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Open AccessEditorial

Preface and Statement of Peer Review

by Miguel Ribeiro, Fernanda Cosme, Lucinda V. Reis, Paula Lopes, Rui Campos and Alice Vilela

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 23(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023023005 - 26 Dec 2023

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Abstract

The inaugural international meeting of Molecules4Life (M4L) took place from the 20th to the 22nd of September 2023 at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Meeting Molecules 4 Life)

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5 pages, 1165 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Peptide Co-Agonists for Combined Activation of the APJ and GLP-1 Receptors with Insulinotropic and Satiety Actions Show Potential for Alleviation of Metabolic Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes

by Finbarr O’Harte, Vadivel Parthsarathy, Sarah Craig, Ethan Palmer and Nigel Irwin

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 23(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023023001 - 7 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Stable analogues of the adipokine apelin-13 have shown promising therapeutic potential via APJ receptor activation in isolated β-cells and in animal models of obesity-related diabetes. Incretin mimetics such as exenatide that bind to GLP-1 receptors are well-established Type 2 diabetes treatment options. We [...] Read more.

Stable analogues of the adipokine apelin-13 have shown promising therapeutic potential via APJ receptor activation in isolated β-cells and in animal models of obesity-related diabetes. Incretin mimetics such as exenatide that bind to GLP-1 receptors are well-established Type 2 diabetes treatment options. We developed novel hybrid co-agonist peptide analogues incorporating both exendin-4(1-30) covalently linked to apelin (ELA). The dose-dependent (10⁻¹² to 10⁻⁶ M) actions of ELA and component peptides were tested on acute (20 min) insulin secretion from cultured pancreatic BRIN-BD11 β-cells at 5.6 mmol/L glucose. In addition, separate tests were performed in the presence or absence of specific APJ and GLP-1 receptor antagonists. The co-agonist ELA peptide showed markedly greater insulinotropic actions (1.6 to 3.3-fold) than equimolar concentrations of either component peptide alone or in combination (p < 0.001). ELA and related acylated analogues (25 nmol/kg i.p. injection) were also tested on cumulative food intake in trained 21 h-fasted adult mice (n = 8), with food intake measured at 30 min intervals up to 180 min. The ELA co-agonist peptides significantly reduced food intake (3.1-fold by 180 min) in mice (p < 0.001) versus saline-treated controls. ELA peptides showed marked improvements in both insulin secretion and appetite control, raising interest in their therapeutic potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Meeting Molecules 4 Life)

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4 pages, 894 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

A Game with a Purpose: Designing Structural Modifications in Polymyxin B to Face Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria

by Inês Machado, João Inácio, Paula Jorge and Filipe Teixeira

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 23(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023023002 - 7 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a silent pandemic that presents an urgent threat to human health. Recently, polymyxins have been revived as a last-line therapeutic option, despite their toxicity. As such, there is a need for fast and reliable approaches to devise novel polymyxin [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a silent pandemic that presents an urgent threat to human health. Recently, polymyxins have been revived as a last-line therapeutic option, despite their toxicity. As such, there is a need for fast and reliable approaches to devise novel polymyxin analogues. In this work, machine learning was employed to devise a semi-quantitative model of the activity of polymyxin-like molecules. Four learning algorithms and ten families of molecular descriptors were explored. Top performance was observed for an AdaBoost model using the Kier and Hall topological indexes, allowing for the exploration of the systematic changes in the structure of polymyxin B. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Meeting Molecules 4 Life)

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5 pages, 1268 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Green Synthesis of Luminescent Carbon Nanomaterials from Porphyridium cruentum Microalgae

by Inês Chouzende, Alexandra Isabel Costa, Patrícia David Barata, Sónia Martins, Magda Cardoso Semedo, Fernando Manuel Henriques Cardoso, Maria Luísa Lobo and José Virgílio Prata

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 23(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023023003 - 8 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Microalgae (µAlgae) biomass was employed as a sustainable source for the synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots (μAlgae-CNDs) using a hydrothermal carbonization method and ethylenediamine (ED) as a nitrogen additive. The μAlgae-CNDs synthesized with a ratio of 0.64 of [...] Read more.

Microalgae (µAlgae) biomass was employed as a sustainable source for the synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots (μAlgae-CNDs) using a hydrothermal carbonization method and ethylenediamine (ED) as a nitrogen additive. The μAlgae-CNDs synthesized with a ratio of 0.64 of ED did not show cytotoxicity against non-tumor NIH 3T3 cells and sarcoma S180 cells, revealing some potential attractive properties for bioimaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Meeting Molecules 4 Life)

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5 pages, 579 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

The Theoretical Description for Aesculetin and Quercetin Cathodic Electrochemical Determination in Wines

by Volodymyr V. Tkach, José Inácio F. da Paiva Martins, Zoriana M. Romanova, Viktoria V. Paientko, Sílvio C. de Oliveira, Jarem R. Garcia, Olha V. Skrypska, Yana G. Ivanushko and Petro I. Yagodynets

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 23(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023023004 - 12 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 752

Abstract

In this work, the possibility of cathodical electroanalytical determination of aesculetin and quercetin, the most representative polyphenolic coumarin and flavonoid, is theoretically described. The cathodic reaction is given by the electrochemical reduction of 2- and 4-pyrone rings simultaneously on a vanadium(III) oxyhydroxide-modified electrode [...] Read more.

In this work, the possibility of cathodical electroanalytical determination of aesculetin and quercetin, the most representative polyphenolic coumarin and flavonoid, is theoretically described. The cathodic reaction is given by the electrochemical reduction of 2- and 4-pyrone rings simultaneously on a vanadium(III) oxyhydroxide-modified electrode at a pH correspondent to wine (3 < pH ≤ 7). Analysis of the mathematical model, corresponding to the reaction mechanism, lets us conclude that, although the oscillatory behavior remains highly probable, the cathodic electroanalytical process, based on VO(OH)-assisted reaction, may be even more efficient than anodic oxidation of the polyphenolic compounds in the same conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Meeting Molecules 4 Life)

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5 pages, 1161 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Enzymatic Reduction of Sugar Content in Sucrose-Rich Fruit Products

by Tiago Durães, Miguel Azevedo, Fernanda Cosme and Fernando M. Nunes

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 23(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023023006 - 12 Jan 2024

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Abstract

Sugar is essential to organisms, but excessive consumption can lead to certain diseases. Overconsumption is a major concern in modern society, especially in developed countries. The purpose of this study was to convert sucrose present in sucrose-rich fruit concentrates into fructooligosaccharides (FOS) using [...] Read more.

Sugar is essential to organisms, but excessive consumption can lead to certain diseases. Overconsumption is a major concern in modern society, especially in developed countries. The purpose of this study was to convert sucrose present in sucrose-rich fruit concentrates into fructooligosaccharides (FOS) using the enzymes invertase (Inv) or fructosyltransferase (FTase). FOS are oligosaccharides (OS) that bypass part of the digestive system and reach the colon, where they are metabolized by gut bacteria. This can simultaneously exert prebiotic effects while reducing a product’s calories. Based on these results, it was concluded that there is potential for enzymatically reducing a product’s caloric value while converting sucrose into FOS, thus enriching the product’s dietary fiber content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Meeting Molecules 4 Life)

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5 pages, 2137 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Shotgun Proteomics: A Powerful Tool for Investigating the Chemical Complexity of Biscuit Melanoidins

by João Siopa, Miguel Ribeiro, Fernanda Cosme and Fernando M. Nunes

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 23(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023023007 - 12 Jan 2024

Viewed by 775

Abstract

Melanoidins are the final products of the Maillard reaction (MR), a non-enzymatic browning reaction that occurs during food thermal processing, including biscuits, which are widely consumed. This work developed a novel technique for extracting biscuit melanoidins. Using shotgun proteomics, proteins involved in melanoidin [...] Read more.

Melanoidins are the final products of the Maillard reaction (MR), a non-enzymatic browning reaction that occurs during food thermal processing, including biscuits, which are widely consumed. This work developed a novel technique for extracting biscuit melanoidins. Using shotgun proteomics, proteins involved in melanoidin formation were studied, and potential MR-induced protein modifications were investigated to elucidate the chemical structure and formation of biscuit melanoidins. It was observed that gluten proteins and soluble wheat flour-derived proteins were involved in melanoidin formation, along with the detection of protein modifications. These findings highlight shotgun proteomics as a promising tool for understanding biscuit melanoidins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Meeting Molecules 4 Life)

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4 pages, 1206 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Protein Extraction from Arthrospira platensis for Use in Food Processing

by Elisa Costa, Miguel Ribeiro, Luís Filipe-Ribeiro, Fernanda Cosme and Fernando M. Nunes

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 23(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023023008 - 15 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1495

Abstract

Algae protein has emerged as a sustainable and non-allergenic alternative to animal protein as the market seeks to reduce reliance on traditional animal protein sources. To effectively utilize algae protein isolates, particularly from Arthrospira platensis, it is essential to develop an efficient [...] Read more.

Algae protein has emerged as a sustainable and non-allergenic alternative to animal protein as the market seeks to reduce reliance on traditional animal protein sources. To effectively utilize algae protein isolates, particularly from Arthrospira platensis, it is essential to develop an efficient method for protein extraction and isolation that can be scaled up. This work aims to optimize the extraction conditions to obtain high-purity protein extracts. HPLC-DAD was used to determine the total and free amino acid profiles, while SDS-PAGE and HPLC-MS/MS were used for the protein characterization. An optimized extraction method was selected based on achieving the highest protein content and purity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Meeting Molecules 4 Life)

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5 pages, 1245 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

MUSHROOMS4LIFE: Decoding the Molecular Basis of a Cancer-Fighting Small RNA Extracted from Edible Mushrooms

by Inês Sá, Miguel Ribeiro, Fernando M. Nunes, Guilhermina Marques, Raquel Chaves and Daniela Ferreira

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 23(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023023009 - 23 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1863

Abstract

Edible mushrooms have been considered an excellent source of nutraceuticals with high potential to prevent diseases such as cancer. Recently the anti-cancer potential of a small RNA (sRNA) fraction isolated from C. cibarius was described. To better understand its molecular nature, a study [...] Read more.

Edible mushrooms have been considered an excellent source of nutraceuticals with high potential to prevent diseases such as cancer. Recently the anti-cancer potential of a small RNA (sRNA) fraction isolated from C. cibarius was described. To better understand its molecular nature, a study was carried out regarding the anti-cancer potential of sRNAs isolated from different mushroom species. Apart from the isolation of RNA-rich fractions by anion exchange chromatography, miRNA’s extraction was also carried out using a commercial kit. The anti-proliferative activity of the different samples was tested in normal and cancer cell lines. Our data demonstrated differences regarding sRNA anti-cancer activity in different mushroom species, and this suggests that the sRNA fractions with anti-cancer potential are enriched in a specific sequence. These results reaffirm mushrooms as a source of bioactive compounds. In particular, the RNA-enriched isolated fractions demonstrated important anticancer potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Meeting Molecules 4 Life)

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4 pages, 372 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Nutritional Protein Value of Flours via LC-MS/MS Analysis

by Maria João Nunes, Catarina V. Esteves, Mário Diniz, João Paulo Noronha and Luis C. Branco

Med. Sci. Forum 2023, 23(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/msf2023023010 - 20 Sep 2024

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Abstract

The growth of the world’s population and the reduction in the average annual global individual carbon footprint are current issues. With the aim of assessing nutritional protein values, we developed a sensitive analytical methodology for the identification and quantification of amino acids. Strategies [...] Read more.

The growth of the world’s population and the reduction in the average annual global individual carbon footprint are current issues. With the aim of assessing nutritional protein values, we developed a sensitive analytical methodology for the identification and quantification of amino acids. Strategies have been developed to reduce sample complexity and improve detection for analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method is suitable for the purpose and is a useful tool for protein value assessment, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Meeting Molecules 4 Life)

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