Relationships between bone turnover and energy metabolism

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.It is well established that diabetes can be detrimental to bone health, and its chronic complications have been associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture. However, there is growing evidence that the skeleton plays a key role in a whole-organism approach to physiology. The hypothesis that bone may be involved in the regulation of physiological functions, such as insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism, has been suggested. Given the roles of insulin, adipokines, and osteocalcin in these pathways, the need for a more integrative conceptual approach to physiology is emphasized. Recent findings suggest that bone plays an important role in regulating intermediary metabolism, being possibly both a target of diabetic complications and a potential pathophysiologic factor in the disease itself. Understanding the relationships between bone turnover and glucose metabolism is important in order to develop treatments that might reestablish energy metabolism and bone health. This review describes new insights relating bone turnover and energy metabolism that have been reported in the literature.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Geographic Distribution, Key Challenges and Prospects for the Conservation of Threatened Stingless Bee Melipona capixaba Moure e Camargo (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The stingless bee Melipona capixaba Moure and Camargo, 1994 is endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Its occurrence is restricted to highlands in the Espírito Santo State, and it has possibly the smallest known geographic distribution among the cataloged stingless bees. It is therefore considered to be an endangered species. Perhaps because of its small area of occurrence, or because it was only identified two decades ago, little is known about the biology of this species, its current geographic distribution, or its actual preservation status. Here, we present the results from the largest sampling of M. capixaba conducted in its natural habitat. We developed a distribution map by using a geographic information system. Our data indicate that M. capixaba is found in the municipalities of Espírito Santo State at altitudes between 800 m and 1,200 m; with annual average temperatures around 18–23°C; precipitation more than 1,200 mm per year; and vegetation cover-type Mountain Dense Ombrophylous Forest, restricted to an area of approximately 3,450 km2. We observed colonies both in their natural habitat and under conditions of ex situ maintenance, and identified the key challenges and prospects for the conservation of this endangered bee

The feasibility of wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for the assessment of lead concentration in animal bone powder

"This work demonstrates the feasibility of wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence for the assessment of lead in animal bone powder.

Threat perception and familiarity moderate the androgen response to competition in women

Social interactions elicit androgen responses whose function has been posited to be the adjustment of androgen-dependent behaviors to social context. The activation of this androgen response is known to be mediated and moderated by psychological factors. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the testosterone (T) changes after a competition are not simply related to its outcome, but rather to the way the subject evaluates the event. In particular we tested two evaluative dimensions of a social interaction: familiarity with the opponent and the subjective evaluation of the outcome as threat or challenge. Challenge/threat occurs in goal relevant situations and represent different motivational states arising from the individuals' subjective evaluation of the interplay between the task demands and coping resources possessed. For challenge the coping resources exceed the task demands, while threat represents a state where coping resources are insufficient to meet the task demands. In this experiment women competed in pairs, against a same sex opponent using the number tracking test as a competitive task. Losers appraised the competition outcome as more threatening than winners, and displayed higher post-competition T levels than winners. No differences were found either for cortisol (C) or for dehydroepiandrosterone. Threat, familiarity with the opponent and T response were associated only in the loser condition. Moderation analysis suggests that for the women that lost the competition the effect of threat on T is moderated by familiarity with the opponent.FCT grant: (RG-LVT-331-2352), FCT PhD fellowship (SFRH/BD/68528/2010)

Changes in bone Pb accumulation: Cause and effect of altered bone turnover

Notice: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Bone. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Bone, [Vol 64 (2014 Jul)] DOI 10.1016/j.bone.2014.04.021"This paper assesses the magnitude of Pb uptake in cortical and trabecular bones in healthy animals and animals with altered balance in bone turnover, and the impact of exposure to Pb on serum markers of bone formation and resorption. The results reported herein provide physiological evidence that Pb distributes differently in central compartments in Pb metabolism, such as cortical and trabecular bone, in healthy animals and animals with altered balance in bone turnover, and that exposure to Pb does have an impact on bone resorption resulting in OC-dependent osteopenia. These findings show that Pb may play a role in the etiology of osteoporosis and that its concentration in bones varies as a result of altered bone turnover characteristic of this disease, a long standing question in the field. In addition, data collected in this study are consistent with previous observations of increased half-life of Pb in bone at higher exposures. This evidence is relevant for the necessary revision of current physiologically based kinetic models for Pb in humans.

Amination of polymeric braid structures to improve tendon healing: an experimental comparison

Several polymers are researched for tendon repair as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA). These are biocompatible and useful in scaffolding repair though with minimal success due to long-term failure. There is a need to improve such scaffolds' design and physical–chemical nature. This work concerns surface functionalization of polymeric braids (PET and PLA) that fulfill the high mechanical demands of tissues such as tendons. The functionalization aims to incorporate amine groups in the braids' surface, improve cell adhesion, and consequently, the poor healing rate of these tissues and the biointegration of the braids. Two approaches are compared: the direct application of NH3 plasma and the surface grafting of EDA after O2 plasma activation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that amine groups are effectively introduced onto the samples' surfaces. Besides, the plasma parameters chosen do not compromise the topography and tensile behavior of the braids. Resazurin assay and scanning electron microscopy show that the NH3 treatment improves cell–biomaterial interaction as improved cell adhesion and proliferation are observed. Both approaches are safe for biomedical applications. The NH3 plasma approach is more environmentally friendly, faster, and easier to scale-up, showing potential for application in the final hybrid medical devicepublishe

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity and colouring capacity of two Hylocereus spp. Epicarps

Betalains are a group of secondary metabolites named chromoalkaloids that are synthesized from tyrosine. These compounds have gained some attention in the last few years mainly due to their interesting bioactive potential, namely antioxidant, antimicrobial, and other bioactive properties [1]. Their strong and vibrant colours are also one of the characteristics by which these compounds have gained visibility in the food and pharmaceutical industries [2]. Betalains can be divided in two groups regarding the colour range: betaxanthins in the orange to yellow range, and betacyanins in the purple to pink range. Thereby, these compounds can be used as natural colouring agents, providing alternatives to the massively used artificial counterparts [3]. Although there are already some natural options in the market, these are not enough to meet the needs of the food industry, due to the growing concern of consumers regarding what they eat.To FCT and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2019); C. Lobo Roriz (SFRH/BD/117995/2016) and T.C.S. Pires (SFRH/BD/129551/2017) grants and National funding by FCT- Foundation for Science and Technology, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for L. Barros contract. This work is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Regional Operational Program North 2020, within the scope of Project Mobilizador Norte-01-0247-FEDER-024479:ValorNatural®.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Polyphenol composition by HPLC-DAD-(ESI-)MS/MS and bioactivities of extracts from grape agri-food wastes

Background: Grape agri-food wastes, such as skin, seeds, and other discarded by-products, contain phytochemical compounds that offer potential health benefits. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the polyphenol composition and bioactivities of different extracts obtained from grape marc and seeds, with the goal of exploring their potential for application as natural food additives. Results: Regardless of the extraction method used (dynamic maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)), all extracts exhibited relatively high concentrations of phenolic compounds. The chemical characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of specific compounds and chemical groups associated with each extraction methodology. Moreover, the extracts displayed satisfactory antioxidant activities, especially in inhibiting lipoperoxidation as assessed by the TBARS assay. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated effective inhibition against different strains of bacteria and fungi known as food contaminants. Taken together, these findings indicate that those extracts have the potential to be tested as natural antioxidants and preservatives with sustainable origins in food and beverage systems. Among the extraction methods evaluated, traditional maceration and UAE provided extracts with the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Conclusions: Our results suggest the opportunity to explore grape marc and seeds discarded by the winery industry in Portugal as natural sources of bioactive compounds, which could be employed as functional food ingredients or technological additives. The valorization of grape biowastes offers a promising strategy to reduce waste and harness their potential health benefits.Authors acknowledge the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal), for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021); national funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program contract for L. Barros, S.A. Heleno and R.C. Calhelha, and for E. Pereira through the individual program contract. J. M. Ueda thanks FCT for his Ph.D. grant (2022.13392.BD). Moreover, the authors thank the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the research and technological development incentive system (SI I&DT), notice 13/si/2020 corporate R&D projects in co-promotion for inland territories, within the scope of Project Bio4Drinks (NORTE-01-0247-FEDER-113508), for the research contracts of D.B. Rodrigues and T. C. Finimundy.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Production and characterization of spray-dried theophylline powders prepared from fresh milk for potential use in paediatrics

"This is the accepted version of the following article: Production and characterization of spray-dried theophylline powders prepared from fresh milk for potential use in paediatrics (2017). J Pharm Pharmacol, 69: 554–566, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jphp.12612 . This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with the Wiley Self-Archiving Policy [http://olabout.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-820227.html]."Objective: This work evaluates the potential of using fresh milk to deliver theophylline to children.Methods: Theophylline–fresh milk systems were prepared using different solids ratios (0 : 1–1 : 0) and three fat contents in commercial milks (low, medium and high), which were spray-dried at different inlet air temperatures (Tinlet – 105, 130 and 150 °C). The process was evaluated for yield and the resulting powders for moisture content (MC), particle size and shape, density and wettability. Theophylline–milk potential interactions (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and FT-IR) and chemical (theophylline content) and microbiological stability of powders (shelf and in-use) were also evaluated.Key Findings: The production yield (13.6–76.0%), MC (0.0–10.3%) and contact angles in water (77.29–93.51°) were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by Tinlet, but no differences were found concerning the mean particle size (3.0–4.3 μm) of the different powders. The milk fat content significantly (P < 0.05) impacted on the density (1.244–1.552 g/cm3). Theophylline content remained stable after 6 months of storage, before extemporaneous reconstitution. After reconstitution in water, low-fat milk samples (stored at 4 °C) met the microbial pharmacopoeia criteria for up to 7 days. No theophylline–milk components interaction was observed.Conclusion: Spray-dried milk-composed powders may be used as vehicles for theophylline delivery in paediatrics following further characterization and in-vivo evaluation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Closing domestic nutrient cycles using microalgae

This study demonstrates that microalgaecan effectively recover all P and N from anaerobically treated black water (toilet wastewater). Thus, enabling the removal of nutrients from the black water and the generation of a valuable algae product in one step. Screening experiments with green microalgae and cyanobacteria showed that all tested green microalgae species successfully grew on anaerobically treated black water. In a subsequent controlled experiment in flat-panel photobioreactors, Chlorella sorokiniana was able to remove 100% of the phosphorus and nitrogen from the medium. Phosphorus was depleted within 4 days while nitrogen took 12 days to reach depletion. The phosphorus and nitrogen removal rates during the initial linear growth phase were 17 and 122 mg·L−1·d−1, respectively. After this initial phase, the phosphorus was depleted. The nitrogen removal rate continued to decrease in the second phase, resulting in an overall removal rate of 80 mg·L−1·d−1. The biomass concentration at the end of the experiment was 11.5 g·L−1, with a P content of approximately 1% and a N content of 7.6%. This high algal biomass concentration, together with a relatively short P recovery time, is a promising finding for future post-treatment of black water while gaining valuable algal biomass for further application