Differences in the Concentration of Vitamin D Metabolites in Plasma Due to the Low-Carbohydrate-High-Fat Diet and the Eastern European Diet—A Pilot Study

Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem with many health consequences, and it is currently recommended to supplement vitamin D. Change of diet should also be considered to ensure adequate vitamin D in the human body. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of vitamin D metabolites in two different groups: one group on the low-carbohydrate-high-fat (LCHF) diet and the other group on the Eastern European (EE) diet. In the first stage, 817 participants declaring traditional EE diet or LCHF diet were investigated. Nutrition (self-reported 3-day estimated food record) and basic anthropometric parameters were assessed. After extra screening, 67 participants on the EE diet and 41 on the LCHF diet were qualified for the second stage. Plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D₃) and (25(OH)D₂) concentration was measured by the validated HPLC—MS/MS method. Plasma 25(OH)D₃ concentration was significantly higher in the group on the LCHF diet (34.9 ± 15.9 ng/mL) than in the group on the EE diet (22.6 ± 12.1 ng/mL). No statistical differences were observed in plasma 25(OH)D₂ concentration between the study groups (p > 0.05). Women had a higher plasma 25(OH)D₂ concentration than men regardless of diet type. The LCHF diet had a positive influence on plasma vitamin D concentration. However, long-term use of the LCHF diet remains contentious due to the high risk of cardiovascular disease. This study confirmed that the type of diet influences the concentration of vitamin D metabolites in the plasma.     

Association of adipogenic genes with SC-35 domains during porcine adipogenesis

Spatial organization of the genome within interphase nuclei is non-random. It has been shown that not only whole chromosomes but also individual genes occupy specific nuclear locations and these locations can be changed during different processes like differentiation or disease. Using a porcine in vitro adipogenesis stem cell differentiation system as a model to study nuclear organization, it was demonstrated that nuclear position of selected genes involved in porcine adipogenesis was altered with the up-regulation of gene expression, correlating with these genes becoming more internally located within nuclei, without whole territory relocation. Here, we investigated whether the gene relocation observed during porcine adipogenesis is related to spatial co-association with SC-35 domains. These domains are nuclear speckles enriched in numerous splicing and RNA metabolic factors. Using a DNA immuno-FISH approach we investigated the localisation of three adipogenic genes (PPARG, SREBF1, and FABP4) with SC-35 domains in porcine mesenchymal stem cells and after they were differentiated into adipocytes. We found that the location of these genes relative to SC-35 domains was non-random and correlated with the up-regulation of gene expression. In addition, we observed more frequent clustering of the studied genes located on different chromosomes around the same nuclear speckle in differentiated adipocytes than in mesenchymal stem cells. However, the choice of the domain was more random. This study adds to the evidence that SC-35 domains are hubs of gene activity and gene-domain association may be considered as a common mechanism to enhance gene expression.     

Factors associated with preservation of C-peptide levels at the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes

Aims

The level of C-peptide can identify individuals most likely to respond to immune interventions carried out to prevent pancreatic β-cell damage.The aim of the study was to evaluate factors associated with C-peptide levels at type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis.

The Influence of Structure of Multilayer Woven Fabrics on Their Mechanical Properties

Multilayer woven fabrics used for conveyor belts must be characterized by high mechanical strength. The design process of multilayer woven fabrics for such application requires taking into account the structural characteristics of the fabric, which allows to adjust the final product properties to the dedicated use. The geometry of warp threads—means stuffer and binding is the decisive aspect, which influences the strength properties of multilayer woven fabrics and materials made with their use as well. The aim of this work was to examine the possibility of shaping mechanical strength and bending rigidity of multilayer woven fabrics by changing the order of introducing weft threads into individual layers. The eight variants of multilayer woven fabrics were manufactured using laboratory harness loom. They were produced using different structural models in two weft variants, then tested. The mechanical features were determined, such as breaking force, recovered and unrecovered elongations in cyclic tensile test, stiffness rigidity. The analysis of the obtained results confirmed, that both the model and the order in which the weft threads were introduced into individual layers influence the mechanical strength and bending rigidity of multilayer woven. It was found, that the strength properties characterized by the above mentioned indicators are influenced by the number of threads weaved as both the stuffer and binding warp.     

Influence of Gypsum Waste Utilization on Properties and Leachability of Fired Clay Brick

Wastewater treatment activities in the chemical industry have generated abundant gypsum waste, classified as scheduled waste (SW205) under the Environmental Quality Regulations 2005. The waste needs to be disposed into a secure landfill due to the high heavy metals content which is becoming a threat to the environment. Hence, an alternative disposal method was evaluated by recycling the waste into fired clay brick. The brick samples were incorporated with different percentages of gypsum waste (0% as control, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%) and were fired at 1050 °C using 1 °C per minute heating rate. Shrinkage, dry density, initial rate of suction (IRS) and compressive strength tests were conducted to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the brick, while the synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) was performed to scrutinize the leachability of heavy metals from the crushed brick samples. The results showed that the properties would decrease through the incorporation of gypsum waste and indicated the best result at 10% of waste utilization with 47.5% of shrinkage, 1.37% of dry density, 22.87% of IRS and 28.3% of compressive strength. In addition, the leachability test highlighted that the concentrations of Fe and Al was significantly reduced up to 100% from 4884 to 3.13 ppm (Fe) and from 16,134 to 0.81 ppm (Al), respectively. The heavy metals content in the bricks were oxidized during the firing process, which signified the successful remediation of heavy metals in the samples. Based on the permissible incorporation of gypsum waste into fired clay brick, this study promised a more green disposing method for gypsum waste, and insight as a potential towards achieving a sustainable end product.     

Association Between Val66Met Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Gene Polymorphism and Post-Treatment Relapse in Alcohol Dependence

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between genetic markers of central serotonin (5‐HT) and dopamine function, and risk for post‐treatment relapse, in a sample of alcohol‐dependent patients. Methods: The study included 154 patients from addiction treatment programs in Poland, who met DSM‐IV criteria for alcohol dependence. After assessing demographics, severity of alcohol use, suicidality, impulsivity, depression, hopelessness, and severity of alcohol use at baseline, patients were followed for approximately 1 year to evaluate treatment outcomes. Genetic polymorphisms in several genes (TPH2, SLC6A4, HTR1A, HTR2A, COMT, and BDNF) were tested as predictors of relapse (defined as any drinking during follow‐up) while controlling for baseline measures. Results: Of 154 eligible patients, 123 (80%) completed follow‐up and 48% (n = 59) of these individuals relapsed. Patients with the Val allele in the Val66Met BDNF polymorphism and the Met allele in the Val158Met COMT polymorphism were more likely to relapse. Only the BDNF Val/Val genotype predicted post‐treatment relapse [odds ratio (OR) = 2.62; p = 0.019], and time to relapse (OR = 2.57; p = 0.002), after adjusting for baseline measures and other significant genetic markers. When the analysis was restricted to patients with a family history of alcohol dependence (n = 73), the associations between the BDNF Val/Val genotype and relapse (OR = 5.76, p = 0.0045) and time to relapse (hazard ratio = 4.93, p = 0.001) were even stronger. Conclusions: The Val66Met BDNF gene polymorphism was associated with a higher risk and earlier occurrence of relapse among patients treated for alcohol dependence. The study suggests a relationship between genetic markers and treatment outcomes in alcohol dependence. Because a large number of statistical tests were conducted for this study and the literature on genetics and relapse is so novel, the results should be considered as hypothesis generating and need to be replicated in independent studies.     

APBB2 genetic polymorphisms are associated with severe cognitive impairment in centenarians

APBB2 gene encodes for β-amyloid precursor protein-binding family B member 2, (APBB2, FE65-like, FE65L1), an adaptor protein binding to the cytoplasmatic domain of β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP). Over-expression of APBB2 promotes formation of β-amyloid (Aβ), the main constituent of senile plaques. Polymorphisms within APBB2 gene have been proposed as candidate risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. However, their association with longevity has never been investigated. Here we present the first attempt to analyze APBB2 polymorphisms in centenarians. We used a PCR-RFLP method to analyze two intronic nucleotide substitutions: hCV1558625 (rs17443013) and rs13133980. We found no differences in genotype or allele distribution between centenarians and young controls. After stratification of centenarians upon their cognitive performance, the APBB2 rs13133980 G allele was over-represented in centenarians with severe cognitive impairment compared to individuals without this disability. Also the hCV1558625-rs13133980 AG haplotype increased relative risk for severe cognitive impairment in centenarians. Our results support the concept of APBB2 polymorphism association with cognitive performance in the oldest age.     

Chemical and Structural Characterization of Amorphous and Crystalline Alumina Obtained by Alternative Sol–Gel Preparation Routes

Aluminum oxide is one of the most commonly used materials in the industry. It is used in the field of catalysis, refractories, and optics. Despite the fact that there are many techniques available, there is still a great challenge in obtaining a material with desired and designed properties. Nevertheless, there is a great flexibility in making customized alumina materials with desired physicochemical properties synthesized by sol–gel methods. This work consists in characterizing the physicochemical properties of sol–gel synthesized aluminum oxide using different sol–gel preparation routes. Three different sols were obtained by using organic precursors and underwent thermal treatment. The structure (Middle Infrared Spectroscopy, Diffused Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and microstructure (Scanning Electron Microscopy with Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy) tests of the materials were carried out. The specific surface area was determined by using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. Thermal analysis was performed for all the powders, in order to analyze the specific temperature of materials transformation.