Body Substance Research Articles

Chronic hypertension diagnosed by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria is associated with increased risk of developing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

ACOG uses a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 documented at <20 weeks of gestation to define chronic hypertension. In the nonpregnant state, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) define chronic hypertension using lower diagnostic thresholds of SBP ≥130 or DBP ≥80. It remains unclear whether using more conservative guidelines in pregnancy improves identification of those at risk for gestational hypertension (GHTN) or preeclampsia (PRE). We sought to investigate whether subjects with chronic hypertension based on the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria had an increased risk for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia than those without chronic hypertension. We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing a clinical database at a diverse, large urban, safety-net hospital. Subjects aged 18 to 40 years with singleton gestations and first trimester prenatal care were included. We defined subjects that met the criteria for stage 1 chronic hypertension based on first trimester systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure cutoffs satisfying the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria (systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mm Hg). Those who did not meet these criteria had a systolic blood pressure <130 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg. We did not include those with chronic hypertension based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria in this cohort (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg at <20 weeks); therefore, those who met the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria solely consisted of subjects with systolic blood pressure of 130 to 139 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of 80 of 89 mm Hg. By doing this, we were able to specifically investigate the increased risk for this specific population, which remains unclear. Diagnoses of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were based on the established American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria. Preeclampsia included those with and without severe features. Tests for normality were performed. Student t-tests or rank sum tests were performed as appropriate for continuous variables; chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were performed for categorical variables. Generalized linear models were performed to calculate risk ratios while controlling for appropriate confounders. Of N=3354 subjects, 18% (n=629) were diagnosed with stage 1 chronic hypertension based on American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria. Those with American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology stage 1 chronic hypertension had increased rates of gestational hypertension (35.4% vs 20%; P<.001) and preeclampsia (22.3% vs 10%; P<.001) than those without Stage 1 chronic hypertension based on these criteria. When controlling for maternal age, race, first trimester body mass index, pregestational diabetes, and substance use, those with the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology stage 1 chronic hypertension had an almost 1.5-fold higher adjusted risk ratio of experiencing gestational hypertension (adjusted risk ratio, 1.49±0.10; P<.001) and almost 2-fold increased adjusted risk ratio of experiencing preeclampsia (adjusted risk ratio, 1.98±0.19; P<.001). Our data suggest an increased risk for developing gestational hypertension and preeclampsia for subjects satisfying the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology cutoff for stage 1 chronic hypertension. Future studies need to consider whether diagnosis of chronic hypertension in pregnancy should conform with American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria, and if those with stage 1 chronic hypertension based on American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology criteria require the same preventative measures and interventions utilized by those diagnosed by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria.

Moderate or greater daily coffee consumption is associated with lower incidence of metabolic syndrome in Taiwanese militaries: results from the CHIEF cohort study.

Daily moderate coffee intake was found with a lower risk of specific metabolic abnormalities, e.g., hypertension and hyperglycemia, while the association of coffee intake and incident metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been clarified in prior studies, particularly in young adults. A total of 2,890 military personnel, aged 18-39 years, free of MetS were followed for incident MetS from baseline (2014) until the end of 2020 in Taiwan. Daily coffee amount consumed was grouped to those ≥3 cups or 600 mL (moderate or more amount) and those without. Incidence of MetS was identified in annual health examinations. MetS was diagnosed on the basis of the guideline of the International Diabetes Federation. Multivariable Cox regression model with adjustments for sex, age, body mass index, physical activity and substance use status at baseline was performed to determine the association. At baseline, there were 145 subjects with daily coffee intake ≥3 cups or 600 mL (5.0%) in the overall cohort. During a mean follow-up of 6.0 years, 673 incident MetS (23.3%) were found. As compared to those consuming less coffee or none, those consuming daily coffee ≥3 cups had a lower risk of MetS [hazard ratio (HR): 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.48, 0.99)]. This study suggests that adhering to the guideline recommended moderate or greater daily coffee consumption for promoting health, may confer advantages in preventing the development of MetS among young adults.

Blue-emitting tryptophan-protected gold nanoclusters acted as a sensitive nanosensor for fluorescence sensing and visual imaging detection of furaltadone

Herein, blue-emitting gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) were carried out through tryptophan as the protecting and reducing agents. In aqueous solution of Au NCs@tryptophan, the addition of furaltadone guaranteed the interaction of furaltadone with tryptophan around Au NCs. The propinquity of furaltadone to Au NCs caused that the fluorescence of Au NCs was weakened by furaltadone based on the inner filter effect (IFE). Under the optimal measurement conditions, the logarithm of relative fluorescence intensity of Au NCs@tryptophan was linearly carried out with the furaltadone amount increasing from 0.5 to 100 μM, the corresponding detection limit was 0.087 μM. The fluorescence change of Au NCs@tryptophan displayed excellent selectivity and sensitivity for furaltadone than other possible substance in the human body. In view of Au NCs@tryptophan, the as-performed fluorescence nanosensor suggested outstanding ability for furaltadone sensing in real samples. Obviously, this nanoprobe of furaltadone could implement the naked-eye visual fluorescence determination of furaltadone.

Potential toxic effects of perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride analysis based on multiple-spectroscopy techniques and molecular modelling analysis

Perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride (PBSF) has been used in the manufacture of fluorochemicals. Since PBSF is not biodegradable, the predicted environmental levels of PBSF are also expected to rise over time. In recent years, there has been a rise in the levels of PBSF in humans. In order to clarify the impact of PBSF on the accumulation of substances in the human body, we examined the interaction mechanism between PBSF and bovine serum albumin (BSA). To investigate the interaction mechanism between PBSF and BSA, we utilized a range of methods including UV–visible spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, molecular docking simulation, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The inherent fluorescence of BSA was effectively suppressed by PBSF through fluorescence quenching analysis, using a static mechanism. The Ka value of 1.34 × 105 mol−1 L indicated a strong binding between PBSF and BSA. Further analysis of the interaction between PBSF and BSA involved examining thermodynamic parameters, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and conducting other theoretical calculations. These investigations produced results that were in strong accordance with the experimental observations. The participation of hydrophobic interactions between BSA and PBSF was uncovered through molecular docking and MD simulation investigations. Furthermore, this investigation explored the impact of copper ions (Cu2+) and calcium ions (Ca2+) on the interaction between PBSF and BSA, establishing a vital basis for comprehending the mechanism by which PBSF affects proteins in the human surroundings.

Selection of functional ingredients for fortification of soft beverages

The creation of functional soft drinks enriched with biologically active substances of natural origin necessary for human health is relevant and of great practical importance. The fortification of soft drinks is aimed at creating functional drinks by introducing sources of physiologically functional ingredients during their industrial production. Functional ingredients are classified into several groups: vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, minerals, antioxidants, essential amino acids, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics. The natural sources containing the relevant functional ingredients and the functions performed by these substances in the human body are indicated. The directions of application of physiologically functional ingredients in the technology of soft drinks are considered. To fortify soft drinks with biologically active substances, a number of additives have been proposed: vitamins, vitamin premixes, β-carotene; vitamin and mineral mixtures, compositions, premixes; seaweed additives; vegetable milk; a complex of polyunsaturated fatty acids; modified cellulose, pectin, inulin, gums from tree bark, tree seeds, root tubers, algae and biochemically produced; salts of micro- and macroelements; fruit and vegetable supplements; phytoextracts; plant protein extracts, protein mixtures; probiotic cultures of microorganisms, immunotropic ingredients of bacterial origin; bee products. It has been shown that natural additives have advantages over synthetic ones, since their components – proteins, vitamins, minerals, etc. – are in an easily digestible form, and the complexity of their chemical composition leads to a comprehensive enrichment of beverages with biologically active substances. When developing functional soft drinks, it is necessary to take into account that fortification has a number of limitations due to the technological capabilities of introducing certain functional ingredients into the beverage and ensuring their effective bioavailability.

Identification of Fatty Acid Components and Key Genes for Synthesis during the Development of Pecan Fruit

Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch, a species native to North America, is one of the most famous fruit oil trees worldwide. Fatty acids are essential energy storage substances in the human body. Transcriptome sequencing of pecan kernels was used to screen the key genes of fatty acid synthesis in pecan fruit development. The dynamic changes in the fatty acid fractions of the pecan kernels in different periods were analyzed using GC-MS. This study shows that oil accumulation in seeds follows an ‘M’-shaped bimodal curve, according to the proportion of fatty acid components, from big to small, for oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linolenic acid. A total of 83.82 Gb of clean data was annotated using the RNA-seq of pecan fruits at distinct stages after flowering, 5376 new genes were discovered, and 2761 new genes were annotated in at least one database. SAD and FAD2 were significantly upregulated at 80–95 and 95–110 days, and downregulated at 110–130 days after flowering. These differently expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in fatty acid biosynthesis, elongation, and concentration. This study aims to reveal the pecan high-oil synthesis mechanism of unsaturated fatty acids for the genetic improvement of pecan in potential genetic resources in order to promote the work of breeding pecan.

Metabolic Perturbations Associated with an Exposure Mixture of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Atlanta African American Maternal-Child Cohort.

Prenatal exposure to single chemicals belonging to the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) family is associated with biological perturbations in the mother, fetus, and placenta, plus adverse health outcomes. Despite our knowledge that humans are exposed to multiple PFAS, the potential joint effects of PFAS on the metabolome remain largely unknown. Here, we leveraged high-resolution metabolomics to identify metabolites and metabolic pathways perturbed by exposure to a PFAS mixture during pregnancy. Targeted assessment of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), along with untargeted metabolomics profiling, were conducted on nonfasting serum samples collected from pregnant African Americans at 6-17 weeks gestation. We estimated the overall mixture effect and partial effects using quantile g-computation and single-chemical effects using linear regression. All models were adjusted for maternal age, education, parity, early pregnancy body mass index, substance use, and gestational weeks at sample collection. Our analytic sample included 268 participants and was socioeconomically diverse, with the majority receiving public health insurance (78%). We observed 13.3% of the detected metabolic features were associated with the PFAS mixture (n = 1705, p < 0.05), which was more than any of the single PFAS chemicals. There was a consistent association with metabolic pathways indicative of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress (e.g., glutathione, histidine, leukotriene, linoleic acid, prostaglandins, and vitamins A, C, D, and E metabolism) across all metabolome-wide association studies. Twenty-six metabolites were validated against authenticated compounds and associated with the PFAS mixture (p < 0.05). Based on quantile g-computation weights, PFNA contributed the most to the overall mixture effect for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), tyrosine, and uracil. In one of the first studies of its kind, we demonstrate the feasibility and utility of using methods designed for exposure mixtures in conjunction with metabolomics to assess the potential joint effects of multiple PFAS chemicals on the human metabolome. We identified more pronounced metabolic perturbations associated with the PFAS mixture than for single PFAS chemicals. Taken together, our findings illustrate the potential for integrating environmental mixture analyses and high-throughput metabolomics to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying human health.

Морфофизиологические и биохимические исследования каспийской атерины (Atherina boyeri caspia Risso, 1810)

The article highlights physiological and biochemical parameters of atherina (Atherina boyeri caspia Risso, 1810) in the Middle Caspian Sea at various stages of the annual cycle. The state of the fish organism was studied in the period from February to October 2022, which characterized the pre-spawning, spawning and feeding periods. The size-weight and age parameters of atherina were determined. The concentration of the main reserve substances of the fish body - total lipids and water-soluble protein – was analyzed in the muscles of the atherina. In the pre-spawning period and at the beginning of spawning of females, the level of morphological changes in the gonads was studied. There were no found significant differences in the content of total lipids and water-soluble protein in the muscles of males and females. Patterns of changes in the amount of muscle water-soluble proteins and total lipids were recorded in the entire sample of the Caspian atherina during the pre-spawning period and at the beginning of spawning. This is typical for portioned spawning fish, in which the energy expenditure of the body is directed to the formation, maturation of gonads, the removal of sexual products and the maturation of the next portions during the spawning period. In September-October, that is, already at the stage of feeding, a multidirectional character in lipid and protein metabolism was noted in the body of atherina. According to the results of histological examination, the beginning of spawning in atherina was noted in April. Mature oocytes with resorption at an average level of 30-31% were recorded in the ovaries of portioned spawning atherina in February-April, which characterized the adaptive mechanisms of the organism in the conditions of this habitat. In September, there was a significantly positive (p &lt; 0.05) statistical correlation between the concentration of total muscle lipids and the mass of fish (r = +0.47), which characterized a positive energy balance in the body, so necessary for the next stages of life.

Estilos de vida y alimentación relacionados con el estado nutricional y el riesgo de DM2 en mujeres jóvenes de dos universidades colombianas

Objective: To analyze the lifestyles and diet related to nutritional status and the risk of DM2 and in female students of two Colombian universities. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional, multidimensional and exploratory study, carried out in a sample of 220 women, nutrition and dietetic (NaD) students selected by random medsampling of proportions.[1]. A questionnaire was applied to identify sociodemographic variables, lifestyles related to food and DM2 risk according to the FINDRISC test; BMI, waist circumference (WC), fat percentage, and active body substance index (IAKS) were determined. Bivariate analysis was performed using Statgraphics v.16, the chi2 test was applied with 95% confidence and statistical significance (p &lt;0.05). Results: Overweight and obesity according to BMI (21.4%) showed statistical significance with the frequency of consumption of sugary drinks, packaged products, sugars and sweets, fast foods and alcoholic beverages; These two eating practices were related to very high cardiovascular risk by waist circumference and excessive fat percentage, which also presented significance with excessive screen time; the IAKS was related to the classification of physical activity. According to the FINDRISC test, 91% had DM2 risk factors; 20.5% presented medium risk and 2.3% high. Conclusions: Lifestyle and diet were related to anthropometric indicators: body weight, fat distribution, and body composition; are risk factors for the development of DM2 in young women. It is necessary to promote protective factors to maintain a healthy weight.

Research and development of demineralised dentin-derived collagen granule bone regeneration materials using animal teeth

The enamel that forms the outer layer of a tooth is the hardest substance in the human body and the structure of the teeth present an opportunity for investigation. For example, Dr Naoto Okubo, who has expertise in dentistry, is interested in the raw material from which the teeth are composed ‐ dentin. Dentin has a special structure known as â–˜ivory tubulesâ–™ that only exists in teeth and can be said to be a communicating porous structure. There is potential that it could be used in the development of new implantable biomaterials. Okuboâ–™s current research is exploring whether dentin can be used as a material for building bioregenerative scaffolds. He is based in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical sciences, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan, and is Project Leader of the Bovine Demineralized Dentin Matrix (B-DDM) projects. One of the reasons that dentin is suitable as a material for bioregenerative scaffolds is because the most important quality for bioregenerative scaffolds is that they do not interfere with the blood supply when they have been implanted. In addition, it has the strength needed to be used for bioregenerative scaffolds. In their work to use dentin and its tubule structure for the development of bioregenerative scaffolds Okubo and the team are using dentin in such a way that enables them to remove some or all the inorganic components at the same time as maintaining the tissue structure. This means the foundation of the scaffold is mainly composed of type 1 collagen, which has excellent blood permeability and high natural strength.

Relationship between the Consumption of Fermented Red Beetroot Juice and Levels of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in the Human Body's Fluids and Blood Parameters.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of fluorinated, organic, man-made chemicals; they do not occur naturally in the environment. This study aimed to determine the profile and content of PFASs in the volunteers' blood plasma and urine after the consumption of fermented red beetroot juice and then correlated it with the blood parameters. Over 42 days, 24 healthy volunteers ingested 200 mL/60 kg of body weight of fermented red beetroot juice. PFASs were analyzed using the micro-HPLC-MS/MS method. Five perfluoroalkyl substances were found in the volunteers' body fluids. After consuming the juice, it was discovered that regarding the perfluorocarboxylic acids, a downward trend was observed, while regarding the perfluoroalkane sulfonates, and their plasma content showed a statistically significant upward trend. Analysis of the hematology parameters indicated that the intake of fermented red beetroot juice showed a significant decrease in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets concentration, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) at the significance level p < 0.01, and hematocrit (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the dietary intervention also indicated a significant (p < 0.01) increase in corpuscular/cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). In the case of blood biochemistry, no significant change was observed in the blood samples after the intake of the fermented beetroot juice. However, a decreasing tendency of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentration (LDL-C) was observed. Based on the presented results, there is a need to analyze and monitor health-promoting food regarding undesirable substances and their impact on consumer health.

Secondary metal doped cuprous-cyanoimidazole frameworks for triple-mode detection of dopamine

BackgroundsMetal-organic framework-based nanozymes enable several opportunities for designing novel analysis methods for the detection of pesticides, heavy metal ions, and biomolecules; however, practical applications are still limited by a complicated synthesis route, lower catalytic activity, and single detection mode. Dopamine (DA) is a crucial catecholamine substance in the human body that acts as a neurotransmitter regulating a variety of physiological functions of the central nervous system. Therefore, it is highly significant to explore simple nanozymes synthesis methods for constructing a multiple analysis system to detection DA. ResultsHerein, we elaborately selected cobalt ions as the secondary metal doping in cuprous-cyanoimidazole frameworks (CuCo-CIFs) with a mass-production strategy. CuCo-CIFs possess intrinsic peroxidase-like activity that can convert hydrogen peroxide into various reactive oxygen species (i.e., 1O2, OH·, O2·-) and thereby oxidize colorless 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and DA to blue oxTMB and orange polydopamine (PDA), respectively. The absorption of the detection system increases at 460 nm while decreases at 652 nm as the concentration of DA increases under near-neutral pH (6.1), resulting in a color transition from blue to orange. Consequently, an unprecedented triple-mode analysis system of DA monitored by naked eyes, ratiometric-absorption, and scanometric was constructed. The limit of detection for the ratiometric-absorption and scanometric mode can reach 20 nM and 28 nM, respectively. CuCo-CIFs were successfully used for the rapid and accurate detection of DA in practical samples. SignificanceAs a simple, low-cost, multi-mode colorimetric platform, this kind of nanozyme detection with peroxidase-like activity exhibits significant potential for the detection of DA. Our work not only expands the applications of MOFs in analytical fields but also addresses the general challenges faced by nanozyme-based colorimetric detection systems of DA. This work provides valuable insights for the rational application of nanozyme and the design of new analysis systems.

Chemical Oxygen Demand(COD) Composition and Contribution in Typical Waters of Baiyangdian Lake

Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is an important index used to assess organic oxygen consumption pollution. To explore COD composition in the natural water in Baiyangdian Lake, the main composition, source, and influencing factors of oxygen-consuming organic substances in the water body were revealed through physical continuous classification, three-dimensional fluorescence, and other methods. The results showed that the COD of the two waters was affected by dissolved organic substances (protein-like and humus-like organic matters) with size of less than 220 nm (59%-93%), and inorganic substances had little effect on COD. The source of organic matter in overlying water was primarily affected by endophytic vegetation decomposition, sediment release (the release flux of TOC was in the range of 1.55-2.28 mg·(m2·d)-1), and other endogenous sources (biological index>0.8), as well as by land-based sources such as reed platform and artificial pollution (1.4<fluorescence index<1.9). The sediment organic matter was primarily affected by terrestrial sources like reeds. Furthermore, COD in Baiyangdian Lake was primarily controlled by refractory dissolved organic matter (RDOC). In a natural water body, RDOC could undergo a long-term degradation reaction, and the potassium dichromate method would rapidly oxidize most RDOC within a short time, leading to the overestimation of the organic oxygen consumption pollution in Baiyangdian Lake.

Emotional overeating affected nine in ten female students during the COVID-19 university closure: A cross-sectional study in France.

To estimate the proportion of female university students reporting overeating (EO) in response to emotions during the COVID-19 university closures, and to investigate social and psychological factors associated with this response to stress. Online survey gathered sociodemographic data, alcohol/drugs use disorders, boredom proneness and impulsivity using validated questionnaires, and EO using the Emotional Overeating Questionnaire (EOQ) assessing eating in response to six emotions (anxiety, sadness, loneliness, anger, fatigue, happiness), whose structure remains to be determined. Sample of 302 female students from Rennes University, France. Frequencies of emotional overeating. The frequency of emotional overeating was expressed for each emotion as percentages. Exploratory Factor analyses (EFA) were used to determine EOQ structure and provide an index of all EOQ items used for further analysis. Linear regression models were used to explore relationships between EO and others covariates. Nine in ten participants reported intermittent EO in the last 28 days, mostly during 6 to 12 days, in response to Anxiety (75.5%), Sadness (64.5%), Happiness (59.9%), Loneliness (57.9%), Tiredness (51.7%), and to a lesser extent to Anger (31.1%). EFA evidenced a one-factor latent variable reflecting "Distress-Induced Overeating" positively correlated with internal boredom proneness, tobacco use, attentional impulsivity, inability to resist emotional cues, and loss of control over food intake, and negatively with age and well-being. EO was unrelated to body mass index or substance abuse. Nine in ten female students reported emotional overeating during the COVID-19 university closure. This response to stress was related to eating tendencies typical of young women, but also to personality/behavioral patterns such as boredom and impulsivity proneness. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying EO in response to stress and lack of external/social stimulation would improve preventive interventions.

Hubungan Pekerjaan Ibu, Inisiasi Menyusu Dini (IMD) dan Dukungan Keluarga dengan Pemberian ASI Eksklusif di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Punti Kayu Palembang Tahun 2022

Exclusive Breastfeeding is essential for the survival of the baby. Because breast milk contains natural proteins found in the body (Growth factor) and antibody substances. Growth factors in breast milk have an important role in helping the maturation process of organs and hormones, while antibody substances help the maturation process of the immune system. Since the process of maturation of the system in newborns is rudimentary. To find out the relationship between mothers' work, Early Breastfeeding Initiation (IMD) and partial family support with exclusive breastfeeding in the Work area of the Punti Kayu Health Center, Palembang City in 2022. This study uses a type of analytical survey research where independent variables and dependent variables are collected at the same time. With a Cross sectional approach, which aims to find out the Indepedent variables, namely maternal work, IMD and family support and dependent variables for exclusive breastfeeding success. The sample was taken according to the inclusion criteria of 42 respondents using the accidental sampling method. Data analysis using univariate, bivariate analysis, namely the chi-square test. Based on the results of the chi-square statistical test, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between the mother's work obtained a p-value of 0.154, Early Breastfeeding Initiation (IMD) with a p-value of 0.002, and family support with a p-value of 0.002. There is a meaningful relationship between mother's work, IMD and family support simultaneously with exclusive breastfeeding at the Punti Kayu Palembang Health Center in 2022.

MEMO1 Is Required for Ameloblast Maturation and Functional Enamel Formation

Coordinated mineralization of soft tissue is central to organismal form and function, while dysregulated mineralization underlies several human pathologies. Oral epithelial–derived ameloblasts are polarized, secretory cells responsible for generating enamel, the most mineralized substance in the human body. Defects in ameloblast development result in enamel anomalies, including amelogenesis imperfecta. Identifying proteins critical in ameloblast development can provide insight into specific pathologies associated with enamel-related disorders or, more broadly, mechanisms of mineralization. Previous studies identified a role for MEMO1 in bone mineralization; however, whether MEMO1 functions in the generation of additional mineralized structures remains unknown. Here, we identify a critical role for MEMO1 in enamel mineralization. First, we show that Memo1 is expressed in ameloblasts and, second, that its conditional deletion from ameloblasts results in enamel defects, characterized by a decline in mineral density and tooth integrity. Histology revealed that the mineralization defects in Memo1 mutant ameloblasts correlated with a disruption in ameloblast morphology. Finally, molecular profiling of ameloblasts and their progenitors in Memo1 oral epithelial mutants revealed a disruption to cytoskeletal-associated genes and a reduction in late-stage ameloblast markers, relative to controls. Collectively, our findings integrate MEMO1 into an emerging network of molecules important for ameloblast development and provide a system to further interrogate the relationship of cytoskeletal and amelogenesis-related defects.

The Drivers of Consumers' Purchase Intentions for Organic Food Products: A Review of the Literature

Using synthetic chemicals in agriculture has adversely affected the environment and health, such as soil nutrient depletion, ecosystem damage, eutrophication, the accumulation of hazardous substances in the human body, and respiratory illnesses. Efforts to meet food needs have triggered agricultural intensification by applying excessive chemical fertilizers and pesticides and planting plant varieties that are greedy for nutrients. If allowed to continue, it will lead to a significant decline in the quality of agricultural land. One of the things that can reduce farmers' dependence on external inputs is organic farming. This method can increase soil fertility by increasing the number of organisms in the soil. This research aims to analyze the existing implementation of organic agriculture, considering environmental, social, and economic factors.

Predicting Spontaneous Labor beyond 39 Weeks among Low-Risk Expectantly Managed Pregnant Patients.

The aim of the study was to identify the characteristics associated with spontaneous labor onset in pregnant patients undergoing expectant management at greater than 39 weeks' gestation and delineate perinatal outcomes associated with spontaneous labor compared with labor induction. This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies at ≥390/7 weeks' gestation delivered at a single center in 2013. The exclusion criteria were elective induction, cesarean delivery or presence of a medical indication for delivery at 39 weeks, more than one prior cesarean delivery, and fetal anomaly or demise. We evaluated prenatally available maternal characteristics as potential predictors of the primary outcome-spontaneous labor onset. Multivariable logistic regression was used to generate two parsimonious models: one with and one without third trimester cervical dilation. We also performed sensitivity analysis by parity and timing of cervical examination, and compared the mode of delivery and other secondary outcomes between patients who went into spontaneous labor and those who did not. Of 707 eligible patients, 536 (75.8%) attained spontaneous labor and 171 (24.2%) did not. In the first model, maternal body mass index (BMI), parity, and substance use were identified as the most predictive factors. Overall, the model did not predict spontaneous labor (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61-0.70) with high accuracy. The addition of third trimester cervical dilation in the second model did not significantly improve labor prediction (AUC: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.61-0.70; p = 0.76). These results did not differ by timing of cervical examination or parity. Patients admitted in spontaneous labor had lower odds of cesarean delivery (odds ratio [OR]: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.21-0.53) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.15-0.94). Other perinatal outcomes were similar between the groups. Maternal characteristics did not predict spontaneous labor onset at ≥39 weeks' gestation with high accuracy. Patients should be counseled on the challenges of labor prediction regardless of parity and cervical examination, outcomes if spontaneous labor does not occur, and benefits of labor induction. · Majority of patients will attain spontaneous labor at ≥39 weeks.. · Maternal characteristics do not predict labor at ≥39 weeks.. · Spontaneous labor has associated lower perinatal risks.. · A shared decision model should be utilized in counseling patients who may choose expectant management..

Expectorant Effects of Immature Asian Pear Extract on PM2.5-Induced Subacute Pulmonary Injury in Mice

This study investigated the expectorant effects of immature Asian pear extract (IAP; Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) on subacute pulmonary injuries in Balb/c mice induced by particulate matter with a diameter of approximately 2.5 μm (PM2.5). IAP was administered at three doses, namely, 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg. The body weight and weight gain changes, lung weights, lung and body surface gross inspections, tracheal secretions, and substance P and ACh content in lung tissue homogenate were observed one day after the tenth IAP administration. The mRNA expression of the genes related to mucus production and lung histopathology was compared with that of the negative and positive controls. Favorable pulmonary protective effects on PM2.5-induced subacute pulmonary injuries, mucus overproduction, and respiratory acidosis were observed in groups treated with IAP at all three doses, possibly through potent anti-inflammatory and mucolytic expectorant activities mediated by the increase in the content of lung substances P and ACh and the downregulation of lung MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. The results of this study show that an appropriate oral administration of IAP has sufficient pulmonary protective effects and can be used as a candidate for the development of functional food ingredients.

Application of DIXON MRI sequencing in the diagnosis of changes in the spongy substance of vertebral bodies in comparison with osteodensitometry data

The aim of this study was to analyze the patterns of changes in the fat fraction of the vertebral bodies according to the modified DIXON protocol (mDixon, MRI) in patients of different age groups with densitometry data.Materials and methods. In the course of our study, a Siemens Magnetom Verio 3T tomograph was used for diagnostics, for assessing the condition of the vertebrae of the lumbosacral spine, measuring FF, a computer program was used: “RadiAnt DICOM viewer”. DIXON (two-point) parameters of TSE pulse train with T2 type of weighting: TR 4000 ms, TE 88 ms, slice thickness 4 mm, matrix 320 × 320, NEX 1, FOV 260 × 260 mm, pixel size 0.8 × 0.8 mm, bandwidth 345 Hz/pixel. Scanning time: 3 min. 50 sec. We also used a GE Lunar Prodigy densitometer. Measurement parameters: mode – standard (13–25 cm), length 19.1 cm, width 18.0 cm. Method: mDixon.Results. 71 patients were examined (average age is 57 years; average BMI (body mass index): 27.94). Osteopenia was diagnosed in 21 patients, osteoporosis – in 13. Bone mineral density (BMD) was obtained using X-ray densitometry, which served as a reference for detecting abnormal bone density and osteoporosis. A comparison was made of BMD values in patients with normal and patients with osteoporosis / osteopenia: the values in patients with normal were 21.85% higher than in patients with osteoporosis / osteopenia. We also compared the parameters of vertebral fat density (FF) in patients with normal and pathology – the values in patients with normal were 15.65% less than in patients with pathology. Correlation analysis revealed a relationship between BMD and FF parameters. According to the results of the morphometry of the vertebral bodies, wedge-shaped deformity of the vertebral bodies was revealed in 8% of patients with osteoporosis / osteopenia.Conclusions. The MRI method based on the DIXON trace is of great importance in the diagnosis of changes in the spongy substance of the vertebral bodies. In the study of correlation analysis, an inverse relationship was found between the BMD and FF parameters.