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The objective of the study is to determine the personal, behavioral and psychological variables associated with somatization and the number of diseases in each gender from a sample of Mexican general population. They answered a questionnaire of behavioral and psychological variables including somatization and the sum of 16 different diseases and any additional one, finally the body mass index (BMI) was measured. A total of 164 participants (women = 90, men = 74) were included. We observed that women had more somatization and number of diseases than men and that more variables (mainly psychological) were associated with somatization and with the number of diseases in women than in men. Among the variables most negatively correlated in women with both variables were sleep quality (

STAT4 plays an important role in disease activity in SLE patients. STAT4 particles have the capacity to activate the transcription of genes associated with the production of TH1 and Th17 lymphocytes, with a greater predominance on the production of IFN-γ and IL-17A. The presence of variants in STAT4 genes has a major impact on the generation of autoimmunity. However, there are few studies evaluating the impact of these variants on the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-17A. Methods—A case–control study was carried out with 206 Mexican mestizo patients residing in Western Mexico with a diagnosis of SLE and a group of 80 patients without autoimmune diseases was captured to determine the cut-off point for high IFN-γ levels. In this study, SLE patients with high IFN-γ levels were considered as cases (cut-off > 15.6 pg/mL), and SLE patients with normal IFN-γ levels were considered as controls (cut-off ≤ 15.6 pg/mL). Disease activity was identified from the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI). For the determination of levels of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-12, and IL17A, commercial ELISA kits were used. Genotyping of STAT4 rs7574865 (G > T) was performed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using TaqMan probes. Results—The patients with SLE had a median age of 45 years with a range of disease duration from 4 years to 18 years; 45.6% were identified as having disease activity. In this sample, we identified a high IFN-γ prevalence of 35.4%. The levels of IFN-γ were higher in the patients with genotype TT than GG. We found that TT genotype conferred a higher risk of high IFN-γ when compared to the GG and GT genotypes. Conclusions—In this study, we identified that the polymorphic genotype TT of the STAT4 gene rs7574865 polymorphism is associated with increased levels of IFN-γ. However, its strength of association was weak, so complementary studies are needed to evaluate its impact on SLE patients.

Background. Myostatin is a regulator of muscle size. To date, there have been no published studies focusing on the relation between myostin levels and myopenia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objective. Evaluate the value of serum myostatin as a biomarker of cachexia and low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) in RA patients, along with whether high serum myostatin is associated to these conditions after adjusting for potential confounders. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 161 female RA patients and 72 female controls. In the RA group, we assessed several potential risk factors for LSMM and rheumatoid cachexia. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to quantify the skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) (considering LSMM ≤ 5.5 kg/m2) and the presence of rheumatoid cachexia (a fat-free mass index ≤ 10 percentile and fat mass index ≥ 25 percentile of the reference population). Serum myostatin concentrations were determined by ELISA. To identify a cut-off for high serum myostatin levels, we performed ROC curve analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for LSMM and rheumatoid cachexia. The risk was expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results. Compared to the controls, the RA group had a higher proportion of LSMM and exhibited high serum myostatin levels ( p < 0.001 ). ROC curve analysis showed that a myostatin level ≥ 17 ng/mL was the most efficient cut-off for identifying rheumatoid cachexia (sensitivity: 53%, specificity: 71%) and LSMM (sensitivity: 43%, specificity: 77%). In the multivariable logistic regression, RA with high myostatin levels (≥17 ng/mL) was found to increase the risk of cachexia ( OR = 2.79 , 95% CI: 1.24-6.29; p = 0.01 ) and LSMM ( OR = 3.04 , 95% CI: 1.17-7.89; p = 0.02 ). Conclusions. High serum myostatin levels increase the risk of LSMM and rheumatoid cachexia. We propose that high myostatin levels are useful biomarkers for the identification of patients in risk of rheumatoid cachexia and myopenia.

Spray drying is the most cost-efficient technology to produce bulk quantities of dry cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from acid hydrolyzed CNC suspensions. Spray drying results in the aggregation of CNC particles in granular material which is difficult to redisperse in water to individual particles. In this research, we investigated cospray drying of CNC suspensions with nonionic surfactant (10-mol ethoxylated octylphenol) at different concentrations and the role of this nonionic surfactant on the redispersion of spray-dried granular CNC particles. Dispersions of spray-dried CNC powder samples in water were investigated under static, mechanically stirred, and ultrasound-assisted mixing conditions. The granular morphology of spray-dried CNCs was affected by the concentration of nonionic surfactant. Overall, the formations of hollow and blistered particles in the presence of 5 and 10 mM OPE-100 were attributed to interactions between nonionic surfactant and CNCs which cause a reduction in the repulsion of nanoparticles during the shrinking of spray drying droplets. Higher light transmission properties, improved dispersion stability, and narrower particle size distribution of spray-dried CNC suspensions were achieved with the incorporation of nonionic surfactant at 5 and 10 mM prior to spray drying. These results are explained by the presence of hollow particles and by the increased interparticle interaction distance of CNCs due to weak and reversible adsorption of nonionic surfactant. Therefore, the addition of a nonionic surfactant is an attractive approach to control granular particle morphology and aqueous redispersion of CNC granular powder. Such results are of particular significance in the commercialization and process optimization for the manufacture of CNCs.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are inherently hydrophilic; even so, their dispersions in water based applications such as rheology modifiers, coatings, and emulsion systems do not often produce perfect dispersions with a minimum energy input. Supplying the CNCs in dry granular powder form is needed in the industrial scale of production because of its easier handling, storage and transportation characteristics. Spray drying is the preferred industrial method for drying acid hydrolyzed CNC suspensions. However, spray drying often causes poor dispersion of dried CNC granules into individual nanoparticles in aqueous solutions if not mixed with high energy input. This study investigates foam-spray drying of CNC particles to enhance their dispersibility in water. Non-ionic 10-mole ethoxylated octylphenol surfactant (OPE-100) and methyl cellulose polymer (MC) were used as additives to assist the foaming of CNC suspensions. Foam-spray drying experiments were carried out under constant process conditions such as inlet and outlet temperatures, gas and liquid flow rates and concentrations of CNCs. We focus on the effects of 10-mole ethoxylated octylphenol surfactant (OPE-100) and methyl cellulose polymer (MC) as additives and foaming of CNCs suspension on the morphology of dried CNC aggregates and their dispersion in water. Our work also describes the molecular interaction mechanisms of CNCs with methyl cellulose and OPE-100 by means of isothermal titration calorimetry and surface charge of the coated CNCs. The addition of nonionic surfactant OPE-100 along with methyl cellulose polymer resulted in spray drying of CNC aggregates with the best water dispersion characteristics. While methyl cellulose generated foams, OPE-100 lowered the inverse thermal gelling of methyl cellulose in spray drying.

Irisin stimulates osteoblast differentiation increasing bone mass a decreasing in irisin levels might contribute to osteoporotic fractures in inflammatory diseases. To date, there is controverted whether irisin levels are associated with osteoporotic fractures in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, we evaluate the association of serum irisin with osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures (VFs) in women with RA.A total of 148 women with RA was included in the study.Clinical characteristics and risk factors of VFs was evaluated. For measurement of bone mineral density we included the assessment of lumbar spine (AP L1-L4) and Femoral Neck by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). VFs were evaluated by lateral vertebral assessment (LVA) of the dorsal and lumbar regions using X-ray and digital vertebral morphometry by DXA, using the Genant scale. Serum irisin levels were measured by ELISA. A reference group of 97 women with non-rheumatic diseases were included to compare irisin levels.RA patients had a median age of 59 years and 41% had osteoporosis. Seventy three (49%) had VFs. Lower irisin levels were observed in RA patients compared to controls (94 ± 74 vs 135 ± 103, P .001). Irisin concentrations were lower in RA + VFs than RA non-VFs (74 ± 42 vs 113 ± 92 ng/mL, P = .001). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis the low 50 percentile irisin levels 73 ng/mL (OR:3.1, 95% CI:1.55-6.2, P = .001), and disease duration of RA (OR:1.04, 95% CI:1.001-1.08, P = .04) were associated with an increase in the risk of VFs.A decrease of irisin levels is associated to VFs in RA. These results are valuable to consider that RA patients with low levels of irisin are in a potential risk of VFs.

Electrospun keratin nanofiber fabricated with non-toxic solvents and crosslinking reagents are promising scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Keratin from chicken feathers was solubilized in aqueous alkaline conditions and electrospun using aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)/citric acid solution as electrospinning polymer aid. Keratin/PVA nanofibers were successfully prepared containing 10, 20 and 30% keratin to PVA mass ratio. The increase in keratin concentration from 0 to 20% resulted in decreased viscosity of keratin/PVA solutions leading to a reduction in the fiber diameter from 565 nm in to 274 nm. Further decrease in viscosity with 30% keratin resulted in beads-on-fiber type of morphology. Nanofibers were thermally cross-linked through esterification reaction between carbonyl groups in citric acid and hydroxyl groups in PVA. Cross-linked nanofibers maintained their morphology and pore structure after soaking in water. The incorporation of keratin in PVA nanofiber was confirmed by FTIR and XPS results. Proliferation of fibroblasts after 14 days was higher in scaffolds containing 20% keratin which was attributed to the superior biological properties of keratin and higher surface area to volume ratio compared to 30% keratin/PVA scaffolds. Safer extraction, electrospinning and crosslinking conditions of keratin/PVA nanofiber are important for potential uses in tissue engineering. Keywords: Nanofiber, Electrospinning, Keratin, Polyvinyl alcohol, Scaffold

Wood adhesives are mainly produced using petrochemical-based resins. However, concerns over environmental and health effects have prompted a renewed interest on developing bio-based adhesives. The potential of using canola protein for adhesives was explored with limited success. Similar to other proteins, canola adhesives also have weak adhesion and water resistance. The objective of this research was to develop and characterize nanomaterial reinforced canola protein adhesive with improved water resistance and adhesion strength. Hydrophilic bentonite (bentonite), surface modified nanoclay (SM-MMT), graphite oxide (GO), and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) were exfoliated at different addition levels (0, 1, 3, 5, 10% w/w) using an improved solution intercalation method. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in both dry and wet adhesion was found at addition levels of 1–3% (w/w). NCC and GO showed superior effect over bentonite and SM-MMT. The improvement in adhesive strength at low nanomaterial addition was a result of adequate exfoliation of nanomaterials in protein matrix, and increased exposure of functional groups for enhanced interaction with wood surface. This study demonstrated for the first time the potential of nanomaterials for improving adhesion and water resistance of protein-derived adhesive. Canola protein adhesive developed in this study showed its potential for replacing synthetic adhesives as green alternative adhesive materials.

We are reporting the preparation of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) particles stabilized Pickering hempseed oil-in-water emulsions and using them as feedstocks for the preparation of oil powders without using any other hydrophilic carrier agent. Oil powders were prepared in a spray drier by rapid evaporation of water. The effect of the ratio of HSO to CNCs was evaluated on the emulsion stability and droplet size of emulsified hempseed oil. A mass ratio of 18 g hempseed oil/g CNC or lower was found to be optimal for emulsion stability over 15 days and droplet size between 500 nm and 1–2 μm. The effective interfacial area coverage of oil droplets by CNCs was found to be fundamental for emulsion stability. For the first time, the spray drying of CNCs stabilized oil/water emulsion was used to produce stable encapsulated oil particles without any oil leakage. The microencapsulation efficiency was dependent on the hempseed oil/CNC mass ratio, which in turn influenced the effective coverage of oil droplets. The results suggested that about 10–14 layers of CNCs are required to effectively encapsulate hempseed oil droplets with minimal oil leakage. Less than eight theoretical layers of CNCs resulted in lower encapsulation efficiency with an increase of free-extractable oil. These results are of particular relevance in advanced formulations containing hempseed oil and other compounds that can be potentially stabilized and/or microencapsulated by CNCs.

Hydrogel prepared from keratin shows potential applications in tissue engineering. However, the importance of the keratin sources has not been considered. The objectives of this study were to characterize and compare the rheological (storage modulus), physical (porosity, pore size, swelling capacity, and water contact angle) and in vitro cell compatibility of hydrogel scaffolds prepared from various keratin sources. Keratins were characterized by means of their molecular weight, amino acid composition, thermal and conformational properties. Hydrogels from chicken feather keratins demonstrated substantially higher storage modulus (G′) than hair and wool keratin hydrogels. However, higher swelling capacity (>3000%) was determined in hair and wool over feather keratin (1500%) hydrogels. Our results suggest that small molecular weight and β-sheet conformation of feather keratin (~10 kDa) facilitated the self-assembly of rigid hydrogels through disulfide bond re-oxidation. Whereas, high molecular weight (10–75 kDa) stretchable α-helix conformation in hair and wool keratins resulted in weaker hydrogels. The cell cultures using fibroblasts showed the highest proliferation rate on chicken feather keratin hydrogel scaffolds. After 15 days of culture, partial breakdown of keratin fibers was observed. Results indicate that stiffer avian keratins can be used to fabricate more mechanically robust biomaterials than mammalian keratins.

Protein derived adhesives are extensively explored as a replacement for synthetic ones, but suffers from weak adhesion and water resistance. Graphite oxide (GO) has been extensively used in nanocomposites, but not in adhesives applications. The objectives of this study were to prepare functionally improved protein adhesive by exfoliating GO with different oxidation levels, and to determine the effect of GO on adhesion mechanism. GO were prepared by oxidizing graphite for 0.5, 2, and 4 h (GO-A, GO-B and GO-C, respectively). Increasing oxidation time decreased C/O ratio; while the relative proportion of C-OH, and C = O groups initially increased up to 2 h of oxidation, but reduced upon further oxidation. Canola protein-GO hybrid adhesive (CPA-GO) was prepared by exfoliating GO at a level of 1% (w/w). GO significantly increased (p 0.05) adhesion; where GO-B addition showed the highest dry, and wet strength of 11.67 ± 1.00, and 4.85 ± 0.61 MPa, respectively. The improvements in adhesion was due to the improved exfoliation of GO, improved adhesive and cohesive interactions, increased hydrogen bonding, increased hydrophobic interactions and thermal stability of CPA-GO. GO, as we proposed for the first time is easier to process and cost-effective in preparing protein-based adhesives with significantly improved functionalities.

The effect of 8 factors [(with/without) daily mixing and moisture control, incubation time (t), temperature, ratio between dry substrate mass and bed’s cross section area (MA), inoculum size (spores/g), wheat germ content (WG), initial pH, and moisture content (M)] in the production of a prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) by Aspergillus niger ATCC 11414 in solid state fermentation (SSF) was tested. Contribution of all the factors was significant (p

Thraustochytrids are marine protists found throughout the world in estuarine and marine habitats. These microorganisms have attracted interest, because their lipids contain different long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Those able to produce docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-3, DHA) are the most studied because of the physiological importance of this PUFA in human beings. Their heterotrophic cultivation offers several challenges since biomass, lipid content, and fatty acid profile are dependent on growth conditions. In this work the effects of C source and its concentration on DHA production by different thraustochytrid strains are reviewed. Results obtained by different investigators on the use of alternative and low cost nutrient sources for production of DHA by thraustochytrids are also presented.