Metabolite Concentrations Research Articles

53267 Income-Related Disparities in Sunscreen Metabolite Concentrations: Insights into Sun Protection Behavior

53267 Income-Related Disparities in Sunscreen Metabolite Concentrations: Insights into Sun Protection Behavior

Validation studies and multi-omics analysis of Zhx2 as a candidate quantitative trait gene underlying brain oxycodone metabolite (oxymorphone) levels and behavior.

Sensitivity to the subjective reinforcing properties of opioids has a genetic component and can predict addiction liability of opioid compounds. We previously identified Zhx2 as a candidate gene underlying increased brain concentration of the oxycodone (OXY) metabolite oxymorphone (OMOR) in BALB/cJ (J) versus BALB/cByJ (By) females that could increase OXY state-dependent reward. A large structural intronic variant is associated with a robust reduction of Zhx2 expression in J mice, which we hypothesized enhances OMOR levels and OXY addiction-like behaviors. We tested this hypothesis by restoring the Zhx2 loss-of-function in Js (MVKO) and modeling the loss-of-function variant through knocking out the Zhx2 coding exon (E3KO) in Bys and assessing brain OXY metabolite levels and behavior. Consistent with our hypothesis, Zhx2 E3KO females showed an increase in brain OMOR levels and OXY-induced locomotor activity. However, contrary to our hypothesis, state-dependent expression of OXY-CPP was decreased in E3KO females and increased in E3KO males. We also overexpressed Zhx2 in the livers and brains of Js and observed Zhx2 overexpression in select brain regions that was associated with reduced OXY state-dependent learning. Integrative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of E3KO mice identified astrocyte function, cell adhesion, extracellular matrix properties, and endothelial cell functions as pathways influencing brain OXY metabolite concentration and behavior. These results support Zhx2 as a quantitative trait gene underlying brain OMOR concentration that is associated with changes in OXY behavior and implicate potential quantitative trait mechanisms that together inform our overall understanding of Zhx2 in brain function.

300. SURFACE MICRODIALYSIS MEASURES LOCAL TISSUE METABOLISM AFTER IVOR LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY; AN ATTEMPT TO PREDICT ANASTOMOTIC DEFECT

Abstract Introduction Anastomotic defect after esophagectomy can lead to severe complications with need for surgical or endoscopic intervention. Early detection enables early treatment and can limit the consequences of the anastomotic defect. As of today, there are limited methods to predict anastomotic defect. In this study we have used microdialysis to measure local metabolism at the intrathoracic anastomosis. Feasibility and possible diagnostic use were investigated. Methods Sixty patients planned for Ivor Lewis esophagectomy were enrolled. After construction of the anastomosis, surface microdialysis probes were attached to the outer surface of the esophageal remnant and the gastric conduit in close vicinity of the anastomosis and left in place for seven postoperative days. Continuous sampling of local tissue concentrations of metabolic substances (glucose, lactate, pyruvate) was performed postoperatively. Outcome, defined as anastomotic defect or not according to ECCG (Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group) definitions, was recorded at discharge or at first postoperative follow up. Difference in concentrations of metabolic substances were analysed retrospectively between the two groups by means of artificial neural network technique. Results Surface micodialysis probes can be attached and removed from the gastric tube reconstruction without any adverse events. Deviating metabolite concentrations on POD 1 were associated with later development of anastomotic defect. In subjects who developed anastomotic defects, no difference in metabolic concentrations between the esophageal and the gastric probe was recorded. The technical failure rate of the microdialysis probes/procedure was high. Discussion Surface microdialysis can be used in a clinical setting after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Deviation in local tissue metabolism on POD 1 seems to be associated with development of anastomotic defects. Further development of microdialysis probes and procedure is required to reduce technical failure.

Absolute Metabolite Quantification in Individuals with Glioma and Healthy Individuals Using Whole-Brain Three-dimensional MR Spectroscopic and Echo-planar Time-resolved Imaging.

MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) can be used to quantify an extended brain metabolic profile but is confounded by changes in tissue water levels due to disease. To develop a fast absolute quantification method for metabolite concentrations combining whole-brain MRSI with echo-planar time-resolved imaging (EPTI) relaxometry in individuals with glioma and healthy individuals. In this prospective study performed from August 2022 to August 2023, using internal water as concentration reference, the MRSI-EPTI quantification method was compared with the conventional method using population-average literature relaxation values. Healthy participants and participants with mutant IDH1 gliomas underwent imaging at 3 T with a 32-channel coil. Real-time navigated adiabatic spiral three-dimensional MRSI scans were acquired in approximately 8 minutes and reconstructed with a super-resolution pipeline to obtain brain metabolic images at 2.4-mm isotropic resolution. High-spatial-resolution multiparametric EPTI was performed in 3 minutes, with 1-mm isotropic resolution, to correct the relaxation and proton density of the water reference signal. Bland-Altman analysis and the Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to compare absolute quantifications from the proposed and conventional methods. Six healthy participants (four male; mean age, 37 years ± 11 [SD]) and nine participants with glioma (six male; mean age, 41 years ± 15; one with wild-type IDH1 and eight with mutant IDH1) were included. In healthy participants, there was good agreement (+4% bias) between metabolic concentrations derived using the two methods, with a CI of plus or minus 26%. In participants with glioma, there was large disagreement between the two methods (+39% bias) and a CI of plus or minus 55%. The proposed quantification method improved tumor contrast-to-noise ratio (median values) for total N-acetyl-aspartate (EPTI: 0.541 [95% CI: 0.217, 0.910]; conventional: 0.484 [95% CI: 0.199, 0.823]), total choline (EPTI: 1.053 [95% CI: 0.681, 1.713]; conventional: 0.940 [95% CI: 0.617, 1.295]), and total creatine (EPTI: 0.745 [95% CI: 0.628, 0.909]; conventional: 0.553 [95% CI: 0.444, 0.828]) (P = .03 for all). The whole-brain MRSI-EPTI method provided fast absolute quantification of metabolic concentrations with individual-specific corrections at 2.4-mm isotropic resolution, yielding concentrations closer to the true value in disease than the conventional literature-based corrections. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

ANATOMICAL DEVELOPMENT AND HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF STERIL OVULE MELINJO (Gnetum gnemon L.)

In this section, the abstract must be written in English. Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) is a plant that grows and spreads throughout Indonesia. This plant is widely cultivated because of its economic value. The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomical development of sterile melinjo ovule at the tip, middle and base of the female strobili and to determine the content of secondary metabolites in melinjo sterile ovule. The material used is sterile ovulum melinjo at the tip, middle and base of the female strobilus. In observing the anatomical development of sterile melinjo ovule, preparations were made using the paraffin method, single staining, and observed under a microscope. The anatomical data of the sterile ovule were analyzed descriptively. Observation of secondary metabolite content was carried out through histochemical tests, then observed with a light microscope and the results of the observations were documented using OptiLab. The results of observing anatomical development show that at different ages of melinjo sterile ovule there are structural differences in the constituent tissues. The results of observations on anatomical development show that at different ages the melinjo sterile ovule has structural differences in its constituent tissue, the more mature the melinjo sterile ovule, the constituent tissue is increasingly degraded. Histochemical test results showed that the sterile melinjo ovule contained secondary metabolites of phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and alkaloids.

Heat-Killed Lactobacillus acidophilus Promotes Growth by Modulating the Gut Microbiota Composition and Fecal Metabolites of Piglets.

Probiotics can improve animal growth performance and intestinal health. However, understanding the effects of paraprobiotics on the growth performance and gut microbiota of piglets and how the paraprobiotics exert their impact are still limited. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus IFFI 6005 supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal microbiota, and fecal metabolites of piglets. First, a feed-additive sample of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus IFFI 6005 was prepared by culture. Second, 96 (initial BW = 14.38 ± 0.67 kg, weaning age of 40 days) healthy piglets were selected and randomized into four treatment groups. Each treatment group consisted of three replicates (n = 8). Pigs were fed a basal diet (NC), basal diet plus antibiotics (PC), basal diet plus Lactobacillus acidophilus IFFI 6005 at 600 g/t (LA, 1.0 × 1010 cfu/g), and basal diet plus heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus IFFI 6005 at 600 g/t (HKLA), respectively; the trial lasted for 30 days. The results showed that the ratios of feed to gain (F:G) and diarrhea rate of both the HKLA and PC groups were significantly lower compared with the NC and LA groups (p < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference between the HKLA and PC group (p > 0.05). In addition, the average daily weight gain (ADG) of the HKLA group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the other three groups in terms of growth performance. Finally, 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolome analysis based on fecal samples further elaborated that the addition of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus IFFI 6005 to the feed improved the intestinal microbial diversity and abundance (p < 0.05) and reduced the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (p < 0.05), but it did not affect the abundance of Lactobacillus (p > 0.05). Through the comparison of microbial abundance and metabolite content between the two groups (NC_vs_HKLA), the largest differences were found in six microorganisms and 10 metabolites in the intestine (p < 0.05). These differential metabolites were involved in the digestion, absorption and utilization of protein and starch, as well as in oxidative stress. In summary, addition of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus IFFI 6005 as a new feed additive in piglets has beneficial effects on the growth performance, intestinal bacteria and metabolites, and can be used as an alternative to antibiotics.

Comparative Analysis of Essential Oil Profiles From Emprit Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber officinale var. amarum) Grown in Different Locations and Antibacterial Activity Againts Staphylococcus aureus

Indonesia, as a tropical country, boasts significant biodiversity, particularly regarding its flora and fauna. The country's medicinal plants are one inherited natural resource passed down through generations. The "emprit ginger” (Zingiber officinale var. amarum), a native Indonesian medicinal plant, is often employed in treating various diseases. Scientifically, the primary constituent of emprit ginger is the phenolic ketone homolog compound, gingerol, known for its antioxidant activity. In addition to its antioxidant potential, emprit ginger exhibits potential as an antibacterial agent. However, herbal substances used for therapeutic purposes often yield inconsistent effects due to the fluctuating chemical composition in the plants, typically a result of varying growing locations. These location differences can cause discrepancies in the content of active metabolites. Therefore, data on the chemical profile of medicinal plants is paramount for the standardization process. This study was conducted by obtaining essential oils from the rhizomes of emprit ginger, extracted via steam distillation obtained from various cultivation lands in Ponorogo, Magetan, Pacitan, Wonogiri, Karanganyar, Boyolali, Semarang, Magelang, Purworejo, Temanggung, Wonosobo, Banyumas, Bantul, and Kulonprogo. One of the efforts in standardizing natural materials involves the analysis of their metabolite profiles. The emprit ginger essential oil profile was obtained through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) testing. The emprit ginger essential oil profile was analyzed using a multivariate calibration of Principal Component Analysis utilizing SIMCA 17 software. Antibacterial activities were assessed using the microdilution method on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The analysis of antibacterial activity was determined using the Probit analysis method to ascertain the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) 50 value. This study also involved the extraction of essential oils from emprit ginger rhizomes. The individual profiles of these essential oils were determined via Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. The essential oil profiles of emprit ginger were subjected to a multivariate calibration using Principal Component Analysis facilitated by the SIMCA 17 software. Antibacterial activity tests were conducted using the microdilution method on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The antibacterial activity was ascertained using probit analysis to derive the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration 50 (MIC 50) values. The highest MIC 50 of emprit ginger rhizome on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was found in samples from Wonogiri, with a concentration of 0.3408%. Compounds displaying significant discriminative influence on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria included Z-Citral, Geranyl acetate, Zingiberenol, Beta-Myrcene, (1S0-2,6,6-Trimethylbicyclo [3.1.1] hept-2-ene, and Bicyclo [2.2.1]heptan-2-ol, 1,7,7-trimethyl, exo-(CAS)

Generative machine learning produces kinetic models that accurately characterize intracellular metabolic states

Generating large omics datasets has become routine for gaining insights into cellular processes, yet deciphering these datasets to determine metabolic states remains challenging. Kinetic models can help integrate omics data by explicitly linking metabolite concentrations, metabolic fluxes and enzyme levels. Nevertheless, determining the kinetic parameters that underlie cellular physiology poses notable obstacles to the widespread use of these mathematical representations of metabolism. Here we present RENAISSANCE, a generative machine learning framework for efficiently parameterizing large-scale kinetic models with dynamic properties matching experimental observations. Through seamless integration of diverse omics data and other relevant information, including extracellular medium composition, physicochemical data and expertise of domain specialists, RENAISSANCE accurately characterizes intracellular metabolic states in Escherichia coli. It also estimates missing kinetic parameters and reconciles them with sparse experimental data, substantially reducing parameter uncertainty and improving accuracy. This framework will be valuable for researchers studying metabolic variations involving changes in metabolite and enzyme levels and enzyme activity in health and biotechnology.

METOVITAN INCREASES THE RESISTANCE OF THE BODY TO HYPOXIA

Aim. To study the efficacy of the vitamin preparation Metovitan and multivitamin preparation Decamevit in preventing the development of oxidative stress in the development of oxidative stress in rat tissues and their survival under hypoxic hypoxia. Methods. Experiments were performed on Wistar rats, 160-220 g. A model of hypoxic hypoxia was induced by lifting the rats in a barocamp to a conditional altitude of 11 thousand meters above sea level (pressure 190 mm Hg). Tissue metabolite concentrations and enzyme activities were measured using conventional biochemical methods. Results. The results of the study showed that the positive effect of Metovitan, which contained methionine and vitamins E, B1, and B3, on many indicators, including the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes, was significantly higher than the effect of Decamevit, which contained the same components plus vitamins A, B2, B6, B9, B12, vitamin C, and the bioflavonoid rutin. The survival time of rats treated with Metovitan before the experiment was one and a half times longer than that of Decamevit. Conclusion. A preparation containing a limited amount of vitamins acting synergistically on narrow links of cellular metabolism was more effective in preventing oxidative stress than a conventional multivitamin preparation.

Differences in flavor characteristics of rounds of Sauce-based Baijiu based on GC-IMS, GC-MS, and electronic tongue

The volatile flavor and metabolic pathway differences of rounds of Sauce-based Baijiu (RSBs, R-1∼R-7) were analyzed using HS-GC-IMS and HS-SPME-GC-MS. Firstly, 18 (R-1, R-2, R-4, R-6, and R-7), 17 (R-3), and 19 (R-5) characteristic flavor compounds were identified based on GC-IMS by the relative odor activity value (ROAV) analysis. Secondly, a total of 751 metabolites were identified using GC-MS, and the differential metabolites were screened for pathway enrichment analysis by variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1 combined with fold change (FC) ≥ 2 or ≤ 0.5. The results demonstrated that unsaturated fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, terpene metabolism, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways were the most significant metabolic pathways influencing the flavor of basic baijiu, which primarily resulted in alterations in the composition and concentration of metabolites, including fatty acids and terpenes. Furthermore, RSBs demonstrated distinctive taste attributes, the addition of R-1 was found to markedly influence the astringency of baijiu (p < 0.05), while no notable impact was observed on the acidity or aftertaste. This study elucidates the flavor characteristics of RSBs, which provides a reference for the flavor quality regulation and blending of baijiu.

Dry blood spots as a sampling strategy to identify insulin resistance markers during a dietary challenge

This study aimed to identify markers of postprandial dysglycemia in the blood of self-described healthy individuals using dry blood spots (DBS) as a sampling strategy. A total of 54 volunteers, including 31 women, participated in a dietary challenge. They consumed a high-fat, high-sugar mixed meal and underwent multiple blood sampling over the course of 150 min to track their postprandial responses. Blood glucose levels were monitored with a portable glucometer and individuals were classified into two groups based on the glucose area under the curve (AUC): High-AUC (H-AUC) and Low-AUC (L-AUC). DBS sampling was performed at the same time points as the assessment of glycemia using Whatman 903 Protein Saver filter paper. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling was conducted in the DBS samples to assess postprandial changes in blood metabolome. Higher concentrations of metabolites associated with insulin resistance were observed in individuals from the H-AUC group, including sugars and sugar-derived products such as fructose and threonic acid, as well as organic acids and fatty acids such as succinate and stearic acid. Several metabolites detected in the GC-MS analysis remained unidentified, indicating that other markers of hyperglycemia remain to be discovered in DBS. Based on these observations, we demonstrated that the use of DBS as a non-invasive and inexpensive sampling tool allows the identification of metabolites markers of dysglycemia in the postprandial period.

Amino acid metabolism in kidney health and disease.

Amino acids form peptides and proteins and are therefore considered the main building blocks of life. The kidney has an important but under-appreciated role in the synthesis, degradation, filtration, reabsorption and excretion of amino acids, acting to retain useful metabolites while excreting potentially harmful and waste products from amino acid metabolism. A complex network of kidney transporters and enzymes guides these processes and moderates the competing concentrations of various metabolites and amino acid products. Kidney amino acid metabolism contributes to gluconeogenesis, nitrogen clearance, acid-base metabolismand provision of fuel for tricarboxylic acid cycle and urea cycle intermediates, and is thus a central hub for homeostasis. Conversely, kidney disease affects the levels and metabolism of a variety of amino acids. Here, we review the metabolic role of the kidney in amino acid metabolism and describe how different diseases of the kidney lead to aberrations in amino acid metabolism. Improved understanding of the metabolic and communication routes that are affected by disease could provide new mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of kidney diseases and potentially enable targeted dietary or pharmacological interventions.

Occurrence, distribution, and fate evaluation of endocrine disrupting compounds in three wastewater treatment plants with different treatment technologies in Türkiye

Nowadays, two of the endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in the group of alkylphenols (APs), nonylphenol (4-NP) and octylphenol (4-t-OP), have attracted great scientific and regulatory attention mainly due to concerns about their aquatic toxicity and endocrine disrupting activity. This paper investigated the occurrence, distribution behavior, fate, and removal of 4-NP and 4-t-OP in liquid and solid phases of three full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with different treatment technologies comparatively. In this context, (i) advanced biological WWTP, (ii) wastewater stabilization pond (WSP), and (iii) constructed wetland (CW) were utilized. In all three investigated WWTPs, the concentrations of 4-NP (219.9–19,354.4 ng/L) in raw wastewater were higher than those of 4-t-OP (13.9–2822.4 ng/L). Within the scope of annual average removal efficiencies, 4-NP was treated highly in advanced biological WWTP (93.5 %), while it was almost not treated in WSP (3.1 %) and treated with negative removal (<0 %) in CW. While 4-t-OP was treated at a similar removal rate (93.5 %) to 4-NP in advanced biological WWTP, it was treated moderately in WSP (52.5 %) and very poorly in CW (12.4 %). It has been determined that the most important removal mechanism of both 4-NP and 4-t-OP in WWTPs is biodegradation, followed by sorption onto sewage sludge. According to the mass balance performed in advanced biological WWTP, the biodegradation rates for 4-NP and 4-t-OP were found to be 70.4 % and 86.6 %, respectively, while the sorption onto sewage sludge were determined to be 23.3 % and 6.8 %. One of the critical findings obtained within the scope of the study is that while the concentrations of both metabolites, especially 4-NP, in wastewater and sewage sludge, decreased considerably under aerobic conditions, on the contrary, their concentrations increased significantly under anaerobic conditions. Both compounds were detected at higher concentrations in primary sludge compared to secondary sludge in advanced biological WWTP, while in WSP, they were determined at higher concentrations in anaerobic stabilization pond sludge compared to facultative stabilization pond sludge. Besides, it was also determined that the sorption behavior of these alkylphenols is much more dominant than desorption.

Serum molecules of the folate-driven one-carbon cycle as indicators of depressive tendencies in the elderly

AimsThe folate-driven one-carbon (1C) cycle plays a significant role in the occurrence and development of depression. This study aimed to examine the potential of important molecules of the folate-driven 1C cycle as biomarkers for depressive tendency. MethodsNinety-five serum samples from older adults (age >60 years) were collected for this study. We quantified the concentrations of key metabolites and coenzymes of the folate-driven 1C cycle using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and familiar clinical liver and kidney indicators in serum. Based on the differences in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD)-17 scores, we compared the concentrations of measured molecules between elderly individuals with low and high levels of depression defined as HAMD-17 scores of 0–7 and 8–24, respectively. We also analyzed the concentration ranges of these molecules reflecting the level of depressive tendencies in the cohort. ResultsOur results showed significant variations in serum folate concentrations, SAM (S-adenosylmethionine), TBA (total bile acid), and SAM/SAH (S-enosylhomocysteine) ratios in elderly individuals with different HAMD-17 scores. Serum folate concentrations below 15.5 nmol/L and SAM/SAH ratios below 13.0 exhibited elevated levels of depressive tendency experienced among the participants. ConclusionsThe concentrations of serum folate, SAM, TBA, and SAM/SAH ratios might be used as indicators of depressive tendencies in the elderly population. A serum folate concentration of 15.5 nmol/L and a SAM/SAH ratio of 13.0 might be critical thresholds for indicating depressive tendencies in the Chinese elderly population.

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles: a synergetic combination of a drug delivery system and a source of natural bioactive compounds.

Exosomes are extracellular nanovesicles secreted by all cell types and have been studied to understand and treat many human diseases. Exosomes are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, intercellular communication, and the transfer of substances. Over the years, several studies have explored mammalian-derived exosomes for therapeutic and diagnostic uses. Only recently have plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) attracted attention for their ability to overcome many defects associated with using mammalian-derived extracellular vesicles, such as safety and scale-up issues. The ease of large-scale production, low toxicity, low immunogenicity, efficient cellular uptake, high biocompatibility, and high stability of these nanovesicles make them attractive for drug delivery systems. In addition, their native contents of proteins, miRNAs and secondary metabolites could be exploited for pharmaceutical applications in combination with other drugs. The present review intends to provide adequate tools for studying and developing drug delivery systems based on plant-derived EVs. Therefore, indications concerning extraction methods, characterisation, and drug loading will be offered. Their biological composition and content will also be reported. Finally, the current applications of these systems as nanocarriers for pharmacologically active substances will be shown.

Widely targeted metabolomics analysis reveals the effect of soybean hull polysaccharides on nonvolatile components of plant-based yogurt and its metabolic pattern

Soybean hull polysaccharides (SHPS) enhance the physicochemical properties of plant-based yogurt. However, their effects on the nutritional profile and biochemical mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of SHPS addition on the nonvolatile components of plant-based yogurt and its underlying mechanisms through widely targeted metabolomics analysis. The results demonstrated that the addition of SHPS (0.2 %–1.0 % w/v) enhanced the levels of free amino acids, sugars, and organic acids, with the addition of 0.6 % w/v being particularly effective in improving yogurt quality. Widely targeted metabolomics analysis revealed 278 differential metabolites between yogurt supplemented with 0.6 % SHPS (SPY) and the control sample. SHPS increased the content of various metabolites, including amino acids and derivatives, saccharides, organic acids, and flavonoids, among others. Key metabolic pathways affected by SHPS included pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis; valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; and benzoate degradation. As the primary component of SHPS, galacturonic acid affected the metabolic products in yogurt by participating in the pentose and glucuronate interconversions and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism pathways. These findings elucidate the role of SHPS in modulating the nutritional composition of plant-based yogurt, offering valuable insights into its functional mechanisms in food processing.

Lockbox enrichment facilitates manipulative and cognitive activities for mice.

Due to the lack of complexity and variety of stimuli, conventional housing conditions of laboratory mice do not allow these animals to fully express their behavioral repertoire, including manipulative and cognitive activities. Therefore, we designed mechanical puzzles, so-called lockboxes, for mice that can be provided in their home cages. We investigated the impact of the lockbox enrichment on their phenotype and affective state when compared to conventional housing (CH) and super-environmental enrichment (SEE). Young adult female C57BL/6JCrl mice were examined before and after 2-month exposure to the different types of enrichment in a phenotyping test battery, including tests for trait and state anxiety-related behavior, calorimetric measurements, body weight measurements, the analysis of stress hormone metabolite concentrations, and sequential problem-solving abilities with a novel lockbox. At the end of the study, adrenal gland weights were determined and pathohistological evaluation was performed. For all continuous variables, the relative variability was calculated. While the different types of enrichment affected trait anxiety-related behavior, neither state anxiety-related behavior nor physiological variables (i.e., bodyweight, resting metabolic rate, stress hormone metabolite concentrations, adrenal gland weights) were influenced. LE improved sequential problem-solving (i.e., solving novel lockboxes) when compared to SEE. Regardless of the housing condition, the relative variability increased in most variables over time, although the coefficient of variation decreased for some variables, especially in animals with access to LE. There was no evidence of toxicopathological effects associated with the material from which the lockboxes were made. All lockboxes are available as open-source tool. LE revealed beneficial effects on the affective state of laboratory mice and their performance in solving novel lockboxes. Neither relevant phenotype of the mice nor reproducibility of the data were compromised by LE, similar to SEE. The lockboxes may also be used as novel approach for assessing cognition in mice.

Chemical exposure from the Hebei spirit oil spill accident and its long-term effects on mental health

While evidence indicates that exposure to oil spill incidents can affect mental health, it is unclear whether the mental health effects result from the incident itself or from exposure to associated chemicals. Oil contains chemicals that can impact mental health and these chemicals may have long-term effects due to their persistence in the environment. To address the gap in current knowledge, we conducted cross-sectional and prospective analyses of data from adults who participated in the Health Effects of the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill study. To assess chemical exposure from oil spills, we used indirect exposure indicators such as distance from the contaminated oil band to residences and duration of clean-up work, along with direct exposure indicators such as urine metabolite concentrations of volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Mental health assessments covered posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, state anxiety, and trait anxiety. In the cross-sectional analyses, all four mental health issues were found to be associated with proximity to the oil band (p-value<0.05) and showed a positive association with clean-up work duration (p-value<0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed that higher urinary t, t-muconic acid levels were associated with an increased risk of depression (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.55, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.05–2.28), and elevated 1-hydroxypyrene levels increased the risk of PTSD (HR = 1.60, 95 % CI = 1.03–2.48). Additionally, higher urinary 2-naphthol levels were associated with increased state anxiety (HR = 1.39, 95 % CI = 1.00–1.93) and trait anxiety (HR = 1.64, 95 % CI = 1.15–2.32). These associations persisted even after controlling for distance and duration variables related to psychosocial exposure. Our findings suggest that environmental disaster response plans should prioritize minimizing chemical exposure while also considering the duration and nature of the mental health impacts.

Evidence for biexponential glutamate T2 relaxation in human visual cortex at 3T: A functional MRS study.

Functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS) measures dynamic changes in metabolite concentration in response to neural stimulation. The biophysical basis of these changes remains unclear. One hypothesis suggests that an increase or decrease in the glutamate signal detected by fMRS could be due to neurotransmitter movements between cellular compartments with different T2 relaxation times. Previous studies reporting glutamate (Glu) T2 values have generally sampled at echo times (TEs) within the range of 30-450 ms, which is not adequate to observe a component with short T2 (<20 ms). Here, we acquire MRS measurements for Glu, (t) total creatine (tCr) and total N-acetylaspartate (tNAA) from the visual cortex in 14 healthy participants at a range of TE values between 9.3-280 ms during short blocks (64 s) of flickering checkerboards and rest to examine both the short- and long-T2 components of the curve. We fit monoexponential and biexponential Glu, tCr and tNAA T2 relaxation curves for rest and stimulation and use Akaike information criterion to assess best model fit. We also include power calculations for detection of a 2% shift of Glu between compartments for each TE. Using pooled data over all participants at rest, we observed a short Glu T2-component with T2 = 10ms and volume fraction of 0.35, a short tCr T2-component with T2 = 26 ms and volume fraction of 0.25 and a short tNAA T2-component around 15 ms with volume fraction of 0.34. No statistically significant change in Glu, tCr and tNAA signal during stimulation was detected at any TE. The volume fractions of short-T2 component between rest and active conditions were not statistically different. This study provides evidence for a short T2-component for Glu, tCr and tNAA but no evidence to support the hypothesis of task-related changes in glutamate distribution between short and long T2 compartments.

METABOLIC PATTERN, CHOLECALCIFEROL, PARATHYROID HORMONE AND IONIZED CALCIUM VALUES IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Arterial Hypertension (AH), Diabetes Mellitus along with other metabolic disorders areamong the leading causes of kidney damage worldwide.Objective – to investigate the metabolic pattern, cholecalciferol and ionized calciumblood values in patients with essential AH (EAH) and chronic kidney disease (CKD)depending on gender.Material and methods. 100 EAH patients and 60 practically healthy individuals participatedin the study. All participant underwent a complex of clinical and laboratory examinations.Metabolism was analyzed by the lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), high-, low densitylipoproteins (HDL-C, LDL-C), atherogenity index (AI), triacylglycerols (TG)), bloodglucose, creatinine, cystatin- C, bilirubin, cholecalciferol, ionized calcium, parathyroidhormone (PTH) and albuminuria values. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference(WC), hip circumference (HC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were also determined.Results. The CKD appearance in EAH patients is accompanied by a higher blood pressure(BP) values (systolic BP – 5.98 % (p=0.012), diastolic BP – 5.57 % (p=0.007)), mainlyin women – 6.34 % (p=0.008) and 5.81 % (p=0.013), respectively; a higher bilirubinblood concentration – 27.79 % (р=0.007), creatinine and cystatin- C regardless of gender(stronger in men) – by 21.76-26.67 % (р&lt;0.001), glucose (significantly in men) – 33.49 %(p=0.035), with a lower level of ionized Ca2+ (p=0.05), HDL-C – 16.81 % (p=0.02),which cause an increase of the AI (reliably in men) – 35.36 % (р=0.027); higher BMI –24.67 % (p=0.003) and WC – 14.97 % (p=0.023) in men. Also, in EAH patients withCKD, more massive albuminuria is observed in general – 32.45 % (p=0.02), reliably onlyin women – 44.20 % (p=0.004). Changes in the vitamin D metabolites concentration andPTH were not associated with CKD in EAH patients in our study.Conclusion. A proatherogenic pattern, hyperglycemia, excess body weight/or obesity(mainly in men), albuminuria and hemodynamic disorders (mainly in women) generallyform metabolic changes in EAH patients with CKD.