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American Family Physician Jun 2024Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the central face, affecting 5% of the population. The exact etiology is unknown. A diagnosis is made based on the... (Review)
Review
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the central face, affecting 5% of the population. The exact etiology is unknown. A diagnosis is made based on the updated 2017 National Rosacea Society Expert Committee guidelines, including fixed erythema, phymatous changes of skin thickening due to sebaceous gland hyperplasia and fibrosis, papules, pustules, telangiectasia, and flushing. Delays in an accurate diagnosis and treatment may occur in skin of color due to difficulty visualizing erythema and telangiectasia. The daily use of sunscreen, moisturizers, and mild skin cleansers and avoidance of triggers are essential aspects of maintenance treatment. Effective topical treatment options include alpha-adrenergic receptor agonists for flushing and ivermectin, metronidazole, and azelaic acid for papules and pustules. Systemic treatments include nonselective beta blockers for flushing, low-dose doxycycline, and isotretinoin for papules and pustules. Rosacea can significantly affect a patient's emotional health and quality of life. A referral for care is recommended for fixed phymatous changes and ocular rosacea. (Am Fam Physician. 2024;109(6):533-542.
Topics: Rosacea; Humans; Dermatologic Agents; Quality of Life; Dicarboxylic Acids
PubMed: 38905551
DOI: No ID Found -
Archives of Microbiology Jun 2024Cotinine, the primary metabolite of nicotine in the human body, is an emerging pollutant in aquatic environments. It causes environmental problems and is harmful to the...
Cotinine, the primary metabolite of nicotine in the human body, is an emerging pollutant in aquatic environments. It causes environmental problems and is harmful to the health of humans and other mammals; however, the mechanisms of its biodegradation have been elucidated incompletely. In this study, a novel Gram-negative strain that could degrade and utilize cotinine as a sole carbon source was isolated from municipal wastewater samples, and its cotinine degradation characteristics and kinetics were determined. Pseudomonas sp. JH-2 was able to degrade 100 mg/L (0.56 mM) of cotinine with high efficiency within 5 days at 30 ℃, pH 7.0, and 1% NaCl. Two intermediates, 6-hydroxycotinine and 6-hydroxy-3-succinoylpyridine (HSP), were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer. The draft whole genome sequence of strain JH-2 was obtained and analyzed to determine genomic structure and function. No homologs of proteins predicted in Nocardioides sp. JQ2195 and reported in nicotine degradation Pyrrolidine pathway were found in strain JH-2, suggesting new enzymes that responsible for cotinine catabolism. These findings provide meaningful insights into the biodegradation of cotinine by Gram-negative bacteria.
Topics: Pseudomonas; Biodegradation, Environmental; Cotinine; Wastewater; Nicotine; Pyridines; Genome, Bacterial; Phylogeny; Succinates
PubMed: 38904699
DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-04036-x -
Urolithiasis Jun 2024An increased prevalence of vascular calcification (VC) has been reported in kidney stone formers (KSFs), along with an elevated cardiovascular risk. The aim of the...
An increased prevalence of vascular calcification (VC) has been reported in kidney stone formers (KSFs), along with an elevated cardiovascular risk. The aim of the current study is to assess whether VC in these patients develops at a younger age and is influenced by stone composition. This single-center, matched case-control study included KSFs with uric acid or calcium oxalate stones (diagnosed based on stone analysis) and age- and sex-matched controls without a history of nephrolithiasis. The prevalence and severity of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were compared between KSFs and non-KSFs. In total, 335 patients were investigated: 134 with calcium oxalate stones, 67 with uric acid stones, and 134 controls. Overall, the prevalence of AAC was significantly higher among calcium stone formers than among the controls (67.9% vs. 47%, p = 0.002). In patients under 60 years of age, those with calcium oxalate stones exhibited both a significantly elevated AAC prevalence (61.9% vs. 31.3%, p = 0.016) and severity (94.8 ± 15.4 vs. 30.3 ± 15.95, p = 0.001) compared to the controls. Within the age group of 40-49, osteoporosis was identified only in the KSFs. Multivariate analysis identified age, smoking, and the presence of calcium stones as independent predictors of AAC. This study highlights that VC and osteoporosis occur in KSFs at a younger age than in non-stone-formers, suggesting potential premature VC. Its pathogenesis is intriguing and needs to be elucidated. Early evaluation and intervention may be crucial for mitigating the cardiovascular risk in this population.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Vascular Calcification; Female; Male; Kidney Calculi; Case-Control Studies; Adult; Age Factors; Prevalence; Calcium Oxalate; Bone Density; Uric Acid; Aged; Aorta, Abdominal; Severity of Illness Index; Osteoporosis
PubMed: 38904673
DOI: 10.1007/s00240-024-01597-w -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Exposure to a mixture of environmental chemicals may cause gallstone, but the evidence remains equivocal. The current study aims to investigate the association between...
BACKGROUND
Exposure to a mixture of environmental chemicals may cause gallstone, but the evidence remains equivocal. The current study aims to investigate the association between phthalate metabolites and gallstones, and to explore their mediators.
METHODS
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018 on U.S. adults (≥20 years) were analyzed to explore the association between phthalate metabolites and gallstones by employed survey-weighted logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). Mediation analyses examined the role of oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, metabolic syndrome, body composition, diabetes, and insulin.
RESULTS
The current study included 1,384 participants, representing 200.6 million U.S. adults. Our results indicated a significant association between phthalate metabolites, particularly high molecular weight metabolites such as Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and 1,2-Cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH), and gallstones. Furthermore, mediation analyses indicated that phthalate metabolites may play a role in the development of gallstones by influencing insulin secretion. Subgroup analyses did not reveal significant interaction.
CONCLUSION
The association between exposure to phthalates and the occurrence of gallstones, potentially mediated by hyperinsulinemia from a nationally representative epidemiological perspective. These insights contribute to a better understanding of the potential health implications of plasticizers, emphasizing the need for proactive management measures.
Topics: Humans; Phthalic Acids; Female; Male; Adult; Insulin; Nutrition Surveys; Middle Aged; Gallstones; United States; Environmental Exposure; Bayes Theorem
PubMed: 38903577
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1401420 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Enzymes of the central metabolism tend to assemble into transient supramolecular complexes. However, the functional significance of the interactions, particularly...
Enzymes of the central metabolism tend to assemble into transient supramolecular complexes. However, the functional significance of the interactions, particularly between enzymes catalyzing non-consecutive reactions, remains unclear. Here, by co-localizing two non-consecutive enzymes of the TCA cycle from Bacillus subtilis, malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD), in phase separated droplets we show that MDH-ICD interaction leads to enzyme agglomeration with a concomitant enhancement of ICD catalytic rate and an apparent sequestration of its reaction product, 2-oxoglutarate. Theory demonstrates that MDH-mediated clustering of ICD molecules explains the observed phenomena. In vivo analyses reveal that MDH overexpression leads to accumulation of 2-oxoglutarate and reduction of fluxes flowing through both the catabolic and anabolic branches of the carbon-nitrogen intersection occupied by 2-oxoglutarate, resulting in impeded ammonium assimilation and reduced biomass production. Our findings suggest that the MDH-ICD interaction is an important coordinator of carbon-nitrogen metabolism.
Topics: Citric Acid Cycle; Nitrogen; Carbon; Malate Dehydrogenase; Bacillus subtilis; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase; Ketoglutaric Acids; Bacterial Proteins; Ammonium Compounds
PubMed: 38902266
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49646-7 -
Environmental Science & Technology Jun 2024Surface-active organics lower the aerosol surface tension (σ), leading to enhanced cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity and potentially exerting impacts on the...
Evidence of Surface-Tension Lowering of Atmospheric Aerosols by Organics from Field Observations in an Urban Atmosphere: Relation to Particle Size and Chemical Composition.
Surface-active organics lower the aerosol surface tension (σ), leading to enhanced cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity and potentially exerting impacts on the climate. Quantification of σ is mainly limited to laboratory or modeling work for particles with selected sizes and known chemical compositions. Inferred values from ambient aerosol populations are deficient. In this study, we propose a new method to derive σ by combining field measurements made at an urban site in northern China with the κ-Köhler theory. The results present new evidence that organics remarkably lower the surface tension of aerosols in a polluted atmosphere. Particles sized around 40 nm have an averaged σ of 53.8 mN m, while particles sized up to 100 nm show σ values approaching that of pure water. The dependence curve of σ with the organic mass resembles the behavior of dicarboxylic acids, suggesting their critical role in reducing the surface tension. The study further reveals that neglecting the σ lowering effect would result in lowered ultrafine CCN (diameter <100 nm) concentrations by 6.8-42.1% at a typical range of supersaturations in clouds, demonstrating the significant impact of surface tension on the CCN concentrations of urban aerosols.
PubMed: 38900148
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c03141 -
Dalton Transactions (Cambridge, England... Jun 2024A theoretical study of the reported photocatalytic systems based on Zr-based MOF (UiO-67) with biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid (bpdc) and...
A theoretical study of the reported photocatalytic systems based on Zr-based MOF (UiO-67) with biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid (bpdc) and 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid (bpydc) as linkers was performed. Quantum chemical calculations were carried out to understand the optical properties of the materials and to facilitate the rational design of new UiO-67 derivatives with potentially improved features as photocatalysts under ambient conditions. Hence, the effect of the structural modifications on the optical properties was studied considering different designs based on the nature of the linkers: in 1 only the bpdc linker was considered, or the mixture 1 : 1 between bpdc and bpydc linkers (labeled as 1A). Also, substituents R, -NH, and -SH, were included in the 1A MOF only over the bpdc linker (labeled as 1A-bpdc-R) and on both bpdc and bpydc linkers (labeled as 1A-R). Thus a family of six isoreticular UiO-67 derivatives was theoretically characterized using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations on the ground singlet (S) and first excited states (singlet and triplet) using Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT), multiconfigurational post-Hartree-Fock method Complete Active Space Self-Consistent Field (CASSCF). In addition, the use of periodic DFT calculations suggest that the energy transfer (ET) channel between bpdc and bpydc linkers might generate more luminescence quenching of 1A when compare to 1. Besides, the results suggest that the 1A-R (R: -SH and NH) can be used under ambient conditions; however, the ET exhibited by 1A, cannot take place in the same magnitude in these systems. These ET can favor the photocatalytic reduction of a potential metal ion, that can coordinate with the bpydc ligand, LMCT transition. Consequently, the MOF might be photocatalytically active against molecules of interest (such as H, N, CO, among others) with photo-reduced metal ions. These theoretical results serve as a useful tool to guide experimental efforts in the design of new photocatalytic MOF-based systems.
PubMed: 38898805
DOI: 10.1039/d4dt01017e -
Organic Letters Jun 2024A boron-catalyzed Michael reaction using pairs of carboxylic acids was developed. The reaction occurs through dual activation of the two substrates by a boron catalyst,...
A boron-catalyzed Michael reaction using pairs of carboxylic acids was developed. The reaction occurs through dual activation of the two substrates by a boron catalyst, which facilitates boron enolate formation from the donor carboxylic acid with simultaneous activation of the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid as the acceptor. α-Aryl and α-alkenyl carboxylic acids were applicable as donors. The versatility and utility of this reaction were demonstrated by the direct use of pharmaceuticals as donor carboxylic acids.
PubMed: 38898380
DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c01542 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Evaluate urinary stone components' epidemiological features in urolithiasis individuals and explore potential correlations between stone components and patients'...
Evaluate urinary stone components' epidemiological features in urolithiasis individuals and explore potential correlations between stone components and patients' clinical characteristics. A retrospective analysis of urinary stone compositions in 496 patients from a northern Taiwan medical center (February 2006 to October 2021) was conducted. We investigated associations between sex, age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia (HLP), gout, coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebral vascular accident (CVA), chronic kidney disease (CKD), habits, urine pH, and three main stone groups: calcium oxalate (CaOx), calcium phosphate (CaP), and uric acid (UA). Males accounted for 66.5% of cases, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.99:1. Males were negatively associated with CaP stones (OR 0.313, p < 0.001) and positively with UA stones (OR 2.456, p = 0.009). Age showed a negative correlation with CaOx stones (OR 0.987, p = 0.040) and a positive correlation with UA stones (OR 1.023, p < 0.001). DM had a protective effect against CaP stones (OR 0.316, p = 0.004). Gout had a positive association with UA stones (OR 2.085, p = 0.035). Smoking was adversely associated with UA stones (OR 0.350, p = 0.018). Higher urine pH was a risk factor for CaP stones (OR 1.641, p = 0.001) and a protective factor against UA stones (OR 0.296, p < 0.001). These results may provide insights into the pathogenesis of urinary stones and the development of preventative strategies for high-risk populations. Further research is required to confirm and expand upon these findings.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Taiwan; Middle Aged; Urinary Calculi; Aged; Uric Acid; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Calcium Phosphates; Calcium Oxalate; Risk Factors; Gout
PubMed: 38898140
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64869-w -
Planta Jun 2024γ-Aminobutyric acid alleviates acid-aluminum toxicity to roots associated with enhanced antioxidant metabolism as well as accumulation and transportation of citric...
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) priming alleviates acid-aluminum toxicity to roots of creeping bentgrass via enhancements in antioxidant defense and organic metabolites remodeling.
γ-Aminobutyric acid alleviates acid-aluminum toxicity to roots associated with enhanced antioxidant metabolism as well as accumulation and transportation of citric and malic acids. Aluminum (Al) toxicity has become the main limiting factor for crop growth and development in acidic soils and is further being aggravated worldwide due to continuous industrial pollution. The current study was designed to examine effects of GABA priming on alleviating acid-Al toxicity in terms of root growth, antioxidant defense, citrate and malate metabolisms, and extensive metabolites remodeling in roots under acidic conditions. Thirty-seven-day-old creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) plants were used as test materials. Roots priming with or without 0.5 mM GABA for 3 days were cultivated in standard nutrient solution for 15 days as control or subjected to nutrient solution containing 5 mM AlCl·6HO for 15 days as acid-Al stress treatment. Roots were sampled for determinations of root characteristics, physiological and biochemical parameters, and metabolomics. GABA priming significantly alleviated acid-Al-induced root growth inhibition and oxidative damage, despite it promoted the accumulation of Al in roots. Analysis of metabolomics showed that GABA priming significantly increased accumulations of organic acids, amino acids, carbohydrates, and other metabolites in roots under acid-Al stress. In addition, GABA priming also significantly up-regulated key genes related to accumulation and transportation of malic and citric acids in roots under acid-Al stress. GABA-regulated metabolites participated in tricarboxylic acid cycle, GABA shunt, antioxidant defense system, and lipid metabolism, which played positive roles in reactive oxygen species scavenging, energy conversion, osmotic adjustment, and Al ion chelation in roots.
Topics: Plant Roots; Antioxidants; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Aluminum; Agrostis; Malates; Citric Acid; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38896325
DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04461-8