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Large quantities of by-products are generated after processing of rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus), such as viscera, head, tail, skin, and bones, which are considered a potential source of valuable molecules. Therefore, the aim of the present study was the biochemical characterization of alkaline proteases isolated from the intestines of L. guttatus and the evaluation of their stability against different chemical denaturants (salts, surfactants/reducing agents, organic solvents, and commercial detergent formulations). In addition, the efficiency to hydrolyze proteins from rose snapper wastes (head, tail, skin, and muscle trimmings) by Alcalase® and alkaline protease extract (APE) isolated from Lutjanus guttatus intestine was evaluated. The APE exhibited a maximum activity at pH 12 and 45 °C and high stability at pH and temperature ranges from 9 to 12 and 10 to 40 °C, respectively. Assays with specific protease inhibitors indicated that trypsin and chymotrypsin are the main types of proteases in APE. An 80% of the proteolytic activity was retained in the presence of 25% NaCl and was stable in the presence of the reducing agent DTT; however, it lost around 70% of proteolytic activity in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol. The enzymatic activity of APE was maintained above 60% in methanol, ethanol, and propanol as well as in liquid commercial detergents. Alkaline proteases from rose snapper exhibited higher hydrolytic efficiency, compared to the microbial enzyme Alcalase when protein from L. guttatus wastes were hydrolyzed. According to these results, the integral exploitation of rose snapper could be reached by proper usage of its by-products, creating a baseline to promote circular economy., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical Approval: Not applicable for that section. Consent for Publication: Not applicable for that section. Consent to Participate: Not applicable for that section. Competing Interests: The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

YcjN is a putative substrate binding protein expressed from a cluster of genes involved in carbohydrate import and metabolism in Escherichia coli. Here, we determine the crystal structure of YcjN to a resolution of 1.95 Å, revealing that its three-dimensional structure is similar to substrate binding proteins in subcluster D-I, which includes the well-characterized maltose binding protein. Furthermore, we found that recombinant overexpression of YcjN results in the formation of a lipidated form of YcjN that is posttranslationally diacylated at cysteine 21. Comparisons of size-exclusion chromatography profiles and dynamic light scattering measurements of lipidated and nonlipidated YcjN proteins suggest that lipidated YcjN aggregates in solution via its lipid moiety. Additionally, bioinformatic analysis indicates that YcjN-like proteins may exist in both Bacteria and Archaea, potentially in both lipidated and nonlipidated forms. Together, our results provide a better understanding of the aggregation properties of recombinantly expressed bacterial lipoproteins in solution and establish a foundation for future studies that aim to elucidate the role of these proteins in bacterial physiology., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest with the contents of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is associated with high morbidity and hospitalization rate. In infectious diseases, host genetics plays a critical role in susceptibility and immune response, and the immune pathways involved are highly dependent on the microorganism and its route of infection. Here we aimed to identify genetic risk loci for CAP using a case-control genome-wide association study (GWAS)., Methods: We performed a GWAS on 3,765 Spanish individuals, including 257 adult patients hospitalized with CAP and 3,508 population controls. Pneumococcal CAP was documented in 30% of patients; the remaining 70% were selected among patients with unidentified microbiological etiology. We tested 7,6 million imputed genotypes using logistic regressions. UK Biobank GWAS of bacterial pneumonia were used for results validation. Subsequently, we prioritized genes and likely causal variants based on Bayesian fine mapping and functional evidence. Imputation and association of classical HLA alleles and amino acids were also conducted., Results: Six independent sentinel variants reached the genome-wide significance (p < 5 × 10 -8 ), three on chromosome 6p21.32, and one for each of the chromosomes 4q28.2, 11p12, and 20q11.22. Only one variant at 6p21.32 was validated in independent GWAS of bacterial and pneumococcal pneumonia. Our analyses prioritized C4orf33 on 4q28.2, TAPBP on 6p21.32, and ZNF341 on 20q11.22. Interestingly, genetic defects of TAPBP and ZNF341 are previously known inborn errors of immunity predisposing to bacterial pneumonia, including pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae. Associations were all non-significant for the classical HLA alleles., Conclusions: We completed a GWAS of CAP and identified four novel risk loci involved in CAP susceptibility., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: The intricate relationship between obesity and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression underscores a significant public health challenge. Obesity is strongly linked to the onset of several health conditions, including arterial hypertension (AHTN), metabolic syndrome, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia. Understanding the connection between CKD and obesity is crucial for addressing their complex interplay in public health strategies., Objective: This research aimed to determine the prevalence of CKD in a population with high obesity rates and evaluate the associated metabolic risk factors., Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted from January 2017 to December 2019 we included 3,901 participants of both sexes aged ≥20 years who were selected from primary healthcare medical units of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in Michoacan, Mexico. We measured the participants' weight, height, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c, LDL-c, and uric acid. We estimated the glomerular filtration rate using the Collaborative Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) equation., Results: Among the population studied, 50.6% were women and 49.4% were men, with a mean age of 49 years (range: 23-90). The prevalence of CKD was 21.9%. Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of CKD included age ≥60 years (OR = 11.70, 95% CI [9.83-15.93]), overweight (OR = 4.19, 95% CI [2.88-6.11]), obesity (OR = 13.31, 95% CI [11.12-15.93]), abdominal obesity (OR = 9.25, 95% CI [7.13-11.99]), AHTN (OR = 20.63, 95% CI [17.02-25.02]), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (OR = 2.73, 95% CI [2.31-3.23]), type 2 diabetes (T2D) (OR = 14.30, 95% CI [11.14-18.37]), total cholesterol (TC) ≥200 mg/dL (OR = 6.04, 95% CI [5.11-7.14]), triglycerides (TG) ≥150 mg/dL (OR = 5.63, 95% CI 4.76-6.66), HDL-c <40 mg/dL (OR = 4.458, 95% CI [3.74-5.31]), LDL-c ≥130 mg/dL (OR = 6.06, 95% CI [5.12-7.18]), and serum uric acid levels ≥6 mg/dL in women and ≥7 mg/dL in men (OR = 8.18, 95% CI [6.92-9.68]), ( p  < 0.0001). These factors independently contribute to the development of CKD., Conclusions: This study underscores the intricate relationship between obesity and CKD, revealing a high prevalence of CKD. Obesity, including overweight, abdominal obesity, AHTN, IFG, T2D, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia emerged as significant metabolic risk factors for CKD. Early identification of these risk factors is crucial for effective intervention strategies. Public health policies should integrate both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to address obesity-related conditions and prevent kidney damage directly., Competing Interests: Author ALP holds shares of Amphora Health. Authors ALP, JT, and MFRM contributed to the research while employed by Amphora Health. All other authors declare no competing interests., (©2024 Alvarez Paredes et al.)

Ultrafine hydraulic binder grout injection is a technique utilised for repairing masonry, either to connect sections, seal joints, or fill voids due to its great capacity for penetration and higher mechanical strength than lime grout. In this research, the mechanical properties of ultrafine hydraulic cement grout are analysed considering the influence of the mould material for preparing the specimens and their geometry characteristics in the context of the specifications set out in several international standards. The test campaign to ascertain compressive and flexural strength in different circumstances is supplemented with a physical and chemical characterisation of both binder and fresh and hardened grout. Significant differences in mechanical properties between specimens prepared with absorbent or non-absorbent-water material are found due to the influence of drying shrinkage and decanting binder during the curing process. Furthermore, the slenderness of specimens is presented as an important factor in determining the compressive strength of mixtures.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disease that includes metabolic and physiological alterations in various organs such as the heart, pancreas, liver, and brain. Reports indicate that blackberry consumption, such as maqui berry, has a beneficial effect on chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. In the present study, in vivo and in silico studies have been performed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms implied to improve the metabolic parameters of MetS. Fourteen-day administration of maqui berry reduces weight gain, blood fasting glucose, total blood cholesterol, triacylglycerides, insulin resistance, and blood pressure impairment in the diet-induced MetS model in male and female rats. In addition, in the serum of male and female rats, the administration of maqui berry (MB) improved the concentration of MDA, the activity of SOD, and the formation of carbonyls in the group subjected to the diet-induced MetS model. In silico studies revealed that delphinidin and its glycosylated derivatives could be ligands of some metabolic targets such as α-glucosidase, PPAR-α, and PPAR-γ, which are related to MetS parameters. The experimental results obtained in the study suggest that even at low systemic concentrations, anthocyanin glycosides and aglycones could simultaneously act on different targets related to MetS. Therefore, these molecules could be used as coadjuvants in pharmacological interventions or as templates for designing new multitarget molecules to manage patients with MetS.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) contributes to the spread of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, and neurodegenerative diseases. Evaluation of sex- and hormone-dependent changes in body weight, blood pressure, blood lipids, oxidative stress markers, and alterations in different types of memory in Sprague-Dawley rats fed with a high fat and high fructose (HFHF) diet were evaluated. After 12 weeks of feeding the male and female rats with HFHF, body weight gain, increase in blood pressure, and generation of dyslipidemia compared to the animals fed with chow diet were observed. Regarding memory, it was noted that gonadectomy reverted the effects of HFHF in the 24 h novel object recognition task and in spatial learning/memory analyzed through Morris water maze, males being more affected than females. Nevertheless, gonadectomy did not revert long-term memory impairment in the passive avoidance task induced by HFHF nor in male or female rats. On the other hand, sex-hormone-diet interaction was observed in the plasma concentration of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide. These results suggest that the changes observed in the memory and learning of MetS animals are sex- and hormone-dependent and correlate to an increase in oxidative stress.

Overweight and obesity have become a world-health public problem, mainly for developing countries. Both health conditions have a higher prevalence among women of childbearing age. Physiopathology, overweight and obesity are characterized by a chronic oxidative stress status, which has deleterious effects on mothers and children. Hence, we determine whether the qualities of diet during pregnancy and maternal pregestational body mass index (BMI) are associated with increased oxidative stress markers in mothers and newborns. Two hundred forty-two (242) mother-newborn pairs were classified according to their pregestational BMI. Information on food intake was collected using a food frequency questionnaire in the third trimester of pregnancy. Levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Nitric Oxide (NO) were measured in plasma from mothers at the end of the third trimester of pregnancy and from cord blood at birth. MDA and NO levels in mother-newborn pairs with maternal pregestational overweight or obesity were higher than in mother-newborn pairs with pregestational normal weight. For women (and newborns) who had a higher intake of fruit and vegetables, the levels of NO and MDA were lower. Lastly, women with pregestational obesity had lower fruit and vegetable intake during pregnancy and higher levels of oxidative stress and in their newborns.

Protein hydrolysates from fishery byproducts have resulted to be nutraceutical ingredients with potential to be applied in human nutrition; however, critical quality attributes are dependent on some process parameters such as enzyme source and degree of hydrolysis. This study analyzed the biochemical properties and in vitro antioxidant activity (using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), of protein hydrolysates at 10, 20, and 30% degree of hydrolysis (DH), measured by pH-STAT and prepared from sea catfish (Bagre panamensis) muscle and casein as protein sources by treatment with alcalase (ALC) and a semi-purified protease extract (SPE) from B. panamensis intestinal tissues as enzyme sources. With SPE, the DH was reached faster than ALC regardless of the protein substrate used. Sea catfish muscle (MUSC) hydrolysate made with SPE at 30% DH showed the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH: 118.8 μmoles TE/mg; ABTS: EC 50 of 1.5 mg/mL). In FRAP assay, the MUSC hydrolysates produced with SPE or ALC at 20% DH showed the higher activity (0.38 and 0.40 μmoles TE/mg, respectively). MUSC hydrolysates made with SPE contained the highest proportion of peptides with MW < 1.35 kDa and had a high protein content (72 to 78%), and almost 50% of the amino acids were essential. These results suggest that intestinal proteases and muscle of marine catfish represent a potential source to elaborate antioxidant protein hydrolysates. Our results promote the full utilization of this fish species and offer a biotechnological strategy for the management and valorization of its byproducts., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Prolonged ozone exposure can produce a state of oxidative stress, which in turn causes alterations in the dynamics of the brain and affects memory and learning. Moreover, different investigations have shown that high flavonoid content berries show a great antioxidant activity. The relationship between the protective effect of the maqui berry extract and its antioxidant properties in the brain has not been studied in depth. Objectives: The present study evaluated whether the protection exerted by the aqueous extract of maqui berry in brain regions associated with cognitive performance is due to its antioxidant capacity. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 0.25 ppm ozone and administered with maqui berry extracts. At the end of the treatments, spatial learning and short- and long-term memory were evaluated, as well as oxidative stress markers. Results: The administration of 50 and 100 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of maqui berry was effective in preventing the cognitive deficit caused by chronic exposure to ozone. The antioxidant effect of the administration of maqui berry was analyzed in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. Oxidative stress markers levels decreased and the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase diminished in animals exposed to ozone treated with the 50 mg/kg dose of maqui berry. Discussion: These results show a relationship between protection at the cognitive level and a decrease in oxidative stress markers, which suggests that the prevention of cognitive damage is due to the antioxidant activity of the maqui berry.

This study found no association of the top two associated FER variants with severity of community-acquired pneumonia. Precise characterisation of phenotypes may be required in order to unravel the genetic mechanisms predisposing to poor outcome in sepsis. https://bit.ly/3jc9SmR., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: J. Solé-Violán has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: E. Hernández-Brito has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: J.M. Valencia-Gallardo has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: E. Herrera-Ramos has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: L. Borderías reports personal fees, nonfinancial support and other from GSK, personal fees from Allergy Therapeutics, nonfinancial support from Novartis, Boehringer and Esteve Teijin, personal fees from AstraZeneca, and nonfinancial support from Menarini, outside the submitted work. Conflict of interest: M.L. Briones has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: O. Rajas has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: J. Freixinet has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: L. Lorente has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: A. Payeras has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: J. Ferreres has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: N. Carbonell has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: N. González-Quevedo has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: J.M. González-Martin has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: F. Rodríguez de Castro has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: C. Rodríguez-Gallego has nothing to disclose., (Copyright ©ERS 2021.)

Background: To report two cases of eyelash loss in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, providing microscopic description of the eyelashes and possible association with Demodex folliculorum., Case Presentation: We present two cases of postmenopausal women diagnosed with frontal fibrosing alopecia who consulted the ophthalmology department for eyelid itching and eyelash loss. On examination, there were no signs of blepharitis, but loss of lashes was observed, and the remaining eyelashes detached easily from the eyelid. The eyelashes were examined microscopically. The bulbs were small and narrow, and the caliber of the lashes was irregular, with thinner and thicker areas. The pigment distribution was irregular; there were portions with greater or lesser accumulation. In the second case, clusters of Demodex folliculorum were observed near the eyelash root., Conclusion: This is the first microscopic description of eyelash loss in frontal fibrosing alopecia in the published literature. We describe small, narrow bulbs, irregular caliber of the eyelashes and irregular pigment distribution. In the second case, in which we found Demodex folliculorum infestation, there was eyelash loss even though the disease was not very advanced. We suggest that there might be an association whereby Demodex infestation might accelerate autoimmune inflammation, leading to premature eyelash loss., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

A workflow for the characterization of food-derived bioactive peptides is described in this chapter. The workflow integrates two consecutive steps: a discovery phase and a protein-based bioinformatic phase. In the first step (discovery phase), a shotgun bottom-up proteomics approach is used to create a reference data set for a selected food proteome. Afterward, in a second step (bioinformatic phase), the reference proteome is subjected to several in silico protein-based bioinformatic analyses to predict and characterize potential bioactive peptides after an in silico human gastrointestinal digestion. Using this workflow, bioactive collagen peptides, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, and antitumor peptides were predicted as potential valuable bioactive peptides from seafood and marine by-products. It is concluded that the combination of the global shotgun proteomic analysis and the analysis by protein-based bioinformatics can provide a rapid strategy for the characterization of new potential food-derived bioactive peptides.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the most lethal infection among infectious diseases. The specific aim of this study was to establish panels of serum protein biomarkers representative of active TB patients and their household contacts who were either infected (LTBI) or uninfected (EMI-TB Discovery Cohort, Pontevedra Region, Spain). A TMT (Tamdem mass tags) 10plex-based quantitative proteomics study was performed in quintuplicate containing a total of 15 individual serum samples per group. Peptides were analyzed in an LC-Orbitrap Elite platform, and raw data were processed using Proteome Discoverer 2.1. A total of 418 proteins were quantified. The specific protein signature of active TB patients was characterized by an accumulation of proteins related to complement activation, inflammation and modulation of immune response and also by a decrease of a small subset of proteins, including apolipoprotein A and serotransferrin, indicating the importance of lipid transport and iron assimilation in the progression of the disease. This signature was verified by the targeted measurement of selected candidates in a second cohort (EMI-TB Verification Cohort, Maputo Region, Mozambique) by ELISA and nephelometry techniques. These findings will aid our understanding of the complex metabolic processes associated with TB progression from LTBI to active disease.

Background: Neuroinflammation induced in response to damage caused by status epilepticus (SE) activates the interleukin (IL)1-β pathway and proinflammatory proteins that increase vulnerability to the development of spontaneous seizure activity and/or epilepsy., Objectives: The study aimed to assess the short-term anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of Magnolia officinalis (MO) on recurrent SE in immature rats., Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats at PN day 10 were used; n = 60 rats were divided into two control groups, SHAM and KA, and two experimental groups, MO (KA-MO) and Celecoxib (KA-Clbx). The anti-inflammatory effect of a single dose of MO was evaluated at 6 and 24 hr by Western blotting and on day 30 PN via a subchronic administration of MO to assess neuronal preservation and hippocampal gliosis by immunohistochemistry for NeunN and GFAP, respectively., Results: KA-MO caused a decrease in the expression of IL1-β and Cox-2 at 6 and 24 h post-treatment, a reduction in iNOS synthase at 6 and 24 hr post-treatment and reduced neuronal loss and gliosis at postnatal day 30, similar to Clbx., Conclusion: The results indicating that Magnolia officinalis is an alternative preventive treatment for early stages of epileptogenesis are encouraging., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) face devastating health, social, and financial consequences, as well as their families and caregivers. Reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress are essential strategies for SCI treatment. Some compounds from traditional medicine could be useful to decrease ROS generated after SCI. This review is aimed at highlighting the importance of some natural compounds with antioxidant capacity used in traditional medicine to treat traumatic SCI. An electronic search of published articles describing animal models of SCI treated with natural compounds from traditional medicine was conducted using the following terms: Spinal Cord Injuries (MeSH terms) AND Models, Animal (MeSH terms) AND [Reactive Oxygen Species (MeSH terms) AND/OR Oxidative Stress (MeSH term)] AND Medicine, Traditional (MeSH terms). Articles reported from 2010 to 2018 were included. The results were further screened by title and abstract for studies performed in rats, mice, and nonhuman primates. The effects of these natural compounds are discussed, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. Moreover, the antioxidant properties of natural compounds were emphasized since oxidative stress has a fundamental role in the generation and progression of several pathologies of the nervous system. The use of these compounds diminishes toxic effects due to their high antioxidant capacity. These compounds have been tested in animal models with promising results; however, no clinical studies have been conducted in humans. Further research of these natural compounds is crucial to a better understanding of their effects in patients with SCI., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2019 Angélica Coyoy-Salgado et al.)

Anisakis simplex is a parasitic nematode that can cause anisakiosis and/or allergic reactions in humans. The presence of invasive third-stage larvae (L3) in many different consumed fish species and the fourth-stage larvae (L4) in marine mammals, where L3 can accidentally affect to humans and develop as far as stage L4. World Health Organization and food safety authorities aim to control and prevent this emerging health problem. In the present work, using Tandem Mass Tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics we analyzed for the first time the global proteome of two A. simplex development stages, L3 and L4. The strategy was divided into four steps: (a) protein extraction of L3 and L4 development stages, (b) high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)-assisted trypsin digestion, (c) TMT-isobaric mass tag labeling following by high-pH reversed-phase fractionation, and (d) LC-MS/MS analysis in a LTQ-Orbitrap Elite mass spectrometer. A total of 2443 different proteins of A. simplex were identified. Analysis of the modulated proteins provided the specific proteomic signature of L3 (i.e. pseudocoelomic globin, endochitinase 1, paramyosin) and L4 (i.e. neprilysin-2, glutamate dehydrogenase, aminopeptidase N). To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive dataset of proteins of A. simplex for two development stages (L3 and L4) identified to date. SIGNIFICANCE: A. simplex is a fish-borne parasite responsible for the human anisakiosis and allergic reactions around the world. The work describes for the first-time the comparison of the proteome of two A. simplex stages (L3 and L4). The strategy is based on four steps: (i) protein extraction, (ii) ultra-fast trypsin digestion under High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), (iii) TMT-isobaric mass tag labeling followed by high-pH reversed-phase fractionation and (iv) peptide analysis using a LTQ-Orbitrap Elite mass spectrometer. The workflow allows to select the most modulated proteins as proteomic signature of those specific development stages (L3 and L4) of A. simplex. Obtained stage-specific proteins, could be used as targets to control/eliminate this parasite and in future eradicate the anisakiosis disease., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In addition to oxidative stress due to the increase of free radicals, estrogen deficiency is associated with changes in enzymatic activity, glutathione redox ratio (GSH/GSSG), and the content of oxidative markers such as malondialdehyde. Tibolone, a synthetic steroid, has been used as an elective treatment for the relief of menopausal symptoms. However, the acute effects of hormonal therapy with tibolone on metabolic parameters and oxidative stress markers associated with the first stages of estrogen deficiency are still unknown. The study aimed to evaluate if the acute administration of tibolone reduces oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats fed high-fat-and-fructose diet. Rats were fed a standard diet or a diet consisting of 10% lard-supplemented chow and 20% high-fructose syrup in the drinking water plus tibolone or vehicle for seven days. Weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels, as well as antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers were quantified in the serum of each experimental group. It was observed that seven days of diet and tibolone treatment in the ovariectomized group reduced weight, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose levels and advanced glycation end products but did not change GSH/GSSG ratio nor the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase. Also, both glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity decreased, as well as malondialdehyde levels. These results suggest that the acute treatment with tibolone prevented the changes in the metabolic parameters analyzed as well as the increase in the levels of malondialdehyde and AGEs induced by ovariectomy and high-fat diet., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Parvalbumins beta (β-PRVBs) are the main fish allergens. The only proven and effective treatment for this type of hypersensitivity is to consume a diet free of fish. We present the molecular characterization of B-cell epitopes by shotgun proteomics of different β-PRVBs combined with protein-based bioinformatics and IgE-reactive approaches. The final goal of this work is to identify potential peptide vaccine candidates for fish allergy. Purified β-PRVBs from the main fifteen different fish species that cause allergy were analyzed by shotgun proteomics. Identified β-PRVBs peptide sequences and ninety-eight β-PRVB protein sequences from UniProtKB were combined, aligned and analyzed to determine B-cell epitopes using the Kolaskar and Tongaonkar algorithm. The highest rated predicted B-cell peptide epitopes were evaluated by ELISA using the corresponding synthetic peptides and sera from healthy and fish allergic patients. A total of 35 peptides were identified as B-cell epitopes. The top B-cell peptide epitopes (LKLFLQV, ACAHLCK, FAVLVKQ and LFLQNFV) that may induce protective immune responses were selected as potential peptide vaccine candidates. The 3D model of these peptides were located in the surface of the protein. This study provides the global characterization of B-cell epitopes for all β-PRVBs sequences that will facilitate the design of new potential immunotherapies. SIGNIFICANCE: This work provides the global characterization of B-cell epitopes for all β-PRVBs sequences by Shotgun Proteomics combined with Protein-based Bioinformatics and IgE-reactive approaches. This study will increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms whereby fish allergens elicit allergic reactions and will facilitate the design of new potential peptide vaccine candidates., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Our goal was to establish panels of protein biomarkers that are characteristic of patients with microbiologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and their contacts, including latent TB-infected (LTBI) and uninfected patients. Since the first pathogen-host contact occurs in the oral and nasal passages the saliva and sputum were chosen as the biological fluids to be studied. Quantitative shotgun proteomics was performed using a LTQ-Orbitrap-Elite platform. For active TB patients, both fluids exhibited a specific accumulation of proteins that were related to complement activation, inflammation and modulation of immune response. In the saliva of TB patients, a decrease of in proteins related to glucose and lipid metabolism was detected. In contrast, the sputum of uninfected contacts presented a specific proteomic signature that was composed of proteins involved in the perception of bitter taste, defense against pathogens and innate immune response, suggesting that those are key events during the initial entry of the pathogen in the host. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first study to compare the saliva and sputum from active TB patients and their contacts. Our findings strongly suggest that TB patients show not only an activation of processes that are related to complement activation and modulation of inflammation but also an imbalance in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In addition, those individuals who do not get infected after direct exposure to the pathogen display a typical proteomic signature in the sputum, which is a reflection of the secretion from the nasal and oral mucosa, the first immunological barriers that M. tuberculosis encounters in the host. Thus, this result indicates the importance of the processes related to the innate immune response in fighting the initial events of the infection., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated as a pathophysiological mechanism of drug-resistant epilepsy, but little is known about the relationship between OS markers and clinical parameters, such as the number of drugs, age onset of seizure and frequency of seizures per month. The current study&rsquo;s aim was to evaluate several oxidative stress markers and antioxidants in 18 drug-resistant partial complex seizure (DRPCS) patients compared to a control group (age and sex matched), and the results were related to clinical variables. We examined malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), nitric oxide (NO), uric acid, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione, vitamin C, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and nitrotyrosine (3-NT). All markers except 4-HNE and 3-NT were studied by spectrophotometry. The expressions of 4-HNE and 3-NT were evaluated by Western blot analysis. MDA levels in patients were significantly increased ( p &le; 0.0001) while AOPP levels were similar to the control group. AGEs, NO and uric acid concentrations were significantly decreased ( p &le; 0.004, p &le; 0.005, p &le; 0.0001, respectively). Expressions of 3-NT and 4-HNE were increased ( p &le; 0.005) similarly to SOD activity ( p = 0.0001), whereas vitamin C was considerably diminished ( p = 0.0001). Glutathione levels were similar to the control group. There was a positive correlation between NO and MDA with the number of drugs. The expression of 3-NT was positively related with the frequency of seizures per month. There was a negative relationship between MDA and age at onset of seizures, as well as vitamin C with seizure frequency/month. We detected an imbalance in the redox state in patients with DRCPS, supporting oxidative stress as a relevant mechanism in this pathology. Thus, it is apparent that some oxidant and antioxidant parameters are closely linked with clinical variables.

Stress is a state of vulnerable homeostasis that alters the physiological and behavioral responses. Stress induces oxidative damage in several organs including the brain, liver, kidney, stomach, and heart. Preliminary findings suggested that the magnetic stimulation could accelerate the healing processes and has been an effective complementary therapy in different pathologies. However, the mechanism of action of static magnetic fields (SMFs) is not well understood. In this study, we demonstrated the effects of static magnetic fields (0.8 mT) in a restraint stressed animal model, focusing on changes in different markers of oxidative damage. A significant increase in the plasma levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and glycation end products (AGEs) were observed in restraint stress model. Exposure to SMFs over 5 days (30, 60, and 240 min/day) caused a decrease in the NO, MDA, AGEs, and AOPP levels; in contrast, the SOD and GSH levels increased. The response to SMFs was time-dependent. Thus, we proposed that exposure to weak-intensity SMFs could offer a complementary therapy by attenuating oxidative stress. Our results provided a new perspective in health studies, particularly in the context of oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress (OS) is a key process in the development of many neurodegenerative diseases, memory disorders, and other pathological processes related to aging. Tibolone (TIB), a synthetic hormone used as a treatment for menopausal symptoms, decreases lipoperoxidation levels, prevents memory impairment and learning disability caused by ozone (O 3 ) exposure. However, it is not clear if TIB could prevent the increase in phosphorylation induced by oxidative stress of the microtubule-associated protein Tau. In this study, the effects of TIB at different times of administration on the phosphorylation of Tau, the activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), and the inactivation of Akt and phosphatases PP2A and PTEN induced by O 3 exposure were assessed in adult male Wistar rats. Rats were divided into 10 groups: control group (ozone-free air plus vehicle [C]), control + TIB group (ozone-free air plus TIB 1 mg/kg [C + TIB]); 7, 15, 30, and 60 days of ozone exposure groups [O 3 ] and 7, 15, 30, and 60 days of TIB 1 mg/kg before ozone exposure groups [O 3 + TIB]. The effects of O 3 exposure and TIB administration were assessed by western blot analysis of total and phosphorylated Tau, GSK3β, Akt, PP2A, and PTEN proteins and oxidative stress marker nitrotyrosine, and superoxide dismutase activity and lipid peroxidation of malondialdehyde by two different spectrophotometric methods (Marklund and TBARS, respectively). We observed that O 3 exposure increases Tau phosphorylation, which is correlated with decreased PP2A and PTEN protein levels, diminished Akt protein levels, and increased GSK3β protein levels in the hippocampus of adult male rats. The effects of O 3 exposure were prevented by the long-term treatment (over 15 days) with TIB. Malondialdehyde and nitrotyrosine levels increased from 15 to 60 days of exposure to O 3 in comparison to C group, and superoxide dismutase activity decreased. Furthermore, TIB administration limited the changes induced by O 3 exposure. Our results suggest a beneficial use of hormone replacement therapy with TIB to prevent neurodegeneration caused by O 3 exposure in rats., Competing Interests: Tibolone was used in this study. The authors declare that there are no competing interests in this study

Ultrasound pachymetry (UP) is currently the most common technique used to evaluate central corneal thickness (CCT). New devices which allow assessment of CCT without corneal contact have been compared, but there are discrepancies among instruments. The aim of this study was to compare CCT measurements obtained by UP and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in 28 eyes of 14 healthy Beagles dogs. Mean CCT±standard deviation (SD) were 552±63μm for UP and 551±55μm for UBM. UBM showed both a fixed and proportional bias when compared to ultrasound pachymetry, but this was not considered to be clinically important. Measured CCT did not differ between UP and UBM (P=0.796). The intra-class correlation coefficient indicated a strong agreement between methods (0.990). The CCT measurements between left (548±61μm) and right (555±59μm) eyes did not differ (P=0.760). Male dogs had higher CCT measurements than female dogs (P=0.038)., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To develop evidence-based recommendations on the use of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging in patients with spondyloarthritis, including psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis., Methods: Recommendations were generated following a nominal group technique. A panel of experts (15 rheumatologists and 3 radiologists) was established in the first panel meeting to define the scope and purpose of the consensus document, as well as chapters, potential recommendations and systematic literature reviews (we used and updated those from previous EULAR documents). A first draft of recommendations and text was generated. Then, an electronic Delphi process (2 rounds) was carried out. Recommendations were voted from 1 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). We defined agreement if at least 70% of participants voted≥7. The level of evidence and grade or recommendation was assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine levels of evidence. The full text was circulated and reviewed by the panel. The consensus was coordinated by an expert methodologist., Results: A total of 12 recommendations were proposed for each disease. They include, along with explanations of the validity of US and magnetic resonance imaging regarding inflammation and damage detection, diagnosis, prediction (structural damage progression, flare, treatment response, etc.), monitoring and the use of US guided injections/biopsies., Conclusions: These recommendations will help clinicians use US and magnetic resonance imaging in patients with spondyloarthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Reumatología y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To develop evidence-based recommendations on the use of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)., Methods: Recommendations were generated following a nominal group technique. A panel of experts, consisting of 15 rheumatologists and 3 radiologists, was established in the first panel meeting to define the scope and purpose of the consensus document, as well as chapters, potential recommendations and systematic literature reviews (we used and updated those from previous EULAR documents). A first draft of recommendations and text was generated. Then, an electronic Delphi process (2 rounds) was carried out. Recommendations were voted from 1 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). We defined agreement if at least 70% of experts voted ≥7. The level of evidence and grade or recommendation was assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence. The full text was circulated and reviewed by the panel. The consensus was coordinated by an expert methodologist., Results: A total of 20 recommendations were proposed. They include the validity of US and MRI regarding inflammation and damage detection, diagnosis, prediction (structural damage progression, flare, treatment response, etc.), monitoring and the use of US guided injections/biopsies., Conclusions: These recommendations will help clinicians use US and MRI in RA patients., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Reumatología y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología. All rights reserved.)

In the present work, we applied a shotgun proteomics approach for the fast and easy characterization of 20 different foodborne strains of Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ), one of the most recognized foodborne pathogenic bacteria. A total of 644 non-redundant proteins were identified and analyzed via an easy and rapid protein sample preparation procedure. The results allowed the differentiation of several proteome datasets from the different strains (common, accessory, and unique datasets), which were used to determine relevant functional pathways and differentiate the strains into different Euclidean hierarchical clusters. Moreover, a predicted protein-protein interaction network of the foodborne S. aureus strains was created. The whole confidence network contains 77 nodes and 769 interactions. Most of the identified proteins were surface-associated proteins that were related to pathways and networks of energy, lipid metabolism and virulence. Twenty-seven virulence factors were identified, and most of them corresponded to autolysins, N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidases, phenol-soluble modulins, extracellular fibrinogen-binding proteins and virulence factor EsxA. Potential species-specific peptide biomarkers were screened. Twenty-one species-specific peptide biomarkers, belonging to eight different proteins (nickel-ABC transporter, N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase, autolysin, clumping factor A, gram-positive signal peptide YSIRK, cysteine protease/staphopain, transcriptional regulator MarR, and transcriptional regulator Sar-A), were proposed to identify S. aureus . These results constitute the first major dataset of peptides and proteins of foodborne S. aureus strains. This repository may be useful for further studies, for the development of new therapeutic treatments for S. aureus food intoxications and for microbial source-tracking in foodstuffs.

Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are protozoa ubiquitously found in nature. Some species of the genus are potentially pathogenic for humans provoking keratitis in healthy individuals, often in contact lens wearers and opportunistic infections such as pneumonitis, fatal granulomatous encephalitis and skin infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The pathogenic mechanisms of these amoebae are poorly understood, however it had been suggested that contact dependent mechanisms are important during invasion, regardless of the epithelia type, since amoebae penetrate epithelia separating tight junction (TJ). This study was undertaken to determine whether Acanthamoeba sp. (T4) damages the barrier function of the TJ in MDCK epithelial monolayers. Actin cytoskeleton staining and electron microscopy analyses were performed; paracellular permeability and TJ sealing were evaluated by apicobasolateral diffusion of ruthenium red and transepithelial resistance (TER) measurements; immunofluorescence and Western blot assays were performed to locate and estimate expression of TJ protein claudins 2 (Cldn2) and 4 (Cldn4). The results show that Acanthamoeba sp. crosses the MDCK monolayer without altering the actin cytoskeleton or the morphology of the cells. When trophozoites or conditioned medium interact with the monolayer, paracellular diffusion of ruthenium red increases. After 6 h, the amoebae, but not their conditioned medium, increase the TER, and Cldn2 is removed from the TJ, and its overall content in the cells diminishes, while Cldn4 is targeted to the TJ without changing its expression level. In conclusion Acanthamoeba (T4) crosses MDCK monolayer without damaging the cells, increasing permeability and TER through Cldn2 degradation, and redirecting Cldn4 to TJ. These results strongly suggest that contact-dependent mechanisms are relevant during amoebae invasion., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The ability of polyphenols to ameliorate potential oxidative damage of ω-3 PUFAs when they are consumed together and then, to enhance their potentially individual effects on metabolic health is discussed through the modulation of fatty acids profiling and the production of lipid mediators. For that, the effects of the combined consumption of fish oils and grape seed procyanidins on the inflammatory response and redox unbalance triggered by high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS) diets were studied in an animal model of Wistar rats. A standard diet was used as control. Results suggested that fish oils produced a replacement of ω-6 by ω-3 PUFAs in membranes and tissues, and consequently they improved inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters: favored the activity of 12/15-lipoxygenases on ω-3 PUFAs, enhanced glutathione peroxidases activity, modulated proinflammatory lipid mediators synthesis through the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways and down-regulated the synthesis de novo of ARA leaded by Δ5 desaturase. Although polyphenols exerted an antioxidative and antiinflammatory effect in the standard diet, they were less effective to reduce inflammation in the HFHS dietary model. Contrary to the effect observed in the standard diet, polyphenols up-regulated COX pathways toward ω-6 proinflammatory eicosanoids as PGE 2 and 11-HETE and decreased the detoxification of ω-3 hydroperoxides in the HFHS diet. As a result, additive effects between fish oils and polyphenols were found in the standard diet in terms of reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. However, in the HFHS diets, fish oils seem to be the one responsible for the positive effects found in the combined group., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aging is a key risk factor for cognitive decline and age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Also, an age-related decrease in sex steroid hormones may have a negative impact on the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs); these hormones can regulate Tau phosphorylation and the principal kinase GSK3β involved in this process. Hormone replacement therapy decreases NFTs, but it increases the risk of some types of cancer. However, other synthetic hormones such as tibolone (TIB) have been used for hormone replacement therapy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the long-term effects of TIB (0.01 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, intragastrically for 12 weeks) on the content of total and hyperphosphorylated Tau (PHF-1) proteins and the regulation of GSK3β/Akt/PI3K pathway and CDK5/p35/p25 complexes in the hippocampus of aged male mice. We observed that the content of PHF-1 decreased with TIB administration. In contrast, no changes were observed in the active form of GSK3β or PI3K. TIB decreased the expression of the total and phosphorylated form of Akt while increased that of p110 and p85. The content of CDK5 was differentially modified with TIB: it was increased at low doses and decreased at high doses. When we analyzed the content of CDK5 activators, an increase was found on p35; however, the content of p25 decreased with administration of low dose of TIB. Our results suggest a possible mechanism of action of TIB in the hippocampus of aged male mice. Through the regulation of Tau and GSK3β/Akt/PI3K pathway, and CDK5/p35/p25 complexes, TIB may modulate neuronal plasticity and regulate learning and memory processes., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: None declared.

This study considered the physiological modulation of liver proteins due to the supplementation with fish oils under two dietary backgrounds: standard or high in fat and sucrose (HFHS), and their combination with grape polyphenols. By using a quantitative proteomics approach, we showed that the capacity of the supplements for regulating proteins depended on the diet; namely, 10 different proteins changed into standard diets, while 45 changed into the HFHS diets and only scarcely proteins were found altered in common. However, in both contexts, fish oils were the main regulatory force, although the addition of polyphenols was able to modulate some fish oils' effects. Moreover, we demonstrated the ability of fish oils and their combination with grape polyphenols in improving biochemical parameters and reducing lipogenesis and glycolysis enzymes, enhancing fatty acid beta-oxidation and insulin signaling and ameliorating endoplasmic reticulum stress and protein oxidation when they are included in an unhealthy diet., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The determination of the geographical origin of food products is relevant to comply with the legal regulations of traceability, to avoid food fraud, and to guarantee food quality and safety to the consumers. For these reasons, stable isotope ratio (SIR) analysis using an isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) instrument is one of the most useful techniques for evaluating food traceability and authenticity. The present study was aimed to determine, for the first time, the geographical origin for all commercial fish species belonging to the Merlucciidae family using SIR analysis of carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N). The specific results enabled their clear classification according to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) fishing areas, latitude, and geographical origin in the following six different clusters: European, North African, South African, North American, South American, and Australian hake species.

To investigate the hypothesis that oxidative phosphorylation is a major source of ATP to fuel stallion sperm motility, oxidative phosphorylation was suppressed using the mitochondrial uncouplers CCCP and 2,4,-dinitrophenol (DNP) and by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration at complex IV using sodium cyanide or at the level of ATP synthase using oligomycin-A. As mitochondrial dysfunction may also lead to oxidative stress, production of reactive oxygen species was monitored simultaneously. All inhibitors reduced ATP content, but oligomycin-A did so most profoundly. Oligomycin-A and CCCP also significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Sperm motility almost completely ceased after the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and both percentage of motile sperm and sperm velocity were reduced in the presence of mitochondrial uncouplers. Inhibition of ATP synthesis resulted in the loss of sperm membrane integrity and increased the production of reactive oxygen species by degenerating sperm. Inhibition of glycolysis by deoxyglucose led to reduced sperm velocities and reduced ATP content, but not to loss of membrane integrity. These results suggest that, in contrast to many other mammalian species, stallion spermatozoa rely primarily on oxidative phosphorylation to generate the energy required for instance to maintain a functional Na + /K + gradient, which is dependent on an Na + -K + antiporter ATPase, which relates directly to the noted membrane integrity loss. Under aerobic conditions, however, glycolysis also provides the energy required for sperm motility., (© 2016 Society for Reproduction and Fertility.)

Mucormycosis is most common in immunocompromised patients, but it can also occur in healthy hosts, most frequently as primary cutaneous mucormycosis (PCM) and predominantly as a result of skin trauma. We present an uncommon case of PCM in a healthy, young man with no previous history of local trauma. Despite rapid progression of the infection, the patient was successfully treated through surgical intervention and by administering liposomal amphotericin B and posaconazole. He made a full recovery without the need for skin grafting., (2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

Unlabelled: Anisakids are fish-borne parasites that are responsible for a large number of human infections and allergic reactions around the world. World health organizations and food safety authorities aim to control and prevent this emerging health problem. In the present work, a new method for the fast monitoring of these parasites is described. The strategy is divided in three steps: (i) purification of thermostable proteins from fish-borne parasites (Anisakids), (ii) in-solution HIFU trypsin digestion and (iii) monitoring of several peptide markers by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) mass spectrometry. This methodology allows the fast detection of Anisakids in <2h. An affordable assay utilizing this methodology will facilitate testing for regulatory and safety applications., Significance: The work describes for the first time, the Protein Biomarker Discovery and the Fast Monitoring for the identification and detection of Anisakids in fishery products. The strategy is based on the purification of thermostable proteins, the use of accelerated in-solution trypsin digestions under an ultrasonic field provided by High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and the monitoring of several peptide biomarkers by Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM) Mass Spectrometry in a linear ion trap mass spectrometer. The workflow allows the unequivocal detection of Anisakids, in <2h. The present strategy constitutes the fastest method for Anisakids detection, whose application in the food quality control area, could provide to the authorities an effective and rapid method to guarantee the safety to the consumers., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Dietary intervention with ω-3 marine fatty acids may potentially modulate inflammation and oxidative stress markers related with CVD, metabolic syndrome and cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether different proportions of ω-3 EPA and DHA intake provoke a modulation of the production of lipid mediators and then, an influence on different indexes of inflammation and oxidative stress in a controlled dietary animal experiment using Wistar rats. For such scope, a lipidomic SPE-LC-ESI-MS/MS approach previously developed was applied to determine lipid mediators profile in plasma samples. The effect of ω-3 fatty acids associated to different ratios EPA:DHA was compared with the effect exerted by ω-3 ALA supplementation from linseed oil and ω-6 LA from soybean oil. CRP showed a tendency to greater inflammatory status in all ω-3-fed animals. Interestingly, ratios 1:1 and 2:1 EPA:DHA evidenced a noteworthy healthy effect generating a less oxidative environment and modulating LOX and COX activities toward a decrease in the production of proinflammatory ARA eicosanoids and oxidative stress biomarkers from EPA and DHA. In addition, the ability of 1:1 and 2:1 fish oil diets to reduce lipid mediator levels was in concurrence with the protective effect exerted by decreasing inflammatory markers as ω-6/ω-3 ratio in plasma and membranes. It was also highlighted the effect of a higher DHA amount in the diet reducing the healthy benefits described in terms of inflammation and oxidative stress. Results support the antiinflammatory and antioxidative role of fish oils and, particularly, the effect of adequate proportions EPA:DHA., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Obesity before pregnancy is associated with a greater risk for the offspring to develop obesity and diabetes in childhood and adulthood. The aim of the present study was to determine the association between maternal overweight or obesity before pregnancy and newborn oxidative stress (OS)., Methods: Seventy-two mother-child pairs were divided according to the pre-gestational body mass index (BMI) of the mothers as follows: eutrophic (n = 21), overweight (n = 32), and obese (n = 19). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured in the plasma of a blood sample from the newborn's umbilical cord., Results: The MDA levels of newborns increased with maternal BMI (P = 0.001), as did the levels of NO (P = 0.019). There was a direct correlation between MDA and NO levels in each of the three groups (eutrophic: R(2)  = 0.59, P < 0.001; overweight: R(2)  = 0.45, P < 0.001; and obese: R(2)  = 0.26, P = 0.024)., Conclusions: Maternal overweight and obesity before pregnancy are associated with increased OS in the offspring., (© 2015 The Obesity Society.)

Background: Although automated cell separators (apheresis) have undergone a lot of technical refinements, the effect of the procedure on hematological indices of donors is rarely taken into account. The purpose of this study is to identify potential hematologic changes in donors undergoing erythrocytapheresis., Methods: 30 apparently healthy adult donors were evaluated. Erythrocytapheresis procedure was performed using automated equipment. Hematologic measurements (hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells counts and platelets) were analyzed before and after erythrocytapheresis in all donors., Results: We observed a significant decrease in the donors in hemoglobin (p <0.0001), hematocrit (p <0.0001), leukocytes (p <0.0001), lymphocytes (p = 0.0267), and platelets (p <0.0001). On the other hand, we found no changes in segmented, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils post erythrocytapheresis., Conclusion: In this study we found a significant drop in complete blood count in blood donation procedure by erythrocytapheresis; there are hematological changes in both red and white cells in all donors; however, none of donors manifested symptoms of thrombocytopenia or anemia. This study demonstrates hematological changes post-donation and therefore requires larger multicenter studies, in order to establish guidelines for donors' safety in apheresis and also help in assessing donor suitability, especially given the present trend of double product apheresis collections.

Pre-slaughter stress has adverse effects on meat quality that can lead to the occurrence of Dark Firm Dry (DFD) meat in cattle. This study explores the previously uncharacterized proteome changes linked to pre-slaughter stress in the longissimus thoracis (LT) bovine muscle. Differential proteome profiles of DFD and normal (non-DFD) LT meat samples from male calves of the Rubia Gallega breed were assessed by 2-DE coupled to MS analysis (LC-MS/MS and MALDI TOF/TOF MS). A total of seven structural-contractile proteins (three different myosin light chain isoforms, two fast skeletal myosin light chain 2 isoforms, troponin C type 2 and cofilin-2) and three metabolism enzymes (triosephosphate isomerase, ATP synthase and beta-galactoside alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase) were found to have statistically significant differential abundance in sample groups. In addition, 2-DE in combination with the phosphoprotein-specific fluorescent dye Pro-Q DPS revealed that highly phosphorylated fast skeletal myosin regulatory light chain 2 isoforms underwent the most intense relative change in muscle conversion to DFD meat. Therefore, they appear to be the most sensitive biomarkers of stress just prior to slaughter in Rubia Gallega. Overall, these findings will facilitate a more integrative understanding of the biochemical processes associated with stress in cattle muscle and their effects in meat quality., Biological Significance: Pre-slaughter stress is a crucial factor in meat production. Animals destined for slaughter are stressed by a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors that negatively affect the complex post-mortem biochemical events underlying the conversion of muscle into meat. The study of the muscle proteome has a great relevance for understanding the molecular mechanisms associated with stress. However, there is no information available on the molecular changes linked to pre-slaughter stress in cattle on the proteome scale. Our study led to the identification of a number of candidate proteins associated with the response to pre-slaughter stress in the LT bovine muscle of the Rubia Gallega breed. The functions of those significantly changed proteins have a clear biological relationship with stress response. These findings contribute to a deeper insight into the molecular pathways that respond to stress in cattle., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Proteome changes in the longissimus thoracis bovine muscle in response to pre-slaughter stress were assessed on the basis of two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) data. In this study, the bootstrap resampling statistical technique and a new measure of relative change of the volume of 2-DE protein spots are shown to be more efficient than commonly used statistics to reliably quantify changes in protein abundance in stress response. The data are supplied in this article and are related to "Tackling proteome changes in the longissimus thoracis bovine muscle in response to pre-slaughter stress" by Franco et al. [1].