Direct Marketing Edamame (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) to Professional Chefs

A consumer-research study was conducted in Metro-Philadelphia to determine professional chef demand for edamame (Glycine max [L.] Merrill). Cultivar preferences and partiality for shelled or inshell edamame were also investigated. The majority of chefs indicated that they were very likely to use edamame again, and many were interested in acquiring Pennsylvania-grown edamame from small-acreage growers. Most chefs liked all three cultivars, and the majority preferred shelled edamame. Using this methodology, Extension personnel can continue to investigate professional chef demand and preferences for specialty crops and provide grower clientele with information on how to best meet consumer needs

In vitro antileishmanial activity and iron superoxide dismutase inhibition of arylamine Mannich base derivatives

Leishmaniasis is one of the world’s most neglected diseases, and it has a worldwide prevalence of 12 million. There are no effective human vaccines for its prevention, and treatment is hampered by outdated drugs. Therefore, research aiming at the development of new therapeutic tools to fight Leishmaniasis remains a crucial goal today. With this purpose in mind, we present twenty arylaminoketone derivatives with a very interesting in vitro and in vivo efficacy against Trypanosoma cruzi that have now been studied against promastigote and amastigote forms of L. infantum, L. donovani and L. braziliensis strains. Six out of the twenty Mannich base-type derivatives showed Selectivity Index between 39 and 2337 times higher in the amastigote form than the reference drug glucantime. These six derivatives affected the parasite infectivity rates; the result was lower parasite infectivity rates than glucantime tested at a IC25 dose. In addition, these derivatives were substantially more active against the three Leishmania species tested than glucantime. The mechanism of action of these compounds has been studied, showing a greater alteration in glucose catabolism and leading to greater levels of Fe-SOD (iron superoxide dismutase) inhibition. These molecules could be potential candidates for Leishmaniasis chemotherapy

Role of mitochondria-bound HK2 in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes

BackgroundGlucose metabolism, specifically, hexokinase 2 (HK2), has a critical role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) phenotype. HK2 localizes not only in the cytosol but also in the mitochondria, where it protects mitochondria against stress. We hypothesize that mitochondria-bound HK2 is a key regulator of RA FLS phenotype.MethodsHK2 localization was evaluated by confocal microscopy after FLS stimulation. RA FLSs were infected with Green fluorescent protein (GFP), full-length (FL)-HK2, or HK2 lacking its mitochondrial binding motif (HK2ΔN) expressing adenovirus (Ad). RA FLS was also incubated with methyl jasmonate (MJ; 2.5 mM), tofacitinib (1 µM), or methotrexate (1 µM). RA FLS was tested for migration and invasion and gene expression. Gene associations with HK2 expression were identified by examining single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from murine models of arthritis. Mice were injected with K/BxN serum and given MJ. Ad-FLHK2 or Ad-HK2ΔN was injected into the knee of wild-type mice.ResultsCobalt chloride (CoCl2) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulation induced HK2 mitochondrial translocation. Overexpression of the HK2 mutant and MJ incubation reversed the invasive and migrative phenotype induced by FL-HK2 after PDGF stimulation, and MJ also decreased the expression of C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 1 (CXCL1) and Collagen Type I Alpha 1 Chain (COL1A1). Of interest, tofacitinib but not methotrexate had an effect on HK2 dissociation from the mitochondria. In murine models, MJ treatment significantly decreased arthritis severity, whereas HK2FL was able to induce synovial hypertrophy as opposed to HK2ΔN.ConclusionOur results suggest that mitochondrial HK2 regulates the aggressive phenotype of RA FLS. New therapeutic approaches to dissociate HK2 from mitochondria offer a safer approach than global glycolysis inhibition

Research training needs in Peruvian national TB/HIV programs

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There are few published reports of <it>research training </it>needs assessments and research training programs. In an effort to expand this nascent field of study and to bridge the gap between research and practice, we sought to systematically assess the research training needs of health care professionals working at Peruvian governmental institutions leading HIV and tuberculosis (TB) control and among senior stakeholders in the field.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Six institutional workshops were conducted with the participation of 161 mid-level health professionals from agencies involved in national HIV and TB control. At each workshop informants completed a structured questionnaire and participated in small and large group discussions. Additional data and institutional commitment was obtained through in-depth interviews from 32 senior managers and researchers from the Ministry of Health, academia and NGOs.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Participants exhibited an overwhelming receptivity for additional research training, observing a gap between current levels of research training and their perceived importance. Specialized skills in obtaining funding, developing research protocols, particularly in operational, behavioral and prevention research were considered in greatest need. Beyond research training, participants identified broader social, economic and political factors as influential in infectious disease control.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The needs assessment suggests that future training should focus on operational research techniques, rather than on clinical skill building or program implementation only. Strengthening health systems not only requires additional research training, but also adequate financial resources to implement research findings.</p

Mechanical behavior of asphalt mixtures containing silica gels as warm additives

This paper presents the results of a study of some compounds capable of absorbing water into their structure (silica gel), as potential foaming binders. Asphalt mixtures were manufactured at different manufacturing and compaction temperatures, using four different silica gels. Static and dynamic tests were carried out to determine their behavior in asphalt mixtures. The results were compared with those obtained using hot-mix asphalt and warm-mix asphalt manufactured with zeolite. The lab results showed a similar behavior of asphalt mixtures containing either silica gel or zeolite.The research presented herein was sponsored by the Research Office of Universidad de La Frontera (DIUFRO) under the project number DI15-0089

In vitro and in vivo anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of new arylamine Mannich base-type derivatives

Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease with 6-7 million people infected worldwide and there is no effective treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to continue researching in order to discover novel therapeutic alternatives. We present a series of arylaminoketone derivatives as means of identifying new drugs to treat Chagas disease in the acute phase with greater activity, less toxicity and with a larger spectrum of action than that corresponding to the reference drug benznidazole. Indexes of high selectivity found in vitro formed the basis for later in vivo assays in BALB/c mice. Murine model results show that compounds 3, 4, 7 and 10 induced a remarkable decrease in parasitemia levels in acute phase and the parasitemia reactivation following immunosuppression, and curative rates were higher than with benznidazole. These high anti-parasitic activities encourage us to propose these compounds as promising molecules for developing an easy to synthesize anti-Chagas agent

A Systematic Evidence Analysis of PhD and Master’s Programs

UIDB/05021/2020 UIDP/05021/2020Science communication training plays a crucial role in enabling scientists to effectively connect with the public, emphasizing essential skills such as building trust in scientific and technological advancements. Despite significant progress, some studies show a notable deficiency in higher education (HE) institutional structures and mechanisms dedicated to science communication training, addressing a diverse audience including researchers, teachers, and science monitors. This study delves into the key characteristics of current science communication postgraduate training programs within the HE landscape of Portugal. Our analysis is based on a comprehensive examination of the curricula of five science communication doctoral programs offered by four public universities in Portugal. The research involves a meticulous review of course documents and insights gathered from five directors through a detailed questionnaire. The primary objectives of this research are to discern the specific goals pursued by each course, uncover the content and development of competencies within their curricula, and explore the market opportunities envisioned by each offering. The results underscore that these programs equip students with the necessary competencies to effectively address challenges in science communication, notably enhancing public understanding of science. Significant findings suggest that Portugal’s current higher education scenario predominantly emphasizes cultivating postgraduate training activities in authentic settings, fostering collaborative partnerships with society. This article is a foundational resource for further exploration into the discipline-specific applications of science communication, aiming to elevate academic engagement with society.publishersversionpublishe

Lactobacillus casei strain GG in the treatment of infants with acute watery diarrhea: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial [ISRCTN67363048]

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant therapy to ORT with probiotic bacteria for infants with acute watery diarrhea has been under active investigation. Most studies have been done in the developed world showing benefit only for viral mild gastroenteritis. We evaluated the effect of a milk formula containing one billion (10(9)) cfu/ml of Lactobacillus casei strain GG (LGG) upon duration and severity of diarrhea in infants in an environment with more severe acute diarrhea, where etiologic agents other than rotavirus are involved more frequently, and where mixed infections are more prevalent. METHODS: Male infants aged 3–36 months brought for treatment of acute watery diarrhea of less than 48 hours were eligible. After rehydration was completed with the WHO's oral rehydration solution, patients were randomly assigned to receive a milk formula either containing LGG or not. Stool volume was periodically measured using a devise suited to collect stools separate from urine. Duration of diarrhea was estimated based on stools physical characteristics. RESULTS: Eighty nine patients received the placebo milk formula and ninety received the LGG containing formula. Both groups were comparable in their baseline characteristics. Total stool output was significantly larger (p = 0.047) in the LGG group (247.8 ml/kg) than in the placebo group (195.0 ml/kg). No significant differences were found in duration of diarrhea (58.5 hours with LGG vs. 50.4 hours with placebo), rate of treatment failure (21.1% with LGG vs. 18.0% with placebo), and proportion of patients with unresolved diarrhea after 120 hours (12.2% with LGG vs. 12.5% with placebo). The rate of stools with reducing substances after 24 hours of treatment increased significantly in both groups (from 41.4% to 72.2% with LGG and from 45.9% to 68.0% with placebo). CONCLUSION: This study did not show a positive effect of LGG on the clinical course of acute watery diarrhea. Positive beneficial effects of LGG, as had been reported elsewhere, could have been masked in our study by worsening diarrhea due to transient lactose malabsorption. Further studies with low-lactose or non-lactose conveyors of LGG are desirable

Hexokinase 2 as a novel selective metabolic target for rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: Recent studies indicate that glucose metabolism is altered in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Hexokinases (HK) is catalyze the first step in glucose metabolism and HK2 constitutes the principal HK inducible isoform. We hypothesize that HK2 contributes to the synovial lining hypertrophy and plays a critical role in bone and cartilage damage. Methods: HK1 and HK2 expression were determined in RA and osteoarthritis (OA) synovial tissue by immunohistochemistry. RA FLS were transfected with either HK1 or HK2 siRNA, or infected with either adenovirus (ad)-GFP, ad-HK1 or ad-HK2. FLS migration and invasion were assessed. To study the role of HK2 in vivo, 108 particles of ad-HK2 or ad-GFP were injected into the knee of WT mice. K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis was induced in HK2F/F mice harboring Col1a1-Cre (HK2Col1), to delete HK2 in non-hematopoietic cells. Results: HK2 is particular of RA histopathology (9/9 RA; 1/8 OA) and co-localizes with FLS markers. Silencing HK2 in RA FLS resulted in a less invasive and migratory phenotype. Consistently, overexpression of HK2 resulted in an increased ability to migrate and invade. It also increased extracellular lactate production. Intra-articular injection of ad-HK2 in normal knees dramatically increased synovial lining thickness, FLS activation and proliferation. HK2 was highly expressed in the synovial lining after K/BxN serum transfer arthritis. HK2Col1 mice significantly showed decreased arthritis severity, bone and cartilage damage.Conclusion: HK2 is specifically expressed in RA synovial lining and regulates FLS aggressive functions. HK2 might be an attractive selective metabolic target safer than global glycolysis for RA treatment

Genomic, Pathway Network, and Immunologic Features Distinguishing Squamous Carcinomas

This integrated, multiplatform PanCancer Atlas study co-mapped and identified distinguishing molecular features of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) from five sites associated with smokin