Alterations in Bacterial Metabolism Contribute to the Lifespan Extension Exerted by Guarana in Caenorhabditis elegans

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a widely consumed nutraceutical with various health benefits supported by scientific evidence. However, its indirect health impacts through the gut microbiota have not been studied. Caenorhabditis elegans is a useful model to study both the direct and indirect effects of nutraceuticals, as the intimate association of the worm with the metabolites produced by Escherichia coli is a prototypic simplified model of our gut microbiota. We prepared an ethanoic extract of guarana seeds and assessed its antioxidant capacity in vitro, with a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and in vivo, utilizing C. elegans. Additionally, we studied the impact of this extract on C. elegans lifespan, utilizing both viable and non-viable E. coli, and assessed the impact of guarana on E. coli folate production. The extract showed high antioxidant capacity, and it extended worm lifespan. However, the antioxidant and life-extending effects did not correlate in terms of the extract concentration. The extract-induced life extension was also less significant when utilizing dead E. coli, which may indicate that the effects of guarana on the worms work partly through modifications on E. coli metabolism. Following this observation, guarana was found to decrease E. coli folate production, revealing one possible route for its beneficial effects.     

On Growth and Morphology of TiO2 Nanotubes on CP-Ti by Anodic Oxidation in Ethylene Glycol Electrolyte: Influence of Electrolyte Aging and Anodization Parameters

Anodic oxidation of CP-Ti, for production of TiO₂ nanotubes, has been extensively described in terms of the electrochemical mechanism of tubular growth or the effect of the parameters on the final tube morphology. Recently, a kinetic growth model was proposed to describe the distinct morphologies of the anodic oxide layer as phases of the nanotubular development process, offering a new perspective for the tuning of nanotube production. In this work, the anodizing behavior of a CP-Ti alloy in an ethylene glycol electrolyte was investigated in light of this new model. The final morphology of the nanotubes was characterized by SEM, considering the effects of electrolyte aging, the microstructure, the applied potential difference and time on the morphological development of nanotubes. Electrolyte aging was shown to lead to a decreased dissolution effect on the oxide. The applied potential difference was shown to lead to an increased dissolution effect and more rapid nanotube growth kinetics, while time resulted in extended dissolution. Moreover, the obtained results were analyzed considering a previous study focused on the anodizing behavior of the α- and β-phases of Ti6Al4V alloy. Overall, the tube morphology resembled that obtained for the Al-containing α-phase of the Ti6Al4V alloy, but the growth kinetics were considerably slower on CP-Ti.     

Systematic review of existing guidelines for NAFLD assessment

Aim: In this systematic review, guidelines on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were evaluated, aiming at a guideline synthesis focusing on diagnosis an...     

Consumption of sugary foods and drinks and risk of endometrial cancer

Consumption of foods high in sugar promotes insulin production, which has been linked to endometrial carcinogenesis. We evaluated the impact of dietary intake of sugary foods and beverages, as well as added sugar and total sugar on endometrial cancer risk in a population-based case–control study, including 424 cases and 398 controls. Participants completed an interview and food frequency questionnaire, and provided self-recorded waist and hip measurements. Women in the highest quartile of added sugar intake had significantly increased endometrial cancer risk (OR = 1.84, 95 % CI 1.16–2.92). Among women with waist-to-hip ratio ≥0.85, risk was significantly higher for the highest versus lowest tertile of added sugar intakes (OR = 2.50, 95 % CI 1.38–4.52). The association with added sugar also became stronger when analyses were restricted to never users of hormone replacement therapy (OR = 2.03; 95 % CI 1.27–3.26, for highest versus lowest tertile). There was little evidence of effect modification by body mass index or physical activity. Given the high prevalence of intake of sugary foods and drinks in Western populations, additional research is warranted to confirm our findings on endometrial cancer.     

Physico-chemical characteristics,water absorption,soaking and cooking properties of some Sicilian populations of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The physical and physico-chemical properties of several Kabuli chickpeas originating from Sicily (South Italy) were determined. Twelve genotypes in all, including two controls (ILC484, of the ICARDA genebank, and ‘Calia’, a traditional Italian cultivar), were analysed. A large variability among genotypes was ascertained for swelling capacity (coefficient of variation [CV]=27.9%), swelling index (CV=30.5%) and calcium content (CV=39.3%). The lowest variability was observed for seed coat (CV=8.6%) and seed weight (CV=9.6%). Genotype statistically affected all traits, whose mean values were: seed weight, 0.340±0.03 g; seed coat, 4.47±0.38%; seed volume, 0.292±0.04 ml; seed density, 1.18±0.15 g/ml; hydration capacity, 0.361±0.09 g/seed; hydration index, 1.05±0.21; swelling capacity, 0.346±0.10 ml/seed; swelling index, 1.21±0.37; cooking texture, 2.61±0.38 kg/cm²; and calcium, 109.6±43.11 mg/100 g dry weight. Correlation coefficients among characteristics were also estimated. The genotype ‘44M33’ was found to be interesting having good seed weight and low seed coat incidence and calcium content, all important attributes affecting cooking quality.     

Rituximab or Cyclophosphamide in the Treatment of Membranous Nephropathy: The RI-CYCLO Randomized Trial

Open in a separate window