Search

Alterations in the intestinal microbial flora are known to cause various diseases, and many people routinely consume probiotics or prebiotics to balance intestinal microorganisms and the growth of beneficial bacteria. In this study, we selected a peptide from fish (tilapia) skin that induces significant changes in the intestinal microflora of mice and reduces the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, which is linked to obesity. We attempted to verify the anti-obesity effect of selected fish collagen peptides in a high-fat-diet-based obese mouse model. As anticipated, the collagen peptide co-administered with a high-fat diet significantly inhibited the increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. It increased specific bacterial taxa, including Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Faecalibaculum, Bacteroides, and Streptococcus, known for their anti-obesity effects. Consequently, alterations in the gut microbiota resulted in the activation of metabolic pathways, such as polysaccharide degradation and essential amino acid synthesis, which are associated with obesity inhibition. In addition, collagen peptide also effectively reduced all obesity signs caused by a high-fat diet, such as abdominal fat accumulation, high blood glucose levels, and weight gain. Ingestion of collagen peptides derived from fish skin induced significant changes in the intestinal microflora and is a potential auxiliary therapeutic agent to suppress the onset of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is often studied as a problem that predominantly affects younger women. However, studies show that older women are also frequently victims of abuse even though the physical effects of abuse are harder to detect. In this study, we mined the electronic health records (EHR) available through IBM Explorys to identify health correlates of IPV that are specific to older women. Our analyses suggested that diagnostic terms that are co-morbid with IPV in older women are dominated by substance abuse and associated toxicities. When we considered differential co-morbidity, i.e., terms that are significantly more associated with IPV in older women compared to younger women, we identified terms spanning mental health issues, musculoskeletal issues, neoplasms, and disorders of various organ systems including skin, ears, nose and throat. Our findings provide pointers for further investigation in understanding the health effects of IPV among older women, as well as potential markers that can be used for screening IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recyclable silicone-based thermoset was successfully synthesized by making use of a Diels-Alder (DA) adduct as a cross-linker. The incorporation of the furan-tethered diol 1 into the polymer backbones realized the crosslinking of polymers via the DA reaction. The thermosetting polymer was dissolved in DMF after the retro DA reaction which was monitored by 1 H NMR spectroscopy. Due to the retro DA reaction, polymer showed the mendable behavior when it was scratched followed by being heated. This polymer was mixed with alumina powders to fabricate the thermal pad. The thermal resistance of this pad was measured to be 0.48 K/W by a thermal transient test. The thermosetting composite was recycled via the retro DA reaction. The thermal resistance of the recycled one was similar to that of the original one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CF 4 , which is widely used in the production of semiconductors and aluminum, has a very high global warming potential and extremely long atmospheric lifetime. Adsorption is an alternative technique to the energy-consuming conventional CF 4 combustion disposal method, and the development of appropriate adsorbents is important for a competent CF 4 adsorption process. Here, microporous carbons are synthesized for new CF 4 adsorbents by the selective etching of titanium carbide using chlorine gas at high temperatures (800, 900, and 1000 °C). Additionally, post-treatment with H 2 eliminates any unreacted chlorine. Interestingly, the CF 4 adsorption capacity has a linear relation with the micropore volume for pores less than 0.9 nm. The titanium carbide-based microporous carbon chlorinated at 800 °C and post-treated with H 2 has the highest CF 4 adsorption capacity of 2.96 mol kg −1 at 25 °C and 1 atm, which is the highest reported value to date. Besides the high CF 4 adsorption capacity, the prepared microporous carbon shows a high selectivity for CF 4 over N 2 at low CF 4 partial pressures and an excellent cyclic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoid myricetin has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Nevertheless, the effect of myricetin on the TNF-α-stimulated production of inflammatory mediators in keratinocytes has not been studied. Using human keratinocytes, we examined the effect of myricetin on the TNF-α-stimulated production of inflammatory mediators in relation to the Akt, mTOR and NF-κB pathways, which regulate the transcription genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses. TNF-α stimulated production of the inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species in keratinocytes, and activation of the Akt, mTOR and NF-κB pathways in HaCaT cells and primary keratinocytes. Myricetin, Akt inhibitor, Bay 11-7085 (an inhibitor of NF-κB activation), rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) and N -acetylcysteine attenuated TNF-α-induced activation of Akt, mTOR and NF-κB. Myricetin and N -acetylcysteine attenuated the TNF-α-stimulated production of cytokines and chemokines, and production of reactive oxygen species in keratinocytes. The results show that myricetin may reduce TNF-α-stimulated inflammatory mediator production in keratinocytes by suppressing the activation of the Akt, mTOR and NF-κB pathways. The effect of myricetin appears to be associated with inhibition of the production of reactive oxygen species. Further, myricetin appears to attenuate the proinflammatory mediator-induced inflammatory skin diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A transparent electrode comprising Ag nanowires (AgNWs) and a polyurethane equipped with Diels–Alder adducts as crosslinkers was successfully fabricated to realize a thermally amendable electrode. To bury the AgNWs at the surface of the polymer, we designed an effective transfer method using a Kapton film as a preliminary supporter and employing a roller-based laminator equipped with a heater. Intense pulsed light (IPL) was employed to provide localized heat to the AgNW–polymer composite layer. By virtue of the efficient heating mechanism, a composite electrode that was separated by a knife could be healed and its conductivity recovered in a very short period of less than 1 ms. Only one or two 500 μs pulses of IPL were enough to effectively repair the damaged electrodes. Owing to the reversible Diels–Alder reaction, reproducible healing was also observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caffeoyl derivatives exhibit antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the effect of 3,4,5-tricaffeoylquinic acid on the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes that may be involved in skin diseases has not been studied. In this respect, we investigated the effect of 3,4,5-tricaffeoylquinic acid on TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human keratinocytes. 3,4,5-Tricaffeoylquinic acid and oxidant scavengers attenuated the decrease in the cytosolic levels of Bid, Bcl-2, and survivin proteins; the increase in the levels of cytosolic Bax, p53, and phosphorylated p53; the increase in the levels of phosphorylated p38; the increase in the mitochondrial levels of the voltage-dependent anion channel; loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential; the release of cytochrome c; activation of caspases (8, 9, and 3); cleavage of poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase-1; production of reactive oxygen species; the depletion of glutathione (GSH); nuclear damage; and cell death in keratinocytes treated with TRAIL. These results suggest that 3,4,5-tricaffeoylquinic acid may reduce TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human keratinocytes by suppressing the activation of the caspase-8 and Bid pathways and the mitochondria-mediated cell death pathway. The effect appears to be associated with the inhibitory effect on the production of reactive oxygen species and depletion of GSH. 3,4,5-Tricaffeoylquinic acid appears to be effective in the prevention of TRAIL-induced apoptosis-mediated skin diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extract of from the barks of Ilex Rotunda Thunb has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Nevertheless, the effect of rotundarpene (4-caffeoyl-3-methyl-but-2-ene-1,4-diol) on the neuronal cell death induced by cholesterol oxidation products is unclear. We assessed the preventive effect of rotundarpene on the cholesterol oxidation product-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells using differentiated PC12 cells. 7-Ketocholesterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol induced a decrease in Bid, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and survivin protein levels, increase in Bax levels, loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, cytochrome c release, activation of caspases (-8, -9 and -3), cleavage of PARP-1 and an increase in the tumor suppressor p53 levels. Rotundarpene attenuated the cholesterol oxidation product-induced changes in the apoptosis-related protein levels, formation of reactive oxygen species, depletion of GSH, nuclear damage and cell death. The results show that rotundarpene may attenuate the cholesterol oxidation product-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells by suppressing the activation of the mitochondrial pathway and the caspase-8- and Bid-dependent pathways. The preventive effect appears to be attributed to its inhibitory effect on the formation of reactive oxygen species and depletion of GSH. Rotundarpene appears to attenuate cholesterol-oxidation product-mediated neuronal degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this study we investigated the effects of native inulin on formula-fed babies. The influence of inulin on the microbial composition, pH, consistency and amount of faeces, and on frequency of defecation was assessed.Methods: In this study a daily dosage of 0.25 g/kg/d was used: 3 weeks of inulin consumption were inulin followed by 3 weeks without or vice versa. The study group consisted of 14 babies with an average age of 12.6 weeks (+/-6.4 weeks) and the average intake of inulin was 1.5 (+/-0.3) g/d.Results: The consumption of inulin increased the content of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the faeces of formula-fed babies, without affecting the number of Bacteroides or the total anaerobic count. With inulin a trend for stools becoming softer and the amount of faeces increased significantly. Frequency of defecation was not affected by the consumption of inulin. No adverse effects were reported during the periods of inulin consumption.Conclusions: We conclude that with native inulin a prebiotic effect can be observed in formula-fed babies. Inulin may therefore be a useful ingredient in the formulation of baby formula to enhance the nutritional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) integrates various environmental signals to regulate cell growth and metabolism. mTORC1 activity is sensitive to changes in amino acid levels. Here, we investigated the effect of lysine on mTORC1 activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Lysine deprivation suppressed mTORC1 activity and lysine replenishment restored the decreased mTORC1 activity in lysine-deprived cells. Supplementing growth factors, such as insulin growth factor-1 or insulin restored the decreased mTORC1 activity in serum-deprived cells. However, in serum/lysine-deprived cells, supplementing growth factors was not sufficient to restore mTORC1 activity, suggesting that growth factors could not activate mTORC1 efficiently in the absence of lysine. General control nonderepressible 2 and AMP-activated protein kinase were involved in lysine deprivation-mediated inhibition of mTORC1. Taken together, these results suggest that lysine might play role in the regulation of mTORC1 activation in NSCLC cells. • Lysine deprivation inhibits mTORC1 activity. • Lysine replenishment restores the decreased mTORC1 activity by lysine deprivation. • Lysine is necessary for growth factor-induced mTORC1 activation. • GCN2 and AMPK are involved in lysine deprivation-mediated inhibition of mTORC1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Well-defined starch microparticles (SMPs) were synthesized from waxy maize starch. • Debranching of amylopectin followed by self-assembly led to the formation of SMPs. • Nucleation and growth kinetics of SMPs were investigated. • The ratio of short-chain glucan is the key to determine the size of SMPs. • Their potential as an effective immunomagnetic materials was demonstrated. Abstract Starch microparticles (SMPs) of well-defined size and morphology were synthesized through pullulanase-mediated debranching of waxy maize starch followed by spontaneous re-assembly of the resulting short-chain glucan molecules in aqueous solution. Enzymatic debranching of amylopectins from native starch generated two major fractions corresponding to a smaller glucan and partially digested larger amylopectin molecules. The ratio of short-chain glucan (SCG) over partially digested amylopectin (PDAp) turned out to be the deterministic factors for the size and crystallinity of SMPs, of which the ratio could be controlled by the concentration of debranching enzyme. The PDAp fraction was closely associated with the creation of nuclei, determining the growth kinetics of SMPs which led to the formation of SMPs with a diameter ranging from 0.52.5 μm. In addition, we demonstrated that iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were successfully incorporated into the starch microstructure by introducing them during the self-assembly reaction, conferring desired functionality onto the final SMPs. The incorporated IONPs rendered the SMPs an excellent magnetic sensitivity, which were successfully applied for the separation and concentration of target bacteria upon conjugation of specific antibody on the surface of SMPs. The simple processes and biocompatible nature of starch would make this approach attractive for many applications in the area of food, medicine and other related materials sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We developed a series of micro-size hexagon-faced plate and rods from Mn(III)-porphyrin and In(III) whose lengths were modulated by water. Regardless of a wide range of length distribution, they are isostructural. In addition, the heterogeneous olefin oxidation was performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Amylose microparticles can be produced by self-assembly of amylose molecules through an amylosucrase-mediated synthesis. Here we investigated the role of short-chain fatty acids in the formation of amylose microparticles and the fate of these fatty acids at the end of the reaction. The rate of self-assembly and production yields of amylose microparticles were significantly enhanced in the presence of fatty acids. The effect was dependent on the length of the fatty acid carbon tail; butanoic acid (C4) was the most effective, followed by hexanoic acid (C6) and octanoic acid (C8). The amylose microparticles were investigated by carrying out SEM, XRD, Raman, NMR, FT-IR and DSC analysis. The size, morphology and crystal structure of the resulting amylose microparticles were comparable with those of amylose microparticles produced without fatty acids. The results indicated the carboxyl group of the fatty acid to be responsible for promoting the self-assembly of amylose chains to form microparticles. The fatty acids were eventually removed from the microstructure through the tight association of amylose double helices to form the amylose microparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]