Article
Food Science & Technology
Young In Kim, Eun-Sook Lee, Eun-Ji Song, Dong-Uk Shin, Ji-Eun Eom, Hee Soon Shin, Jung Eun Kim, Ju Yeoun Oh, Young -Do Nam, So-Young Lee
Summary: Obesity is a global health problem affecting over one-third of the population and is caused by excessive fat accumulation. Probiotics, such as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei AO356, have been found to be an effective alternative treatment for preventing obesity without the side effects associated with FDA-approved anti-obesity drugs. Oral administration of AO356 to high-fat diet-fed mice resulted in a significant decrease in body weight gain, abnormal body composition, and obesity-related health issues through regulating adipogenesis and thermogenesis.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Linda F. Boeswald, Jasmin Wenderlein, Wolfgang Siegert, Reinhard K. Straubinger, Ellen Kienzle
Summary: Data on mineral digestibility is essential for understanding mineral homeostasis and improving dietary recommendations. While there is ample information on mineral digestibility in farm animals and pets, there is a lack of data in laboratory mice under maintenance conditions, which is crucial for studying mineral homeostasis. This study analyzed data on intake, faecal excretion, and apparent digestibility of various minerals in C57BL/6J mice fed different maintenance diets.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Mika Hori, Yukiko Hasegawa, Yoshitaka Hayashi, Tomoko Nakagami, Mariko Harada-Shiba
Summary: We investigated the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 on serum LDL-C levels and its mechanism in Ldlr-/- and C57BL/6J mice. The treatment decreased serum VLDL-C and LDL-C levels in both mouse strains, independent of LDLR.
JOURNAL OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND THROMBOSIS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kenneth Alper, Janelle Cange, Ria Sah, Deanna Schreiber-Gregory, Henry Sershen, K. Yaragudri Vinod
Summary: This study investigated the effects of psilocybin on voluntary ethanol consumption in adult male and female C57BL/6J mice. The results showed that psilocybin reduced ethanol consumption and preference in male mice, but had no significant effect in female mice.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Chenxiao Zhang, Tengfei Ma, Chang Liu, Ding Ma, Jian Wang, Meng Liu, Jinjun Ran, Xueting Wang, Xiaobei Deng
Summary: PM2.5 exposure can lead to extensive metabolic disturbances, particularly in lipid and amino acid metabolism. It is associated with the enrichment of disease pathways and signaling pathways related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type II diabetes mellitus, TGF-beta, AMPK, and mTOR. Accumulation of acylcarnitine in liver tissue restricts lipid consumption and contributes to hepatic steatosis. The aberrant expression of key transcription factors, such as PPARs and SREBP1, may play a regulatory role in lipid metabolic disorders.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Brandon L. Oliver, McKenna H. Burdette, Alma E. Pahua, Cassandra Cavazos, Cheyenne A. Morales, Bryan D. Alvarez, Dionisio A. Amodeo
Summary: Acute activation of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1A receptors impairs behavioral flexibility, a common trait associated with OCD.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min Shin, Madhavi Pandya, Kristan Espinosa, Ravindra Telang, Jordi Boix, Peter R. Thorne, Srdjan M. Vlajkovic
Summary: The study found that weekly injections of istradefylline in middle-aged C57BL/6 mice can attenuate the progression of ARHL and improve cochlear development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brenda Kick, Laura Anderson, Rosalinda Doty, Christine Wooley, Meaghan Dyer, Torrian Green, Veronica Knickerbocker, Zoe Brown, Samantha Loeber, Janine Wotton, Bonnie Lyons, Linda Waterman, Zoe Bichler
Summary: Tarsal joint abnormalities, including calcaneal displacement, inflammation, and proliferation of cartilage and connective tissue, have been observed in aged male mice of the C57BL/6J lineage. These abnormalities lead to decreased body weight, increased frailty, heightened touch sensitivity, and reduced running ability. This study emphasizes the importance of further characterizing inbred mouse mutations.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Deming Li, Zhiqiang Hu, Qian He, Yaxin Guo, Yu Chong, Jiaying Xu, Liqiang Qin
Summary: The research shows that lactoferrin can attenuate acute alcoholic liver injury in female mice, with high-dose lactoferrin having significant alleviating effects. Lactoferrin pretreatment does not affect hepatic alcohol metabolism or reactive oxygen species levels induced by ethanol, suggesting a potential role of redox-stress response capacity in its effects. Lactoferrin may prevent acute ALI in female mice through promoting AKT and AMP-activated protein kinase activations and upregulating Nrf2 and LC3-II expressions.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xuexia Li, Linfeng Le, Qingqing Shi, Hao Xu, Chao Wang, Yufang Xiong, Xun Wang, Guoli Wu, Qiong Liu, Xiubo Du
Summary: The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is complex and multifactorial. Tau pathology is more related to clinical symptoms and severity of AD compared to A beta. The interaction between Zn2+ and tau plays a role in tau toxicity, but the mechanism is not fully understood.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shino Nemoto, Tetsuya Kubota, Hiroshi Ohno
Summary: This study investigates the genetic cause of phenotypic differences between B6J and B6N mice, identifying candidate genes with differential expression in metabolic tissues and providing comparative data on body weight, tissue weight, blood components, and energy balance. These findings have important implications for future research in related fields.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Reiber, Ines Koska, Claudia Pace, Katharina Schonhoff, Lara von Schumann, Rupert Palme, Heidrun Potschka
Summary: Evidence suggests that behavioral patterns in mice only stabilize once they reach adulthood. This study investigated the course of behavioral patterns in different age groups, particularly during adolescence, and found age- and sex-specific differences in certain behaviors. The study also identified age-related changes, such as a decline in saccharin preference in female mice. The data sets provide guidance for future behavioral studies and the development of severity assessment measures in young mice.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Karin Pernold, Eric Rullman, Brun Ulfhake
Summary: The objective was to characterize the pattern of rest and physical activity (PA) of C57BL/6J mice using the raw data output from a scalable home cage monitoring system. The analysis showed that mice spend most of their time in bouts of long rest and engage in physical activity, with a significant preference for the peripheral floor area. The extraction of electrode activations density (EAD) from the raw data can serve as a proxy for PA and rest, enabling monitoring of group housed mice.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Moriah Carper, Katherine M. Contreras, D. Matthew Walentiny, Patrick M. Beardsley, M. Imad Damaj
Summary: This study established a mouse model of oxycodone dependence to investigate withdrawal effects, with pretreatment with oxycodone or clonidine preventing emergence of withdrawal signs. Mice treated with oxycodone exhibited more withdrawal signs 24 hours post-injection, while naloxone challenges showed peak withdrawal signs at 6 hours. The model is validated and provides a means to examine novel therapeutics for opioid withdrawal.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Beatriz Ferrer, Lisa M. Prince, Alexey A. Tinkov, Abel Santamaria, Aaron B. Bowman, Michael Aschner
Summary: MeHg disrupts the physiological functions of ghrelin differently in males and females, enhancing ghrelin-induced body weight gain in males by activating the AMPK/UCP2 signaling pathway and mitigating ghrelin-induced weight gain in females by inhibiting mTOR signaling and decreasing Npy mRNA expression.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. J. Fernandez-Rodriguez, D. de la Lama-Calvente, A. Jimenez-Rodriguez, R. Pino-Mejias, R. Borja, B. Rincon
Summary: This study investigated the effect of soft hydrothermal pre-treatment on olive mill solid waste (OMSW) and its subsequent anaerobic digestion. The pre-treatment at 121 degrees C and 1.1 bar for 30 minutes showed the highest methane yield. The solubilization of important compounds and reduction of fiber size were observed after pre-treatments, leading to an improved digestibility of OMSW. The influence of pre-treatment conditions on the anaerobic digestion process was evaluated through process performance monitoring and kinetic parameters calculation.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. J. Fernandez-Rodriguez, J. M. Mancilla-Leyton, D. de la Lama-Calvente, R. Borja
Summary: This research evaluated the anaerobic digestion of llama and dromedary dungs in batch mode at mesophilic temperature. The study found that trampled llama dung had a higher methane yield compared to raw llama and dromedary dungs. Trampled llama dung was determined to be the best substrate for methane production due to its high volatile solids content, nitrogen content, and appropriate C/N ratio. The experimental data aligns with both first-order kinetic and transference function mathematical models.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Maria Jose Fernandez-Rodriguez, David de la Lama-Calvente, Mercedes Garcia-Gonzalez, Jose Moreno-Fernandez, Antonia Jimenez-Rodriguez, Rafael Borja, Barbara Rincon-Llorente
Summary: This study evaluates and comprehensively utilizes the byproducts of the two-phase olive oil elaboration process, by using olive washing water and olive oil washing water as a culture medium to grow microalgae, and then conducting anaerobic co-digestion of the microalgal biomass and olive mill solid waste. It achieves the full valorization and circular utilization of all the byproducts generated in the two-phase olive oil process.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. J. Fernandez-Rodriguez, J. Cubero-Cardoso, D. de la Lama-Calvente, A. Fernandez-Prior, G. Rodriguez-Gutierrez, R. Borja
Summary: The aim of this research was to study the impact of a novel cold-pressing system in olive oil manufacturing on the characteristics of olive pomace (OP) and its utilization through anaerobic digestion (AD). The study found that the highest methane yield and biodegradability value were obtained from OP derived from green olives without cold-pressing. The first-order and Transference Function (TF) kinetic models showed that the performance of anaerobic digestion was slightly better for OP derived from green olives compared to those from olives in veraison. The cold-pressing system resulted in a decrease in methane production rate for green olives.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
David de la Lama-Calvente, Maria Jose Fernandez-Rodriguez, Jacinto Gandullo, Irene Desena, Clara de la Osa, Ana Belen Feria, Antonia Jimenez-Rodriguez, Rafael Borja
Summary: In order to reduce environmental impact and improve resource sustainability, the use of landrace cultivars that support regenerative agriculture needs to be promoted and strengthened. This study evaluated the growth, development, and anaerobic digestion of different sorghum varieties, including landrace cultivars and commercial hybrids. The landrace cultivars showed better performance in terms of height, biomass yields, compactness shoots, and grain production compared to commercial varieties. The anaerobic digestion of the sorghum straws was carried out at mesophilic temperature, and the landrace cultivar Zahina obtained the highest methane yield. Mathematical models were used to describe and simulate the anaerobic biodegradation, and the commercial variety PR88Y20 exhibited the fastest biomethanization.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY BIOENERGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rabaa Takala, Dipak P. Ramji, Ernest Choy
Summary: Inflammatory disorders are regulated by cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. Current treatments have limitations and the role of diet, especially specific components, is unclear. This review focuses on the less studied fatty acid, pinolenic acid (PNLA), which has potential anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown the health benefits of PNLA in weight reduction, lipid-lowering, anti-diabetic actions, and suppression of cell invasiveness and motility in cancer. The review aims to summarize research on PNLA and its potential anti-inflammatory benefits and metabolic changes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
David De la Lama-Calvente, Maria Jose Fernandez-Rodriguez, Menta Ballesteros, Angel Rabdel Ruiz-Salvador, Francisco Raposo, Jose Carlos Garcia-Gomez, Rafael Borja
Summary: The invasive alien seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae has rapidly spread in the Mediterranean Sea, causing unprecedented ecological impact. This research proposes using anaerobic digestion to convert biomass into renewable energy, with the use of thermal and mechanical pretreatments to enhance methane yield. The experimental results show a direct relationship between the crystallinity index of the samples and methane production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Victoria L. O'Morain, Jing Chen, Sue F. Plummer, Daryn R. Michael, Dipak P. Ramji
Summary: The Lab4b consortium of probiotics, containing four strains of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, demonstrates protective effects against atherosclerosis through various mechanisms. The study suggests that further research is needed in mouse models and clinical trials to explore the potential of Lab4b in preventing and treating atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yee-Hung Chan, Joe W. E. Moss, Jessica O. O. Williams, Nele Ferekidis, Nouf Alshehri, Timothy R. R. Hughes, Juan B. B. Menendez-Gonzalez, Sue F. F. Plummer, Daryn R. R. Michael, Neil P. P. Rodrigues, Dipak P. P. Ramji
Summary: A prospective study of 34492 participants shows that (+)-catechin intake is inversely associated with coronary heart disease. The study investigates the effects of (+)-catechin on atherosclerosis and associated risk factors. The results demonstrate that (+)-catechin can attenuate reactive oxygen species production, monocytic migration, macrophage proliferation, and expression of pro-atherogenic genes. It also improves mitochondrial membrane depolarization in endothelial cells and attenuates smooth muscle cell migration. In animal models, (+)-catechin reduces plasma levels of triacylglycerol and interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-2, produces anti-atherogenic changes in liver gene expression, and reduces levels of white blood cells within the bone marrow. In addition, (+)-catechin decreases atherosclerotic plaque burden and inflammation in mice, promoting plaque stability. The study provides detailed insights into the cardio-protective actions of (+)-catechin and supports further evaluation in human trials.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
John William Posnett, Joe William Edward Moss, Lewis Ian Michaelwaite
Summary: Skin tissue assessment is commonly used to detect early signs of pressure damage on the skin, but it may not capture damage occurring beneath the surface. Subepidermal moisture (SEM) measurement can identify deep tissue damage caused by pressure before visible skin changes occur. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of SEM measurement compared to visual skin assessment (VSA) in preventing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. The findings suggest that SEM assessment, when used alongside VSA, can reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers, save costs, and improve quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).
INTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Erin Barker, Joe Moss, Hayden Holmes, Catherine Bowe, Vinay Suryaprakash, Riccardo Alagna, Vladyslav Nikolayevskyy, Marc Destito, Davide Manissero
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the costs and benefits of screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in a migrant population in Malaysia. An economic model comparing QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QuantiFERON) with the tuberculin skin test (TST) was developed, using a decision tree and a Markov model. The results showed that QuantiFERON is more effective and less costly than TST, making it a cost-effective option for screening LTBI in migrants in Malaysia. Future research should focus on targeted LTBI screening based on common risk factors in this population.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Joe W. E. Moss, Josh Bracewell, Errol Waters, Dianne Wright, Nick Hex
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of telecare in reducing social care resource use and costs. The use of telecare was associated with a lower weekly cost compared to the control group. The study utilized a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to analyze the data and control for confounding factors.
JOURNAL OF TELEMEDICINE AND TELECARE
(2023)
Article
Economics
Maria Mata Lorenzo, Mahmood Ali, Stuart Mealing, Joe Moss
Summary: Through a health economic model, this study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of roxadustat compared to ESAs for treating anemia of non-dialysis-dependent CKD. The model incorporates a hypothetical cohort of 1,000 NDD CKD patients and considers eight different health states representing varying levels of anemia. Results show that roxadustat is on average less costly and more effective than ESAs, with a dominant incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. The model highlights the potential cost-effectiveness and impact of roxadustat in reducing the burden of anemia in NDD CKD patients.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alice Nishigaki, Renato Previdelli, James L. Alexander, Sharmili Balarajah, Lauren Roberts, Julian R. Marchesi
Summary: Sampling stools from animals is a useful way of diagnosing diseases. In this study, a commercially available animal stool storage kit was tested for its ability to chemically preserve bacterial DNA, without relying on cold storage. The kit successfully preserved Salmonella spp. in cow stool at room temperature.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew A. Churchward, Emily R. Michaud, Benjamin H. Mullish, Jesus Miguens Blanco, Isabel Garcia Perez, Julian R. Marchesi, Huiping Xu, Dina Kao, Kathryn G. Todd
Summary: The intestinal microbiota may affect human mental health and cognition through the gut-brain axis. Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) patients often experience depressive symptoms, which can be improved with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). However, the mechanism behind this association is not well understood. Short-chain fatty acids and carboxylic acids (SCCA) produced by the gut microbiota have been suggested to contribute to gut-brain communication, and changes in serum SCCA after successful FMT for rCDI may influence the inflammatory response of microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system.