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Biomolecules May 2024Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities affecting ~25% of adults and is linked to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and...
Reduced Insulin Resistance and Oxidative Stress in a Mouse Model of Metabolic Syndrome following Twelve Weeks of Citrus Bioflavonoid Hesperidin Supplementation: A Dose-Response Study.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities affecting ~25% of adults and is linked to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key drivers of MetS. Hesperidin, a citrus bioflavonoid, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its effects on MetS are not fully established. We aimed to determine the optimal dose of hesperidin required to improve oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and glycemic control in a novel mouse model of MetS. Male 5-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat, high-salt, high-sugar diet (HFSS; 42% kcal fat content in food and drinking water with 0.9% saline and 10% high fructose corn syrup) for 16 weeks. After 6 weeks of HFSS, mice were randomly allocated to either the placebo group or low- (70 mg/kg/day), mid- (140 mg/kg/day), or high-dose (280 mg/kg/day) hesperidin supplementation for 12 weeks. The HFSS diet induced significant metabolic disturbances. HFSS + placebo mice gained almost twice the weight of control mice ( < 0.0001). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) increased by 40% ( < 0.0001), plasma insulin by 100% ( < 0.05), and HOMA-IR by 150% ( < 0.0004), indicating insulin resistance. Hesperidin supplementation reduced plasma insulin by 40% at 140 mg/kg/day ( < 0.0001) and 50% at 280 mg/kg/day ( < 0.005). HOMA-IR decreased by 45% at both doses ( < 0.0001). Plasma hesperidin levels significantly increased in all hesperidin groups ( < 0.0001). Oxidative stress, measured by 8-OHdG, was increased by 40% in HFSS diet mice ( < 0.001) and reduced by 20% with all hesperidin doses ( < 0.005). In conclusion, hesperidin supplementation reduced insulin resistance and oxidative stress in HFSS-fed mice, demonstrating its dose-dependent therapeutic potential in MetS.
Topics: Animals; Hesperidin; Oxidative Stress; Insulin Resistance; Metabolic Syndrome; Male; Mice; Citrus; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Blood Glucose; Diet, High-Fat; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38927040
DOI: 10.3390/biom14060637 -
Toxins Jun 2024The rise in cyanobacterial blooms due to eutrophication and climate change has increased cyanotoxin presence in water. Most current water treatment plants do not...
The rise in cyanobacterial blooms due to eutrophication and climate change has increased cyanotoxin presence in water. Most current water treatment plants do not effectively remove these toxins, posing a potential risk to public health. This study introduces a water treatment approach using nanostructured beads containing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for easy removal from liquid suspension, coated with different adsorbent materials to eliminate cyanotoxins. Thirteen particle types were produced using activated carbon, CMK-3 mesoporous carbon, graphene, chitosan, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidised cellulose nanofibers (TOCNF), esterified pectin, and calcined lignin as an adsorbent component. The particles' effectiveness for detoxification of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), cylindrospermopsin (CYN), and anatoxin-A (ATX-A) was assessed in an aqueous solution. Two particle compositions presented the best adsorption characteristics for the most common cyanotoxins. In the conditions tested, mesoporous carbon nanostructured particles, P1-CMK3, provide good removal of MC-LR and Merck-activated carbon nanostructured particles, P9-MAC, can remove ATX-A and CYN with high and fair efficacy, respectively. Additionally, in vitro toxicity of water treated with each particle type was evaluated in cultured cell lines, revealing no alteration of viability in human renal, neuronal, hepatic, and intestinal cells. Although further research is needed to fully characterise this new water treatment approach, it appears to be a safe, practical, and effective method for eliminating cyanotoxins from water.
Topics: Cyanobacteria Toxins; Humans; Microcystins; Marine Toxins; Water Purification; Adsorption; Bacterial Toxins; Alkaloids; Magnetite Nanoparticles; Tropanes; Nanostructures; Uracil; Cyanobacteria; Cell Survival; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 38922163
DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060269 -
Toxins Jun 2024The escalating proliferation of cyanobacteria poses significant taste and odor (T/O) challenges, impacting freshwater ecosystems, public health, and water treatment... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Temporal Dynamics and Influential Factors of Taste and Odor Compounds in the Eastern Drinking Water Source of Chaohu Lake, China: A Comparative Analysis of Global Freshwaters.
The escalating proliferation of cyanobacteria poses significant taste and odor (T/O) challenges, impacting freshwater ecosystems, public health, and water treatment costs. We examined monthly variations in four T/O compounds from September 2011 to August 2012 in Chaohu Lake's eastern drinking water source (DECL). More importantly, we compared the reported T/O occurrence and the related factors in freshwater bodies worldwide. The assessment of T/O issues indicated a severe and widespread problem, with many cases surpassing odor threshold values. Remarkably, China reported the highest frequency and severity of odor-related problems. A temporal analysis revealed variations in odor occurrences within the same water body across different years, emphasizing the need to consider high values in all seasons for water safety. Globally, T/O issues were widespread, demanding attention to variations within the same water body and across different layers. Algae were crucial contributors to odor compounds, necessitating targeted interventions due to diverse odorant sources and properties. A correlation analysis alone lacked definitive answers, emphasizing the essential role of further validation, such as algae isolation. Nutrients are likely to have influenced the T/O, as GSM and MIB correlated positively with nitrate and ammonia nitrogen in DECL, resulting in proposed control recommendations. This study offers recommendations for freshwater ecosystem management and serves as a foundation for future research and management strategies to address T/O challenges.
Topics: Odorants; China; Lakes; Drinking Water; Taste; Environmental Monitoring; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Cyanobacteria; Seasons; Fresh Water
PubMed: 38922158
DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060264 -
Toxics Jun 2024Chiang Mai province of Thailand is known for having the highest natural background radiation in the country, as well as being recognized as one of the world's most...
Chiang Mai province of Thailand is known for having the highest natural background radiation in the country, as well as being recognized as one of the world's most polluted cities for air quality. This represents the major contributor to the development of lung cancer. This research aims to estimate the comprehensive dose of both internal and external exposure due to natural background radiation and related health perspectives in the highly polluted area of Chiang Mai. The average values of indoor radon and thoron concentrations in 99 houses over 6 months were 40.8 ± 22.6 and 17.8 ± 16.3 Bq/m, respectively. These results exceed the worldwide value for indoor radon and thoron (40 and 10 Bq/m), respectively. During burning season, the average values of indoor radon (56.7 ± 20 Bq/m) and thoron (20.8 ± 20.4 Bq/m) concentrations were higher than the world-wide averages. The radon concentration in drinking water (56 samples) varied from 0.1 to 91.9 Bq/L, with an average value of 9.1 ± 22.8 Bq/L. Most of the drinking water samples (87%) fell below the recommended maximum contamination limit of 11.1 Bq/L. The average values of natural radionuclide (Ra, Th and K) in 48 soil samples were 47 ± 20.9, 77.9 ± 29.7 and 700.1 ± 233 Bq/kg, respectively. All values were higher than the worldwide average of 35, 30 and 400 Bq/kg, respectively. The average value of outdoor absorbed gamma dose rate (98 ± 32.5 nGy/h) exceeded the worldwide average of 59 nGy/h. Meanwhile, the average activity concentrations of Ra, Th and K in 25 plant food samples were 2.7 ± 0.1, 3.2 ± 1.6 and 1000.7 ± 1.9 Bq/kg, respectively. The K concentration was the most predominant in plant foods. The highest concentrations of Ra, Th and K were found in Chinese cabbage, celery and cilantro, respectively. The total annual effective dose for residents in the study area varied from 0.6 to 4.3 mSv, with an average value of 1.4 mSv. This indicates a significant long-term public health hazard due to natural background radiation and suggests a heightened radiation risk for the residents. The excess lifetime cancer risk value (5.4) associated with natural background radiation was found to be higher than the recommended value. Moreover, the number of lung cancer cases per year per million average of 25.2 per million persons per year was in the limit range 170-230 per million people. Overall, our results will be used for future decision making in the prevention of lung cancer risk associated with natural background radiation.
PubMed: 38922108
DOI: 10.3390/toxics12060428 -
Toxics May 2024A community engaged research (CER) approach was used to provide an exposure assessment of poly- and perfluorinated (PFAS) compounds in North Carolina residential...
A community engaged research (CER) approach was used to provide an exposure assessment of poly- and perfluorinated (PFAS) compounds in North Carolina residential drinking water. Working in concert with community partners, who acted as liaisons to local residents, samples were collected by North Carolina residents from three different locations along the Cape Fear River basin: upper, middle, and lower areas of the river. Residents collected either drinking water samples from their homes or recreational water samples from near their residence that were then submitted by the community partners for PFAS analysis. All samples were processed using weak anion exchange (WAX) solid phase extraction and analyzed using a non-targeted suspect screening approach as well as a quantitative approach that included a panel of 45 PFAS analytes, several of which are specific to chemical industries near the collection site locations. The non-targeted approach, which utilized a suspect screening list (obtained from EPA CompTox database) identified several PFAS compounds at a level two confidence rating (Schymanski scale); compounds identified included a fluorinated insecticide, a fluorinated herbicide, a PFAS used in polymer chemistry, and another that is used in battery production. Notably, at several locations, PFOA (39.8 ng/L) and PFOS (205.3 ng/L) were at levels that exceeded the mandatory EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4 ng/L. Additionally, several sites had detectable levels of PFAS that are unique to a local chemical manufacturer. These findings were communicated back to the community partners who then disseminated this information to the local residents to help empower and aid in making decisions for reducing their PFAS exposure.
PubMed: 38922083
DOI: 10.3390/toxics12060403 -
Membranes May 2024Addressing the characterization of Natural Organic Matter (NOM) removal by functionalized membranes in water treatment, this study evaluates the effectiveness of two...
Addressing the characterization of Natural Organic Matter (NOM) removal by functionalized membranes in water treatment, this study evaluates the effectiveness of two commercial ion-exchange membrane adsorbers: Sartobind Q (with quaternary amines) and D (with tertiary amines). Using Suwannee River NOM (SRNOM) as a surrogate, Langmuir adsorption isotherms revealed maximum capacities (Q) of 2966 ± 153 mg C/m and 2888 ± 112 mg C/m, respectively. Variations in flux from 50 to 500 LMH had a minimal impact on breakthrough times, proving low diffusion limitations. The macroporous (3-5 µm) functionalized cellulose-based membranes exhibited high permeabilities of 10,800 L/(h m bar). Q maintained positive zeta potential vs. pH, while D's zeta potential decreased above pH 7 due to amine deprotonation and turning negative above an isoelectric point of 9.1. Regeneration with 0.01 M NaOH achieved over 95% DOC regeneration for Sartobind D, characterizing reversibility through a pH-swing. Cyclic adsorption showed that Q maintained its capacity with over 99% DOC regeneration, while D required acidic conditioning after the first regeneration cycle to mitigate capacity reduction and re-deprotonate the adsorber. These results have demonstrated the potential suitability of adsorber membranes, designed originally for biotechnological purposes, for the possible removal of disinfection byproduct precursors in drinking water treatment.
PubMed: 38921491
DOI: 10.3390/membranes14060124 -
Dentistry Journal Jun 2024Amelogenesis imperfecta is a hereditary disorder affecting dental enamel. Among its phenotypes, hypocalcified AI is characterized by mineral deficiency, leading to...
BACKGROUND
Amelogenesis imperfecta is a hereditary disorder affecting dental enamel. Among its phenotypes, hypocalcified AI is characterized by mineral deficiency, leading to tissue wear and, consequently, dental sensitivity. Excessive fluoride intake (through drinking water, fluoride supplements, toothpaste, or by ingesting products such as pesticides or insecticides) can lead to a condition known as dental fluorosis, which manifests as stains and teeth discoloration affecting their structure. Our recent studies have shown that extracts from Colombian native plants, and , deposit mineral ions such as phosphate and orthophosphate into the dental enamel structure; however, it is unknown whether these extracts produce toxic effects on the dental pulp.
OBJECTIVE
To assess cytotoxicity effects on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) exposed to extracts isolated from and . and, hence, their safety for clinical use.
METHODS
Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry techniques were employed. For Raman spectroscopy, hDPSCs were seeded onto nanobiochips designed to provide surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS effect), which enhances their Raman signal by several orders of magnitude. After eight days in culture, and extracts at different concentrations (10, 50, and 100 ppm) were added. Raman measurements were performed at 0, 12, and 24 h following extract application. Fluorescence microscopy was conducted using an OLIMPUS fv1000 microscope, a live-dead assay was performed using a kit employing a BD FACS Canto TM II flow cytometer, and data analysis was determined using a FlowJo program.
RESULTS
The Raman spectroscopy results showed spectra consistent with viable cells. These findings were corroborated using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry techniques, confirming high cellular viability.
CONCLUSIONS
The analyzed extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity, suggesting that they could be safely applied on enamel for remineralization purposes. The use of nanobiochips for SERS effect improved the cell viability assessment.
PubMed: 38920890
DOI: 10.3390/dj12060189 -
Iranian Journal of Public Health Mar 2024Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, experienced a surge in production during the 20th century due to the rise of nickel-cadmium batteries, metal plating, and plastic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, experienced a surge in production during the 20th century due to the rise of nickel-cadmium batteries, metal plating, and plastic stabilizers. Exposure to cadmium primarily occurs through the consumption of contaminated food, such as vegetables and grains, as well as drinking water or inhaling polluted air. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between cadmium exposure and the incidence of prostate cancer using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach.
METHODS
This research involved searching and retrieving observational and experimental studies conducted until May 2022 from various databases, including ISI Web of Science, Cochrane, Science Direct, Scopus, Pub-Med, and Google Scholar. Data analysis was performed using Stata 15 statistical software.
RESULTS
The initial search yielded 794 articles, which were subsequently reduced to 427 articles after eliminating duplicates. Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 16 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The odds ratio of prostate cancer compared to the first quartile of exposure in the second quartile was 1.03 (0.95-1.12), in the third quartile it was 1.12 (0.99-1.26) and in the fourth quartile of exposure was equal to 1.16 (0.79-1.70). Regarding the investigation of the probability of the occurrence of publication bias, the results of Begg's and Egger's tests were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
Although exposure to cadmium leads to an increase in the chance of prostate cancer, this chance increase was not statistically significant.
PubMed: 38919294
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i3.15136 -
BMC Nutrition Jun 2024School-age is a dynamic period of growth and development, leading to good health and a productive adult life. Adequate dietary intake provides essential nutrients for...
CONTEXT
School-age is a dynamic period of growth and development, leading to good health and a productive adult life. Adequate dietary intake provides essential nutrients for growth, health and cognition. However, the practices of adequate nutrition is still not a matter of course for schoolchildren in many countries. The aim of this study was to identify associated factors of dietary diversity among students in public primary school in the Central Plateau Region.
METHOD
Multi-stage sampling was used to select schoolchildren. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information's of food consumption at home and at school using a 24-h dietary recall method. Binary logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with students' dietary diversity scores (DDS) with statistical significance at p < 0.05, after performing Chi-square test of independence to identify candidates variables at p < 0.25.
RESULTS
The study involved 560 pupils aged 6 to 14 older, including 52.9% girls and 47.9% boys. Dietary diversity was divided into three classes: low (DDS ≤ 4), medium (DDS = 5) and high (DDS ≥ 6). Thus, 13.4% of students have a low DDS and average in 48.9%, versus 37.7% high. Students in Ganzourgou were twice as likely to have a low DDS (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI:1.00-4.04) compared to those in Oubritenga. Household drinking water source, pupil status and father's occupation were significantly associated with pupils' dietary intake.
CONCLUSION
Primary schoolchildren don't have good dietary practices in the Plateau Central Region. Promoting dietary diversification in households and balanced meals in school canteens would be necessary to improve the DDS of schoolchildren.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinical Trial Number: 2022_33_/MS/MESRSI/CERS of 02/14/2022.
PubMed: 38918872
DOI: 10.1186/s40795-024-00896-0 -
PloS One 2024Young calves are more susceptible to cold than older animals due to their limited ability to regulate body temperature and lack of fat reserves and may have difficulty...
Young calves are more susceptible to cold than older animals due to their limited ability to regulate body temperature and lack of fat reserves and may have difficulty consuming the energy needed to cope with the cold by maintaining body temperature and meeting their metabolic needs, especially when fed constant levels of waste milk (WM) with less solids, which can be detrimental to health and future performance. An alternative to overcome this problem is increasing the milk's solids content to the existing volume by using different sources [milk replacer powder (MR) or transition milk (TM)]. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing the total solids of WM via MR (WM+MR) or TM (WM+TM) on the performance, feeding behavior, and health-related variables of cold-stressed dairy calves during pre- and post-weaning. We hypothesized that feeding WM supplemented with MR or TM as potential liquid feed enhancers would improve milk dry matter and energy intake of the calves with a positive impact on body development and have no negative impact on feeding behavior and health. Additionally, we hypothesized that MR would not differ from TM. As a sample size calculation at 80% power using power analysis (PROC POWER) in SAS 9.4, a total of 51 Holstein-Friesian vigorous male calves [vigor score 21-27; 17 per treatment; 4-d old; body weight (BW) = 40.0 ± 0.63 kg (mean ± SD)] were selected, assigned randomly to treatments, and housed in individual pens in an outdoor barn. Irrespective of the type of treatment, all calves were fed 6 kg/d liquid feed from d 1 to d 53 of the experiment. In a step-down weaning program, calves received 0.5 kg liquid feed from d 54 to d 60. All calves were weaned on d 61 and remained in the study until d 101 as post-weaning evaluation. The calves had ad libitum access to starter feed and fresh drinking water across the experiment. Intake, growth, and behavior data were analyzed using a general linear mixed model and health data were analyzed using mixed logistic regression, mixed linear regression, and survival analysis models in SAS. We found that supplementation was responsible for a greater dry matter intake (DMI; P = 0.004), superior average BW (P = 0.037), and increased crude protein (CP; P = 0.001) and crude fat (CF; P = 0.001) intakes, with the most favorable outcomes observed for the WM+TM group when compared with WM+MR. Animals fed WM (control group; CON) showed a smaller average daily gain during the first 40-d of life (P = 0.026), showing slight changes during the whole period of evaluation when compared with the supplemented groups (SUP; WM+MR and WM+TM). No difference between MR- and TM-SUP groups, probability of having abnormal appearance (P = 0.032) and pneumonia occurrence (P = 0.022) was reduced in the SUP than in CON animals, with no effect on diarrhea among treatment groups (P = 0.461). Using milk supplements added to WM is an alternative to improve the intake, performance, and health of young calves under cold stress. Our findings showed that SUP animals outperformed the CON group in terms of DMI, average BW, and intake of CP and CF, with the TM-SUP group displaying the most favorable outcomes. Moreover, the SUP groups demonstrated reduced odds of experiencing abnormal appearance and pneumonia, highlighting the positive impact of supplementation on calf health.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Milk; Animal Feed; Feeding Behavior; Dietary Supplements; Animals, Newborn; Cold Temperature; Weaning; Female; Male; Milk Substitutes; Powders
PubMed: 38917166
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305227