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Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2024: Genitourinary syndrome, previously defined as vulvovaginal atrophy, manifests with signs and symptoms deriving from estrogen diminution in the female genitourinary...
: Genitourinary syndrome, previously defined as vulvovaginal atrophy, manifests with signs and symptoms deriving from estrogen diminution in the female genitourinary tract. Stable ozonides are derivatives of artemisinin found to be stable against strong basic and acidic conditions. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant diminishing the output of reactive oxygen species in the oxidation of fats and the emanation of free radicals, reducing cellular injury and aging. The primary aim of the present study was to assess the positive effects of an ozonide plus a vitamin E acetate-based compound (Ozoile) on genitourinary syndrome symptom relief after a maximum of 20 days of treatment. : The inclusion criteria for patients' enrollment were women of child-bearing age or in menopause reporting genitourinary syndrome's related symptoms, such as pain, burning, a bad smell, dyspareunia, dryness, itching, bleeding, and nervousness. The exclusion criteria were Sjogren's syndrome and patients administered retinoic acid, an agent that causes mucosal dryness. Participants completed a questionnaire before and after 20 days of treatment. : The incidence of pain decreased from 16.7% to 11.8% (-value < 0.0001). In addition, the mean symptom intensity decreased from 2.10 to 0.87 (-value < 0.0001). Dryness was the most frequent pre-treatment symptom and decreased from 85.5% to 53.8% (-value < 0.0001) (mean: 2.21 vs. 0.90; -value < 0.0001). : Ozoile was effective in reducing most gynecologic symptoms related to genitourinary syndrome. However, further studies are needed to compare its effect with other standards of care.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Syndrome; Vitamin E; Antioxidants; Female Urogenital Diseases; Atrophy; Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38929497
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060880 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIEs) are classified based on treatment trials, and new methods are being sought for earlier differentiation and characterization....
Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIEs) are classified based on treatment trials, and new methods are being sought for earlier differentiation and characterization. infection (GIA) is one of the first differential diagnoses and may be present in CIE-affected dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the faecal characteristics and faecal fatty acid profile (short, medium, long, and branched-chain fatty acids) in dogs with food-responsive enteropathy (FRE), immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE), and dogs infected with compared to healthy control (HC) animals as a potential non-invasive indicator of intestinal health that helps in the differentiation of CIEs. The C16:1n-7 percentage ( = 0.0001) and C16:1n-7/C16:0 ratio ( = 0.0001) served to differentiate between HC, FRE, and IRE. IRE dogs presented lower levels of short-chain fatty acids (∑SCFAs) ( = 0.0008) and acetic acid (C2) ( = 0.0007) compared to the other three groups and lower propionic acid (C3) ( = 0.0022) compared to HCs. IRE and GIA presented higher faecal fat content ( = 0.0080) and ratio of iso/anteiso branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) compared to HC and FRE. Correlations between some fatty acids and desaturation indices with the canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index and faecal characteristics were observed, suggesting that these compounds could play an important role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
PubMed: 38929444
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121825 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 20243-nitropropionic acid (3NPA) has been proposed as an useful modifier to mitigate ruminal enteric methane emissions. However, few studies investigated the effects of 3NPA...
3-nitropropionic acid (3NPA) has been proposed as an useful modifier to mitigate ruminal enteric methane emissions. However, few studies investigated the effects of 3NPA on ruminal fermentation characteristics of grazing ruminants in vitro. Rumen fluid from grazing yak and cattle were collected and incubated with additions of 0, 8, and 16 mM 3NPA. The total gas production, CH production, and dry matter digestibility significantly decreased with increasing 3NPA doses in both ruminant species ( < 0.05) and methane production decreased to almost 100% in cattle at 8 mM NPA but not yak, while H accumulation showed an opposite trend. The total fatty acid (TVFA) production, acetate concentration, and propionate concentration in cattle decreased as 3NPA doses increased at 12 and 24 h incubation. For yak, the H accumulation reached its apex at 8 mM NPA ( < 0.05). The TVFA in yak decreased significantly with increasing 3NPA doses at 12 and 72 h incubation. Moreover, the acetate concentration and propionate concentration in yak decreased as 3NPA doses increased at 12 and 24 h incubation. Overall, these findings demonstrated that 3NPA could be used as a strategy to mitigate methane emissions; although, it negatively affected the dry matter degradability in vitro.
PubMed: 38929423
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121804 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Imidazole dipeptides (IDPs) and taurine (Tau) have several health benefits and are known to be contained in natural seafoods. However, their levels vary widely in...
Determination of Imidazole Dipeptides and Related Amino Acids in Natural Seafoods by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Using a Pre-Column Derivatization Reagent.
Imidazole dipeptides (IDPs) and taurine (Tau) have several health benefits and are known to be contained in natural seafoods. However, their levels vary widely in different natural seafoods, making their simultaneous determination desirable. Herein, we employ a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach using a novel amino group derivatization reagent, succinimidyl 2-(3-((benzyloxy)carbonyl)-1-methyl-5-oxoimidazolidin-4-yl) acetate (()-CIMa-OSu), for the simultaneous quantification of IDPs (carnosine (Car) and anserine (Ans)), their related amino acids, and Tau in natural seafoods. Each seafood sample contained different concentrations of IDPs (Car: ND to 1.48 mmol/100 g-wet, Ans: ND to 4.67 mmol/100 g-wet). The Car levels were considerably higher in eel, while Tau was more abundant in squid, boiled octopus, and scallop. Thus, the derivatization reagent ()-CIMa-OSu provides a new approach to accurately assess the nutritional composition of seafoods, thereby providing valuable insight into its dietary benefits.
PubMed: 38928892
DOI: 10.3390/foods13121951 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Postharvest diseases, such as black spots caused by , have caused huge economic losses to the tomato industry and seriously restricted its development. In recent years,...
Postharvest diseases, such as black spots caused by , have caused huge economic losses to the tomato industry and seriously restricted its development. In recent years, biological control has become a new method to control postharvest diseases of fruits and vegetables. Our research group screened , a yeast demonstrating a promising control effect on a postharvest black spot disease of tomatoes, and explored its physiological mechanism of prevention and control. Therefore, this study investigated the prevention and control effect of metabolites of on tomato black spot disease and the inhibition effect of main components on . A GC-MS analysis found that isoamyl acetate was the main component of that played an inhibitory role. The results showed that isoamyl acetate could inhibit the growth of and had a certain control effect on postharvest black spots in tomatoes. Our findings suggest that isoamyl acetate could be a promising alternative to fungicides for controlling postharvest black spots in tomatoes.
PubMed: 38928889
DOI: 10.3390/foods13121949 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Kombucha is a trending tea fermented via a complex microflora of yeasts and acetic acid bacteria. It can be a valid low-calorie substitute for soft drinks due to its...
Kombucha is a trending tea fermented via a complex microflora of yeasts and acetic acid bacteria. It can be a valid low-calorie substitute for soft drinks due to its sour, naturally carbonated, and sweet taste. Despite increased interest, the microflora and functional properties of kombucha have not yet been fully understood. The aim of this work was to characterize, from a microbiological, chemico-physical, and functional point of view, three types of artisanal kombucha obtained by fermenting green tea containing sugar by means of different starter cultures. Metagenomic analysis revealed a predominance of yeasts compared to bacteria, regardless of the sample. In particular, spp. was found to be the dominant yeast. Moreover, the different types of kombucha had different microbial patterns in terms of acetic acid bacteria and yeasts. Ethanol and acetic acid were the dominant volatile molecules of the kombucha volatilome; the samples differed from each other in terms of their content of alcohols, esters, and acids. All the samples showed a high antioxidant potential linked to the high content of phenols. This study confirmed the positive chemico-physical and functional properties of kombucha and indicated that the microflora responsible for the fermentation process can significantly affect the characteristics of the final product.
PubMed: 38928888
DOI: 10.3390/foods13121947 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The increase in vegetable consumption has underlined the importance of minimizing the risks associated with microbiological contamination of fresh produce. The critical...
The increase in vegetable consumption has underlined the importance of minimizing the risks associated with microbiological contamination of fresh produce. The critical stage of the vegetable washing process has proven to be a key point for cross-contamination and the persistence of pathogens. In this context, the agri-food industry has widely adopted the use of disinfectants to reduce the bacterial load in the wash water. Therefore, we conducted laboratory-scale experiments in order to demonstrate the antimicrobial activity of disinfectants used in the wash tank of agro-food industries. Different wash water matrices of shredded lettuce, shredded cabbage, diced onion, and baby spinach were treated with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), chlorine dioxide (ClO), and per-oxyacetic acid (PAA) at recommended concentrations. To simulate the presence of pathogenic bacteria, a cocktail of O157:H7 was inoculated into the process water samples (PWW) to determine whether concentrations of disinfectants inhibit the pathogen or bring it to a viable non-culturable state (VBNC). Hereby, we used quantitative qPCR combined with different photo-reactive dyes such as ethidium monoazide (EMA) and propidium monoazide (PMA). The results indicated that concentrations superior to 20 ppm NaClO inhibit the pathogen O157:H7 artificially inoculated in the process water. Concentrations between 10-20 ppm ClO fail to induce the pathogen to the VBNC state. At concentrations of 80 ppm PAA, levels of culturable bacteria and VBNC of O157:H7 were detected in all PWWs regardless of the matrix. Subsequently, this indicates that the recommended concentrations of ClO and PAA for use in the fresh produce industry wash tank do not inhibit the levels of O157:H7 present in the wash water.
PubMed: 38928858
DOI: 10.3390/foods13121915 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Non-biodegradable plastic materials pose environmental hazards and contribute to pollution. Arabinoxylan (AX) films have been created for applications in food packaging...
Non-biodegradable plastic materials pose environmental hazards and contribute to pollution. Arabinoxylan (AX) films have been created for applications in food packaging to replace these materials. The water interaction characteristics of biodegradable AX films were assessed following the extraction of AX from dry-milled corn bran (DCB), wet-milled corn bran (WCB), and dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS). Films were prepared with laccase and sorbitol before surface modification with lipase-vinyl acetate. Water solubility of the modified DCB films was significantly reduced ( < 0.05); however, the water solubility of modified WCB films decreased insignificantly ( > 0.05) compared to unmodified films. Water vapor permeability of the modified AX films from WCB and DDGS was significantly reduced ( < 0.05), unlike their unmodified counterparts. The biodegradation rates of the modified WCB AX and DDGS films increased after 63 and 99 days, respectively, compared to the unmodified films. The hydrophilic nature of AX polymers from WCB and DDGS enhances the biodegradability of the films. This study found that the modified WCB AX film was more hydrophobic, and the modified DDGS AX film was more biodegradable than the modified DCB AX film. Overall, surface modifications have potential for improving hydrophobicity of biopolymer films.
PubMed: 38928856
DOI: 10.3390/foods13121914 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Research into microbial interactions during coffee processing is essential for developing new methods that adapt to climate change and improve flavor, thus enhancing the...
Research into microbial interactions during coffee processing is essential for developing new methods that adapt to climate change and improve flavor, thus enhancing the resilience and quality of global coffee production. This study aimed to investigate how microbial communities interact and contribute to flavor development in coffee processing within humid subtropical climates. Employing Illumina sequencing for microbial dynamics analysis, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) integrated with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for metabolite assessment, the study revealed intricate microbial diversity and associated metabolic activities. Throughout the fermentation process, dominant microbial species included , , , and from the prokaryotic group, and , , , , , and from the eukaryotic group. The key metabolites identified were ethanol, and lactic, acetic, and citric acids. Notably, the bacterial community plays a crucial role in flavor development by utilizing metabolic versatility to produce esters and alcohols, while plant-derived metabolites such as caffeine and linalool remain stable throughout the fermentation process. The undirected network analysis revealed 321 interactions among microbial species and key substances during the fermentation process, with , , and showing strong connections with sugar and various volatile compounds, such as hexanal, benzaldehyde, 3-methylbenzaldehyde, 2-butenal, and 4-heptenal. These interactions, including inhibitory effects by and , suggest microbial adaptability to subtropical conditions, potentially influencing fermentation and coffee quality. The sensory analysis showed that the final beverage obtained a score of 80.83 ± 0.39, being classified as a specialty coffee by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) metrics. Nonetheless, further enhancements in acidity, body, and aftertaste could lead to a more balanced flavor profile. The findings of this research hold substantial implications for the coffee industry in humid subtropical regions, offering potential strategies to enhance flavor quality and consistency through controlled fermentation practices. Furthermore, this study contributes to the broader understanding of how microbial ecology interplays with environmental factors to influence food and beverage fermentation, a topic of growing interest in the context of climate change and sustainable agriculture.
PubMed: 38928813
DOI: 10.3390/foods13121871 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024A family of bifunctional dihetarylmethanes and dibenzoxanthenes is assembled via a reaction of acetals containing a 2-chloroacetamide moiety with phenols and related...
A family of bifunctional dihetarylmethanes and dibenzoxanthenes is assembled via a reaction of acetals containing a 2-chloroacetamide moiety with phenols and related oxygen-containing heterocycles. These compounds demonstrated selective antitumor activity associated with the induction of cell apoptosis and inhibition of the process of glycolysis. In particular, bis(heteroaryl)methane containing two 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyran-2-one moieties combine excellent in vitro antitumor efficacy with an IC of 1.7 µM in HuTu-80 human duodenal adenocarcinoma models with a high selectivity index of 73. Overall, this work highlights the therapeutic potential of dimeric compounds assembled from functionalized acetals and builds a starting point for the development of a new family of anticancer agents.
Topics: Humans; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Cell Line, Tumor; Methane; Cell Proliferation; Xanthenes
PubMed: 38928428
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126724