Search Results (20)

Human adenovirus 36 (HAdV-36) is associated with obesity, potentially by promoting adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. Although linked to increased fat storage, HAdV-36 is also correlated with improved insulin sensitivity. Given its potential role in modulating adipose tissue and promoting a less inflammatory metabolic profile, its impacts on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion remain unclear. Methods: This nested case-control study compared cytokine levels (IL-10, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) between patients with and without HAdV-36 infection. A total of 76 participants were included, with 37 in the control group (HAdV-36 negative) and 39 classified as cases (HAdV-36 positive). Results: HAdV-36 seropositive individuals exhibited significantly lower IL-6 levels and higher IL-8 levels than seronegative participants. Additionally, they had lower glucose levels, suggesting a potential link between HAdV-36 and metabolic regulation. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that HAdV-36 may influence inflammatory and metabolic responses by modulating cytokine expression and glucose levels. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and their implications for metabolic health. Full article

Background: A remarkable increase in metabolic comorbidities occur in people living with HIV infection (PLWH). Supervised physical activity provides significant health benefits. Ginkgo biloba (GKB) extract has been reported to have a wide range of metabolic advantages. This study aimed to examine the effects of an exercise training (ET) program and a GKB extract on PLWH. Methods: This was a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Twenty-eight PLWH were assigned to receive a placebo (n = 10), GKB extract (n = 10), or statins (n = 8). All patients underwent a supervised ET program 3–5 times per week. Anthropometric measurements, functional capacities, and metabolic parameters were assessed in all participants at baseline and after 12 weeks of follow-up. Results: After the 12-week intervention, body fat decreased significantly by 2–3% in all groups relative to their baseline values (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol and LDL-c were significantly decreased in the ET + statin group (p = 0.04, and p = 0.007, respectively) compared to baseline values, while HbA1c and the HOMA-IR index were significantly decreased in the ET + GKB group (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively) compared to baseline values, and a significant increase in CD4+ T cell mean was observed in the ET + placebo group (p = 0.005) compared to baseline values. A significant increase in cardiorespiratory capacity (VO_2max) from their baseline values was observed in all groups (p < 0.001) after 12 weeks of intervention from their baseline values. Conclusions: Body fat and cardiorespiratory fitness significantly improved after a 12-week supervised ET program. GKB extract significantly decreased insulin resistance. Full article

The potential of laser-based powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technology for producing functional components relies on its capability of maintaining or even improving the mechanical properties of the processed material. This improvement is associated with the microstructure resulting from the high thermal gradient and fast cooling rate. However, this microstructural advantage may be counterbalanced by the lack of full density, which could be tolerated to a certain degree for applications such as biomedical implants and medical equipment. In this study, medical-grade 316L stainless steel specimens with porosities ranging from 1.7 to 9.1% were additively manufactured by L-PBF using different combinations of laser power and scanning speeds. Tribological properties were evaluated by pin-on-disc testing in dry conditions against a silicon nitride test body and analyzed in the context of microstructural characterization by optical and electron microscopy. The results reveal that higher porosity allows for a diminishing wear rate, which is explained by the capacity of the pores to retain wear debris related with the three-body abrasion. This research provides practical insights into the design of medical wear-resistant components, thereby enhancing our understanding of the potential of L-PBF in the fields of materials science and biomedical engineering. Full article

Quantitative transcriptomics offers a new way to obtain a detailed picture of freshly isolated cells. By direct isolation, the cells are unaffected by in vitro culture, and the isolation at cold temperatures maintains the cells relatively unaltered in phenotype by avoiding activation through receptor cross-linking or plastic adherence. Simultaneous analysis of several cell types provides the opportunity to obtain detailed pictures of transcriptomic differences between them. Here, we present such an analysis focusing on four human blood cell populations and compare those to isolated human skin mast cells. Pure CD19⁺ peripheral blood B cells, CD14⁺ monocytes, and CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells were obtained by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and KIT+ human connective tissue mast cells (MCs) were purified by MACS sorting from healthy skin. Detailed information concerning expression levels of the different granule proteases, protease inhibitors, Fc receptors, other receptors, transcription factors, cell signaling components, cytoskeletal proteins, and many other protein families relevant to the functions of these cells were obtained and comprehensively discussed. The MC granule proteases were found exclusively in the MC samples, and the T-cell granzymes in the T cells, of which several were present in both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. High levels of CD4 were also observed in MCs and monocytes. We found a large variation between the different cell populations in the expression of Fc receptors, as well as for lipid mediators, proteoglycan synthesis enzymes, cytokines, cytokine receptors, and transcription factors. This detailed quantitative comparative analysis of more than 780 proteins of importance for the function of these populations can now serve as a good reference material for research into how these entities shape the role of these cells in immunity and tissue homeostasis. Full article

Phytophthora capsici is a devastating pathogen in horticultural crops, particularly affecting Capsicum annuum (pepper). The overuse of chemical fungicides has led to resistance development, necessitating alternative strategies. This study investigates the antagonistic effects of four rhizobacterial isolates (Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) against P. capsici, focusing on the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Using in vitro dual culture assays, we observed a significant inhibition of mycelial growth and sporangia production, especially by B. subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens. The GC-MS/SPME-HS analysis identified key VOCs responsible for these antagonistic effects. Our findings demonstrate that specific rhizobacteria and their VOCs offer a promising biocontrol strategy, potentially reducing the reliance on chemical fungicides and contributing to sustainable agriculture. Full article

Gingival enlargement is a common clinical sign in the gingival diseases associated with orthodontic treatment. Its biological mechanisms are not completely understood; nevertheless, the biochemical changes associated with these inflammatory and overgrowth processes could alter the post-translational protein modifications occurring in various locations within the mouth. Here, changes in the profiles of the carbonylated and phosphorylated proteins in saliva were examined in donors with gingival enlargement (seven men and seven women) and healthy donors (six men and eight women). The sociodemographic characteristics of both groups did not present significant differences. Carbonylation was measured by a quantitative immunoassay (Dot Blot), whereas the profiles of the phosphorylated proteins were visualized by SDS-PAGE with quercetin staining. Some phosphopeptides were also identified using a typical LC-MS-MS approach. Our results showed that gingival enlargement induced a significant increase in oxidative damage in salivary proteins. While a significant reduction in phosphorylation was observed at the stain level in SDS-PAGE, there was a slight increase in the number of phosphorylated proteins identified by MS in samples with gingival enlargement. Full article

Next-generation high-performance polymers require consideration as sustainable solutions. Here, to satisfy these criteria, we propose to combine high-performance styrenic block copolymers, a class of thermoplastic elastomer, with cellulose derivatives as a reinforcing agent with the aim of maintaining and/or improving structural and surface properties. A great advantage of the proposed blends is, besides their biocompatibility, a decrease in environmental impact due to blending with a natural polymer. Particularly, we focus on identifying the effect of different blending compounds and blend ratios on the morphological, structural, thermal, mechanical, electrical and cytotoxic characteristics of materials. This research provides, together with novel material formulations, practical guidelines for the design and fabrication of next-generation sustainable high-performance polymers. Full article

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is constituted by a great diversity of highly dynamic cell populations, each of which contributes ligands, receptors, soluble proteins, mRNAs, and miRNAs, in order to regulate cellular activities within the TME and even promote processes such as angiogenesis or metastasis. Intravasated platelets (PLT) undergo changes in the TME that convert them into tumor-educated platelets (TEP), which supports the development of cancer, angiogenesis, and metastasis through the degranulation and release of biomolecules. Several authors have reported that the deregulation of PF4, VEGF, PDGF, ANG-1, WASF3, LAPTM4B, TPM3, and TAC1 genes participates in breast cancer progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The present work aimed to analyze the expression levels of this set of genes in tumor tissues and platelets derived from breast cancer patients by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR) assays, in order to determine if there was an expression correlation between these sources and to take advantage of the new information to be used in possible diagnosis by liquid biopsy. Data from these assays showed that platelets and breast cancer tumors present similar expression levels of a subset of these genes’ mRNAs, depending on the molecular subtype, comorbidities, and metastasis presence. Full article

Recording electrical muscle activity using a dense matrix of detection points (high-density electromyography, EMG) is of interest in a range of different applications, from human-machine interfacing to rehabilitation and clinical assessment. The wider application of high-density EMG is, however, limited as the clinical interfaces are not convenient for practical use (e.g., require conductive gel/cream). In the present study, we describe a novel dry electrode (TEX) in which the matrix of sensing pads is screen printed on textile and then coated with a soft polymer to ensure good skin-electrode contact. To benchmark the novel solution, an identical electrode was produced using state-of-the-art technology (polyethylene terephthalate with hydrogel, PET) and a process that ensured a high-quality sample. The two electrodes were then compared in terms of signal quality as well as functional application. The tests showed that the signals collected using PET and TEX were characterised by similar spectra, magnitude, spatial distribution and signal-to-noise ratio. The electrodes were used by seven healthy subjects and an amputee participant to recognise seven hand gestures, leading to similar performance during offline analysis and online control. The comprehensive assessment, therefore, demonstrated that the proposed textile interface is an attractive solution for practical applications. Full article

High-density aquaculture produces oxidative stress that affects fish welfare and leads to poor growth. Agavin is a fructan that regulates the antioxidant response and inhibits stress-related alterations in blood metabolites (cortisol and blood lipids), preventing oxidative damage in fish. This study evaluated the effect of dietary agavin on the hepatic antioxidant response and blood metabolites in Nile tilapia under high rearing density. A negative control, a positive control, and experimental diets supplemented with 20 and 40 g/kg agavin were formulated. Nile tilapia (1.04 g ± 0.01 g initial body weight) were fed for 80 days to evaluate the antioxidant response and blood metabolites. After 90 days, fish were exposed to high density (63 kg/m³) for twenty days, except for the negative control (low-density). Under high-density stress, cortisol, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels decreased in fish fed diets with agavin compared with the positive control (high density). CAT and SOD activity significantly increased in fish fed agavin diets; malondialdehyde levels decreased under high density compared with both controls. These results suggest that dietary agavin supplementation promotes the antioxidant response and prevents stress-related alterations in blood parameters in Nile tilapia under high rearing density through its antioxidant properties and, probably, has a prebiotic effect. Full article

The dentate gyrus (DG) of the human hippocampus is a complex and dynamic structure harboring mature and immature granular neurons in diverse proliferative states. While most mammals show persistent neurogenesis through adulthood, human neurogenesis is still under debate. We found nuclear alterations in granular cells in autopsied human brains, detected by immunohistochemistry. These alterations differ from those reported in pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal circuit. Aging and early AD chromatin were clearly differentiated by the increased epigenetic markers H3K9me3 (heterochromatin suppressive mark) and H3K4me3 (transcriptional euchromatin mark). At early AD stages, lamin B2 was redistributed to the nucleoplasm, indicating cell-cycle reactivation, probably induced by hippocampal nuclear pathology. At intermediate and late AD stages, higher lamin B2 immunopositivity in the perinucleus suggests fewer immature neurons, less neurogenesis, and fewer adaptation resources to environmental factors. In addition, senile samples showed increased nuclear Tau interacting with aged chromatin, likely favoring DNA repair and maintaining genomic stability. However, at late AD stages, the progressive disappearance of phosphorylated Tau forms in the nucleus, increased chromatin disorganization, and increased nuclear autophagy support a model of biphasic neurogenesis in AD. Therefore, designing therapies to alleviate the neuronal nuclear pathology might be the only pathway to a true rejuvenation of brain circuits. Full article

(1) Background: Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that is widely distributed in water, soil, and air. It is present in agrochemicals, wastewater, battery waste, and volcanic eruptions. Thus, it can be absorbed by plants and enter the trophic chain. P. fasciculatum is a plant with phytoremediation capacity that can tolerate Cd stress, but changes in its proteome related to this tolerance have not yet been identified. (2) Methods: We conducted a quantitative analysis of the proteins present in P. fasciculatum leaves cultivated under greenhouse conditions in mining soils doped with 0 mg kg⁻¹ (control), 30 mg kg⁻¹, or 50 mg kg⁻¹. This was carried out using the label-free shotgun proteomics technique. In this way, we determined the changes in the proteomes of the leaves of these plants, which allowed us to propose some tolerance mechanisms involved in the response to Cd stress. (3) Results: In total, 329 variable proteins were identified between treatments, which were classified into those associated with carbohydrate and energy metabolism; photosynthesis; structure, transport, and metabolism of proteins; antioxidant stress and defense; RNA and DNA processing; and signal transduction. (4) Conclusions: Based on changes in the differences in the leaf protein profiles between treatments, we hypothesize that some proteins associated with signal transduction (Ras-related protein RABA1e), HSPs (heat shock cognate 70 kDa protein 2), growth (actin-7), and cellular development (actin-1) are part of the tolerance response to Cd stress. Full article

Nanocomposite engineering of biosensors, biomaterials, and flexible electronics demand a highly tunable synthesis of precursor materials to achieve enhanced or desired properties. However, this process remains limited due to the need for proper synthesis-property strategies. Herein, we report on the ability to synthesize chitosan-gold nanocomposite thin films (CS/AuNP) with tunable properties by chemically reducing HAuCl₄ in chitosan solutions and different HAuCl₄/sodium citrate molar relationships. The structure, electrical, and relaxation properties of nanocomposites have been investigated as a function of HAuCl₄/sodium citrate molar relation. It was shown that gold particle size, conductivity, Vogel temperature (glass transition), and water content strongly depend upon HAuCl₄/sodium citrate relationships. Two relaxation processes have been observed in nanocomposites; the α-relaxation process, related to a glass transition in wet CS/AuNP films, and the σ-relaxation related to the local diffusion process of ions in a disordered system. The ability to fine-tune both α- and σ-relaxations may be exploited in the proper design of functional materials for biosensors, biomaterials, and flexible electronics applications. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic showed an impact mainly on the health of people and the economy of households. The levels of food security in the world’s households, especially in Mexico, have decreased. When people do not have food security, their health is compromised and they have financial problems; on the other hand, environmental deterioration has a link with food security. The purpose of this review is to analysis of the current situation in Mexico of food security, environmental health and economy, the main lessons learned in these areas and their proposals integrating public policies. A review was carried out in the main databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, CAB Abstracts y PAIS Index) with the following keywords and according to the MeSH terms: Food security, food insecurity, environmental health, public policies, environmental, production, integrating the word COVID-19 in English and Spanish. Only 44.5% of Mexican households presented food security. For food insecurity, 22.6% had moderate and severe food insecurity, while 32.9% had mild insecurity. Food insecurity and the health impacts of environmental origin (waste management during the coronavirus pandemic, water contaminated by bacteria, viruses, and toxins; air pollution) generates impacts on economic activity by not offering food that meets health regulations. Without the application of cost-effective measures and interventions for the prevention and control of patients with obesity, the direct costs for 2023 will amount to 9 million dollars, which worsens the household economy. Despite having laws and policies on the right to food, a healthy environment (water), and opportunities for economic growth, these human rights are not fulfilled. The conclusion is that it is necessary to use a health and agroecological model to promote public policies (health, environment, and economy) that aims to prevent the discussed issues, with multidisciplinary and intersectoral interventions (government, academia, researchers, civil society organizations, industry, and population). This upholds the human right that all people should enjoy an adequate, healthy environment and have access to high-quality food. Full article

The diagnosis of respiratory viruses of zoonotic origin (RVsZO) such as influenza and coronaviruses in humans is crucial, because their spread and pandemic threat are the highest. Surface–enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an analytical technique with promising impact for the point–of–care diagnosis of viruses. It has been applied to a variety of influenza A virus subtypes, such as the H1N1 and the novel coronavirus SARS−CoV−2. In this work, a review of the strategies used for the detection of RVsZO by SERS is presented. In addition, relevant information about the SERS technique, anthropozoonosis, and RVsZO is provided for a better understanding of the theme. The direct identification is based on trapping the viruses within the interstices of plasmonic nanoparticles and recording the SERS signal from gene fragments or membrane proteins. Quantitative mono- and multiplexed assays have been achieved following an indirect format through a SERS-based sandwich immunoassay. Based on this review, the development of multiplex assays that incorporate the detection of RVsZO together with their specific biomarkers and/or secondary disease biomarkers resulting from the infection progress would be desirable. These configurations could be used as a double confirmation or to evaluate the health condition of the patient. Full article