title: A functional dairy product rich in Menaquinone-7 and FeOOH nanoparticles

authors: Novin, Donya

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) has been identified as an essential nutrient in enhancing bone mineral density, bone health, and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Although there have been worthy achievements in MK-7 fermentation process using Bacillus subtilis natto, the low yield of fermentation, costly downstream extraction and purification processes remain the main challenges. In this research, a new approach was taken to study the feasibility of the production of a functional fermented dairy-based product rich in MK-7 by the use of iron oxide hydroxide (FeOOH) nanoparticles (NPs) to increase the concentration of MK-7. In this regard, milk a rich source of calcium, a necessary nutrient for bone health was chosen as the fermentation medium for MK-7 biosynthesis using B. subtilis natto. Two different types of FeOOH NPs, namely naked and biocompatible xanthan gum (XG)coated NPs, were synthesised (with 10 nm average particle size) and used to evaluate their effect on developing a fermented dairy-based product rich in MK-7 and iron. According to the results, in the presence of 3 mg/L of XGcoated and 12 mg/L of naked FeOOH NPs, the concentration of MK-7 significantly enhanced, and approximately 27% and 35% more MK-7 biosynthesis were observed respectively as compared with control samples with only 1.9 mg/L MK-7 production.

text: A functional dairy product rich in Menaquinone-7 and FeOOH nanoparticles Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) has been identified as an essential nutrient in enhancing bone mineral density, bone health, and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Although there have been worthy achievements in MK-7 fermentation process using Bacillus subtilis natto, the low yield of fermentation, costly downstream extraction and purification processes remain the main challenges. In this research, a new approach was taken to study the feasibility of the production of a functional fermented dairy-based product rich in MK-7 by the use of iron oxide hydroxide (FeOOH) nanoparticles (NPs) to increase the concentration of MK-7. In this regard, milk a rich source of calcium, a necessary nutrient for bone health was chosen as the fermentation medium for MK-7 biosynthesis using B. subtilis natto. Two different types of FeOOH NPs, namely naked and biocompatible xanthan gum (XG)coated NPs, were synthesised (with 10 nm average particle size) and used to evaluate their effect on developing a fermented dairy-based product rich in MK-7 and iron. According to the results, in the presence of 3 mg/L of XGcoated and 12 mg/L of naked FeOOH NPs, the concentration of MK-7 significantly enhanced, and approximately 27% and 35% more MK-7 biosynthesis were observed respectively as compared with control samples with only 1.9 mg/L MK-7 production.

year: 2020-07-01

title: Neuroethical implications of focused ultrasound for neuropsychiatric illness

authors: Asher, Rachel

subjects: Ethics

abstract: Background: MR-guided focused ultrasound is a promising intervention for treatment-resistant mental illness, and merits contextualized ethical exploration in relation to more extensive ethical literature regarding other psychosurgical and neuromodulation treatment options for this patient population. To our knowledge, this topic has not yet been explored in the published literature. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss in detail the neuroethical implications of MR-guided focused ultrasound for neuropsychiatric illness as an emerging treatment modality. Methods: Due to the lack of published literature on the topic, the approach involved a detailed survey and review of technical and medical literature relevant to focused ultrasound and established ethical issues related to alternative treatment options for patients with treatment-resistant, severe and persistent mental illness. The manuscript is structured according to thematic and topical findings. Results: This technology has potential benefits for patients suffering with severe mental illness, compared with established alternatives. The balance of technical, neuroscientific and clinical considerations should inform ethical deliberations. The nascent literature base, nuances in legal classification and permissibility depending upon jurisdiction, influences of past ethical issues associated with alternative treatments, tone and framing in media articles, and complexity of clinical trials all influence ethical assessment and evaluations of multiple stakeholders. Recommendations for future research are provided based on these factors. Conclusion: Salient ethical inquiry should be further explored by researchers, clinicians, and ethicists in a nuanced manner methodologically, one which is informed by past and present ethical issues related to alternative treatment options, broader psychiatric treatment frameworks, pragmatic implementation challenges, intercultural considerations, and patients’ ethical concerns.

text: Neuroethical implications of focused ultrasound for neuropsychiatric illness Background: MR-guided focused ultrasound is a promising intervention for treatment-resistant mental illness, and merits contextualized ethical exploration in relation to more extensive ethical literature regarding other psychosurgical and neuromodulation treatment options for this patient population. To our knowledge, this topic has not yet been explored in the published literature. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss in detail the neuroethical implications of MR-guided focused ultrasound for neuropsychiatric illness as an emerging treatment modality. Methods: Due to the lack of published literature on the topic, the approach involved a detailed survey and review of technical and medical literature relevant to focused ultrasound and established ethical issues related to alternative treatment options for patients with treatment-resistant, severe and persistent mental illness. The manuscript is structured according to thematic and topical findings. Results: This technology has potential benefits for patients suffering with severe mental illness, compared with established alternatives. The balance of technical, neuroscientific and clinical considerations should inform ethical deliberations. The nascent literature base, nuances in legal classification and permissibility depending upon jurisdiction, influences of past ethical issues associated with alternative treatments, tone and framing in media articles, and complexity of clinical trials all influence ethical assessment and evaluations of multiple stakeholders. Recommendations for future research are provided based on these factors. Conclusion: Salient ethical inquiry should be further explored by researchers, clinicians, and ethicists in a nuanced manner methodologically, one which is informed by past and present ethical issues related to alternative treatment options, broader psychiatric treatment frameworks, pragmatic implementation challenges, intercultural considerations, and patients’ ethical concerns.

year: 2023-05

title: Maori Flourishing in a Fast Changing World - Inaugural Professorial Address

authors: Nikora, Linda Waimarie

subjects: Indigenous psychology; Maori flourishing; social identity; social and emotional wellbeing

abstract: A strong sense of who one is and that one’s life matters is vital to health and wellbeing. Without meaning and belonging many people, families and communities lie open to the risk of mental illness, addiction, transience, criminality, suicide and so on. In a rapidly changing social and technological environment where being Maori is enacted in the face of a dominant Pakeha majority, and in an increasingly diverse Maori world, staying well is an important challenge that we cannot underestimate or take for granted. There are many unwellness forces upon Maori in this fast changing world. Some are obvious and readily felt, others not so easy to apprehend or explain. Surveying almost 30 years of research, Professor Nikora will examine some of these unwellness forces and responses Maori make within the broader quest to remain indigenous and to flourish.

text: Maori Flourishing in a Fast Changing World - Inaugural Professorial Address A strong sense of who one is and that one’s life matters is vital to health and wellbeing. Without meaning and belonging many people, families and communities lie open to the risk of mental illness, addiction, transience, criminality, suicide and so on. In a rapidly changing social and technological environment where being Maori is enacted in the face of a dominant Pakeha majority, and in an increasingly diverse Maori world, staying well is an important challenge that we cannot underestimate or take for granted. There are many unwellness forces upon Maori in this fast changing world. Some are obvious and readily felt, others not so easy to apprehend or explain. Surveying almost 30 years of research, Professor Nikora will examine some of these unwellness forces and responses Maori make within the broader quest to remain indigenous and to flourish.

year: 2015-11-17