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ABSTRACT Objectives Periodontitis (PD) has the potential to induce systemic changes that affect both physical and behavioral aspects. These alterations may be associated with changes in both the inflammatory profile and the oxidative stress status of individuals with PD. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of PD on oxidative stress, as well as on behavioral parameters and cognitive impairment, in a preclinical model. Material and Methods Twenty‐four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to PD and sham groups. PD was induced by the ligature protocol for 14 days. Behavioral tests were initiated on the 9th day of the experiment to evaluate anxious behavior and cognition (learning and memory). After euthanasia, oxidative stress was evaluated in the gums, blood, hippocampus, and amygdala. Alveolar bone loss, bone microstructure, and elemental compositions of the mandibular bone were also assessed. Results PD increased alveolar bone loss, reduced the calcium and phosphorus content in the mandibular bone, and increased anxiety‐like behavior and cognitive decline (p

B cell-activating factor (BAFF) is a critical TNF-family cytokine that regulates homeostasis and peripheral tolerance of B2 cells. BAFF overproduction promotes autoantibody generation and autoimmune diseases. During obesity, BAFF is predominantly produced by white adipose tissue (WAT), and IgG autoantibodies against adipocytes are identified in the WAT of obese humans. However, it remains to be determined if the autoantibodies formed during obesity affect WAT remodeling and systemic insulin resistance. Here, we show that IgG autoantibodies are generated in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice that bind to apoptotic adipocytes and promote their phagocytosis by macrophages. Next, using murine models of obesity in which the gonadal WAT undergoes remodeling, we found that BAFF neutralization depleted IgG autoantibodies, increased the number of dead adipocytes, and exacerbated WAT inflammation and insulin resistance. RNA sequencing of the stromal vascular fraction from the WAT revealed decreased expression of immunoglobulin light-chain and heavy-chain variable genes suggesting a decreased repertoire of B cells after BAFF neutralization. Further, the B cell activation and the phagocytosis pathways were impaired in the WAT of BAFF-neutralized mice. In vitro, plasma IgG fractions from BAFF-neutralized mice reduced the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic adipocytes. Altogether, our study suggests that IgG autoantibodies developed during obesity, at least in part, dampens exacerbated WAT inflammation and systemic insulin resistance.

Autophagy plays a vital role in cell homeostasis by eliminating nonfunctional components and promoting cell survival. Here, we examined the levels of autophagy signaling proteins after 7 days of overload hypertrophy in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles of control and diabetic rats. We compared control and 3‐day streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, an experimental model for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). EDL muscles showed increased levels of basal autophagy signaling proteins. The diabetic state did not affect the extent of overload‐induced hypertrophy or the levels of autophagy signaling proteins (p‐ULK1, Beclin‐1, Atg5, Atg12‐5, Atg7, Atg3, LC3‐I and II, and p62) in either muscle. The p‐ULK‐1, Beclin‐1, and p62 protein expression levels were higher in the EDL muscle than in the soleus before the hypertrophic stimulus. On the contrary, the soleus muscle exhibited increased autophagic signaling after overload‐induced hypertrophy, with increases in Beclin‐1, Atg5, Atg12‐5, Atg7, Atg3, and LC3‐I expression in the control and diabetic groups, in addition to p‐ULK‐1 in the control groups. After hypertrophy, Beclin‐1 and Atg5 levels increased in the EDL muscle of both groups, while p‐ULK1 and LC3‐I increased in the control group. In conclusion, the baseline EDL muscle exhibited higher autophagy than the soleus muscle. Although TDM1 promotes skeletal muscle mass loss and strength reduction, it did not significantly alter the extent of overload‐induced hypertrophy and autophagy signaling proteins in EDL and soleus muscles, with the two groups exhibiting different patterns of autophagy activation.

We searched for the 6α-condensed state in 24Mg by measuring the C12+12C scattering with the SAKRA Si detector array at Ecm=17.5–25.0 MeV. By using the invariant-mass method for the detected 3α particles, the inclusive cross sections for the C12+12C→12C(02+)+X and C12(31−)+X reactions were determined. In addition, the missing-mass spectroscopy was successfully utilized to determine the excitation energy of the residual C12 nucleus and the exclusive cross sections for the C12+12C→12C(02+)+12C(01+), C12(02+)+12C(21+), and C12(02+)+12C(02+) reactions. In both the inclusive C12(02+)+X channel and the exclusive C12(02+)+12C(01+) channel, the cross section peaked at Ecm=19.4 MeV, which correspond to the excitation energy of Ex=33.3 MeV in 24Mg. This 19.4-MeV state is a candidate for the 6α-condensed state because of the agreement of the excitation energy with the theoretical value and its decay property. In the exclusive C12(02+)+12C(02+) channel, a broad state was observed at Ecm=22.5 MeV, which correspond to the excitation energy of Ex=36.4 MeV in 24Mg. From the angular distribution of the differential cross section, the spin and parity of this 22.5-MeV state was assigned to be 4+. In addition, a 2+ state was suggested at the low-energy side of the 22.5-MeV state. Because their excitation energies are higher than the theoretical value of the 6α-condensed state, these states might be excited states of the 6α-condensed state such as the 22+ and 41+ states in C12.

Plant genomes are comprised of nuclear, plastid and mitochondrial components characterized by different patterns of inheritance and evolution. Genetic markers from the three genomes provide complementary tools for investigations of inheritance, genetic relationships and phenotypic contributions. Plant mitochondrial genomes are challenging for universal marker development because they are highly variable in terms of size, gene order and intergenic sequences and highly conserved with respect to protein-coding sequences. PCR amplification of introns with primers that anneal to conserved, flanking exons is effective for the development of polymorphic nuclear genome markers. The potential for plant mitochondrial intron polymorphisms to distinguish between congeneric species or intraspecific varieties has not been systematically investigated and is possibly constrained by requirements for intron secondary structure and interactions with co-evolved organelle intron splicing factors. To explore the potential for broadly applicable plant mitochondrial intron markers, PCR primer sets based upon conserved sequences flanking 11 introns common to seven angiosperm species were tested across a range of plant orders. PCR-amplified introns were screened for indel polymorphisms among a group of cross-compatible Citrus species and relatives; two Raphanus sativus mitotypes; representatives of the two Phaseolus vulgaris gene pools; and congeneric pairs of Cynodon, Cenchrus, Solanum, and Vaccinium species. All introns were successfully amplified from each plant entry. Length polymorphisms distinguishable by gel electrophoresis were common among genera but infrequent within genera. Sequencing of three introns amplified from 16 entries identified additional short indel polymorphisms and nucleotide substitutions that separated Citrus, Cynodon, Cenchrus and Vaccinium congeners, but failed to distinguish Solanum congeners or representatives of the Phaseolus vulgaris major gene pools. The ability of primer sets to amplify a wider range of plant species’ introns and the presence of intron polymorphisms that distinguish congeners was confirmed by in silico analysis. While mitochondrial intron variation is limited in comparison to nuclear introns, these exon-based primer sets provide robust tools for the amplification of mitochondrial introns across a wide range of plant species wherein useful polymorphisms can be identified.

Abstract Smoking has been associated with renal disease progression in ADPKD but the underlying deleterious mechanisms and whether it specifically worsens the cardiac phenotype remain unknown. To investigate these matters, Pkd1-deficient cystic mice and noncystic littermates were exposed to smoking from conception to 18 weeks of age and, along with nonexposed controls, were analyzed at 13–18 weeks. Renal cystic index and cyst-lining cell proliferation were higher in cystic mice exposed to smoking than nonexposed cystic animals. Smoking increased serum urea nitrogen in cystic and noncystic mice and independently enhanced tubular cell proliferation and apoptosis. Smoking also increased renal fibrosis, however this effect was much higher in cystic than in noncystic animals. Pkd1 deficiency and smoking showed independent and additive effects on reducing renal levels of glutathione. Systolic function and several cardiac structural parameters were also negatively affected by smoking and the Pkd1-deficient status, following independent and additive patterns. Smoking did not increase, however, cardiac apoptosis or fibrosis in cystic and noncystic mice. Notably, smoking promoted a much higher reduction in body weight in Pkd1-deficient than in noncystic animals. Our findings show that smoking aggravated the renal and cardiac phenotypes of Pkd1-deficient cystic mice, suggesting that similar effects may occur in human ADPKD.

Abstract The phenotypes of allergic airway diseases are influenced by the interplay between host genetics and the gut microbiota, which may be modulated by probiotics. We investigated the probiotic effects on allergic inflammation in A/J and C57BL/6 mice. C57BL/6 mice had increased gut microbiota diversity compared to A/J mice at baseline. Acetate producer probiotics differentially modulated and altered the genus abundance of specific bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Allistipes, in mouse strains. We induced airway inflammation followed by probiotic treatment and found that only A/J mice exhibited decreased inflammation, and the beneficial effects of probiotics in A/J mice were partially due to acetate production. To understand the relevance of microbial composition colonization in the development of allergic diseases, we implanted female C57BL/6 mice with A/J embryos to naturally modulate the microbial composition of A/J mice, which increased gut microbiota diversity and reduced eosinophilic inflammation in A/J. These data demonstrate the central importance of microbiota to allergic phenotype severity. Video Abstract

We conducted the coincidence measurement of α particles inelastically scattered from 20Ne at 0° and decay charged particles in order to search for the alpha-particle condensed state. We compared the measured excitation-energy spectrum and decay branching ratio with the statistical-decay-model calculations, and found that the newly observed states at Ex=23.6, 21.8, and 21.2 MeV in 20Ne are strongly coupled to a candidate for the 4α condensed state in 16O. This result presents the first strong evidence that these states are the candidates for the 5α condensed state.

The triple alpha reaction is one of the most important reactions in the nuclear astrophysics. However, its reaction rate in high temperature environments at T9> 2 was still uncertain. One of the major origins of the uncertainty was that the radiative-decay probability of the 31− state in 12C was unknown. In the present work, we have determined the radiative-decay probability of the 31− state to be 1.3−1.1+1.2×10−6 by measuring the 1H(12C,12Cp) reaction for the first time, and derived the triple alpha reaction rate in high temperature environments from the measured radiative-decay probability. The present result suggests that the 31− state noticeably enhances the triple alpha reaction rate although the contribution from the 31− state had been assumed to be small.

“Why are the tin isotopes soft?” has remained, for the past decade, an open problem in nuclear structure physics: models which reproduce the isoscalar giant monopole resonance (ISGMR) in the “doubly-closed shell” nuclei, 90Zr and 208Pb, overestimate the ISGMR energies of the open-shell tin and cadmium nuclei, by as much as 1 MeV. In an effort to shed some light onto this problem, we present results of detailed studies of the ISGMR in the molybdenum nuclei, with the goal of elucidating where–and how–the softness manifests itself between 90Zr and the cadmium and tin isotopes. The experiment was conducted using the 94,96,98,100Mo(α,α′) reaction at Eα=386 MeV. A comparison of the results with relativistic, self-consistent Random-Phase Approximation calculations indicates that the ISGMR response begins to show softness in the molybdenum isotopes beginning with A=92.

BackgroundComposite dental restorations are commonly used to restore cavitated carious lesions. Unfortunately, the main reason for failure is the development of secondary caries adjacent to the restoration. To improve the long-term survival of restorations, antibacterial agents have been added into dental materials. In this study, we assessed the antibacterial and bonding capacity of a commercial universal dental adhesive incorporated with the antibacterial agent tt-farnesol creating 3 experimental adhesives: 0.38% (v/v), 1.90% (v/v), and 3.80% (v/v), plus a control (no incorporation of tt-farnesol).MethodsThe antibacterial activity was evaluated by assessing colony-forming units (CFU), biofilm dry weight (DW) and production of extracellular insoluble polysaccharides (EIP) at day 2, 3, and 5 of biofilm growth post surface treatment on the surface of composite disks. The effect of tt-farnesol on the chemical and bonding capacity of the adhesive system was assessed via pH analysis, degree of conversion (DC), and microtensile bond strengths to human dentin in both self-etch and etch-and-rinse application modes. A qualitative analysis of the effects of tt-farnesol on biofilm formation was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sealing capacity of all adhesive systems tested was evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).ResultsThe 3.80% (v/v) experimental adhesive exhibited the lowest CFU count and lowest production of EIP at day 5. DW and pH values did no exhibit statistical differences among all tested groups. Bond strengths and DC decreased with the incorporation of the antibacterial agent into the adhesive system regardless of the concentration of tt-farnesol.ConclusionThe incorporation of tt-farnesol into the adhesive system significantly reduced bacterial viability and production of EIP; however, the bonding properties of the experimental dental adhesives were altered.

Emerging evidence has shown that the maternal diet influences the microbiota. Our objective was to elucidate whether synbiotic consumption during the perinatal period equally modulates offspring gut microbiota in the A/J and C57BL/6 and affects airway inflammatory cell infiltration. We administered the synbiotic to the dam throughout the whole perinatal period. To analyze the influence of gut microbiota changes on offspring health, we induced allergic airway inflammation on offspring. Twenty-four hours after the last ovalbumin challenge, pulmonary inflammation was analyzed. Perinatal synbiotic supplementation reduced eosinophilic inflammation and mucus production only in the C57BL/6 offspring. Synbiotic supplementation during the perinatal period increased the Lactobacillus genera, which could be associated with the immune regulatory effects observed in the C57BL/6 offspring. Interestingly, synbiotic supplementation increased the diversity of gut microbiota in the A/J offspring without improving airway inflammation, indicating that diversity itself was not sufficient to regulate experimental lung inflammation.

Host disease resistance is the most desirable strategy for control of citrus canker, a disease caused by a gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri. However, no resistant commercial citrus cultivar has been identified. Cybridization, a somatic hybridization approach that combines the organelle and nuclear genomes from different species, was used to create cybrids between citrus canker resistant ‘Meiwa’ kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia Swingle snym. Citrus japonica Thunb.) and susceptible grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfad) cultivars. From these fusions, cybrids with grapefruit nucleus, kumquat mitochondria and kumquat chloroplasts and cybrids with grapefruit nucleus, kumquat mitochondria and grapefruit chloroplasts were generated. These cybrids showed a range of citrus canker response, but all cybrids with kumquat chloroplasts had a significantly lower number of lesions and lower Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri populations than the grapefruit controls. Cybrids with grapefruit chloroplasts had a significantly higher number of lesions than those with kumquat chloroplasts. To understand the role of chloroplasts in the cybrid disease defense, quantitative PCR was performed on both cybrid types and their parents to examine changes in gene expression during Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri infection. The results revealed chloroplast influences on nuclear gene expression, since isonuclear cybrids and ‘Marsh’ grapefruit had different gene expression profiles. In addition, only genotypes with kumquat chloroplasts showed an early up-regulation of reactive oxygen species genes upon Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri infection. These cybrids have the potential to enhance citrus canker resistance in commercial grapefruit orchards. They also serve as models for understanding the contribution of chloroplasts to plant disease response and raise the question of whether other alien chloroplast genotypes would condition similar results.

IntroductionWhile extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is effective in preventing further hypoxemia and maintains blood flow in endotoxin-induced shock, ECMO alone does not reverse the hypotension. In this study, we tested whether concurrent vasopressor use with ECMO would provide increased circulatory support and blood flow, and characterized regional blood flow distribution to vital organs.MethodsEndotoxic shock was induced in piglets to achieve a 30% decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP). Measurements of untreated pigs were compared to pigs treated with ECMO alone or ECMO and vasopressors.ResultsECMO provided cardiac support during vasodilatory endotoxic shock and improved oxygen delivery, but vasopressor therapy was required to return MAP to normotensive levels. Increased blood pressure with vasopressors did not alter oxygen consumption or extraction compared to ECMO alone. Regional microcirculatory blood flow (RBF) to the brain, kidney, and liver were maintained or increased during ECMO with and without vasopressors.ConclusionECMO support and concurrent vasopressor use improve regional blood flow and oxygen delivery even in the absence of full blood pressure restoration. Vasopressor-induced selective distribution of blood flow to vital organs is retained when vasopressors are administered with ECMO.

In this study, the lymphocyte activation status (surface expression of CD95, CD28, CD25, and CTLA-4), lymphocyte number, lymphocyte subpopulations, lymphocyte necrosis and/or apoptosis, and lymphocyte release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were investigated in blood samples from 16 futsal athletes before and immediately following a competitive match. Lymphocytes were isolated from the blood samples, and the cellular parameters were assessed by flow cytometry. The futsal match induced lymphocytosis and lymphocyte apoptosis, as indicated by phosphatidylserine externalization, CD95 expression, and DNA fragmentation. Additionally, the competitive match induced the necrotic death of lymphocytes. No differences in the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells or in the T-helper/suppressor profile between before and immediately after the match were observed. Additionally, after the futsal match, the CD95 and CD28 expression levels were decreased, and the lymphocytes spontaneously released higher levels of ROS. Regardless of the origin, the situation-specific knowledge of lymphocyte behavior obtained herein may facilitate the design of strategies to control the processes that result in infection and tissue injury and that subsequently decrease athletic performance.

The poultry sector demands alternative additives to antibiotics that can be used as performance enhancers. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the probiotics effects on performance, intestinal health, and redox status of 720 broilers exposed to heat stress from 15 days of age. Eight dietary treatments were evaluated: basal diet (BD) without antibiotic and probiotic (T1); BD supplemented with antibiotic zinc bacitracin (T2), BD supplemented with commercial probiotic of Bacillus subtilis DSM 17,299 (T3), BD supplemented with non-commercial probiotic of Lactococcus lactis NCDO 2118, Lactobacillus delbrueckii CNRZ 327, Escherichia coli CEC15, or Saccharomyces boulardii (T4 to T7), and BD simultaneously supplemented with the four non-commercial probiotics (T8). Feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion were determined in the period from 1 to 42 days of age. Carcass and cuts yield, abdominal fat deposition, cloacal temperature, weight and length of intestine, activity of myeloperoxidase and eosinophilic peroxidase enzymes in the jejunum, jejunal histomorphometry, relative gene expression in the jejunum (occludin, zonulin, interleukin-8, cholecystokinin, ghrelin, and heat shock protein-70), and liver (heat shock protein-70), in addition to malondialdehyde level and superoxide dismutase activity in the intestine, liver, and blood, were measured in broilers at 42 days old. As main results, broilers fed T1 diet exhibited lower weight gain (3.222 kg) and worse feed conversion (1.70 kg/kg). However, diets containing non-commercial probiotics resulted in up to 3.584 kg of weight gain and improved feed conversion by up to 10%, similar to that observed for broilers of the T2 and T3 groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has been used to morphologically and chemically modify the dental enamel surface as well as to make it more resistant to demineralization. Despite a variety of experiments demonstrating the inhibitory effect of a CO2 laser in reduce enamel demineralization, little is known about the effect of surface irradiated on bacterial growth. Thus, this in vitro study was preformed to evaluate the biofilm formation on enamel previously irradiated with a CO2 laser (λ = 10.6 µM). Methods For this in vitro study, 96 specimens of bovine enamel were employed, which were divided into two groups (n = 48): 1) Control-non-irradiated surface and 2) Irradiated enamel surface. Biofilms were grown on the enamel specimens by one, three and five days under intermittent cariogenic condition in the irradiated and non-irradiated surface. In each assessment time, the biofilm were evaluated by dry weigh, counting the number of viable colonies and, in fifth day, were evaluated by polysaccharides analysis, quantitative real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) as well as by contact angle. In addition, the morphology of biofilms was characterized by fluorescence microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Initially, the assumptions of equal variances and normal distribution of errors were conferred and the results are analyzed statistically by t-test and Mann Whitney test. Results The mean of log CFU/mL obtained for the one-day biofilm evaluation showed that there is statistical difference between the experimental groups. When biofilms were exposed to the CO2 laser, CFU/mL and CFU/dry weight in three day was reduced significantly compared with control group. The difference in the genes expression (Glucosyltransferases (gtfB) and Glucan-binding protein (gbpB)) and polysaccharides was not statically significant. Contact angle was increased relative to control when the surface was irradiated with the CO2 laser. Similar morphology was also visible with both treatments; however, the irradiated group revealed evidence of melting and fusion in the specimens. Conclusion In conclusion, CO2 laser irradiation modifies the energy surface and disrupts the initial biofilm formation.

Monolaurin (also known as glycerol monolaurate) is a natural compound found in coconut oil and is known for its protective biological activities as an antimicrobial agent. The nature of oral candidiasis and the increased antifungal resistance demand the search for novel antifungal therapeutic agents. In this study, we examine the antifungal activity of monolaurin against Candida albicans biofilms (strain ATCC:SC5314/MYA2876) in vitro and investigate whether monolaurin can alter gene expression of host inflammatory cytokines, IL-1α and IL-1β. In a co-culture model, oral fibroblast cells were cultured simultaneously with C. albicans for 24 hrs followed by the exposure to treatments of monolaurin (3.9–2,500 µM), positive control fluconazole (32.2 µM), and vehicle control group (1% ethanol), which was a model used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of monolaurin on fibroblasts as well as to analyze morphological characteristics of biofilms through fluorescence microscopy. In addition, the co-culture model was used for RNA extraction of oral fibroblasts to assess gene expression of host inflammatory cytokines, using quantitative real-time PCR. Our results showed the MIC and MFC of monolaurin were in the range 62.5–125 µM and 125–250 µM, respectively. Biofilm antifungal assay showed significant reduction in Log (CFU/ml) of biofilms treated with 1,250 and 2,500 µM of 1-monolaurin when compared to the control groups . There was also a significant down-regulation of IL-1α and IL-1β in the co-culture treated with monolaurin. It can be concluded that monolaurin has a potential antifungal activity against C. albicans and can modulate the pro-inflammatory response of the host.

A escarificação nas entrelinhas da soqueira da cana-de-açúcar, associada à adubação e à gradagem (tríplice cultivo), é adotada como um recurso para amenizar o problema da compactação do solo; entretanto, pouco se sabe de seus efeitos no enraizamento da soqueira. Objetivando estudar os efeitos da escarificação na pós-colheita de cana-de-açúcar nas propriedades físicas de um Latossolo Vermelho, na distribuição de raízes e na produtividade, realizou-se um ensaio na região do Arenito Caiuá, utilizando a terceira soca da variedade RB72454. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: E1: escarificação a 0,15 m de profundidade, adubação e gradagem; E2: escarificação a 0,30 m de profundidade, adubação e gradagem; GR: adubação e gradagem. Foram avaliados: densidade do solo, porosidade total e distribuição do tamanho de poros; distribuição do sistema radicular; produtividade, perfilhamento, diâmetro e comprimento médios dos colmos. A escarificação nas entrelinhas da soqueira de cana-de-açúcar alterou a densidade do solo, a macro e a microporosidade e, na profundidade de 0,15 m, proporcionou maior comprimento de raízes na camada de 0,25 a 0,50 m, porém não alterou a área e o comprimento totais de raízes para as outras condições estudadas, tampouco a produção da cultura.Chisel plowing in-between rows of sugar cane ratoon, associated with fertilizer and harrowing (triple cultivation) is a common practice to reduce soil compaction, but little is known about its effects on ratoon rooting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of post-harvest chisel plowing on the physical properties of an Oxisol, root distribution, and yield. The experiment was set up in an Arenito Caiuá Soil and used the third ratoon of RB72454 sugar cane variety. The treatments were: E1: 0.15 m-deep chisel plowing, fertilization, and harrowing; E2: 0.30 m-deep chisel plowing, fertilization, and harrowing; GR: fertilization and harrowing. The following parameters were evaluated: soil bulk density, total porosity, pore size distribution, root system distribution, yield, tiller number, and stalk diameter and length. Chisel plowing in-between the ratoon cane rows altered the soil bulk density and pore size distribution. Soil management down to 0.15 m depth gave rise to longer roots in a depth of 0.25-0.50 m but affected neither the total root area and length for the other studied conditions nor the sugar cane yield.

The activities of hepatic fatty acid oxidation enzymes in rats fed perilla oil rich in alpha-linolenic acid (alpha-18:3) were compared with those fed saturated fats or safflower oil (the mixture of safflower oil and olive oil, 94:8, w/w) containing the same amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids with perilla oil exclusively as linoleic acid (18:2). When the rats were fed the diets containing 15% coconut, safflower, and perilla oils for 1 week, the rate of mitochondrial and peroxisomal oxidation of palmitoyl-CoA (16:0-CoA) in the liver homogenates was the highest in rats fed perilla oil. Among the rats fed the diets containing 15% palm, safflower, and perilla oils for 2 weeks, the rates of mitochondrial and peroxisomal oxidations of 16:0-, 18:2-, and alpha-18:3-CoAs were the highest in rats fed perilla oil, and the rate of oxidation of alpha-18:3-CoA by both pathways was higher than those of other acyl-CoAs in all groups. Dietary perilla oil relative to palm and safflower oils significantly increased the activities of carnitine palmitoyltransferase, acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, acyl-CoA oxidase, and 2,4-dienoyl-CoA reductase. The substrate specificity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase appeared to be responsible for differential rates of the mitochondrial oxidation of acyl-CoAs. The substrate specificity of acyl-CoA oxidase did not account for the preferential peroxisomal oxidation of alpha-18:3 relative to 18:2. The preferential mitochondrial and peroxisomal beta-oxidation of alpha-18:3-CoA relative to 16:0- and 18:2-CoAs was also confirmed in rats fed laboratory chow irrespective of the substrate/albumin ratios in the assay mixture. It was suggested that both substrate specificities and alterations in the activities of the enzymes in beta-oxidation pathway play a significant role in the regulation of the serum lipid concentrations in rats fed a diet rich in alpha-18:3.

Inorganic arsenic is a well-known human skin carcinogen. Chronic arsenic exposure results in various types of human skin lesions, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). To investigate whether mutant stem cells participate in arsenic-associated carcinogenesis, we repeatedly exposed the HaCaT cells line to an environmentally relevant level of arsenic (0.05 ppm) in vitro for 18 weeks. Following sodium arsenic arsenite administration, cell cycle, colony-forming efficiency (CFE), cell tumorigenicity, and expression of CD44v6, NF-κB and p53, were analyzed at different time points (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 passages). We found that a chronic exposure of HaCaT cells to a low level of arsenic induced a cancer stem- like phenotype. Furthermore, arsenic-treated HaCaT cells also became tumorigenic in nude mice, their growth cycle was predominantly in G2/M and S phases. Relative to nontreated cells, they exhibited a higher growth rate and a significant increase in CFE. Western blot analysis found that arsenic was capable of increasing cell proliferation and sprouting of cancer stem-like phenotype. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that CD44v6 expression was up-regulated in HaCaT cells exposed to a low level of arsenic during early stages of induction. The expression of CD44v6 in arsenic-treated cells was positively correlated with their cloning efficiency in soft agar (r=0.949, P=0.01). Likewise, the expressions of activating transcription factor NF-κB and p53 genes in the arsenic-treated HaCaT cells were significantly higher than that in non-treated cells. Higher expressions of CD44v6, NF-κB and p53 were also observed in tumor tissues isolated from Balb/c nude mice. The present results suggest that CD44v6 may be a biomarker of arsenic-induced neoplastic transformation in human skin cells, and that arsenic promotes malignant transformation in human skin lesions through a NF-κB signaling pathway-stimulated expression of CD44v6.

Lactoferrin (LF) is recognized as a host defensive glycoprotein, especially for newborn infants. The aim of this study was to investigate whether orally administered LF had protective activity against UV-induced skin damage in hairless mice. Transepidermal water loss and skin hydration were evaluated in nonirradiated mice, UVB-irradiated mice, and UVB-irradiated and LF-administered mice. Supplementation with LF (1,600 mg/kg per day) effectively suppressed the increase in transepidermal water loss, reduction in skin hydration, aberrant epidermal hyperplasia, and cell apoptosis induced by UV irradiation. Although no significant changes in superoxide dismutase-like activity or malo-ndialdehyde levels were observed in the skin with both UV irradiation and LF administration, UV-stimulated IL-1β levels in the skin were significantly suppressed by the administration of LF. Oral supplementation with LF has the potential to reduce IL-1β levels and prevent UV-induced skin damage. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationships between the antiinflammatory effects and skin protective function of LF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactoferrin (LF) is known as an iron-binding antimicrobial protein present in exocrine secretions such as milk and releases the potent antimicrobial peptide lactoferricin (LFcin) by hydrolysis with pepsin. The antimicrobial activity of LF and LFcin has been studied well; however, their cooperative action with other milk proteins remains to be elucidated. In this study, we identified milk proteins enhancing the antimicrobial activity of bovine LF and LFcin against gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and fungi. As the target fraction, we isolated a minor milk protein fraction around 15 kDa, which was identified as bovine RNase 5 (angiogenin-1), RNase 4, and angiogenin-2 by matrixassisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. As these proteins are collectively known as the RNase A family, we referred to the target protein fraction as milk RNase of 15 kDa (MR15). The number of colony-forming units of Escherichia coli and other pathogenic microorganisms with the addition of MR15 to LF (MR15:LF ratio = 16:1,000) was dramatically lowered than that with LF alone. On the other hand, MR15 itself did not show any reductions in the number of colony-forming units at the concentrations tested. Similarly, the antimicrobial activities of LFcin against various microorganisms were significantly enhanced by the addition of MR15. These results suggest that LF and MR15 may be concomitantly acting antimicrobial agents in milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an overview of solid-state NMR studies of endohedral H2-fullerene complexes, including 1H and 13C NMR spectra, 1H and 13C spin relaxation studies, and the results of 1H dipole–dipole recoupling experiments. The available data involves three different endohedral H2-fullerene complexes, studied over a wide range of temperatures and applied magnetic fields. The symmetry of the cage influences strongly the motionally-averaged nuclear spin interactions of the endohedral H2 species, as well as its spin relaxation behaviour. In addition, the non-bonding interactions between fullerene cages are influenced by the presence of endohedral hydrogen molecules. The review also presents several pieces of experimental data which are not yet understood, one example being the structured 1H NMR lineshapes of endohedral H2 molecules trapped in highly symmetric cages at cryogenic temperatures. This review demonstrates the richness of NMR phenomena displayed by H2-fullerene complexes, especially in the cryogenic regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronotype (CT) has been associated with predisposition to chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCDs), such as diabetes mellitus and obesity. However, the effects of CT on individuals assisted by public health systems (PHSs) in middle-up economies are still poorly explored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between CT and clinical, sociobehavioral and nutritional aspects in adults assisted by a PHS in Brazil. This is a population-based cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 380 individuals, selected through probabilistic sampling by clusters, in all health units in a city of approximately 100 thousand inhabitants. Data collection was performed during home visits, by means of general and nutritional interviews, anthropometric measurements and the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Statistical analysis comprised chi-square test and principal component analysis (CPA) followed by Fisher's discriminant analysis to determine aspects associated with each CT (morning, evening or intermediate). With the aim of explaining the variation in the CT scores, the consumption of micronutrients (corrected to the total energy intake) and other individual and sociodemographic variables were used as explanatory factors in the adjustment of a linear regression model. The morning group was characterized by older men, with less than eight years of schooling, with low body mass index (BMI) and with low intake of omega-6, omega-3, sodium, zinc, thiamine, pyridoxine and niacin. The evening group, on the other hand, was composed of younger individuals, with a high consumption of these same nutrients, with high BMI and a higher frequency of heart diseases (p < 0.05). It was concluded that most morning CT individuals were elderly thin males with lower consumption of omega-6 and -3, sodium, zinc, thiamine, pyridoxine and niacin, whereas evening individuals were younger, had higher BMI and had higher consumption of the studied micronutrients. The identification of circadian and behavioral risk groups can help to provide preventive and multidisciplinary health promotion measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new ultradiscretization method which does not require that the solutions of the discrete equation have a fixed sign. We construct an ultradiscrete analogue of the singularity confinement test using this method and thereby propose an integrability test for ultradiscrete equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bäcklund transformation for the discrete Korteweg-de Vries equation is introduced in the bilinear form. The superposition formula is also derived from the transformation. An ultradiscrete analogue of the transformation is presented by means of the ultradiscretization technique. This analogue gives the Bäcklund transformation for the box and ball system. The ultradiscrete soliton solutions for the system are also discussed with explicit examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]