Search PubMedSearch

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Fresh Water”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Transforming Curcuma longa leaf waste into cellulose scaffolds.

The constant dearth of transplantable tissues and organs in India required the development of substitute biomaterials for tissue engineering. Plant-based decellularized scaffolds have become attractive options because of their abundance, ethical acceptability, architectural diversity, and lower risks of zoonotic transmission. Curcuma longa leaves were investigated in this study as a possible source of cellulose-based scaffolding for use in biomedical applications. After cuticle removal, an immersion decellularization technique utilizing sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and triton-X-100 was developed to successfully remove cellular and nuclear material while maintaining leaf parenchyma architecture. Histology, DAPI staining, scanning electron microscopy, and a notable decrease in leftover DNA content all demonstrated efficient decellularization. When contrasted with native leaves, the resultant decellularized C. longa leaf scaffolds showed significant increase in porosity, water vapor transmission rate and swelling percent, and significantly lower contact angle with an optimum surface roughness promoting cell adhesion. Mechanical test manifest higher tensile strength with decreased stiffness. Fourier transform infrared spectra of leaf scaffold reveals persistence of different components except cuticle but the intensity of different peaks was decreased. The leaf scaffolds showed superior hemocompatibility and excellent compatibility with Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK) which is demonstrated by cell attachment and proliferation. MTT assay of seeded scaffold showed significantly higher metabolically active cell. In vivo subcutaneous implantation of decellularized scaffolds showed host tissue incorporation, accumulation of collagen, and neovascularization. C. longa leaf scaffolds can be utilized as cost effective and sustainable biomaterials for soft tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Curcuma

Transformation of antibiotics mediated by iron-bearing minerals: A review.

Iron-bearing minerals are ubiquitous in water, sediments and soil, where their surface chemical properties and redox activity can play an important role in degradation of trace antibiotics. This review systematically summarizes the roles of various iron-bearing minerals in chemical transformation and microbial degradation of antibiotics and reaction mechanisms involved, and refines the critical idea for iron-driven control of antibiotics with trace level in natural environment. Overall, antibiotics removal in the presence of iron-bearing minerals involves combination of adsorption, surface oxidative degradation, photo-induced degradation, Fenton-like reaction and microbial degradation. Adsorption of antibiotics by Fe(III)-minerals involves electrostatic interaction, complexation, H-bonding, π-π interaction and hydrophobic interaction. Adsorbed antibiotics form complexes with Fe(III)-minerals, undergoing electron transfer to generate radical intermediates, subsequently generating final products through hydroxylation, dealkylation, and deamination. Additionally, Fe(III)-minerals can be excited to produce electrons and holes under sunlight and to produce antibiotics-degrading hydroxyl radical through O2 reduction, H2O oxidation and ligand-to-metal charge transfer. Reduced iron minerals can activate oxygen to participate in Fenton-like degradation reactions. Finally, antibiotics are mainly removed by bio-driven Fenton reaction and direct enzyme biodegradation. The presence of iron-bearing minerals can promote antibiotics microbial degradation by providing nutrients for microorganisms or by changing microbial activity and microbial community structure. Existing problems and future research directions are identified. New insights for application of iron-bearing minerals in transformation of antibiotics are proposed. The work aims to suggest new methods and insights for pollution control and remediation of emerging contaminants including trace antibiotics in the natural environment.

Anti-Bacterial Agents

Gloeotrichia echinulata genomes from the United States are nontoxigenic and likely geosmin producers.

Six Gloeotrichia echinulata genomes derived from planktonic harmful algal blooms (HABs) with similar colonial morphology have been sequenced from lakes in the west and northeast regions of USA, four of them to completion. The c. 7 Mbp genomes exhibit a high level of conservation, with 98-99% pairwise genome-wide average nucleotide identity and high levels of synteny, representing a single species cluster. We observed strong conservation of gene clusters responsible for the synthesis of the secondary metabolites and bioactive peptides that are characteristic of HAB-forming cyanobacteria. All six G. echinulata genomes lack genes for the synthesis of classic cyanotoxins, including microcystin, but possess genes responsible for the synthesis of the taste and odor compound geosmin. Interestingly, the geoA geosmin synthase gene in three genomes is homologous to other cyanobacterial geoA genes, while the other three geoA genes are related to actinomyces geoA. Phylogenomic analysis places the G. echinulata genomes within a clade of benthic Nostocales, reflecting an ecological niche featuring extensive growth on the sediment surface before colonies disperse into the epilimnion for planktonic growth. We identify genes conserved in all six genomes that could represent physiological adaptations supporting active growth on sediments and pelagic recruitment independent of wind-driven mixing: phycoerythrin light harvesting complexes for optimal photosynthesis at depth; gliding motility to access patchy nutrient distributions; and gas vesicles with relatively small GvpC proteins that predict resistance to higher hydrostatic pressure. The strong genomic similarity across geographically distant populations suggests that G. echinulata in the United States is a tightly related non-toxigenic species group with predictable properties relevant to public health and drinking water management.

Cyanobacteria

Efficacy of Oral Baicalin in Canine Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomised Placebo Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Baicalin has shown efficacy in various dermatitis models in animals. However, its therapeutic effects on naturally occurring canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of baicalin in dogs with cAD. ANIMALS: 56 client-owned dogs were enrolled. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All dogs were randomly divided to receive oral baicalin or placebo over a 90day period. All subjects had veterinary evaluations using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) during the trial and owners were requested to evaluate itching using the pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) and to complete a quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaire at Day (D)0 and D90. Additionally, the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), total serum IgE levels (IgE), complete blood count and serum biochemical results were measured at D0 and D90. RESULTS: The significant decreases in CADESI-04 (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), PVAS (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), TEWL (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.014), IgE (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) and QoL scores (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001) were observed in the baicalin group D90 compared to baseline. When compared to placebo, the baicalin group had significantly lower scores in CADESI-4 and PVAS (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). A significantly higher proportion of subjects in the baicalin group showed a good-to-excellent treatment response (82.1%) compared to those in the placebo group (35.7%). The treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Baicalin had a significant benefit in alleviating pruritus and reducing clinical signs in dogs with mild-to-moderate cAD and was well tolerated.

Animals

Expression profiles of miRNAs in ruminant intermediate hosts with cystic echinococcosis.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), is a parasitic zoonotic disease recognized by the World Health Organization as a neglected tropical disease of significant public health concern. Despite ongoing control programs, CE remains endemic, underlining the need for integrated control strategies that involve new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Recent investigations have spotlighted microRNAs (miRNAs) as key regulators in parasite development, immunomodulation, and as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In the present research, a molecular study was conducted to investigate hydatid cyst samples (protoscoleces and germinal membranes) collected in southern Italy from different ruminant species (sheep, cattle, and water buffaloes), naturally infected with CE, with the ultimate goal of establishing a more comprehensive picture of miRNA expression patterns in these intermediate hosts. The bioinformatic analysis of hydatid cyst samples revealed 168 mature miRNAs. Among these, egr-miR-10-5p, egr-let-7-5p, and egr-miR-71-5p were the most abundant, with egr-miR-10-5p showing particularly high expression levels. No significant differences in miRNA abundance between host species were found. In contrast, when focusing on the comparison between protoscoleces and sterile germinal membranes, 24 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed. Targeted qPCR of four selected miRNAs (egr-miR-71-5p, egr-let-7-5p, egr-miR-125-5p, and egr-miR-10-5p) showed clear overexpression in protoscoleces and in fertile germinal membranes compared with sterile ones. The differential miRNA expression patterns provide insight into the molecular mechanisms controlling the parasite's lifecycle and may guide the development of novel intervention methods to enhance CE control in endemic areas.

Animals

ScRNA-seq analysis reveals the effects of nitrite stress on the endocrine system of the eyestalk in Litopenaeus vannamei.

Nitrite is a harmful substance generated in Litopenaeus vannamei farming systems, largely originating from the inadequate breakdown of surplus feed and shrimp feces. Its accumulation in the water can affect the growth and physiological functions of shrimp, damage the immune system, and even cause mass mortality, thus becoming a key environmental factor restricting the green development of the industry. Under nitrite stress, the eyestalk, as an important neuroendocrine regulatory center in crustaceans, participates in the stress adaptation of the organism and exerts a protective effect by regulating energy metabolism and immune function. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism of the eyestalk in response to nitrite stress remains unclear. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology was used to analyze the heterogeneity of eyestalk cells in L. vannamei under nitrite stress. A total of 18, 394 high-quality cells were obtained, and six major cell subpopulations, including Neurosecretory cell, Motor neuron, Sensory neuron, Interneuron, Neurogliocyte, and Support cell, were identified. Differential expression analysis identified 839 differentially expressed genes, and different cell types showed distinct specific responses to nitrite stress. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that pathways such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome function, and endoplasmic reticulum protein processing were significantly activated, while signal transduction and DNA repair-related pathways were inhibited. Further analysis revealed that nitrite stress could induce mitochondrial function changes and trigger oxidative stress, thereby affecting the neuroendocrine system function of the eyestalk. This study provided insights into transcriptomic responses of the eyestalk to nitrite stress at the single-cell level, laying a theoretical foundation for the management of aquaculture environments.

Animals

Simultaneous determination of imiquimod and terbinafine in skin permeation studies: Validation of a liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection.

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic, neglected subcutaneous mycosis posing significant therapeutic challenges. A topical strategy combining terbinafine (TBF), an antifungal, with imiquimod (IMQ), a TLR-7/8 agonist immunomodulator, has emerged a promising alternative. However, no validated analytical method is currently available to simultaneously quantify both drugs in skin, which is crucial for novel formulation development. This study reports the development and validation of a simple HPLC method with fluorescence detection (excitation 236&#xa0;nm, emission 340&#xa0;nm) for the simultaneous determination of TBF and IMQ extracted from porcine skin. Separation was achieved on a C8 reversed-phase column (125&#xa0;&#xd7;&#xa0;4.0&#xa0;mm, 5&#xa0;&#x3bc;m) using a mobile phase of methanol and water (60,40, v/v), both containing 0.1% formic acid at a flow rate of 0.8&#xa0;mL/min. The method showed excellent linearity (r&#xa0;>&#xa0;0.999) over 0.01-1.0&#xa0;&#x3bc;g/mL for IMQ and 0.1-2.0&#xa0;&#x3bc;g/mL for TBF. Intra- and inter-day precision demonstrated coefficients of variation below 5%, and recovery rates from skin (79-105%) confirmed accuracy. Limits of detection were 0.001&#xa0;&#x3bc;g/mL for IMQ and 0.004&#xa0;&#x3bc;g/mL for TBF, with quantification limits of 0.02&#xa0;&#x3bc;g/mL and 0.16&#xa0;&#x3bc;g/mL, respectively. This selective, sensitive, and reproducible method represents a valuable analytical tool for supporting the development and quality control of topical formulations for chromoblastomycosis and other fungal skin diseases.

Animals

Changes in ACL T2* Metrics Over the Course of the Female Menstrual Cycle: A New Biomarker for the ACL Injury Risk?

BACKGROUND: Sex-based disparities in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk may be partly explained by cyclic variations in sex hormones that drive systemic shifts in tissue osmoregulation. Ultrashort echo time (UTE) T2* magnetic resonance imaging provides a noninvasive, quantitative means of evaluating the water content and collagen orientation in tissue. HYPOTHESIS: Eumenorrheic female participants will exhibit significant ACL T2* changes across the cycle, while anovulatory control participants will demonstrate no significant changes over time. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A total of 25 women with no prior knee injuries were enrolled: 10 premenopausal, eumenorrheic participants and 15 anovulatory control participants (6 postmenopausal and 9 premenopausal using oral contraceptives). Bilateral knee magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 4 time points evenly spaced over 1 month, with the first visit within 24 hours of menses onset. Ovulation status was confirmed using commercially available ovulation predictor kits. Three-dimensional UTE sequences (11 echoes; 0.03-25 ms) were acquired to evaluate bicomponent ACL T2* metrics. Linear mixed-effects models assessed temporal differences in long and short T2* values, and the Cohen d quantified effect size. RESULTS: Eumenorrheic participants demonstrated significantly shorter preovulatory long T2* values compared with postovulatory values (mean difference, 1.0 ms [95% CI, 0.2-1.9 ms]; P = .015; Cohen d = 0.51). No significant temporal differences were observed for any T2* metric in anovulatory controls. CONCLUSION: Eumenorrheic female participants exhibited significant preovulatory to postovulatory changes in ACL T2* metrics, while anovulatory controls demonstrated no significant changes over time. These findings suggest that ACL T2* metrics are sensitive to cyclic fluctuations in female sex hormones across the menstrual cycle.

Humans

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses provide new insights into the response of black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) larvae to temperature fluctuations.

Sebastes schlegelii usually encounter elevated and fluctuating water temperatures near its upper thermal limit in summer, yet the hepatic responses of larvae to repeated temperature fluctuation regimes remain unclear. To address this question, S. schlegelii larvae were exposed for 8&#xa0;days to four thermal regimes: constant 18&#xa0;&#xb0;C (CT), constant 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C (HT), intermittent cooling from 18 to 8&#xa0;&#xb0;C followed by recovery to 18&#xa0;&#xb0;C (FL), and intermittent warming from 18 to 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C followed by recovery to 18&#xa0;&#xb0;C (FH). Survival rate was evaluated, and integrated liver transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed. Final survival rates were 96.67% in the CT group, 97.78% in the FL group, and 77.78% in the FH group. Survival rate in the HT group (38.89%) was significantly lower than that in the other three groups (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05). HTvsCT, FLvsCT, FHvsCT, and FHvsHT comparisons identified 2598, 1207, 622, and 2404 differentially expressed genes and 627, 606, 690, and 610 differential metabolites, respectively. KEGG enrichment analyses of DEGs and SDMs in HTvsCT highlighted HSP-mediated proteostasis, endoplasmic-reticulum protein processing, branched-chain and sulfur amino acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and central carbon metabolism, with upregulated hsp90aa1, bckdha, gclc, and pfkp and reduced levels of branched-chain amino acids and methionine. Compared with HT, FH showed attenuated disturbances in proteostasis, amino acid and redox regulation, and central carbon metabolism, together with recovery-associated glycerophospholipid turnover. FL primarily induced polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-related membrane lipid remodeling. These findings indicate that hepatic responses differed between continuous high-temperature exposure and temperature fluctuations and between fluctuation regimes.

Animals

Opposite metabolic and gut responses to oral glutamine in male and female mice with diet-induced obesity.

Obesity is often associated with sex-dependent metabolic complications, to which altered intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota contribute. Glutamine supplementation has previously shown beneficial effects on gut barrier function and glycemic control. We thus aimed to characterize, in male and female mice, the effects of oral glutamine supplementation during high-fat-diet-induced obesity. Male and female C57BL/6 mice received a standard (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD; 60 % kcal from fat) for 14&#xa0;weeks (W14). From W12 onward, mice received glutamine in drinking water (2&#xa0;g/kg/day) or no supplementation. Body composition, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, intestinal permeability, colonic inflammatory response, cecal microbiota and inflammatory/endocrine adipose response were assessed. In both male and female mice, glutamine supplementation failed to improve body weight and body composition. However, glutamine reduced glucose intolerance in HFD-fed males (AUC reduced by 14.57 %) that was associated with a partial restoration of plasma resistin and insulin and a trend toward limiting adipose inflammatory response. In males, glutamine did not affect gut microbiota composition and colonic response. Conversely, in HFD-fed females, glutamine supplementation led to gut microbiota changes (increase in Bacteroidota and Pseudomonadota phyla; increase in Muribaculaceae and Tannerellaceae families), increased colonic inflammatory markers (Il1b, Tlr4, Myd88, Irf3), increased inflammatory response in subcutaneous adipose tissue and increased HOMA-IR. Finally, HFD-fed mice exhibited sex-specific responses to glutamine supplementation with protective effects in males and harmful effects in females that need to be further deeply explored.

Animals

Comparative phylogenomics and transcriptional regulatory networks of AQPs, HSPs, and LEA proteins in salt-stressed Portulaca oleracea.

Soil salinization severely threatens global food security, necessitating systematic investigations of halophytes like Portulaca oleracea to decode the molecular mechanisms of environmental resilience. Utilizing an integrated framework of deep learning-based genome annotation (58,817 predicted genes; 96.5% BUSCO completeness), multi-tissue RNA-Seq, phylogenomics, and gene regulatory network (GRN) inference, the synergistic orchestration of 78 aquaporins (AQPs), 525 heat shock proteins (HSPs), and 119 late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins was elucidated. The active transcriptome, encompassing 39,065 expressed loci, revealed a systemic growth-defense trade-off. Tissues displayed distinct adaptive mechanisms: leaves modulated intracellular water balance via specialized AQPs, whereas adult roots maintained proteostasis through robust HSP20/HSP70 induction. Phylogenomic clustering across 154 species demonstrated that salinity tolerance constitutes an evolutionary mosaic, identifying 81 halophyte-exclusive orthogroups and 1129 species-specific clusters. Comparative topology across six independent GRNs (4.2M-5.3&#x202f;M edges) unmasked a highly modular transcriptional reprogramming strategy governed by a core apparatus of 22 stress-exclusive regulators, with functional enrichment heavily prioritizing protein dimerization and chromatin remodeling. Theoretically, the distinct convergence of Trihelix transcription factors with guard cell differentiation pathways offers a candidate transcriptomic framework to explain the plant's characteristic C4-CAM photosynthetic plasticity under severe osmotic pressure. Practically, these evolutionary blueprints and specific master switches transcend single-gene transgenic limitations. Utilizing these root-sustained and stress-inducible targets under localized promoters provides a naturally optimized, network-level precision engineering roadmap to transfer robust, compartmentalized halotolerance to sensitive glycophytic crops.

Gene Regulatory Networks

Acceptability of alcohol-based hand rub during neonatal care in rural Ugandan households: a qualitative study nested within the BabyGel trial.

BACKGROUND: Poor access to water, sanitation and hygiene exacerbates the spread of infections among newborns. The BabyGel cluster randomised trial assessed the effectiveness of a community-level alcohol-based hand rub with a training component in reducing infection or death rates among newborns in Uganda. OBJECTIVE: Nested in the BabyGel trial, this study investigated the acceptability of the BabyGel intervention among mothers and household members in Eastern Uganda, using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. METHODS: In 2022, we conducted individual semistructured interviews with mothers, and group interviews with mothers and other household members, all recruited from intervention-arm clusters. Thematic analysis combined inductive and deductive coding, structured by the framework's seven constructs: affective attitude, burden, ethicality, intervention coherence, opportunity costs, perceived effectiveness and self-efficacy. RESULTS: Twenty mothers and 14&#xa0;household members participated in 10 individual and 10 small group interviews. Participants found the intervention generally acceptable, appreciating its convenience and perceived protection against infection. Many described hand hygiene changes that persisted beyond the intervention period. However, concerns related to its harmful effects, spiritual beliefs and social tensions with visitors occasionally influenced its use. CONCLUSION: Alcohol-based hand rub combined with a training component was generally well accepted, driven by perceived health and practical benefits, although concerns related to safety, belief systems and social dynamics remained. Because data collection coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, a period of heightened hygiene awareness, the acceptability observed could differ in nonpandemic periods. Culturally adapted education, community engagement and reinforcement of correct use may enhance acceptability and sustainability in similar settings.

Humans

Multi-omics reveal microbial functional traits and antifungal metabolites associated with lower Pseudogymnoascus destructans loads in bat cave soils.

White-nose syndrome, caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), is a major fungal disease threatening hibernating bats. Cave soils can serve as environmental reservoirs for Pd, yet the microbial and biochemical mechanisms underlying naturally low Pd burdens in some cave environments remain poorly understood. Here, we integrated soil microbiome profiling, metagenomics, metabolomics, multi-omics network analysis, and in vitro validation to investigate the ecological and functional basis of differential Pd loads in hibernating bat caves in Northeast China. The three caves shared cold, humid, and weakly acidic microenvironments, but differed significantly in electrical conductivity, soil water content, nutrient availability, and extracellular enzyme activities. Soil microbial communities showed significant inter-cave variation in composition, diversity, and niche breadth, with stochastic processes contributing substantially to community assembly. Environmental variables, particularly pH and Pd load, were important predictors of microbial community structure. Functional analyses revealed that the low-Pd Gezi Cave was enriched in genes associated with organic carbon degradation, nitrogen input and retention, and secondary metabolism. Metabolomic profiling further identified cave-specific metabolite signatures, among which Biochanin A, 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, Vanillin, and Arachidonic acid were negatively correlated with Pd loads. Integrated pathway and network analyses showed that differential genes and metabolites jointly mapped to secondary metabolite biosynthesis, aminobenzoate degradation, and flavonoid degradation pathways, forming a microbe-metabolite-functional gene coupling network involving key taxa such as Rhodococcus, Pseudorhodoplanes, and Rhodoplanes. In vitro assays confirmed that 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, Coumarin, and Vanillin inhibited Pd growth. Structural equation modelling further indicated that environmental heterogeneity was associated with variation in Pd loads through microbial functional attributes and metabolite profiles. These findings suggest that naturally low-Pd cave soils are associated with coordinated environmental filtering, microbial functional specialization, and antifungal metabolite production, providing mechanistic insight into microbial and biochemical constraints on Pd persistence in cave reservoirs.

Animals

Proteomic characterization of the acquired enamel pellicle under acidic challenges at early and mature formation stages.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) proteomic changes after exposure to citric acid (CA) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) under different pellicle formation times (3 and 120&#x202f;min) in the same volunteers. DESIGN: Nine healthy volunteers participated in this randomized crossover in vivo study. The AEP was allowed to form for 3 or 120&#x202f;min and subsequently exposed for 10&#x202f;s to deionized water (control), 1% CA (pH 2.5), or 0.01&#x202f;M HCl (pH 2.0). Pellicle samples were collected, followed by protein extraction, tryptic digestion, and analysis by nanoliquid chromatography (nanoLC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) with MSE (data-independent acquisition; nanoLC-MS&#x1d31;). Label-free quantitative proteomics were performed for relative quantification using t-test (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05). RESULTS: At 120&#x202f;min, CA exposure markedly reduced several typical AEP proteins, especially acidic proline-rich proteins (PRPs). Conversely, basic PRPs were upregulated, suggesting acid-resistance protein signature. At 3&#x202f;min, basal-layer proteins (PRPs, cystatins, histatins and mucins) were more abundant. Hemoglobins increased 6-8-fold (up to 150-fold in 3&#x202f;min control), suggesting association with early pellicle formation and an acid-resistant protein signature. CA exposures for 120&#x202f;min also upregulated typical AEP proteins (PRPs, mucins, cystatins, immunoglobulins), while HCl exposure depleted albumins and lactotransferrin. CONCLUSION: Intrinsic and extrinsic acids induce distinct proteomic signatures in the AEP. Hemoglobin and PRPs appear consistently enriched in the early pellicle layer, reflecting an initial acid-resistant protein signature. These findings provide new insights into the molecular remodeling of the AEP following intrinsic and extrinsic acid exposure, highlighting proteins potentially involved in early-stage pellicle formation.

Humans

Skin barrier repairing and anti-aging effects evaluation of a comprehensive topical regimen incorporating niacinamide, Pro-Xylane, and panthenol after PicoWay laser: a randomized controlled study.

Pro-Xylane is a potent anti-aging ingredient; however, there is limited knowledge regarding whether a comprehensive post-procedure regimen incorporating a combination of Pro-Xylane, niacinamide, and panthenol alongside other active agents can deliver synergistic benefits for both skin barrier repair and anti-aging. This study assesses the effectiveness of the REGENMEDIC cream (anti-aging cream) and REGENMEDIC serum (anti-aging serum) in promoting skin barrier recovery and enhancing anti-aging effects following PicoWay laser treatment. A 112-day randomized controlled trial was conducted with 88 Chinese females, who were divided into two groups: the test group, using REGENMEDIC cream and Serum following PicoWay laser treatment, and the control group, using standard care regimen consisting of a standard cream. Skin barrier-repairing effects were assessed during the initial 14 days following a single use of REGENMEDIC cream, while skin elasticity, firmness, wrinkles and skin tone were evaluated over the 112-day study period after the combined use of REGENMEDIC cream and Serum. The test group exhibited lower transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and higher hydration after 14 days compared to the control group, along with a more significant reduction in skin redness. After 112-day use of REGENMEDIC cream and serum, test group showed increased skin elasticity and firmness, reduced wrinkles, and an overall improvement in skin tone and texture. Dermatologists reported excellent tolerability, with minimal adverse events. Initial application of the REGENMEDIC cream facilitated rapid skin barrier repair, while the subsequent sequential regimen incorporating the serum yielded significant long-term anti-aging benefits following PicoWay laser treatment. This study demonstrates that targeting multiple physiological pathways-specifically hydration, barrier integrity, and cellular senescence-provides a robust therapeutic option for amplifying the anti-aging outcomes of aesthetic procedures.

Humans

Genomic insights into end-use grain quality and nutritional traits of an ancient Indian dwarf wheat ( Triticum sphaerococcum Percival) population using a multi-locus genome-wide association study.

BACKGROUND: Triticum sphaerococcum, an ancient hexaploid wheat species, is renowned for its stress resilience and superior nutritional quality. A panel of 116&#x2009;T. sphaerococcum accessions (the largest known collection at a single site globally), with six bread wheat released varieties, was evaluated for its potential for genetic quality improvement. Field experiments were conducted under standard, heat and moisture-deficit conditions across two cropping seasons for ten grain end-use quality and nutritional traits. RESULTS: Genotypes showed highly significant differences (P&#x2009;&#x2264;&#x2009;0.001) for measured traits, with high broad-sense heritability resulting from substantial genotypic variance contributions. Triticum sphaerococcum consistently outperformed T. aestivum across environments, with moisture-deficit stress proving more detrimental to quality parameters than heat stress, while micronutrient content increased under stressed conditions. Trait correlations revealed that the gluten index (GI) correlated negatively with the grain hardness index (GHI), wet gluten (WG), and water-binding capacity (WB), while positively correlating with dry gluten (DG) and protein content (PRO), whereas grain iron (GFE), zinc (GZN), and protein showed consistent positive interrelationships. Two superior accessions, PAUTS10 (WG 35.13%, DG 13.71%, PRO 16.42%, GZN 50.89&#x2009;ppm) and Sonamoti (WG 33.33%, DG 12.92%, PRO 16.27%, GZN 56.03&#x2009;ppm), were identified, surpassing the best check variety HD3226 for quality and nutritional parameters. Multi-locus genome-wide association studies identified 30 stable quantitative trait nucleotides across environments, with candidate gene analysis revealing genes involved in transcription regulation, biosynthetic processes, metal ion homeostasis, and transport. CONCLUSIONS: Triticum sphaerococcum demonstrated superior grain quality and micronutrient potential compared with modern wheat, highlighting its value as a genetic resource for biofortification. The identification of elite accessions and stable quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) provides useful targets for breeding programs aimed at improving protein and micronutrient content. Integrating ancient germplasm with modern genomic tools can accelerate the development of nutritionally enhanced wheat varieties. &#xa9; 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Triticum

The relationship between food intake and outdoor temperature in a longitudinal study: a public health perspective in the context of global warming.

BACKGROUND: Climate change affects human health and nutrition. Rising temperatures may significantly impact diets, but research on their influence on dietary habits in large populations remains limited. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study the link between outdoor temperature and energy-adjusted food consumption across profiles in a longitudinal study. METHODS: This study included 100,851 participants from the NutriNet-Sant&#xe9; study (2009-2023) with 1,716,046 24-h dietary records linked to daily maximum outdoor temperature at the residence, from the nearest M&#xe9;t&#xe9;o-France station. Associations were analyzed using linear mixed models with interactions tested for sex and 6 socioeconomic profiles (employees, privileged, intermediate, young, disadvantaged, and retirees) derived from clustering. RESULTS: Across all subgroups, higher outdoor temperature was associated with higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, processed meats, sweet products, water, alcoholic beverages, and sugar-sweetened beverages, whereas consumption of red meat, pulses, and dairy products decreased. From 25&#xb0;C to 35&#xb0;C, the increase in alcohol consumption with temperature was more pronounced in males {150 g/d [95% confidence interval (CI): 147 g/d, 153 g/d] to 166 g/d [95% CI: 162 g/d, 171 g/d], +11%} than in females [101 g/d (95% CI: 98 g/d, 103 g/d) to 107 g/d (95% CI: 104 g/d, 109 g/d), +6%]. Across socioeconomic profiles, changes shared similar directions, but some trends were more marked, notably for alcoholic beverages among employees (95% CI: 114 g/d, 130 g/d; +14%) and sugar-sweetened beverages in young (95% CI: 56 g/d, 72 g/d; +29%). Consumption of fruits increased more modestly in the young (95% CI: 227 g/d, 248 g/d; +9%) than in employees (95% CI: 194 g/d, 227 g/d; +17%). These changes, although variable in magnitude, were not accompanied by substantial modifications in energy intake or overall diet quality scores. CONCLUSIONS: These results emphasize the importance of targeted prevention messages when temperatures exceed 25&#xb0;C, especially concerning alcoholic and sugar-sweetened beverages, and offer insight into potential long-term food consumption patterns (beyond seasonal changes) in the context of global warming.

Humans

Selective monitoring of trace-level catechin and myricetin in herbal and aqueous matrices using magnetic MIP-DSPME: Optimization via design of experiments.

A novel dispersive solid-phase microextraction approach utilizing a magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP) integrated with HPLC-UV detection was developed for the concurrent quantification of catechin and myricetin in herbal extracts and aqueous samples. The sorbent was engineered as a core-shell nanocomposite, consisting of a selective polymer layer deposited onto Fe3O4@SiO2-APTMS magnetic nanoparticles. Dual-template imprinting using catechin and myricetin generated complementary binding cavities within the polymer framework. Experimental variables influencing extraction were systematically screened and subsequently optimized. A Plackett-Burman design was first applied to identify the most influential factors, with pH and sorption time identified as the dominant variables. These parameters were subsequently fine-tuned using a central composite design, and the optimization process was completed in only 30 experimental runs. The sorption characteristics of the imprinted sorbent (MMIP) were compared with those of its non-imprinted counterpart (MNIP). The MMIP demonstrated markedly higher maximum binding capacities (Qmax), reaching 119.3&#xa0;mg&#xa0;g-1 for myricetin and 112.1&#xa0;mg&#xa0;g-1 for catechin, whereas the corresponding values for the MNIP were 32.55 and 32.08&#xa0;mg&#xa0;g-1, respectively. Moreover, the affinity constants (KL&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.760-0.950&#xa0;L&#xa0;mg-1) were approximately 2.3-fold higher for the MMIP, confirming its stronger and more selective interactions with the target analytes. The selectivity coefficients for the targeted flavonoids relative to structurally related compounds, including ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, melatonin, and curcumin, exceeded 3.5 for the MMIP, whereas the corresponding values for the MNIP were close to 1.1, demonstrating the high molecular recognition capability of the imprinted sorbent. Method validation demonstrated limits of detection (LODs) of 0.33-0.59&#xa0;ng&#xa0;mL-1 and limits of quantification (LOQs) of 1.10-1.96&#xa0;ng&#xa0;mL-1, and excellent linearity over the concentration range of 5.0-5500&#xa0;ng&#xa0;mL-1 (R2&#xa0;>&#xa0;0.998). The method achieved recoveries of 93.96% to 105.69% with RSDs below 5.5%, while the preconcentration factors ranged from 209 to 229. Furthermore, the sorbent retained more than 95% of its extraction efficiency after four consecutive reuse cycles and more than 80% after six cycles, demonstrating excellent stability and reusability. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of six medicinal plant extracts and water samples, showing negligible matrix interference and superior sensitivity, selectivity, and operational simplicity compared with conventional solid-phase extraction methods.

Flavonoids