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Animal Bioscience Jun 2023This study aimed to investigate the polymorphisms of the dopa decarboxylase (DDC) gene and association analysis with lamb quality and expression quantification of the...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the polymorphisms of the dopa decarboxylase (DDC) gene and association analysis with lamb quality and expression quantification of the DDC gene in phenotypically divergent Indonesian sheep.
METHODS
The totals of 189 rams with an average body weight of 24.12 kg at 10 to 12 months were used to identify DDC gene polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Among 189 rams, several rams representing various sheep genotypes were used for an association study between genotypes and phenotypic traits with proc general linear model (GLM) analysis. In addition, the gene expression analysis of the DDC mRNA in the phenotypically divergent sheep population was analyzed using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR.
RESULTS
The DDC gene (g. 5377439 G>A) showed polymorphisms that indicated three genotypes: AA, AG, and GG. The DDC gene polymorphism was significantly associated (p≤0.05) with carcass characteristics including carcass percentage, carcass length, hot and cold carcass; physical properties of lamb quality including pH value; retail cut carcass; fatty acid composition such as fat content, pentadecanoic acid (C15:0), tricosylic acid (C23:0), lignoceric acid (C24:0), oleic acid (C18:1n9c), elaidic acid (C18:1n9t), nervonic acid (C24:1), linoleic acid (C18:2n6c), arachidonic acid (C20:4n6), cervonic acid (C22:6n3); and mineral content including potassium (K). The GG genotype of the DDC gene had the best association with lamb quality traits. The DDC gene expression analysis mRNA showed no significant difference (p≥0.05) between lamb quality traits.
CONCLUSION
The DDC gene could be used as a potential candidate gene to improve lamb quality.
PubMed: 36397687
DOI: 10.5713/ab.22.0227 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Dec 2022Circulating individual SFAs in pregnant females are critical for maternal and fetal health. However, research on identifying their modifiable factors is limited. (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND
Circulating individual SFAs in pregnant females are critical for maternal and fetal health. However, research on identifying their modifiable factors is limited.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to examine the associations of total physical activity (PA) and types of PA with circulating individual SFAs during pregnancy in a multiracial/multiethnic cohort of pregnant females in the United States.
METHODS
The study included participants in a nested case-control study (n = 321) from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton Cohort. Sampling weights were applied, so the results represented the entire Fetal Growth Cohort. Plasma phospholipid SFAs were measured at 4 visits [10-14 (visit 1), 15-26 (visit 2), 23-31 (visit 3), and 33-39 (visit 4) weeks of gestation] throughout pregnancy. PA of the previous year at visit 1 and since the previous visit at the subsequent visits was assessed using the validated Pregnancy PA Questionnaire. Time-specific and longitudinal associations were examined using multivariable linear and generalized estimating equation models.
RESULTS
Total PA (metabolic equivalent of task-h/wk) was positively associated with circulating heptadecanoic acid (17:0) at visit 1 (β × 103: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.11) and pentadecanoic acid (15:0) at visit 3 (β × 103: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.14) independent of sociodemographic, reproductive, pregnancy, and dietary factors. Across the 4 visits, the positive associations with total PA were consistent for pentadecanoic acid (β × 103: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.10) and heptadecanoic acid (β × 103: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.14). Out of the 4 PA types (i.e., sports/exercise, household/caregiving, transportation, and occupational PA) considered, the magnitude of positive associations was the largest for sports/exercise PA.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that maternal PA is positively associated with circulating pentadecanoic and heptadecanoic acids. The findings warrant confirmation by future studies.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00912132.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Exercise; Longitudinal Studies; Phospholipids; Prospective Studies; United States
PubMed: 36373403
DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac250 -
Journal of Imaging Oct 2022(1) Background: The mortality of breast cancer has decreased due to the advancement of cancer therapies. However, more patients are suffering from...
Iodine-123 β-methyl-P-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic Acid (I-BMIPP) Myocardial Scintigraphy for Breast Cancer Patients and Possible Early Signs of Cancer-Therapeutics-Related Cardiac Dysfunction (CTRCD).
(1) Background: The mortality of breast cancer has decreased due to the advancement of cancer therapies. However, more patients are suffering from cancer-therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). Diagnostic and treatment guidelines for CTRCD have not been fully established yet. Ultrasound cardiogram (UCG) is the gold standard for diagnosis of CTRCD, but many breast cancer patients cannot undergo UCG due to the surgery wounds or anatomical reasons. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the usefulness of myocardial scintigraphy using Iodine-123 β-methyl-P-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (I-BMIPP) in comparison with UCG. (2) Methods: 100 breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy within 3 years underwent Thallium (Tl) and I-BMIPP myocardial perfusion and metabolism scintigraphy. The images were visually evaluated by doctors and radiological technologists, and the grade of uptake reduction was scored by Heart Risk View-S software (Nihon Medi-Physics). The scores were deployed in a 17-segment model of the heart. The distribution of the scores were analyzed. (3) Results: Nine patients (9%) could not undergo UCG. No correlation was found between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and Heart Risk View-S scores of Tl myocardial perfusion scintigraphy nor those of BMIPP myocardial metabolism scintigraphy. In a 17-segment model of the heart, the scores of the middle rings were higher than for the basal ring. (4) Conclusions: Evaluation by UCG is not possible for some patients. Myocardial scintigraphy cannot serve as a perfect alternative to UCG. However, it will become the preferable second-choice screening test, as it could point out the early stage of CTRCD.
PubMed: 36354869
DOI: 10.3390/jimaging8110296 -
Psychiatria Polska Jun 2022To assess attachment styles among adolescents (13-16 years) with ADHD or ADHD and oppositional defiant disorders (ODD).
OBJECTIVES
To assess attachment styles among adolescents (13-16 years) with ADHD or ADHD and oppositional defiant disorders (ODD).
METHODS
The Parents and Peers Attachment (IPPA) and the Parent Bonding Questionnaire (PBI) were used in three groups of teenagers raised in biological families: (1) ADHD/ODD group (n = 40), (2) ADHD group (n = 40) and (3) K (control) group of teenagers (n = 40) who have not benefited from psychological or psychiatric care in the past or at present.
RESULTS
Parental attachment styles in the area of "Trust", "Communication" and "Alienation" (IPPA), and "Care" and "Control" (PBI) in the ADHD/ODD group differ significantly compared to the control group. Teens from the ADHD/ODD group report to have experienced significantly less "Trust" and "Communication" (IPPA), and "Care" (PBI) in relationships with parents and more "Alienation" (IPPA) and "Control" (PBI) than adolescents in the ADHD group. Attachment patterns with peers in both clinical and control groups differ significantly. The ADHD/ODD group is dominated by the anxious-avoidant style of attachment to the mother and father, in the ADHD group, a secure style in relation to the mother and anxious-avoidant in relation to the father. In relations with peers in the ADHD/ODD group and the ADHD group, the anxious-avoidant style dominates.
CONCLUSIONS
The attachment style is significantly different in adolescents diagnosed with ADHD and ODD than in adolescents with only ADHD. In the ADHD/ODD group and the ADHD group, unlike in the group of adolescents without a psychiatric diagnosis, insecure attachment styles for parents and peers dominate (mainly anxious-avoidant style).
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders; Parents
PubMed: 36342984
DOI: 10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/130366 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Feb 2023Rubus idaeus Linnaeus (RI) is a Chinese herbal medicine that has been widely used in China for a long time to reinforce the kidney, nourish the liver, improve vision,... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Rubus idaeus Linnaeus (RI) is a Chinese herbal medicine that has been widely used in China for a long time to reinforce the kidney, nourish the liver, improve vision, and arrest polyuria.
AIM OF THE STUDY
This work aims to evaluate the recent progress of the chemical composition, pharmacological activity, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and quality control and of Rubus idaeus, which focuses on the insufficiency of existing research and will shed light on future studies of Rubus idaeus.
METHODS
Literatures about "Rubus idaeus","Red raspberry" and "Fupenzi"are retrieved by browsing the database, such as Web of Science (http://www.webofknowledge.com/wos), Pubmed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/), CNKI (http://www.cnki.net/), and Wanfang Data (http://www.wanfangdata.com.cn). In addition, related textbooks and digital documents are interrogated to provide a holistic and critical review of the topic. The period of the literature covered from 1981 to 2022.
RESULTS
Approximately 194 compounds have been isolated from Rubus idaeus, which is rich in phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, and fatty acids. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that Rubus idaeus exhibits many pharmacological activities, including hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic, anti-Alzheimer effect, anti-osteoporosis, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-bacteria and skin care, etc. However, it is worth noting that most of the research is not associated with the conventional effect, such as reducing urination and treating opacity of the cornea.
CONCLUSION
The effectiveness of Rubus idaeus has been proved by its long-term clinical application. The research on the pharmacological activity of Rubus idaeus has flourished. In many pharmacological experiments, only the high-dose group can achieve the corresponding efficacy, so the efficacy of Rubus idaeus needs to be further interrogated. Meanwhile, the relationship between pharmacological activity and specific compounds of Rubus idaeus has not been clarified yet. Last but not least, studies involving toxicology and pharmacokinetics are very limited. Knowledge of bioavailability and toxicological behavior of Rubus idaeus can help understand the herb's pharmacodynamic and safety profile.
Topics: Ethnopharmacology; Ethnobotany; Rubus; Phytochemicals; Quality Control; Phytotherapy
PubMed: 36341819
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115870 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2022Excessive use of insecticides has led to resistance of some pathogenic organisms (nematodes, bacteria and fungi), environmental contamination, and the presence of...
Excessive use of insecticides has led to resistance of some pathogenic organisms (nematodes, bacteria and fungi), environmental contamination, and the presence of hazardous residues. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate synthetic metabolites derived from previous studies with edible mushrooms against the soybean weevil Rhyssomatus nigerrimus Fahraeus (Curculonidae) because of the relevance of pest control in an economically important crop. Furthermore, this is one of the first studies where edible fungal molecules are evaluated for the control of these insects. Initially, two in vitro tests (toxic effect and immersion) were evaluated against R. nigerrimus. In these tests, sensitivity and viability were determined in the 2% Tween control in water. For these two tests, the synthetic metabolites pentadecanoic acid (PNA), palmitic acid (PMA), stearic acid (STA), linoleic acid (LNA), β-sitosterol (βT) were evaluated individually as well as in combinations, "the fraction of standards (E1)". Based on the results obtained, the dip test was selected to evaluate the mixtures of two standards (1. PMA + βT, 2. PMA + PNA, 3. PMA + LNA, 4. PMA + STA, 5. STA + βT, 6. STA + PNA, 7. STA + LNA, 8. PNA + βT, 9. PNA + LNA, 10. LNA + βT), three (1. PNA + βT + LNA, 2. PNA + βT + STA, 3. STA + LNA + PNA and 4. STA + LNA + βT) and four (PNA, βT, LNA and STA). The results showed that the mixture of three standards caused a higher percentage of mortality relative to the control group: l. PNA + βT + LNA and 2. PNA + βT + STA with 54.44 and 48% mortality of R. nigerrimus insects exposed for 15 days. These results show the importance of evaluating mixtures of molecules against R. nigerrimus.
Topics: Animals; Peptide Nucleic Acids; Insecticides; Agaricales; Weevils; Linoleic Acid; Palmitic Acid; Polysorbates; Water
PubMed: 36287529
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.264786 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2022Estrogen receptors are indicators of breast cancer adaptability to endocrine therapies, such as tamoxifen. Deficiency or absence of estrogen receptor α (ER-α) in...
Estrogen receptors are indicators of breast cancer adaptability to endocrine therapies, such as tamoxifen. Deficiency or absence of estrogen receptor α (ER-α) in breast cancer cells results in reduced efficacy of endocrine therapy. Here, we investigated the effect of combined tamoxifen and pentadecanoic acid therapy on ER-α-under-expressing breast cancer cells. Drug resistance gene expression patterns were determined by RNA sequencing analysis and in vitro experiments. For the first time, we demonstrate that the combined treatment of pentadecanoic acid, an odd-chain fatty acid, and tamoxifen synergistically suppresses the growth of human breast carcinoma MCF-7 stem cells (MCF-7/SCs), which were found to be tamoxifen-resistant and showed reduced ER-α expression compared with the parental MCF-7 cells. In addition, the combined treatment synergistically induced apoptosis and accumulation of sub-G1 cells and suppressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Exposure to this combination induces re-expression of ER-α at the transcriptional and protein levels, along with suppression of critical survival signal pathways, such as ERK1/2, MAPK, EGFR, and mTOR. Collectively, decreased ER-α expression was restored by pentadecanoic acid treatment, resulting in reversal of tamoxifen resistance. Overall, pentadecanoic acid exhibits the potential to enhance the efficacy of endocrine therapy in the treatment of ER-α-under-expressing breast cancer cells.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; ErbB Receptors; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Fatty Acids; Female; Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Receptors, Estrogen; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Tamoxifen
PubMed: 36232636
DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911340 -
Medical and Veterinary Entomology Mar 2023Chemical signals are widespread in insects, but those resulting in interspecific communication (i.e., synomones) remain understudied. Here, we analysed chemicals left on...
Chemical signals are widespread in insects, but those resulting in interspecific communication (i.e., synomones) remain understudied. Here, we analysed chemicals left on substrates by two species of blow fly larvae, Lucilia sericata (Meigen) and Calliphora vomitoria (Linneaus) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), which can aggregate together on carrion. Using solid-phase microextraction and dynamic headspace analysis, we identified six compounds common to both species: the decanoic, tetradecanoic, pentadecanoic, hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acids, and the 2-ethylhexyl salicylate. We then tested the behavioural effects of the decanoic and pentadecanoic acids using binary-choice experiments, along with the (Z)-9-tricosene, a pheromone found in many arthropods. The time spent by a larva and its average crawling speed were measured in two sides of an arena, where only one contained a compound at 0.25 or 25 μg/μl. No effect was observed when testing the decanoic acid. The pentadecanoic acid only reduced the speed of C. vomitoria larvae at 25 μg/μl. Finally, L. sericata larvae spent less time in the side containing the (Z)-9-tricosene at 0.25 μg/μl, whereas C. vomitoria spent more time and crawled faster in this side at 25 μg/μl. Although these results did not directly evidence synomones, they suggest that the (Z)-9-tricosene could regulate larval aggregations on carrion.
Topics: Animals; Larva; Calliphoridae; Diptera; Feeding Behavior
PubMed: 36196866
DOI: 10.1111/mve.12614 -
Annals of Nuclear Medicine Nov 2022This study aimed to optimize various methods of calculating washout rates (WRs) of I-β-methyl-p-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic (BMIPP), as they are essential to diagnose...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to optimize various methods of calculating washout rates (WRs) of I-β-methyl-p-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic (BMIPP), as they are essential to diagnose triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy (TGCV) which is a rare disease entity identified in Japan and has been encoded in Orphanet (ORPHA code 565612).
METHODS
We calculated WRs of I-BMIPP from early (20 min) and delayed (200 min) images. We evaluated six methods of calculating WRs to discriminate TGVC patients (age, 56.8 ± 14.6 y; male, n = 13; female, n = 4) and 21 I-BMIPP studies were involved including 4 follow-up studies. Washout rates were calculated by two planar methods using anterior images with cardiac and background regions of interest (ROIs) and by four SPECT methods using either array and polar plots or summed short-axis images. The final diagnoses of TGCV were confirmed according to the 2020 diagnostic criteria, and the diagnostic accuracy of WRs calculated using the six methods was analyzed using the area under receiver-operating characteristics curves (ROC-AUC). Multiple scatter-plot matrix methods were evaluated with correlations for comparison.
RESULTS
All six methods were useful for diagnosis and did not significantly differ. The four SPECT methods showed excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC 1.0), whereas the planar methods with and without background correction could be acceptable (AUC 0.857 and 0.964, respectively). The WRs were relatively lower for patients with CAD and remarkable metabolic defects than for patients with TGCV but without defects.
CONCLUSIONS
For the diagnosis of TGCV, the WR cutoff of 10% of I-BMIPP functioned well in planar and SPECT discrimination based on computational methods as a classifier. However, calculation optimization should improve TGCV diagnoses.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Triglycerides; Iodobenzenes; Fatty Acids; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon; Myocardium
PubMed: 36155888
DOI: 10.1007/s12149-022-01787-9 -
Biomedicines Sep 2022Potassium helps to maintain the water-electrolyte and acid-base balance. There is little research on the relationship between plasma fatty acids (FAs), inflammatory...
Potassium helps to maintain the water-electrolyte and acid-base balance. There is little research on the relationship between plasma fatty acids (FAs), inflammatory mediators and red blood cell potassium levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study included 38 Caucasian women with PCOS. Potassium in the erythrocytes was determined by inductively coupled atomic plasma emission spectrometry. The FAs were analysed with gas chromatography, and liquid chromatography was used to separate the eicosanoids. The relationships between the potassium content and the amounts of fatty acids, as well as potassium and arachidonic acid (AAs) derivatives, were analysed. Significant negative correlations were found with, among others, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and arachidic acid, whereas a positive correlation was found with neuronic acid. Positive correlations were observed with 9, 13 HODE (derivatives synthetized from linolenic acid) and 5 oxo ETE and 5 HETE (from 5 LOX pathway). Saturated fatty acids reduce the influx of potassium into the cell by destabilizing the pH of the cytosol, and thus exacerbating the inflammatory response through the activation of the AA cascade. Therefore, improving the flow of potassium inside the cell is important in the treatment of patients.
PubMed: 36140345
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092244