Search Results (1,269)

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA) impose significant psychosocial burdens. While pharmacological and surgical treatments exist, the role of dietary factors remains underexplored due to methodological limitations in observational studies. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study investigates causal relationships between 187 dietary exposures and hair loss, leveraging genetic variants to address confounding biases. Methods: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from 161,625 UK Biobank participants were analyzed, focusing on food preferences and intake patterns. Genetic instruments for each of the 187 dietary exposures were selected at a genome-wide significance threshold (p < 5 × 10⁻⁸), with rigorous sensitivity analyses (MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO) to validate causality. Outcomes included AA and AGA datasets from the FinnGen consortium. Results: MR analysis identified 18 specific dietary exposures significantly associated with non-scarring hair loss (FDR < 0.05). Protective effects emerged for antioxidant-rich dietary exposures, represented by higher preferences for melon, onions, and tea. Elevated risks were observed for certain exposures, including croissants, goat cheese, and whole milk. Alcohol consumption exhibited the strongest risk associations. Our extensive analysis of alcohol intake, combining data from multiple studies, consistently identified it as a significant risk factor for both alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia. Conclusions: These findings imply modifiable dietary patterns in hair loss pathophysiology. A dual strategy is proposed: prioritizing polyphenol-rich plant foods while minimizing pro-inflammatory triggers like processed carbohydrates and alcohol. Clinically, tailored dietary adjustments—reducing ultra-processed foods and alcohol—may complement existing therapies for hair loss management. Full article

Telomeres are protective DNA sequences located at chromosome ends, essential to maintaining genomic stability. This narrative review examines how maternal lifestyle factors during pregnancy influence fetal telomere length (TL). Positive associations have been identified between offspring’s TL and maternal consumption of nutrients such as vitamins C and D, folate, and magnesium. Additionally, adherence to a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity during pregnancy are correlated with increased placental TL, supporting fetal genomic integrity. Conversely, maternal dietary patterns high in carbohydrates, fats, or alcohol, as well as exposure to triclosan and sleep-disordered breathing, negatively correlate with offspring’s TL. Maternal infections may also shorten TL through heightened inflammation and oxidative stress. However, evidence regarding the impact of other lifestyle factors—including maternal stress, smoking, caffeine intake, polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption, obesity, and sleep quality—remains inconsistent. Given that shorter telomere length has been associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as certain types of cancer, these findings highlight the vital importance of maternal health during pregnancy in order to prevent potential adverse effects on the fetus. Further studies are required to elucidate the precise timing, intensity, and interplay of these influences, enabling targeted prenatal interventions to enhance offspring health outcomes. Full article

Sulfur fumigation (SF), acid dipping (HCl treatment, HAT), and their combination (SF+HAT) are common methods for long-term preservation and color protection of litchi. However, their effects on the metabolic profile of the litchi pericarp have not been investigated. SF resulted in a yellowish-green pericarp by up-regulating lightness (L*), b*, C*, and h° but down-regulating total anthocyanin content (TAC) and a*, while HAT resulted in a reddish coloration by up-regulating a*, b*, and C* but down-regulating L*, h°, and TAC. SF+HAT recovered reddish color with similar L*, C* to SF but a*, b*, h°, and TAC between SF and HAT. Differential accumulated metabolites (DAMs) detected in HAT (vs. control) were more than those in SF (vs. control), but similar to those in SF+HAT (vs. control). SF specifically down-regulated the content of cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, sinapinaldehyde, salicylic acid, and tyrosol, but up-regulated 6 flavonoids (luteolin, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-malonyl)galactoside, hesperetin-7-O-glucoside, etc.). Five pathways (biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, flavonoid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, glutathione metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism) were commonly enriched among the three treatments, which significantly up-regulated sulfur-containing metabolites (mainly glutathione, methionine, and homocystine) and down-regulated substrates for browning (mainly procyanidin B2, C1, and coniferyl alcohol). These results provide metabolic evidence for the effect of three treatments on coloration and storability of litchi. Full article

Herein, α-MnO₂-supported Pt-Pd bimetal (xPd-yPt/α-MnO₂; x and y are the weight loadings (wt%) of Pd and Pt, respectively; x = 0, 0.23, 0.47, 0.93, and 0.92 wt%; and y = 0.91, 0.21, 0.46, 0.89, and 0 wt%) catalysts were prepared using the polyvinyl alcohol-protected NaBH₄ reduction method. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were determined by means of various techniques and their catalytic activities for toluene oxidation were evaluated. It was found that among the xPd-yPt/α-MnO₂ samples, 0.93Pd-0.89Pt/α-MnO₂ showed the best catalytic performance, with the toluene oxidation rate at 156 °C (r_cat) and space velocity = 60,000 mL/(g h) being 6.34 × 10⁻⁴ mol/(g s), much higher than that of 0.91Pt/α-MnO₂ (1.31 × 10⁻⁴ mol/(g s)) and that of 0.92Pd/α-MnO₂ (6.13 × 10⁻⁵ mol/(g s)) at the same temperature. The supported Pd-Pt bimetallic catalysts possessed higher Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺ and O_ads/O_latt molar ratios, which favored the enhancement in catalytic activity of the supported Pd-Pt bimetallic catalysts. Furthermore, the 0.47Pd-0.46Pt/α-MnO₂ sample showed better resistance to sulfur dioxide poisoning. The partial deactivation of 0.47Pd-0.46Pt/α-MnO₂ was attributed to the formation of sulfate species on the sample surface, which covered the active site of the sample, thus decreasing its toluene oxidation activity. In addition, the in situ DRIFTS results demonstrated that benzaldehyde and benzoate were the intermediate products of toluene oxidation. Full article

Introduction: Night shift work (NSW) has been increasingly addressed in the scientific literature, as it is considered a probable carcinogen. In this study, we investigated the association of NSW with health problems, unhealthy behaviors, and occupational carcinogens. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a sample of 47,953 workers from the 2019 National Health Survey. NSW prevalence was estimated according to sociodemographic characteristics. To investigate the associations of NSW with all study variables, gender stratified logistic regression models were used. The odds-ratio and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Results: Among men, there was a significant association of NSW with sleep disorders (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.17–1.65), tiredness (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.41–2.00), obesity (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.20–1.66), unhealthy food consumption (OR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.12–1.46), handling of radioactive material (OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.61–3.72), and biological material (OR = 3.18; 95% CI: 3.15–4.80). Among females, NSW was associated with the same variables except obesity, but depressive feelings (OR = 1.35 95% CI: 1.09–1.67), frequent alcohol intake (OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.23–1.78), handling of chemical substances (OR = 1.54; OR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.20–1.97), and passive smoking at work (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.12–1.86) were highly significant. Conclusion: Night shift workers are more vulnerable to occupational carcinogen exposure, experience greater impacts on their well-being, and are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors. These findings should be considered in managing and organizing night work in the workplace. Actions to promote healthy work environments should be encouraged to protect workers’ health. Full article

Purpose: To review parental pre-pregnancy and pregnancy exposures in relation to pediatric cancer (diagnosis before age 20). Methods: We conducted literature searches using Ovid Medline and Scopus to find primary research studies, review articles, and meta-analyses published from 2014 to 17 March 2021. Results: Strong evidence links increased risk of childhood cancer with maternal diabetes, age, and alcohol and coffee consumption during pregnancy. Both paternal and maternal cigarette smoking before and during pregnancy are associated with childhood cancers. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in utero has long been known to be causally associated with increased risk of vaginal/cervical cancers in adolescent girls. More recent evidence implicates in utero DES exposure to testicular cancer in young men and possible intergenerational effects on ovarian cancer in the granddaughters of women exposed to DES during pregnancy. There is strong evidence that childhood cancer risk is also associated with both high and very low birth weight and with gestational age. Evidence is also strong for the protective effects of maternal vitamin consumption and a healthy diet during pregnancy. Unlike early studies, those reviewed here show no association between in utero exposure to medical ionizing radiation, which may be explained by reductions over time in radiation doses, avoidance of radiation during pregnancy, and/or by inadequate statistical power to detect small increases in risk, rather than a lack of causal association. Evidence is mixed or conflicting for an association between childhood cancer and maternal obesity, birth order, cesarean/instrumental delivery, and prenatal exposure to diagnostic medical radiation. Evidence is weak or absent for associations between childhood cancer and multiple gestations or assisted reproductive therapies, as well as prenatal exposure to hormones other than DES, and medications. Full article

Background: Environmental exposures, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in conjunction with social and behavioral factors, can significantly impact liver health. This research investigates the combined effects of PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), alcohol consumption, smoking, income, and education on liver function among the U.S. population, utilizing data from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods: PFAS concentrations in blood samples were analyzed using online solid-phase extraction combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting levels of PFAS. Liver function was evaluated using biomarkers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin, and the fatty liver index (FLI). Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression analyses were employed to assess the associations between exposures and liver outcomes. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) was utilized to explore the nonlinear and interactive effects of these exposures. To determine the relative influence of each factor on liver health, Posterior Inclusion Probabilities (PIPs) were calculated. Results: Linear regression analyses indicated that income and education were inversely associated with several liver injury biomarkers, while alcohol use and smoking demonstrated stronger and more consistent associations. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) further highlighted alcohol and smoking as the most influential predictors, particularly for GGT and total bilirubin, with posterior inclusion probabilities (PIPs) close to 1.0. In contrast, PFAS showed weaker associations. Regression coefficients were small and largely non-significant, and PIPs were comparatively lower across most liver outcomes. Notably, education had a higher PIP for ALT and GGT than PFAS, suggesting a more protective role in liver health. People with higher education levels tend to live healthier lifestyles, have better access to healthcare, and are generally more aware of health risks. These factors can all help reduce the risk of liver problems. Overall mixture effects demonstrated nonlinear trends, including U-shaped relationships for ALT and GGT, and inverse associations for AST, FLI, and ALP. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of considering both environmental and social–behavioral determinants in liver health. While PFAS exposures remain a long-term concern, modifiable lifestyle and structural factors, particularly alcohol, smoking, income, and education, exert more immediate and pronounced effects on hepatic biomarkers in the general population. Full article

Alcohol dependency is a complex and chronic condition that negatively impacts multiple organ systems, including the skin. A key pathological factor in this process is oxidative stress, leading to progressive cellular damage, chronic inflammation, and accelerated cutaneous aging. Alcohol metabolism generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which overwhelm endogenous antioxidant defenses and contribute to a range of skin alterations, including nonspecific changes such as xerosis, erythema, and wrinkle formation, as well as inflammatory and neoplastic skin disorders. Additionally, alcohol-induced alterations of the skin microbiome may further exacerbate skin barrier dysfunction and inflammatory responses. This review explores the biochemical mechanisms and skin microbiome alterations linking alcohol-induced oxidative stress to skin damage and disease. Furthermore, it evaluates the therapeutic potential of antioxidant-based interventions, both natural and synthetic. Antioxidants may offer protective and regenerative effects by scavenging free radicals, modulating inflammatory responses, and enhancing skin barrier function. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular and microbial interplay between alcohol, oxidative stress, and skin health, while identifying future directions for targeted antioxidant therapy in individuals with alcohol dependency. Full article

Restricting the use of chemical pesticides in forestry requires the search for alternative solutions. These could be volatile organic compounds produced by three investigated species of bacteria (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (ex Fukumoto) Priest, B. subtilis (Ehrenberg) Cohn and B. thuringiensis Berliner), which inhibit the growth of the pathogen F. oxysporum Schltdl. emend. Snyder & Hansen in forest nurseries. The highest inhibition of fungal growth (70%) was observed with B. amyloliquefaciens after 24 h of antagonism test, which had a higher content of carbonyl compounds (46.83 ± 8.41%) than B. subtilis (41.50 ± 6.45%) or B. thuringiensis (34.62 ± 4.77%). Only in the volatile emissions of B. amyloliquefaciens were 3-hydroxybutan-2-one, undecan-2-one, dodecan-5-one and tetradecan-5-one found. In contrast, the main components of the volatile emissions of F. oxysporum were chlorinated derivatives of benzaldehyde (e.g., 3,5-dichloro-4-methoxybenzaldehyde) and chlorinated derivatives of benzene (e.g., 1,4-dichloro-2,5-dimethoxybenzene), as well as carbonyl compounds (e.g., benzaldehyde) and alcohols (e.g., benzyl alcohol). Further compounds were found in the interactions between B. amyloliquefaciens and F. oxysporum (e.g., $\alpha$-cubebene, linalool, undecan-2-ol, decan-2-one and 2,6-dichloroanisole). Specific substances were found for B. amyloliquefaciens (limonene, nonan-2-ol, phenethyl alcohol, heptan-2-one and tridecan-2-one) and for F. oxysporum (propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, heptan-2-one and tridecan-2-one). The amounts of volatile chemical compounds found in B. amyloliquefaciens or in the bacterium–fungus interaction can be used for further research to limit the pathogenic fungus. In the future, one should focus on the compounds that were found exclusively in interactions and whose content was higher than in isolated bacteria. In order to conquer an ecological niche, bacteria increase the production of secondary metabolites, including specific chemical compounds. The results presented are a prerequisite for creating an alternative solution or supplementing the currently used methods of plant protection against F. oxysporum. Understanding and applying the volatile organic compounds produced by bacteria can complement chemical plant protection against the pathogen, especially in greenhouses or tunnels where plants grow in conditions that favour fungal growth. Full article

Background/Objectives: The liver, the body’s primary detoxifying organ, is often affected by various inflammatory diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), many of which can be exacerbated by secondary infections such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, bacteremia, and sepsis—particularly in patients with advanced liver dysfunction. The global rise in these conditions underscores the need for effective interventions. Natural products have attracted attention for their potential to support liver health, particularly through synergistic combinations of plant extracts. Epavin, a dietary supplement from Erbenobili S.r.l., formulated with plant extracts like Taraxacum officinale (L.), Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., and Cynara scolymus (L.), known for their liver-supporting properties, has been proposed as adjuvant for liver functions. The aim of this work was to evaluate of Epavin’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects against heavy metal-induced toxicity. In addition, the antibacterial effect of Epavin against a panel of bacterial strains responsible for infections associated with liver injuries has been evaluated. Methods: The protection against oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ was evaluated in HepG2 and BALB/3T3 cells using the dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay. Its anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by measuring the reduction in nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages using the Griess assay. Additionally, the cytoprotecting of Epavin against heavy metal-induced toxicity and oxidative stress were evaluated in HepG2 cells using the [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide] (MTT) and DCFH-DA assays. The antibacterial activity of Epavin was assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and BS, Staphylococcus aureus 25923, 29213, 43300, and BS) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli 25922, and BS, Klebsiella pneumoniae 13883, 70063, and BS) bacterial strains using the microdilution method in broth, following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s (CLSI) guidelines. Results: Epavin effectively reduced oxidative stress in HepG2 and BALB/3T3 cells and decreased NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, Epavin demonstrated a protective effect against heavy metal-induced toxicity and oxidative damage in HepG2 cells. Finally, it exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, with MIC values ranging from 1.5 to 6.0 mg/mL. Conclusions: The interesting results obtained suggest that Epavin may serve as a valuable natural adjuvant for liver health by enhancing detoxification processes, reducing inflammation, and exerting antibacterial effects that could be beneficial in the context of liver-associated infections. Full article

Propionate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by gut microbiota through the fermentation of dietary fibers. Among the SCFAs, butyrate stands out and has been extensively studied for its beneficial effects; however, propionate has received less attention despite its relevant roles in immune modulation, metabolism, and mucosal homeostasis. This narrative review focuses on propionate’s effects on metabolism, inflammation, microbiota, and gastrointestinal diseases. Propionate acts as a signalling molecule through FFAR2/FFAR3 receptors and modulates immunity, energy metabolism, and gut–brain communication. It has beneficial effects in metabolic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). However, excessive accumulation is linked to neurotoxicity, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and mitochondrial dysfunction. Its effects are dose-dependent and tissue-specific, with both protective and harmful potentials depending on the context. Propionate use requires a personalized approach, considering the pathological context, host microbiota composition, and appropriate dosage to avoid adverse effects. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a recently proposed term to replace non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), emphasizes the critical role of metabolic dysfunction and applies broader diagnostic criteria. Diagnosis of MAFLD requires evidence of hepatic steatosis combined with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or other metabolic dysregulation conditions, all of which significantly elevate the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review discusses the pathological mechanisms of lipid accumulation and insulin resistance in MAFLD and CKD, highlighting their mechanistic connections. Specifically, ectopic fat accumulation triggered by metabolic reprogramming, oxidative stress and inflammation induced by energy overload, modified lipids, uremic toxins, and senescence, as well as insulin resistance pathways activated by pro-inflammatory factors and lipotoxic products, collectively exacerbate simultaneous hepatic and renal injury. Moreover, interactions among hyperinsulinemia, the sympathetic nervous system, the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), and altered adipokine and hepatokine profiles further amplify insulin resistance, ectopic lipid deposition, and systemic damage. Finally, the review explores potential therapeutic strategies targeting lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and RAS activity, which offer promise for dual-organ protection and improved outcomes in both hepatic and renal systems. Full article

Background: Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is characterized by gut–liver axis dysfunction and metabolic dysregulation, yet the therapeutic potential of probiotics remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 36 (LP36) against ethanol-induced ALD in mice. Methods: Mice were pretreated with LP36 prior to ethanol exposure. Liver injury was assessed through serum ALT/AST levels, hepatic steatosis (TC/TG content), and ethanol detoxification capacity (ADH/ALDH activity). Intestinal barrier integrity was evaluated via Mucin2 and ZO-1 expression, and gut microbiota alterations were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Hepatic transcriptomics (RNA-seq) was performed to identify key regulatory pathways. Results: LP36 significantly attenuated ethanol-induced liver injury, evidenced by reduced ALT/AST, improved hepatic steatosis (lower TC/TG), and enhanced ADH/ALDH activity. Mechanistically, LP36 restored intestinal barrier function (upregulated Mucin2 and ZO-1), modulated gut microbiota (suppressed Parasutterella, Romboutsia, and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group; enriched Faecalibaculum and Tuzzerella), and reduced systemic inflammation. Transcriptomics revealed LP36-mediated rescue of AMPK signaling, involving regulation of Stk11, Prkag3, lipid synthesis genes (Fasn, Acaca), and metabolic modulators (Creb3l3, G6pc3, mTOR, Rps6kb2).Conclusions: LP36 ameliorates ethanol-induced ALD by enhancing intestinal barrier integrity, reshaping gut microbiota, and restoring AMPK-dependent metabolic homeostasis. These findings highlight LP36 as a promising probiotic candidate for ALD prevention. Full article

Introduction: As in other crises, during COVID-19 pandemic, journalists were under immense pressure to report precise scientific information in a timely manner, which may have had a negative influence on their mental health. There could be an association between the digital health literacy of journalists and their mental health. The aim of this article was to explore the association between digital health literacy and burnout and depression among journalists in Serbia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a total of 180 journalists working on television with national coverage in Serbia. The main research instrument used was a questionnaire with four sections containing personal demographic information, the Digital Health Literacy Instrument, the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results: A total of 30% participants were found to have high levels of burnout on the emotional exhaustion (EE) subscale. On the depersonalization (DP) subscale, 10.6% experienced high levels of burnout. On the personal accomplishment (PA) subscale, 38.3% of participants faced high levels of burnout. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed the association between high burnout on the EE scale and health status (OR: 0.597, 95% CI: 0.375–0.952) and protecting privacy (OR: 0.522, 95% CI: 0.311–0.875). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the association between high burnout on the PA scale and information searching (OR: 0.255, 95% CI: 0.124–0.526), sex (OR: 2.594, 95% CI: 1.007–6.68), socioeconomic status (OR: 2.282, 95% CI: 1.133–4.595), and alcohol consumption (OR: 2.188, 95% CI: 1.004–4.769). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed associations between depression and sex (OR: 0.180, 95% CI: 0.059–0.548), health status (OR: 0.316, 95% CI: 0.160–0.626), the use of anti-anxiety medications (OR: 7.303, 95% CI: 3.167–16.840), information searching (OR: 0.432, 95% CI: 0.191–0.981), and protecting privacy (OR: 0.443, 95% CI: 0.233–0.841). Conclusions: Our study showed a negative association between different domains of burnout, depression, and scores on protecting privacy and information searching scales. Full article

Hydroxymethyl 1,3-diol motifs are common structural motifs in natural products, particularly in polypropionates with important therapeutic potential. However, general and complementary methods for their regio- and diastereoselective synthesis remain limited. In this study, we expanded a second-generation epoxide-based methodology involving the regioselective cleavage of TIPS-monoprotected cis- and trans-2,3-epoxy alcohols using alkenyl Grignard reagents. Regioselective ring opening of cis-epoxides provided anti-1,3-diols, while trans-epoxides afforded the corresponding syn-1,3-diols. The use of cis-propenylmagnesium bromide and vinyl Grignard reagents enabled direct access to cis- and terminal homoallylic 1,3-diols, respectively, with moderate to good yields (46–88%) and excellent regioselectivities (95:5). In contrast, reactions with trans-propenyl Grignard reagent led to partial alkene isomerization, limiting their synthetic utility. To address this, a complementary two-step approach employing propynyl alanate addition followed by sodium/ammonia reduction was incorporated, providing access to trans-homoallylic 1,3-diols with high diastereoselectivity. All 1,3-diols were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, confirming regioselective epoxide opening. These combined strategies offer a practical and modular platform for the synthesis of syn- and anti-hydroxymethylated 1,3-diols and their application to the construction of polypropionate-type fragments, supporting future efforts in the total synthesis of polyketide natural products. Full article