Phytochemicals Perturb Membranes and Promiscuously Alter Protein Function

A wide variety of phytochemicals are consumed for their perceived health benefits. Many of these phytochemicals have been found to alter numerous cell functions, but the mechanisms underlying their biological activity tend to be poorly understood. Phenolic phytochemicals are particularly promiscuous modifiers of membrane protein function, suggesting that some of their actions may be due to a common, membrane bilayer-mediated mechanism. To test whether bilayer perturbation may underlie this diversity of actions, we examined five bioactive phenols reported to have medicinal value: capsaicin from chili peppers, curcumin from turmeric, EGCG from green tea, genistein from soybeans, and resveratrol from grapes. We find that each of these widely consumed phytochemicals alters lipid bilayer properties and the function of diverse membrane proteins. Molecular dynamics simulations show that these phytochemicals modify bilayer properties by localizing to the bilayer/solution interface. Bilayer-modifying propensity was verified using a gramicidin-based assay, and indiscriminate modulation of membrane protein function was demonstrated using four proteins: membrane-anchored metalloproteases, mechanosensitive ion channels, and voltage-dependent potassium and sodium channels. Each protein exhibited similar responses to multiple phytochemicals, consistent with a common, bilayer-mediated mechanism. Our results suggest that many effects of amphiphilic phytochemicals are due to cell membrane perturbations, rather than specific protein binding

Predictors of Incidental and Intentional Learning: Curiosity, Construal Level, and Musical Arousal

Having an intention (or not) forms a categorisation system for learning. Correspondingly, incidental learning stands for learning without intention to learn. The current paper examines the influences of incidental and intentional learning. 170 adults participated in three experimental studies. In each experiment, participants examined some animal illustrations and read paragraphs about them. In the first study, animal illustrations were arranged as being common (i.e., low curiosity) or novel to examine the effect of curiosity. Low curiosity level was more effective on incidental learning and vice versa for intentional learning. In the second study, mental time travel manipulation showed focusing on current time increased intentional learning. In the third study, the effect of arousal was examined via the tempo of the music (i.e., faster tempo for high arousal level). Low arousal level increased incidental learning. Ultimately, curiosity, mental time travel, and arousal could be essential in intentional and incidental learning

The Effect of Alendronate and Calcitonin Treatments on Bone Mineral Density and Quality of Life in Women With Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of alendronate and calcitonin treatments on bone mineral density (BMD) and quality of life of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. One hundred ninety-three patients were randomly assigned to two groups: 93 patients received daily doses of 10 mg alendronate and calcium 1000 mg, and 98 patients used intranasal salmon calcitonin (sCt) at a dosage of 200 IU/day and they also received daily doses of 1000 mg calcium supplements. DXA was used for the measurement of BMD of the lumbar spine and proximal femur before and after the study period. SF-36 was used as a measure of health-related quality of life. At the end of the treatment, ALN produced significant increases in BMD at the lumbar spine (p< 0.001), femur neck (p<0.05), trochanteric region (p<0.001) and at the Ward triangle (p<0.05). In contrast, intranasal sCt treatment resulted in a significant bone loss in the femur neck (p<0.01) and Ward triangle (p<0.05), and only a significant increase in BMD of the lumbar spine was observed with calcitonin treatment(p< 0.05). Quality of life as assessed by SF-36 improved significantly in both groups(p<0.05). In conclusion, alendronate seemed to be more effective than calcitonin, increasing both spinal and femoral BMD, for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Both treatments were found to be effective for the improvement of quality of life

Investigation the usability of garnet as filler material in hot mix asphalt

In this study, the usability of garnet in hot mix asphalt (HMA) as the filler material is investigated. Therefore, the garnet material is sieved through 75 µm. Obtained garnet dust is substituted into hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixture as filler material in four different rates (25, 50, 75 and 100%). Optimum binder rates and the gradation are determined in accordance with the Superpave volumetric mix design procedure. After the determination of optimum binder rate for each different garnet rate, the mixtures have compacted using Superpave gyratory compactor. Indirect tensile strength values and the tensile strength ratios have been obtained in accordance with AASHTO T 283 test procedure. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020

Expanded Glass Usability in Hot-Mix Asphalt as Fine Aggregate

In this study, the usability of expanded glass (EG) in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) as the fine material is investigated. Firstly, standard tests on the EG have been done to determine the basic properties. Next, optimum binder content and aggregate gradation are determined in accordance with Superpave volumetric mix design. The EG is substituted into the HMA as a fine aggregate (in accordance with the original size) in four different rates (25, 50, 75 and 100%). Optimum binder content for each EG ratio is determined. The Superpave gyratory compactor is used for the compaction of the specimens. Prepared specimens have been tested for the indirect tensile strength and tensile strength ratio. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020

Correction To: Proposal For A Simple Algorithm To Differentiate Adult-Onset Still’S Disease With Other Fever Of Unknown Origin Causes: A Longitudinal Prospective Study (Clinical Rheumatology, (2019), 10.1007/S10067-019-04455-Y)

The author regrets that the original version of this article contained error. Figure 1 was shown in the wrong version, thus corrected figure is shown in this article. © 2019, International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR).Scopu

Geoepidemiology and clinical characteristics of neonatal lupus erythematosus: A systematic literature review of individual patients’ data

Background/aim: Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is an autoimmune syndrome caused by transplacental transmission of maternal autoantibodies, often with devastating consequences. The objective of this systematic literature review was to analyze the demographic data, geoepidemiology, clinical, and serological characteristics associated with NLE. Materials and methods: We performed a systematic literature search of the Pubmed database covering the period from 1976 to August 2015, using the MeSH terms &quot; neonatal lupus” or “congenital heart block”. To be included in the study, articles of any type (original articles, case series, and case reports) had to report on infants with NLE on an individualized (i.e. patient-by-patient) basis. Results: A total of 198 studies were included in the review, reporting on a total of 755 NLE patients. The most frequently reported clinical manifestations of NLE were congenital heart block (CHB, 65.2%), cutaneous lupus (33.1%), and cytopenias (15.5%). We found differences in NLE characteristics based on study geographical origin, with CHB being much more frequent in patients of European or American descent (49.4% and 35%, respectively), while reports originating from Asia reported a higher prevalence of skin involvement (45.2%). Most CHB cases (72.9%) were diagnosed between the 18th and 26th week of gestation. Conclusions: Phenotypic differences of NLE depending on race and country may reflect true pathophysiologic differences or methodologic discrepancies. While maternal autoimmune disease is not a prerequisite for the development of NLE, the existence of a truly &quot; immunonegative” CHB is questionable. © 2020, Turkiye Klinikleri. All rights reserved