Biosensors for psychiatric biomarkers in mental health monitoring

Psychiatric disorders are associated with serve disturbances in cognition, emotional control, and/or behavior regulation, yet few routine clinical tools are available for the real-time evaluation and early-stage diagnosis of mental health. Abnormal levels of relevant biomarkers may imply biological, neurological, and developmental dysfunctions of psychiatric patients. Exploring biosensors that can provide rapid, in-situ, and real-time monitoring of psychiatric biomarkers is therefore vital for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of mental disorders. Recently, psychiatric biosensors with high sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility have been widely developed, which are mainly based on electrochemical and optical sensing technologies. This review presented psychiatric disorders with high morbidity, disability, and mortality, followed by describing pathophysiology in a biomarker-implying manner. The latest biosensors developed for the detection of representative psychiatric biomarkers (e.g., cortisol, dopamine, and serotonin) were comprehensively summarized and compared in their sensitivities, sensing technologies, applicable biological platforms, and integrative readouts. These well-developed biosensors are promising for facilitating the clinical utility and commercialization of point-of-care diagnostics. It is anticipated that mental healthcare could be gradually improved in multiple perspectives, ranging from innovations in psychiatric biosensors in terms of biometric elements, transducing principles, and flexible readouts, to the construction of 'Big-Data' networks utilized for sharing intractable psychiatric indicators and cases.

Using varied technological agents-assisted simultaneous prompting for teaching discrete skills to children with developmental disabilities

This study examines the effectiveness of combining simultaneous prompting method with small group teaching through computer projection, SMART board, tablet computer and humanoid robot to teach discrete skills to children with developmental disabilities (CDD). The study included 14 CDD aged 10-15. It utilizes a multiple probe design across behaviors and probe conditions and replicates them across subjects. Each participant is taught discrete skills within a small group teaching arrangement. The study includes daily probes, full probes, teaching sessions, generalization, and follow-up sessions. It also collects interobserver reliability and application reliability data. Graphical analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of computer-based simultaneous prompting incorporating different technologies in a small group teaching setting. Additionally, we examined differences in children's responses to different technological agents in teaching discrete skills to children with developmental disabilities. The study provided preliminary data on which of these agents is best. The results demonstrate its effectiveness by showing that participants maintained the learned behaviors and applied them to a variety of tools, equipment, and individuals in the first, third, and fourth weeks after the intervention. Additionally, the study highlights the subjects' high accuracy in acquiring behavior through observational learning. Finally, simple humanoid robots, tablets, smart SMART boards, and computer projections have been effective in teaching discrete skills to CDD, respectively.

Characterizing the cumulative health risks of 19 kinds of pesticides in Chinese food from the cancer and non-cancer perspective

Food safety is an important issue of most concern for health, while pesticides are one of the main threats to food safety. In view of the potential health hazard of pesticides in food, the cancer and non-cancer risks were assessed for 19 kinds of pesticides in Chinese food in this study. Furthermore, the health risks of different types of pesticides were compared to uncover the most polluted pesticide types in this study. Results show that methyl parathion, dichlorvos and 2,4-D residues in some food groups exceed the Chinese food standards. The cumulative disease burden of six carcinogenic pesticides for people older than 40 years ranges from 1.03 × 10-6 to 2.27 × 10-6, which exceeds the WHO recommended limit of 10-6. The non-cancer risks of 13 kinds of pesticides are all lower than 1 and will not pose appreciable health risk to the consumers. Livestock and poultry (contribution rate = 38.93%) and Milk and dairy products (contribution rate = 22.38%) are the dominate risk exposure sources for carcinogenic pesticides while staple foods (contribution rate = 31.62%) and vegetables (contribution rate = 21.5%) are the main risk exposure sources for non-carcinogenic pesticides. Comparing the risks of different pesticide types, insecticide is the most harmful category in this study, followed by herbicide and acaricide. This study characterized the health risks of pesticides in Chinese food and provided a scientific basis for pesticide management.

Nitrates in Turkish waters: sources, mechanisms, impacts, and mitigation

Intensive technological developments, rapid population growth and urbanization, and excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers have caused water resources to be contaminated substantially by nitrates in Turkey. The accumulated information should be evaluated to draw a nationwide attention to the problem. The aim of this review article was to highlight the importance of nitrate (NO3) contamination and to discuss the measures to be taken to mitigate the contamination across the nation. Agriculture, especially chemical fertilizers used in irrigated agriculture, was the most important source of NO3 in groundwater. Also, the industrial and domestic discharges substantially contributed to NO3 in both groundwater and surface waters in many cases. The most severe and widespread groundwater (e.g., 344 mg NO3 L-1 in İzmir, 476 mg L-1 in Afyon, 477 mg L-1 in Antalya, and 948.0 mg L-1 in Konya) and surface water contaminations (e.g., 293.8 mg NO3 L-1 in İzmir, 63.3 mg L-1 in Eskişehir, 89.8 mg L-1 in Edirne, and 90.6 mg L-1 in Sakarya) occurred in the regions where intensive agriculture, industrial development, and rapid urbanization were clustered. Well-established irrigation and fertilizer management plans are critical for reducing fertilizer-related NO3 contaminations in the irrigated agriculture. Special attention should be given to the regions where industrially and domestically contaminated running water bodies are in contact with groundwater. Discharge of wastewaters to the streams, creeks, rivers, and lakes should be prevented. Well-designed studies are needed to evaluate potential health effects, including the risk of cancer, of NO3 in drinking water.

The potential effect of leptin co-administration on photodynamic damage using quail chorioallantoic membrane model

BACKGROUND

The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the Japanese quail is an excellent model for studying photodynamic therapy (PDT) due to its rich vascularization. PDT is used not only in oncological treatment but also in infectious diseases, or psoriasis, where it yields significant advantages. This treatment also has its limitations, such as burning, itching, erythema, redness, swelling, and delayed wound healing. The aim of this study was to analyse the potentially protective properties of the tissue hormone leptin during PDT.

METHODS

Japanese quail embryos incubated ex ovo were used in this experiment. On the 9th day of embryonic development, leptin (5 μg) and photosensitiser hypericin (79 μM) were topically applied, followed by irradiation. The effect of leptin co-administration was evaluated from CAM images and histological structure analysis, histological samples, and qPCR, where the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress was monitored.

RESULTS

We observed vascular damage in all experimental groups, the highest damage was found after the application of hypericin without leptin coadministration. Histological analysis confirmed the protective effect of leptin. qPCR analysis presented differences in FREK gene expression, but also in genes involved in oxidative stress like SOD, NRF-1, NRF-2, and GPX7. The application of leptin significantly reduced the expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins CASP3, cytochrome C, and APAF1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results in the CAM model suggest a possible protective effect of leptin to prevent PDT damage and aid in the subsequent regeneration of target tissues after antimicrobial PDT.

Role of MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C gene polymorphisms on renal toxicity caused by lead exposure in wastewater treatment plant workers

Environmental and occupational lead (Pb) exposures continue to pose major public health problems. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) workers proved are exposing to high Pb concentrations in sludge departments. The aim of the work was to investigate the role of MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298C gene polymorphisms on alteration of oxidative stress and homocysteine levels in WWTP workers exposed to high Pb concentrations, and study its relations with renal functions. The study included 90 WWTP workers from Abu-Rawash WWTP. Homocysteine, creatinine, urea, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. Polymorphisms of MTHFR C677CT and MTHFR A1298C genes were studied using PCR/RFLP. Urine Pb concentrations were also measured. About 32.2% of the workers were with detectable Pb levels. Pb, homocysteine, and MDA levels were significantly higher among workers carrying TT polymorphism compared to other MTHFR C677T gene polymorphisms, while TAC was significantly lower among them compared to other polymorphisms. The same results were found among workers carrying CC compared to other MTHFR A1298C gene polymorphisms. WWTP workers carrying MTHFR 677TT and MTHFR 1298CC are more susceptible to elevation of homocysteine and the urinary Pb compared to the workers with the other polymorphisms. Furthermore, those workers were found to have increase in urea and creatinine. Therefore, MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298C gene polymorphisms could be used for prediction of the susceptibility to the risk of kidney impairments among WWTP workers in the sludge departments caused by their exposure to high Pb in their workplace.

Paternal exposure to arsenic and sperm DNA methylation of imprinting gene Meg3 in reproductive-aged men

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to arsenic and mercury have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes that might be in part mediated by dynamic modification of imprinting gene that are emerging mechanism.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to examine the impacts of paternal exposure to arsenic and co-exposure to arsenic and mercury on human sperm DNA methylation status of imprinting genes, respectively.

METHODS

A total of 352 male subjects (23-52 years old) were recruited and demographic data were obtained through questionnaires. Urinary arsenic and mercury levels were measured using hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometer. Multivariate regression model was employed to investigate the relationship between urinary arsenic levels and sperm DNA methylation status at H19, Meg3 and Peg3, measured by pyrosequencing, and evaluating the interaction with mercury.

RESULTS

After adjusting potential confounds factors by multivariate regression model, the results indicated a significantly positive relationship between urinary arsenic levels and the methylation status of Meg3 at both mean level (β =  + 0.125, p < 0.001) and all individual CpGs, i.e., CpG1 (β =  + 0.094, p < 0.001), CpG2 (β =  + 0.132, p < 0.001), CpG3 (β =  + 0.121, p < 0.001), CpG4 (β =  + 0.142, p < 0.001), CpG5 (β =  + 0.111, p < 0.001), CpG6 (β =  + 0.120, p < 0.001), CpG7 (β =  + 0.143, p < 0.001), CpG8 (β =  + 0.139, p < 0.001) of Meg3 DMRs. The interaction effects analysis indicated the interaction effects of arsenic and mercury on Meg3 were not existing.

CONCLUSIONS

Paternal nonoccupational exposure to arsenic induces the altered DNA methylation status of Meg3 in human sperm DNA. In addition, the interaction effects of arsenic and mercury on Meg3 were not existing. These findings would implicate the sensibility of sperm epigenome for environmental pollutions.

Research progress in human biological monitoring of aromatic hydrocarbon with emphasis on the analytical technology of biomarkers

Aromatic hydrocarbons are unsaturated compounds containing carbon and hydrogen that form single aromatic ring, or double, triple, or multiple fused rings. This review focuses on the research progress of aromatic hydrocarbons represented by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (including halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), benzene and its derivatives including toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (o-, m- and p-), styrene, nitrobenzene, and aniline. Due to the toxicity, widespread coexistence, and persistence of aromatic hydrocarbons in the environment, accurate assessment of exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons is essential to protect human health. The effects of aromatic hydrocarbons on human health are mainly derived from three aspects: different routes of exposure, the duration and relative toxicity of aromatic hydrocarbons, and the concentration of aromatic hydrocarbons which should be below the biological exposure limit. Therefore, this review discusses the primary exposure routes, toxic effects on humans, and key populations, in particular. This review briefly summarizes the different biomarker indicators of main aromatic hydrocarbons in urine, since most aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites are excreted via urine, which is more feasible, convenient, and non-invasive. In this review, the pretreatment and analytical techniques are compiled systematically for the qualitative and quantitative assessments of aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites such as gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography with multiple detectors. This review aims to identify and monitor the co-exposure of aromatic hydrocarbons that provides a basis for the formulation of corresponding health risk control measures and guide the adjustment of the exposure dose of pollutants to the population.

Total sleep deprivation decreases saliva ghrelin levels in adolescents

Ghrelin, a regulator of food intake and energy expenditure, has been shown to be associated with insufficient sleep. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of a single night of total sleep deprivation on fasting saliva ghrelin and on nocturnal variation of saliva ghrelin concentration. A further aim of the study was to investigate the influence of body mass index on changes in saliva ghrelin levels. Altogether 35 adolescents (18 boys; age: 13.8 ± 1.14 years) were studied on two subsequent days (sleep and total sleep deprivation). Saliva samples were collected during the two experimental nights at 21:00 hours, 01:00 hours and 06:00 hours. Total-ghrelin concentration showed a continuous increase from the evening until 06:00 hours. This increase was blunted significantly (p = 0.003) by total sleep deprivation. Total-ghrelin level was significantly lower (p = 0.02) during total sleep deprivation at 06:00 hours (median 403.6 pg ml^-1 ; 95% confidence interval: 343.1-468.9 pg ml^-1 ) as compared with values during the sleep condition (median 471.2 pg ml^-1 ; 95% confidence interval: 205.4-1578.7 pg ml^-1 ). Acyl-ghrelin levels did not present any change at the three time points, and were not affected by total sleep deprivation. Stratifying the study population according to body mass index (normal weight and overweight/obese groups), the blunting effect of total sleep deprivation was more pronounced in the obese/overweight group (sleep: median 428.2 pg ml^-1 ; 95% confidence interval: 331.3-606.9 pg ml^-1 versus total sleep deprivation: median 333.1 pg ml^-1 ; 95% confidence interval: 261.5-412.9 pg ml^-1 ; p = 0.0479). Saliva total-ghrelin concentrations gradually increased during the night, and total sleep deprivation significantly blunted this increase. This blunting effect was mainly observed in subjects with overweight/obesity. The physiological and clinical implications of the present observation are to be clarified by further studies.

Integrated biomarker responses and metal contamination survey in the wedge clam Donax trunculus from the Atlantic coast of Morocco

In Morocco, the marine environment has always been a major occupation for socioeconomic activities (industry, tourism, urbanization, etc.). Thus, this work displays a case study of Taghazout coast in the central Atlantic part of the country, which becomes the center of several development projects, such as the touristic resort Taghazout Bay. In the aim to assess the health status of this coastal ecosystem, a multi-indicator approach based on the response of biomarkers in the wedge clam Donax trunculus was adopted during two years (2016/2017). The undertaken investigations on the response of biomarkers (AChE, GST, MDA, and CAT) in the sentinel species D. trunculus showed an activation of defense mechanisms in this bivalve, which would imply exposure to chemical stress in this ecosystem. The monitoring of seasonal bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) by D. trunculus indicates that the bivalves collected have been exposed to these metal sources in the study area. In addition, the correlation study has reported a significant effect of environmental parameters on biomarker response. Overall, the multi-indicator approach has clearly revealed the health status of Taghazout coast registered in a coastal urbanization.

Assessing human exposure to phthalate esters in drinking water migrated from various pipe materials and water filter elements during water treatments and storage

Plastic water-supply pipes and filter element are frequently used in municipal water supply systems. Leaching of phthalate esters (PAEs) from these pipes and filter elements to drinking water has become a common concern among the public. In this study, the migrations of 16 phthalate esters (PAEs) in seven different kinds of water-supply product materials were investigated. Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) had the highest detection frequency of 54.4% in the water leaching samples of various water supply pipes and water filter elements samples, followed by Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP, 46/90, 51.1%). The maximum detected concentration level for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and DBP in the leaching experiment was below the regulatory limit values of 8 µg/L, 300 µg/L, and 3 µg/L for each compound in China standards for drinking water quality. The increasing of the water temperature, the lower pH of the water, and the increasing of the leaching time will increase the migration of PAEs from plastic pipes into water. The chronic daily intake of children aged < 1-12 years to PAEs through drinking water was higher than the rest of the population groups. Carcinogenic risks (CR) of DEHP via drinking water were neglectable for most groups of people, while for young children with age of 1-2 years old, the CR is an acceptable risk.

Elevated complement component 8 gamma levels in astrocyte-derived exosomes are associated with cognitive impairment in obstructive sleep apnea patients without dementia

The complement system plays a crucial role in cognitive impairment in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The present study aimed to investigate the connections between complement component 8 gamma (C8G) levels in astrocyte-derived exosomes (ADEs) and cognitive impairment in OSA patients without dementia. This cross-sectional cohort study recruited 274 participants without dementia, including 124 OSA patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 100 OSA patients without MCI, and 50 healthy control subjects. Enrolled participants underwent polysomnography (PSG) evaluation, neuropsychological scale assessment, magnetic resonance imaging scanning, and collection of peripheral blood samples for quantification of complement proteins in ADEs. The findings showed higher C8G concentrations in ADEs from OSA patients with MCI than in the controls and OSA without MCI group. Logistic regression analysis suggested that C8G levels in ADEs were independently associated with MCI in OSA patients. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that C8G levels in ADEs were significantly correlated with global cognitive scores and all cognitive subdomain scores after adjusting for demographic factors (age, sex, education), vascular risk factors (Body mass index, history of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia), depressive symptoms measures, and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values. The levels of C8G were linearly positively related to the white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes in Pearson's correlation analysis. Our research confirmed that C8G levels are significantly associated with cognitive impairment in OSA patients, which paves the way for novel therapeutic targets for neurocognitive dysfunction progression in OSA patients in the future.

The association between sleep duration, quality, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A cross-sectional study

Sleep can affect nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated the association between sleep duration, sleep quality, and NAFLD. From January to December 2018, 1,073 patients (age: 37.94 ± 10.88, Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.85 ± 3.27) were enrolled. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire and Munich Chronotype Questionnaire were used to assess sleep duration, quality, and habits. Ultrasonography was used to diagnose NAFLD. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the risk of NAFLD by different types of sleep duration and sleep quality. No significant differences in sleep time, sleep quality, and sleep habits between the NAFLD and the non-NAFLD groups were observed (P > 0.05). There was no correlation between sleep duration and NAFLD in the whole cohort. After adjusting for age, exercise, fasting plasma glucose, and BMI, the group with long sleep duration showed a decreased risk of NAFLD in men (OR = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.001-0.27, P = 0.032). However, in all four adjusted models, no correlation between sleep duration, quality, and NAFLD was found in women. In conclusion, sleep duration was significantly and negatively associated with NAFLD in men but not women. Prospective studies are required to confirm this association.

The Impact of Job-Demand-Control-Support on Leptin and Ghrelin as Biomarkers of Stress in Emergency Healthcare Workers

Despite the available literature on the consequences of night shiftwork on stress and food intake, its impact on leptin and ghrelin has never been studied. We previously demonstrated that leptin and ghrelin were biomarkers related to stress, and acute stress-induced a decrease in leptin levels and an increase in ghrelin levels. We performed a prospective observational study to assess the influence of night work, nutrition, and stress on the levels of ghrelin and leptin among emergency healthcare workers (HCWs). We took salivary samples at the beginning of a day shift and/or at the end of a night shift. We also monitored stress using the job demand-control-support model of Karasek. We recorded 24-h food intake during the day shift and the consecutive night shift and during night work and the day before. We included 161 emergency HCWs. Emergency HCWs had a tendency for decreased levels of leptin following the night shift compared to before the dayshift (p = 0.067). Furthermore, the main factors explaining the decrease in leptin levels were an increase in job-demand (coefficient -54.1, 95 CI -99.0 to -0.92) and a decrease in job control (-24.9, -49.5 to -0.29). Despite no significant changes in ghrelin levels between shifts, social support was the main factor explaining the increase in ghrelin (6.12, 0.74 to 11.5). Food intake (kcal) also had a negative impact on leptin levels, in addition to age. Ghrelin levels also decreased with body mass index, while age had the opposite effect. In conclusion, we confirmed that ghrelin and leptin as biomarkers of stress were directly linked to the job demand-control-support model of Karasek, when the main cofounders were considered.

Event-related potential and lexical decision task in dyslexic adults: Lexical and lateralization effects

Developmental dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that presents cognitive and neurobiological impairments related to different patterns of brain activation throughout development, continuing in adulthood. Lexical decision tasks, together with electroencephalography (EEG) measures that have great temporal precision, allow the capture of cognitive processes during the task, and can assist in the understanding of altered brain activation processes in adult dyslexics. High-density EEG allows the use of temporal analyses through event-related potentials (ERPs). The aim of this study was to compare and measure the pattern of ERPs in adults with developmental dyslexia and good readers, and to characterize and compare reading patterns between groups. Twenty university adults diagnosed with developmental dyslexia and 23 healthy adult readers paired with dyslexics participated in the study. The groups were assessed in tests of intelligence, phonological awareness, reading, and writing, as well as through the lexical decision test (LDT). During LDT, ERPs were recorded using a 128-channel EEG device. The ERPs P100 occipital, N170 occipito-temporal, N400 centro-parietal, and LPC centro-parietal were analyzed. The results showed a different cognitive profile between the groups in the reading, phonological awareness, and writing tests but not in the intelligence test. In addition, the brain activation pattern of the ERPs was different between the groups in terms of hemispheric lateralization, with higher amplitude of N170 in the dyslexia group in the right hemisphere and opposite pattern in the control group and specificities in relation to the items of the LDT, as the N400 were more negative in the Dyslexia group for words, while in the control group, this ERP was more pronounced in the pseudowords. These results are important for understanding different brain patterns in developmental dyslexia and can better guide future interventions according to the changes found in the profile.

Elevated fasting insulin results in snoring: A view emerged from causal evaluation of glycemic traits and snoring

BACKGROUND

Snoring and impaired glucose metabolism are common clinical manifestations and associated. The purpose of our study is to estimate the causal associations between snoring and glycemic traits.

METHODS

We compared the weighted mean differences (WMD) for fasting insulin (FINS), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2 h-glucose post-challenge (2hGlu) levels between snorers and non-snorers by meta-analysis. Then, we obtained summary statistics from published GWAS of snoring and glycemic traits to perform bidirectional two-sample MR. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was applied as major estimate while MR Egger, Weighted median and MR-Robust Adjusted Profile Score (RAPS) played a subsidiary role.

RESULTS

Snoring participants had higher FBG (WMD = 0.14 mmol/L, 95%CI = [0.10,0.19]), HbA1c (WMD = 0.10%, 95%CI = [0.07,0.13]), FINS (WMD = 0.92μIU/mL, 95%CI = [0.59,1.26]) and 2hGlu (WMD = 0.30 mmol/L, 95%CI = [0.06,0.55]) levels than non-snorers. Further, elevated FINS levels shown robust causal effect on snoring (IVW: OR = 1.07, 95%CI = [1.02,1.12], p = 2.2 × 10^-3 ), which was consistent by complementary methods of MR Egger (OR = 1.14, 95%CI = [1.01-1.30], p = 4.72 × 10^-2 ), Weighted median (OR = 1.11, 95%CI = [1.07,1.15], p = 1.53 × 10^-7 ) and MR RAPS (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = [1.05,1.10], p = 2.81 × 10^-9 ). Such causal situation was stable after identifying and removing the outliers in sensitivity analysis. However, there was no causality of snoring on increasing FINS levels. Additionally, there were no causal associations between snoring and other three traits of FBG, HbA1c and 2hGlu levels from either direction.

CONCLUSIONS

Snorers are subjected to higher FBG, HbA1c, FINS and 2hGlu levels, and elevated FINS levels further provides robust causality on snoring, suggesting that behind common snoring may lie hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance.

Evolution Mechanism of Arsenic Enrichment in Groundwater and Associated Health Risks in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Arsenic (As) contamination in groundwater is a worldwide concern for drinking water safety. Environmental changes and anthropogenic activities are making groundwater vulnerable in Pakistan, especially in Southern Punjab. This study explores the distribution, hydrogeochemical behavior, and pathways of As enrichment in groundwater and discusses the corresponding evolution mechanism, mobilization capability, and health risks. In total, 510 groundwater samples were collected from three tehsils in the Punjab province of Pakistan to analyze As and other physiochemical parameters. Arsenic concentration averaged 14.0 μg/L in Vehari, 11.0 μg/L in Burewala, and 13.0 μg/L in Mailsi. Piper-plots indicated the dominance of Na⁺, SO₄^2-, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ ions in the groundwater and the geochemical modeling showed negative saturation indices with calcium carbonate and salt minerals, including aragonite (CaCO₃), calcite (CaCO₃), dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂), and halite (NaCl). The dissolution process hinted at their potential roles in As mobilization in groundwater. These results were further validated with an inverse model of the dissolution of calcium-bearing mineral, and the exchange of cations between Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ in the studied area. Risk assessment suggested potential carcinogenic risks (CR > 10^-4) for both children and adults, whereas children had a significant non-carcinogenic risk hazard quotient (HQ > 1). Accordingly, children had higher overall health risks than adults. Groundwater in Vehari and Mailsi was at higher risk than in Burewala. Our findings provide important and baseline information for groundwater As assessment at a provincial level, which is essential for initiating As health risk reduction. The current study also recommends efficient management strategies for As-contaminated groundwater.

Bio-Inspired Rhamnolipids, Cyclic Lipopeptides and a Chito-Oligosaccharide Confer Protection against Wheat Powdery Mildew and Inhibit Conidia Germination

Plant protection is mainly based on the application of synthetic pesticides to limit yield losses resulting from diseases. However, the use of more eco-friendly strategies for sustainable plant protection has become a necessity that could contribute to controlling pathogens through a direct antimicrobial effect and/or an induction of plant resistance. Three different families of natural or bioinspired compounds originated from bacterial or fungal strains have been evaluated to protect wheat against powdery mildew, caused by the biotrophic Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici (Bgt). Thus, three bio-inspired mono-rhamnolipids (smRLs), three cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs, mycosubtilin (M), fengycin (F), surfactin (S)) applied individually and in mixtures (M + F and M + F + S), as well as a chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) BioA187 were tested against Bgt, in planta and in vitro. Only the three smRLs (Rh-Eth-C12, Rh-Est-C12 and Rh-Succ-C12), the two CLP mixtures and the BioA187 led to a partial protection of wheat against Bgt. The higher inhibitor effects on the germination of Bgt spores in vitro were observed from smRLs Rh-Eth-C12 and Rh-Succ-C12, mycosubtilin and the two CLP mixtures. Taking together, these results revealed that such molecules could constitute promising tools for a more eco-friendly agriculture.

Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in well-water samples from an automobile junk market in Ibadan, SW-Nigeria

Unserviceable vehicles imported from developed countries are often dismantled in automobile junk markets and the useable parts sold. This generates hazardous waste oils which contain contaminants detrimental to the environment and human health. In this study, we quantified the potential human health risks associated with oral and dermal exposure to heavy metals and PAHs in well-water samples from a major automobile junk market in Ibadan, SW-Nigeria. Twenty-four to thirty-one water samples from seven wells within the market were analyzed for seven metals and eight PAHs using standard methods. Hazard-Quotient (HQ), Hazard-Index (HI), and Carcinogenic-Risk (CR) were computed for children and adults based on the USEPA Human-Health Risk Assessment model.

Iron, Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Benzo(a)Anthracene, and Benzo(a)Pyrene exceeded regulatory limits. In children and adults, lead (1.14–3.71), cadmium (1.26–2.60) and arsenic (1.03–4.33) had HQ_ingestion values exceeding 1. In addition, cadmium also posed risks via the dermal route in children in two of the seven sampled wells with an HQ of 1.76. Hazard Index was >1 via both routes in children (HI_ingestion:- 5.04–10.07; HI_dermal:- 1.12–2.12) but only via ingestion in adults (HI _ingestion:- 2.36–4.85). Well-3 samples posed the greatest non-carcinogenic risks via ingestion with HI values of 10.07 (children) and 4.85 (adults) respectively. Cadmium, arsenic, lead, and chromium could also elicit carcinogenic risk, with CR values of 1.00E − 02, 1.95E − 03, 1.11E − 04, and 3.30E − 04 which exceeded the 10⁻⁴ limit indicating high risk, particularly in children.

However, HQ and HI values for PAHs were <1 via both pathways suggesting no non-carcinogenic risk from PAH exposure. Carcinogenic risk estimates for Benzo(a)Anthracene (9.66E − 04) and Benzo(a)Pyrene (2.31E − 04) suggest moderate risks in exposed children via the dermal route. Adverse health effects including cancer may occur in the exposed population on prolonged usage of these polluted water sources. Urgent remediation measures are therefore necessary to protect the exposed population.

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Imported used cars dismantled in automobile junk markets in developing countries.

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Pollutant input into domestic water supply may result in adverse health effects.

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Used Health Risk Assessment model to quantify human-health risks.

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Pb, Cd, As, BaA, BaP > reg. limits; Pb, Cd, As, HQ>1; HI(1.12-10.07); PAHs HQ/HI<1.

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High Carcinogenic Risk, Children most vulnerable: Cd (1 in 100) – BaP (1 in 4329).

The neurophysiologic basis of the human sleep–wake cycle and the physiopathology of the circadian clock: a narrative review

The objectives of this review were to explain the neurologic processes that control the human sleep–wake cycle as well as the pathophysiology of the human circadian clock. Non-rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep are the two main phases of sleep. When triggered by circadian input from the anterior hypothalamus and sleep–wake homeostatic information from endogenous chemical signals (example, adenosine), the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus initiates the onset of sleep. Arousal in which there is a conscious monitoring of the surroundings and the ability to respond to external stimuli is known as wakefulness. It contrasts the state of sleep, in which receptivity to external stimuli is reduced. The higher the synchronous firing rates of cerebral cortex neurons, the longer the brain has been awake. Sleep–wake disturbances induced by endogenous circadian system disruptions or desynchronization between internal and external sleep–wake cycles are known as circadian rhythm sleep–wake disorder (CRSWD). Patients with CRSWD usually report chronic daytime drowsiness and/or insomnia, which interferes with their activities. CRSWD is diagnosed based on the results of some functional evaluations, which include measuring the circadian phase using core body temperature, melatonin secretion timing, sleep diaries, actigraphy, and subjective experiences (example, using the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire). CRSWD is classified as a dyssomnia in the second edition of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, with six subtypes: advanced sleep phase, delayed sleep phase, irregular sleep–wake, free running, jet lag, and shift work types. CRSWD can be temporary (due to jet lag, shift work, or illness) or chronic (due to delayed sleep–wake phase disorder, advanced sleep–wake phase disorder, non-24-h sleep–wake disorder, or irregular sleep–wake rhythm disorder). The inability to fall asleep and wake up at the desired time is a common symptom of all CRSWDs.

Early Biological Modulations Resulting from 1-Week Venlafaxine Exposure of Marine Mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis Determined by a Metabolomic Approach

There is growing evidence of the presence of pharmaceuticals in natural waters and their accumulation in aquatic organisms. While their mode of action on non-target organisms is still not clearly understood, their effects warrant assessment. The present study assessed the metabolome of the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) exposed to a 10 µg/L nominal concentration of the antidepressant venlafaxine (VLF) at 3 time-points (1, 3, and 7 days). Over the exposure period, we observed up- or down-modulations of 113 metabolites, belonging to several metabolisms, e.g., amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, etc.), purine and pyrimidine metabolisms (adenosine, cyclic AMP, thymidine, etc.), and several other metabolites involved in diverse functions. Serotonin showed the same time-course modulation pattern in both male and female mussels, which was consistent with its mode of action in humans, i.e., after a slight decrease on the first day of exposure, its levels increased at day 7 in exposed mussels. We found that the modulation pattern of impacted metabolites was not constant over time and it was gender-specific, as male and female mussels responded differently to VLF exposure.

Multi-omic approach to evaluate the response of gilt-head sea bream (Sparus aurata) exposed to the UV filter sulisobenzone

Sulisobenzone (BP-4) is one of the benzophenone type UV filters most frequently detected in aquatic ecosystems. As a suspected endocrine disrupting compound, scarce information is available yet about other molecular effects and its mechanism of action. Here, we used an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic approach to improve the current understanding on the toxicity of BP-4 towards aquatic species. Gilt-head sea bream individuals were exposed at environmentally relevant concentrations (10 μg L^-1) for 22 days. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 371 differentially expressed genes in liver while metabolomic analysis identified 123 differentially modulated features in plasma and 118 in liver. Integration of transcriptomic and metabolomic data showed disruption of the energy metabolism (>10 pathways related to the metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates were impacted) and lipid metabolism (5 glycerophospholipids and the expression of 3 enzymes were affected), suggesting oxidative stress. We also observed, for the first time in vivo and at environmental relevant concentrations, the disruption of several enzymes involved in the steroid and thyroid hormones biosynthesis. DNA and RNA synthesis was also impacted by changes in the purine and pyrimidine metabolisms. Overall, the multiomic workflow presented here increases the evidence on suspected effects of BP-4 exposure and identifies additional modes of action of the compounds that could have been overlooked by using single omic approaches.

Assessment of seasonal and spatial variation responses of integrated biomarkers in two marine sentinel bivalve species: Agadir Bay (Southern of Morocco)

The present study aims to assess the effects of contamination of the Agadir bay coasts using bivalves as a biomonitoring sentinel species. Seasonal variations of biochemical composition in terms of total protein content and oxidative stress biomarkers including glutathione-S-transferase, malondialdehyde, catalase and acetylcholinesterase were evaluated in the soft tissues of Scrobicularia plana and Donax trunculus specimens. The latter were collected from two sites in Agadir bay during two-year span (2018-2020). The Integrated Biomarker Response Index (IBR) was performed to classify the stress response in both species and to assess the level of exposure to xenobiotics. The data showed maximum annual values of acetylcholinesterase and malondialdehyde for Donax trunculus in Agadir beach (AG) with 6.25 nmol/mn/mg and 3 nmol/mg of protein, respectively. Those of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase for Scrobicularia plana in Oued Souss estuary (OS) were of 4.41 μmol/mn/mg and 14.43 nmol/mn/mg of protein, respectively. The studied species are considered good indicators in aquatic ecosystems.

Development of a data driven model to screen the priority control pesticides in drinking water based on health risk ranking and contribution rates

Pesticides are pollutants of high concern in drinking water. Several approaches aimed to promote pesticide risk management in drinking water have been brought forward by diverse ways, however, these methods usually take too many indicators into consideration, which are complex and non-universal. In this study, a more focused and data driven ranking model was proposed for the purpose of development of the priority control list in drinking water. By determining three parameters including the total health risks of dietary exposure pathways, drinking water contribution rates, and the drinking water health risks, pesticides could be divided into four categories including the priority control list, secondary control list, candidate control list, and non-regulatory list. As a case study, the proposed model was implemented for 23 pesticides detected in drinking water from 36 major cities across China during two major science and technology program for water pollution control and treatment. Totally 13 kinds of pesticides including carbofuran, dicofol, chlorpyrifos, 2,4-D, acetochlor, deltamethrin, dimethoate, heptachlor, parathion, hexachlorobenzene, DDT, hexachlorocyclohexane and atrazine are selected for priority control, methyl parathion, dichlorvos and chlorothalonil are recommended for secondary control, butachlor and malathion are classified into candidate control list, and fenobucarb is suggested to be removed from the pesticide control list.

Application of the health risk assessment of acetochlor in the development of water quality criteria

Acetochlor is a widely used herbicide in agricultural production. Studies have shown that acetochlor has obvious environmental hormone effects, and long-term exposure may pose a threat to human health. To quantify the hazards of acetochlor in drinking water, a health risk assessment of acetochlor was conducted in major cities of China based on the data of acetochlor residue concentrations in drinking water. The approach of the Species Sensitivity Distributions (SSD) method is used to extrapolate from animal testing data to reflect worst case human toxicity. Results show that hazard quotients related to acetochlor residues in drinking water for different age groups range from 1.94 × 10^-4 to 6.13 × 10^-4, so, there are no indication of human risk. Compared to the total estimated hazard quotient from oral intake of acetochlor, the chronic exposure imputed to acetochlor residues in drinking water in China accounts for 0.4%. This paper recommends 0.02 mg/L to be the maximum acetochlor residue concentration level in drinking water and source water criteria.

Heptapeptide Isolated from Isochrysis zhanjiangensis Exhibited Anti-Photoaging Potential via MAPK/AP-1/MMP Pathway and Anti-Apoptosis in UVB-Irradiated HaCaT Cells

Marine microalgae can be used as sustainable protein sources in many fields with positive effects on human and animal health. DAPTMGY is a heptapeptide isolated from Isochrysis zhanjiangensis which is a microalga. In this study, we evaluated its anti-photoaging properties and mechanism of action in human immortalized keratinocytes cells (HaCaT). The results showed that DAPTMGY scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increase the level of endogenous antioxidants. In addition, through the exploration of its mechanism, it was determined that DAPIMGY exerted anti-photoaging effects. Specifically, the heptapeptide inhibits UVB-induced apoptosis through down-regulation of p53, caspase-8, caspase-3 and Bax and up-regulation of Bcl-2. Thus, DAPTMGY, isolated from I. zhanjiangensis, exhibits protective effects against UVB-induced damage.

Protective and Healing Effects of Ghrelin and Risk of Cancer in the Digestive System

Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand for the ghrelin receptor, previously known as the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. This hormone is mainly produced by endocrine cells present in the gastric mucosa. The ghrelin-producing cells are also present in other organs of the body, mainly in the digestive system, but in much smaller amount. Ghrelin exhibits a broad spectrum of physiological effects, such as stimulation of growth hormone secretion, gastric secretion, gastrointestinal motility, and food intake, as well as regulation of glucose homeostasis and bone formation, and inhibition of inflammatory processes. This review summarizes the recent findings concerning animal and human data showing protective and therapeutic effects of ghrelin in the gut, and also presents the role of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 in these effects. In addition, the current data on the possible influence of ghrelin on the carcinogenesis, its importance in predicting the risk of developing gastrointestinal malignances, as well as the potential usefulness of ghrelin in the treatment of cancer, have been presented.

A comprehensive study of the genotoxic and anti-genotoxic effects of homocysteine in HUVECs and mouse bone marrow cells

Elevated Homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with increased risk of vascular disease, but whether it induces genotoxicity to vascular endothelial cells remains unknown. Here, we conducted a comprehensive study of the genotoxicity, and unexpected anti-genotoxicity, of Hcy by cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay in HUVECs and erythrocyte micronucleus test in mouse bone marrow cells. Our experiments led to several important findings. First, while supraphysiological Hcy (SP-Hcy) exhibited remarkable genotoxicity, physiologically-relevant Hcy (PR-Hcy) reduced the basal genotoxicity. Second, among the metabolites of Hcy, cysteine phenocopied the anti-genotoxicity of PR-Hcy and, methionine, S-adenosylhomocysteine and H₂S phenocopied the genotoxicity of SP-Hcy. Third, the genotoxicity of SP-Hcy was mitigated by vitamin B₆, Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺, but was exacerbated by N-acetylcysteine. Fourth, under pre-, co- or post-treatment protocol, both SP-Hcy and PR-Hcy attenuated the genotoxicity of cisplatin, mitomycin-C, nocodazole or deoxycholate. Finally, 100 and 250 mg/kg Hcy ameliorated cisplatin-induced genotoxicity in bone marrow cells of CF-1 and Kunming mice. Our results suggest that genotoxicity may be one mechanism through which Hcy confers an increased risk for vascular disease, but more importantly, they challenge the long-standing paradigm that Hcy is always harmful to human health. Our study calls for a more systematic effort in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-genotoxicity of Hcy.

Effects of vitamin B12 on rat ovary with ischemia-reperfusion injury

We investigated the histopathological and biochemical effects of vitamin B12 on ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury using a rat ovarian torsion-detorsion model. We used four groups of female Wistar albino rats. Group 1 (sham group): both ovaries were removed. Group 2 (torsion group): ovarian torsion was established. Group 3 (torsion-detorsion group) perfusion was retored after ischemia for 2 h. Group 4 (torsion-detorsion-vitamin B12 group): after 2 h ovarian torsion, perfusion was re-established and 4 mg/kg vitamin B12 was administered for 2 h. Follicular degeneration, vascular congestion, hemorrhage, edema and infiltration were evaluated histologically. Tissue damage was decreased in group 4 compared to groups 2 and 3. Total antioxidant status TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were measured. The values for TOS and MDA for groups 1 and 4 were similar. We found a significant increase in MDA and TOS levels in group 3 compared to group 2. MDA and TAS levels decreased and TOS levels were increased in group 4 compared to groups 2 and 3. MDA, TAS and TOS values were increased in groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1. We found that vitamin B12 reduced I-R damage in the rat ovary.

Effect of methyl donors supplementation on performance, immune responses and anti-oxidant variables in broiler chicken fed diet without supplemental methionine

Objective

Methionine (Met) is involved in methyl group transfer besides protein synthesis. As the availability is limited and cost is high for synthetic Met, reductions in its inclusion in broiler diet may be possible by supplementing the low Met diets with methyl donors (MD) like betaine (Bet), folic acid (FA), vitamin B12 (B12) and biotin (Bio). An experiment was conducted to study the effects of supplementing the MD on performance (average daily gain - ADG, daily feed intake - DFI, feed efficiency - FE), anti-oxidant variables, immune responses and serum protein concentration in broilers fed sub-optimal concentrations of dietary Met.

Methods

Maize-soybean meal diet was used as control -(CD). Different MD like Bet (0.2%), B12 (0.1 mg), FA (4 mg), or Bio (1.5 mg/kg) were supplemented to BD having no supplemental Met. The BD without MD was kept for comparison. Each diet was fed ad libitum to 10 replicates of 25 chicks in each from 1-42 d of age.

Results

At the end of experiment, the ADG in MD group was higher than BD and lower than CD. The FE improved with FA or Bet compared to the BD. Breast meat weight was higher in Bet compared to the BD, while it was intermediate between BD and CD in other groups. The lipid peroxidation reduced with Bio, B12 or Bet, while the GSHPx activity improved with Bio or B12 compared to the BD. Lymphocyte proliferation improved with Bet compared to the BD. The serum protein concentrations increased with FA, Bio or Bet compared to those fed BD.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the ADG can be improved partially with supplementation of MD while the FE improved with FA or betaine. Some MD also reduced the stress indices and improved immune responses compared to the BD fed broilers.

The Effect of Lead Acetate and Quercetin on the Tight and Gap Junctions in the Mouse Testis

Environmental pollutant effects on fertility sometime are irretrievable. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lead acetate and quercetin on tight (claudin 11 and occludin) and gap junctional (connexin 43) proteins and the integrity of the blood-testis barrier status. Experimental groups, including the lead acetate (Pb), quercetin (QE), lead acetate with quercetin (Pb + QE), and control mice, were treated at least one spermatogenic cycle. Gene expression of claudin 11 and occludin decreased in Pb + QE, Pb, and QE compared with the control group. Connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in the control and Pb groups was lower than in Pb + QE and QE. The immunohistochemical data were generally in line with these findings. In conclusion, the results showed that Pb exposure led to disorders in cellular interactions that affect testicular function; however, simultaneous treatment with quercetin did not alleviate these effects. Graphical Abstract.

Association of Salivary Content Alteration and Early Ageusia Symptoms in COVID-19 Infections: A Systematic Review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) is a major threat to the health and prosperity of human life at present. It has resulted in loss of thousands of lives globally and has brought countries to the brink of economic, social, and health collapse. A major issue of this infection is the ease with which it transmits through salivary droplets and its survival for long durations outside the body. Therefore, its early detection is critical in prevention, diagnostic, and management efforts of COVID-19 patients. Loss of taste and smell is one of the early symptoms reported in these patients and the virus is abundantly found in the salivary secretion of the infected symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Infection and inflammation of salivary glands are common among viral infections, particularly in the early stages, which lead to salivary composition changes. Chemosensory sensation of taste is critically dependent on the salivary flow rate and its inorganic constituents, protein levels, specific 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate and 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels, ghrelins, pH levels, and enzymes. Therefore, the question arises, "Does COVID-19 infection alter the salivary components and composition leading to early transient symptoms of Ageusia and hypogeusia?" This review shows association of the COVID-19 and Ageusia, in addition to the early viral infection of salivary glands and possible changes in salivary flow and content. Therefore, suggesting a potential association between early ageusia in COVID-19 infection and salivary compositional changes.

Leptin reduces in vitro cementoblast mineralization and survival as well as induces PGE2 release by ERK1/2 commitment

Objectives

Juvenile obesity is a complex clinical condition that is present more and more frequently in the daily orthodontic practice. Over-weighted patients have an impaired bone metabolism, due in part to their increased levels of circulating adipokines. Particularly, leptin has been reported to play a key role in bone physiology. Leptin is ubiquitously present in the body, including blood, saliva, and crevicular fluid. If, and to what extent, it could influence the reaction of cementoblasts during orthodontic-induced forces is yet unknown.

Material and methods

OCCM-30 cementoblasts were cultivated under compressive forces using different concentrations of leptin. The expression of ObR, Runx-2, Osteocalcin, Rank-L, Sost, Caspase 3, 8, and 9 were analyzed by RT-PCR. Western blots were employed for protein analysis. The ERK1/2 antagonist FR180204 (Calbiochem) was used and cPLA2 activation, PGE2, and cytochrome C release were further evaluated.

Results

In vitro, when compressive forces are applied, leptin promotes ERK1/2 phosphorylation, as well as upregulates PGE2 and caspase 3 and caspase 9 on OCCM cells. Blockade of ERK1/2 impairs leptin-induced PGE2 secretion and reduced caspase 3 and caspase 9 expression.

Conclusions

Leptin influences the physiological effect of compressive forces on cementoblasts, exerting in vitro a pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic effect.

Clinical relevance

Our findings indicate that leptin exacerbates the physiological effect of compressive forces on cementoblasts promoting the release of PGE2 and increases the rate of cell apoptosis, and thus, increased levels of leptin may influence the inflammatory response during orthodontically induced tooth movement.

Multivariate Analysis of Amino Acids and Health Beneficial Properties of Cantaloupe Varieties Grown in Six Locations in the United States

Cantaloupe is a good dietary source of amino acids, including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamine, and citrulline. However, the levels of these amino acids vary among different cantaloupe varieties grown in different locations. Understanding the variation in amino acid contents provides fundamentally important information for quality control and improving melon varieties. To examine this variation, we measured the amino acid contents in cantaloupes grown in six locations in the United States (Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, California, Indiana, and Arizona). Principal component analyses were applied to analyze the effect of growing location on the amino acid profiles in different varieties. The GABA content ranged from 1006.14 ± 64.77 to 3187.12 ± 64.96 µg/g and citrulline ranged from 92.65 ± 9.52 to 464.75 ± 34.97 µg/g depending on the variety and location. Total phenolic contents, α-amylase inhibition, and antioxidant activities were also measured. Tuscan type Da Vinci had significantly higher phenolic contents in Arizona (381.99 ± 16.21 µg/g) but had the lowest level when grown in California (224.56 ± 14.62 µg/g). Our analyses showed significant differences in amino acid levels, phenolics contents, and antioxidant activity in the cantaloupe varieties based on the growing location. These findings underline the importance of considering growing location in the selection and improvement of cantaloupe varieties.

The Association Between Salivary Ghrelin Levels with Anthropometric Measures in Underweight, Normal, Overweight and Obese Healthy Adult Males

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to measure salivary ghrelin levels in healthy adult males and investigate their association with age, weight, height, total as well as regional body fat and muscle mass. The study also aimed to investigate the relative contribution of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in predicting salivary ghrelin levels in the studied groups.

METHODS

A sample of young adult males was divided into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese groups, according to their BMI. Standardised methods were used to measure height, WC and HC. Total body fat, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, total and regional muscle mass were assessed by bioelectrical impedance technique utilising Karada scan. Salivary ghrelin concentrations were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

A total of 90 adult males were included in the analysis (underweight n=9, normal weight n=41, overweight n=22, and obese n=18). One-way ANOVA test revealed significant differences among the groups in all of the variables except height and salivary ghrelin levels. Multiple linear regression revealed a significant association between salivary ghrelin levels with total fat, subcutaneous fat, visceral fat and muscle mass in the obese group. The analysis also revealed that BMI, WC, HC, WHR and WHtR were reliable predictors for salivary ghrelin levels in the obese group but not in other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Anthropometric measures can be used as predictors for salivary ghrelin levels in healthy obese adults. However, they are poor predictors for salivary ghrelin levels in healthy lean, normal and overweight adults.

Probabilistic human health risk assessment of arsenic under uncertainty in drinking water sources in Jiangsu Province, China

Concentrations of arsenic (As) in 65 drinking water sources in Jiangsu Province of China were analyzed from January 2013 to December 2015. The drinking water sources are classified into five water systems of the Yangze River, the Taihu Lake, the Huai River, the Yishusi River, and other lakes or reservoirs, which are termed as WS-A, WS-B, WS-C, WS-D, and WS-E, respectively. Health risk assessments associated with As in terms of total carcinogenic risk and total hazard index were performed for children (0-5 years), teenagers (6-17 years), and adults (≥ 18 years), respectively. Probabilistic risk assessments were obtained by applying Monte Carlo approach with consideration of uncertainty. The results indicated that in drinking water sources of WS-A, WS-C, and WS-D, maximum concentrations of As were 28 μg/L, 40 μg/L, and 17 μg/L, respectively, which were higher than 10 μg/L recommended by the World Health Organization occurred. Based on the samples investigated in this study, the mean health risks are the highest in drinking water source WS-D and lowest in WS-E for both male and female children, teenagers, and adults. For drinking water source WS-A, the health risks of male children, male teenagers, and female adults are higher than female children and female teenagers, and male adults. However, for drinking water sources WS-B, WS-C, WS-D, and WS-E, the health risks of female children, male teenagers, and female adults are higher than male children, female teenagers, and male adults. The highest health risks occurred in female children consuming drinking water from WS-D. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the concentration of As is the primary factor for carcinogenic risk of all the five water systems. The results obtained can provide meaningful information for risk managers in Jiangsu Province.

Modulation of angiogenesis by topical application of leptin and high and low molecular heparin using the Japanese quail chorioallantoic membrane model

Pathological angiogenesis characterized by uncontrollable vessel growth is an accompanying feature of many diseases. The avian embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is an excellent model for angiogenesis research. In our study we used a less common Japanese quail CAM model for the testing of angiogenic potential of leptin, high-molecular (heparin sodium) andlow-molecular (nadroparin calcium) heparins. Heparins play a significant role in vascular endothelial cell function, and they are able to modulate the activities of angiogenic growth factors. On embryonic day 7 leptin (5 μg per CAM), heparin sodium (75 IU per CAM) and nadroparin calcium (47.5 IU per CAM) in 500 μl PBS were applied on the CAM surface. After 24 h the fractal dimension (Df) of the vasculature was evaluated. Samples from each group were histologically analyzed and VEGF-A and Quek1 expression were detected by qPCR. Df was significantly increased in the leptin group. A moderate stimulatory effect of heparin sodium and an inhibitory effect of nadroparin calcium were observed. Both leptin and heparin sodium caused a noticeable increase in the CAM thickness compared to the control and nadroparin calcium groups. We observed an increased number of blood vessels and accumulation of fibroblasts. There was no significant impact on gene expression of VEGF-A and Quek1 24 h after treatment, however, trends similar to the changes in Df and CAM thickness were present. The resulting effect of nadroparin administration on Quek1 levels was exactly the opposite to that of leptin (p < 0.05).

Alpha-lipoic acid inhibits lung cancer growth via mTOR-mediated autophagy inhibition

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death, and there remains a need for novel therapies for this malignancy. Here, we examined the effects of alpha‐lipoic acid (LA), a drug used for treating human diabetic complications, on lung cancer growth. We report that LA limited lung cancer growth in xenograft mice and reduced lung cancer A549 cell viability. We observed autophagy activation in human lung cancers, and report that LA inactivated autophagy in A549 cells. In addition, LA activated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70S6K signaling. Inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin reversed LA‐induced inactivation of autophagy and abolished LA‐induced suppression of A549 cell viability. Altogether, the data suggest that LA exerts an anti‐lung cancer effect through mTOR‐mediated inhibition of autophagy, and thus LA may have therapeutic potential for lung cancer management.

Antioxidant action and effectiveness of sulfur-containing amino acid during deep frying

The aim of the study was to solve the mystery why sulfur-containing amino acids such as methionine can perform as an antioxidant during frying and hypothesized the antioxidative mechanisms. The results of this study revealed that sulfur-containing amino acids such as methionine failed to show DPPH^· scavenging activity at room temperature but had valuable antioxidant activity based on OSI test at heated temperature. NMR analysis proved that methionine formed an intermediate molecule, 3-(methylthio)propylamine via decarboxylation during pyrolysis at heated temperature which was responsible for its antioxidant activity as shown by the OSI results. The mechanisms showed the proposed antioxidant behavior of methionine at heated temperature: (1) At heated temperature, 3-(methylthio)propylamine is generated by decarboxylation and (2) The antioxidant activity of 3-(methylthio)propylamine might be ascribed to the cooperation of amino group and the methylsulf-hydryl group in 3-methylthiopropylamine. From the frying study, methionine showed about 50% lower antioxidant capacity when compared TBHQ (tert-butylhydroquinone) based on OSI study, however, it has unexpected superior antioxidant activity under frying conditions that was on par with TBHQ. In summary, sulfur-containing amino acids with excellent antioxidant abilities might be useful for the food processing industry as antioxidant additives to extend shelf-life of food or food products.

Chronic health risk comparison between China and Denmark on dietary exposure to chlorpyrifos

Chlorpyrifos is one of the most heavily used pesticides in domestic and agricultural insect prevention globally. Given the potential neurotoxicity of chlorpyrifos and its high detection rates in food and drinking water, health risks attributable to chlorpyrifos residue in Chinese drinking water and food in both China and Denmark were assessed in this study. Mixed left-censored handling models were used to deal with the non-detected values in chlorpyrifos concentrations. Results show that chronic exposure imputed to chlorpyrifos residue is much lower than the reference dose, and will thus not pose appreciable health risk to the consumer. Compared to the total exposure from chlorpyrifos in drinking water and food sources, chronic exposure from drinking water sources in China accounts for 0-4.4%. Health risk owing to chlorpyrifos in food within China is 6-7-fold higher than in Denmark, and this coincides with the fact that all application of chlorpyrifos is banned in Denmark, in contrast to China. However, the Danish consumers are still exposed from imported food items. The main health risk contributors in China are the food groups of Grains and grain-based products and Vegetable and vegetable products, while the main chronic health risk contributor in Denmark is the food group of imported fruit and fruit products.

Saliva Samples as A Tool to Study the Effect of Meal Timing on Metabolic And Inflammatory Biomarkers

Meal timing affects metabolic regulation in humans. Most studies use blood samples for their investigations. Saliva, although easily available and non-invasive, seems to be rarely used for chrononutritional studies. In this pilot study, we tested if saliva samples could be used to study the effect of timing of carbohydrate and fat intake on metabolic rhythms. In this cross-over trial, 29 nonobese men were randomized to two isocaloric 4-week diets: (1) carbohydrate-rich meals until 13:30 and high-fat meals between 16:30 and 22:00 or (2) the inverse order of meals. Stimulated saliva samples were collected every 4 h for 24 h at the end of each intervention, and levels of hormones and inflammatory biomarkers were assessed in saliva and blood. Cortisol, melatonin, resistin, adiponectin, interleukin-6 and MCP-1 demonstrated distinct diurnal variations, mirroring daytime reports in blood and showing significant correlations with blood levels. The rhythm patterns were similar for both diets, indicating that timing of carbohydrate and fat intake has a minimal effect on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in saliva. Our study revealed that saliva is a promising tool for the non-invasive assessment of metabolic rhythms in chrononutritional studies, but standardisation of sample collection is needed in out-of-lab studies.

Inflammatory Biomarkers, Microbiome, Depression, and Executive Dysfunction in Alcohol Users

Alcohol-related disorders (ARD) are highly prevalent among Latin American-Caribbean countries. Mental disorders are common comorbidities in individuals with ARD. However, the etiology of the association between ARD and mental disorders remains unclear. We examined the association of inflammatory cytokines, microbiome, and other biomakers with measures of depression, social anxiety, and executive functions. We observed a significant increase in cytokine and chemokine expression levels in saliva and plasma in the alcohol group (AG) samples. Also, the salivary bacterial composition in the AG revealed an abundance of Prevotella. Depression symptomatology was markedly higher in the AG, but social anxiety levels were negligible. AG also exhibited executive dysfunctions, which negatively correlated with increased plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased salivary concentrations of Prevotella bacteria. Our study suggests that chronic alcohol use correlates with executive dysfunction, immune system dysregulation, and dysbiosis of the salivary microbiota. Additional studies are needed to understand the role of the microbiome and inflammation in alcohol use and mental comorbidities.

Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in drinking water of Samsun and it's surrounding areas, Turkey

BACKGROUND

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are considered to be one of the major contaminants of drinking water and natural water bodies. Some of the well documented polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are water pollutants and were considered for analysis in this study included benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), benzo[g,h,i]perylene (BgP), and indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene (InD). This study aimed at determining the levels of concentrations of basically five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in 57 drinking water bodies located around Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Çorum, Amasya, Kastamonu and Sinop provinces.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

In this study, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method 550.1 for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in drinking by Liquid-Solid Extraction (LSE) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Coupled Ultraviolet (CD) and Fluorescence Detection (FD) was used. Sampling procedures were done according to the validated method specified by the Turkish Ministry of Enivironment and Forestry. Prior to the determination of concentrations by HPLC, PAHs contained in the samples were separated from the solid phase by Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE). All data analyses were conducted using SPSS and Excel.

RESULTS

Obtained results from the investigation revealed that the average total PAH and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) concentration levels in drinking water samples taken from the central districts of Samsun were 2.73 ± 1.51 and 0.35 ± 0.24 ng/L respectively. In drinking water samples taken from Ordu, Giresun, Çorum, Amasya, Kastamonu and Sinop, the average total PAH concentrations were found to be 5.85 ± 3.82 ng/L, 3.79 ± 1.27 ng/L, 1.08 ± 0.62 ng/L, 2.42 ± 1.04 ng/L; 1.92 ± 0.35 ng/L and 4.07 ± 2.33 ng/L respectively. The average (BaP) concentrations for the same named locations were determined as 0.97 ± 0.75 ng/L; 0.55 ± 0.29 ng/L; 0.11 ± 0.08 ng/L; 0.35 ± 0.10 ng/L; 0.14 ± 0.04 ng/L; 0.39 ± 0.23 ng/L, respectively. It is therefore evident that the values ​​of PAH and BaP in drinking water were below the limits of 100 and 10 ng/L ​​specified in the Regulation on Water Intended for Human Consumption. These values are below the set limits proposed by Turkish legislation and WHO.

CONCLUSION

All the results for drinking water, usable water and natural spring water were below the values ​​specified in the Regulation on Water Intended for Human Consumption and WHO. The PAH content of the studied river waters as well were below the limits proposed by Turkish legislation and WHO.

Association between obesity and adipokines levels in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare adipokines' levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva between individuals with obesity and individuals without obesity.

METHODS

Computerized searches were conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed, Medline via Ovid, Web of Science, and Scopus). Manual searches and a Google Scholar search, limiting the search to the first 100 hits, were also conducted. Two calibrated authors performed the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of included articles. The quality of the included articles was evaluated using the University of Adelaide Tool.

RESULTS

The electronic searches retrieved 929 titles/abstracts. Following the removal of duplicated references, 613 titles/abstracts were assessed. Thirty-four articles were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentration in saliva was statistically increased in individuals with obesity compared with individuals without obesity (P < 0.05). By contrast, the meta-analysis showed no difference in the concentrations of resistin, adiponectin, leptin, ghrelin, and interleukin 6 in saliva and of resistin, adiponectin, leptin, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, tumor necrosis factor α, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 in GCF between individuals with and without obesity (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with obesity presented higher levels of TNF-α in saliva than individuals without obesity. TNF-α in saliva sampling may be a helpful marker for obesity. For the other adipokines, no difference was observed, but the limited availability and heterogeneity of data do not allow us to assertively state whether changes of adipokines in GCF and saliva are associated with obesity.

Differences in leptin biosynthesis in the stomach and in serum leptin level between men and women

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Although the stomach has been identified as an important source of leptin, the detailed biosynthesis sites of leptin in human gastrointestinal tract have not been fully elucidated. The study objective was to compare leptin distribution and expression in the stomach and its serum level between healthy men and women.

METHODS

Nineteen subjects (organ donors; 10 men and 9 women) with normal gastric mucosa histology were recruited. Research material contained gastric samples from the cardia, fundus, and pyloric regions. Gastric mucosa leptin content and leptin gene expression were determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Plasma leptin level was measured using ELISA method.

RESULTS

In the stomach of healthy adult subjects, leptin-immunoreactive cells were mainly found in the fundus, and the number of immunoreactive cells was higher in women than in men. Leptin-containing cells were less numerous in the cardia and pylorus mucosa. Similarly, leptin gene expression was the highest in the fundus and higher in women than in men. Serum leptin level was higher in women than in men and was found to correlate positively with body mass index and weight in both sexes. A negative correlation between leptin level and age was noted in women, but not in men.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study is the first to provide evidence for the presence of leptin-containing cells in all segments of the human stomach. The differences in gastric leptin biosynthesis and serum leptin levels between men and women suggest that leptin secretion can be controlled by sex hormones or other unknown factors.

Effects of dietary methionine supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity and immune function in intra-uterine growth-retarded suckling piglets

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with L -methionine (L -Met), DL -methionine (DL -Met) and calcium salt of the methionine hydroxyl analog (MHA-Ca) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity and immune function in intra-uterine growth-retarded (IUGR) suckling piglets. Six normal birthweight (NBW) female piglets and 24 same-sex IUGR piglets were selected at birth. Piglets were fed nutrient adequate basal diet supplemented with 0.08% L -alanine (NBW-CON), 0.08% L -alanine (IUGR-CON), 0.12% L -Met (IUGR-LM), 0.12% DL -Met (IUGR-DLM) and 0.16% MHA-Ca (IUGR-MHA-Ca) from 7 to 21 days of age respectively (n = 6). The results indicated that IUGR decreased average daily milk (dry matter) intake and average daily gain and increased feed conversion ratio of suckling piglets (p < 0.05). Compared with the NBW-CON piglets, IUGR also impaired villus morphology and reduced antioxidant capacity and immune homeostasis in the intestine of IUGR-CON piglets (p < 0.05). Supplementation with L -Met enhanced jejunal villus height (VH) and villus area and ileal VH of IUGR piglets compared with IUGR-CON piglets (p < 0.05). Similarly, DL -Met supplementation increased VH and the ratio of VH to crypt depth in the jejunum compared with IUGR-CON pigs (p < 0.05). Supplementation with L -Met and DL -Met (0.12%) tended to increase reduced glutathione content and reduced glutathione: oxidized glutathione ratio and decrease protein carbonyl concentration in the jejunum of piglets when compared with the IUGR-CON group (p < 0.10). However, supplementation with MHA-Ca had no effect on the intestinal redox status of IUGR piglets (p > 0.10). In conclusion, supplementation with either L -Met or DL -Met has a beneficial effect on the intestinal morphology and antioxidant capacity of IUGR suckling piglets.

Magnesium status and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A meta-analysis

Current research suggests conflicting evidence surrounding the association between serum magnesium levels and the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore, summarize and quantify the published literature addressing this topic. We conducted an exhaustive literature search on Scopus and PubMed for all the relevant observational studies published up to August 2018. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was used to summarize the overall association between serum magnesium level and ADHD from the available data. We identified seven studies which reported the mean and standard deviation (SD) of magnesium concentration in both ADHD and control groups. The random-effects meta-analysis showed that subjects with ADHD had 0.105 mmol/l (95% CI: -0.188, -0.022; P < 0.013) lower serum magnesium levels compared with to their healthy controls. Moreover, we observed striking and statistically significant heterogeneity among the included studies (I² = 96.2%, P = 0.0103). The evidence from this meta-analysis supports the theory that an inverse relationship between serum magnesium deficiency and ADHD exists. High heterogeneity amongst the included studies suggests that there is a residual need for observational and community-based studies to further investigate this issue.