Du Huaidong
Published: December 2020

Whole grain intake was associated with better blood pressure control, but evidence is lacking in non-Western populations with different grain intake patterns. We aimed to determine the associations between coarse grain intake, usually considered as the best proxy of whole grain intake for Chinese diets, with blood pressure and undiagnosed hypertension using baseline data from the China Kadoorie Biobank study. After excluding participants with clinically diagnosed hypertension or use of antihypertensive dugs, 435,907 participants were included in our analysis. A self-reported questionnaire was used to measure coarse grain intake frequency. Overall, 12.8% and 29.2% of the participants reported daily consumption and never consumption, respectively. With multivariable adjustments including BMI, outdoor temperature, and physical activity, higher frequency of coarse grain intake was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in those older than 40 years, p trend < 0.05. Compared to never consumers, the odds ratio (95% CI) of hypertension was 0.78 (0.73–0.84), 0.84 (0.77–0.91), 0.91 (0.88–0.94), and 0.97 (0.95–0.99) for daily, 4–6 days/week, 1–3 days/week, and monthly groups, P trend < 0.001. Our cross-sectional study in a nationwide sample of Chinese adults suggests that higher coarse grain intake was associated with lower blood pressure and lower hypertension risk.
Choline Content of Term and Preterm Infant Formulae Compared to Expressed Breast Milk—How Do We Justify the Discrepancies?
Authors: Shunova Anna , Böckmann Katrin A. , Minarski Michaela , Franz Axel R. , Wiechers Cornelia , Poets Christian F. , Bernhard Wolfgang
Published: December 2020

Choline/phosphatidylcholine concentrations are tightly regulated in all organs and secretions. During rapid organ growth in the third trimester, choline requirement is particularly high. Adequate choline intake is 17–18 mg/kg/day in term infants, whereas ~50–60 mg/kg/day is required to achieve fetal plasma concentrations in preterm infants. Whereas free choline is supplied via the placenta, other choline carriers characterize enteral feeding. We therefore quantified the concentrations and types of choline carriers and choline-related components in various infant formulae and fortifiers compared to breast milk, and calculated the supply at full feeds (150 mL/kg/day) using tandem mass spectrometry. Choline concentration in formula ranged from values below to far above that of breastmilk. Humana 0-VLB (2015: 60.7 mg/150 mL; 2020: 27.3 mg/150 mL), Aptamil-Prematil (2020: 34.7 mg/150 mL), Aptamil-Prematil HA (2020: 37.6 mg/150 mL) for preterm infants with weights < 1800 g, and Humana 0 (2020: 41.6 mg/150 mL) for those > 1800 g, comprised the highest values in formulae studied. Formulae mostly were rich in free choline or phosphatidylcholine rather than glycerophosphocholine and phosphocholine (predominating in human milk). Most formulae (150 mL/kg/day) do not supply the amounts and physiologic components of choline required to achieve fetal plasma choline concentrations. A revision of choline content in formulae and breast milk fortifiers and a clear declaration of the choline components in formulae is required to enable informed choices.
Lack of Interleukin-6 Affects IFN-γ and TNF-α Production and Early In Vivo Control of Brucella abortus Infection
Authors: Guimarães Erika S. , Martins Jéssica M. , Gomes Marco Túlio R. , Cerqueira Daiane M. , Oliveira Sergio C.
Published: December 2020

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine promptly produced in response to infections, which contributes to host defense through the stimulation of acute phase immune responses. Brucella abortus is an intracellular bacterium that causes chronic disease in humans and domestic animals and triggers a robust immune response, characterized by the production of inflammatory cytokines. However, the mechanisms of IL-6-related immune responses in the context of Brucella infections are not completely understood. In this report, we describe an increased susceptibility of IL-6 knockout (KO) mice in the early phase of Brucella infection. Furthermore, we demonstrate that IL-6 is required for interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induction by infected splenocytes, indicating a protective role for IL-6 against B. abortus that parallels with Th1 type of immune response. Additionally, IL-6 KO mice exhibited reduced splenomegaly during the early phase of the infection. Corroborating this result, IL-6 KO mice displayed reduced numbers of macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils in the spleen and reduced myeloperoxidase activity in the liver compared to wild-type infected mice. However, we demonstrate that IL-6 is not involved in B. abortus intracellular restriction in mouse macrophages. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that IL-6 contributes to host resistance during the early phase of B. abortus infection in vivo, and suggest that its protective role maybe partially mediated by proinflammatory immune responses and immune cell recruitment.
An Experience of Donor Lymphocyte Infusion after Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Authors: Rostami Tahereh , Kiumarsi Azadeh
Published: December 2020

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is a well-known curative treatment for patients with chronic granulomatous disease. We present our experiment regarding ten patients with chronic granulomatous disease who underwent a reduced intensity conditioning regimen consisting of melfalan, fludarabine, and antithymocyte globulin. Donor lymphocyte infusion was used in three representative patients who developed mixed donor chimerism. After at least 2 years of median follow-up, 8 of the 10 patients are alive and well.
Antimicrobial, Anticancer and Multidrug-Resistant Reversing Activity of Novel Oxygen-, Sulfur- and Selenoflavones and Bioisosteric Analogues
Authors: Marć Małgorzata Anna , Kincses Annamária , Rácz Bálint , Nasim Muhammad Jawad , Sarfraz Muhammad , Lázaro-Milla Carlos , Domínguez-Álvarez Enrique , Jacob Claus , Spengler Gabriella , Almendros Pedro
Published: December 2020

Multidrug resistance of cancer cells to cytotoxic drugs still remains a major obstacle to the success of chemotherapy in cancer treatment. The development of new drug candidates which may serve as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux pump inhibitors is a promising strategy. Selenium analogues of natural products, such as flavonoids, offer an interesting motif from the perspective of drug design. Herein, we report the biological evaluation of novel hybrid compounds, bearing both the flavone core (compounds 1–3) or a bioisosteric analogue core (compounds 4–6) and the triflyl functional group against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, nematodes, and human colonic adenocarcinoma cells. Results show that these flavones and analogues of flavones inhibited the activity of multidrug resistance (MDR) efflux pump ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein, P-gp). Moreover, the results of the rhodamine 123 accumulation assay demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of the abovementioned efflux pump. Three compounds (4, 5, and 6) exhibited potent inhibitory activity, much stronger than the positive control, verapamil. Thus, these chalcogen bioisosteric analogues of flavones become an interesting class of compounds which could be considered as P-gp efflux pump inhibitors in the therapy of MDR cancer. Moreover, all the compounds served as promising adjuvants in the cancer treatment, since they exhibited the P-gp efflux pump modulating activity.
Exploring Herbal Medicine Use during Palliative Cancer Care: The Integrative Physician as a Facilitator of Pharmacist–Patient–Oncologist Communication
Authors: Samuels Noah , Ben-Arye Eran
Published: December 2020

Oncology patients frequently use herbal and other forms of complementary medicine, often without the knowledge of oncologists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals responsible for their care. Oncology healthcare professionals may lack the knowledge needed to guide their patients on the safe and effective use of herbal medicinal products, a number of which have potentially harmful effects, which include direct toxicity and negative herb–drug interactions. The current review addresses the prevalence and expectations of oncology patients from herbal medicine, as well as evidence for the beneficial or harmful effects of this practice (potential and actual), especially when the herbal products are used in conjunction with anticancer agents. Models of integrative oncology care are described, in which open and effective communication among oncologists, pharmacists, and integrative physicians on the use of herbal medicine by their patients occurs. This collaboration provides patients with a nonjudgmental and multidisciplinary approach to integrative medicine, echoing their own health-belief models of care during conventional cancer treatments. The role of the integrative physician is to facilitate this process, working with oncologists and pharmacists in the fostering of patient-centered palliative care, while ensuring a safe and effective treatment environment. Case scenario: W. is a 56 year old female artist who was recently diagnosed with localized hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Following lumpectomy and sentinel node dissection, she is scheduled to begin adjuvant chemotherapy with a regimen which will include adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel (AC-T protocol). She is worried about developing peripheral neuropathy and its impact on her ability to paint, and she asks about a number of dietary supplements which she heard could prevent this from happening: omega-3, vitamin E, alpha-lipoic acid, and acetyl-l-carnithine. She is concerned, however, that the supplements may negatively interact with her chemotherapy regimen.