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Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) is both a therapeutic target and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). MicroRNA (miRNA) has been shown to regulate cholesterol homeostasis, and miRNA in blood circulation has been linked to hypercholesterolemia. However, few studies to date have associated miRNA with phenotypes like LDL-c in a healthy population. To this end, we analyzed circulating miRNA in relation to LDL-c in a healthy cohort of 353 participants using two separate bioinformatic approaches. The first approach found that miR-15b-5p and miR-16-5p were upregulated in individuals with at-risk levels of LDL-c. The second approach identified two miRNA clusters, one that positively and a second that negatively correlated with LDL-c. Included in the cluster that positively correlated with LDL-c were miR-15b-5p and miR-16-5p, as well as other miRNA from the miR-15/107, miR-30, and let-7 families. Cross-species analyses suggested that several miRNAs that associated with LDL-c are conserved between mice and humans. Finally, we examined the influence of diet on circulating miRNA. Our results robustly linked circulating miRNA with LDL-c, suggesting that miRNA could be used as biomarkers for hypercholesterolemia or targets for developing cholesterol-lowering drugs. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: This study explored the association between circulating microRNA (miRNA) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) in a healthy population of 353 participants. Two miRNAs, miR-15b-5p and miR-16-5p, were upregulated in individuals with at-risk LDL-c levels. Several miRNA clusters were positively and negatively correlated with LDL-c and are known to target mRNA involved in lipid metabolism. The study also investigated the influence of diet on circulating miRNA, suggesting potential biomarkers for hypercholesterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquid trimethylsulfonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (M3STFSI) was synthesized to obtain solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membranes by mixing it with polyethylene oxide and sodium perchlorate (NaClO4). Nine membranes were prepared with varying concentrations of high, medium, and low polymer content. X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy techniques were used to characterize both the products and the raw materials. Ionic conductivity was determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and redox phenomena were studied by cyclic voltammetry. To calculate the total ion transference number and Na+ ion transference number, chronoamperometry (CA) with EIS was employed. Additionally, the electrochemical stability in SPE (M1) was measured through linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The NaFe(SO4)2 compound, known as Eldfellite, was utilized as a cathode in Na-ion battery tests. A Na||M1||NaFe(SO4)2 cell was prepared to determine the battery performance via galvanostatic charge/discharge profiles. Thus, the theoretical specific capacity of Eldfellite for Na+ insertion is 99 mAh g−1, and after 70 cycles at a C/10 rate vs. Na0 metallic as an anode, the specific discharge capacity was 75 mAh g−1, with a coulombic efficiency above 99%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy in the present day, particularly affecting women as one of the most common forms of cancer. A significant portion of patients initially present with localized disease, for which curative treatments are pursued. Conversely, another substantial segment is diagnosed with metastatic disease, which has a worse prognosis. Recent years have witnessed a profound transformation in the prognosis for this latter group, primarily due to the discovery of various biomarkers and the emergence of targeted therapies. These biomarkers, encompassing serological, histological, and genetic indicators, have demonstrated their value across multiple aspects of breast cancer management. They play crucial roles in initial diagnosis, aiding in the detection of relapses during follow-up, guiding the application of targeted treatments, and offering valuable insights for prognostic stratification, especially for highly aggressive tumor types. Molecular markers have now become the keystone of metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, given the diverse array of chemotherapy options and treatment modalities available. These markers signify a transformative shift in the arsenal of therapeutic options against breast cancer. Their diagnostic precision enables the categorization of tumors with elevated risks of recurrence, increased aggressiveness, and heightened mortality. Furthermore, the existence of therapies tailored to target specific molecular anomalies triggers a cascade of changes in tumor behavior. Therefore, the primary objective of this article is to offer a comprehensive review of the clinical, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic utility of the principal biomarkers currently in use, as well as of their clinical impact on metastatic breast cancer. In doing so, our goal is to contribute to a more profound comprehension of this complex disease and, ultimately, to enhance patient outcomes through more precise and effective treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnesium oxalate (MgC2O4) cathode material was synthesized via a dissolution route. This material exhibited higher electrochemical performance in Mg2+/Li+ hybrid ion batteries (MLIBs) compared with magnesium ion rechargeable batteries (MIBs) that were prepared. In MLIBs, this material showed a discharge capacity of 292, 226, 186, 134, 99, 71, and 32 mAh g−1 after 65 cycles at 2, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mA g−1, respectively. Then, the MgC2O4 material has the potential to be applied as a cathode in energy storage and conversion devices, such as MLIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutral pH PVA/glycerol/Na2SO4 hydrogels were made by aging at room temperature, the effect of Na2SO4 concentration was evaluated, and the hydrogel with the best properties was tested as a neutral pH polymeric hydrogel electrolyte in a supercapacitor device with activated carbon electrodes. PVA/glycerol/Na2SO4 hydrogels were chemically and structurally studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Hydrogel with 0.40 mol L−1 of Na2SO4 has the most presence of hydrogen bonds and a lesser presence of crystalline regions in its polymeric matrix. By impedance spectroscopy, the ionic conductivity of the hydrogels was calculated. Hydrogel with 0.40 mol L−1 of Na2SO4 has the highest value of ionic conductivity 17.4 mS cm−1. This hydrogel was used as a polymer hydrogel electrolyte in a supercapacitor with Printex XE2B activated carbon electrodes by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles. The supercapacitor device with 0.40 mol L−1 Na2SO4 hydrogel reached a working potential window of 2.0 V in the cyclic voltammograms. Charge/discharge plots of the supercapacitor device with 0.40 mol L−1 Na2SO4 hydrogel exhibit a triangle behavior at different current densities. Supercapacitor device with 0.40 mol L−1 Na2SO4 hydrogel presents an equivalent series resistance of 14.7 ohms cm−2, a specific capacitance of 54.7 F g−1, and a specific energy of 7.6 Wh kg−1 at 0.5 A g−1. Obtained results were compared with a supercapacitor device with Na2SO4 1.0 mol L−1 and previously works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the most common form of cancer in women. A large proportion of patients begin with localized disease and undergo treatment with curative intent, while another large proportion of patients debuts with disseminated metastatic disease. In the last subgroup of patients, the prognosis in recent years has changed radically, given the existence of different targeted therapies thanks to the discovery of different biomarkers. Serological, histological, and genetic biomarkers have demonstrated their usefulness in the initial diagnosis, in the follow-up to detect relapses, to guide targeted treatment, and to stratify the prognosis of the most aggressive tumors in those with breast cancer. Molecular markers are currently the basis for the diagnosis of metastatic disease, given the wide variety of chemotherapy regions and existing therapies. These markers have been a real revolution in the therapeutic arsenal for breast cancer, and their diagnostic validity allows the classification of tumors with higher rates of relapse, aggressiveness, and mortality. In this sense, the existence of therapies targeting different molecular alterations causes a series of changes in tumor biology that can be assessed throughout the course of the disease to provide information on the underlying pathophysiology of metastatic disease, which allows us to broaden our knowledge of the different mechanisms of tissue invasion. Therefore, the aim of the present article is to review the clinical, diagnostic, predictive, prognostic utility and limitations of the main biomarkers available and under development in metastatic breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TMAO is elevated in individuals with cardiometabolic diseases, but it is unknown whether the metabolite is a biomarker of concern in healthy individuals. We conducted a cross-sectional study in metabolically healthy adults aged 18–66 years with BMI 18–44 kg/m2 and assessed the relationship between TMAO and diet, the fecal microbiome, and cardiometabolic risk factors. TMAO was measured in fasted plasma samples by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The fecal microbiome was assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and recent food intake was captured by multiple ASA24 dietary recalls. Endothelial function was assessed via EndoPAT. Descriptive statistics were computed by fasting plasma TMAO tertiles and evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the relationship between plasma TMAO and dietary food intake and metabolic health parameters. TMAO concentrations were not associated with average intake of animal protein foods, fruits, vegetables, dairy, or grains. TMAO was related to the fecal microbiome and the genera Butyribrio, Roseburia, Coprobaciullus, and Catenibacterium were enriched in individuals in the lowest versus the highest TMAO tertile. TMAO was positively associated with α-diversity and compositional differences were identified between groups. TMAO was not associated with classic cardiovascular risk factors in the healthy cohort. Similarly, endothelial function was not related to fasting TMAO, whereas the inflammatory marker TNF-α was significantly associated. Fasting plasma TMAO may not be a metabolite of concern in generally healthy adults unmedicated for chronic disease. Prospective studies in healthy individuals are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prior studies of adults with constipation or diarrhea suggest that dietary intake, physical activity, and stress may affect stool consistency. However, the influence of these factors is unresolved and has not been investigated in healthy adults.Objectives: We assessed the relations of technician-scored stool consistency in healthy adults with self-reported diet, objectively monitored physical activity, and quantifiable markers of stress.Methods: Stool consistency was scored by an independent technician using the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) to analyze samples provided by healthy adults, aged 18-65 y, BMI 18-44 kg/m2, in the USDA Nutritional Phenotyping Study (n = 364). A subset of participants (n = 109) were also asked to rate their sample using the BSFS. Dietary intake was assessed with two to three 24-h recalls completed at home and energy expenditure from physical activity was monitored using an accelerometer in the 7-d period preceding the stool collection. Stress was measured using the Wheaton Chronic Stress Inventory and allostatic load (AL). Statistical and machine learning analyses were conducted to determine which dietary, physiological, lifestyle, and stress factors differed by stool form.Results: Technician-scored BSFS scores were significantly further (P = 0.003) from the central score (mean ± SEM distance: 1.41 ± 0.089) than the self-reported score (1.06 ± 0.086). Hard stool was associated with higher (P = 0.005) intake of saturated fat (13.8 ± 0.40 g/1000 kcal) than was normal stool (12.5 ± 0.30 g/1000 kcal). AL scores were lower for normal stool (2.49 ± 0.15) than for hard (3.07 ± 0.18) (P = 0.009) or soft stool (2.89 ± 0.18) (P = 0.049). Machine learning analyses revealed that various dietary components, physiological characteristics, and stress hormones predicted stool consistency.Conclusions: Technician-scored stool consistency differed by dietary intake and stress hormones, but not by physical activity, in healthy adults.This trial was registered at clincialtrials.gov as NCT02367287. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction (CO2RR) into carbon‐based chemicals has attracted tremendous attention as a sustainable process for CO2 utilization. The viability of the process, however, is contingent on finding efficient catalysts based on earth abundant elements. Carbon‐based solid catalyst materials doped with nitrogen and transition metals (M−N−C) have emerged as a cost‐efficient alternative for the direct electrochemical reduction of CO2 into CO. These materials contain different N functionalities and MNx moieties which could be involved in the catalytic process. With the aim of gaining insight into the role of these different active sites and how to control their concentration we have prepared 5 polyaniline derived FeNC catalysts by changing the temperature of the heat treatment (750–1050 °C). We observed that it is possible to tune the ratio of the different N functionalities by changing the pyrolysis temperature. Furthermore, this had a clear impact on the catalytic performance of this family of FeNC materials. In particular, a higher temperature correlated with a larger FeNx concentration resulting in a high selectivity toward the CO2RR. These results indicate that FeNx moieties play a predominant role in the catalytic process and that the incorporation of such sites to the carbon structure is enhanced by the heat‐treatment temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of the different conditions that shape the recreational use of sandy beaches is key for their management. This article explores visitors' and residents' recreational use of four sandy beaches in Ecuador in relation to the physical and socioeconomic context in which this use takes place, including beach morphodynamics, level of urban development, as well as the type and quality of tourism services available. Results show that visitors and residents use the beach for the same recreational activities (i.e., walking and swimming) on beaches with different morphologies and socioeconomic conditions. However, respondents also indicated that physical characteristics (e.g., beach size and swell) are important aspects for choosing a beach. Visitors to rural beaches are more likely to consume informal catering services located within the beach area than formal ones located outside. This particular emerging theme should be taken into consideration for further research on management initiatives in the context of developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign papillary and sclerosing lesions of the breast (intraductal papillomas, complex sclerosing lesions, radial scars) are considered high‐risk lesions due to the potential for upgrade to carcinoma on subsequent surgical excision. Optimal clinical management of such lesions remains unclear due to variable reported upgrade rates. Apocrine metaplasia is a common finding in breast tissue and its role in MRI enhancing lesions is increasingly being recognized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the MRI features of papillary and sclerosing lesions of the breast, evaluate the clinical management and upgrade rate of such lesions, and examine the contribution of apocrine metaplasia to the imaging findings. A 13‐year retrospective review of MRI‐guided biopsies identified 70 MRI‐detected and ‐biopsied papillary and sclerosing lesions. Sixteen lesions without atypia underwent surgical excision; only one case (6%) was upgraded to pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ. The majority (64%) of biopsies contained apocrine metaplasia either within or adjacent to the targeted lesion. We found that half of MRI‐detected lesions had T2 hyperintense foci (2‐5 mm) or masses (>5 mm) adjacent to the lesion. Histologic correlation showed apocrine cysts were likely responsible for this imaging finding in 56% of these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of TiO2-(B) bronze was carried out by hydrothermal method using different precursors: (a) commercial anatase, (b) amorphous TiO2 prepared by O/W microemulsion method and (c) oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsion with freshly prepared amorphous TiO2. It is important to highlight this is the first report of the preparation of TiO2-(B) using an O/W microemulsion as a precursor. The effect of precursor type on the resulting TiO2 nanostructures, namely, their structural and morphological features were studied using X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX). From commercial anatase powder, amorphous TiO2 ME and O/W microemulsion ME238 (NaOH/TiO2 molar ratio 238), biphasic nanoribbons were obtained: TiO2-(B) (88-92%) and anatase (8-12%). While from the O/W microemulsion ME30 (NaOH/TiO2 molar ratio 30) only anatase phase was obtained. The material with higher TiO2-(B) phase content, showed an increase in its reversible capacity, thus the crystalline nature of the precursor as well as the textural properties contribute to the electrode performance. Materials synthesized from commercial anatase and amorphous TiO2 ME exhibited similar charge retention (86-87%) despite the slight difference in reversible capacity, 210 and 180 mAh/g, respectively. It is noticed that TiO2-(B)-AME (prepared from amorphous TiO2 ME) exhibited the lowest capacity loss, e.g. the highest reversibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Nutrición Clínica y Dietética Hospitalaria is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Dietetica y Ciencias de la Alimentacion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article presents a brief history of the development of the Western university and the individuation of disciplines. It discusses the phenomenal specialization that has occurred since the 19th century, and the lack of correlative synthesis of the disparate fields of knowledge, which increasingly has come under critique. We explore the transdisciplinary experience that has been developing over the last few years in the University of Veracruz, in particular with regards to the Program for Transdisciplinarity, Dialogue of Knowing Styles and Sustainability, a co-construction of a set of actions that foster a transformation of university academics by means of deep dialogue and a transdisciplinary re-learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dilemas Contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores is the property of Dilemas Contemporaneos: Educacion, Politica y Valores and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de la Sociedad Química del Perú is the property of Sociedad Quimica del Peru and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• Chronic mental stress is a known risk factor for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, type 2 diabetes, and neurological conditions. • The reasons for this link between stress and chronic disease risk remain unknown, but the quality of a person's diet may play a role, and this may differ between men and women. • Our observational research study findings suggest that certain types of diet patterns may explain differences in chronic stress and disease risk between men and women. A promising, yet relatively unexplored factor that may influence a person's stress response, is diet. Diet can affect the physiological response to stress, but relationships between diet quality and the chronic stress marker allostatic load (AL) are insufficiently studied. Furthermore, sex, age, and BMI may interact with diet quality to influence AL. 358 adults were recruited across predetermined sex, age, and BMI ranges. Cluster analysis of 13 Healthy Eating Index (HEI) sub-scores across all participants revealed six distinct diet quality patterns (HEI-P). We found sex and HEI-P interacted (P HEIxSex = 0.0232) to affect AL, reflecting a significantly different AL between women and men consuming a diet more closely aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for dairy, refined grains, and sodium consumption, but less aligned for added sugar, saturated fat, and fruits/vegetables intake. Sex and HEI-P also interacted to affect cholesterol (P HEIxSex = 0.0157), norepinephrine (P HEIxSex = 0.0315), epinephrine (P HEIxSex = 0.0204), and systolic blood pressure (P HEIxSex = 0.0457) but, compared to total allostatic load, no individual component of this biomarker explained the entire array of sex by HEI-P interactions. Our results suggest that differences in HEI-P and sex interact to influence physiological stress load which, in turn, may help resolve discrepancies in diet and sex-related disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]