Search Results (1,078)

Our study investigated how different levels of antioxidants and contrasting proportions of native legumes in the diet affect lamb meat quality. Twenty-four male Texel lambs were randomly assigned to three groups: two groups on a natural pasture in southern Brazil (Pampa Biome), each at a different proportion of legumes: Low-legume (LL, 4.37%) and High-legume (HL, 14.01%); the other group was stall-fed (Control) to achieve the same growth rates as the grazing groups. Cold carcass yield from the Control lambs was higher than HL. The meat from pasture-fed animals had a higher deposition of muscle α-tocopherol and lower lipid oxidation (TBARS values) after 9 days of storage. LL lambs had higher subcutaneous fat thickness, which promoted better sensory quality of the meat, as assessed by a trained panel. Pasture-based diets enhanced odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFAs), trans vaccenic acid, and total conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs), while decreasing elaidic acid. Despite the lower ∆9-desaturase activity, the higher proportion of Desmodium incanum (condensed tannin-rich native legume) in the HL diet did not impact meat nutritional quality. Finishing lambs on the Pampa Biome grasslands is an option for improving the oxidative stability and beneficial fatty acid content of lamb meat, which improves product quality and human consumer health. Full article

Immune responses of the epithelia of the upper respiratory tract are likely crucial in early inhibition of the viral replication and finally clearance of SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to compare the expression profiles of antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs) and related cytokines observed in the nasopharynx of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients and non-infected controls and to assess the associations between these parameters and COVID-19 patients’ outcomes. We included 45 subjects who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 22 control subjects who had tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Biomaterial for SARS-CoV-2 detection, as well as gene and protein expression studies, was obtained from all subjects using nasopharyngeal swabs which were performed a maximum of 7 days before inclusion in the study. Univariable and multivariable statistics were performed. When compared to the controls, the mRNA expression levels of human β-defensin 1 (hBD-1), LL-37, and trappin-2 were significantly higher in specimens of nasopharyngeal swabs from COVID-19 patients. Protein expression of hBD-1 was also increased in the COVID-19 group. mRNA expression levels of interferon-ɣ (IFN-ɣ), tumor necrosis factor- ɑ (TNF-ɑ), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) measured in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients were significantly higher than those observed in the controls, which could also be confirmed in the protein levels of IFN-ɣ and IL-6. A significant correlation between mRNA and protein levels could be observed only for IL-6. Univariable analysis revealed that low IFN-ɣ mRNA levels were associated with severe/fatal outcomes. The occurrence of COVID-19 pneumonia was significantly associated with lower expression levels of IL-6 mRNA, IFN-ɣ mRNA, and TNF-ɑ mRNA. Concerning the severe/fatal outcomes, the multivariable logistic regression model revealed that none of the aforementioned parameters remained significant in the model. However, the logistic regression model revealed that higher TNF-ɑ mRNA expression was a significant independent predictor of absence of pneumonia [odds ratio: 0.35 (95% CI 0.14 to 0.88, p = 0.024)]. In conclusion, nasopharyngeal expression of AMPs (hBD-1, LL-37, and trappin-2) and cytokines (IL-6, IFN-ɣ, and TNF-ɑ) is upregulated in response to early SARS-CoV-2 infection, indicating that these AMPs and cytokines play a role in the local host defense against the virus. Upregulated nasopharyngeal TNF-ɑ mRNA expression during the early phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection was a significant independent predictor of the absence of COVID-19 pneumonia. Hence, high TNF-ɑ mRNA expression in the nasopharynx appears to be a protective factor for lung complications in COVID-19 patients. Full article

The presented studies were aimed at determining the interactions in model membranes (Langmuir monolayers) created of phospholipids (PL) isolated from Legionella gormanii bacteria cultured with (PL + choline) or without (PL − choline) choline and to describe the impact of an antimicrobial peptide, human cathelicidin LL-37, on PL’s monolayer behavior. The addition of choline to the growth medium influenced the mutual proportions of phospholipids extracted from L. gormanii. Four classes of phospholipids—phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), cardiolipin (CL), and their mixtures—were used to register compression isotherms with or without the LL-37 peptide in the subphase. Based on them the excess area ($A_e$), excess ($\mathsf{\Delta }{G}_e$), and total ($\mathsf{\Delta }{G}_m$) Gibbs energy of mixing were determined. The thermodynamic analyses revealed that the PL − choline monolayer showed greater repulsive forces between molecules in comparison to the ideal system, while the PL + choline monolayer was characterized by greater attraction. The LL-37 peptide affected the strength of interactions between phospholipids’ molecules and reduced the monolayers stability. Accordingly, the changes in interactions in the model membranes allowed us to determine the difference in their susceptibility to the LL-37 peptide depending on the choline supplementation of bacterial culture. Full article

Emerging contaminants (ECs) present a significant risk to both the ecological environment and human health. Landfill leachate (LL) often contains elevated EC levels, posing a potential risk to localized groundwater. This study aimed to characterize ECs in municipal solid waste landfills (MSWLs) and hazardous waste landfills (HWLs) in northeast (NE) China. One and three HWLs and MSWLs in NE China with varying types, operational years, and impermeable layers were selected as case studies, respectively. Statistical analysis of 62 indicators of nine ECs in leachate and the groundwater environment indicated the presence of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), antibiotics, alkylphenols (APs), and bisphenol A (BPA). The leachates of the four landfills exhibited elevated concentrations of ECs of 21.03 μg/L, 40.04 μg/L, 14.54 μg/L, and 43.05 μg/L for PFCs, antibiotics, Aps, and BPA, respectively. There was a positive correlation between the highest concentrations of ECs in groundwater and those in leachate as well as with operational duration of the landfill; in contrast, groundwater EC was negatively correlated with the degree of impermeability. This study can guide future management of ECs in landfills and hazardous waste sites in China, particularly in NE China. Full article

Stress, unhealthy lifestyle, and sleep disturbance worsen cognitive function in mood disorders, prompting a rise in the development of integrative health approaches. The recent investigations in the gut–brain axis field highlight the strong interplay among microbiota, inflammation, and mental health. Thus, this study aimed to investigate a new nutraceutical formulation comprising prebiotics, minerals, and silymarin’s impact on microbiota, inflammation, mood, and sleep quality. The study evaluated the LL1 + silymarin capsule supplementation over 180 days in overweight adults. We analyzed the fecal gut microbiota using partial 16S rRNA sequences, measured cytokine expression via CBA, collected anthropometric data, quality of life, and sleep questionnaire responses, and obtained plasma samples for metabolic and hormonal analysis at baseline (T0) and 180 days (T180) post-supplementation. Our findings revealed significant reshaping in gut microbiota composition at the phylum, genus, and species levels, especially in the butyrate-producer bacteria post-supplementation. These changes in gut microbiota were linked to enhancements in sleep quality, mood perception, cytokine expression, and anthropometric measures which microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids might enhance. The supplementation tested in this study seems to be able to improve microbiota composition, reflecting anthropometrics and inflammation, as well as sleep quality and mood improvement. Full article

Arthritis is mainly a geriatric disease that causes joint pain and lowers the quality of life. This clinical trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy of Lilium lancifolium Thunb. (HY-LL) in alleviating joint pain. Six candidate anti-inflammatory components including regaloside A were identified in HY-LL using HPLC analysis. All participants were assigned to the HY-LL or the placebo group and took tablets twice a day for 12 weeks. As a result, pain VAS and K-WOMAC total scores significantly decreased after 12 weeks compared to the baseline in the HY-LL group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.043, 0.043). The K-WOMAC sub-scores for pain and function showed a statistically significant improvement in the HY-LL group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.023, 0.047). Furthermore, the participants’ overall quality of life improved after 12 weeks of HY-LL consumption (p = 0.024). However, no significant differences were observed in the blood biomarkers. Therefore, this study demonstrated the positive effect of 12 weeks of HY-LL consumption on joint pain and quality of life. Full article

Satellite imagery has become a major source for identifying and mapping terrestrial and planetary landforms. However, interpretating landforms and their significance, especially in changing environments, may still be questionable. Consequently, ground truth to check training models, especially in mountainous areas, can be problematic. This paper outlines a decimal format, [dLL], for latitude and longitude geolocation that can be used for model interpretation and validation and in data sets. As data have positions in space and time, [dLL] defined points, as for images, can be associated with metadata as nodes. Together with vertices, metadata nodes help build ‘information surfaces’ as part of the Digital Earth. This paper examines aspects of the Critical Zone and data integration via the FAIR data principles, data that are; findable, accessible, interoperable and re-usable. Mapping and making inventories of rock glacier landforms are examined in the context of their geomorphic and environmental significance and the need for geolocated ground truth. Terrestrial examination of rock glaciers shows them to be predominantly glacier-derived landforms and not indicators of permafrost. Remote-sensing technologies used to track developing rock glacier surface features show them to be climatically melting glaciers beneath rock debris covers. Distinguishing between glaciers, debris-covered glaciers and rock glaciers over time is a challenge for new remote sensing satellites and technologies and shows the necessity for a common geolocation format to report many Earth surface features. Full article

Doxorubicin (DOX), a commonly used anticancer agent, causes cardiotoxicity that begins with the first dose and may progress to heart failure years after treatment. An inflammatory response associated with neutrophil recruitment has been recognized as a mechanism of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to validate mRNA expression of the previously identified biomarkers of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, PGLYRP1, CAMP, MMP9, and CEACAM8, and to assay their protein expression in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients. Blood samples from 40 breast cancer patients treated with DOX-based chemotherapy were collected before and after the first chemotherapy cycle and > 2 years after treatment. The protein and gene expression of PGLYRP1/Tag7, CAMP/LL37, MMP9/gelatinase B, and CEACAM8/CD66b were determined using ELISA and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic value of each candidate biomarker. Patients with cardiotoxicity (n = 20) had significantly elevated levels of PGLYRP1, CAMP, MMP9, and CEACAM8 at baseline, after the first dose of DOX-based chemotherapy, and at > 2 years after treatment relative to patients without cardiotoxicity (n = 20). The first dose of DOX induced significantly higher levels of all examined biomarkers in both groups of patients. At > 2 years post treatment, the levels of all but MMP9 dropped below the baseline. There was a good correlation between the expression of mRNA and the target proteins. We demonstrate that circulating levels of PGLYRP1, CAMP, MMP9, and CEACAM8 can predict the cardiotoxicity of DOX. This novel finding may be of value in the early identification of patients at risk for cardiotoxicity. Full article

Misgendering is a form of microaggression that reinforces gender binarism and involves the use of incorrect pronouns, names or gendered language when referring to a transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individual. Despite growing awareness, it remains a persistent form of discrimination, and it is crucial not only to understand and address misgendering but also to analyse its impact within online discourse towards the TGNC community. The present study examines misgendering directed at the TGNC community present on platform X. To achieve this, a representative sample of 400 tweets targeting two TGNC individuals is compiled, applying an annotation scheme to manually classify the polarity of each tweet and instances of misgendering, and then comparing the manual annotations with those of an automatic sentiment detection system. The analysis focuses on the context and frequency of intentional misgendering, using word lists to examine the data. The results confirm that misgendering perpetuates discrimination, tends to co-occur with other forms of aggression, and is not effectively identified by automatic sentiment detection systems. Finally, the study highlights the need for improved automatic detection systems to better identify and address misgendering in online discourse and provides potentially useful tools for future research. Full article

The aim was to assess the impact of long-term storage on the quality of Botucatu rabbit meat frozen in pre- and post-rigor stages. The stability of the technological and nutritional parameters of Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle was analyzed over 12 months. In the post-rigor phase, the dorsal LL surface showed a higher level (p < 0.05) of redness and saturation, while the ventral surface showed a higher level (p < 0.05) of yellowness compared to the pre-rigor LL muscle. During storage, the redness and saturation in the LL muscle decreased (p < 0.05), while the yellowness increased (p < 0.05) on both dorsal and ventral surfaces. In the first six months, the pre-rigor meat had a higher pH (p < 0.05) compared to the post-rigor meat. The fresh meat showed higher (p < 0.05) shear force values in the post-rigor stage. Over the 12-month study period, the lipid oxidation, myofibrillar fragmentation index, gross energy, and levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates increased (p < 0.05), while the shear force, mineral content, and moisture decreased (p < 0.05). Thus, rigor mortis affects meat color in Botucatu rabbits. Fresh meat in the pre-rigor stage is softer, moister, and less acidic than post-rigor meat after 24 h of chilling. Long-term freezing enhances tenderness, regardless of the rigor phase at freezing, preserving its physical, chemical, and nutritional quality, with minor changes in color, lipid oxidation, and chemical composition. Full article

This review describes the discovery, structure, activity, engineered constructs, and applications of KR-12, the smallest antibacterial peptide of human cathelicidin LL-37, the production of which can be induced under sunlight or by vitamin D. It is a moonlighting peptide that shows both antimicrobial and immune-regulatory effects. Compared to LL-37, KR-12 is extremely appealing due to its small size, lack of toxicity, and narrow-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Consequently, various KR-12 peptides have been engineered to tune peptide activity and stability via amino acid substitution, end capping, hybridization, conjugation, sidechain stapling, and backbone macrocyclization. We also mention recently discovered peptides KR-8 and RIK-10 that are shorter than KR-12. Nano-formulation provides an avenue to targeted delivery, controlled release, and increased bioavailability. In addition, KR-12 has been covalently immobilized on biomaterials/medical implants to prevent biofilm formation. These constructs with enhanced potency and stability are demonstrated to eradicate drug-resistant pathogens, disrupt preformed biofilms, neutralize endotoxins, and regulate host immune responses. Also highlighted are the safety and efficacy of these peptides in various topical and systemic animal models. Finaly, we summarize the achievements and discuss future developments of KR-12 peptides as cosmetic preservatives, novel antibiotics, anti-inflammatory peptides, and microbiota-restoring agents. Full article

Species distribution models (SDMs) have been widely used to project how species respond to future climate changes as forecasted by global climate models (GCMs). While uncertainties in GCMs specific to the Tibetan Plateau have been acknowledged, their impacts on species distribution modeling needs to be explored. Here, we employed ten algorithms to evaluate the uncertainties of SDMs across four GCMs (ACCESS-CM2, CMCC-ESM2, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, and UKESM1-0-LL) under two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) at two time stages. We selected two endemic species of the Tibetan Plateau, Gentiana yunnanensis and G. siphonantha, distributed in the Hengduan Mountain regions of the southeast plateau and northeast plateau regions, respectively, as case studies. Under the two SSPs and two time periods, there are significant differences in the distribution areas of G. yunnanensis predicted by different GCMs, with some showing increases and others showing decreases. In contrast, the distribution range trends for G. siphonantha predicted by different GCMs are consistent, initially increasing and then decreasing. The CMCC-ESM2 model predicted the largest increase in the distribution range of G. yunnanensis, while the UKESM1-0-LL model predicted the greatest decrease in the distribution range of G. siphonantha. Our findings highlight that the four selected GCMs still lead to some variations in the final outcome despite the existence of similar trends. We recommend employing the average values from the four selected GCMs to simulate species potential distribution under future climate change scenarios to mitigate uncertainties among GCMs. Full article

Listeriosis is one of the most serious foodborne diseases under surveillance, with an overall mortality rate in the EU currently being high at 18.1%. Therefore, this study aims to investigate Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from clinical and food samples for susceptibility to antimicrobials, presence of virulence factors, and genetic diversity. Species were identified using the MALDI-TOF, resistance to 11 antibiotics was determined according to EUCAST guidelines, and multiplex PCR was used for serotyping and detecting virulence genes. Strains were genotyped using the PFGE method. Clinical strains showed full sensitivity to all tested antibiotics. In total, 33.3% of strains from food products were found to be resistant to ciprofloxacin and 4.2% to tetracycline. Most of the tested isolates (79.2%) belonged to serotype 1/2a-3a, and the rest (20.8%) belonged to serotype 4ab-4b,4d-4e. Five virulence genes (prfA, hlyA, plcB, inlA, and lmo2672) were detected in all strains studied. The llsX gene was the least common, in 37.5% of clinical strains and 18.75% of strains isolated from food products. Among the analyzed strains, 13 strains displayed unique PFGE profiles. The other 11 strains belong to 3 clusters of pulsotypes: cluster 1 (2 strains), cluster 2 (6 strains), and cluster 3 (2 strains). The percentage of hospitalizations and deaths of Polish patients with listeriosis indicates the seriousness of this disease, especially in an aging society, while the molecular testing of clinical strains has been rarely performed, which makes it difficult to determine the source of infection. Full article

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a training program utilizing action perception technology (PAD) tools on improving the motor reaction times and neuromuscular capabilities of the upper and lower limbs compared to a traditional training program. Twenty-four female volleyball players competing in the Italian national championship were randomized into two groups of 12 athletes each: an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). A preliminary analysis confirmed the absence of significant differences in age and anthropometric characteristics between the groups. All the players underwent an initial battery of tests (pre-test), including Reaction Time simple Upper and Lower Limb (RTsUL and RTsLL) and Tapping Upper and Lower Limb (TUL and TLL). During a 6-week training program, the experimental group used exercises with a technological system of illuminated disks, while the control group followed the traditional training methods without advanced technology. At the end of the program, both groups were subjected to final tests (post-test). The main results show that after 6 weeks, both groups improved their performance compared to the initial tests. However, EG achieved significantly better results than CG in every test, with significant reductions in average times (ip%) of −14.9% in RTsUL (DX = −0.072 s, t = 23.2, p < 0.05, d = 6.7), −14.9% in RTsLL (DX = −0.091 s, t = 44.0, p < 0.05, d = 12.7), −10.6% in TUL (DX = −0.622 s, t = 42.0, p < 0.05, d = 12.1), and −10.7% in TLL (DX = −0.983 s, t = 43.1, p < 0.05, d = 12.4). The use of light-based perception–action technology devices in volleyball training has shown potential for significantly improving movement speed and reaction time. However, further research is needed to determine whether these improvements actually translate into enhanced overall performance in competitive contexts compared to the traditional training methods. Full article

In adverse environments, fine dust is linked to a variety of health disorders, including cancers, cardiovascular, neurological, renal, reproductive, motor, systemic, and respiratory diseases. Although PM10 is associated with oral inflammation and cancer, there is limited research on biomaterials that prevent damage caused by fine dust. In this study, we evaluated the effects of biomaterials using microRNA profiling, flow cytometry, conventional PCR, immunocytochemistry, Alizarin O staining, and ELISA. Compared to SBE (Scutellaria baicalensis extract), the preventive effectiveness of SBEIEs (SBE-induced exosomes) against fine dust was approximately two times higher. Furthermore, SBEIEs promoted cellular differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) into osteoblasts, periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs), and pulp progenitor cells (PPCs), enhancing immune modulation for oral health against fine dust. In terms of immune modulation, SBEIEs activated the secretion of cytokines such as IL-10, LL-37, and TGF-β in T cells, B cells, and macrophages, while attenuating the secretion of MCP-1 in macrophages. MicroRNA profiling revealed that significantly modulated miRNAs in SBEIEs influenced four biochemical categories: apoptosis, cellular differentiation, immune activation, and anti-inflammation. These findings suggest that SBEIEs are an optimal biomaterial for developing oral health care products. Additionally, this study proposes functional microRNA candidates for the development of pharmaceutical liposomes. Full article