Acid Load Research Articles

Immunostimulatory activity of a novel ayurvedic propriety formulation based on extracts of herbs used in chyavanprash

Ethnopharmacological relevanceChyavanprash is an ayurvedic formulation, a Rasayana known to promote overall well-being, immunity, and vitality. It contains powerful antioxidants, good hepatoprotective and immunomodulating agents. Chyavanprash is also known to protect and strengthen respiratory health, thereby providing immunity against respiratory infections. A novel ayurvedic proprietary formulation (based on the aqueous extracts of herbs used in Chyavanprash) was developed to offer a differential taste experience and deliver a standardized quality for health benefits. The immune-stimulatory role of these extracts and the underlying mechanistic evidence had to be studied. Aim of the studyThe goal of this study was to evaluate the safety and prophylactic efficacy of the test product based on extracts of herbs used in Chyavanprash in a preclinical study. Material and methodsThe test product was studied to evaluate acute toxicity and prophylactic efficacy in influenza-like virus (HCoV-229E)-infected mice model for viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) load estimation in lung tissues. Immunophenotyping of B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and T cell subpopulations were assessed. Cytokines immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were also evaluated in serum samples. Two doses of the test product, 1,000 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight against the disease and normal control were studied. Quality control of the test product was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with gallic acid and ascorbic acid as marker compounds. ResultsAt a dose of 1,000 mg/kg body weight, the test product showed a 99.79% reduction in viral RNA load in lung tissues and a significant 2-fold increase in B cells, i.e., 19.89 ± 0.25% cells vs. 9.46 ± 1.67% in disease control (p <0.01). A significant change with increase in IgG, IgM and a decrease in IL-6, TNF-α was observed in both the test groups as compared with disease control. Mast cell degranulation in rat mesenteric bits, preincubated with test product 250 µg/mL concentration showed a 76.7% protection against compound 48/80 treatment. The product was safe even at the highest tested dose (5 g/kg body weight) in the acute toxicity study. ConclusionThis study proves that the formulation with extract of herbs used in Chyavanprash contains phytocompounds, which could be potential immunomodulatory agents that provide immunity and protection against allergies.

Health Inequities in the USA: a Role for Dietary Acid Load? Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

BackgroundCardiovascular disease and obesity affect racial and ethnic minorities disproportionally. Public health research suggests that suboptimal diet is an important contributor to health disparities. Limited evidence points at an increased dietary acid load (DAL) in certain ethnic groups. DAL is determined by the balance of acidifying foods and alkaline foods, and elevated DAL scores have been associated with numerous chronic lifestyle-related conditions. The present analysis investigated DAL scores among ethnic groups in the USA.MethodsUsing cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination surveys (NHANES, 2007–2016), we contrasted several markers of DAL (potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP)) between Non-Hispanic Whites, Non-Hispanic Blacks, Mexican Americans, Other Hispanics, and Other Race. The comparison included crude scores and adjusted scores following multivariate linear regression.ResultsThe sample for this analysis comprised 19,565 participants, which may be extrapolated to represent 156,116,471 United States Americans. When compared to Non-Hispanic Whites, Non-Hispanic Blacks and Mexican Americans had significantly higher crude DAL scores. PRALR was highest in Mexican Americans (20.42 (0.61) mEq/day), followed by Non-Hispanic Blacks (17.47 (0.42) mEq/day). Crude NEAPF was highest in Non-Hispanic Blacks (64.66 (0.43) mEq/day), and almost 9 mEq/day higher compared to Non-Hispanic Whites (55.78 (0.39) mEq/day). Multivariate linear regression adjusting for confounders revealed comparable interracial DAL differences.ConclusionsWe found significant DAL differences across the investigated ethnic groups. Whether these differences potentially play a role in population health inequity in the USA will be subject to additional research.Graphical

Higher dietary acid load is associated with hyperuricemia in Chinese adults: a case-control study

BackgroundThis study aims to explore the association between dietary acid load and hyperuricemia in Chinese adults.MethodsA case-control study was conducted. Adult participants with hyperuricemia were recruited as the cases and those without hyperuricemia were as the controls. Food consumption was evaluated by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary acid load was assessed by potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP). Dietary acid load was divided into four levels: the first quartile (Q1), the second quartile (Q2), the third quartile (Q3) and the fourth quartile (Q4). Logistic regression model was applied for exploring the association between dietary acid load (PRAL and NEAP) and hyperuricemia. Odds ratio (OR) and its correspondence confidence interval (CI) were computed.ResultsA total of 290 participants were eligible in this study, in which there were 143 individuals in case group and 147 in control group. A higher level of PRAL was found to be associated with odds of hyperuricemia. ORs of hyperuricemia for Q2, Q3 and Q4 of PRAL were 2.74 (95%CI: 1.94 ~ 3.88, p-value: 0.004), 2.90 (95%CI: 2.05 ~ 4.10, p-value: 0.002) and 3.14 (95%CI: 2.22 ~ 4.45, p-value: 0.001), respectively. There was a positive association between elevated NEAP and hyperuricemia. OR of hyperuricemia for Q2 was not material significance (OR:1.54, 95%CI: 0.93 ~ 2.53, p-value: 0.210), however, ORs of hyperuricemia for Q3 (OR: 2.40, 95%CI: 1.70 ~ 3.38, p-value: 0.011) and Q4 (OR: 3.27, 95%CI: 2.31 ~ 4.62, p-value: 0.001) were statistically significant.ConclusionHigher level of dietary acid load was found to be associated with hyperuricemia in Chinese adults, indicative of advocation of a well-balanced diet in this population.

Isolation and bioinformatics analysis of the NADC30_Like CJS01 strain of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

In this study, lung tissue was collected from nursery piglets suspected of being infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in a large‑scale pig farm in Sichuan, China. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription quantitative‑polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) methods were used to ensure that no other pathogens were present. Virus isolation was also carried out where the presence of PRRSV was determined by indirect immunoinfluscent assay (IFA). Compared with the common PRRSV strain, the isolate did not produce evident Cytopathic effect (CPE) in the early stage of isolation. CPE was found in the late stage, and the titer was 104.17 TCID50/0.1 mL. The strain was named CJS01. Bioinformatics analysis showed that it was a NADC30‑Like strain. The virus load was determined by measuring the nucleic acid load during the proliferation of the strain on Marc‑145 cells. The strain showed good adaptability on cells, and the virus proliferated on cells for 84 hr when the highest nucleic acid load was achieved. By recombinant analysis of ORF3~7 genes and prediction of its epitope, it was found that CJS01 strain might interfere with the immunesystem of the infected animals.

Aggregation Behavior of Nitrilotriacetamide (NTAmide) Ligands in Thorium(IV) Extraction from Acidic Medium: Small-Angle Neutron Scattering, Fourier Transform Infrared, and Theoretical Studies.

Two tripodal amides obtained from nitrilotriacetic acid with n-butyl and n-octyl alkyl chains (HBNTA(LI) and HONTA(LII), respectively) were studied for the extraction of Th(IV) ions from nitric acid medium. The effect of the diluent medium, i.e., n-dodecane alone and a mixture of n-dodecane and 1-decanol, onto aggregate formation were investigated using small angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies. In addition, the influence of the ligand structure, nitric acid, and Th(IV) loading onto ligand aggregation and third-phase formation tendency was discussed.The LI/LII exist as monomers (aggregarte radius for LI: 6.0 Å; LII:7.4 Å) in the presence of 1-decanol, whereas LII forms dimers (aggregarte radius for LII:9.3 Å; LI does not dissolve in n-dodecane) in the absence of 1-decanol. The aggregation number increases for both the ligands after HNO3 and Th(IV) loading. The maximum organic concentration (0.050 ± 0.004 M) of Th(IV) was reached without third-phase formation for 0.1 M LI/LII dissolved in 20% isodecanol +80% n-dodecane. The interaction of 1-decanol with LII and HNO3/Th(IV) with amidic oxygens of LI/LII results in shift of carbonyl stretching frequency, as shown by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) studies. The structural and bonding information of the Th-LI/LII complex were derived from the density functional theoretical (DFT) studies. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggested that the aggregation behavior of the ligand in the present system is governed by the population of hydrogen bonds by phase modifier around the ligand molecules. Although the theoretical studies suggested higher Gibbs free energy of complexation for Th4+ ions with LI than LII, the extraction was found to be higher with the latter, possibly due to the higher lipophilicity and solubility of the Th-LII aggregate in the nonpolar media.

Long-term dietary acid load is associated with depression in multiple sclerosis, but less evidence was found with fatigue and anxiety

BackgroundDiet-dependent acid-base load has been associated with worsening in mental health, but to date no study has examined this in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). We examined the association between potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) scores and depression, anxiety, and fatigue in PwMS. MethodsParticipants with a first clinical diagnosis of CNS demyelination were followed prospectively as part of the AusLong Study (aged 18-59 years at cohort entry). At baseline, 5- and 10-year reviews, PRAL and NEAP scores were calculated using dietary intake in the preceding 12 months calculated from a food frequency questionnaire. At 5- and 10-year reviews, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess depression and anxiety, and the Fatigue Severity Scale assessed fatigue. ResultsHigher PRAL and NEAP scores were associated with increased subsequent absolute value and change in HADS depression scores over five years’ follow-up (e.g., highest vs lowest PRAL quartile, 5-year change in HADS-D score: β=+3.01, 95%CI= 1.54, 4.48, p<0.001). The level of depression at the 10-year review was determined by both the baseline dietary acid scores and baseline-5-year changes in dietary acid scores (e.g., PRAL change from baseline to 5-year review, 10-year review HADS-D score: β=+0.09, 95%CI= 0.03, 0.15, p<0.001, NEAP change from baseline to 5-year review, 10-year review HADS-D score: β=+0.07, 95%CI= 0.01, 0.14, p=0.03). Some associations were observed with anxiety and fatigue but were much weaker and less consistent. ConclusionOur findings indicate that a higher dietary acid load potentially has a long-term influence on the level of depression in PwMS. The evidence is less convincing for anxiety and fatigue.

Engineered small extracellular vesicles as a versatile platform to efficiently load ferulic acid via an “esterase-responsive active loading” strategy

As nano-drug carriers, small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have shown unique advantages, but their drug loading and encapsulation efficiency are far from being satisfied, especially for the loading of hydrophilic small-molecule drugs. Inspired by the strategies of active loading of liposomal nanomedicines, pre-drug design and immobilization enzyme, here we developed a new platform, named "Esterase-responsive Active Loading" (EAL), for the efficient and stable drug encapsulation of sEVs. Widely used ferulic acid ester derivatives were chosen as prodrugs based on the EAL of engineered sEVs to establish a continuous transmembrane ion gradient for achieving efficient loading of active molecule ferulic acid into sEVs. The EAL showed that the drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were around 6-fold and 5-fold higher than passive loading, respectively. Moreover, characterization by nano-flow cytometry and Malvern particle size analyzer showed that differential ultracentrifugation combined with multiple types of membrane filtration methods can achieve large-scale and high-quality production of sEVs. Finally, extracellular and intracellular assessments further confirmed the superior performance of the EAL-prepared sEVs-loaded ferulic acid preparation in terms of slow release and low toxicity. Taken together, these findings will provide an instructive insight into the development of sEV-based delivery systems.

The association between dietary acid load and odds and severity of irritable bowel syndrome in adults

No study has been conducted to investigate the association between dietary acid load and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). So, this cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the association between dietary acid load and odds of IBS, its severity, and IBS subtypes. A sample of 3362 Iranian subjects was selected from health centers in Isfahan province. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (DS-FFQ) was applied to estimate dietary intakes. The dietary acid load was measured using net endogenous acid production (NEAP), dietary acid load (DAL), and potential renal acid load (PRAL) scores. In crude models, the highest compared with the lowest category of the PRAL score was significantly associated with increased odds of IBS severity in participants with BMI ≥ 25 (kg/m2) (OR = 1.54; 95% CI = (1.03–2.32). Also, the results indicated a significant positive association between the PARL and odds of mixed subtype of IBS (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = (1.11–2.74); P trend = 0.02). In propensity score-adjusted model with potential confounders, only a positive association was found between PRAL and odds of mixed subtype of IBS (OR = 1.78; 95% CI = (1.05–3.00); P trend = 0.03). The DAL and NEAP scores tended to show non-significant similar findings. This study indicates that dietary acid load might be associated with odds of mixed type of IBS. However, further research is warranted to infer these findings.

Differences in salivary secretion and epidermal growth factor concentrations in mild reflux esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease.

Sex differences in salivary secretion have been reported among healthy subjects. In the present study, salivary secretion and salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations were investigated in mild reflux esophagitis patients, non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients, and healthy controls by matching the sex ratio. Thirty-three (male:female = 11:22) patients with NERD, 33 (11:22) with mild reflux esophagitis, and 33 (11:22) healthy controls were recruited for this case-control study. Salivary secretion was assessed as follows: each patient chewed sugar-free gum for 3min prior to endoscopy, and the amount of saliva secretion, salivary pH, and salivary pH after acid loading as an index of the acid-buffering capacity were measured. Salivary EGF concentrations were measured by ELISA. No significant differences were observed in the amount of saliva secretion, salivary pH, or the acid-buffering capacity between the mild reflux esophagitis and NERD groups. However, the amount of saliva secretion and the acid-buffering capacity in the mild reflux esophagitis group and the amount of saliva secretion, salivary pH, and the acid-buffering capacity in the NERD group were significantly lower than those in the healthy control group. No significant differences were noted in salivary EGF concentrations between the mild reflux esophagitis and NERD groups. After matching the sex ratio, the saliva secretion was significantly lower in patients with mild reflux esophagitis and NERD than in healthy controls. However, no significant differences were observed in the amount of saliva secretion or salivary EGF concentrations between both groups.

Nutritional, Health and Lifestyle Status of a Highly Physically Active and Health-Conscious Long-Term Vegan Man: A Case Report from Slovenia

Adopting a vegan diet as a long-term diet has recently become a new global trend among healthy and physically active adult populations. Unfortunately, scarce scientific data are available on the nutritional and health status and lifestyle patterns of long-term highly physically active vegan populations. In the present case study, we present the results of the nutritional, health and lifestyle status of a highly physically active and health-conscious long-term vegan man. The following research methods were used to assess overall health and lifestyle status: (i) analysis of blood serum (selected cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., lipoproteins, triglycerides, glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, and homocysteine), safety markers (e.g., insulin-like growth factor 1, total testosterone, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, uric acid, and creatinine), and micronutrients (e.g., vitamin B12, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, iron and ferritin); (ii) erythrocyte membranes analysis (omega-3 index); (iii) urine sample analysis (creatinine and iodine); (iv) blood pressure measurement; (v) bioimpedance and densitometry measurement (initial and current anthropometric variables and body composition); (vi) seven-day weighted dietary records (energy and nutrient intake from regular foods only were compared with the recommended daily intake); and (vii) standardized questionnaires (sociodemographic status, economic status and lifestyle status). The most remarkable results related to dietary intake were high energy (4420 kcal/d) and fibre intake (143 g/d) and nutritional sufficiency from foods only compared with dietary recommendations, with the exception of eicosapentaenoic omega-3 fatty acids and docosahexaenoic omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Overall dietary acid load (DAL) scores, calculated from the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAPF), were rated as lower compared to those of other dietary patterns. In addition, we found that the overall health and lifestyle status of the subject was satisfactory, with some minor deviations that we interpreted.

Reuse of secondary aluminum ash: Study on removal of fluoride from industrial wastewater by mesoporous alumina modified with citric acid

Longitudinal loading of citric acid as modifier onto the surface of other supports as highly efficient fluoride removing adsorbents has received extensive attention. But the loading of acid into mesoporous alumina synthesized using industrial solid waste secondary aluminum ash as raw material is rarely reported. In this study, MA was prepared by secondary aluminum ash reuse to industrial solid waste, and the MA was modified with citric acid for fluoride removal. The structural properties of this adsorbent were characterized by N 2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, XRD, FTIR spectroscopy. Meanwhile, the adsorption conditions, such as contact time, initial concentration and pH, were examined to evaluate the effect of fluoride adsorption. The adsorption properties are stable under acidic conditions. Chemisorption is a rate determining step because it complies with the Langmuir model and the pseudo second order model. The adsorption equilibrium was quickly reached in 30 min (117.98 mg g −1 ). With good cycling performance, 98.20% of the initial adsorption capacity was maintained after 5 cycles. Ion exchange between OH and fluoride is the main process of fluoride adsorption. The introduction of citric acid greatly increased the amount of -OH in the adsorbent. The extent of the influence of coexisting anions on fluoride adsorption is most pronounced for PO 4 3 − and CO 3 2 − . The results of high fluoride containing industrial wastewater treatment show that citric acid modified MA can solve the environmental pollution problem of industrial solid waste secondary aluminum ash on one hand, and at the same time provide new ideas for fluoride adsorbents. • Synthesizing mesoporous alumina with secondary aluminum ash for the first time. • Modification with citric acid increased hydroxyl radical on the surface of the material. • The removal efficiency remains above 98.20% after 5 cycles. • The maximum adsorption capacity for fluoride ions was 117.98 mg g −1 .

Dietary Acid Load Associated with Hypertension and Diabetes in the Elderly.

Diet can affect the body's acid-base balance due to its content of acid or base precursors. There is conflicting evidence for the role of metabolic acidosis in the development of cardiometabolic disorders, hypertension (HT), and insulin resistance (IR). We hypothesized that dietary acid load (DAL) is associated with adverse metabolic risk factors and aimed to investigate this in the elderly. A total of 114 elderly participants were included in the study. The participants were divided into four groups, such as HT, diabetes (DM), both HT and DM, and healthy controls. Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical findings were recorded. Potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) results were obtained for three days, 24-hour dietary records via a nutrient database program (BeBiS software program). The groups were matched for age, gender, and BMI. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding NEAP (p =0.01) and no significant difference for PRAL ( p = 0.086). The lowest NEAP and PRAL levels were seen in the control group while the highest in the HT group. Both NEAP and PRAL were correlated with waist circumference (r = 0,325, p = 0.001; r=0,231, p =0,016, respectively). Our data confirmed that subjects with HT and DM had diets with greater acid-forming potential. High NEAP may be a risk factor for chronic metabolic diseases, particularly HT. PRAL could not be shown as a significantly different marker in all participants. Dietary content has a significant contribution to the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, such as HT, DM, and obesity.

Experimental optimization during epoxidation of a high-oleic palm oil using a simplex algorithm

This work explored the epoxidation of high oleic palm oil (HOPO) extracted from recently developed palm tree hybrids. The process was carried out by reaction with 50 % wt·H2O2 using peracetic acid generated in-situ as oxygen carrier, and H2SO4 as catalyst. The study focused on the optimization of the operating conditions to maximize the productivity of oxirane groups in the epoxidized oil, considering the conversion of unsaturated groups and the selectivity to oxirane ring. The optimization was done by experimental application of a simplex algorithm varying reaction temperature (55–70 °C), catalyst loading (1–5 % wt.), mol ratio of H2O2 to HOPO unsaturations (1−10), acetic acid loading with respect to HOPO (2–10 % wt.), and reaction time (1–6 h). Optimal conditions were obtained after eight experimental steps, reaching a conversion of oil’s unsaturations of nearly 90 %, with a selectivity towards oxirane groups of 88.6 %. The obtained oil had an oxygen oxirane content of 3.48 %wt., which corresponded to ~80 % of theoretical yield. The optimal conditions were tested in a subsequent kinetic experiment, and the results were reproduced obtaining an epoxy number of 3.5 and a yield of 79.7 %. This methodology can also be used to assess novel epoxidation catalysts.

Torrefaction characteristics of cellulose loaded with boric acid

To explore the catalytic effect of boric acid on biomass, cellulose loaded with boric acid was roasted by a tubular furnace. The gaseous products were adsorbed by activated carbon and then analyzed by GC-MS. Boric acid was shown to improve the selectivity of the product levoglucosenone (LGO). The effects of the parameters such as boric acid loading, nitrogen flow, and temperature on the torrefaction behavior of cellulose were investigated. In the studied temperature range of 240–420 °C, the yield of LGO first increases and then decreases. In addition, its yield increases directly with increasing nitrogen flow rate. The results show that the highest LGO yield of 6.64% (analytical value) can be obtained under 10% (w/w) boric acid loading, 380 °C and nitrogen flow rate of 65 ml/min conditions.

Dietary acid load, alternative healthy eating index score, and bacterial vaginosis: is there any association? A case-control study

Background:Changing the dietary pattern may be an alternative treatment for bacterial vaginosis, the prevalent vaginal infection in women.Methods:One hundred and forty-three bacterial vaginosis-affected women diagnosed by Amsel criteria and 151 healthy controls aged 18 to 45 entered the current case-control research. To calculate the alternative healthy eating index and dietary acid load score, food consumption was recorded with an accurate and precise food frequency questionnaire. The dietary acid load was measured by potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) indices. Using logistic regression models, the association between the alternative healthy eating index and dietary acid load score with bacterial vaginosis was investigated.Results:The last tertile of the alternative healthy eating index had a 75% decreased odds of experiencing bacterial vaginosis in the adjusted model (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.12–0.53, P for trend = 0.001). Besides, vegetables (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.17–0.69, P for trend = 0.003), nuts and legumes (aOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.23–0.87, P for trend = 0.028), and meats (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.16–0.60, P for trend = 0.001) intake was linked to a decreased bacterial vaginosis odds. However, sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice (aOR = 3.47, 95% CI = 1.68–7.17, P for trend < 0.001), trans fatty acids (aOR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.18–4.43, P for trend = 0.005), and sodium (aOR = 3.44, 95% CI = 1.67–7.06, P for trend = 0.002) intake were directly associated with bacterial vaginosis odds. There was no evidence of a link between dietary acid load and bacterial vaginosis.Conclusion:According to the present study’s findings, there is no correlation between dietary acid load and the likelihood of developing bacterial vaginosis. However, following a plant-based dietary pattern based on the healthy eating index may lead to a lower odds of bacterial vaginosis.

Urinary Potential Renal Acid Load (uPRAL) among Vegans Versus Omnivores and Its Association with Bone Health in the Cross-Sectional Risks and Benefits of a Vegan Diet Study.

Both veganism and high dietary acid load are linked to unfavorable bone health. However, the specific role of dietary alkali or acid load for the bone health of vegans is so far unknown. Thus, the renal biomarker for dietary acid or alkali load, i.e., urinary potential renal acid load (uPRAL), was measured in 24 h urine samples of 34 vegans and 35 omnivores (50.7% males). Bone health was assessed via calcaneal quantitative ultrasound. Associations between uPRAL and bone health indices were examined using multivariable general linear models. Compared to omnivores, vegans had a significantly lower uPRAL (mean difference = -34.5 mEq/24 h, p &lt; 0.0001), a lower 24 h urinary phosphate excretion (p = 0.0004), a lower 24 h urinary sulfate excretion (p = 0.01), and a higher urine pH value (p &lt; 0.0001). Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) was lower among vegans versus omnivores (p = 0.037), yet it was not associated with uPRAL irrespective of adjustments. This study confirms different acid-base profiles of vegans and omnivores, with a pronounced alkaline excess among vegans and a rather low acid load among a group of omnivores with moderate protein intake. Within this spectrum of alkaline to low acid load, no association with bone health was found.

Formation of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) from thermolysis of Teflon model compound.

It has been widely postulated that thermal degradation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; commercially known as Teflon) under the presence of moisture presents a likely source for the formation of the notorious perfluorocarboxylic acids (CF3(CF2)nCO(OH) PFCAs) and perfluorinated aldehydes (CF3(CF2)nCO(F/H). Thus, deployment of objects laden with Teflon at the peak of their thermal stability may contribute to the atmospheric budget of PFCAs. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely speculative. This study reports potential energy surfaces for reactions that govern oxidative transformation of n-C8F18 (as a model compound of PTFE) into tridecafluoroheptanoyl fluoride and perfluoroheptanoic acid. Central to computed pathways are dissociative addition reactions of water over the carbonyl group and elimination of hydroperoxylradicals. Facile activation enthalpies are encountered in the involved steps. Our analysis discloses that formation of the building monomer C2F4 should be suppressed under thermolysis oxidation conditions at which synthesis of trifluoroacetic acids is preferred. Constructed kinetic model illustrates a near-complete conversion of the PTFE model compound into perfluorocarboxylic acids (CF3(CF2)nCO(OH) and perfluorinated aldehydes. Outcomes from this study should be instrumental in providing a better understanding of the likely contribution of fluoropolymers in the observed environmental loads of perfluorocarboxylic acids.

Combinatorial microRNA Loading into Extracellular Vesicles for Increased Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising therapeutic entities in part due to their potential to regulate multiple signaling pathways in target cells. This potential is derived from the broad array of constituent and/or cargo molecules associated with EVs. Among these, microRNAs (miRNAs) are commonly implicated as important and have been associated with a wide variety of EV-induced biological phenomena. While controlled loading of single miRNAs is a well-documented approach for enhancing EV bioactivity, loading of multiple miRNAs has not been fully leveraged to maximize the potential of EV-based therapies. Here, an established approach to extrinsic nucleic acid loading of EVs, sonication, was utilized to load multiple miRNAs in HEK293T EVs. Combinations of miRNAs were compared to single miRNAs with respect to anti-inflammatory outcomes in assays of increasing stringency, with the combination of miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-223 found to have the most potential amongst the tested groups.

The proximal tubule through an NBCe1-dependent mechanism regulates collecting duct phenotypic and remodeling responses to acidosis.

The renal response to acid-base disturbances involves phenotypic and remodeling changes in the collecting duct. This study examines whether the proximal tubule controls these responses. We examined mice with genetic deletion of proteins present only in the proximal tubule, either the A variant or both A and B variants of isoform 1 of the electrogenic Na+-bicarbonate cotransporter (NBCe1). Both knockout (KO) mice have spontaneous metabolic acidosis. We then determined the collecting duct phenotypic responses to this acidosis and the remodeling responses to exogenous acid loading. Despite the spontaneous acidosis in NBCe1-A KO mice, type A intercalated cells in the inner stripe of the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCDis) exhibited decreased height and reduced expression of H+-ATPase, anion exchanger 1, Rhesus B glycoprotein, and Rhesus C glycoprotein. Combined kidney-specific NBCe1-A/B deletion induced similar changes. Ultrastructural imaging showed decreased apical plasma membrane and increased vesicular H+-ATPase in OMCDis type A intercalated cell in NBCe1-A KO mice. Next, we examined the collecting duct remodeling response to acidosis. In wild-type mice, acid loading increased the proportion of type A intercalated cells in the connecting tubule (CNT) and OMCDis, and it decreased the proportion of non-A, non-B intercalated cells in the connecting tubule, and type B intercalated cells in the cortical collecting duct (CCD). These changes were absent in NBCe1-A KO mice. We conclude that the collecting duct phenotypic and remodeling responses depend on proximal tubule-dependent signaling mechanisms blocked by constitutive deletion of proximal tubule NBCe1 proteins.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study shows that the proximal tubule regulates collecting duct phenotypic and remodeling responses to acidosis.

Extracellular Vesicles as Delivery Vehicles for Therapeutic Nucleic Acids in Cancer Gene Therapy: Progress and Challenges.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale vesicles secreted by most types of cells as natural vehicles to transfer molecular information between cells. Due to their low toxicity and high biocompatibility, EVs have attracted increasing attention as drug delivery systems. Many studies have demonstrated that EV-loaded nucleic acids, including RNA-based nucleic acid drugs and CRISPR/Cas gene-editing systems, can alter gene expressions and functions of recipient cells for cancer gene therapy. Here in this review, we discuss the advantages and challenges of EV-based nucleic acid delivery systems in cancer therapy. We summarize the techniques and methods to increase EV yield, enhance nucleic acid loading efficiency, extend circulation time, and improve targeted delivery, as well as their applications in gene therapy and combination with other cancer therapies. Finally, we discuss the current status, challenges, and prospects of EVs as a therapeutic tool for the clinical application of nucleic acid drugs.