Kirjoittaja: Christer Sundqvist
Meillä on töitä. Ravitsemusterapian professori Ursula Schwab väittää Ylen uutisissa seuraavaa:
”Joka viikko tulee kymmeniä tutkimustuloksia, jotka osoittavat, että kova rasva ei ole terveydelle hyväksi.”
Pitääkö väite paikkansa?
Yleisradion artikkelista selviää, että “kovalla” rasvalla tarkoitetaan tyydyttynyttä rasvaa. “Kova rasva” on virheellinen termi, pitää olla “kiinteä rasva”. Professori Schwab väittää, että kiinteä rasva ei ole terveydelle hyväksi. Itse olen tästä asiasta eri mieltä, joten minua kiinnostaa erityisen paljon suomalaisprofessorin hätkähdyttävä väite: Joka viikko ilmestyy kymmeniä tutkimustuloksia, jotka osoittavat näiden rasvamuotojen epäterveellisyyden.
Asia on helppo tarkistaa. Yhdysvaltojen terveysvirasto (National Institutes of Health) ylläpitää mainiota lääketieteellistä kirjastopalvelua (US National Library of Medicine), joka on avoin kaikille maailman terveystutkijoille ja maallikoille.
Yhden viikon aikana ilmestyneet kiinteää rasvaa käsittelevät tutkimukset
Valitsin käsittelyyn kaikki viime viikolla ilmestyneet kiinteää rasvaa käsittelevät tutkimukset. Käytin hakualgoritmia:
(“fatty acids”[MeSH Terms] OR (“fatty”[All Fields] AND “acids”[All Fields]) OR “fatty acids”[All Fields] OR (“saturated”[All Fields] AND “fat”[All Fields]) OR “saturated fat”[All Fields]) AND (“2018/02/26″[PDAT] : “2018/03/04″[PDAT])
Hakukriteerit täyttäviä tutkimuksia löytyi 391 kpl. Kutsun nyt kaikkia turpaduunarin lukijoita kanssani tarkastelemaan seuraavaa listausta, johon olen ottanut mukaan viime viikon aikana ilmestyneet lääketieteelliset tutkimukset. Löytyykö näiden tutkimusten joukosta kymmenittäin tutkimuksia, jotka osoittavat, että kiinteä rasva ei ole terveydelle hyväksi?
Työn eteneminen
Päivän mittaan (8.3.2018) olen käynyt listaa läpi yhdessä ystävieni kanssa. Asian käsittelyn kannalta lupaavimmilta vaikuttavat terveystutkimukset olen merkinnyt sinisellä tekstillä. Työ on kesken.
Tutkimus numero 68 vaikuttaa mielenkiintoiselta! Lue! Ote lyhennelmästä: “Institutions that set dietary guidelines have approached dairy products with negative bias and used poor scientific data in the past. As a result, the consumption of dairy products was considered detrimental to our cardiovascular health. In western societies, dietary trends indicate that generally there is a reduction of full-fat dairy product consumption and increased low-fat dairy consumption. However, recent research and meta-analyses have demonstrated the benefits of full-fat dairy consumption, based on higher bioavailability of high-value nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties.”
Myös tutkimus numero 84 kannattaa lukea tarkemmin: Ote lyhennelmästä: “In view of the abundance of palm oil in the market, quantifying its true association with CVD outcomes is challenging. The present review could not establish strong evidence for or against palm oil consumption relating to cardiovascular disease risk and cardiovascular disease-specific mortality. Further studies are needed to establish the association of palm oil with CVD.”
Toivonkipinä Ursulalle syttyy tutkimuksessa numero 85. Ote lyhennelmästä: “The supply of total fat, saturated fat and sugar considerably exceeded the current dietary recommendation. As regards nutrition security in 2010, the UK was reliant on imported foods to meet energy, fibre, total carbohydrate, iron, zinc and vitamin A requirements. This analysis demonstrates the importance of including nutrients other than energy to determine the adequacy of the food supply.”
Ursulalle edullista tutkimusnäyttöä on tutkimuksessa numero 379. Ote lyhennelmästä: “Based upon evidence to date, we believe that high-fat diets and SFA consumption should be avoided, and MUFA and omega-3 PUFA intake should be encouraged in order to regulate gut microbiota and inflammation, promoting body weight/fat control.”
Aika huonolta näyttää Ursulan kannalta. Ehkä oli epätavallisen huono esimerkkiviikko? Otetaanko jokin toinen viikko tarkasteluun? Saanko muutamia ehdotuksia? Ehdottakaa satunnaisesti viikko ja vuosi tarkasteltavaksi!
1. Fish Shellfish Immunol. 2018 Mar 3. pii: S1050-4648(18)30121-9. doi: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.03.004. [Epub ahead of print] The functionality of prebiotics as immunostimulant: Evidences from trials on terrestrial and aquatic animals. Nawaz A(1), Bakhsh Javaid A(1), Irshad S(2), Hoseinifar SH(3), Xiong H(4). Author information: (1)College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China. (2)School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430070, China. (3)Department of Fisheries, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran. (4)College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China. Electronic address: xionghanguo@163.com. The gut immune system is, the main option for maintaining host's health, affected by numerous factors comprising dietary constituents and commensal bacteria. These dietary components that affect the intestinal immunity and considered as an alternative of antibiotics are called immunosaccharides. Fructooligosaccharide (FOS), Galactooligosaccharide (GOS), inulin, dietary carbohydrates, and xylooligosaccharide (XOS) are among the most studied prebiotics in human as well as in aquaculture. Although prebiotics and probiotics have revealed potential as treatment for numerous illnesses in both human and fish, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism behind direct and indirect effect on the intestinal immune response will help more and perhaps extra effective therapy intended for ailments. This review covers the most newly deep-rooted scientific outcomes about the direct and indirect mechanism through which these dietetic strategies can affect intestinal immunity of terrestrial and aquatic animals. Prebiotics exert an influence on gut immune system via the increase in lysozyme and phagocytic activity, macrophage activation and stimulation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Furthermore, these functional molecules also enhance epithelial barrier function, beneficial gut microbial population, and production of intermediate metabolites for example short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that assist in balancing the immune system. Moreover, emphasis will be sited on the relationship among food/feed, the microbiota, and the gut immune system. In conclusion, further studies are nonetheless essential to confirm the direct effect of prebiotics on immune response. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd. DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.03.004 PMID: 29510254 2. Food Chem Toxicol. 2018 Mar 3. pii: S0278-6915(18)30143-1. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.03.004. [Epub ahead of print] Modulation of key lipid raft constituents in primary rat hepatocytes by fumonisin B1 - Implications for cancer promotion in the liver. Burger HM(1), Abel S(2), Gelderblom WCA(3). Author information: (1)Institute of Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 1906, Bellville 7535, South Africa. Electronic address: burgerh@cput.ac.za. (2)Institute of Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 1906, Bellville 7535, South Africa. Electronic address: abels@cput.ac.za. (3)Institute of Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, PO Box 1906, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa. Electronic address: gelderblomw@cput.ac.za. Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a group 2B natural occurring carcinogenic mycotoxin, modulated lipid and fatty acid (FA) constituents of lipid rafts isolated from primary hepatocytes following exposure to a cytotoxic concentration of FB1 (250 μM). The major effects observed in rafts, included a significant (p < 0.05) increase in raft cholesterol (CHOL) and glycerophospholipid such as phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), whereas sphingomyelin (SM) decreased (p < 0.05). Changes in lipid constituents resulted in the disruption of important membrane fluidity parameters represented as a decreased (p < 0.05) in the phosphatidylcholine (PC)/PE and PC/(PE+SM) ratios and an increase (p < 0.05) in the CHOL/PL (PL=PC+PE) ratio, suggesting the preservation of lipid raft rigidity and integrity. Observed FA changes in the raft PE fraction included a significant (p < 0.05) increase in C18:2ω-6, C20:3ω-6, C20:4ω-6, C22:4ω-6, C22:5ω-3 and C22:6ω-3, with an increase in total ω-6 and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Modulation of the FA content in PE, specifically the C20:4ω-6 PC/PE ratio and PUFA levels, together with changes in CHOL and SM are key determinants regulating the integrity and function of lipid rafts. In primary hepatocytes these changes are associated with the inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. A lipogenic mechanism is proposed whereby FB1 modulates lipid rafts and differentially target cell survival indices of normal and preneoplastic hepatocytes during cancer promotion in the liver. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd. DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.03.004 PMID: 29510220 3. Poult Sci. 2018 Mar 1. doi: 10.3382/ps/pey027. [Epub ahead of print] Dietary supplementation with DHA-rich microalgae improves performance, serum composition, carcass trait, antioxidant status, and fatty acid profile of broilers. Long SF(1), Kang S(1), Wang QQ(1), Xu YT(1), Pan L(1), Hu JX(1), Li M(1), Piao XS(1). Author information: (1)State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Centre, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China. riment was conducted with 126 as-hatched male Arbor Acres chicks (1-d-old, weighing 45.3 ± 0.72 g) to determine the effects of microalgae [MA, containing 29% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] on performance, serum composition, carcass trait, antioxidant status, and fatty acid deposition of birds. The birds were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 treatments with 7 replicate pens per treatment (6 birds per pen). The dietary treatments included a control diet [corn-soybean basal diet supplemented with 3% soybean oil (SO), CON], 1% MA diet (basal diet supplemented with 1% MA and 2% SO, 1MA), and 2% MA diet (basal diet supplemented with 2% MA and 1% SO, 2MA). All birds were raised in wire-floored cages. The trial consists of a starter phase from d 1 to 21 and a grower phase from d 22 to 42. Compared with CON, birds supplemented with MA (1MA or 2MA) had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain, liver percentage (liver weight/body weight), and serum glucose, as well as lower (P < 0.05) feed conversation ratio, abdominal fat percentage (abdominal fat weight/body weight), and total serum cholesterol. Moreover, due to the high concentration of DHA in MA, birds fed MA showed increased (P < 0.05) concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid, DHA, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity, as well as decreased (P < 0.05) n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio, polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio, and malondialdehyde in the breast and thigh muscle compared with CON. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1% or 2% DHA-rich microalgae had positive effects on performance, serum composition, carcass trait, antioxidant status, and fatty acid deposition in birds. DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey027 PMID: 29509916 4. Iran J Kidney Dis. 2018 Mar;12(2):91-98. Clinical Characterization of Serum Docosahexaenoic Acid and Its Relationship With Inflammation Factors in Patients With Diabetic Nephropathy. Zhou L, Yao D, Zhao S, Jiang Y, Lu W(1). Author information: (1)Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Huai'an First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu Province, China. 429536336@qq.com. INTRODUCTION: A variety of molecular pathways, such as generation of advanced glycation end products, inflammation, and oxidative stress, are involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Recently, a protective effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the kidney has been reported. This study aimed to determine serum docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) level and its association with inflammation factors in patients with DN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus were divided into 3 groups of non-DN, early DN, and clinical DN, based on 24-hour urinary albumin levels. Hemoglobin A1c, biochemical indicators, β2-microglobulin, and 24-hour urine albumin levels were assessed. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was applied to determine the serum concentrations of DHA, advanced glycation end products, fractalkine, superoxide dismutase, and tumor necrosis factor-α. RESULTS: Lower serum DHA and superoxide dismutase and higher serum β2-microglobulin and 24-hour urine albumin levels were associated with clinical DN, compared to no DN and early DN. The reductions in serum DHA levels were different among the patients with early and clinical DN, stratified by sex, body mass index, and serum lipid levels. Serum DHA significantly correlated positively with superoxide dismutase and negatively with fractalkine and tumor necrosis factor-α in the patients with DN. CONCLUSIONS: Docosahexaenoic acid may suppress the expression and secretion of fractalkine through inhibiting the tumor necrosis factor-α signaling pathway in DN patients, which improves inflammation and oxidative stress of the kidney, and in turn, delaying the development of DN. PMID: 29507271 5. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2018 Feb 28;64(3):35-39. doi: 10.14715/cmb/2018.64.3.6. The determination of the effect of some 1,3,4 thiadiazole derivatives on biochemical content (Fatty Acids, Sterols, Lipophilic Vitamins) in rat liver. Parlak AE(1), Karagozoglu Y(2), Alayunt NÖ(3), Turkoglu S(4), Karatepe M(5), Koparir M(5). Author information: (1)Keban Vocational School of Higher Education, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey. (2)Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts, Bingol University, Bingol, Turkey. (3)Banaz Vocational School, Usak University, Usak, Turkey. (4)Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey. (5)Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey. Thiadiazole derivatives and its metal compounds have antibacterial, antifungal, antitumoral, antiproliferative and antioxidant properties. In the study, the effects caused by thiadiazole ligand and its metal complexes upon the fatty acids and lipophilic vitamins in livers of rats were examined. The fatty acids in liver were specified by GC while the lipophilic vitamins were specified by HPLC. It was observed that the amounts of oleic acids (18:1, n-9) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) notably increased in the Mn complex group while the amounts of arachidonic acid (20:4, n-6) notably increased in the ligand group, compared to control group. The amounts of vitamin K2, vitamin D3 and α-tocopherol considerably increased in all groups compared to control group. It was noted that the amounts of α-tocopherol were elevated in both the Mn and Cr complex groups compared to control group. However, this elevation was matching with the amount in the same groups. Nevertheless, the amount of retinol was determined to be lower in the Mn complex group compared to other groups. Accordingly, it can be considered that thanks to the utilization of toxic metals such as manganese, cadmium and chrome, unsaturated fatty acids influenced the activities of the enzymes in liver tissue, which are in charge of fatty acid chain elongation. PMID: 29506628 6. Poult Sci. 2018 Feb 28. doi: 10.3382/ps/pey039. [Epub ahead of print] Effect of short- and long-term feed restriction on ghrelin concentrations in turkeys. Vizcarra FR(1), Verghese M(1), Vizcarra JA(1). Author information: (1)Food and Animal Sciences, Alabama A&M University, Normal 35762. One-day-old broad-breasted white turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were reared as recommended by industry standards. In Experiment 1, starting at 5 wk of age (WOA), birds were placed in individual cages with free access to feed and water. Blood samples were taken after 18 h of fasting (FASTING) and at 90 ± 5 min after feeding (1.5 h after feeding). In Experiment 2, birds were weighed, randomly assigned to 2 treatments, and placed in individual cages. In treatment 1 (n = 10), birds were fed ad libitum (FF), while birds in treatment 2 (n = 11) were placed on a restricted diet to allow for an average daily gain of 10.0 g per d from 4 to 11 WOA (RES). In Experiment 1, concentrations of ghrelin (P = 0.012) and glucose (P < 0.001) were increased 1.5 h after feeding compared with concentration during FASTING, whereas concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (P < 0.001) and corticosterone (P = 0.002) were decreased 1.5 h after feeding. Concentration of insulin, free fatty acids, and ketone bodies followed a normal physiological response to fasting and feeding. Similarly, in Experiment 2, concentrations of ghrelin (P < 0.001) and glucose (P = 0.038) were increased in FF birds, whereas concentrations of corticosterone were decreased (P = 0.002) in FF birds. It could be concluded that in turkeys, preprandial (18 h of fasting) and long-term feed restriction is associated with decreased concentration of ghrelin-thus, the opposite effect of that reported in chickens and mammalian species. DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey039 PMID: 29506221 7. Plant Genome. 2018 Mar;11(1). doi: 10.3835/plantgenome2017.08.0069. Genome-Wide Association and Metabolic Pathway Analysis of Corn Earworm Resistance in Maize. Warburton ML, Womack ED, Tang JD, Thrash A, Smith JS, Xu W, Murray SC, Williams WP. Maize ( L.) is a staple crop of economic, industrial, and food security importance. Damage to the growing ears by corn earworm [ (Boddie)] is a major economic burden and increases secondary fungal infections and mycotoxin levels. To identify biochemical pathways associated with native resistance mechanisms, a genome-wide association analysis was performed, followed by pathway analysis using a gene-set enrichment-based approach. The gene-set enrichment exposed the cumulative effects of genes in pathways to identify those that contributed the most to resistance. Single nucleotide polymorphism-trait associations were linked to genes including transcription factors, protein kinases, hormone-responsive proteins, hydrolases, pectinases, xylogluconases, and the flavonol synthase gene (in the maysin biosynthesis pathway). The most significantly associated metabolic pathways identified included those that modified cell wall components, especially homogalacturonan, wax esters, and fatty acids; those involved in antibiosis, especially 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), flavonoids, and phenolics; and those involved in plant growth, including N uptake and energy production. The pathways identified in this study, and especially the cell wall-associated pathways, identified here for the first time, provide clues to resistance mechanisms that could guide the identification of new resistant ideotypes and candidate genes for creation of resistant maize germplasm via selection of natural variants or gene editing. Copyright © 2018 Crop Science Society of America. DOI: 10.3835/plantgenome2017.08.0069 PMID: 29505629 8. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2018 Mar.;19(3):183-198. doi: 10.1631/jzus.B1600490. Role of exosome-associated microRNA in diagnostic and therapeutic applications to metabolic disorders. Yao ZY(1), Chen WB(2), Shao SS(1), Ma SZ(1), Yang CB(1), Li MZ(1), Zhao JJ(1), Gao L(2). Author information: (1)Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University / Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism / Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan 250021, China. (2)Scientific Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250021, China. Metabolic disorders are classified clinically as a complex and varied group of diseases including metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. Fat toxicity, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress, which may change cellular functions, are considered to play an essential role in the pathogenetic progress of metabolic disorders. Recent studies have found that cells secrete nanoscale vesicles containing proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and membrane receptors, which mediate signal transduction and material transport to neighboring and distant cells. Exosomes, one type of such vesicles, are reported to participate in multiple pathological processes including tumor metastasis, atherosclerosis, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance. Research on exosomes has focused mainly on the proteins they contain, but recently the function of exosome-associated microRNA has drawn a lot of attention. Exosome-associated microRNAs regulate the physiological function and pathological processes of metabolic disorders. They may also be useful as novel diagnostics and therapeutics given their special features of non-immunogenicity and quick extraction. In this paper, we summarize the structure, content, and functions of exosomes and the potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of exosome-associated microRNAs in the treatment of metabolic disorders. DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B1600490 PMID: 29504312 9. Algal Res. 2018 Mar;30:11-22. doi: 10.1016/j.algal.2017.12.001. Comparing EPA production and fatty acid profiles of three Phaeodactylum tricornutum strains under western Norwegian climate conditions. Steinrücken P(1), Prestegard SK(2), de Vree JH(1), Storesund JE(1), Pree B(1), Mjøs SA(3), Erga SR(1). Author information: (1)Department of Biology, University of Bergen, PO Box 7803, N-5020 Bergen, Norway. (2)Applied Biotechnology, Uni Research Environment, Nygårdsgaten 112, N-5006 Bergen, Norway. (3)Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Allégaten 42, N-5020 Bergen, Norway. Microalgae could provide a sustainable alternative to fish oil as a source for the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, growing microalgae on a large-scale is still more cost-intensive than fish oil production, and outdoor productivities vary greatly with reactor type, geographic location, climate conditions and microalgae species or even strains. The diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum has been intensively investigated for its potential in large-scale production, due to its robustness and comparatively high growth rates and EPA content. Yet, most research have been performed in southern countries and with a single commercial P. tricornutum strain, while information about productivities at higher latitudes and of local strains is scarce. We examined the potential of the climate conditions in Bergen, western Norway for outdoor cultivation of P. tricornutum in flat panel photobioreactors and cultivated three different strains simultaneously, one commercial strain from Spain (Fito) and two local isolates (M28 and B58), to assess and compare their biomass and EPA productivities, and fatty acid (FA) profiles. The three strains possessed similar biomass productivities (average volumetric productivities of 0.20, 0.18, and 0.21 g L- 1 d- 1), that were lower compared to productivities reported from southern latitudes. However, EPA productivities differed between the strains (average volumetric productivities of 9.8, 5.7 and 6.9 mg L- 1 d- 1), due to differing EPA contents (average of 4.4, 3.2 and 3.1% of dry weight), and were comparable to results from Italy. The EPA content of strain Fito of 4.4% is higher than earlier reported for P. tricornutum (2.6-3.1%) and was only apparent under outdoor conditions. A principal component analysis (PCA) of the relative FA composition revealed strain-specific profiles. However, including data from laboratory experiments, revealed more significant differences between outdoor and laboratory-grown cultures than between the strains, and higher EPA contents in outdoor grown cultures. DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2017.12.001 PMCID: PMC5798079 PMID: 29503805 10. Immune Netw. 2018 Feb 26;18(1):e15. doi: 10.4110/in.2018.18.e15. eCollection 2018 Feb. Regulation of Allergic Immune Responses by Microbial Metabolites. Park HJ(1), Lee SW(1), Hong S(1). Author information: (1)Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Anticancer Medicine Development, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Korea. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the microbiota plays an essential role in shaping the development and function of host immune responses. A variety of environmental stimuli, including foods and commensals, are recognized by the host through the epithelium, acting as a physical barrier. Two allergic diseases, atopic dermatitis and food allergy, are closely linked to the microbiota, because inflammatory responses occur on the epidermal border. The microbiota generates metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and poly-γ-glutamic acid (γPGA), which can modulate host immune responses. Here, we review how microbial metabolites can regulate allergic immune responses. Furthermore, we focus on the effect of γPGA on allergic T helper (Th) 2 responses and its therapeutic application. DOI: 10.4110/in.2018.18.e15 PMCID: PMC5833122 PMID: 29503745 Conflict of interest statement: Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest. 11. J Oral Microbiol. 2018 Feb 26;10(1):1440128. doi: 10.1080/20002297.2018.1440128. eCollection 2018. Importance of heterogeneity in Porhyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide lipid A in tissue specific inflammatory signalling. Olsen I(1), Singhrao SK(2). Author information: (1)Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. (2)Dementia and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Faculty of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Porphyromonas gingivalis exists in at least two known forms, O-LPS and A-LPS. A-LPS shows heterogeneity in which two isoforms designated LPS1,435/1,449 and LPS1,690 appear responsible for tissue-specific immune signalling pathways activation and increased virulence. The modification of lipid A to tetra-acylated1,435/1,449 and/or penta-acylated1,690 fatty acids indicates poor growth conditions and bioavailability of hemin. Hemin protects P. gingivalis from serum resistance and the lipid A serves as a site for its binding. The LPS1,435/1,449 and LPS1,690 isoforms can produce opposite effects on the human Toll-like receptors (TLR) TLR2 and TLR4 activation. This enables P. gingivalis to select the conditions for its entry, survival, and that of its co-habiting species in the host, orchestrating its virulence to control innate immune pathway activation and biofilm dysbiosis. This review describes a number of effects that LPS1,435/1,449 and LPS1,690 can exert on the host tissues such as deregulation of the innate immune system, subversion of host cell autophagy, regulation of outer membrane vesicle production, and adverse effects on pregnancy outcome. The ability to change its LPS1,435/1,449 and/or LPS1,690 composition may enable P. gingivalis to paralyze local pro-inflammatory cytokine production, thereby gaining access to its primary location in periodontal tissue. DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2018.1440128 PMCID: PMC5827638 PMID: 29503705 Conflict of interest statement: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors. 12. Stem Cell Reports. 2018 Feb 26. pii: S2213-6711(18)30065-1. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.01.039. [Epub ahead of print] Contractile Work Contributes to Maturation of Energy Metabolism in hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Ulmer BM(1), Stoehr A(2), Schulze ML(3), Patel S(4), Gucek M(4), Mannhardt I(3), Funcke S(3), Murphy E(2), Eschenhagen T(3), Hansen A(5). Author information: (1)University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Heart Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany. Electronic address: b.ulmer@uke.de. (2)Systems Biology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. (3)University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Heart Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany. (4)Proteomics Core Facility, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. (5)University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Heart Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany. Electronic address: ar.hansen@uke.de. Energy metabolism is a key aspect of cardiomyocyte biology. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are a promising tool for biomedical application, but they are immature and have not undergone metabolic maturation related to early postnatal development. To assess whether cultivation of hiPSC-CMs in 3D engineered heart tissue format leads to maturation of energy metabolism, we analyzed the mitochondrial and metabolic state of 3D hiPSC-CMs and compared it with 2D culture. 3D hiPSC-CMs showed increased mitochondrial mass, DNA content, and protein abundance (proteome). While hiPSC-CMs exhibited the principal ability to use glucose, lactate, and fatty acids as energy substrates irrespective of culture format, hiPSC-CMs in 3D performed more oxidation of glucose, lactate, and fatty acid and less anaerobic glycolysis. The increase in mitochondrial mass and DNA in 3D was diminished by pharmacological reduction of contractile force. In conclusion, contractile work contributes to metabolic maturation of hiPSC-CMs. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.01.039 PMID: 29503093 13. J Agric Food Chem. 2018 Mar 3. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b05414. [Epub ahead of print] Increases of Phenolics, Fatty Acids, Phytosterols, and Anticancer Activity of Sweet Potato after Fermented by Lactobacillus acidophilus. Shen Y, Sun H, Zeng H, Prinyawiwatkul W, Xu W, Xu Z. Changes of phenolics, fatty acids, and phytosterols in the sweet potato (SP) fermented by Lactobacillus acidophilus were evaluated and compared with its raw and boiled SPs. The differences of profiles and levels of phenolics between raw and boiled SPs were not as significant as their differences from fermented SP. The level of caffeic acid or 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acids in fermented SP increased to more than 4 times higher than raw or boiled SP. Two phenolics, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid which were not detected in either raw or boiled SP were found in fermented SP. The level of each fatty acid or phytosterol increased in fermented SP, but decreased in boiled SP. Among the hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts obtained from both of raw and fermented SPs, the hydrophilic extract of fermented SP exhibited the highest capability in inhibiting cancer cell PC-12 proliferation. However, each of the extracts had very low cytotoxicity to normal monkey kidney cell growth. The results indicated that fermented SP by Lactobacillus acidophilus significantly increased free antioxidant-rich phenolics and enhanced inhibit cancer cell proliferation activity without cytotoxicity to normal cells. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b05414 PMID: 29502404 14. Trop Anim Health Prod. 2018 Mar 3. doi: 10.1007/s11250-018-1553-3. [Epub ahead of print] Comparison of meat quality characteristics and fatty acid composition of finished goat kids from indigenous and dairy breeds. Yalcintan H(1), Ekiz B(2), Ozcan M(2). Author information: (1)Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Istanbul University Veterinary Faculty, Avcilar, 34320, Istanbul, Turkey. hyalcint@istanbul.edu.tr. (2)Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Istanbul University Veterinary Faculty, Avcilar, 34320, Istanbul, Turkey. The aim of the study was to compare the certain carcass and meat quality traits and also fatty acid composition of goat kids from indigenous breeds (Gokceada and Hair Goat) and dairy breeds (Saanen and Maltese). A total 40 male kids from Saanen, Gokceada, Maltese and Hair Goat breeds were collected from commercial farms after weaning. Kids were finished for 56 days with grower concentrate and alfalfa hay in the sheepfold until slaughter. Higher mean values were found for Saanen kids in terms of slaughter weight, hot carcass weight and real dressing compared with Maltese, Hair Goat and Gokceada kids under the same intensive conditions. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between breeds in terms of instrumental meat quality traits, except meat colour. Meat from Gokceada and Hair Goat kids had higher lightness and Hue angle values than Saanen kids after 24 h of blooming. High meat redness values were observed for Saanen kids after 0 and 1 h of blooming. Panellist appreciated cooked meat from Saanen and Maltese kids in overall acceptability. If the fatty acid composition of meat was taken into consideration, kids from Saanen and Gokceada breeds displayed better values, because of the lower ƩSFA percentage and higher desirable fatty acids (C18:0 + ΣMUFA + ΣPUFA) percentage than Maltese and Hair Goat kids. Our results indicate that male kids for Saanen which is dairy breed could be assessable for quality goat meat production. DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1553-3 PMID: 29502289 15. Diabetologia. 2018 Mar 3. doi: 10.1007/s00125-018-4583-5. [Epub ahead of print] Loss of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) in mice with diet-induced obesity uncouples visceral obesity from glucose intolerance partly via the gut microbiota. Janssen AWF(1), Katiraei S(2)(3), Bartosinska B(4)(5)(6), Eberhard D(4)(5)(6), Willems van Dijk K(2)(3)(7), Kersten S(8). Author information: (1)Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics Group, Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands. (2)Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands. (3)Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands. (4)Institute of Metabolic Physiology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany. (5)Institute for Beta Cell Biology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany. (6)German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München Neuherberg, Germany. (7)Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands. (8)Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics Group, Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, the Netherlands. sander.kersten@wur.nl. AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is an important regulator of triacylglycerol metabolism, carrying out this role by inhibiting the enzymes lipoprotein lipase and pancreatic lipase. ANGPTL4 is a potential target for ameliorating cardiometabolic diseases. Although ANGPTL4 has been implicated in obesity, the study of the direct role of ANGPTL4 in diet-induced obesity and related metabolic dysfunction is hampered by the massive acute-phase response and development of lethal chylous ascites and peritonitis in Angptl4-/- mice fed a standard high-fat diet. The aim of this study was to better characterise the role of ANGPTL4 in glucose homeostasis and metabolic dysfunction during obesity. METHODS: We chronically fed wild-type (WT) and Angptl4-/- mice a diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol, combined with fructose in drinking water, and studied metabolic function. The role of the gut microbiota was investigated by orally administering a mixture of antibiotics (ampicillin, neomycin, metronidazole). Glucose homeostasis was assessed via i.p. glucose and insulin tolerance tests. RESULTS: Mice lacking ANGPTL4 displayed an increase in body weight gain, visceral adipose tissue mass, visceral adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase activity and visceral adipose tissue inflammation compared with WT mice. However, they also unexpectedly had markedly improved glucose tolerance, which was accompanied by elevated insulin levels. Loss of ANGPTL4 did not affect glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in isolated pancreatic islets. Since the gut microbiota have been suggested to influence insulin secretion, and because ANGPTL4 has been proposed to link the gut microbiota to host metabolism, we hypothesised a potential role of the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota composition was significantly different between Angptl4-/- mice and WT mice. Interestingly, suppression of the gut microbiota using antibiotics largely abolished the differences in glucose tolerance and insulin levels between WT and Angptl4-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Despite increasing visceral fat mass, inactivation of ANGPTL4 improves glucose tolerance, at least partly via a gut microbiota-dependent mechanism. DOI: 10.1007/s00125-018-4583-5 PMID: 29502266 16. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 2018 Mar 3. doi: 10.1007/s10482-018-1058-0. [Epub ahead of print] Ascidiaceibacter salegens gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from an ascidian. Chen L(1), Wang SC(1), Ma CH(1), Zheng DX(1), Du ZJ(2), Wang GY(3). Author information: (1)Department of Bioengineering, School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, 264209, People's Republic of China. (2)College of Marine Science, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, People's Republic of China. (3)Department of Bioengineering, School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai, 264209, People's Republic of China. wanggy18_2007@163.com. An aerobic, Gram-stain negative, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium, designated as strain HQA918T, was isolated from an ascidian, Botryllus schlosseri, which was collected from the coast of Weihai in the north of the Yellow Sea, in China. The strain grew optimally at 28-30 °C, at pH values 7.0-8.0, and in the presence of 1.0-3.0% (w/v) sodium chloride (NaCl). A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HQA918T can be affiliated with the family Flavobacteriaceae in the phylum Bacteroidetes, with 92.7% similarity to its close relatives. The major fatty acids identified were iso-C15:0, iso-C15:0 3-OH, and summed feature 3 (iso-C15:0 2-OH and/or C16:1ω7c). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid, and five unidentified polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 44.1 mol%. On the basis of the phylogenetic, genotypic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic data, this organism should be classified as a representative of a novel genus, for which the name Ascidiaceibacter gen. nov. is proposed. The type species is Ascidiaceibacter salegens sp. nov. (type strain HQA918T = KCTC 52719T = MCCC 1K03259T). DOI: 10.1007/s10482-018-1058-0 PMID: 29502262 17. Biodegradation. 2018 Mar 3. doi: 10.1007/s10532-018-9825-1. [Epub ahead of print] Anaerobic biodegradation of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide in long-term methanogenic enrichment cultures from production water of oil reservoirs. Hu H(1), Liu JF(2), Li CY(1), Yang SZ(1), Gu JD(3), Mu BZ(1)(4). Author information: (1)State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China. (2)State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering and Institute of Applied Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China. ljf@ecust.edu.cn. (3)School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China. (4)Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomanufacturing Technology, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China. The increasing usage of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) in oilfields as a flooding agent to enhance oil recovery at so large quantities is an ecological hazard to the subsurface ecosystem due to persistence and inertness. Biodegradation of HPAM is a potentially promising strategy for dealing with this problem among many other methods available. To understand the responsible microorganisms and mechanism of HPAM biodegradation under anaerobic conditions, an enrichment culture from production waters of oil reservoirs were established with HPAM as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen incubated for over 328 days, and analyzed using both molecular microbiology and chemical characterization methods. Gel permeation chromatography, High-pressure liquid chromatography and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy results indicated that, after 328 days of anaerobic incubation, some of the amide groups on HPAM were removed and released as ammonia/ammonium and carboxylic groups, while the carbon backbone of HPAM was converted to smaller polymeric fragments, including oligomers and various fatty acids. Based on these results, the biochemical process of anaerobic biodegradation of HPAM was proposed. The phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences retrieved from the enrichments showed that Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes were the dominant bacteria in the culture with HPAM as the source of carbon and nitrogen, respectively. For archaea, Methanofollis was more abundant in the anaerobic enrichment. These results are helpful for understanding the process of HPAM biodegradation and provide significant insights to the fate of HPAM in subsurface environment and for possible bioremediation. DOI: 10.1007/s10532-018-9825-1 PMID: 29502248 18. J Environ Manage. 2018 Mar 1;213:271-278. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.053. [Epub ahead of print] Combining microwave irradiation with sodium citrate addition improves the pre-treatment on anaerobic digestion of excess sewage sludge. Peng L(1), Appels L(2), Su H(3). Author information: (1)Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China; Process and Environmental Technology Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium. (2)Process and Environmental Technology Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium. Electronic address: lise.appels@kuleuven.be. (3)Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China. Electronic address: Suhj@mail.buct.edu.cn. This study investigated the synergistic effect of sodium citrate (SC; Na3C3H5O(COO)3) and microwave (MW) treatment on the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion of excess sewage sludge. In terms of the methane yield, an increase of the digestion's efficiency was observed. Taking into account the cost for the MW energy supplied to the system, the optimum treatment conditions were a MW energy input of 20 MJ/kg TS and a SC concentration of 0.11 g/g TS, obtaining a methane yield of 218.88 ml/g VS, i.e., an increase of 147.7% compared to the control. MW treatment was found to break the sludge structure, thereby improving the release of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The treatment of sodium citrate further strengthened the breakage of loosely bound extracellular polymeric substances (LB-EPS) and tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances (TB-EPS). The increased VFA content stressed the improved digestion by this pretreatment. Furthermore, the preliminary economic analysis showed that at this point in the research, only operational but no financial gains were achieved. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.02.053 PMID: 29502012 19. Environ Pollut. 2018 Mar 1;237:377-387. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.035. [Epub ahead of print] Dietary grape seed proanthocyanidin extract regulates metabolic disturbance in rat liver exposed to lead associated with PPARα signaling pathway. Yang D(1), Jiang H(2), Lu J(1), Lv Y(1), Baiyun R(3), Li S(3), Liu B(1), Lv Z(4), Zhang Z(5). Author information: (1)College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China. (2)College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China. (3)College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China. (4)College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China. (5)College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China. Electronic address: zhangzhigang@neau.edu.cn. Lead, a pervasive environmental hazard worldwide, causes a wide range of physiological and biochemical destruction, including metabolic dysfunction. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) is a natural production with potential metabolic regulation in liver. This study was performed to investigate the protective role of GSPE against lead-induced metabolic dysfunction in liver and elucidate the potential molecular mechanism of this event. Wistar rats received GSPE (200 mg/kg) daily with or without lead acetate (PbA, 0.5 g/L) exposure for 56 d. According to biochemical and histopathologic analysis, GSPE attenuated lead-induced metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and liver dysfunction. Liver gene expression profiling was assessed by RNA sequencing and validated by qRT-PCR. Expression of some genes in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) signaling pathway was significantly suppressed in PbA group and revived in PbA + GSPE group, which was manifested by Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis and validated by western blot analysis. This study supports that dietary GSPE ameliorates lead-induced fatty acids metabolic disturbance in rat liver associated with PPARα signaling pathway, and suggests that dietary GSPE may be a protector against lead-induced metabolic dysfunction and liver injury, providing a novel therapy to protect liver against lead exposure. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.035 PMID: 29502000 20. J Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Mar 1. pii: S0378-8741(17)33482-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.02.036. [Epub ahead of print] Acetone fraction from Sechium edule (Jacq.) S.w. edible roots exhibits anti-endothelial dysfunction activity. Moreno CT(1), Martínez GC(1), Martínez MM(1), Ferrer JEJ(2), Chaverri JP(3), Arrellín G(4), Zamilpa A(2), Campos ONM(3), Earl GL(2), Cruz GJB(1), Hernández B(5), Ramírez CC(1), Santana MA(6), Fragoso G(7), Rosas G(8). Author information: (1)Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México, CP 62350. (2)Laboratorio de Farmacología. Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas del Sur. Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social., Xochitepec, Morelos, México. CP 62790. (3)Facultad de Química. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México, CP 04510. (4)Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México, CP 62350; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Panamericana. Ciudad de México, México. CP 03920. (5)Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México, CP 04510. (6)Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos. Av. Universidad 1001, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México. CP 62209. (7)Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas., Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México, CP 04510. (8)Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México, CP 62350. Electronic address: gabriela.rosas@uaem.mx. ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: A recent ethnomedical survey on medicinal plants grown in Mexico revealed that Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. (Cucurbitaceae) is one of the most valued plant species to treat cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Fruits, young leaves, buds, stems, and tuberous roots of the plant are edible. Considering that endothelial dysfunction induced by Angiotensin II plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and is accompanied by a prooxidative condition, which in turn induces an inflammatory state, vascular remodeling, and tissue damage, and that S. edule has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive activity, its capability to control endothelial dysfunction was also assessed. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess in vivo the anti-endothelial dysfunction activity of the acetone fraction (rSe-ACE) of the hydroalcoholic extract from S. edule roots. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endothelial dysfunction was induced in female C57BL/6J mice by a daily intraperitoneal injection of angiotensin II for 10 weeks. Either rSe-ACE or losartan (as a control) were co-administered with angiotensin II for the same period. Blood pressure was measured at weeks 0, 5, and 10. Kidney extracts were prepared to determine IL1β, IL4, IL6, IL10, IL17, IFNγ, TNFα, and TGFβ levels by ELISA, along with the prooxidative status as assessed by the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The expression of ICAM-1 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in kidney histological sections. Kidney and hepatic damage, as well as vascular tissue remodeling, were studied. RESULTS: The rSe-ACE fraction administered at a dose of 10mg/kg was able to control hypertension, as well as the prooxidative and proinflammatory status in kidney as efficiently as losartan, returning mice to normotensive levels. Additionally, the fraction was more efficient than losartan to prevent liver and kidney damage. Phytochemical characterization identified cinnamic acid as a major compound, and linoleic, palmitic, and myristic acids as the most abundant non-polar components in the mixture, previously reported to aid in the control of hypertension, inflammation, and oxidative stress, three important components of endothelial dysfunction. IN CONCLUSION: this study demonstrated that rSe-ACE has anti-endothelial dysfunction activity in an experimental model and highlights the role of cinnamic acid and fatty acids in the observed effects. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.02.036 PMID: 29501845 21. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Feb 28. pii: S0022-0302(18)30176-0. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13693. [Epub ahead of print] Effect of hot season on blood parameters, fecal fermentative parameters, and occurrence of Clostridium tyrobutyricum spores in feces of lactating dairy cows. Calamari L(1), Morera P(2), Bani P(1), Minuti A(3), Basiricò L(2), Vitali A(4), Bernabucci U(2). Author information: (1)Istituto di Zootecnica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense, 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy. (2)Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali (DAFNE), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, via S. Camillo De Lellis, s.n.c, 01100 Viterbo, Italy. (3)Istituto di Zootecnica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense, 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy. Electronic address: andrea.minuti@unicatt.it. (4)Facoltà di Bioscienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari ed Ambientali, Università di Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy. High temperature influences rumen and gut health, passage rate, and diet digestibility, with effects on fermentative processes. The main aim of the study was to investigate the effect of hot season on hindgut fermentation, the occurrence of Clostridium tyrobutyricum spores in bovine feces, and on their relationship with metabolic conditions in dairy cows producing milk used for Grana Padano cheese. The study was carried out on 7 dairy farms located in the Po Valley (Italy), involving 1,950 Italian Friesian dairy cows. The study was carried out from November 2013 till the end of July 2014. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded daily by weather stations. Constant management conditions were maintained during the experimental period. Feed and diet characteristics, metabolic conditions, and fecal characteristics were recorded in winter (from late November 2013 to the end of January 2014), spring (from April to May 2014), and summer (July 2014) season. In each season, blood samples were collected from 14 multiparous lactating dairy cows per herd to measure biochemical indices related to energy, protein, and mineral metabolism, as well as markers of inflammation and some enzyme activities. Fecal samples were also collected and measurements of moisture, pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were performed. The DNA extracted and purified from fecal samples was used to detect Clostridium tyrobutyricum spores in a quantitative real-time PCR assay. The daily mean temperature-humidity index was 40.7 ± 4.6 (range 25 to 55), 61.2 ± 3.7 (range 39 to 77), and 70.8 ± 3.2 (range 54 to 83) in winter, spring, and summer, respectively. Total VFA concentration in feces progressively decreased from winter to summer. The seasonal changes of acetate and propionate followed the same trend of total VFA; conversely, butyrate did not show any difference between seasons, and its molar proportion was greater in summer compared with winter. A greater occurrence of Cl. tyrobutyricum spores in summer compared with the other seasons was observed. The plasma concentrations of glucose, urea, albumin, Ca, Mg, Cl, Zn, and alkaline phosphatase activity were lower in summer compared with winter, whereas the opposite occurred for bilirubin and Na. Our results show that summer season, through direct and indirect effect of heat stress, affected fecal fermentative parameters and hindgut buffering capacity, and was responsible for the increasing occurrence of Cl. tyrobutyricum spores in feces. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13693 PMID: 29501337 22. Water Res. 2018 Feb 28;136:112-119. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.02.047. [Epub ahead of print] Biorefinery of cellulosic primary sludge towards targeted Short Chain Fatty Acids, phosphorus and methane recovery. Crutchik D(1), Frison N(2), Eusebi AL(3), Fatone F(4). Author information: (1)Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; Faculty of Engineering and Sciences, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile. (2)Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. Electronic address: nicola.frison@univr.it. (3)Department of Science and Engineering of Materials, Environment and City Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy. (4)Department of Science and Engineering of Materials, Environment and City Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy. Electronic address: f.fatone@univpm.it. Cellulose from used toilet paper is a major untapped resource embedded in municipal wastewater which recovery and valorization to valuable products can be optimized. Cellulosic primary sludge (CPS) can be separated by upstream dynamic sieving and anaerobically digested to recover methane as much as 4.02 m3/capita·year. On the other hand, optimal acidogenic fermenting conditions of CPS allows the production of targeted short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as much as 2.92 kg COD/capita·year. Here propionate content can be more than 30% and can optimize the enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) processes or the higher valuable co-polymer of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). In this work, first a full set of batch assays were used at three different temperatures (37, 55 and 70 °C) and three different initial pH (8, 9 and 10) to identify the best conditions for optimizing both the total SCFAs and propionate content from CPS fermentation. Then, the optimal conditions were applied in long term to a Sequencing Batch Fermentation Reactor where the highest propionate production (100-120 mg COD/g TVSfed·d) was obtained at 37 °C and adjusting the feeding pH at 8. This was attributed to the higher hydrolysis efficiency of the cellulosic materials (up to 44%), which increased the selective growth of Propionibacterium acidopropionici in the fermentation broth up to 34%. At the same time, around 88% of the phosphorus released during the acidogenic fermentation was recovered as much as 0.15 kg of struvite per capita·year. Finally, the potential market value was preliminary estimated for the recovered materials that can triple over the conventional scenario of biogas recovery in existing municipal wastewater treatment plants. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.02.047 PMID: 29500972 23. Biol Chem. 2018 Mar 1. pii: /j/bchm.just-accepted/hsz-2018-0125/hsz-2018-0125.xml. doi: 10.1515/hsz-2018-0125. [Epub ahead of print] Intracellular communication between lipid droplets and peroxisomes: the Janus face of PEX19. Schrul B(1), Schliebs W(2). Author information: (1)1Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Faculty of Medicine, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany. (2)2Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Department of Systems Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, D-44780 Bochum, Germany. In order to adapt to environmental changes, such as nutrient availability, cells have to orchestrate multiple metabolic pathways, which are catalyzed in distinct specialized organelles. Lipid droplets (LDs) and peroxisomes are both endoplasmic reticulum-derived organelles that fulfill complementary functions in lipid metabolism: Upon nutrient supply, LDs store metabolic energy in the form of neutral lipids and, when energy is needed, supply fatty acids for oxidation in peroxisomes and mitochondria. How these organelles communicate with each other for a concerted metabolic output remains a central question. Here, we summarize recent insights into the biogenesis and function of LDs and peroxisomes with emphasis on the role of PEX19 in these processes. DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2018-0125 PMID: 29500918 24. Cell Biol Int. 2018 Mar 3. doi: 10.1002/cbin.10958. [Epub ahead of print] Biological effects of trans fatty acids and their possible roles in the lipid rafts in apoptosis regulation. Qiu B(1)(2)(3), Wang Q(1)(2)(3), Liu W(1)(2)(3), Xu TC(1)(2)(3), Liu LN(1)(2)(3), Zong AZ(1)(2)(3), Jia M(1)(2)(3), Li J(4), Du FL(1)(2)(3). Author information: (1)Institute of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 202, Gongye North Road, Jinan 250100, PR China. (2)Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Processing Technology of Shandong Province, 202, Gongye North Road, Jinan 250100, PR China. (3)Key Laboratory of Novel Food Resources Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, 202 Gongye North Road, Jinan 250100, PR China. (4)State Key Lab of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, China. A large number of recent studies are focused on evaluating the mechanism of action of trans fatty acids (TFAs) on the progression of apoptosis. A strong positive association has been reported between TFA and coronary heart disease (CHD), obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and so on. The present study reviewed the biological effects of trans fatty acids (TFA) and their possible roles in lipid rafts in regulating apoptosis. The following aspects of TFA were included: the research about TFA and diseases affecting serum lipid levels, inducing system inflammation and immune response, and the correlation between TFA and apoptosis. The primary purpose of the review article was to comprehensively evaluate the potential correlation between lipid rafts and apoptosis induced by different structures of TFA and provide some new research progress and future directions about it. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10958 PMID: 29500886 25. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng. 2018 Mar 3. doi: 10.1007/s00449-018-1914-3. [Epub ahead of print] Growth medium sterilization using decomposition of peracetic acid for more cost-efficient production of omega-3 fatty acids by Aurantiochytrium. Cho CH(1)(2), Shin WS(3), Woo DW(1)(2), Kwon JH(4)(5). Author information: (1)Department of Food Science and Technology and Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 660-701, Republic of Korea. (2)Division of Applied Life Sciences (BK21 plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 660-701, Republic of Korea. (3)Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-701, Republic of Korea. (4)Department of Food Science and Technology and Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 660-701, Republic of Korea. jhkwon@gnu.ac.kr. (5)Division of Applied Life Sciences (BK21 plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 660-701, Republic of Korea. jhkwon@gnu.ac.kr. Aurantiochytrium can produce significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid. Use of a glucose-based medium for heterotrophic growth is needed to achieve a high growth rate and production of abundant lipids. However, heat sterilization for reliable cultivation is not appropriate to heat-sensitive materials and causes a conversion of glucose via browning (Maillard) reactions. Thus, the present study investigated the use of a direct degradation of Peracetic acid (PAA) for omega-3 production by Aurantiochytrium. Polymer-based bioreactor and glucose-containing media were chemically co-sterilized by 0.04% PAA and neutralized through a reaction with ferric ion (III) in HEPES buffer. Mono-cultivation was achieved without the need for washing steps and filtration, thereby avoiding the heat-induced degradation and dehydration of glucose. Use of chemically sterilized and neutralized medium, rather than heat-sterilized medium, led to a twofold faster growth rate and greater productivity of omega-3 fatty acids. DOI: 10.1007/s00449-018-1914-3 PMID: 29500661 26. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018 Mar 2. doi: 10.1038/s41430-017-0065-y. [Epub ahead of print] Association between plasma trans fatty acids concentrations and leucocyte telomere length in US adults. Mazidi M(1)(2), Banach M(3), Kengne AP(4). Author information: (1)Key State Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. moshen@genetics.ac.cn. (2)Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, International College, The University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100101, China. moshen@genetics.ac.cn. (3)Department of Hypertension, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland. (4)Non-Communicable Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between plasma trans-fatty acids (TFAs) levels and leucocyte telomere length (TL) in a US adult population sample. SUBJECTS/METHODS: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database was used for this study. Gas chromatography was used to separate derivatised fatty acids (Four major TFAs [palmitelaidic acid (C16:1n-7t), trans vaccenic acid (C18:1n-7t), elaidic acid (C18:1n-9t), and linoelaidic acid (C18:2n-6t,9t)]) which were then quatified using negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Data analyses used multivariable linear regressions, while accounting for the survey design. RESULTS: A total of 5446 eligible participants, with 46.8% (n = 2550) being men, were included. Their average age was 47.1 years for the total sample, and 47.8 and 46.5 years in men and women respectively (p = 0.085 for men vs. women difference). Concentrations of palmitelaidic acid and linolelaidic acid decreased with increasing length of the telomere (p < 0.05). Univariable linear regressions revealed a significant negative association between levels of the palmitelaidic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, and linolelaidic acid with TL. However when models were adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, education, marital status, sub-clinical inflammation, body mass index, and smoking, only palmitelaidic acid and linolelaidic acid remained significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TFAs levels and particularly palmitelaidic and linolelaidic acids, are likely negatively associated with telomere lenght. Future studies should explore the potential implications of these associations. DOI: 10.1038/s41430-017-0065-y PMID: 29500463 27. Sci Rep. 2018 Mar 2;8(1):3902. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-22233-9. Enhanced insulin receptor, but not PI3K, signalling protects podocytes from ER stress. Garner KL(1), Betin VMS(1), Pinto V(1), Graham M(1), Abgueguen E(2), Barnes M(2), Bedford DC(2), McArdle CA(3), Coward RJM(4). Author information: (1)Bristol Renal, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK. (2)Takeda Cambridge Ltd., 418 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0PZ, UK. (3)Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK. (4)Bristol Renal, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK. Richard.Coward@bristol.ac.uk. Disruption of the insulin-PI3K-Akt signalling pathway in kidney podocytes causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to podocyte apoptosis and proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy. We hypothesised that by improving insulin sensitivity we could protect podocytes from ER stress. Here we use established activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6)- and ER stress element (ERSE)-luciferase assays alongside a novel high throughput imaging-based C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) assay to examine three models of improved insulin sensitivity. We find that by improving insulin sensitivity at the level of the insulin receptor (IR), either by IR over-expression or by knocking down the negative regulator of IR activity, protein tyrosine-phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), podocytes are protected from ER stress caused by fatty acids or diabetic media containing high glucose, high insulin and inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-6. However, contrary to this, knockdown of the negative regulator of PI3K-Akt signalling, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN), sensitizes podocytes to ER stress and apoptosis, despite increasing Akt phosphorylation. This indicates that protection from ER stress is conferred through not just the PI3K-Akt pathway, and indeed we find that inhibiting the MEK/ERK signalling pathway rescues PTEN knockdown podocytes from ER stress. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22233-9 PMCID: PMC5834602 PMID: 29500363 28. J Lipid Res. 2018 Mar 2. pii: jlr.P081620. doi: 10.1194/jlr.P081620. [Epub ahead of print] Ethanolamine phosphotransferase 1 (selenoprotein I) is critical for the neural development and maintenance of plasmalogen in human. Horibata Y(1), Elpeleg O(2), Eran A(3), Hirabayashi Y(4), Savitzki D(5), Tal G(6), Mandel H(6), Sugimoto H(7). Author information: (1)Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Japan. (2)Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Israel. (3)Rambam Health Care Campus Haifa, Israel. (4)Molecular Membrane Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, Japan. (5)Pediatric Neurology Unit, Galilee Medical Center, Israel. (6)Metabolic Unit, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rappaport School of Medicine, Israel. (7)Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Japan; h-sugi@dokkyomed.ac.jp. Ethanolamine phosphotransferase 1 (EPT1), also known as selenoprotein 1 (SELENOI), is an enzyme that transfers phosphoethanolamine from cytidine diphosphate (CDP)-ethanolamine to lipid acceptors to produce ethanolamine glycerophospholipids such as diacyl-linked phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and ether-linked plasmalogen (plasmenyl-PE). However, to date there has been no analysis of the metabolomic consequence of the mutation of EPT1 on the concentration of ethanolamine glycerophospholipids in mammalian cells. We studied a patient with severe complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia, sensorineural-deafness, blindness, and seizures. Neuroimaging revealed hypomyelination, followed by brain atrophy mainly in the cerebellum and brainstem. Using whole exome sequencing, we identified a novel EPT1 mutation (exon skipping). In vitro EPT activity as well as the rate of biosynthesis of ethanolamine glycerophospholipids was markedly reduced in cultures of the patient's skin fibroblasts. Quantification of phospholipids by LC-MS/MS demonstrated reduced levels of several PE species with polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as 38:6, 38:4, 40:6, 40:5, and 40:4. Notably, most plasmenyl-PE species were significantly decreased in the patient's cells whereas most plasmanyl-choline (plasmanyl-PC) species were increased. Similar findings regarding decreased plasmenyl-PE and increased plasmanyl-PC were obtained using EPT1-KO HeLa cells. Our data demonstrate for the first time the indispensable role of EPT1 in the myelination process and in neurodevelopment, and in the maintenance of normal homeostasis of ether-linked phospholipids in human. Published under license by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. DOI: 10.1194/jlr.P081620 PMID: 29500230 29. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2018 Mar 2. pii: canprevres.0249.2017. doi: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-17-0249. [Epub ahead of print] Metabolomics profiles of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Korean prospective cohort: the Korean Cancer Prevention Study-II. Jee SH(1), Kim M(2), Kim M(2), Yoo HJ(3), Kim H(3), Jung KJ(1), Hong S(4), Lee JH(5). Author information: (1)Institute for Health Promotion, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University. (2)Research Center for Silver Science, Institute of Symbiotic Life-TECH, Yonsei University. (3)Department of Food and Nutrition, Yonsei University. (4)National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center. (5)Department of Food and Nutrition, Yonsei University jhleeb@yonsei.ac.kr. In the prospective Korean Cancer Prevention Study-II (KCPS-II), we investigated the application of metabolomics to differentiate subjects with incident hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC group) from subjects who remained free of cancer (control group) during a mean follow-up period of 7 years with the aim of identifying valuable metabolic biomarkers for HCC. We used baseline serum samples from 75 subjects with incident HCC and 134 age- and gender-matched cancer-free subjects. Serum metabolic profiles associated with HCC incidence were investigated via metabolomics analysis. Compared to the control group, the HCC group showed significantly higher serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. At baseline, compared to the control group, the HCC group showed significantly higher levels of 9 metabolites, including leucine, 5-hydroxyhexanoic acid, phenylalanine, tyrosine, arachidonic acid, and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), but lower levels of 28 metabolites, including oleamide, androsterone sulfate, L-palmitoylcarnitine, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) 16:0, LPA 18:1, and lysophosphatidylcholines (lysoPCs). Multiple linear regression revealed that the incidence of HCC was associated with the levels of tyrosine, AST, lysoPCs (16:1, 20:3), oleamide, 5-hydroxyhexanoic acid, androsterone sulfate, and TUDCA (adjusted R2=0.514, P=0.036). This study showed the clinical relevance of the dysregulation of not only branched amino acids, aromatic amino acids, and lysoPCs but also bile acid biosynthesis and linoleic acid, arachidonic acid and fatty acid metabolism. Additionally, tyrosine, AST, lysoPCs (16:1, 20:3), oleamide, 5-hydroxyhexanoic acid, androsterone sulfate, and TUDCA were identified as independent variables associated with the incidence of HCC. Copyright ©2018, American Association for Cancer Research. DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-17-0249 PMID: 29500188 30. Trends Biochem Sci. 2018 Feb 27. pii: S0968-0004(18)30005-7. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.01.005. [Epub ahead of print] SREBPs in Lipid Metabolism, Insulin Signaling, and Beyond. DeBose-Boyd RA(1), Ye J(2). Author information: (1)Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA. Electronic address: Russell.DeBose-Boyd@utsouthwestern.edu. (2)Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA. Electronic address: Jin.Ye@utsouthwestern.edu. Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) are a family of membrane-bound transcription factors that activate genes encoding enzymes required for synthesis of cholesterol and unsaturated fatty acids. SREBPs are controlled by multiple mechanisms at the level of mRNA synthesis, proteolytic activation, and transcriptional activity. In this review, we summarize the recent findings that contribute to the current understanding of the regulation of SREBPs and their physiologic roles in maintenance of lipid homeostasis, insulin signaling, innate immunity, and cancer development. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.01.005 PMID: 29500098 31. BMC Pediatr. 2018 Mar 2;18(1):94. doi: 10.1186/s12887-018-1075-1. Variations in the rancid-flavor compounds of human breastmilk under general frozen-storage conditions. Hung HY(1), Hsu YY(1), Su PF(2), Chang YJ(3)(4). Author information: (1)Department of Nursing & Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, Daxue Rd., East Dist., Tainan, Taiwan. (2)Department of Statistics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. (3)Department of Nursing & Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, Daxue Rd., East Dist., Tainan, Taiwan. yxc2@mail.ncku.edu.tw. (4)Nursing Department, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan. yxc2@mail.ncku.edu.tw. BACKGROUND: Human breastmilk provides the best nutrition for infants. When women or infants have difficulties in breastfeeding directly, breastmilk is usually pumped and frozen for later use. However, while frozen, breastmilk may develop a rancid flavor, which induces infant feeding stress and raises the mothers' concerns about the quality of frozen breastmilk. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated the variations in the compounds that cause the rancid flavor of breastmilk during frozen storage. METHODS: A repeated-measures design was adopted to quantify the variations in rancid-flavor compounds, namely acid value (AV), total free fatty acids (FFAs), and short-and intermediate-chain FFAs of breastmilk during frozen storage. Breastmilk was obtained from ten healthy mothers of full-term infants and each milk sample was divided into three aliquots: fresh, 7-day frozen and 30-day frozen samples. The fresh samples were immediately analyzed, while the others were frozen in a domestic fridge within a temperature range of -15 to -18 °C and analyzed 7 and 30 days later. RESULTS: The rancid-flavor compounds of the breastmilk, namely AV, total FFAs and intermediate-chain FFAs, significantly increased with storage time, all of which reached the sensory threshold for detecting the rancid flavor of milk. In addition, the FFAs of the breastmilk samples frozen for 7 days far exceeded the detection threshold for unpleased rancid flavor, while the 30-day samples were higher than the intolerable level for most people. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the human breastmilk develops a rancid flavor during frozen storage. Therefore, we recommend that when infants refuse thawed milk, mothers can try to provide freshly expressed milk whenever possible or provide breastmilk frozen for less than 7 days. Future studies could explore the methods for slowing breastmilk lipolysis to maintain its fresh flavor. DOI: 10.1186/s12887-018-1075-1 PMCID: PMC5833047 PMID: 29499686 32. J Agric Food Chem. 2018 Mar 2. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b05131. [Epub ahead of print] Metabolomics reveal optimal grain pre-processing (milling) toward rice koji fermentation. Lee S, Lee DE, Singh D, Lee CH. A time-correlated mass spectrometry (MS) based metabolic profiling was performed for rice koji made using the substrates with varying degrees of milling (DOM). Overall, 67 primary and secondary metabolites were observed as significantly discriminant among different samples. Notably, a higher abundance of carbohydrate (sugars, sugar alcohols, organic acids, phenolic acids) and lipid (fatty acids, lysophospholipids) derived metabolites with enhanced hydrolytic enzyme activities were observed for koji made with substrate's DOM 5-7, at 36 h. The antioxidant secondary metabolites (flavonoids and phenolic acid) were relatively higher in koji with substrate's DOM 0, followed by DOM 5 > 7 > 9 and 11, at 96 h. Hence, we conjecture that the rice substrate pre-processing between DOM 5-7 was potentially optimal toward koji fermentation with end-product being rich in distinctive organoleptic, nutritional, and functional metabolites. The study rationalizes the substrate pre-processing steps vital for commercial koji making. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b05131 PMID: 29499610 33. Bone. 2018 Feb 27. pii: S8756-3282(18)30082-6. doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2018.02.023. [Epub ahead of print] Biochemical transformation of calciprotein particles in uraemia. Smith ER(1), Hewitson TD(2), Hanssen E(3), Holt SG(2). Author information: (1)Department of Nephrology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine - Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: edward.smith@mh.org.au. (2)Department of Nephrology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine - Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. (3)Melbourne Advanced Microscopy Facility and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Calciprotein particles (CPP) have emerged as nanoscale mediators of phosphate-induced toxicity in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Uraemia favors ripening of amorphous CPP (CPP-I) to the crystalline state (CPP-II) but the pathophysiological significance of this transformation is uncertain. Clinical studies suggest an association between CPP ripening and inflammation, vascular dysfunction and mortality. Although ripening has been modelled in vitro, it is unknown whether particles synthesised in serum resemble their in vivo counterparts. Here we show that in vitro formation and ripening of CPP in uraemic serum is characterised by extensive physiochemical rearrangements involving the accretion of mineral, loss of surface charge and transformation of the mineral phase from a spherical arrangement of diffuse domains of amorphous calcium phosphate to densely-packed lamellar aggregates of crystalline hydroxyapatite. These physiochemical changes were paralleled by enrichment with small soluble apolipoproteins, complement factors and the binding of fatty acids. In comparison, endogenous CPP represent a highly heterogeneous mixture of particles with characteristics mostly intermediate to synthetic CPP-I and CPP-II, but are also uniquely enriched for carbonate-substituted apatite, DNA fragments, small RNA and microbe-derived components. Pathway analysis of protein enrichment predicted the activation of cell death and pro-inflammatory processes by endogenous CPP and synthetic CPP-II alike. This comprehensive characterisation validates the use of CPP-II generated in uraemic serum as in vitro equivalents of their endogenous counterparts and provides insight into the nature and pathological significance of CPP in CKD, which may act as vehicles for various bioactive ligands. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc. DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2018.02.023 PMID: 29499417 34. Biotechnol Adv. 2018 Feb 27. pii: S0734-9750(18)30037-5. doi: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.02.014. [Epub ahead of print] Paradigm shift - Metabolic transformation of docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids to bioactives exemplify the promise of fatty acid drug discovery. Halade GV(1), Black LM(2), Verma MK(3). Author information: (1)Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, United States. Electronic address: ganeshhalade@uabmc.edu. (2)Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, United States. (3)Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. Fatty acid drug discovery (FADD) is defined as the identification of novel, specialized bioactive mediators that are derived from fatty acids and have precise pharmacological/therapeutic potential. A number of reports indicate that dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and limited intake of omega-6 promotes overall health benefits. In 1929, Burr and Burr indicated the significant role of essential fatty acids for survival and functional health of many organs. In reference to specific dietary benefits of differential omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids (DHA and EPA) are transformed to monohydroxy, dihydroxy, trihydroxy, and other complex mediators during infection, injury, and exercise to resolve inflammation. The presented FADD approach describes the metabolic transformation of DHA and EPA in response to injury, infection, and exercise to govern uncontrolled inflammation. Metabolic transformation of DHA and EPA into a number of pro-resolving molecules exemplifies a novel, inexpensive approach compared to traditional, expensive drug discovery. DHA and EPA have been recommended for prevention of cardiovascular disease since 1970. Therefore, the FADD approach is relevant to cardiovascular disease and resolution of inflammation in many injury models. Future research demands identification of novel action targets, receptors for biomolecules, mechanism(s), and drug-interactions with resolvins in order to maintain homeostasis. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc. DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.02.014 PMID: 29499340 35. Neurosci Lett. 2018 Feb 27. pii: S0304-3940(18)30148-4. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.02.059. [Epub ahead of print] Relationship between the hippocampal expression of selected cytochrome P450 isoforms and the animal performance in the hippocampus-dependent learning task. Gjota-Ergin S(1), Gökçek-Saraç Ç(2), Adalı O(1), Jakubowska-Doğru E(3). Author information: (1)Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey. (2)Faculty of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, 07058, Turkey. (3)Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 06800, Turkey. Electronic address: bioewa@metu.edu.tr. Despite very extensive studies on the molecular mechanisms of memory formation, relatively little is known about the molecular correlates of individual variation in the learning skills within a random population of young normal subjects. The role of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in the brain also remains poorly understood. On the other hand, these enzymes are known to be related to the metabolism of substances important for neural functions including steroids, fatty acids, and retinoic acid. In the present study, we examined the potential correlation between the animals' performance in a place learning task and the levels of selected CYP isoforms (CYP2E1, CYP2D1 and CYP7A1) in the rat hippocampus. According to their performance, rats were classified as "good" learners (percent error/number of trials to criterion ≤ group mean - 3SEM) or "poor" learners (percent error/number of trials to criterion ≥ group mean + 3SEM). The CYP enzyme levels were determined by Western Blot at the early, intermediary and advanced stages of the task acquisition (day 4, day 8 and after reaching a performance criterion of 83% correct responses). In this study, as expected, CYP2E1 and CYP2D1 isoforms have been found in the rat hippocampus. However, a putative CYP7A1 isoform was also visualized. Hippocampal expression of these enzymes was shown to be dependent on the stage of learning and animals' cognitive status. In "good" learners compared to "poor" learners, significantly higher levels of CYP2E1 were found at the early stage of training, significantly higher levels of CYP2D1 were found at the intermediate stage of training, and significantly higher levels of CYP7A1-like protein were found after reaching the acquisition criterion. These findings suggest that the differential expression of some CYP isoforms in the hippocampus may have impact on individual learning skills and that different CYP isoforms may play different roles during the learning process. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V. DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.02.059 PMID: 29499309 36. Biochimie. 2018 Feb 27. pii: S0300-9084(18)30057-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2018.02.014. [Epub ahead of print] Exercise training impacts exercise tolerance and bioenergetics in gastrocnemius muscle of non-obese type-2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rat in vivo. Macia M(1), Pecchi E(2), Desrois M(2), Lan C(2), Vilmen C(2), Portha B(3), Bernard M(2), Bendahan D(2), Giannesini B(2). Author information: (1)Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France. Electronic address: benoit.giannesini@univ-amu.fr. (2)Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France. (3)Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratoire B2PE, Unité BFA, CNRS EAC 4413, Paris, France. The functional and bioenergetics impact of regular physical activity upon type-2 diabetic skeletal muscle independently of confounding factors of overweight remains undocumented. Here, gastrocnemius muscle energy fluxes, mitochondrial capacity and mechanical performance were assessed noninvasively and longitudinally in non-obese diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and dynamic 31-phosphorus MR spectroscopy (31P-MRS) throughout a 6-min fatiguing bout of exercise performed before, in the middle (4-week) and at the end of an 8-week training protocol consisting in 60-min daily run on a treadmill. The training protocol reduced plasmatic insulin level (-61%) whereas blood glucose and non-esterified fatty acids levels remained unaffected, thereby indicating an improvement of insulin sensitivity. It also increased muscle mitochondrial citrate synthase activity (+45%) but this increase did not enhance oxidative ATP synthesis capacity in working muscle in vivo while glycolytic ATP production was increased (+33%). On the other hand, the training protocol impaired maximal force-generating capacity (-9%), total amount of force produced (-12%) and increased ATP cost of contraction (+32%) during the fatiguing exercise. Importantly, these deleterious effects were transiently worsened in the middle of the 8-week period, in association with reduced oxidative capacity and increased basal [Pi]/[PCr] ratio (an in vivo biomarker of muscle damage). These data demonstrate that the beneficial effect of regular training on insulin sensitivity in non-obese diabetic rat occurs separately from any improvement in muscle mitochondrial function and might be linked to an increased capacity for metabolizing glucose through anaerobic process in exercising muscle. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. and Société Française de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2018.02.014 PMID: 29499298 37. J Pharm Sci. 2018 Feb 27. pii: S0022-3549(18)30101-1. doi: 10.1016/j.xphs.2018.02.017. [Epub ahead of print] A newly identified impurity in Polysorbate 80, the long-chain ketone 12-tricosanone, forms visible particles in a biopharmaceutical drug product. Hampl V(1), Guo X(1), Ehrenstrasser C(1), Viertler M(1), Rayner L(1), Campanelli G(1), Schipflinger R(1), Thewes K(1), Cerreti A(1), Boehm S(1), Sonderegger C(2). Author information: (1)Novartis Biologics Technical Development and Manufacturing, Sandoz GmbH Austria. (2)Novartis Biologics Technical Development and Manufacturing, Sandoz GmbH Austria. Electronic address: corinna.sonderegger@novartis.com. Visible particles linked to polysorbates used in biopharmaceutical drug products have been observed repeatedly in recent years as an industry-wide issue, with polysorbate degradation and insoluble degradation products, especially fatty acids and fatty acid esters, being suspected as root-cause. We have shown that the visible particles observed in a monoclonal antibody (mAB) drug product solution in vials after 18 months of long-term storage at 5 ± 3°C were neither linked to reduction in polysorbate (PS80) concentration nor to any known polysorbate degradation product, but consist of 12-tricosanone, an impurity present in the raw material PS80, not a degradation product. The occurrence of visible 12-tricosanone particles in drug product correlated with the usage of specific PS80 raw material lots, where 12-tricosanone was found as impurity at elevated levels. The quantities detected in these PS80 lots directly translate into the amount found in the respective mAB drug product batches. This is the first time that a clear correlation between the occurrence of the impurity 12-tricosanone in PS80 and the occurrence of visible particles in drug product batches is reported. The observation and techniques described enable the control of this ketone in polysorbate raw materials, providing means to prevent respective visible particle formation in drug products. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc. DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2018.02.017 PMID: 29499279 38. J Biotechnol. 2018 Feb 27. pii: S0168-1656(18)30062-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2018.02.011. [Epub ahead of print] Metabolomic elucidation of the effects of media and carbon sources on fatty acid production by Yarrowia lipolytica. Yun EJ(1), Lee J(1), Kim DH(1), Kim J(1), Kim S(1), Jin YS(2), Kim KH(3). Author information: (1)Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea. (2)Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA. (3)Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea. Electronic address: khekim@korea.ac.kr. Lipid production by oleaginous Yarrowia lipolytica depends highly on culture environments, such as carbon sources, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios, types of media, and cellular growth phases. In this study, the effects of media and carbon sources on lipid and metabolite production were investigated by profiling fatty acids and intracellular metabolites of Y. lipolytica grown in various media. The highest total fatty acid yield 114.04 ± 6.23 mg/g dry cell weight was achieved by Y. lipolytica grown in minimal medium with glycerol (SCG) in the exponential phase. The high lipid production by Y. lipolytica in SCG was presumed to be due to the higher C/N ratio in SCG than in the complex media. Moreover, glycerol promoted lipid production better than glucose in both complex and minimal media because glycerol can easily incorporate into the core of triglycerides. Metabolite profiling revealed that levels of long-chain fatty acids, such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, and arachidic acid, increased in SCG medium. Meanwhile, in complex media supplemented with either glucose or glycerol, levels of amino acids, such as cysteine, methionine, and glycine, highly increased. This metabolomic approach could be applied to modulate the global metabolic network of Y. lipolytica for producing lipids and other valuable products. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2018.02.011 PMID: 29499237 39. Neurotoxicology. 2018 Feb 27. pii: S0161-813X(18)30058-5. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.02.017. [Epub ahead of print] Myxobacterial Natural Products: An Under-Valued Source of products for Drug Discovery for Neurological Disorders. Dehhaghi M(1), Mohammadipanah F(2), Guillemin GJ(3). Author information: (1)Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Neuropharmacology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia. (2)Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: fmohammadipanah@ut.ac.ir. (3)Neuropharmacology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: gilles.guillemin@mq.edu.au. Age-related disorders impose noticeable financial and emotional burdens on society. This impact is becoming more prevalent with the increasing incidence of neurodegenerative diseases and is causing critical concerns for treatment of patients worldwide. Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and motor neuron disease are the most prevalent and the most expensive to treat neurodegenerative diseases globally. Therefore, exploring effective therapies to overcome these disorders is a necessity. Natural products and their derivatives have increasingly attracted attention in drug discovery programs that have identified microorganisms which produce a large range of metabolites with bioactive properties. Myxobacteria, a group of Gram-negative bacteria with large genome size, produce a wide range of secondary metabolites with significant chemical structures and a variety of biological effects. They are potent natural product producers. In this review paper, we attempt to overview some secondary metabolites synthesized by myxobacteria with neuroprotective activity through known mechanisms including production of polyunsaturated fatty acids, reduction of apoptosis, immunomodulation, stress reduction of endoplasmic reticulum, stabilization of microtubules, enzyme inhibition and serotonin receptor modulation. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.02.017 PMID: 29499217 40. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2018 Feb 27. pii: S0005-2736(18)30065-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.02.024. [Epub ahead of print] Interactions of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine with ceramide-based mixtures. Gooris GS(1), Kamran M(1), Kros A(2), Moore DJ(3), Bouwstra JA(4). Author information: (1)Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Gorlaeus laboratories, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands. (2)Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Gorleaus laboratories, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands. (3)GSK Consumer Healthcare, 184 Liberty Corner Road, Warren, NJ, United States. (4)Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Gorlaeus laboratories, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands. Electronic address: bouwstra@chem.leidenuniv.nl. The outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC), acts as the natural physical barrier. The SC consists of corneocytes embedded in a crystalline lipid matrix consisting of ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol. Although phospholipids are frequently present in topical formulations, no detailed information is reported on the interactions between phospholipids and SC lipids. The aim of this study was to examine the interactions between a model phospholipid, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and synthetic ceramide-based mixtures (referred to as SC lipids). (Perdeuterated) DPPC was mixed with SC lipids and the lipid organization and mixing properties were examined. The studies revealed that DPPC participates in the same lattice as SC lipids thereby enhancing a hexagonal packing. Even at a high DPPC level, no phase separated pure DPPC was observed. When a DPPC containing formulation is applied to the skin surface it must partition into the SC lipid matrix prior to any mixing with the SC lipids. To mimic this, DPPC was applied on top of a SC lipid membrane. DPPC applied in a liquid crystalline state was able to mix with the SC lipids and participated in the same lattice as the SC lipids. However, when DPPC was applied in a rippled gel-state very limited partitioning of DPPC into the SC lipid matrix occurred. Thus, when applied to the skin, liquid crystalline DPPC will have very different interactions with SC lipids than DPPC in a (rippled-)gel phase. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.02.024 PMID: 29499188 41. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar 2. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002667. [Epub ahead of print] Parvibium lacunae gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Alcaligenaceae isolated from a freshwater pond. Chen WM(1), Xie PB(2), Hsu MY(2), Sheu SY(2). Author information: (1)1Department of Seafood Science, Laboratory of Microbiology, National Kaohsiung Marine University, No. 142, Hai-Chuan Rd. Nan-Tzu, Kaohsiung City 811, Taiwan, ROC. (2)2Department of Marine Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Marine University, No. 142, Hai-Chuan Rd. Nan-Tzu, Kaohsiung City 811, Taiwan, ROC. A bacterial strain designated KMB9T was isolated from a freshwater pond in Taiwan and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Cells of strain KMB9T were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-accumulating, motile by means of a monopolar flagellum, non-spore-forming and rods surrounded by a thick capsule and forming white-coloured colonies. Growth occurred at 20-40 °C (optimum, 25-37 °C), at pH 6.5-7.5 (optimum, pH 7.0) and with 0-0.5 % NaCl (optimum, 0 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene and four housekeeping gene sequences (recA, rpoA, rpoB and atpD) showed that strain KMB9T forms a distinct phyletic line within the family Alcaligenaceae, and the levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to its closest relatives with validly published names were less than 93.3 %. The predominant fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The major polyamine was putrescine. The polar lipid profile revealed the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and several uncharacterized aminophospholipids, aminolipids, phospholipids and lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain KMB9T was 54.5 mol%. On the basis of the genotypic and phenotypic data, strain KMB9T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Alcaligenaceae, for which the name Parvibium lacunae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMB9T (=BCRC 81053T=LMG 30055T=KCTC 52814T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002667 PMID: 29498621 42. J Med Microbiol. 2018 Mar 2. doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.000707. [Epub ahead of print] Roles of pyruvate dehydrogenase and branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase in branched-chain membrane fatty acid levels and associated functions in Staphylococcus aureus. Singh VK(1), Sirobhushanam S(2), Ring RP(1), Singh S(1), Gatto C(2), Wilkinson BJ(2). Author information: (1)1Microbiology & Immunology, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA. (2)2Microbiology Group, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA. PURPOSE: Membrane fluidity to a large extent is governed by the presence of branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs). Branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BKD) is the key enzyme in BCFA synthesis. A Staphylococcus aureus BKD-deficient strain still produced substantial levels of BCFAs. Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) with structural similarity to BKD has been speculated to contribute to BCFAs in S. aureus. METHODOLOGY: This study was carried out using BKD-, PDH- and BKD : PDH-deficient derivatives of methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain JE2. Differences in growth kinetics were evaluated spectrophotometrically, membrane BCFAs using gas chromatography and membrane fluidity by fluorescence polarization. Carotenoid levels were estimated by measuring A465 of methanol extracts from 48 h cultures. MIC values were determined by broth microdilution.Results/Key findings. BCFAs made up 50 % of membrane fatty acids in wild-type but only 31 % in the BKD-deficient mutant. BCFA level was ~80 % in the PDH-deficient strain and 38 % in the BKD : PDH-deficient strain. BKD-deficient mutant showed decreased membrane fluidity, the PDH-deficient mutant showed increased membrane fluidity. The BKD- and PDH-deficient strains grew slower and the BKD : PDH-deficient strain grew slowest at 37 °C. However at 20 °C, the BKD- and BKD : PDH-deficient strains grew only a little followed by autolysis of these cells. The BKD-deficient strain produced higher levels of staphyloxanthin. The PDH-deficient and BKD : PDH-deficient strains produced very little staphyloxanthin. The BKD-deficient strain showed increased susceptibility to daptomycin. CONCLUSION: The BCFA composition of the cell membrane in S. aureus seems to significantly impact cell growth, membrane fluidity and resistance to daptomycin. DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000707 PMID: 29498620 43. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar 2. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002659. [Epub ahead of print] Flavobacterium fluviatile sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater creek. Chen WM(1), Su CL(2), Young CC(3), Sheu SY(2). Author information: (1)1Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Seafood Science, National Kaohsiung Marine University, No. 142, Hai-Chuan Rd. Nan-Tzu, Kaohsiung City 811, Taiwan, ROC. (2)2Department of Marine Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Marine University, No. 142, Hai-Chuan Rd. Nan-Tzu, Kaohsiung City 811, Taiwan, ROC. (3)3College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan, ROC. A yellowish-pink-coloured bacterial strain, TAPY14T, was isolated from a freshwater creek in Taiwan. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain TAPY14T belonged to the genus Flavobacterium and showed the highest similarity (97.3 %) with respect to Flavobacteriumreichenbachii WB 3.2-61T, Flavobacteriumginsengisoli DCY54T and Flavobacterium defluvii EMB117T and less than 97 % with other members of the genus. Cells of strain TAPY14T were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, motile by gliding and rod-shaped. Optimal growth occurred at 20-30 °C, pH 6 and in the presence of 0.5 % NaCl. Strain TAPY14T contained iso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c) as the predominant fatty acids. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, four uncharacterized aminophospholipids, one uncharacterized phospholipid and one uncharacterized lipid. The major polyamine was homospermidine. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-6. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 38.1 mol%. The DNA-DNA hybridization values for strain TAPY14T with F. reichenbachii DSM 21791T, F. ginsengisoli JCM 17336T and F. defluvii DSM 17963T were less than 30 %. On the basis of the phylogenetic inference and phenotypic data, strain TAPY14T should be classified as a novel species, for which the name Flavobacterium fluviatile sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TAPY14T (=BCRC 81012T=LMG 29733T=KCTC 52446T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002659 PMID: 29498618 44. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar 2. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002676. [Epub ahead of print] Amnibacterium endophyticum sp. nov., an endophytic actinobacterium isolated from Aegiceras corniculatum. Li FN(1), Tuo L(2), Lee SM(3), Jin T(4)(5), Liao S(6)(4)(5), Li W(7), Yan X(7), Sun CH(1). Author information: (1)1Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China. (2)2Research Center for Medicine and Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, PR China. (3)3State Key Laboratory of Quality Research of Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, PR China. (4)5China National GeneBank, BGI-Shenzhen, Jinsha Road, Shenzhen 518120, PR China. (5)4BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan, Industrial Zone, Shenzhen 518083, PR China. (6)6BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, PR China. (7)7China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China. A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and short-rod-shaped actinobacterium, designated strain 1T4Z-3T, was isolated from a piece of surface-sterilized branch of Aegiceras corniculatum collected from the Cotai Ecological Zones in Macao, China. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 1T4Z-3T was clearly affiliated to the genus Amnibacterium and exhibited 97.9 % gene sequence similarity to Amnibacterium kyonggiense JCM 16463T, 97.3 % gene sequence similarity to Amnibacterium soli JCM 19015T and less than 96.4 % gene sequence similarities to other genera of the family Microbacteriaceae. Strain 1T4Z-3T had L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid as the diagnostic cell-wall diamino acid. The major fatty acids (>10 % of total fatty acids) were iso-C16 : 0 (46.6 %) and anteiso-C15 : 0 (27.3 %). The predominant menaquinones of strain 1T4Z-3T were MK-11 (81.4 %) and MK-12 (14.1 %). The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, six unidentified glycolipids, four unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain 1T4Z-3T was 71.4 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features, strain 1T4Z-3T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Amnibacterium, for which the name Amnibacterium endophyticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Amnibacterium endophyticum is 1T4Z-3T (=KCTC 39983T=CGMCC 1.16066T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002676 PMID: 29498617 45. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar 2. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002674. [Epub ahead of print] Marmoricola silvestris sp. nov., a novel actinobacterium isolated from alpine forest soil. Schumann P(1), Zhang DC(2), França L(3), Margesin R(3). Author information: (1)1Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstrasse 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany. (2)2Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China. (3)3Institute of Microbiology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. A Gram-stain-positive, flagellated, catalase- and cytochrome c oxidase-positive bacterial strain, designated S20-100T, was isolated from alpine forest soil. Growth occurred at a temperature range of 0-30 °C, at pH 6-9 and in the presence of 0-1 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain S20-100T was related to the genus Marmoricola and had the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Marmoricola ginsengisoli Gsoil 097T (98.4 %) and Marmoricola solisilvae KIS18-7T (98.3 %). The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain S20-100T contained ll-diaminopimelic acid (ll-Dpm) as the diagnostic diamino acid and was of the type A3γ ll-Dpm - Gly. The strain contained MK-8(H4) as the predominant isoprenoid quinone and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, four unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified lipids in lower amounts. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C16 : 0, C17 : 1ω6c and C18 : 1ω9c. The genomic DNA G+C content was 66.2 mol%. Combined data of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses demonstrated that strain S20-100T represents a novel species of the genus Marmoricola, for which the name Marmoricolasilvestris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S20-100T (=DSM 104694T=LMG 30008T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002674 PMID: 29498616 46. Anal Bioanal Chem. 2018 Mar 2. doi: 10.1007/s00216-018-0912-2. [Epub ahead of print] Development and application of a UHPLC-MS/MS metabolomics based comprehensive systemic and tissue-specific screening method for inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress. Schoeman JC(1)(2), Harms AC(3)(4), van Weeghel M(3)(5)(6), Berger R(3)(4), Vreeken RJ(3)(4)(7), Hankemeier T(3)(4). Author information: (1)Department of Analytical Biosciences, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, Netherlands. j.c.schoeman@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl. (2)Netherlands Metabolomics Centre, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, Netherlands. j.c.schoeman@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl. (3)Department of Analytical Biosciences, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, Netherlands. (4)Netherlands Metabolomics Centre, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, Netherlands. (5)Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, Netherlands. (6)Department of Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands. (7)Discovery Sciences, Janssen R&D, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium. Oxidative stress and inflammation are underlying pathogenic mechanisms associated with the progression of several pathological conditions and immunological responses. Elucidating the role of signalling lipid classes, which include, among others, the isoprostanes, nitro fatty acids, prostanoids, sphingoid bases and lysophosphatidic acids, will create a snapshot of the cause and effect of inflammation and oxidative stress at the metabolic level. Here we describe a fast, sensitive, and targeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry metabolomics method that allows the quantitative measurement and biological elucidation of 17 isoprostanes as well as their respective isomeric prostanoid mediators, three nitro fatty acids, four sphingoid mediators, and 24 lysophosphatidic acid species from serum as well as organ tissues, including liver, lung, heart, spleen, kidney and brain. Application of this method to paired mouse serum and tissue samples revealed tissue- and serum-specific stress and inflammatory readouts. Little correlation was found between localized (tissue) metabolite levels compared with the systemic (serum) circulation in a homeostatic model. The application of this method in future studies will enable us to explore the role of signalling lipids in the metabolic pathogenicity of stress and inflammation during health and disease. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-0912-2 PMID: 29497765 47. Food Funct. 2018 Mar 2. doi: 10.1039/c7fo01979c. [Epub ahead of print] The impact of lactation and gestational age on the composition of branched-chain fatty acids in human breast milk. Jie L(1), Qi C(1), Sun J(1), Yu R(2), Wang X(3), Korma SA(1), Xiang J(2), Jin Q(1), Akoh CC(4), Xiao H(5), Wang X(1). Author information: (1)State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Nutrition, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, PR China. ceqi@jiangnan.edu.cn. (2)Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Wuxi 214002, Jiangsu, China. (3)Center of Applied Processing Technology, COFCO Nutrition & Health Research Institute, Beijing 100000, PR China. (4)Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA. (5)Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA. Breast milk consumption reduces the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants compared to formula. Branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) are present in breast milk but not in most formulas intended for preterm infants. We aimed to determine the composition of BCFAs in the breast milk of mothers with preterm infants, and to understand the impact of gestational age at birth and stage of lactation on BCFA content. The main BCFAs in preterm breast milk were iso-14:0, iso-15:0, anteiso-15:0, iso-16:0, iso-17:0, and anteiso-17:0. Breast milk BCFAs as a percent of total fatty acids (g per 100 g, %) were significantly different across lactation stages, with the highest concentration in colostrum, followed by transitional and mature breast milk (median: 0.41, 0.31, and 0.28%, respectively, p < 0.05). Lower BCFAs in preterm breast milk compared to term breast milk may have been related to maternal intake, or the ability of the mammary gland to extract BCFA from plasma, or differences in mammary gland BCFA synthesis. BCFAs were mainly in the sn-2 position (52-65%), similar to palmitic acid. Overall, preterm and term breast milk BCFAs were similar and showed specific concentration patterns, resembling 16:0 with respect to sn-2 positional distribution. BCFAs were reduced with lactation stage, similar to highly unsaturated fatty acids. DOI: 10.1039/c7fo01979c PMID: 29497729 48. Analyst. 2018 Mar 2. doi: 10.1039/c8an00017d. [Epub ahead of print] Deciphering the biochemical similarities and differences among mouse embryonic stem cells, somatic and cancer cells using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Güler G(1), Acikgoz E(2), Karabay Yavasoglu NÜ(3), Bakan B(3), Goormaghtigh E(4), Aktug H(5). Author information: (1)Center for Drug Research & Development and Pharmacokinetic Applications (ARGEFAR), Ege University, 35100, Izmir, Turkey. gunnurgorucu@gmail.com. (2)Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100, Izmir, Turkey. acikgozedaa@gmail.com and Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, 65080, Van, Turkey. (3)Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35100, Izmir, Turkey. (4)Laboratory of Structure and Function of Biological Membranes, Center of Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium. (5)Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100, Izmir, Turkey. acikgozedaa@gmail.com. Cellular macromolecules play important roles in cellular behaviors and biological processes. In the current work, cancer (KLN205), normal (MSFs) and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) are compared using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Modifications in the composition, concentration, structure and function-related changes in the cellular components were deciphered using the infrared spectra. Our results revealed that cancer and embryonic stem cells are very similar but highly different from the normal cells based on the spectral variations in the protein, lipid, carbohydrate and nucleic acid components. The longest lipid acyl chains exist in mESCs, while cancer cells harbor the lowest lipid amount, short lipid acyl chains, a high content of branched fatty acids and thin cell membranes. The highest cellular growth rate and accelerated cell divisions were observed in the cancer cells. However, the normal cells harbor low nucleic acid and glycogen amounts but have a higher lipid composition. Any defect in the signaling pathways and/or biosynthesis of these cellular parameters during the embryonic-to-somatic cell transition may lead to physiological and molecular events that promote cancer initiation, progression and drug resistance. We conclude that an improved understanding of both similarities and differences in the cellular mechanisms among the cancer, normal and mESCs is crucial to develop a potential clinical relevance, and ATR-FITR can be successfully used as a novel approach to gain new insights into the stem cell and cancer research. We suggest that targeting the cellular metabolisms (glycogen and lipid) can provide new strategies for cancer treatment. DOI: 10.1039/c8an00017d PMID: 29497718 49. Sci Rep. 2018 Mar 1;8(1):3874. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-22157-4. Transcriptional activation of zebrafish fads2 promoter and its transient transgene expression in yolk syncytial layer of zebrafish embryos. Tay SS(1), Kuah MK(2), Shu-Chien AC(3)(4). Author information: (1)School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Minden, Penang, Malaysia. (2)Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Sains@USM, Block B No. 10, Persiaran Bukit Jambul, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia. (3)School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Minden, Penang, Malaysia. alex@usm.my. (4)Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Sains@USM, Block B No. 10, Persiaran Bukit Jambul, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia. alex@usm.my. The front-end desaturases (Fads) are rate-limiting enzymes responsible for production of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). The full spectrum of the transcriptional regulation of fads is still incomplete, as cloning of fads promoter is limited to a few species. Here, we described the cloning and characterisation of the zebrafish fads2 promoter. Using 5'-deletion and mutation analysis on this promoter, we identified a specific region containing the sterol regulatory element (SRE) which is responsible for the activation of the fads2 promoter. In tandem, two conserved CCAAT boxes were also present adjacent to the SRE and mutation of either of these binding sites attenuates the transcriptional activation of the fads2 promoter. An in vivo analysis employing GFP reporter gene in transiently transfected zebrafish embryos showed that this 1754 bp upstream region of the fads2 gene specifically directs GFP expression in the yolk syncytial layer (YSL) region. This indicates a role for LC-PUFA in the transport of yolk lipids through this tissue layer. In conclusion, besides identifying novel core elements for transcriptional activation in zebrafish fads2 promoter, we also reveal a potential role for fads2 or LC-PUFA in YSL during development. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22157-4 PMCID: PMC5832746 PMID: 29497119 50. Sci Rep. 2018 Mar 1;8(1):3829. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-22052-y. Human milk oligosaccharides protect against the development of autoimmune diabetes in NOD-mice. Xiao L(1), Van't Land B(2)(3), Engen PA(4), Naqib A(5), Green SJ(5), Nato A(1), Leusink-Muis T(1), Garssen J(1)(6), Keshavarzian A(1)(4)(7), Stahl B(6), Folkerts G(1). Author information: (1)Utrecht University, Faculty of Science, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht, The Netherlands. (2)Nutricia Research, Department of Immunology/Human milk research platform, Utrecht, The Netherlands. B.vantland@Umcutrecht.nl. (3)University Medical Center Utrecht, The Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Utrecht, The Netherlands. B.vantland@Umcutrecht.nl. (4)Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA. (5)DNA Services Facility, Research Resources Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. (6)Nutricia Research, Department of Immunology/Human milk research platform, Utrecht, The Netherlands. (7)Department of Pharmacology, Department of Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA. Development of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is influenced by non-genetic factors, such as optimal microbiome development during early life that "programs" the immune system. Exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding is an independent protective factor against the development of T1D, likely via bioactive components. Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOS) are microbiota modulators, known to regulate immune responses directly. Here we show that early life provision (only for a period of six weeks) of 1% authentic HMOS (consisting of both long-chain, as well as short-chain structures), delayed and suppressed T1D development in non-obese diabetic mice and reduced development of severe pancreatic insulitis in later life. These protective effects were associated with i) beneficial alterations in fecal microbiota composition, ii) anti-inflammatory microbiota-generating metabolite (i.e. short chain fatty acids (SCFAs)) changes in fecal, as well as cecum content, and iii) induction of anti-diabetogenic cytokine profiles. Moreover, in vitro HMOS combined with SCFAs induced development of tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs), priming of functional regulatory T cells, which support the protective effects detected in vivo. In conclusion, HMOS present in human milk are therefore thought to be vital in the protection of children at risk for T1D, supporting immune and gut microbiota development in early life. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22052-y PMCID: PMC5832804 PMID: 29497108 51. Sci Rep. 2018 Mar 1;8(1):3876. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-21925-6. Fatty Acid Supplementation Reverses the Small Colony Variant Phenotype in Triclosan-Adapted Staphylococcus aureus: Genetic, Proteomic and Phenotypic Analyses. Bazaid AS(1)(2), Forbes S(3), Humphreys GJ(1), Ledder RG(1), O'Cualain R(4), McBain AJ(5). Author information: (1)Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Stopford Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. (2)College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia. (3)Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK. (4)Biological Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. (5)Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Stopford Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. andrew.mcbain@manchester.ac.uk. Staphylococcus aureus can develop a small colony variant (SCV) phenotype in response to sub-lethal exposure to the biocide triclosan. In the current study, whole genome sequencing was performed and changes in virulence were investigated in five Staphylococcus aureus strains following repeated exposure to triclosan. Following exposure, 4/5 formed SCV and exhibited point mutations in the triclosan target gene fabI with 2/4 SCVs showing mutations in both fabI and fabD. The SCV phenotype was in all cases immediately reversed by nutritional supplementation with fatty acids or by repeated growth in the absence of triclosan, although fabI mutations persisted in 3/4 reverted SCVs. Virulence, determined using keratinocyte invasion and Galleria mellonella pathogenicity assays was significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated in 3/4 SCVs and in the non-SCV triclosan-adapted bacterium. Proteomic analysis revealed elevated FabI in 2/3 SCV and down-regulation in a protein associated with virulence in 1/3 SCV. In summary, attenuated keratinocyte invasion and larval virulence in triclosan-induced SCVs was associated with decreases in growth rate and virulence factor expression. Mutation occurred in fabI, which encodes the main triclosan target in all SCVs and the phenotype was reversed by fatty acid supplementation, demonstrating an association between fatty acid metabolism and triclosan-induced SCV. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21925-6 PMCID: PMC5832852 PMID: 29497096 52. J Med Genet. 2018 Mar 1. pii: jmedgenet-2017-105172. doi: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2017-105172. [Epub ahead of print] Dominant ELOVL1 mutation causes neurological disorder with ichthyotic keratoderma, spasticity, hypomyelination and dysmorphic features. Kutkowska-Kaźmierczak A(#)(1), Rydzanicz M(#)(2), Chlebowski A(3), Kłosowska-Kosicka K(3), Mika A(4)(5), Gruchota J(3), Jurkiewicz E(6), Kowalewski C(7), Pollak A(8), Stradomska TJ(9), Kmieć T(10), Jakubowski R(11)(12), Gasperowicz P(2), Walczak A(2), Śladowski D(13), Jankowska-Steifer E(14), Korniszewski L(8), Kosińska J(2), Obersztyn E(1), Nowak W(15), Śledziński T(5), Dziembowski A(3), Płoski R(2). Author information: (1)Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of the Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland. (2)Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. (3)Laboratory of RNA Biology and Functional Genomics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland. (4)Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland. (5)Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland. (6)Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland. (7)Department of Dermatology and Immunodermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. (8)Department of Genetics, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland. (9)Department of Biochemistry, Radioimmunology and Experimental Medicine, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland. (10)Child Neurology Department, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland. (11)Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland. (12)Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. (13)Department of Transplantology and Central Tissue Bank, Centre for Biostructure, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. (14)Department of Histology and Embryology, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland. (15)Institue of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland. (#)Contributed equally BACKGROUND: Ichthyosis and neurological involvement occur in relatively few known Mendelian disorders caused by mutations in genes relevant both for epidermis and neural function. OBJECTIVES: To identify the cause of a similar phenotype of ichthyotic keratoderma, spasticity, mild hypomyelination (on MRI) and dysmorphic features (IKSHD) observed in two unrelated paediatric probands without family history of disease. METHODS: Whole exome sequencing was performed in both patients. The functional effect of prioritised variant in ELOVL1 (very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) elongase) was analysed by VLCFA profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in stably transfected HEK2932 cells and in cultured patient's fibroblasts. RESULTS: Probands shared novel heterozygous ELOVL1 p.Ser165Phe mutation (de novo in one family, while in the other family, father could not be tested). In transfected cells p.Ser165Phe: (1) reduced levels of FAs C24:0-C28:0 and C26:1 with the most pronounced effect for C26:0 (P=7.8×10-6 vs HEK293 cells with wild type (wt) construct, no difference vs naïve HEK293) and (2) increased levels of C20:0 and C22:0 (P=6.3×10-7, P=1.2×10-5, for C20:0 and C22:0, respectively, comparison vs HEK293 cells with wt construct; P=2.2×10-7, P=1.9×10-4, respectively, comparison vs naïve HEK293). In skin fibroblasts, there was decrease of C26:1 (P=0.014), C28:0 (P=0.001) and increase of C20:0 (P=0.033) in the patient versus controls. There was a strong correlation (r=0.92, P=0.008) between the FAs profile of patient's fibroblasts and that of p.Ser165Phe transfected HEK293 cells. Serum levels of C20:0-C26:0 FAs were normal, but the C24:0/C22:0 ratio was decreased. CONCLUSION: The ELOVL1 p.Ser165Phe mutation is a likely cause of IKSHD. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted. DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2017-105172 PMID: 29496980 Conflict of interest statement: Competing interests: None declared. 53. Pharmacol Res. 2018 Feb 26. pii: S1043-6618(17)31319-1. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.028. [Epub ahead of print] Gut Microbiota in Kidney Disease and Hypertension. Antza C(1), Stabouli S(2), Kotsis V(3). Author information: (1)Hypertension Center, 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece. (2)1st Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece. (3)Hypertension Center, 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece. Electronic address: vkotsis@auth.gr. The human gut microbiota is being composed of more than one hundred trillion microbial cells, including aerobic and anaerobic species as well as gram-positive and negative species. Animal based evidence suggests that the change of normal gut microbiota is responsible for several clinical implications including blood pressure increase and kidney function reduction. Trimethylamine-N-Oxide, short-chain fatty acids and inflammatory factors are originated from the gut microbes and may induce changes in arteries, kidneys and blood pressure. Prebiotics and probiotics change the gut microbiota and may reduce high blood pressure and ameliorate chronic kidney disease suggesting a new treatment target in patients for the initial stages of hypertension concomitant with other life style changes such as increased physical exercise and weight reduction to reduce cardiovascular disease complications. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd. DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.028 PMID: 29496593 54. Bone. 2018 Feb 26. pii: S8756-3282(18)30080-2. doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2018.02.021. [Epub ahead of print] Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy evidence of efficacy for adrenal and gonadal hormone replacement therapy in anorexia nervosa. Vajapeyam S(1), Ecklund K(1), Mulkern RV(1), Feldman HA(2), O'Donnell JM(3), DiVasta AD(4), Rosen CJ(5), Gordon CM(6). Author information: (1)Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. (2)Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. (3)Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. (4)Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. (5)Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA. (6)Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. Electronic address: catherine.gordon@cchmc.org. PURPOSE: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) + estrogen/progestin therapy for adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa (AN) has the potential to arrest bone loss. The primary aim of this study was to test the effects of DHEA + estrogen/progestin therapy in adolescent girls with AN on bone marrow in the distal femur using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy. METHODS: Seventy adolescent girls with AN were enrolled in a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial at two urban hospital-based programs. INTERVENTION: Seventy-six girls were randomly assigned to receive 12 months of either oral micronized DHEA or placebo. DHEA was administered with conjugated equine estrogens (0.3 mg daily) for 3 months, then an oral contraceptive (20 μg ethinyl estradiol/ 0.1 mg levonorgestrel) for 9 months. The primary outcome measure was bone marrow fat by MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). RESULTS: T2 of the water resonance dropped significantly less in the active vs. placebo group over 12 months at both the medial and lateral distal femur (p = 0.02). Body mass index (BMI) was a significant effect modifier for T1 and for T2 of unsaturated (T2unsat) and saturated fat (T2sat) in the lateral distal femur. Positive effects of the treatment of DHEA + estrogen/progestin were seen primarily for girls above a BMI of about 18 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest treatment with oral DHEA + estrogen/progestin arrests the age- and disease-related changes in marrow fat composition in the lateral distal femur reported previously in this population. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc. DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2018.02.021 PMID: 29496516 55. Waste Manag. 2018 Feb 26. pii: S0956-053X(18)30099-0. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2018.02.033. [Epub ahead of print] The influence of the total solid content on the stability of dry-thermophilic anaerobic digestion of rice straw and pig manure. Riya S(1), Suzuki K(2), Meng L(2), Zhou S(3), Terada A(2), Hosomi M(2). Author information: (1)Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan. Electronic address: sriya@cc.tuat.ac.jp. (2)Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan. (3)Eco-environmental Protection Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1000 Jinqi Road, Fengxian, Shanghai 201403, China. Dry anaerobic digestion is a promising technology for the recycling of agricultural waste to produce energy and fertilizer. Adding water to the substrate enables better handling and avoid inhibition caused by high total solid (TS) content in the reactor; however, it also increases leachate and operational costs. To assess the extent to which the amount of water added can be reduced, it was examined how the TS content in the reactor influenced the production of biogas. A semi-batch dry thermophilic anaerobic digester was fed with substrate (rice straw and pig manure) at a constant organic loading rate, and varied the TS contents (27%, 32%, 37%, and 42%) of the substrate by adding different amounts of water (representing 0-36% of the total substrate). During incubation, the TS content in the reactor gradually increased from 18% to 31%. Biogas production was stable and high (564 ± 13-580 ± 36 N m3 t-1 VS), and there was no accumulation of volatile fatty acids when the TS content of the reactor was between 18% and 27%. However, the rate decreased sharply and propionate and acetate were also produced when the TS content of the reactor exceeded 28%. By applying a simple TS balance model, it was found that stable biogas production could be achieved at a substrate TS content of 32%, at which reactor TS content reached 23% at steady-state condition. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2018.02.033 PMID: 29496383 56. Nutr Neurosci. 2018 Mar 1:1-8. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2018.1443995. [Epub ahead of print] Voglibose-mediated alterations in neurometabolomic profiles in the hypothalamus of high-fat diet-fed mice. Yang SJ(1), Do HJ(2), Jung Y(3), Hwang GS(3), Shin MJ(4). Author information: (1)a Department of Food and Nutrition , Seoul Women's University , Seoul , Republic of Korea. (2)b Korean Medicine Application Center , Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine , Daegu , Republic of Korea. (3)c Integrated Metabolomics Research Group, Western Seoul Center , Korea Basic Science Institute , Seoul , Republic of Korea. (4)d Department of Public Health Sciences, BK21PLUS Program in Embodiment: Health-Society Interaction, Graduate School , Korea University , Seoul , Republic of Korea. The alpha-glucosidase inhibitor voglibose (VO) was recently reported to have a protective effect against weight gain as well as affect various metabolic changes related to food intake and gut-brain signaling. We hypothesized that VO prevents weight gain by altering neurometabolome profiles in the hypothalamus to reduce food intake. To test this hypothesis, we assessed metabolite profiles in the hypothalamus of standard diet- or high-fat (HF) diet-fed mice in the absence or presence of VO. In total, 29 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups: (1) lean control, (2) HF, and (3) HF + VO. Vehicle or VO was administered for 12 weeks. The results showed that there were alterations in levels of metabolites across several metabolic pathways in the hypothalamus. VO treatment increased levels of many amino acids including arginine, glutamine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine in the hypothalamus. In addition, levels of 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-butyric acid in the hypothalamus were significantly increased after VO administration in HF diet-fed mice. Among lipid metabolites, levels of fatty acids were higher in the hypothalamus of VO-treated mice than in that of HF diet-fed mice. In terms of the energy status, the ATP/ADP ratio was higher in the hypothalamus of VO-treated mice (P < 0.001), thereby indicating an energy surplus. In conclusion, VO supplementation altered metabolite profiles in the hypothalamus to enhance catabolism, which is possibly responsible for the hypophagic effect of VO in HF diet-fed mice. DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2018.1443995 PMID: 29495953 57. Diabetes Educ. 2018 Mar 1:145721718756057. doi: 10.1177/0145721718756057. [Epub ahead of print] Dietary Behaviors and Glucose Metabolism in Young Adults at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes. Cha E(1)(2), Paul S(2), Braxter BJ(3), Umpierrez G(4), Faulkner MS(2)(5). Author information: (1)College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea. (2)Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. (3)School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (4)School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. (5)Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia. Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine the associations between dietary behaviors and glucose metabolism in high-risk young adults to increase the precision of nutrition education to prevent early onset type 2 diabetes (T2D). Method Using a descriptive, cross-sectional study design, 106 overweight or obese sedentary young adults ages 18-29 years from the Atlanta metropolitan area were recruited to screen diabetes risk. Survey questionnaires, anthropometric assessment, blood pressure (BP), and laboratory data were collected in a clinical research unit. The Web-based HOMA2 calculator was used to calculate beta cell function and insulin sensitivity. Results The final sample included 103 participants. There were similar patterns of diet (caloric intake and dietary quality) between African Americans and non-African Americans, whereas African Americans showed hyperinsulinemia compared with non-African Americans. When young adults consumed a good quality diet (appropriate carbohydrate intakes; high fiber, low saturated fat but protein rich diet), their insulin resistance was decreased. There was a marginal interaction effect between insulin sensitivity and beta cell function by race. Systolic BP was higher in African Americans, and total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were higher in non-African Americans. Conclusion Findings are useful to develop age-specific nutrition guidelines to prevent early onset T2D in high-risk young adults. DOI: 10.1177/0145721718756057 PMID: 29495910 58. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Feb 27;19(3). pii: E666. doi: 10.3390/ijms19030666. Phenotyping of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on the Integration of Metabolomes and Clinical Characteristics. Kilk K(1)(2), Aug A(3)(4)(5), Ottas A(6)(7), Soomets U(8)(9), Altraja S(10)(11), Altraja A(12)(13). Author information: (1)Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia. kalle.kilk@ut.ee. (2)Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, Riia 23b, 51010 Tartu, Estonia. kalle.kilk@ut.ee. (3)Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia. argo.aug@haigekassa.ee. (4)Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, Riia 23b, 51010 Tartu, Estonia. argo.aug@haigekassa.ee. (5)Estonian Health Insurance Fund, Lastekodu 48, 10144 Tallinn, Estonia. argo.aug@haigekassa.ee. (6)Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia. aigar.ottas@ut.ee. (7)Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, Riia 23b, 51010 Tartu, Estonia. aigar.ottas@ut.ee. (8)Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia. ursel.soomets@ut.ee. (9)Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, Riia 23b, 51010 Tartu, Estonia. ursel.soomets@ut.ee. (10)Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu, Estonia. siiri@ebc.ee. (11)Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, Riia 23b, 51010 Tartu, Estonia. siiri@ebc.ee. (12)Department of Pulmonology, University of Tartu, Puusepa 8, 51014 Tartu, Estonia. alan.altraja@ut.ee. (13)Lung Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Puusepa 8, 51014 Tartu, Estonia. alan.altraja@ut.ee. Apart from the refined management-oriented clinical stratification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the molecular pathologies behind this highly prevalent disease have remained obscure. The aim of this study was the characterization of patients with COPD, based on the metabolomic profiling of peripheral blood and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) within the context of defined clinical and demographic variables. Mass-spectrometry-based targeted analysis of serum metabolites (mainly amino acids and lipid species), untargeted profiles of serum and EBC of patients with COPD of different clinical characteristics (n = 25) and control individuals (n = 21) were performed. From the combined clinical/demographic and metabolomics data, associations between clinical/demographic and metabolic parameters were searched and a de novo phenotyping for COPD was attempted. Adjoining the clinical parameters, sphingomyelins were the best to differentiate COPD patients from controls. Unsaturated fatty acid-containing lipids, ornithine metabolism and plasma protein composition-associated signals from the untargeted analysis differentiated the Global Initiative for COPD (GOLD) categories. Hierarchical clustering did not reveal a clinical-metabolomic stratification superior to the strata set by the GOLD consensus. We conclude that while metabolomics approaches are good for finding biomarkers and clarifying the mechanism of the disease, there are no distinct co-variate independent clinical-metabolic phenotypes. DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030666 PMID: 29495451 Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest. 59. Genes (Basel). 2018 Feb 26;9(3). pii: E119. doi: 10.3390/genes9030119. Relating Stool Microbial Metabolite Levels, Inflammatory Markers and Dietary Behaviors to Screening Colonoscopy Findings in a Racially/Ethnically Diverse Patient Population. Bridges KM(1), Diaz FJ(2), Wang Z(3), Ahmed I(4), Sullivan DK(5)(6), Umar S(7)(8), Buckles DC(9), Greiner KA(10)(11), Hester CM(12)(13). Author information: (1)Department of Family Medicine Research Division, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. kbridges@kumc.edu. (2)Department of Biostatistics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. fdiaz@kumc.edu. (3)Department of Biostatistics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. zwang3@kumc.edu. (4)Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. iahmed@kumc.edu. (5)Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. dsulliva@kumc.edu. (6)University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. dsulliva@kumc.edu. (7)Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. sumar@kumc.edu. (8)University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. sumar@kumc.edu. (9)Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. dbuckles@kumc.edu. (10)Department of Family Medicine Research Division, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. agreiner@kumc.edu. (11)University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. agreiner@kumc.edu. (12)Department of Family Medicine Research Division, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. chester@aafp.org. (13)University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. chester@aafp.org. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States, yet it is treatable and preventable. African Americans have higher incidence of CRC than other racial/ethnic groups, however, it is unclear whether this disparity is primarily due to environmental or biological factors. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites produced by bacteria in the colon and are known to be inversely related to CRC progression. The aim of this study is to investigate how stool SCFA levels, markers of inflammation in stool and dietary intake relate to colonoscopy findings in a diverse patient population. Stool samples from forty-eight participants were analyzed for SCFA levels and inflammatory markers (lysozyme, secretory IgA, lactoferrin). Additionally, participants completed the National Cancer Institute's Diet History Questionnaire II (DHQ II) to report dietary intake over the past year. Subsequently, the majority of participants underwent screening colonoscopy. Our results showed that African Americans had higher total levels of SCFAs in stool than other racial/ethnic groups, significantly lower intake of non-starchy vegetables and similar inflammatory marker expression and colonoscopy outcomes, compared to others. This work is an initial exploration into the biological and clinical factors that may ultimately inform personalized screening approaches and clinical decision-making to improve colorectal cancer disparities for African Americans. DOI: 10.3390/genes9030119 PMID: 29495356 Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest. 60. Environ Pollut. 2018 Feb 26;237:285-297. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.089. [Epub ahead of print] Impacts of springtime biomass burning in the northern Southeast Asia on marine organic aerosols over the Gulf of Tonkin, China. Zheng L(1), Yang X(2), Lai S(3), Ren H(4), Yue S(4), Zhang Y(3), Huang X(5), Gao Y(2), Sun Y(4), Wang Z(4), Fu P(6). Author information: (1)School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; LAPC, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China. (2)State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China. (3)School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China. (4)LAPC, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China; College of Earth Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China. (5)State-owned Assets Management Office, Guilin Tourism University, Guilin 541006, China. (6)LAPC, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China; Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; College of Earth Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China. Electronic address: fupingqing@tju.edu.cn. Fine particles (PM2.5) samples, collected at Weizhou Island over the Gulf of Tonkin on a daytime and nighttime basis in the spring of 2015, were analyzed for primary and secondary organic tracers, together with organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and stable carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of total carbon (TC). Five organic compound classes, including saccharides, lignin/resin products, fatty acids, biogenic SOA tracers and phthalic acids, were quantified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Levoglucosan was the most abundant organic species, indicating that the sampling site was under strong influence of biomass burning. Based on the tracer-based methods, the biomass-burning-derived fraction was estimated to be the dominant contributor to aerosol OC, accounting for 15.7% ± 11.1% and 22.2% ± 17.4% of OC in daytime and nighttime samples, respectively. In two episodes E1 and E2, organic aerosols characterized by elevated concentrations of levoglucosan as well as its isomers, sugar compounds, lignin products, high molecular weight (HMW) fatty acids and β-caryophyllinic acid, were attributed to the influence of intensive biomass burning in the northern Southeast Asia (SEA). However, the discrepancies in the ratios of levoglucosan to mannosan (L/M) and OC (L/OC) as well as the δ13C values suggest the type of biomass burning and the sources of organic aerosols in E1 and E2 were different. Hardwood and/or C4 plants were the major burning materials in E1, while burning of softwood and/or C3 plants played important role in E2. Furthermore, more complex sources and enhanced secondary contribution were found to play a part in organic aerosols in E2. This study highlights the significant influence of springtime biomass burning in the northern SEA to the organic molecular compositions of marine aerosols over the Gulf of Tonkin. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.089 PMID: 29494922 61. PLoS Pathog. 2018 Mar 1;14(3):e1006879. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006879. eCollection 2018 Mar. Wolbachia-mediated virus blocking in mosquito cells is dependent on XRN1-mediated viral RNA degradation and influenced by viral replication rate. Thomas S(1), Verma J(2), Woolfit M(1), O'Neill SL(1). Author information: (1)Institute of Vector-Borne Disease (IVBD), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, AUSTRALIA. (2)Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, AUSTRALIA. Wolbachia is currently being developed as a novel tool to block the transmission of dengue viruses (DENV) by Aedes aegypti. A number of mechanisms have been proposed to explain the DENV-blocking phenotype in mosquitoes, including competition for fatty acids like cholesterol, manipulation of host miRNAs and upregulation of innate immune pathways in the mosquito. We examined the various stages in the DENV infection process to better understand the mechanism of Wolbachia-mediated virus blocking (WMVB). Our results suggest that infection with Wolbachia does not inhibit DENV binding or cell entry, but reduces virus replication. In contrast to a previous report, we also observed a similar reduction in replication of West Nile virus (WNV). This reduced replication is associated with rapid viral RNA degradation in the cytoplasm. We didn't find a role for host miRNAs in WMVB. Further analysis showed that the 3' end of the virus subgenomic RNA was protected and accumulated over time suggesting that the degradation is XRN1-mediated. We also found that sub genomic flavivirus RNA accumulation inactivated XRN1 in mosquito cells in the absence of Wolbachia and led to enhancement of RNA degradation in its presence. Depletion of XRN1 decreased WMVB which was associated with a significant increase in DENV RNA. We also observed that WMVB is influenced by virus MOI and rate of virus replication. A comparatively elevated blocking was observed for slowly replicating DENV, compared to WNV. Similar results were obtained while analysing different DENV serotypes. DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006879 PMID: 29494679 62. PLoS One. 2018 Mar 1;13(3):e0193553. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193553. eCollection 2018. Pathological hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction are linked to aberrant endogenous unsaturated fatty acid metabolism. Casquel De Tomasi L(1)(2), Salomé Campos DH(1), Grippa Sant'Ana P(1), Okoshi K(1), Padovani CR(3), Masahiro Murata G(4), Nguyen S(2), Kolwicz SC Jr.(2)(5), Cicogna AC(1). Author information: (1)Department of Internal Medicine, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. (2)Mitochondria and Metabolism Center, Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America. (3)Department of Biostatistics, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. (4)Department of Biochemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. (5)Heart and Muscle Metabolism Laboratory, Health and Exercise Physiology Department, Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, United States of America. Pathological cardiac hypertrophy leads to derangements in lipid metabolism that may contribute to the development of cardiac dysfunction. Since previous studies, using high saturated fat diets, have yielded inconclusive results, we investigated whether provision of a high-unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) diet was sufficient to restore impaired lipid metabolism and normalize diastolic dysfunction in the pathologically hypertrophied heart. Male, Wistar rats were subjected to supra-valvar aortic stenosis (SVAS) or sham surgery. After 6 weeks, diastolic dysfunction and pathological hypertrophy was confirmed and both sham and SVAS rats were treated with either normolipidic or HUFA diet. At 18 weeks post-surgery, the HUFA diet failed to normalize decreased E/A ratios or attenuate measures of cardiac hypertrophy in SVAS animals. Enzymatic activity assays and gene expression analysis showed that both normolipidic and HUFA-fed hypertrophied hearts had similar increases in glycolytic enzyme activity and down-regulation of fatty acid oxidation genes. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed depletion of unsaturated fatty acids, primarily linoleate and oleate, within the endogenous lipid pools of normolipidic SVAS hearts. The HUFA diet did not restore linoleate or oleate in the cardiac lipid pools, but did maintain body weight and adipose mass in SVAS animals. Overall, these results suggest that, in addition to decreased fatty acid oxidation, aberrant unsaturated fatty acid metabolism may be a maladaptive signature of the pathologically hypertrophied heart. The HUFA diet is insufficient to reverse metabolic remodeling, diastolic dysfunction, or pathologically hypertrophy, possibly do to preferentially partitioning of unsaturated fatty acids to adipose tissue. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193553 PMID: 29494668 63. PLoS One. 2018 Mar 1;13(3):e0193702. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193702. eCollection 2018. Cardiorespiratory, enzymatic and hormonal responses during and after walking while fasting. Vilaça-Alves J(1)(2), Muller F(1), Rosa C(1), Payan-Carreira R(3), Lund R(1), Matos F(2), Garrido N(2), Saavedra FJ(1)(2), Machado Reis V(1)(2). Author information: (1)Sport Sciences Departament, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. (2)Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, Portugal. (3)Animal and Veterinary Research Center, CECAV, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal. The aim of the present study was to observe whether performing a low intensity endurance exercise following an overnight fasted (FAST) or fed (FED) condition promotes different cardiorespiratory, enzymatic and hormonal responses. Nine male physical active subjects, (age 21.89 ± 2.52 years old, height 175.89 ± 5.16 cm, weight 72.10 ± 4.31 kg, estimated body fat 7.25 ± 2.11%), randomly performed two sessions of 45 minutes' low intensity exercise (individual ventilator threshold) interspersed by seven days, differentiated only in whether they were provided with a standardized meal or not. The oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously at the 30-min rest, the 45-min during and the 30-min post-exercise. The testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) hormones were measured at rest, immediately post-exercise and 15-min post-exercise. The Glucose (GLU), Free fatty acids (FFA) and enzyme lipase activity (ELP) were measured at rest, 15-min and 30-min exercise, immediately, 15-min and 30-min post-exercise. Significantly lower values were observed in FED compared to FAST with: C (nmol/L) from pre (428.87 ± 120.41; 454.62 ± 148.33, respectively) to immediately post-exercise (285.10 ± 85.86; 465.66 ± 137.70, respectively) and 15-min post-exercise (248.00 ± 87.88; 454.31 ± 112.72, respectively) (p<0.05); and GLU at all times, with an exception at 15-min post-exercise. The testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C) was significantly higher in the FED compared with FAST from pre (0.05 ± 0.02, 0.05 ± 0.01, respectively) to 15-min post-exercise (0.08 ± 0.03, 0.05 ± 0.02, respectively). No other significant differences were observed between conditions. We conclude that fasting prior to low intensity endurance exercise does not seem be advantageous, when it comes to fat loss, compared with the same exercise performed after a meal. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193702 PMID: 29494664 64. PLoS One. 2018 Mar 1;13(3):e0193512. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193512. eCollection 2018. Relationship between the degree of antioxidant protection and the level of malondialdehyde in high-performance Polish Holstein-Friesian cows in peak of lactation. Kapusta A(1), Kuczyńska B(1), Puppel K(1). Author information: (1)Cattle Breeding Division, Animal Breeding & Production Department, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland. Lipid peroxidation can be described as a process under which free radicals attack carbon double bonds of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Whereas the end products of this process are reactive aldehydes, such as malondialdehyde (MDA). Lipid peroxidation leads to adverse changes in the nutritional value of milk; therefore, higher degree of antioxidant protection (DAP) ensures higher stability of dairy products by effecting their high antioxidative potential. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between the DAP and the level of MDA in high-performance Polish Holstein-Friesian cows in peak of lactation. Sixty-three Polish Holstein-Friesian cows were selected to the experiment according to: parity (all in the 2nd lactation), phase of lactation (peak of lactation), cytological quality of milk (somatic cell count < 150 thousand/ml) and without diagnosed metabolic diseases. The data obtained were analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA, and Tukey's post-hoc test. After analysis of performance the cows were divided into 3 groups (twenty one cows in each group) based on milk yield and MDA concentration. The study revealed a significant effect of the lactation performance of cows on MDA levels in milk (P ≤ 0.01). The highest concentration of MDA (61.137 nM/mL) was shown in milk of cows yielding between 50.00 and 55.80 kg/day. The highest concentration of fat was found in milk in which the MDA level ranged from 48 to 86 nM/mL. Whereas, the inverse relationship was demonstrated in case of protein concentration. The highest level of protein was found in cows with MDA levels in the range of 18-28 nM/mL (P ≤ 0.01). The lowest MDA level (in the range of 18-28 nM/mL) was associated with the highest concentration of vitamin E, β-carotene, total antioxidant status (TAS) and DAP, measured in both milk and plasma. The obtained results show that lipid peroxidation leads to adverse changes in the nutritional value of milk; the highest DAP (7.89 x 10-3) was found in the cows with the lowest MDA concentration in milk. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193512 PMID: 29494660 65. PLoS One. 2018 Mar 1;13(3):e0193301. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193301. eCollection 2018. Association of whole blood n-6 fatty acids with stunting in 2-to-6-year-old Northern Ghanaian children: A cross-sectional study. Adjepong M(1), Pickens CA(1), Jain R(1), Harris WS(2), Annan RA(3), Fenton JI(1). Author information: (1)Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America. (2)Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota and Omega Quant Analytics, LLC, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America. (3)Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. In Northern Ghana, 33% of children are stunted due to economic disparities. Dietary fatty acids (FA) are critical for growth, but whether blood FA levels are adequate in Ghanaian children is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the association between whole blood FAs and growth parameters in Northern Ghanaian children 2-6 years of age. A drop of blood was collected on an antioxidant treated card and analyzed for FA composition. Weight and height were measured and z-scores were calculated. Relationships between FAs and growth parameters were analyzed by Spearman correlations, linear regressions, and factor analysis. Of the 307 children who participated, 29.7% were stunted and 8% were essential FA deficient (triene/tetraene ratio>0.02). Essential FA did not differ between stunted and non-stunted children and was not associated with height-for-age z-score (HAZ) or weight-for-age z-score (WAZ). In hemoglobin adjusted regression models, both HAZ and WAZ were positively associated with arachidonic acid (p≤0.01), dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA, p≤0.05), docosatetraenoic acid (p≤0.01) and the ratio of DGLA/linoleic acid (p≤0.01). These data add to the growing body of evidence indicating n-6 FAs are critical in childhood linear growth. Our findings provide new insights into the health status of an understudied Northern Ghanaian population. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193301 PMID: 29494645 66. PLoS One. 2018 Mar 1;13(3):e0193137. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193137. eCollection 2018. Male grower pigs fed cereal soluble dietary fibres display biphasic glucose response and delayed glycaemic response after an oral glucose tolerance test. Pluschke AM(1), Williams BA(1), Zhang D(1), Anderson ST(2), Roura E(1), Gidley MJ(1). Author information: (1)Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Brisbane, Australia. (2)School of Biomedical Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Brisbane, Australia. Acute and sustained soluble dietary fibre (SDF) consumption are both associated with improved glucose tolerance in humans and animal models (e.g. porcine). However, the effects on glucose tolerance in grower pigs, adapted to diets with a combination of SDF have not been studied previously. In this experiment, cereal SDF wheat arabinoxylan (AX) and oat β-glucan (BG) were fed individually and in combination to determine the effect on glucose tolerance in jugular vein catheterized grower pigs. Five groups of Large White male grower pigs were fed highly digestible diets containing either 10% AX, 10% BG, 5% AX with 5% BG, a model cereal whole wheat flour (WWF), or a control wheat starch diet (WS) with no SDF. Blood was collected via jugular vein catheters over 240 minutes following a feed challenge and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on two separate days. Postprandial blood samples were used to determine plasma glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), ghrelin, glucagon and cortisol concentrations. No dietary effects on glycaemic response were observed following the feed challenge or the OGTT as determined by the area under the curve (AUC). A biphasic glucose and insulin response was detected for all pigs following the OGTT. The current study showed male grower pigs have tight glycaemic control and glucose tolerance regardless of diet. In addition, pigs fed the combined SDF had a reduced GIP response and delayed insulin peak following the feed challenge. Incretin (GLP-1 and GIP) secretion appeared asynchronous reflecting their different enteroendocrine cell locations and response to nutrient absorption. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193137 PMID: 29494594 67. Foods. 2018 Mar 1;7(3). pii: E30. doi: 10.3390/foods7030030. Chemical and Nutritional Characterization of Seed Oil from Cucurbita maxima L. (var. Berrettina) Pumpkin. Montesano D(1), Blasi F(2), Simonetti MS(3), Santini A(4), Cossignani L(5). Author information: (1)Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Section of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 06126 Perugia, Italy. domenico.montesano@unipg.it. (2)Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Section of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 06126 Perugia, Italy. francesca.blasi@unipg.it. (3)Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Section of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 06126 Perugia, Italy. maria.simonetti@unipg.it. (4)Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy. asantini@unina.it. (5)Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Section of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 06126 Perugia, Italy. lina.cossignani@unipg.it. Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) has received considerable attention in recent years because of the nutritional and health-protective value of seed oil. The nutritional composition of pumpkin native to central Italy, locally known as "Berrettina" (Cucurbita maxima L.), was evaluated. In particular, the lipid fraction of seed oil was characterized, and the triacylglycerol (TAG) was thoroughly studied by using a stereospecific procedure to obtain the intrapositional fatty acid composition of the three sn-positions of the glycerol backbone of TAG. Moreover, alkaline hydrolysis was carried out to study the main components of the unsaponifiable fraction, i.e., sterols and alcohols. It was observed that monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were the most abundant (41.7% and 37.2%, respectively) in Berrettina pumpkin seed oil, with high content of oleic and linoleic acid (41.4% and 37.0%, respectively). The main sterols of Berrettina pumpkin seed oil were Δ7,22,25-stigmastatrienol, Δ7,25-stigmastadienol, and spinasterol; with regard to the alcoholic fraction, triterpenic compounds were more abundant than aliphatic compounds (63.2% vs. 36.8%). The obtained data are useful to evaluate pumpkin seed oil from a nutritional point of view. The oil obtained from the seed could be used as a preservative and as a functional ingredient in different areas, e.g., cosmetics, foods, and nutraceuticals. DOI: 10.3390/foods7030030 PMID: 29494522 Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest. 68. Foods. 2018 Mar 1;7(3). pii: E29. doi: 10.3390/foods7030029. Dairy Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: Do We Really Need to be Concerned? Lordan R(1), Tsoupras A(2), Mitra B(3), Zabetakis I(4). Author information: (1)Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland. ronan.lordan@ul.ie. (2)Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland. alexandros.tsoupras@ul.ie. (3)Extrx Oy, Salmelantie 43, Sotkamo 88600, Finland. bhaskar.mitra@extrx.fi. (4)Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland. ioannis.zabetakis@ul.ie. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a major cause of death and morbidity globally and diet plays a crucial role in the disease prevention and pathology. The negative perception of dairy fats stems from the effort to reduce dietary saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake due to their association with increased cholesterol levels upon consumption and the increased risk of CVD development. Institutions that set dietary guidelines have approached dairy products with negative bias and used poor scientific data in the past. As a result, the consumption of dairy products was considered detrimental to our cardiovascular health. In western societies, dietary trends indicate that generally there is a reduction of full-fat dairy product consumption and increased low-fat dairy consumption. However, recent research and meta-analyses have demonstrated the benefits of full-fat dairy consumption, based on higher bioavailability of high-value nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties. In this review, the relationship between dairy consumption, cardiometabolic risk factors and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases are discussed. Functional dairy foods and the health implications of dairy alternatives are also considered. In general, evidence suggests that milk has a neutral effect on cardiovascular outcomes but fermented dairy products, such as yoghurt, kefir and cheese may have a positive or neutral effect. Particular focus is placed on the effects of the lipid content on cardiovascular health. DOI: 10.3390/foods7030029 PMID: 29494487 Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest. 69. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2018 Mar 1. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00346.2017. [Epub ahead of print] The impact of short chain fatty acids on GLP-1 and PYY secretion from the isolated perfused rat colon. Christiansen CB(1), Gabe MBN(2), Svendsen B(3), Dragsted LO(2), Rosenkilde MM(4), Holst JJ(5). Author information: (1)University of Copenhagen, Denmark. (2)University of Copenhagen. (3)Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen. (4)Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen. (5)Department of Biomedical Sciences, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The colonic epithelium harbors a large number of endocrine cells, but little is known about the endocrine functions of the colon. However, the high density of GLP-1 and PYY secreting L-cells is of great interest because of the potential anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects of GLP-1 and PYY. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by local bacterial fermentation are suggested to activate the colonic free fatty acid receptors FFAR2 (GPR43) and FFAR3 (GPR41), stimulating the colonic L-cells. We used the isolated perfused rat colon as a model of colonic endocrine secretion and studied the effects of the predominant SCFAs formed: acetate, propionate and butyrate. We show that luminal and especially vascular infusion of acetate and butyrate significantly increases colonic GLP-1 secretion, and to a minor extent also PYY secretion, but only after enhancement of intracellular cAMP. Propionate neither affected GLP-1 nor PYY secretion whether administered luminally or vascularly. A FFAR2 and FFAR3 specific agonist (CFMB/AR420626) had no effect on colonic GLP-1 output, and a FFAR3 antagonist (AR399519) did not decrease the SCFA-induced GLP-1 response. However, the voltage-gated Ca2+-channel blocker nifedipine, the KATP-channel opener diazoxide and the ATP synthesis inhibitor 2,4-dinitrophenol completely abolished the responses. FFAR2 receptor studies confirmed low-potent partial agonism of acetate, propionate and butyrate, compared to CFMB which is a full agonist with around 750-fold higher potency than the SCFAs. In conclusion, SCFAs may increase colonic GLP-1/PYY secretion, but FFAR2/FFAR3 do not seem to be involved. Rather, SCFAs are metabolized and appear to function as a colonocyte energy source. DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00346.2017 PMID: 29494208 70. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2018 Mar 1:1-44. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2018.1425978. [Epub ahead of print] How does high DHA fish oil affect health? A systematic review of evidence. Ghasemi Fard S(1)(2), Wang F(3), Sinclair AJ(1)(4), Elliott G(2), Turchini GM(5). Author information: (1)a School of Medicine, Deakin University , Geelong , Australia. (2)b Nu-Mega Ingredients Pty Ltd , Altona North , Melbourne , Australia. (3)c Department of Food Science and Nutrition , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , China. (4)e Department of Nutrition , Dietetics and Food, Monash University , Clayton , Australia. (5)d School of Life and Environmental Sciences , Deakin University , Geelong , Australia. The health benefits of fish oil, and its omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid content, have attracted much scientific attention in the last four decades. Fish oils that contain higher amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) than docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), in a distinctive ratio of 18/12, are typically the most abundantly available and are commonly studied. Although the two fatty acids have traditionally been considered together, as though they were one entity, different physiological effects of EPA and DHA have recently been reported. New oils containing a higher quantity of DHA compared with EPA, such as fractionated and concentrated fish oil, tuna oil, calamari oil and microalgae oil, are increasingly becoming available on the market, and other oils, including those extracted from genetically modified oilseed crops, soon to come. This systematic review focuses on the effects of high DHA fish oils on various human health conditions, such as the heart and cardiovascular system, the brain and visual function, inflammation and immune function and growth/Body Mass Index. Although inconclusive results were reported in several instances, and inconsistent outcomes observed in others, current data provides substantiated evidence in support of DHA being a beneficial bioactive compound for heart, cardiovascular and brain function, with different, and at times complementary, effects compared with EPA. DHA has also been reported to be effective in slowing the rate of cognitive decline, while its possible effects on depression disorders are still unclear. Interestingly, gender- and age- specific divergent roles for DHA have also been reported. This review provides a comprehensive collection of evidence and a critical summary of the documented physiological effects of high DHA fish oils for human health. DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2018.1425978 PMID: 29494205 71. J Agric Food Chem. 2018 Mar 1. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04770. [Epub ahead of print] Effects of condensed and hydrolysable tannins on rumen metabolism with emphasis on the biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids. Costa M, Alves S, Cappucci A, Cook SR, Duarte A, Caldeira R, McAllister TA, Bessa RJB. The hypothesis that condensed tannins have higher inhibitory effect on ruminal biohydrogenation than hydrolysable tannins was tested. Condensed tannin extract from mimosa (CT) and hydrolysable tannin extract from chestnut (HT) or their mixture (MIX) were incorporated (10%) into oil supplemented diets and fed to rumen fistulated sheep. Fatty acid and dimethyl acetal composition of rumen contents and bacterial biomass were determined. Selected rumen bacteria were analysed by quantitative real time PCR. Lower (P < 0.05) rumen volatile fatty acids concentrations were observed with CT compared to HT. Moreover, lower concentration (P < 0.05) of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Ruminococcus albus and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus were observed with CT compared to HT. The extension of biohydrogenation of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3 did not differ among treatments, but was much more variable with CT and MIX than with HT. The trans-/cis-18:1 ratio in bacterial biomass was higher (P < 0.05) with HT than CT. Thus, mimosa condensed tannins had a higher inhibitory effect on ruminal metabolism and biohydrogenation than chestnut hydrolysable tannins. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04770 PMID: 29494146 72. Food Funct. 2018 Mar 1. doi: 10.1039/c7fo02038d. [Epub ahead of print] ZnO nanoparticles affect intestinal function in an in vitro model. Moreno-Olivas F(1), Tako E(2), Mahler GJ(1). Author information: (1)Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA. gmahler@binghamton.edu. (2)Plant, Soil and Nutrition Laboratory, Agricultural Research Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) may be present in food packaging, which would put consumers at risk of NP ingestion. There is little information on the amount of ZnO NP that are present in food packaging and the effects of ZnO exposure on intestinal function. To estimate physiologically relevant ZnO exposures, foods that are naturally low in zinc (Zn), but are commonly packaged with ZnO NP, such as tuna, corn, and asparagus, were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was found that the Zn present in a serving of these foods is approximately one hundred times higher than the recommended dietary allowance. An in vitro model of the small intestine composed of Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cells was used to investigate the effects of ZnO NP exposure. Cells were exposed to physiologically realistic doses of pristine NP in culture medium and to NP subjected to an in vitro digestion to better reflect the transformation that the NP may undergo once they enter the human GI tract. Uptake and/or transport of iron (Fe), Zn, glucose, and fatty acids were assessed and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) levels were measured before and after NP exposure. The findings show that there is a 75% decrease in Fe transport and a 30% decrease in glucose transport following ZnO NP exposure. These decreases were consistent with gene expression changes for their transporters. There is also evidence that the ZnO NP affect the microvilli of the intestinal cells, therefore reducing the amount of surface area available to absorb nutrients. These results suggest that the ingestion of physiologically relevant doses of ZnO NP can alter intestinal function in an in vitro model of the human small intestine. DOI: 10.1039/c7fo02038d PMID: 29493670 73. Protein Sci. 2018 Mar 1. doi: 10.1002/pro.3393. [Epub ahead of print] Crystal structure of secretory abundant heat soluble protein 4 from one of the toughest "water bears" micro-animals Ramazzottius varieornatus. Fukuda Y(1), Inoue T(1). Author information: (1)Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. Though anhydrobiotic tardigrades (micro-animals also known as water bears) possess many genes of secretory abundant heat soluble (SAHS) proteins unique to Tardigrada, their functions are unknown. A previous crystallographic study revealed that a SAHS protein (RvSAHS1) from one of the toughest tardigrades, Ramazzottius varieornatus, has a β-barrel architecture similar to fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) and two putative ligand binding sites (LBS1 and LBS2) where fatty acids can bind. However, some SAHS proteins such as RvSAHS4 have different sets of amino acid residues at LBS1 and LBS2, implying that they prefer other ligands and have different functions. Here RvSAHS4 was crystallized and analyzed under a condition similar to that for RvSAHS1. There was no electron density corresponding to a fatty acid at LBS1 of RvSAHS4, where a putative fatty acid was observed in RvSAHS1. Instead, LBS2 of RvSAHS4, which was composed of uncharged residues, captured a putative polyethylene glycol molecule. These results suggest that RvSAHS4 mainly uses LBS2 for the binding of uncharged molecules. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 The Protein Society. DOI: 10.1002/pro.3393 PMID: 29493034 74. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2018 Feb 28. doi: 10.1111/jpn.12878. [Epub ahead of print] Effects of mannan-oligosaccharides and Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves. Sharma AN(1), Kumar S(1), Tyagi AK(1). Author information: (1)Animal Nutrition Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India. A study of 120 days was undertaken to ascertain the effect of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) and Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves. Twenty Murrah buffalo calves of 5-7 days old and 31 ± 2.0 kg of body weight (BW) were randomly assigned into four groups. Group I served as the control (CON) in which only basal diet (concentrate mixture and green fodder) was provided, without any supplementation. Mannan-oligosaccharides at 4 g/calf/day were supplemented as prebiotic to Group II (PRE), whereas Group III (PRO) received Lactobacillus acidophilus in the form of fermented milk as probiotic at 200 ml/calf/day having 108 CFU/ml and Group IV (SYN) was supplemented with both MOS and Lactobacillus acidophilus as synbiotic at similar dose. Final BW (kg), dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency and structural growth measurements were improved (p < .05) in the treatment groups compared to control. Digestibility of neutral detergent fibre was higher (p < .05) in SYN followed by PRE and PRO than control. The faecal lactobacilli and bifidobacterium population was higher (p < .05) in all the supplemented groups with a concomitant reduction in faecal coliform count as compared to control. Faecal ammonia, lactate and pH were also altered favourably (p < .05) in all the supplemented groups as compared to CON. The faecal volatile fatty acids were higher (p < .05) in PRE, PRO and SYN group than CON. The incorporation of MOS and Lactobacillus acidophilus in diet either individually or in combination as synbiotic has the potential to improve the performance and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves; however, the observed responses among the treatment groups were more evident in the synbiotic fed group compared to individual supplementation of MOS and Lactobacillus acidophilus. © 2018 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12878 PMID: 29493022 75. Glia. 2018 Mar 1. doi: 10.1002/glia.23319. [Epub ahead of print] Aging-associated changes in hippocampal glycogen metabolism in mice. Evidence for and against astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttle. Drulis-Fajdasz D(1), Gizak A(1), Wójtowicz T(1), Wiśniewski JR(2), Rakus D(1). Author information: (1)Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wroclaw, Sienkiewicza 21, Wroclaw, 50-335, Poland. (2)Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, Martinsried, 82152, Germany. Lactate derived from astrocytic glycogen has been shown to support memory formation in hippocampi of young animals, inhibiting it in old animals. Here we show, using quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics, immunofluorescence, and qPCR that aging is associated with an increase of glycogen metabolism enzymes concentration and shift in their localization from astrocytes to neurons. These changes are accompanied with reorganization of hippocampal energy metabolism which is manifested by elevated capacity of aging neurons to oxidize glucose in glycolysis and mitochondria, and decreased ability for fatty acids utilization. Our observations suggest that astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttle may operate in young hippocampi, however, during aging neurons become independent on astrocytic lactate and the metabolic crosstalk between the brain's cells is disrupted. © 2018 The Authors GLIA Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. DOI: 10.1002/glia.23319 PMID: 29493012 76. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2018 Mar 1. doi: 10.1111/jphp.12893. [Epub ahead of print] Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory compounds exert similar effects on P-glycoprotein in blood-brain barrier endothelial cells. Torres-Vergara P(1)(2), Penny J(1). Author information: (1)Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. (2)Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Barrio Universitario, Concepción, Chile. OBJECTIVES: The effects of anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids dexamethasone (DX) and hydrocortisone (HC), pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on expression and activity of the ATP-binding cassette transporter P-glycoprotein (P-GP) were studied in porcine brain endothelial cells (PBECs). METHODS: Primary PBECs were treated for 24 h with glucocorticoids, IL-1β and long-chain PUFAs. P-GP activity was determined by measuring intracellular calcein accumulation and P-GP expression by Western blotting. The effect of PUFAs on membrane fluidity was assessed by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). KEY FINDINGS: Dexamethasone, HC and IL-1β significantly increased P-GP expression and activity. The effect of IL-1β was attenuated by the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA). This is the first report of the combined actions of IL-1β and IL-1RA on P-GP expression and the first evidence of glucocorticoid-mediated P-GP up-regulation in PBECs. Arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentenoic acid (EPA) significantly decreased P-GP activity without affecting expression or membrane fluidity. AA, DHA and EPA counteracted IL-1β-mediated increases in P-GP activity, while AA and EPA, but not DHA, counteracted glucocorticoid-mediated increase in P-GP activity. CONCLUSIONS: While glucocorticoids and IL-1β possess opposing actions in inflammation, they demonstrate functional consistency by increasing P-GP expression and activity in PBECs. © 2018 Royal Pharmaceutical Society. DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12893 PMID: 29492971 77. J Microbiol. 2018 Mar;56(3):189-198. doi: 10.1007/s12275-018-8049-8. Epub 2018 Feb 28. Current understanding of microbiota- and dietary-therapies for treating inflammatory bowel disease. Eom T(1), Kim YS(2), Choi CH(3), Sadowsky MJ(4)(5)(6), Unno T(7)(8). Author information: (1)Subtropical/tropical Organism Gene Bank, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea. (2)Department of Gastroenterology, Wonkwang Digestive Disease Research Institute, Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital, Gunpo, 15865, Republic of Korea. (3)Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea. (4)BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA. (5)Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA. (6)Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108, USA. (7)Subtropical/tropical Organism Gene Bank, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea. tatsu@jejunu.ac.kr. (8)Faculty of Biotechnology, School of life sciences, SARI, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea. tatsu@jejunu.ac.kr. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a result of chronic inflammation caused, in some part, by dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota, mainly commensal bacteria. Gut dysbiosis can be caused by multiple factors, including abnormal immune responses which might be related to genetic susceptibility, infection, western dietary habits, and administration of antibiotics. Consequently, the disease itself is characterized as having multiple causes, etiologies, and severities. Recent studies have identified >200 IBD risk loci in the host. It has been postulated that gut microbiota interact with these risk loci resulting in dysbiosis, and this subsequently leads to the development of IBD. Typical gut microbiota in IBD patients are characterized with decrease in species richness and many of the commensal, and beneficial, fecal bacteria such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and an increase or bloom of Proteobacteria. However, at this time, cause and effect relationships have not been rigorously established. While treatments of IBD usually includes medications such as corticosteroids, 5-aminosalicylates, antibiotics, immunomodulators, and anti-TNF agents, restoration of gut dysbiosis seems to be a safer and more sustainable approach. Bacteriotherapies (now called microbiota therapies) and dietary interventions are effective way to modulate gut microbiota. In this review, we summarize factors involved in IBD and studies attempted to treat IBD with probiotics. We also discuss the potential use of microbiota therapies as one promising approach in treating IBD. As therapies based on the modulation of gut microbiota becomes more common, future studies should include individual gut microbiota differences to develop personalized therapy for IBD. DOI: 10.1007/s12275-018-8049-8 PMID: 29492876 78. J Microbiol. 2018 Feb 28. doi: 10.1007/s12275-018-7511-y. [Epub ahead of print] Bacillus spongiae sp. nov., isolated from sponge of Jeju Island. Lee GE(1), Im WT(2), Park JS(3). Author information: (1)Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Hannam University, Daejeon, 34430, Republic of Korea. (2)Department of Biotechnology, Hankyong National University, Anseong, 17579, Republic of Korea. wandra@hknu.ac.kr. (3)Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Hannam University, Daejeon, 34430, Republic of Korea. jspark@hnu.kr. A Gram-reaction-positive, strictly aerobic, motile, endospore-forming, and rod-shaped bacterial strain designated 135PIL107-10T was isolated from a sponge on Jeju Island, and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Strain 135PIL107-10T grew at 20᾿7°C (optimum temperature, 25°C) and pH 6.0᾿0.0 (optimum pH, 6.0) on marine and R2A agars. Based on 16S rRNA gene phylogeny analysis, the novel strain formed a new branch within the genus Bacillus of the family Bacillaceae, and formed clusters with Bacillus thaohiensis NHI-38T (96.8%), Bacillus fengqiuensis NPK15T (96.7%), and Bacillus songklensis CAU 1033T (96.7%). Lower sequence similarities (97.0%) were found with the type strains of all other recognized members of the genus Bacillus (95.6᾿6.8% similarity). The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 43.6 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7 and the major fatty acids were iso-C15:0 and iso-C17:1ω10c. The overall polar lipid patterns were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Bacillus spongiae sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 135PIL107-10T (= KACC 19275T = LMG 30080T). DOI: 10.1007/s12275-018-7511-y PMID: 29492866 79. Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 28;8(1):3823. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-21960-3. Dietary n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, the FADS gene, and the risk of gastric cancer in a Korean population. Lee S(1)(2), Lee J(1), Choi IJ(3), Kim YW(3), Ryu KW(3), Kim YI(3), Kim J(4). Author information: (1)Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. (2)Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Health Science, Kangwon National University, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea. (3)Center for Gastric Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, South Korea. (4)Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. jskim@ncc.re.kr. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n-6 PUFAs are reported to have immunomodulatory effects, but few studies have examined these functions. Thus, we examined whether dietary n-3 and n-6 PUFAs are associated with the risk of gastric cancer and further investigated whether fatty acid desaturases 1 and 2 (FADS1 and FADS2) modify this association. In a case-control study, 1,464 participants (402 cases and 1,062 controls) were enrolled. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was utilized to measure dietary PUFA intake. Genotyping was performed using the Axiom® Exome 319 Array. Multivariable logistic models were established after adjusting for confounding variables. The risk of gastric cancer was significantly decreased among participants who had the highest tertile intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 PUFA, even after adjusting for covariates [odds ratios (OR) = 0.72, 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) = 0.53-0.99]. However, no significant interaction according to FADS1 rs174546 or FADS2 rs174583 was observed. In conclusion, we observed a significant inverse association between dietary DHA and the risk of gastric cancer but found that FADS1 rs174546 and FADS2 rs174583 did not modify the association between dietary n-3 or n-6 PUFAs and gastric cancer risk. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21960-3 PMCID: PMC5830640 PMID: 29491470 80. Intern Med. 2018 Feb 28. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9124-17. [Epub ahead of print] The Clinical Significance of Low Serum Arachidonic Acid in Sepsis Patients with Hypoalbuminemia. Yamaguchi J(1), Kinoshita K(1), Ihara S(1), Furukawa M(1), Sakurai A(1). Author information: (1)Division of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Department of Acute Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Japan. Background & Objectives Fatty acids (FAs) have various roles in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions. Hypoalbuminemia is often observed in sepsis patients. An imbalance among these compounds formed from FAs caused by hypoalbuminemia may be related to increased mortality in sepsis patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between serum albumin and FAs in sepsis and the outcome. Methods and Study Design This study was an observational investigation. The clinical and laboratory data of sepsis patients were recorded and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was calculated at admission. The serum arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DHLA) levels were also measured as FAs. The body mass index (BMI) was used to determine the general nutrition status. Results Two hundred sepsis patients were enrolled during the study period. No significant correlations were observed between the BMI and the SOFA score or the serum albumin level at admission. The FA levels of the non-survivors were significantly lower, but there were no significant differences in the EPA/AA levels of the survivors and non-survivors. A low serum albumin level was closely related to low AA (p<0.0001), EPA (p<0.0001), DHA (p=0.0003), and DHLA levels (p<0.0001). A multiple logistic-regression analysis revealed that a high SOFA score (adjusted odds ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02-1.39, p=0.026) and low AA (adjusted odds ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.978-0.994, p=0.041) were associated with a poor outcome. Conclusion A lower AA level was an important determinant of the outcome of patients with sepsis. These findings are consistent with the findings of previous studies, which reported that hypoalbuminemia might alter the AA metabolism in sepsis patients. DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9124-17 PMID: 29491308 81. J Gen Appl Microbiol. 2018 Feb 27. doi: 10.2323/jgam.2017.08.001. [Epub ahead of print] Saccharomyces cerevisiae lipid droplet associated enzyme Ypr147cp shows both TAG lipase and ester hydrolase activities. M NK(1), V B S C T(1), B CS(1), J S B(1). Author information: (1)Department of Biotechnology, KL University. Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ypr147cp was found localized to lipid droplets but the physiological role of Ypr147cp remains unknown. Sequence analysis of Ypr147cp revealed an α/β hydrolase domain along with the conserved GXSXG lipase motif. Recombinant Ypr147cp showed both triacylglycerol lipase and ester hydrolase activities. Knock out of YPR147C led to accumulation of TAG in ypr147cΔ when compared to wild type (WT). In addition, transmission electron microscopic analysis of ypr147cΔ cells revealed a greater number of lipid bodies, justifying the increase in TAG content, and the phenotype was rescued upon overexpression of YPR147C in ypr147cΔ. Moreover, the lipid profiling confirmed the accumulation of fatty acids derived from neutral and phospholipids in ypr147cΔ cells. Based on these results, Ypr147cp is identified as a lipid droplet associated triacylglycerol lipase along with an ester hydrolyzing capacity. DOI: 10.2323/jgam.2017.08.001 PMID: 29491250 82. J Biol Chem. 2018 Feb 28. pii: jbc.RA117.000800. doi: 10.1074/jbc.RA117.000800. [Epub ahead of print] Mice lacking ARV1 have reduced signs of metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Gallo-Ebert C(1), Francisco J(2), Liu HY(2), Draper R(3), Modi K(2), Hayward MD(4), Jones BK(4), Buiakova O(5), McDonough V(6), Nickels JT(7). Author information: (1)Institute of Metabolic Disorders. (2)Institute of Metabolic Disorders, United States. (3)Biology, Hope College, United States. (4)Invivotek, United States. (5)Invivotek. (6)Hope College, United States. (7)Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States. MetS syndrome (MetS) is a term used to characterize individuals having at least three of the following diseases: obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is widespread and the number of individuals with MetS is increasing. However, the events leading to the manifestation of MetS are not well understood. Here, we show that loss of mARV1 in mice results in resistance to acquiring diseases associated with MetS. Arv1-/- animals fed a high fat diet were resistant to diet-induced obesity, had lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides levels, and retained glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Livers showed no gross morphological changes, contained lower levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and fatty acids, and showed little signs of NAFLD. Knockout animals had elevated levels of liver FXR protein and its target, SHP. They also had decreased levels of CYP7a1, CYP8b1, and mature SREBP1 protein, evidence suggesting that liver FXR signaling was activated. Strengthening this hypothesis was the fact that PPARa protein was elevated, along with its target, FGF21. Arv1-/- animals excreted more fecal cholesterol, free fatty acids, and bile acids. Their small intestines had 1) changes in bile acid composition, 2) an increase in the level of the intestinal FXR antagonist, tauromuricholic acid, and 3) showed signs of attenuated FXR signaling. Overall, we believe that ARV1 function is deleterious when consuming a high fat diet. We further hypothesize that ARV1 is critical for initiating events required for the progression of diseases associated with MetS and NAFLD. Published under license by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. DOI: 10.1074/jbc.RA117.000800 PMID: 29491146 83. BMC Genomics. 2018 Mar 1;19(1):166. doi: 10.1186/s12864-018-4562-8. QTL mapping of volatile compound production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae during alcoholic fermentation. Eder M(1), Sanchez I(1)(2), Brice C(1), Camarasa C(1), Legras JL(1), Dequin S(3). Author information: (1)SPO, INRA, SupAgro, Université de Montpellier, F-34060, Montpellier, France. (2)MISTEA, INRA, SupAgro, F-34060, Montpellier, France. (3)SPO, INRA, SupAgro, Université de Montpellier, F-34060, Montpellier, France. sylvie.dequin@inra.fr. BACKGROUND: The volatile metabolites produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae during alcoholic fermentation, which are mainly esters, higher alcohols and organic acids, play a vital role in the quality and perception of fermented beverages, such as wine. Although the metabolic pathways and genes behind yeast fermentative aroma formation are well described, little is known about the genetic mechanisms underlying variations between strains in the production of these aroma compounds. To increase our knowledge about the links between genetic variation and volatile production, we performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping using 130 F2-meiotic segregants from two S. cerevisiae wine strains. The segregants were individually genotyped by next-generation sequencing and separately phenotyped during wine fermentation. RESULTS: Using different QTL mapping strategies, we were able to identify 65 QTLs in the genome, including 55 that influence the formation of 30 volatile secondary metabolites, 14 with an effect on sugar consumption and central carbon metabolite production, and 7 influencing fermentation parameters. For ethyl lactate, ethyl octanoate and propanol formation, we discovered 2 interacting QTLs each. Within 9 of the detected regions, we validated the contribution of 13 genes in the observed phenotypic variation by reciprocal hemizygosity analysis. These genes are involved in nitrogen uptake and metabolism (AGP1, ALP1, ILV6, LEU9), central carbon metabolism (HXT3, MAE1), fatty acid synthesis (FAS1) and regulation (AGP2, IXR1, NRG1, RGS2, RGT1, SIR2) and explain variations in the production of characteristic sensorial esters (e.g., 2-phenylethyl acetate, 2-metyhlpropyl acetate and ethyl hexanoate), higher alcohols and fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of QTLs and their interactions emphasizes the complexity of yeast fermentative aroma formation. The validation of underlying allelic variants increases knowledge about genetic variation impacting metabolic pathways that lead to the synthesis of sensorial important compounds. As a result, this work lays the foundation for tailoring S. cerevisiae strains with optimized volatile metabolite production for fermented beverages and other biotechnological applications. DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4562-8 PMCID: PMC5831830 PMID: 29490607 84. PLoS One. 2018 Feb 28;13(2):e0193533. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193533. eCollection 2018. Systematic review of palm oil consumption and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Ismail SR(1), Maarof SK(2), Siedar Ali S(2), Ali A(1). Author information: (1)Cardiovascular, Diabetes & Nutrition Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (2)Herbal Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. BACKGROUND: The high amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA) coupled with the rising availability and consumption of palm oil have lead to the assumption that palm oil contributes to the increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases worldwide. We aimed at systematically synthesising the association of palm oil consumption with cardiovascular disease risk and cardiovascular disease-specific mortality. METHODS: We systematically searched Central, Medline and Embase databases up to June 2017 without restriction on setting or language. We performed separate searches based on the outcomes: coronary heart disease and stroke, using keywords related to these outcomes and palm oil. We searched for published interventional and observational studies in adults (Age: >18 years old). Two investigators extracted data and a consensus was reached with involvement of a third. Only narrative synthesis was performed for all of the studies, as the data could not be pooled. RESULTS: Our search retrieved 2,738 citations for stroke with one included study and 1,777 citations for coronary heart disease (CHD) with four included studies. Palmitic acid was reported to be associated with risk of myocardial infarction (MI) (OR 2.76; 95%CI = 1.39-5.47). Total SFA intake was reported to be not significant for risk of MI. Varying intake of fried foods, highest contributor to total SFA with 36% of households using palm oil for frying, showed no significant associations to risk of MI. Odds of developing first non-fatal acute MI was higher in palm oil compared to soybean oil with 5% trans-fat (OR = 1.33; 95%CI = 1.09-1.62) than palm oil compared to soybean oil with 22% trans-fat (OR = 1.16; 95%CI = 0.86-1.56). Nevertheless, these risk estimates were non-significant and imprecise. The trend amongst those taking staple pattern diet (characterised by higher palm oil, red meat and added sugar consumption) was inconsistent across the factor score quintiles. During the years of 1980 and 1997, for every additional kilogram of palm oil consumed per-capita annually, CHD mortality risk was 68 deaths per 100,000 (95% CI = 21-115) in developing countries and 17 deaths per 100,000 (95%CI = 5.3-29) in high-income countries, whereas stroke was associated with 19 deaths per 100,000 (95%CI = -12-49) and 5.1 deaths per 100,000 (95% CI: -1.2-11) respectively. The evidence for the outcomes of this review were all graded as very low. The findings of this review should be interpreted with some caution, owing to the lack of a pooled effect estimate of the association, significant bias in selection criteria and confounding factors, inclusion of other food items together with palm oil, and the possible out-dated trend in the ecological study. CONCLUSION: In view of the abundance of palm oil in the market, quantifying its true association with CVD outcomes is challenging. The present review could not establish strong evidence for or against palm oil consumption relating to cardiovascular disease risk and cardiovascular disease-specific mortality. Further studies are needed to establish the association of palm oil with CVD. A healthy overall diet should still be prioritised for good cardiometabolic health. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193533 PMID: 29489910 85. PLoS One. 2018 Feb 28;13(2):e0192649. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192649. eCollection 2018. Assessing national nutrition security: The UK reliance on imports to meet population energy and nutrient recommendations. Macdiarmid JI(1), Clark H(2), Whybrow S(1), de Ruiter H(3)(4), McNeill G(2). Author information: (1)The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom. (2)Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom. (3)Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom. (4)Information and Computational Sciences Group, The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, United Kingdom. Nutrition security describes the adequacy of the food supply to meet not only energy but also macronutrient and micronutrient requirements for the population. The aim of this study was to develop a method to assess trends in national nutrition security and the contribution of imports to nutrition security, using the UK as a case study. Food supply data from FAO food balance sheets and national food composition tables were used to estimate the nutrient content of domestically produced food, imported food and exported food. Nutrition security was defined as the total nutrient supply (domestic production, minus exports, plus imports) to meet population-level nutrient requirements. The results showed that the UK was nutrition secure over the period 1961-2011 for energy, macronutrients and key micronutrients, with the exception of total carbohydrates and fibre, which may be due to the loss of fibre incurred by processing cereals into refined products. The supply of protein exceeded population requirements and could be met with domestic production alone. Even excluding all meat there was sufficient protein for population requirements. The supply of total fat, saturated fat and sugar considerably exceeded the current dietary recommendation. As regards nutrition security in 2010, the UK was reliant on imported foods to meet energy, fibre, total carbohydrate, iron, zinc and vitamin A requirements. This analysis demonstrates the importance of including nutrients other than energy to determine the adequacy of the food supply. The methodology also provides an alternative perspective on food security and self-sufficiency by assessing the dependency on imports to meet population level nutritional requirements. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192649 PMID: 29489830 86. J Complement Integr Med. 2018 Feb 28. pii: /j/jcim.ahead-of-print/jcim-2018-0010/jcim-2018-0010.xml. doi: 10.1515/jcim-2018-0010. [Epub ahead of print] Is fish oil supplementation effective on maternal serum FBS, oral glucose tolerance test, hemoglobin and hematocrit in low risk pregnant women? A triple-blind randomized controlled trial. Vahedi L(1), Ostadrahimi A(2), Edalati-Fard F(3), Aslani H(4), Farshbaf-Khalili A(5). Author information: (1)Research Center for Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. (2)Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. (3)Alzahra educational and treatment center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. (4)Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. (5)Aging Research Institute, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Background Fish oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which were considered as essential fatty acids. The purpose of present study was to evaluate the effects of fish oil supplementation on maternal serum fasting blood sugar (FBS), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct). Methods In this randomized triple-blind clinical trial, 150 pregnant women were allocated into two groups randomly. In the intervention group, women received one fish oil capsule daily (1,000 mg consisted of 120 mg DHA and 180 mg EPA), and control group received placebo from the end of twentieth week of pregnancy until delivery (140 capsules). FBS, 2-hour 75 g OGTT, Hb, and Hct were measured at 6-10 and 26-30 weeks of pregnancy. Analysis was based on intervention to treat. Results At the weeks 26-30, mean FBS in the intervention and control groups were 76.92 (9.8) and 75.64 (8.2) mg/dl, respectively [adjusted mean difference (aMD) (95% CI):1.46 (-2.13 to 5.05)]. Also, there was no significant difference between two groups in 2-hour OGTT [aMD (95% CI): -4.69 (-13.75 to 4.52)]. Mean (SD) Hb was 11.8 (1.1) versus 11.8 (0.7) g/dl in the intervention and control groups, respectively [aMD (95% CI): 0.001 (-0.328 to 0.330)], mean (SD) Hct were 36.12% (2.8%) and 35.84% (2.3%), respectively [aMD (95% CI): 0.25 (-0.65 to 1.14)]. Conclusions Based on the findings of present study, fish oil supplementation has no significant effect on Hb, Hct, FBS and 2-hour OGTT of pregnant women. DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2018-0010 PMID: 29489457 87. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2018 Feb 28:1-8. doi: 10.2214/AJR.17.18489. [Epub ahead of print] Sonographic-MRI Correlation After Percutaneous Sampling of Targeted Breast Ultrasound Lesions: Initial Experiences With Limited-Sequence Unenhanced MRI for Postprocedural Clip Localization. Lee AY(1), Nguyen VT(1), Arasu VA(1), Greenwood HI(1), Ray KM(1), Joe BN(1), Price ER(1). Author information: (1)1 Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, 1600 Divisadero St, Rm C250, Box 1667, San Francisco, CA 94115. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of correlation of sonographic and MRI findings after percutaneous sampling of presumed ultrasound correlates to suspicious lesions detected on breast MRI and to describe our initial experiences with limited-sequence MRI for postprocedural clip verification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1, 2014, and March 31, 2016, a total of 1947 contrast-enhanced breast MRI examinations were performed, and 245 targeted ultrasound examinations were conducted to identify correlates to suspicious MRI findings. We retrospectively identified all lesions that underwent ultrasound-guided sampling of a presumed sonographic correlate and for which a subsequent postprocedural limited-sequence unenhanced MR image for clip localization was available. This consisted of a T1-weighted non-fat-saturated and a T2-weighted fat-saturated sequence. Frequencies of sonographic-MRI correlation were quantified. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 35 patients with 38 presumed correlates that underwent ultrasound-guided sampling with postprocedural MRI for clip verification. The mean time from percutaneous sampling to postprocedural MRI examination was 1 day. Ten presumed sonographic correlates (26%) were found to localize to a site distinct from the lesion originally identified on MRI. One of these discordant cases revealed malignancy on subsequent MRI-guided biopsy, whereas the presumed sonographic correlate was found to be benign. No patient or lesion characteristics were associated with significantly different frequencies of correlation. CONCLUSION: In our initial experiences with MRI performed for postprocedural clip verification, 26% of presumed correlates to suspicious lesions detected on MRI were not the actual correlate, and 10% of these discordant cases ultimately revealed malignancy. Radiologists should take caution presuming that lesions identified on ultrasound actually represent the suspicious lesions detected on MRI. MRI for clip verification may be useful if ultrasound-guided sampling is pursued. DOI: 10.2214/AJR.17.18489 PMID: 29489404 88. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Feb 28. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002671. [Epub ahead of print] Thalassotalea insulae sp. nov., isolated from tidal flat sediment. Park S(1), Choi J(1), Won SM(1), Yoon JH(1). Author information: (1)Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Republic of Korea. A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile and rod-shaped or ovoid bacterial strain, designated JDTF-40T, was isolated from a tidal flat in Jindo, an island of the Republic of South Korea. Strain JDTF-40T grew optimally at pH 7.0-8.0, at 30 °C and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. The neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JDTF-40T fell within the cluster comprising the type strains of Thalassotalea species. Strain JDTF-40T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 93.8-95.7 % to the type strains of Thalassotalea species. Strain JDTF-40T contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain JDTF-40T were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid, one unidentified glycolipid and three unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain JDTF-40T was 41.3 mol%. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain JDTF-40T is distinct from recognized species of the genus Thalassotalea. On the basis of the data presented here, strain JDTF-40T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Thalassotalea, for which the name Thalassotalea insulae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JDTF-40T (=KACC 19433T=KCTC 62186T=NBRC 113040T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002671 PMID: 29488866 89. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Feb 28. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002617. [Epub ahead of print] Reclassification of Mameliella phaeodactyli, Mameliella atlantica, Ponticoccus lacteus and Alkalimicrobium pacificum as later heterotypic synonyms of Mameliella alba and an emended description of Mameliella alba. Liu Y(1), Zhang X(1), Lai Q(1), Shao Z(1). Author information: (1)State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, SOA; Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources of Fujian Province, Xiamen 361005, PR China. The aim of the study was to reclarify the taxonomic status of four species, Mameliella phaeodactyli, Mameliella atlantica, Ponticoccus lacteus and Alkalimicrobium pacificum, by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. A combination of physiological properties of the four type strains, KD53T, L6M1-5T, JL351T and F15T, was consistent with those of the closest type strain JLT354-WT of Mameliella alba. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the five type strains shared 100 % identity. The close relationship between the five strains was underpinned by the results of chemotaxonomic characteristics, including the fatty acids, quinone and polar lipids. The pairwise digital DNA-DNA hybridization values among the five strains were well above 70 %, considered the threshold value for species definition. In this case a further statement of Rule 24a applies, in which priority of names is determined by the date of the original publication. Hence, we propose that that Mameliella phaeodactyli, Mameliella atlantica, Ponticoccus lacteus and Alkalimicrobium pacificum should be regarded as later heterotypic synonyms of Mameliella alba. DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002617 PMID: 29488862 90. J Basic Microbiol. 2018 Feb 28. doi: 10.1002/jobm.201700594. [Epub ahead of print] Analysis of growth and lipid production characteristics of Chlorella vulgaris in artificially constructed consortia with symbiotic bacteria. Xue L(1)(2), Shang H(1)(2), Ma P(1)(2), Wang X(1)(2), He X(1)(2), Niu J(1)(2), Wu J(1)(2). Author information: (1)School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China. (2)Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Gansu Province，Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China. The aim was to study the effect of artificially constructed consortia of microalgae-bacterial symbionts on growth and lipid production by Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris), as well as the inter-relationship between microalgae and bacterial in a photoautotrophic system. The results showed that compared to an axenic culture of C. vulgaris, H1 co-culture system (axenic C. vulgaris-Stenotrophomona smaltophilia) had the strongest effect on the C. vulgaris growth. The biomass, specific growth rate and maximum productivity of C. vulgaris were increased by 21.9, 20.4, and 18%, respectively. The bacteria in co-culture system had a significant effect on the accumulation of lipid and fatty acid components of C. vulgaris: the content of lipid was increased by 8.2-33.83%, and the components of the saturated fatty acids and oleic acids also had an obvious improvement. The results indicate that the microalgae-bacterial co-culture system can improve microalgal biomass and the quality of biodiesel. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201700594 PMID: 29488634 91. Eur J Nutr. 2018 Feb 27. doi: 10.1007/s00394-018-1625-1. [Epub ahead of print] The urinary phenolic acid profile varies between younger and older adults after a polyphenol-rich meal despite limited differences in in vitro colonic catabolism. Alkhaldy A(1)(2), Edwards CA(1), Combet E(3). Author information: (1)Human Nutrition, School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, G31 2ER, UK. (2)Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (3)Human Nutrition, School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, G31 2ER, UK. Emilie.combetaspray@glasgow.ac.uk. PURPOSE: To investigate whether age influences colonic polyphenol metabolism. METHODS: Healthy participants, younger (n = 8; 23-43 years) and older (n = 13; 51-76 years), followed a 3-day low-polyphenol diet (LPD) and a 3-day high-polyphenol diet (HPD). Urinary phenolic acids (PA), short chain fatty acids (SCFA), pH and gas were monitored, alongside selected colonic bacteria. Human faecal in vitro fermentations of rutin with or without raftiline were used to evaluate the gut microbiota capacity in a subset of both groups. RESULTS: Total urinary PA were higher in the older group after HPD compared to the younger group (1.5-fold; p = 0.04), with no difference between groups in terms of a change between diets (Δ high-low diet). While 17 PA were detected in all younger participants after HPD, a narrower range (n = 8 to 16 PA) was detected in most (n = 9/13) older participants, with lower level of benzoic acid (19-fold; p = 0.03), vanillic acid (4.5-fold; p = 0.04) but higher hippuric acid (2.7-fold; p = 0.03). Faecal SCFA concentration did not change after HPD within group, with similar differential excretion (Δ high-low diet) between groups. There were no differences between groups for faecal pH, total, faecal bacteria including Flavonifractor plautii, bifidobacteria, and bacteroides. In human in vitro faecal fermentations, seven PAs were detected in both groups after 24 h of rutin fermentation, with no quantitative and modest qualitative differences between groups. Total SCFA in faecal fermentation did not differ between groups, except for butyric acid (twofold higher in the older group; p = 0.009) when rutin was fermented with raftiline over 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary phenolic acids were less diverse in older participants despite limited difference in functional capacity of in vitro faecal fermentations. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-018-1625-1 PMID: 29488010 92. J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Mar;55(3):1104-1115. doi: 10.1007/s13197-017-3026-5. Epub 2018 Jan 3. Crystallization of low saturated lipid blends of palm and canola oils with sorbitan monostearate and fully hydrogenated palm oil. Barbosa KM(1), Cardoso LP(2), Ribeiro APB(1), Kieckbusch TG(3), Buscato MHM(3). Author information: (1)1School of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo Brazil. (2)2"Gleb Wataghin" Institute of Physics, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo Brazil. (3)3School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas, Albert Einstein Avenue, 500, Cidade Universitaria Zeferino Vaz, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-852 Brazil. Several scientific investigations have focused on providing new strategies for supporting the development of low saturated and zero trans lipid materials, as healthier fat alternatives for food application. This work evaluated the consistency, crystallization behavior, microstructure and polymorphism of six blends composed of palm and canola oils at different concentrations (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 0:100, in w/w%) added with 5.0% of fully hydrogenated palm oil (FHPO) or with a mixture of 2.5% of FHPO and 2.5% of sorbitan monostearate (SMS). The results were compared with the non-structured blends (standard samples). Through microstructure images, the formation of a more homogeneous and denser packed crystal network was observed for samples added with both crystallization modifiers (FHPO/SMS) compared to the corresponding standard samples, after stabilization at 25 °C during 3 h. In particular, enhanced crystallization modifications were observed for the 40:60 blend, in which the crystal form β' emerged after the addition of FHPO/SMS. Moreover, the 40:60 blend structured with FHPO/SMS showed increased consistency (from 30 to 658 gF/cm2) and induced onset crystallization in a higher temperature (from 13.1 to 23.9 °C) compared with the non-structured one, due to the specific crystallization effects provided by both added structurants. DOI: 10.1007/s13197-017-3026-5 PMCID: PMC5821670 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29487453 93. J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Mar;55(3):992-1002. doi: 10.1007/s13197-017-3012-y. Epub 2018 Feb 5. Antioxidant activity, fatty acids characterization and oxidative stability of Gouda cheese fortified with mango (Mangifera indica L.) kernel fat. Khan IT(1), Nadeem M(1), Imran M(2), Ajmal M(1), Ali S(1). Author information: (1)1Department of Dairy Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. (2)2Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Home Economics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Home and Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Effect of mango kernel fat (MKF) on antioxidant characteristics and lipolysis of Gouda cheese was investigated. Milk fat (3.5%) was partially replaced with MKF i.e. 5, 10, 15 and 20% concentrations (T1, T2, T3 and T4). Cheese prepared from 100% milk fat served as control. Cheese samples were ripened for 90 days at 6 ± 1 °C and analysed at 0, 45 and 90 days of ripening. Total phenolic contents of control, T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 14 ± 0.35, 129 ± 0.75, 188 ± 2.52, 267 ± 10.61 and 391 ± 8.46 mg GAE/g. Total flavonoid content of control, T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 0.22 ± 0.03, 1.47 ± 0.09, 3.62 ± 0.15, 5.88 ± 0.35, 8.29 ± 0.63 mg quercetin equivalent/ml. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of control and experimental samples increased throughout the ripening period. DPPH free radicals scavenging activity of 90 days old control, T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 16.38 ± 0.0.26e, 30.47 ± 0.64d, 68.62 ± 0.91c, 73.29 ± 0.85b, 92.61 ± 1.44a %. HPLC characterization revealed the existence of mangiferin, caffeic acid, catechin, quercetin and chlorogenic acid in MKF fortified Gouda cheese. Fortification of MKF increased the concentration of C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3 in cheese. The concentration of C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3 in control were 24.55 ± 0.95, 1.76 ± 0.09 and 0.31 ± 0.02%. While, the concentration of C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3 in T4 were 30.11 ± 1.34, 2.79 ± 2.79 and 0.92 ± 0.11%. MKF fortified Gouda cheese had better oxidative stability and sensory characteristics. These results evidenced that antioxidant capacity, unsaturated fatty acids and oxidative stability of Gouda cheese can be improved with MKF. DOI: 10.1007/s13197-017-3012-y PMCID: PMC5821656 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29487441 94. J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Mar;55(3):964-976. doi: 10.1007/s13197-017-3004-y. Epub 2018 Feb 6. Improving the quality of matured coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn.) water by low alcoholic fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae: antioxidant and volatile profiles. Zhang G(1), Chen W(1), Chen W(1), Chen H(1). Author information: (1)College of Food Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228 Hainan China. Matured coconut water (MCW) is a by-product in the coconut milk industry that is usually discarded due to its unpleasant flavor. In this study, low-alcohol coconut water (LACW) was fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae to improve the quality of MCW. Volatile components and nonvolatile flavor-related elements were estimated to compare the qualities of the MCW and LACW. Besides measuring the kinetic changes, the levels of fructose, glucose, sucrose and ethanol contents were also determined. The results of the organic acid assays showed that tartaric, pyruvic and succinic acids were the primary organic acids present in LACW and increased significantly with fermentation. The resulting volatile composition assay indicated that esters, alcohols and fatty acids were significantly influenced by fermentation and yeast strains. Moreover, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power values increased significantly throughout the process, correlating with the enhancement of total phenolic content. DOI: 10.1007/s13197-017-3004-y PMCID: PMC5821652 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29487438 Conflict of interest statement: Compliance with ethical standardsThe authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper. 95. J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Mar;55(3):944-955. doi: 10.1007/s13197-017-3002-0. Epub 2018 Jan 25. Nutritional quality of different grades of adult male chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. Wang Q(#)(1)(2)(3), Wu X(#)(2)(3), Long X(2)(3), Zhu W(2)(3), Ma T(4), Cheng Y(2)(3). Author information: (1)1College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118 China. (2)2Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China. (3)4Collaborative Innovation Center of Aquatic Animal Breeding Certificated by Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306 China. (4)Shanghai Bright Special Aquaculture Limited Company, Shanghai, 202178 China. (#)Contributed equally This study mainly investigated the composition of adult male Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) from four grades/sizes (Grade I: 200-249 g; Grade II: 175-199 g; Grade III: 150-174 g; Grade IV: ≤ 150 g). The results showed that the grade III crabs had the largest gonadsomatic index (GSI), which was significantly higher than the grade I and grade II crabs, no significant difference was found with the grade IV crab. Significant differences in moisture and total lipid contents were observed among various edible parts from different grades of male Eriocheir sinensis. In particular, grade II crabs had the highest total lipid and dry matter content for hepatopancreas. A balanced amino acids composition and a high essential amino acids score (EAAS) were found in the muscle and gonads of grade III crabs. The levels of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n-3 PUFA, n-6 PUFA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the hepatopancreas, as well as the contents of PUFA, highly-unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA), n-3 PUFA, arachidonic acid (ARA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the gonads were significantly increased in the grade II crabs. Taken together, it can generally be concluded that adult male Eriocheir sinensis of 150-200 g (Grade II-III) weight have the highest nutritional quality even though they are not the largest crabs. DOI: 10.1007/s13197-017-3002-0 PMCID: PMC5821650 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29487436 96. J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Mar;55(3):858-867. doi: 10.1007/s13197-017-2888-x. Epub 2018 Jan 27. Animal fat replacement by vegetable oils in formulations of breads with flour mixes. Osuna MB(1), Romero AM(1), Avallone CM(1), Judis MA(1), Bertola NC(2). Author information: (1)1Laboratorio de Industrias Alimentarias, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Nacional del Chaco Austral, Comandante Fernández N°755, Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña, Provincia Chaco Argentina. (2)2Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos (CIDCA). CONICET- CIC- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 y 116, 1900 la Plata, Provincia Buenos Aires Argentina. The improvement of fatty acids (FA) profile of bread made with bovine fat (BF) and a mixture of flours completely replacing fat with canola oil (CO), or olive oil (OO) was evaluated. Technological and sensory characteristics and overall acceptability of the fortified breads were also studied. The results showed a decrease in saturated FA and a relative increase in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA compared to bread made with BF. Regarding CO, this caused the higher increase in n3 FA. This effect was maximized in bread made from the mixture of wheat flour (WF) + flaxseed flour (FF) + soybean flour (SF). OO caused a rise of n9 and n6 FA, mainly in bread made with WF + FF + wheat bran (WB). The breads with WF + FF + SF + CO and WF + FF + WB + OO presented higher specific volume, softer crumb and colour similar to those from base formulations. Furthermore, they had a very good sensory acceptance. DOI: 10.1007/s13197-017-2888-x PMCID: PMC5821639 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29487427 97. Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 27;8(1):3685. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-22094-2. Xiexin Tang improves the symptom of type 2 diabetic rats by modulation of the gut microbiota. Wei X(1), Tao J(1), Xiao S(1), Jiang S(2), Shang E(1), Zhu Z(1), Qian D(1), Duan J(3). Author information: (1)Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China. (2)Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China. jiangshu2020@126.com. (3)Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, PR China. dja@njutcm.edu.cn. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a chronic metabolic disease which severely impairs peoples' quality of life, currently attracted worldwide concerns. There are growing evidences that gut microbiota can exert a great impact on the development of T2DM. Xiexin Tang (XXT), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has been clinically used to treat diabetes for thousands of years. However, few researches are investigated on the modulation of gut microbiota community by XXT which will be very helpful to unravel how it works. In this study, bacterial communities were analyzed based on high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results indicated that XXT could notably shape the gut microbiota. T2DM rats treated with XXT exhibited obvious changes in the composition of the gut microbiota, especially for some short chain fatty acids producing and anti-inflammatory bacteria such as Adlercreutzia, Alloprevotella, Barnesiella, [Eubacterium] Ventriosum group, Blautia, Lachnospiraceae UCG-001, Papillibacter and Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group. Additionally, XXT could also significantly ameliorate hyperglycemia, lipid metabolism dysfunction and inflammation in T2DM rats. Moreover, the correlation analysis illustrated that the key microbiota had a close relationship with the T2DM related indexes. The results probably provided useful information for further investigation on its active mechanism and clinical application. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22094-2 PMCID: PMC5829262 PMID: 29487347 98. MBio. 2018 Feb 27;9(1). pii: e00211-18. doi: 10.1128/mBio.00211-18. Salmonella Reprograms Nucleotide Metabolism in Its Adaptation to Nitrosative Stress. Fitzsimmons LF(1), Liu L(1), Kim JS(1), Jones-Carson J(1), Vázquez-Torres A(2)(3). Author information: (1)University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, Colorado, USA. (2)University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Aurora, Colorado, USA Andres.Vazquez-Torres@ucdenver.edu. (3)Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Denver, Colorado, USA. The adaptations that protect pathogenic microorganisms against the cytotoxicity of nitric oxide (NO) engendered in the immune response are incompletely understood. We show here that salmonellae experiencing nitrosative stress suffer dramatic losses of the nucleoside triphosphates ATP, GTP, CTP, and UTP while simultaneously generating a massive burst of the alarmone nucleotide guanosine tetraphosphate. RelA proteins associated with ribosomes overwhelmingly synthesize guanosine tetraphosphate in response to NO as a feedback mechanism to transient branched-chain amino acid auxotrophies. Guanosine tetraphosphate activates the transcription of valine biosynthetic genes, thereby reestablishing branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis that enables the translation of the NO-consuming flavohemoglobin Hmp. Guanosine tetraphosphate synthesized by RelA protects salmonellae from the metabolic stress inflicted by reactive nitrogen species generated in the mammalian host response. This research illustrates the importance of nucleotide metabolism in the adaptation of salmonellae to the nutritional stress imposed by NO released in the innate host response.IMPORTANCE Nitric oxide triggers dramatic drops in nucleoside triphosphates, the building blocks that power DNA replication; RNA transcription; translation; cell division; and the biosynthesis of fatty acids, lipopolysaccharide, and peptidoglycan. Concomitantly, this diatomic gas stimulates a burst of guanosine tetraphosphate. Global changes in nucleotide metabolism may contribute to the potent bacteriostatic activity of nitric oxide. In addition to inhibiting numerous growth-dependent processes, guanosine tetraphosphate positively regulates the transcription of branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis genes, thereby facilitating the translation of antinitrosative defenses that mediate recovery from nitrosative stress. DOI: 10.1128/mBio.00211-18 PMCID: PMC5829828 PMID: 29487237 99. J Vet Sci. 2018 Feb 27. [Epub ahead of print] Ultrasonographic ovarian dynamic, plasma progesterone and non-esterified fatty acids in lame postpartum dairy cows. Melendez P(1), Gomez V(2), Bothe H(3), Rodriguez F(3), Velez J(3), Lopez H(4), Bartolome J(5), Archbald L(2). Author information: (1)College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA. (2)College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. (3)Aurora Organic Dairy Farm, Plateville, CO, USA. (4)ABS Global, Inc. DeForest, WI, USA. (5)Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, LP, Argentina. The objective of this study was to compare ovulation rate, number of large ovarian follicles, plasma progesterone (P4) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations between lame (n=10) and non-lame (n=10) lactating Holstein cows. The study was conducted in an organic dairy farm and cows were evaluated by ultrasonography and blood sampling every 3 days from 30 days postpartum during a period of 34 days. Cows which became lame during the first 30 days postpartum that experienced a lower ovulation rate were determined by the presence of a corpus luteum (50% for lame cows and 100% for non-lame cows, P ≤ 0.05). The number of large ovarian follicles in the ovaries was 5 for lame cows and 7 for non-lame cows (P=0.09). In addition, lame cows showed lower (P ≤ 0.05) concentrations of plasma P4 compared to non-lame cows. Furthermore, NEFA concentrations were lower (P ≤ 0.05) in lame cows compared to non-lame cows. It is concluded that lameness in postpartum dairy cows was associated with failure of ovulation, lower P4 concentrations and lower levels of NEFA. PMID: 29486532 100. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom. 2018 Feb 27. doi: 10.1002/rcm.8096. [Epub ahead of print] Collision cross section (CCS) measurement by ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry with short-time Fourier transform. Hu M(1)(2), Zhang L(1), He S(1), Xu C(1), Shi Q(1). Author information: (1)State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China. (2)CNOOC Research Institute of Refining and Petrochemicals, Beijing, 102200, China. RATIONALE: Collision cross section (CCS) is an important shape parameter which is often used in molecular structure investigation. In Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), CCS affects ion signal damping shape due to the effect of ion-neutral collision. It is potential to obtain ion CCS value from FT-ICR MS with the help of proper ion-collision model. METHODS: We have developed a rapid method to obtain the ion damping profile and CCS for mixtures by only one FT-ICR MS measurement. The method utilizes short-time Fourier transform (STFT) to process FT-ICR MS time domain signal. The STFT processed result is a three-dimensional spectrum which has an additional time axis in addition to the conventional mass-to-charge ratio and intensity domains. The damping profile of each ion can be recognized from the 3D spectrum. RESULTS: After extracting decay profile of specified ion, all the three ion-neutral collision models were tested in curve fitting. Hard-sphere model was proven to be suitable for our experimental setup. A linear relationship was observed between CCS value and hard-sphere model parameters. Therefore, the CCS values of all the peaks were obtained through the addition of internal model compounds and linear calibration. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method was successfully applied to determine the CCS of fatty acids and polyalanines in a petroleum gas oil matrix. This technique can be used for simultaneous measurement of cross sections for many ions in congested spectra. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8096 PMID: 29486526 101. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Feb 27. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00311.2017. [Epub ahead of print] Nrf2 deletion from adipocytes, but not hepatocytes, potentiates systemic metabolic dysfunction after long-term high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice. Chartoumpekis DV(1), Palliyaguru DL, Wakabayashi N(2), Fazzari M, Khoo NK, Schopfer FJ, Sipula I(3), Yagishita Y, Michalopoulos GK(4), O'Doherty RM(3), Kensler TW(5). Author information: (1)Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, United States. (2)University of Pittsburgh. (3)Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, United States. (4)Chair, Dept. of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. (5)Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, United States. Nrf2 is a canonical regulator of cytoprotective gene expression but evidence of its crosstalk with other pathways, including metabolic ones, is ever increasing. Pharmacologic or systemic genetic activation of the Nrf2 pathway partially protects from obesity in mice and ameliorates fasting hyperglycemia in mice and humans. However, systemic Nrf2 deletion also protected from diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice. To further investigate the effect of the disruption of Nrf2 on obesity in a tissue-specific manner, we focused on adipocytes and hepatocytes with targeted deletion of Nrf2. To this end, mice with cell-specific deletion of Nrf2 in adipocytes (ANKO) or hepatocytes (HeNKO) were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 months and showed similar increases in body weight and body fat content. ANKO mice showed a partially deteriorated glucose tolerance, higher fasting glucose levels and higher levels of cholesterol, and non-esterified fatty acids compared to their control counterparts. The HeNKO mice though, had lower insulin levels and trended towards improved insulin sensitivity without having any difference in liver triglyceride accumulation. This study compared for the first time two conditional Nrf2 knock-out models in adipocytes and in hepatocytes during HFD-induced obesity. None of these models could completely recapitulate the unexpected protection against obesity observed in the whole body Nrf2 knock-out mice but this study points out the differential roles that Nrf2 may play, beyond cytoprotection, in different target tissues and rather suggests systemic activation of the Nrf2 pathway as an effective means of prevention and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00311.2017 PMID: 29486138 102. FASEB J. 2018 Feb 27:fj201701378RR. doi: 10.1096/fj.201701378RR. [Epub ahead of print] Metabolic and molecular framework for the enhancement of endurance by intermittent food deprivation. Marosi K(1), Moehl K(1), Navas-Enamorado I(2), Mitchell SJ(3), Zhang Y(4), Lehrmann E(4), Aon MA(5), Cortassa S(5), Becker KG(4), Mattson MP(1)(6). Author information: (1)Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. (2)Translational Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. (3)Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. (4)Gene Expression and Genomics Unit Core Facility, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. (5)Laboratory of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. (6)Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Evolutionary considerations suggest that the body has been optimized to perform at a high level in the food-deprived state when fatty acids and their ketone metabolites are a major fuel source for muscle cells. Because controlled food deprivation in laboratory animals and intermittent energy restriction in humans is a potent physiologic stimulus for ketosis, we designed a study to determine the impact of intermittent food deprivation during endurance training on performance and to elucidate the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Male mice were randomly assigned to either ad libitum feeding or alternate-day food deprivation (ADF) groups, and half of the mice in each diet group were trained daily on a treadmill for 1 mo. A run to exhaustion endurance test performed at the end of the training period revealed superior performance in the mice maintained on ADF during training compared to mice fed ad libitum during training. Maximal O2 consumption was increased similarly by treadmill training in mice on ADF or ad libitum diets, whereas respiratory exchange ratio was reduced in ADF mice on food-deprivation days and during running. Analyses of gene expression in liver and soleus tissues, and metabolomics analysis of blood suggest that the metabolic switch invoked by ADF and potentiated by exercise strongly modulates molecular pathways involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism, and cellular plasticity. Our findings demonstrate that ADF engages metabolic and cellular signaling pathways that result in increased metabolic efficiency and endurance capacity.-Marosi, K., Moehl, K., Navas-Enamorado, I., Mitchell, S. J., Zhang, Y., Lehrmann, E., Aon, M. A., Cortassa, S., Becker, K. G., Mattson, M. P. Metabolic and molecular framework for the enhancement of endurance by intermittent food deprivation. DOI: 10.1096/fj.201701378RR PMID: 29485903 103. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Feb 27. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002668. [Epub ahead of print] Glycomyces anabasis sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from roots of Anabasis aphylla L. Zhang YG(1), Wang HF(2)(1), Alkhalifah DHM(3), Xiao M(4), Zhou XK(5), Liu YH(1), Hozzein WN(6), Li WJ(1)(4). Author information: (1)1Key Laboratory of Biogeography and Bioresource in Arid Land, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ürűmqi 830011, PR China. (2)2College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, PR China. (3)3Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (4)4State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China. (5)5State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China. (6)6Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A novel endophytic actinobacterium, designated strain EGI 6500139T, was isolated from the surface-sterilized roots of Anabasis aphylla L., collected from Xinjiang, northwest PR China, and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic characterization. Strain EGI 6500139T formed sparse aerial mycelium with rod-like spores. Whole-cell hydrolysates of the isolate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the cell-wall diamino acid, glucose as major sugar, and mannose, galactose, xylose and ribose as minor sugars. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, one unidentified glycolipid, one unidentified phospholipid and four unidentified polar lipids. The major fatty acids identified were anteiso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The predominant menaquinones detected were MK-11 and MK-11(H2). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain EGI 6500139T was 70.4 mol%. Strain EGI 6500139T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Glycomyces lacisalsi XHU 5089T (96.3 %). Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain EGI 6500139T fell within the clade of the genus Glycomyces, and formed a clade with G. lacisalsi XHU 5089T and G. albus CCTCC AA 2013004T. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain EGI 6500139T represents a novel species of the genus Glycomyces, for which the name Glycomyces anabasis sp. nov. (type strain EGI 6500139T=JCM 30088T=KCTC 29495T) is proposed. DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002668 PMID: 29485399 104. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Feb 27. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002666. [Epub ahead of print] Herbaspirillum robiniae sp. nov., isolated from root nodules of Robinia pseudoacacia in a lead-zinc mine. Fan MC(1), Guo YQ(1), Zhang LP(1), Zhu YM(1), Chen WM(1), Lin YB(1), Wei GH(1). Author information: (1)College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China. A novel endophytic bacterium, designated strain HZ10T, was isolated from root nodules of Robinia pseudoacacia growing in a lead-zinc mine in Mianxian County, Shaanxi Province, China. The bacterium was Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, slightly curved- and rod-shaped, methyl red-negative, catalase-positive, and did not produce H2S. Strain HZ10T grew at 4-45 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), pH 5-9 (optimum, pH 7-8) and 0-1 % (w/v) NaCl. The major fatty acids were identified as C16 : 0, summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), and the quinone type was Q-8. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 64.9 mol% based on the whole genome sequence. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the closest phylogenetic relative to strain HZ10T is Herbaspirillum chlorophenolicum CPW301T (98.72 % sequence identity). Genome relatedness of the type strains H. chlorophenolicum CPW301T, Herbaspirillum seropedicae Z67T and Herbaspirillum aquaticum IEH 4430T, was quantified by using the average nucleotide identity (86.9-88.0 %) and a genome-to-genome distance analysis (26.6 %-29.3 %), with both strongly supporting the notion that strain HZ10T belongs to the genus Herbaspirillum as a novel species. Based on the results from phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and physiological analyses, strain HZ10T represents a novel Herbaspirillum species, for which the name Herbaspirillumrobiniae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HZ10T (=JCM 31754T=CCTCC AB 2014352T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002666 PMID: 29485397 105. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Feb 27. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002664. [Epub ahead of print] Flavobacterium cyanobacteriorum sp. nov., isolated from cyanobacterial aggregates in a eutrophic lake. Cai H(1), Zeng Y(2), Wang Y(3), Cui H(4), Jiang H(1). Author information: (1)1State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, PR China. (2)2Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies and Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Denmark, Denmark. (3)3Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering at the Institute of Biology, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, PR China. (4)4School of Food & Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China. A Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated, non-gliding, rod-shaped and yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain TH021T, was isolated from cyanobacterial aggregates in a eutrophic lake, Taihu Lake, China. Optimal growth occurred at pH 7.0 (range: 5.0-10.0), 28 °C (range, 4-32 °C) and 0 % (w/v) NaCl (range, 0-1.0 %) in Reasoner's 2A broth. No growth was observed at 37 °C. The cells were found to be positive for oxidase and catalase activities. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were identified as iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c. The major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolate was affiliated with the genus Flavobacterium, with the highest sequence similarity found to Flavobacterium hauense BX12T (94.92 %), followed by Flavobacterium suzhouense XIN-1T (94.85 %), Flavobacterium arcticum SM1502T (94.79 %) and Flavobacterium beibuense F44-8T (94.30 %). The genomic G+C content of strain TH021T was 41.9 mol% based on total genome calculations. Average nucleotide identities and digital DNA-DNA hybridizations values for complete genomes ranged from 69.4 to 72.8 and 18.0 to 23.8 % between strain TH021T and strains within the genus Flavobacterium. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, and genome analysis suggested that strain TH021T represents a novel species within the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacteriumcyanobacteriorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TH021T (=LMG 29720T=CGMCC 1.16325T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002664 PMID: 29485392 106. J Agric Food Chem. 2018 Feb 27. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b05343. [Epub ahead of print] Volatile Compounds Related to 'Stone Fruit' Aroma Attributes in Viognier and Chardonnay Wines. Siebert TE(1)(2), Barker A(1), Pearson W(1), Barter SR(1), de Barros Lopes MA(2), Darriet P(3)(4), Herderich MJ(1), Francis IL(1)(2). Author information: (1)The Australian Wine Research Institute , P.O. Box 197, Glen Osmond (Adelaide) SA 5064, Australia. (2)School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, University of South Australia , G.P.O Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia. (3)Unité de Recherche Œnologie EA 4577, ISVV, University of Bordeaux , Villenave d'Ornon cedex 33882, France. (4)USC Œnologie, ISVV, INRA , Villenave d'Ornon cedex 33882, France. A 'stone fruit' aroma is important in many white wine varieties and styles, but little is known about the chemical basis of this wine aroma attribute. A set of Viognier and Chardonnay wines that featured 'stone fruit' aroma attributes were selected by a panel of wine experts. The selected wines were characterized by sensory descriptive analysis and detailed volatile chemical composition analyses. This comprehensive data also allowed Viognier wine to be profiled for the first time. By partial least-squares regression, several esters and fatty acids and benzaldehyde were indicated as contributing to the 'peach' attribute; however, a reconstitution sensory study was unsuccessful in mimicking this attribute. A mixture of γ-lactones, monoterpenes, and aldehydes were positively correlated to the 'apricot' aroma, which were generally higher in the Viognier wines. Reconstitution studies confirmed that the monoterpenes linalool, geraniol, and nerol were the most important compounds for the mixture being perceived as having an 'apricot' aroma. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b05343 PMID: 29485286 107. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2018 Feb 27. doi: 10.1111/1440-1681.12927. [Epub ahead of print] Quantitative proteomics reveals decreased expression of major urinary proteins (MUPs) in the liver of apoE/eNOS-DKO mice. Stachowicz A(1), Olszanecki R(1), Suski M(1), Wiśniewska A(1), Kuś K(1), Białas M(2), Jawień J(1), Korbut R(1). Author information: (1)Chair of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531, Krakow, Poland. (2)Chair of Pathomorphology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531, Krakow, Poland. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) - derived nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role not only in endothelium-dependent vasodilation but also in lipid and glucose homeostasis in the liver and exerts beneficial effects on mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration. Thus, the aim of our study was to used iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics to investigate the changes in protein expression in the mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions isolated from the liver of the double (apolipoprotein E (apoE) and eNOS) knockout (apoE/eNOS-DKO) mice as compared to apoE KO mice (apoE-/- ) - an animal model of atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis. Collectively, the deficiency of eNOS resulted in increased expression of proteins related to gluconeogenesis, fatty acids and cholesterol biosynthesis as well as the decreased expression of proteins participated in triglyceride breakdown, cholesterol transport, protein transcription & translation and processing in endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Moreover, one of the most down-regulated proteins were major urinary proteins (MUPs), which are abundantly expressed in the liver and were shown to be involved in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. The exact functional consequences of the revealed alterations require further investigation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12927 PMID: 29485188 108. J Biosci. 2018 Mar;43(1):149-154. Triacylglycerol: nourishing molecule in endurance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mali PC(1), Meena LS. Author information: (1)Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 322 219, India. The ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) to accumulate lipid-rich molecules as an energy source obtained from host cell debris remains interesting. Additionally, the potential of M. tuberculosis to survive under different stress conditions leading to its dormant state in pathogenesis remains elusive. The exact mechanism by which these lipid bodies generated in M. tuberculosis infection and utilized by bacilli inside infected macrophage for its survival is still not understood. In this, during bacillary infection, many metabolic pathways are involved that influence the survival of M. tuberculosis for their own support. However, the exact energy source derived from infecting host cells remain elusive. Therefore, this study highlights several alternative energy sources in the form of triacylglycerol (TAG) and fatty acids, i.e. oleic acids accumulation, which are essential in dormancy-like state under M. tuberculosis infection. The prominent stage in tuberculosis (TB) infection is re-establishment of M. tuberculosis under stress conditions and deployment of a confined strategy to utilize these biomolecules for its persistence survival. So, growing in our understanding of these pathways will help us in accelerating therapies, which could reduce TB prevalence world widely. PMID: 29485123 109. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2018 Feb 27. doi: 10.1007/s11356-017-0836-y. [Epub ahead of print] Enhancing denitrification with waste sludge carbon source: the substrate metabolism process and mechanisms. Guo L(1)(2), Guo Y(3), Sun M(3), Gao M(3), Zhao Y(3), She Z(3). Author information: (1)College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China. geletu@ouc.edu.cn. (2)Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China. geletu@ouc.edu.cn. (3)College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China. Using waste sludge internal carbon source for nitrogen removal in wastewater has drawn much attention, due to its economic advantages and sludge reduction. In this study, the performance of enhanced denitrification with waste sludge thermal hydrolysate and fermentation liquid as carbon sources at different SCOD/N (soluble chemical oxygen demand/NO3--N) was investigated. The optimum SCOD/N was 8 for sludge thermal hydrolysate and 7 for fermentation liquid, with NO3--N removal efficiency of 92.3 and 98.9%, respectively, and no NO2--N accumulation. To further understand the fate of sludge carbon source during denitrification, the changes of SCOD, proteins, carbohydrates, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were analyzed, and three-dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy with fluorescence regional integration (FRI) analysis was introduced. The utilization of SCOD was consistent with NO3--N reduction, and the utilization efficiency of different organic matter was as follows: VFAs > proteins > carbohydrates. The soluble organic-like materials (region IV) were the most readily utilized organic matter according to three-dimensional fluorescence EEM spectroscopy. Regarding denitrification mechanisms, the denitrification rate (VDN), denitrification potential (PDN), heterotroph anoxic yield (YH), and the most readily biodegradable COD (SS) were also investigated. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0836-y PMID: 29484622 110. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 2018 Feb 26. doi: 10.1007/s10482-018-1041-9. [Epub ahead of print] Paracoccus pueri sp. nov., isolated from Pu'er tea. Wang YS(1), Yan ZF(1), Lin P(1), Gao W(1), Yi TH(2). Author information: (1)Department of Oriental Medicinal Material and Processing, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University Global Campus, 1732 Deokyoungdae-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-Si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, Republic of Korea. (2)Department of Oriental Medicinal Material and Processing, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University Global Campus, 1732 Deokyoungdae-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-Si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, Republic of Korea. drhoo@khu.ac.kr. A Gram-stain negative, aerobic, short rod-shaped, motile by flagella bacterial strain (THG-N2.35T), was isolated from Pu'er tea. Growth occurred at 10-40 °C (optimum 28 °C), at pH 4-7 (optimum 7) and at 0-5% NaCl (optimum 1%). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the near phylogenetic neighbours of strain THG-N2.35T were identified as Paracoccus hibisci KACC 18632T (99.0%), Paracoccus tibetensis CGMCC 1.8925T (98.7%), Paracoccus beibuensis CGMCC 1.7295T (98.2%), Paracoccus aestuarii KCTC 22049T (98.2%), Paracoccus rhizosphaerae LMG 26205T (98.1%), Paracoccus zeaxanthinifaciens ATCC 21588T (97.1%), Paracoccus marcusii DSM 11574T (97.0%). Levels of similarity between strain THG-N2.35T and other Paracoccus species were lower than 97.0%. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain THG-N2.35T and P. hibisci KACC 18632T, P. tibetensis CGMCC 1.8925T, P. beibuensis CGMCC 1.7295T, P. aestuarii KCTC 22049T, P. rhizosphaerae LMG 26205T, P. zeaxanthinifaciens ATCC 21588T, P.marcusii DSM 11574T were 47.5% (42.3%, reciprocal analysis), 36.1% (32.3%), 24.7% (22.1%), 19.2% (16.3%), 11.3% (8.8%), 11.1% (10.8%), 6.1% (5.8%), respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain THG-N2.35T was 62.3 mol%. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidyl-N-methylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine. The quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). The major fatty acids were C10:0 3OH, C16:0, C18:0 and C18:1 ω7ϲ. On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis, chemotaxonomic data, physiological characteristics and DNA-DNA hybridization data, strain THG-N2.35T represent a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus pueri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-N2.35T (= KACC 18934T = CCTCC AB 2016177T). DOI: 10.1007/s10482-018-1041-9 PMID: 29484518 111. Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 26;8(1):3592. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-22004-6. Antibiotic growth promoters virginiamycin and bacitracin methylene disalicylate alter the chicken intestinal metabolome. Gadde UD(1), Oh S(1), Lillehoj HS(2), Lillehoj EP(3). Author information: (1)Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA. (2)Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA. Hyun.Lillehoj@ars.usda.gov. (3)Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA. Although dietary antibiotic growth promoters have long been used to increase growth performance in commercial food animal production, the biochemical details associated with these effects remain poorly defined. A metabolomics approach was used to characterize and identify the biochemical compounds present in the intestine of broiler chickens fed a standard, unsupplemented diet or a diet supplemented with the antibiotic growth promoters, virginiamycin or bacitracin methylene disalicylate. Compared with unsupplemented controls, the levels of 218 biochemicals were altered (156 increased, 62 decreased) in chickens given the virginiamycin-supplemented diet, while 119 were altered (96 increased, 23 decreased) with the bacitracin-supplemented diet. When compared between antibiotic-supplemented groups, 79 chemicals were altered (43 increased, 36 decreased) in virginiamycin- vs. bacitracin-supplemented chickens. The changes in the levels of intestinal biochemicals provided a distinctive biochemical signature unique to each antibiotic-supplemented group. These biochemical signatures were characterized by increases in the levels of metabolites of amino acids (e.g. 5-hydroxylysine, 2-aminoadipate, 5-hydroxyindoleaceate, 7-hydroxyindole sulfate), fatty acids (e.g. oleate/vaccenate, eicosapentaenoate, 16-hydroxypalmitate, stearate), nucleosides (e.g. inosine, N6-methyladenosine), and vitamins (e.g. nicotinamide). These results provide the framework for future studies to identify natural chemical compounds to improve poultry growth performance without the use of in-feed antibiotics. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22004-6 PMCID: PMC5827016 PMID: 29483631 112. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2018 Feb 26. pii: 201714341. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1714341115. [Epub ahead of print] Transitory microbial habitat in the hyperarid Atacama Desert. Schulze-Makuch D(1)(2), Wagner D(3)(4), Kounaves SP(5)(6), Mangelsdorf K(7), Devine KG(8), de Vera JP(9), Schmitt-Kopplin P(10)(11), Grossart HP(12)(13), Parro V(14), Kaupenjohann M(15), Galy A(16), Schneider B(17)(3), Airo A(17), Frösler J(18), Davila AF(19), Arens FL(20), Cáceres L(21), Cornejo FS(21), Carrizo D(14), Dartnell L(22), DiRuggiero J(23), Flury M(24), Ganzert L(12), Gessner MO(12)(25), Grathwohl P(26), Guan L(27), Heinz J(17), Hess M(28), Keppler F(29), Maus D(17), McKay CP(19), Meckenstock RU(18), Montgomery W(6), Oberlin EA(5), Probst AJ(18), Sáenz JS(27), Sattler T(29), Schirmack J(17), Sephton MA(6), Schloter M(27)(30), Uhl J(11), Valenzuela B(21), Vestergaard G(27), Wörmer L(31), Zamorano P(21). Author information: (1)Center of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Technical University Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany; schulze-makuch@tu-berlin.de. (2)School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164. (3)Section Geomicrobiology, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, 14473 Potsdam, Germany. (4)Institute of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany. (5)Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02153. (6)Department of Earth Science & Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW72AZ, United Kingdom. (7)Section Organic Geochemistry, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, 14473 Potsdam, Germany. (8)School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London N7 8BD, United Kingdom. (9)Astrobiological Laboratories, Management and Infrastructure, Institute for Planetary Research, German Aerospace Center, 12489 Berlin, Germany. (10)Analytical Food Chemistry, Technical University München, 85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany. (11)Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany. (12)Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 16775 Stechlin, Germany. (13)Institute of Biochemistry & Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany. (14)Molecular Evolution Department, Centro de Astrobiología, Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (INTA-CSIC), 28850 Madrid, Spain. (15)Fachgebiet Bodenkunde, Technical University Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany. (16)Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, 54500 Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France. (17)Center of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Technical University Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany. (18)Biofilm Centre, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany. (19)Planetary Systems Branch (Code SST), NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035. (20)Institute for Geological Sciences, Freie University Berlin, 12249 Berlin, Germany. (21)Laboratorio de Microorganismos Extremófilos, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta 02800, Chile. (22)Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, United Kingdom. (23)Department of Biology, The John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218. (24)Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164. (25)Department of Ecology, Technical University Berlin, 10587 Berlin, Germany. (26)Center for Applied Geosciences, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany. (27)Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany. (28)Systems Microbiology & Natural Products Laboratory, University of California, Davis, CA 95616. (29)Institute of Earth Sciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. (30)Soil Science, Technical University München, 85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany. (31)Center for Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM), University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany. Traces of life are nearly ubiquitous on Earth. However, a central unresolved question is whether these traces always indicate an active microbial community or whether, in extreme environments, such as hyperarid deserts, they instead reflect just dormant or dead cells. Although microbial biomass and diversity decrease with increasing aridity in the Atacama Desert, we provide multiple lines of evidence for the presence of an at times metabolically active, microbial community in one of the driest places on Earth. We base this observation on four major lines of evidence: (i) a physico-chemical characterization of the soil habitability after an exceptional rain event, (ii) identified biomolecules indicative of potentially active cells [e.g., presence of ATP, phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), metabolites, and enzymatic activity], (iii) measurements of in situ replication rates of genomes of uncultivated bacteria reconstructed from selected samples, and (iv) microbial community patterns specific to soil parameters and depths. We infer that the microbial populations have undergone selection and adaptation in response to their specific soil microenvironment and in particular to the degree of aridity. Collectively, our results highlight that even the hyperarid Atacama Desert can provide a habitable environment for microorganisms that allows them to become metabolically active following an episodic increase in moisture and that once it decreases, so does the activity of the microbiota. These results have implications for the prospect of life on other planets such as Mars, which has transitioned from an earlier wetter environment to today's extreme hyperaridity. Copyright © 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1714341115 PMID: 29483268 Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest. 113. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2018 Mar;123:57-73. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.01.002. Epub 2018 Feb 2. Diet and supplements in cancer prevention and treatment: Clinical evidences and future perspectives. Vernieri C(1), Nichetti F(2), Raimondi A(2), Pusceddu S(2), Platania M(2), Berrino F(3), de Braud F(4). Author information: (1)Medical Oncology and Hematology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via Venezian, 1, 20133, Milan, Italy; Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare (IFOM), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy. Electronic address: claudio.vernieri@istitutotumori.mi.it. (2)Medical Oncology and Hematology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via Venezian, 1, 20133, Milan, Italy. (3)Preventive and Predictive Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via Venezian, 1, 20133, Milan, Italy. (4)Medical Oncology and Hematology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via Venezian, 1, 20133, Milan, Italy; Universita' degli Studi di Milano, 20122, Milan, Italy. In recent years, calorie-restricted dietary regimens and compounds such as vitamins, curcumin, green tea extracts and omega-3 fatty acids have attracted attention for their potential anticancer effects. While definitive conclusions cannot be drawn in this field, many patients adopt complementary antitumor therapies aiming to improve efficacy or reduce toxicity of chemotherapy, with uncertain benefits and the risk of additional toxicities or antagonistic interactions with standard therapies. In this manuscript, we review the different levels of available evidence to suggest or discourage specific dietary changes or supplement use in the context of cancer prevention, reduction of tumor recurrences and survival prolongation in advanced cancers. Preventing or treating obesity, as well as adhering to healthy dietary patterns, should be recommended to both the general population and cancer survivors because they are convincingly associated with reduced risk of primary or second cancers and, in some cases, with reduced cancer recurrences. On the contrary, the role of specific interventions or supplements in patients with advanced malignancies is much more uncertain and actually a highly debated topic. With some exceptions, such as melatonin, the use of most complementary therapies cannot be encouraged, or should be discouraged, because of the lack of sufficient safety and efficacy data. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.01.002 PMID: 29482780 114. J Agric Food Chem. 2018 Mar 2. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b05924. [Epub ahead of print] Enzymatic Acylation of Anthocyanins Isolated from Alpine Bearberry (Arctostaphylos alpina) and Lipophilic Properties, Thermostability, and Antioxidant Capacity of the Derivatives. Yang W(1), Kortesniemi M(1), Yang B(1), Zheng J(2). Author information: (1)Food Chemistry and Food Development, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku , FI-20014 Turku, Finland. (2)Department of Food Science and Engineering, Jinan University , Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China. Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (cy-gal) isolated from alpine bearberry (Arctostaphylos alpine L.) was enzymatically acylated with saturated fatty acids of different chain lengths with Candida antarctica lipase immobilized on acrylic resin (Novozyme 435). The acylation reaction was optimized by considering the reaction medium, acyl donor, substrate molar ratio, reaction temperature, and reaction time. The highest conversion yield of 73% was obtained by reacting cy-gal with lauric acid (molar ratio of 1:10) in tert-butanol at 60 °C for 72 h. A novel compound was synthesized, which was identified as cyanidin-3-O-(6″-dodecanoyl)galactoside by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. Introducing lauric acid into cy-gal significantly improved both the lipophilicity and thermostability and substantially preserved the ultraviolet-visible absorbance and antioxidant properties. The research provides important insight in expanding the application of natural anthocyanins in the cosmetic and food industries. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b05924 PMID: 29482326 115. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2018 Feb 26. doi: 10.1002/anie.201801592. [Epub ahead of print] The Use of Dual-Functional Small Molecules in Generating an Efficient Cytochrome P450BM3 Peroxygenase. Ma N(1), Chen Z(1), Chen J(2), Chen J(1), Wang C(1), Zhou H(1), Yao L(1), Shoji O(3), Watanabe Y(3), Cong Z(4). Author information: (1)CHINA. (2)CHRISTMAS ISLAND. (3)JAPAN. (4)Qingdao Institute of BioEnergy and Bioprocess Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Bioenergy, 189 Songling Road, 266101, Qingdao, CHINA. We report a unique strategy for the development of a H2O2-dependent cytochrome P450BM3 system, which catalyzes the monooxygenation of non-native substrates with the assistance of dual-functional small molecules (DFSMs), such as N-(ω-imidazolyl fatty acyl)-L-amino acids. The acyl amino acid group of DFSM is responsible for bounding to enzyme as an anchoring group, while the imidazolyl group plays the role of general acid-base catalyst in the activation of H2O2. This system afforded the best peroxygenase activity for the epoxidation of styrene, sulfoxidation of thioanisole, and hydroxylation of ethylbenzene among those P450-H2O2 system previously reported. This work provides the first example of the activation of the normally H2O2-inert P450s through the introduction of an exogenous small molecule. This approach improves the potential use of P450s in organic synthesis as it avoids the expensive consumption of the reduced nicotinamide cofactor NAD(P)H and its dependent electron transport system. This introduces a promising approach for exploiting enzyme activity and function based on direct chemical intervention in the catalytic process. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. DOI: 10.1002/anie.201801592 PMID: 29481719 116. FASEB J. 2018 Feb 26:fj201701084RR. doi: 10.1096/fj.201701084RR. [Epub ahead of print] Therapeutic modulation of the bile acid pool by Cyp8b1 knockdown protects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. Chevre R(1), Trigueros-Motos L(1), Castaño D(1), Chua T(1), Corlianò M(1), Patankar JV(2), Sng L(1), Sim L(1), Juin TL(1), Carissimo G(3), Ng LFP(3)(4)(5), Yi CNJ(1), Eliathamby CC(1), Groen AK(6)(7), Hayden MR(1)(2), Singaraja RR(1)(4). Author information: (1)Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore. (2)Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (3)Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore. (4)Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. (5)Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom. (6)Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; and. (7)Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Bile acids (BAs) are surfactant molecules that regulate the intestinal absorption of lipids. Thus, the modulation of BAs represents a potential therapy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by hepatic accumulation of fat and is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. Cyp8b1 is a critical modulator of the hydrophobicity index of the BA pool. As a therapeutic proof of concept, we aimed to determine the impact of Cyp8b1 inhibition in vivo on BA pool composition and as protection against NAFLD. Inhibition of Cyp8b1 expression in mice led to a remodeling of the BA pool, which altered its signaling properties and decreased intestinal fat absorption. In a model of cholesterol-induced NAFLD, Cyp8b1 knockdown significantly decreased steatosis and hepatic lipid content, which has been associated with an increase in fecal lipid and BA excretion. Moreover, inhibition of Cyp8b1 not only decreased hepatic lipid accumulation, but also resulted in the clearance of previously accumulated hepatic cholesterol, which led to a regression in hepatic steatosis. Taken together, our data demonstrate that Cyp8b1 inhibition is a viable therapeutic target of crucial interest for metabolic diseases, such as NAFLD.-Chevre, R., Trigueros-Motos, L., Castaño, D., Chua, T., Corlianò, M., Patankar, J. V., Sng, L., Sim, L., Juin, T. L., Carissimo, G., Ng, L. F. P., Yi, C. N. J., Eliathamby, C. C., Groen, A. K., Hayden, M. R., Singaraja, R. R. Therapeutic modulation of the bile acid pool by Cyp8b1 knockdown protects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. DOI: 10.1096/fj.201701084RR PMID: 29481310 117. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Feb 26. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002655. [Epub ahead of print] Vitellibacter todarodis sp. nov., isolated from intestinal tract of a squid (Todarodes pacificus). Kim HC(1), Kim YO(2), Park S(3), Nam BH(2), Kim DG(2), Park JM(3), Yoon JH(3). Author information: (1)1Genetics and Breeding Research Center, National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), Geoje 53334, Republic of Korea. (2)2Biotechnology Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), Gijang, Busan 46083, Republic of Korea. (3)3Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Republic of Korea. A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic and rod-shaped or ovoid bacterial strain, designated MYP2-2T, was isolated from the intestinal tract of a squid (Todarodes pacificus) collected from the East Sea, South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain MYP2-2T grew optimally at 30-35 °C and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain MYP2-2T belonged to the genus Vitellibacter. Strain MYP2-2T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95.4-96.6 % to the type strains of Vitellibacter species and of less than 94.5 % to the type strains of other recognized species examined. Strain MYP2-2T contained menaquinone MK-6 as the predominant respiratory quinone and iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in strain MYP2-2T were phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain MYP2-2T was 41.6 mol%. Differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain MYP2-2T is separated from recognized species of the genus Vitellibacter. On the basis of the data presented, strain MYP2-2T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Vitellibacter, for which the name Vitellibacter todarodis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MYP2-2T (=KCTC 62141T=NBRC 113025T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002655 PMID: 29480794 118. Curr Microbiol. 2018 Feb 26. doi: 10.1007/s00284-018-1464-6. [Epub ahead of print] Cellulosimicrobium Arenosum sp. nov., Isolated from Marine Sediment Sand. Oh M(1), Kim JH(1), Yoon JH(2), Schumann P(3), Kim W(4). Author information: (1)Department of Microbiology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea. (2)Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea. (3)Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124, Brunswick, Germany. (4)Department of Microbiology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea. kimwy@cau.ac.kr. A Gram-stain-positive, non-spore-forming, yellow pigmented, non-motile, aerobic, short rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated CAU 1455T, was isolated from marine sediment sand. Strain CAU 1455T grew optimally at 30 °C and at pH 7.5 in the presence of 1% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CAU 1455T was affiliated to the genus Cellulosimicrobium and was most closely related to Cellulosimicrobium terreum DS-61T (similarity 97.9%). The strain possessed MK-9 (H4) as the predominant menaquinone and anteiso-C15:0 as the major cellular fatty acids. Peptidoglycan type was A4a (L-Lys-D-Glu2). The DNA G+C content was 74.3 mol% and the level of DNA-DNA relatedness between CAU 1455T and C. terreum DS-61T was 27.8%. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genetic data, strain CAU 1455T represents a novel species of the genus Cellulosimicrobium, for which the name Cellulosimicrobium arenosum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1455T (= KCTC 49039T = NBRC 113062T). DOI: 10.1007/s00284-018-1464-6 PMID: 29480418 119. Liver Int. 2018 Feb 26. doi: 10.1111/liv.13730. [Epub ahead of print] Osteoporosis in chronic liver disease. Guañabens N(1), Parés A(2). Author information: (1)Metabolic Bone Diseases Unit, Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Clínic, CIBERhed, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. (2)Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd University of Barcelona Barcelona, Spain. Osteoporosis is a frequent complication in patients with chronic liver disease, especially in end-stages and in chronic cholestasis, in addition to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hemochromatosis and alcoholism. Mechanisms underlying osteoporosis are poorly understood, but osteoporosis mainly results from low bone formation. In this setting, sclerostin, a key regulator of the Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway which regulates bone formation, in addition to the effects of the retained substances of cholestasis such as bilirubin and bile acids on osteoblastic cells, may influence the decreased bone formation in chronic cholestasis. Similarly, the damaging effects of iron and alcohol on osteoblastic cells may partially explain bone disease in hemochromatosis and alcoholism. A role for proinflamatory cytokines has been proposed in different conditions. Increased bone resorption may occur in cholestatic women with advanced disease. Low vitamin D, poor nutrition and hypogonadism, may be contributing factors to the full picture of bone disorders in chronic liver disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1111/liv.13730 PMID: 29479832 120. Small. 2018 Feb 26. doi: 10.1002/smll.201704077. [Epub ahead of print] Fatty Acid/Phospholipid Blended Membranes: A Potential Intermediate State in Protocellular Evolution. Jin L(1)(2), Kamat NP(1)(3), Jena S(4), Szostak JW(1). Author information: (1)Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. (2)Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. (3)Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA. (4)Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA. Prior to the evolution of membrane proteins, intrinsic membrane stability and permeability to polar solutes are essential features of a primitive cell membrane. These features are difficult to achieve simultaneously in model protocells made of either pure fatty acid or phospholipid membranes, raising the intriguing question of how the transition from fatty acid to phospholipid membranes might have occurred while continuously supporting encapsulated reactions required for genomic replication. Here, the properties of a blended membrane system composed of both oleic acid (OA), a monoacyl fatty acid, and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), a diacyl phospholipid are described. This hybrid vesicle system exhibits high stability to divalent cations (Mg2+ ), while simultaneously maintaining its permeability to small charged molecules such as nucleotides and divalent ions such as Mg2+ . This combination of features facilitates key reactions expected to occur during a transition from primitive to modern cells, including nonenzymatic RNA replication, and is also compatible with highly evolved functions such as the ribosomal translation of a protein. The observations support the hypothesis that the early transition from fatty acid to phospholipid membranes could be accomplished through intermediate states in which membranes are composed of amphiphile mixtures, and do not require protein transporters. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. DOI: 10.1002/smll.201704077 PMID: 29479815 121. Bipolar Disord. 2018 Feb 26. doi: 10.1111/bdi.12633. [Epub ahead of print] Cardiometabolic risks and omega-3 index in recent-onset bipolar I disorder. Wulsin LR(1), Blom TJ(1), Durling M(1), Welge JA(1), DelBello MP(1), Adler CM(1), McNamara RK(1), Strakowski SM(1). Author information: (1)Division of Bipolar Disorders Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to characterize cardiometabolic risk factors in a cohort of bipolar disorder patients with limited exposure to psychotropic medications, and to evaluate their associations with mood symptoms and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) blood levels. METHODS: Cardiometabolic risk assessments were compared in individuals with bipolar I disorder experiencing a first manic or mixed episode or an early depressive episode (n=117) and healthy subjects (n=56). Patients were medication free at assessment and had no or limited exposure to mood-stabilizer or antipsychotic medications prior to the current admission. Associations among cardiometabolic parameters and Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale (CGI-S), manic (Young Mania Rating Scale [YMRS]), and depressive (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS]) symptom ratings were evaluated within the bipolar group. RESULTS: Following adjustment for demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, and parental education), significantly higher fasting triglyceride levels were observed in the bipolar group compared to the healthy group (121.7 mg/dL vs 87.0 mg/dL; P<.01). There were no clear trends for other metabolic indicators, including blood pressure, body mass index, and fasting glucose. Nineteen percent of the bipolar group and 6% of the healthy group met the criteria for metabolic syndrome (P=.23). The omega-3 index was lower in the bipolar group (3.4% vs 3.9%; P<.01). Within the bipolar group, no associations were found between the cardiometabolic parameters and CGI-S, YMRS, and HDRS symptom ratings. CONCLUSIONS: Recent-onset medication-free bipolar disorder is associated with higher triglyceride levels. These findings are suggestive of early metabolic dysregulation prior to long-term psychotropic medication exposure. Lower omega-3 PUFA levels in individuals with bipolar I disorder represent a potential therapeutic target for additional investigation. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. DOI: 10.1111/bdi.12633 PMID: 29479787 122. J Dairy Res. 2018 Feb 26:1-10. doi: 10.1017/S0022029918000043. [Epub ahead of print] Mustard and cumin seeds improve feed utilisation, milk production and milk fatty acids of Damascus goats. Morsy TA(1), Kholif AE(1), Matloup OH(1), Abu Elella A(2), Anele UY(3), Caton JS(4). Author information: (1)Dairy Science Department,National Research Centre,33 Bohouth St. Dokki, Giza,Egypt. (2)Animal Production Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center,Dokki, Giza,Egypt. (3)North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University,Greensboro, NC 27411,USA. (4)Animal Sciences Department,North Dakota State University,PO Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108-6050,USA. The experiments reported in this Research Paper aimed to study the effects of mustard and cumin seeds inclusion on feed utilisation, milk production, composition, and profile of milk fatty acids in lactating Damascus goats. The study was a completely randomised design with repeated measurements in time using fifteen goats (6 ± 2 d of lactation) divided into 3 treatments (5 goats per treatment). Goats were offered a control diet of berseem clover and concentrates (1 : 1 dry matter (DM) basis) or the control diet supplemented with either 10 g/d of dried mustard seeds (mustard treatment) or 10 g/d of cumin seeds (cumin treatment) for 12 weeks. Treatments had no effect (P > 0·05) on feed intake, but enhanced (P < 0·05) digestibility of DM, organic matter, non-structural carbohydrates, and fibre fractions. Digestibility was greater (P < 0·001) with cumin treatment compared with mustard treatment. Mustard and cumin seeds had greater (P < 0·05) ruminal total short chain fatty acids (SCFA) production, and molar proportion of propionate, with greater (P < 0·001) SCFA production for cumin vs. mustard treatment. Mustard and cumin seeds increased (P < 0·05) concentrations of serum total proteins, globulin, and glucose and lowered (P < 0·05) serum cholesterol concentration. Mustard and cumin seeds inclusion elevated milk production (P = 0·007), while cumin increased milk contents (P < 0·05) of fat and lactose. Cumin treatment lowered (P < 0·05) milk saturated fatty acids (SFA) and had greater total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and total conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) contents. Overall, supplementing diets of Damascus goats with mustard or cumin seeds at 10 g/daily enhanced feed digestion, ruminal fermentation, milk yield (actual production by 6·8 and 11·1%, and energy corrected milk yield by 10·1 and 15·4%, respectively) and positively modified milk fatty acid profile with a 3·9% decrease in milk individual and total SFA, and an increase in individual and total UFA by about 9·7%, and total CLA by about 23·1%. DOI: 10.1017/S0022029918000043 PMID: 29478424 123. J Phys Chem B. 2018 Mar 2. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b00348. [Epub ahead of print] Simulations of Pure Ceramide and Ternary Lipid Mixtures as Simple Interior Stratum Corneum Models. Wang E(1), Klauda JB(1). Author information: (1)Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and ‡Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland 20742, United States. The barrier function of the stratum corneum (SC) is intimately related to the structure of the lipid matrix, which is composed of ceramides (Cer), cholesterol (Chol), and free fatty acid (FFA). In this study, the all-atom CHARMM36 (C36) force field is used to simulate bilayers of N-palmitoylsphingosine (Cer16), N-lignoceroylsphingosine (Cer24), Chol, and lignoceric acid (LA) as simple models of the SC. Equimolar mixtures of Cer, Chol, and LA are replicated from experiment for comparison and validation of the C36 force field, and the effects of lipid diversity and temperature are studied. The presence of Chol and LA have effects on nearly all membrane properties including surface area per lipid, area compressibility moduli, chain order, Chol tilt, bilayer thickness, interdigitation, hydrogen bonding, and lipid clustering, while temperature has a more moderate effect. In systems containing Cer16, there is a profound difference in interdigitation between pure Cer and mixed systems, while systems containing Cer24 are relatively unaffected. Increasing temperature has the potential to shift hydrogen bonding pairs rather than uniformly decrease bonding, which can lead to greater Cer-Cer bonding at higher temperatures. Comparison with deuterium order parameter experiments demonstrates good agreement, which supports further use of this class of lipids and fatty acids for development of more complex SC models. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b00348 PMID: 29466860 124. Environ Sci Technol. 2018 Mar 1. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.7b05355. [Epub ahead of print] Enhanced Methane Production from Food Waste Using Cysteine To Increase Biotransformation of l-Monosaccharide, Volatile Fatty Acids, and Biohydrogen. Liu H(1), Chen Y(1). Author information: (1)State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University , 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China. The enhancement of two-stage anaerobic digestion of polysaccharide-enriched food waste by the addition of cysteine-an oxygen scavenger, electron mediator, and nitrogen source-to the acidification stage was reported. It was found that in the acidification stage the accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFA), which mainly consisted of acetate, butyrate, and propionate, was increased by 49.3% at a cysteine dosage of 50 mg/L. Although some cysteine was biodegraded in the acidification stage, the VFA derived from cysteine was negligible. In the methanogenesis stage, the biotransformations of both VFA and biohydrogen to methane were enhanced, and the methane yield was improved by 43.9%. The mechanisms study showed that both d-glucose and l-glucose (the model monosaccharides) were detectable in the hydrolysis product, and the addition of cysteine remarkably increased the acidification of l-glucose, especially acetic acid and hydrogen generation, due to key enzymes involved in l-glucose metabolism being enhanced. Cysteine also improved the activity of homoacetogens by 34.8% and hydrogenotrophic methanogens by 54%, which might be due to the electron transfer process being accelerated. This study provided an alternative method to improve anaerobic digestion performance and energy recovery from food waste. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b05355 PMID: 29465997 125. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2018 Mar;26(3):570-577. doi: 10.1002/oby.22120. CD Obesity-Prone Rats, but not Obesity-Resistant Rats, Robustly Ferment Resistant Starch Without Increased Weight or Fat Accretion. Obanda D(1), Page R(1), Guice J(1), Raggio AM(1), Husseneder C(2), Marx B(3), Stout RW(4), Welsh DA(5), Taylor CM(6), Luo M(6), Blanchard EE(6), Bendiks Z(7), Coulon D(1), Keenan MJ(1). Author information: (1)School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. (2)Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. (3)Department of Experimental Statistics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. (4)Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. (5)Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. (6)Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. (7)Department of Food Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA. OBJECTIVE: This study used CD obesity-prone (OP) and obesity-resistant (OR) rats to examine how weight gain and fat accretion relate to fermentation levels and microbiota composition after feeding resistant starch (RS). METHODS: After feeding OP rats and OR rats a high-fat (HF) diet for 4 weeks, rats were stratified into three groups: they were fed either an HF diet (group 1: HF-HF) or were switched to a low-fat (LF) diet (group 2: HF-LF) or an LF diet supplemented with 20% RS by weight for 4 weeks (group 3: HF-LFRS). Energy intake, body weight, fermentation variables, and microbiota composition were determined. RESULTS: In OP rats, RS elicited robust fermentation (increased cecal contents, short-chain fatty acids, and serum glucagon-like peptide 1). Total bacteria, species of the Bacteroidales family S24-7, and the archaean Methanobrevibacter smithii increased. The robust fermentation did not elicit higher weight or fat accretion when compared with that of control rats fed the same isocaloric diets (HF-LF ± RS). In OR rats, body weight and fat accretion were also not different between HF-LF ± RS diets, but RS elicited minimal changes in fermentation and microbiota composition. CONCLUSIONS: Robust fermentation did not contribute to greater weight. Fermentation levels and changes in microbiota composition in response to dietary RS differed by obesity phenotype. © 2018 The Obesity Society. DOI: 10.1002/oby.22120 PMCID: PMC5826621 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29464911 126. ACS Chem Biol. 2018 Mar 1. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.7b01092. [Epub ahead of print] Identification of Protein Targets of 12/15-Lipoxygenase-Derived Lipid Electrophiles in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages Using Omega-Alkynyl Fatty Acid. Isobe Y(1), Kawashima Y, Ishihara T(1), Watanabe K(1), Ohara O, Arita M(1)(2). Author information: (1)Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University , 1-7-29, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan. (2)Division of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Keio University Faculty of Pharmacy , 1-5-30, Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0011, Japan. The 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX) enzyme introduces peroxyl groups, in a position-specific manner, into polyunsaturated fatty acids to form various kinds of bioactive lipid metabolites, including lipid-derived electrophiles (LDE). The resident peritoneal macrophage is the site of highest 12/15-LOX expression in the mouse. However, the role of the enzyme in the regulation of resident macrophages is not fully understood. Here, we describe a chemoproteomic method to identify the targets of enzymatically generated LDE. By treating mouse peritoneal macrophages with omega-alkynyl arachidonic acid (aAA), we identified a series of proteins adducted by LDE generated through a 12/15-LOX catalyzed reaction. Pathway analysis revealed a dramatic enrichment of proteins involved in energy metabolism and found that glycolytic flux and mitochondrial respiration were significantly affected by the expression of 12/15-LOX. Our findings thus highlight the utility of chemoproteomics using aAA for identifying intracellular targets of enzymatically generated LDE. DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b01092 PMID: 29461797 127. J Oleo Sci. 2018 Mar 1;67(3):327-333. doi: 10.5650/jos.ess17181. Epub 2018 Feb 19. Activation of Macrophages in vitro by Phospholipids from Brain of Katsuwonus pelamis (Skipjack Tuna). Lu H(1), Zhang L(1), Zhao H(1), Li J(1), You H(1), Jiang L(1), Hu J(1)(2). Author information: (1)College of Food Science and Engineering, Dalian Ocean University. (2)Fujian Province Key Laboratory for the Department of Bioactive Material from Marine Algae. The biological activities of phospholipids (PLs) have attracted people's attention, especially marine phospholipids with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids DHA and EPA. In this study, we investigated the immunity activation of macrophages in vitro by phospholipids from skipjack brain. The phospholipids were extracted with hexane and ethanol ultrasonication instead of the traditional method of methanol and chloroform. The content of phospholipids from Skipjack brain was 19.59 g/kg by the method (the ratio of hexane and ethanol 2:1, 40 min, 35°C, 1:9 of the ratio of material to solvent, ultrasonic power 300W, ultrasonic extraction 2 times). The RAW264.7 macrophages were stimulated by the phospholipids from the Skipjack, by which the volume, viability and phagocytosis of macrophages were increased. The concentration of NO and the activity of SOD of the cells were also enhanced. The gene expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS and TNF-α mRNA assayed by RT-PCR were up-regulated. Phospholipids from brain of Skipjack Tuna could activate macrophages immunity which displayed to induce pro-inflammatroy cytokines mRNA expression. DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess17181 PMID: 29459514 128. J Oleo Sci. 2018 Mar 1;67(3):307-313. doi: 10.5650/jos.ess17097. Epub 2018 Feb 19. Effects of Fatty Acid Addition to Oil-in-water Emulsions Stabilized with Sucrose Fatty Acid Ester. Watanabe T(1), Kawai T(1), Nonomura Y(1). Author information: (1)Department of Biochemical Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University. Adding fatty acids to an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion changes the stability of the emulsion. In this study, we prepared a series of O/W emulsions consisting of oil (triolein/fatty acid mixture), water and a range of surfactants (sucrose fatty acid esters) with varying hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) in order to determine the effects of alkyl chain length and the degree of unsaturation of the fatty acid molecules on the stability of the emulsions. As a result, sucrose fatty acid esters with HLB = 5-7 were suitable for obtaining O/W emulsions. In addition, the creaming phenomenon was inhibited for 30 days or more when fatty acids having a linear saturated alkyl chain with 14 or more carbon atoms were added. These findings are useful for designing stable O/W emulsions for food and cosmetic products. DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess17097 PMID: 29459510 129. J Oleo Sci. 2018 Mar 1;67(3):273-281. doi: 10.5650/jos.ess17209. Epub 2018 Feb 19. Study of Trans Fatty Acid Formation in Oil by Heating Using Model Compounds. Gotoh N(1), Kagiono S(1), Yoshinaga K(1), Mizobe H(2), Nagai T(2), Yoshida A(1), Beppu F(2), Nagao K(3). Author information: (1)Department of Food Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. (2)Tsukishima Foods Industry Co. Ltd. (3)Department of Applied Biochemistry and Food Science, Saga University. The intake of trans fatty acids (TFAs) in foods changes the ratio of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in blood, which causes cardiovascular disease. TFAs are formed by trans isomerization of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). The most recognized formation mechanisms of TFAs are hydrogenation of liquid oil to form partially hydrogenated oil (PHO,) and biohydrogenation of UFAs to form TFA in ruminants. Heating oil also forms TFAs; however, the mechanism of formation, and the TFA isomers formed have not been well investigated. In this study, the trans isomerization mechanism of unsaturated fatty acid formation by heating was examined using the model compounds oleic acid, trioleate, linoleic acid, and trilinoleate for liquid plant oil. The formation of TFAs was found to be suppressed by the addition of an antioxidant and argon gas. Furthermore, the quantity of formed TFAs correlated with the quantity of formed polymer in trioleate heated with air and oxygen. These results suggest that radical reactions form TFAs from UFAs by heating. Furthermore, trans isomerization by heating oleic acid and linoleic acid did not change the original double bond positions. Therefore, the distribution of TFA isomers formed was very simple. In contrast, the mixtures of TFA isomers formed from PHO and ruminant UFAs are complicated because migration of double bonds occurs during hydrogenation and biohydrogenation. These findings suggest that trans isomerization by heating is executed by a completely different mechanism than in hydrogenation and biohydrogenation. DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess17209 PMID: 29459509 130. J Oleo Sci. 2018 Mar 1;67(3):345-353. doi: 10.5650/jos.ess17204. Epub 2018 Feb 19. Hepatic Regeneration and Reno-Protection by Fish oil, Nigella sativa Oil and Combined Fish Oil/Nigella sativa Volatiles in CCl4 Treated Rats. Al-Okbi SY(1), Mohamed DA(1), Hamed TE(1), Edris AE(2), Fouda K(1). Author information: (1)Nutrition and Food Sciences Department, National Research Centre. (2)Aroma and Flavor Chemistry Department, National Research Centre. The aim of the present research was to investigate the effect of fish oil, crude Nigella sative oil and combined fish oil/Nigella sative volatile oil as hepato-regenerative and renal protective supplements. The oils were administered as emulsions to rat model with liver injury induced by CCl4. Plasma activities of transaminases (AST and ALT) were evaluated as liver function indicators, while plasma creatinine and urea and creatinine clearance were determined as markers of kidney function. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were estimated to assess the exposure to oxidative stress and subsequent inflammation. Liver fat was extracted and their fatty acids´ methyl esters were determined using gas chromatography. Results showed that plasma activities of AST and ALT were significantly higher in CCl4 control group compared to control healthy group. Plasma levels of creatinine and urea increased significantly in CCl4 control, while creatinine clearance was reduced significantly in the same group. All rat treated groups given the three oil emulsions showed improvement in liver function pointing to the initiation of liver regeneration. The combination of fish oil/Nigella sative volatiles showed the most promising regenerative activity. Oxidative stress and inflammation which were increased significantly in CCl4 control group showed improvement on administration of the three different oil emulsions. Fatty acids methyl ester of liver fat revealed that rats treated with fish oil/Nigella sative volatile oil presented the highest content of unsaturated fatty acids (45.52% ± 0.81) while fish oil showed the highest saturated fatty acids (53.28% ± 1.68). Conclusion; Oral administration of oil emulsions of native fish oil, Nigella sative crude oil and combined fish oil/Nigella sative volatile oil reduced liver and kidney injury in rat model of CCl4 through exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Fish oil/Nigella sative volatile oil emulsion was the most promising hepato-regenerative and reno-protective formula among the different groups. DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess17204 PMID: 29459508 131. J Oleo Sci. 2018 Mar 1;67(3):321-326. doi: 10.5650/jos.ess17198. Epub 2018 Feb 19. Synthesis of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters Using Mixed Enzyme in a Packed Bed Reactor. Ryu J(1), Choi N(2), Kim H(1), Kim BH(3), Kim HR(4), Kim IH(1)(2). Author information: (1)Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University. (2)Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Graduate School, KOREA University. (3)Department of Food and Nutrition, Sookmyung Women's University. (4)School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University. Fatty acid methyl esters were synthesized from palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) and methanol in a packed bed reactor via lipase-catalyzed esterification. The PFAD consisted of 91 wt% of free fatty acids, 2 wt% monoacylglycerides, 3 wt% diacylglycerides, and 4 wt% triacylglycerides. t-Butanol was employed as a reaction medium and a mixed enzyme consisting of Lipozyme TL IM from Thermomyces lanuginosus and Novozym 435 from Candida antarctica was employed as the biocatalyst. The effect of mixed enzyme was investigated and the optimum blending ratio (w/w) of Novozym 435 to Lipozyme TL IM was 5:95. Using the mixed enzyme, the optimum molar ratio (PFAD to methanol) and temperature were determined to be 1:6 and 30°C, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, the maximum yield of ca. 96% was achieved. DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess17198 PMID: 29459507 132. Microbiol Res. 2018 Mar;207:1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.micres.2017.11.001. Epub 2017 Nov 6. A critical role for very long-chain fatty acid elongases in oleic acid-mediated Saccharomyces cerevisiae cytotoxicity. Wang Q(1), Du X(1), Ma K(2), Shi P(3), Liu W(4), Sun J(5), Peng M(5), Huang Z(6). Author information: (1)Key Lab of Eco-Textile (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University,2999 Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, China. (2)Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology,Zhongshan North No. 1 Road, Shanghai 200083, China. (3)State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology,130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China. (4)Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology,Zhongshan North No. 1 Road, Shanghai 200083, China. Electronic address: wbliu1981@163.com. (5)Qinghai Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Biological Resources, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences,Xiguan Avenue 59, Xining, 11 Qinghai Province 810001, China. (6)Key Lab of Eco-Textile (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University,2999 Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, China; Qinghai Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Biological Resources, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences,Xiguan Avenue 59, Xining, 11 Qinghai Province 810001, China. Electronic address: zhiweih@dhu.edu.cn. Elongases FEN1/ELO2 and SUR4/ELO3 are important enzymes involved in the elongation of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) to very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The molecular mechanism of the involvement of these elongases in lipotoxicity is unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of VLCFA elongases in oleic acid-mediated yeast cytotoxicity. The spot test showed that yeast strains with the deletion of ELO2 or ELO3 were strikingly sensitive to oleic acid, while there was no change on the growth of strain with deleted ELO1 which was involved in the elongation of C14 fatty acid (FA) to C16 FA. By using GC-MS, the unsaturation index was increased in elo2△ and elo3△ mutants after treatment with oleic acid (OLA). However, the proportion of VLCFAs was increased in response to OLA in the wild-type strain. The growth inhibition of elo2△ and elo3△ could be partially rescued by two commonly used antioxidant agents N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and Ascorbic acid (VC). The further study showed that exposure to excess OLA led to an increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and a decline in the quantity of reduced glutathione (GSH) in both the wild type and mutant strains. However, the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were increased in the wild type and elo1△ strains, while they were significantly decreased in the mutants of elo2△ and elo3△ after treated with excess OLA. Thus, oxidative damage mainly contributed to the cell death induced by OLA in ole2△ and ole3△. Taken together, although disruption of ELO2 or ELO3 did not affect the cellular lipid unsaturation, they altered the distribution and propotion of cellular VLCFAs, leading to the cell membrane impairment, which augmented the ability of OLA to permeabilize the plasma membrane. The data suggest that the very long-chain fatty acids elongases ELO2 and ELO3 play important roles in lipotoxic cell death induced by OLA through maintaining a balanced FA composition in plasma membrane. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2017.11.001 PMID: 29458843 133. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):860-864. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002598. Epub 2018 Jan 30. Saccharopolyspora deserti sp. nov., a novel halotolerant actinobacterium isolated from a desert. Yang ZW(1), Salam N(1), Asem MD(1), Fang BZ(1), Lan L(1), Xiao M(1), Wadaan MAM(2), Hozzein WN(2)(3), Li WJ(1)(4). Author information: (1)1State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China. (2)2Bioproducts Research Chair, Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (3)3Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt. (4)4Key Laboratory of Biogeography and Bioresource in Arid Land, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ürümqi 830011, PR China. Strain SYSU D8010T was isolated from a desert sand sample collected in Saudi Arabia. The taxonomic position of the isolate was investigated by the polyphasic taxonomic approach. The isolate was found to be Gram-positive and aerobic. The strain was able to grow at 14-40 °C, pH 5.0-9.0 and in the presence of up to 22 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain SYSU D8010T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as cell-wall diamino acid, and arabinose, fucose, galactose, glucose and rhamnose as the whole-cell sugars. The primary polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositolmannosides. Menaquinone MK-9(H4) was detected as the respiratory quinone; and anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 as the predominant fatty acids. Pairwise comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SYSU D8010T had a sequence similarity of 97.8 % to Saccharopolyspora halophila YIM 90500T. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SYSU D8010T was determined to be 69.9 mol%. Based on the analyses of the phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain SYSU D8010T was determined to represent a novel species of the genus Saccharopolyspora, for which the name Saccharopolyspora deserti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the species is SYSU D8010T (=KCTC 39989T=CPCC 204620T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002598 PMID: 29458666 134. Microbiology. 2018 Mar;164(3):251-259. doi: 10.1099/mic.0.000604. Epub 2018 Jan 22. Loving the poison: the methylcitrate cycle and bacterial pathogenesis. Dolan SK(1), Wijaya A(1), Geddis SM(2), Spring DR(2), Silva-Rocha R(3), Welch M(1). Author information: (1)1Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, UK. (2)2Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, UK. (3)3Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. Propionate is an abundant catabolite in nature and represents a rich potential source of carbon for the organisms that can utilize it. However, propionate and propionate-derived catabolites are also toxic to cells, so propionate catabolism can alternatively be viewed as a detoxification mechanism. In this review, we summarize recent progress made in understanding how prokaryotes catabolize propionic acid, how these pathways are regulated and how they might be exploited to develop novel antibacterial interventions. DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000604 PMID: 29458664 135. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):930-935. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002614. Epub 2018 Feb 1. Spirosoma horti sp. nov., isolated from apple orchard soil. Li W(1), Ten LN(1), Lee SY(1), Kang IK(2), Jung HY(3)(1). Author information: (1)1School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea. (2)2Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea. (3)3Institute of Plant Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea. A Gram-negative, motile by gliding, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated S7-3-19T, was isolated from apple orchard soil in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Republic of Korea, and characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that strain S7-3-19T belonged to the family Cytophagaceae and was most closely related to Spirosoma linguale DSM 74T (96.38 %), Spirosoma fluviale MSd3T (96.38 %), Spirosoma pulveris JSH5-14T (96.35 %) and Spirosoma radiotolerans DG5AT (96.24 %). Chemotaxonomic characteristics supported the classification of strain S7-3-19T within the genus Spirosoma. Summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c; 46.7 %) and C16 : 1ω5c (23.8 %) were the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, an unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified lipids were the major polar lipids. Menaquinone with seven isoprene units was the predominant respiratory quinone. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain S7-3-19T was 48.6 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness and chemotaxonomic features, strain S7-3-19T represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosomahorti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S7-3-19T (=KCTC 52728T=JCM 32131T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002614 PMID: 29458662 136. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):936-941. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002613. Epub 2018 Feb 2. Paenibacillus translucens sp. nov., isolated from tidal flat sediment. Kim YS(1), Cha CJ(1). Author information: (1)Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea. A Gram-stain-variable, aerobic, rod-shaped, motile and spore-forming bacterial strain, designated CJ11T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment sample from Ganghwa-do, Republic of Korea. Strain CJ11T grew optimally on R2A at 30 °C and pH 7.0. Sequencing results of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain CJ11T possesses two copies of the 16S rRNA gene varying at five nucleotide positions. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CJ11T belonged to the genus Paenibacillus within the family Paenibacillaceae and was most closely related to Paenibacillus lacus KCTC 33691T (99.36-99.15 % similarity). DNA-DNA relatedness levels of strain CJ11T was 41.7 % (reciprocal, 57.8 %) to P. lacus KCTC 33691T. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 51.0 mol%. Strain CJ11Tcontained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The major isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-7. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids, an unidentified glycolipid and several unidentified lipids. On the basis of the polyphasic taxonomic study, strain CJ11T represents a novel species in the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillustranslucens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CJ11T (=KACC 19304T=JCM 32080T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002613 PMID: 29458566 137. Microbiology. 2018 Mar;164(3):369-382. doi: 10.1099/mic.0.000605. Epub 2018 Feb 1. Streptomyces coelicolor strains lacking polyprenol phosphate mannose synthase and protein O-mannosyl transferase are hyper-susceptible to multiple antibiotics. Howlett R(1), Read N(1), Varghese A(2), Kershaw C(3), Hancock Y(3)(4), Smith MCM(1)(2). Author information: (1)1Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK. (2)2Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK. (3)3Department of Physics, University of York, York, UK. (4)4York Centre for Complex Systems Analysis, University of York, York, UK. Polyprenol phosphate mannose (PPM) is a lipid-linked sugar donor used by extra-cytoplasmic glycosyl tranferases in bacteria. PPM is synthesiszed by polyprenol phosphate mannose synthase, Ppm1, and in most Actinobacteria is used as the sugar donor for protein O-mannosyl transferase, Pmt, in protein glycosylation. Ppm1 and Pmt have homologues in yeasts and humans, where they are required for protein O-mannosylation. Actinobacteria also use PPM for lipoglycan biosynthesis. Here we show that ppm1 mutants of Streptomyces coelicolor have increased susceptibility to a number of antibiotics that target cell wall biosynthesis. The pmt mutants also have mildly increased antibiotic susceptibilities, in particular to β-lactams and vancomycin. Despite normal induction of the vancomycin gene cluster, vanSRJKHAX, the pmt and ppm1 mutants remained highly vancomycin sensitive indicating that the mechanism of resistance is blocked post-transcriptionally. Differential RNA expression analysis indicated that catabolic pathways were downregulated and anabolic ones upregulated in the ppm1 mutant compared to the parent or complemented strains. Of note was the increase in expression of fatty acid biosynthetic genes in the ppm1- mutant. A change in lipid composition was confirmed using Raman spectroscopy, which showed that the ppm1- mutant had a greater relative proportion of unsaturated fatty acids compared to the parent or the complemented mutant. Taken together, these data suggest that an inability to synthesize PPM (ppm1) and loss of the glycoproteome (pmt- mutant) can detrimentally affect membrane or cell envelope functions leading to loss of intrinsic and, in the case of vancomycin, acquired antibiotic resistance. DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000605 PMID: 29458553 138. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):886-891. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002604. Epub 2018 Feb 1. Pedobacter agrisoli sp. nov., isolated from farmland soil. Cui MD(1), Wang X(2), Jiang WK(1), Hu G(1)(3), Yang ZG(1), Sun GJ(1), Zhu SJ(1), Zhou YD(1), Hong Q(1). Author information: (1)1Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of life sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China. (2)2College of Resource and Environment, Anhui Science and Technology University, Anhui 233100, PR China. (3)3Laboratory Centre of Life Science, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China. A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped bacterium, designated YHM-9T, was isolated from soil in Yangquan, Shanxi Province, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YHM-9T belonged to the genus Pedobacter and shared the highest similarity (97.4 %) to the type strain Pedobacter lignilitoris W-WS13T. Strain YHM-9T exhibited low DNA-DNA relatedness with P. lignilitoris W-WS13T (21.7±1.3 %). The DNA G+C content was 38.9 mol%. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The respiratory quinone was MK-7, the major polyamine was sym-homospermidine and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine. Based on the morphological, physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain YHM-9T was recognized as a representative of a novel species within the genus Pedobacter, for which the name Pedobacteragrisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YHM-9T (=JCM 32093T=CCTCC AB 2017125T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002604 PMID: 29458546 139. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):829-834. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002594. Epub 2018 Jan 24. Description of Bacillus kexueae sp. nov. and Bacillus manusensis sp. nov., isolated from hydrothermal sediments. Sun QL(1)(2), Yu C(1)(3), Luan ZD(4), Lian C(4), Hu YH(1)(2), Sun L(1)(2). Author information: (1)1Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, PR China. (2)2Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, PR China. (3)3University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China. (4)4Key Laboratory of Marine Geology and Environment, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, PR China. Two Gram-staining-positive, strictly aerobic bacilli, designated as strains Ma50-5T and Ma50-6T, were isolated from the hydrothermal sediments of Manus Basin in the western Pacific Ocean. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, strains Ma50-5T and Ma50-6T were most closely related to Bacillus alveayuensis (97.0 and 97.2 % identity, respectively). The 16S rRNA gene sequence identity between strains Ma50-5T and Ma50-6T was 97.4 %. The identities between strains Ma50-5T and Ma50-6T and other closely related organisms were below 97.0 %. The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of strains Ma50-5T and Ma50-6T were 43.4 and 47.6 mol%, respectively. The major fatty acids (>10 %) of both strains were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. The predominant isoprenoid quinone detected in both strains was menaquinone-7. Phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical and morphological analyses suggested that strains Ma50-5T and Ma50-6T represent two novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the names Bacillus kexueae sp. nov. (type strain Ma50-5T=KCTC 33881T=CCTCC AB 2017020T) and Bacillus manusensis sp. nov. (type strain Ma50-6T=KCTC 33882T=CCTCC AB 2017019T), respectively, are proposed. DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002594 PMID: 29458542 140. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):819-823. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002590. Epub 2018 Jan 23. Terrimonas soli sp. nov., isolated from farmland soil. Jiang WK(1), Lu MY(1), Cui MD(1), Wang X(2), Wang H(1), Yang ZG(1), Zhu SJ(1), Zhou YD(1), Hu G(1)(3), Hong Q(1). Author information: (1)1Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of life sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China. (2)2College of Resource and Environment, Anhui Science and Technology University, Anhui 233100, PR China. (3)3Laboratory Centre of Life Science, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, PR China. A Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium that produced yellow viscous colonies, designated FL-8T, was isolated from farmland soil in Chuzhou, Anhui province, PR China. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain FL-8T and the type strains of species of the genus Terrimonas with validly published names ranged from 94.6 to 96.1 %. Strain FL-8T contained iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the predominant fatty acids. The predominant polar lipid of strain FL-8T was phosphatidylethanolamine. The sole respiratory quinone of strain FL-8T was MK-7 and the DNA G+C content was 44.8 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain FL-8T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Terrimonas, for which the name Terrimonassoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FL-8T (=CCTCC AB 2017059T=JCM 32095T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002590 PMID: 29458527 141. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):788-794. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002584. Epub 2018 Jan 17. Actinotalea solisilvae sp. nov., isolated from forest soil and emended description of the genus Actinotalea. Yan ZF(1), Lin P(1), Li CT(2), Kook M(3), Yi TH(1). Author information: (1)1Department of Oriental Medicinal Material and Processing, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University Global Campus, 1732 Deokyoungdae-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17104, Republic of Korea. (2)2Engineering Research Center of Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, PR China. (3)3Department of Food Nutrition, Baewha Women's University, Seoul 03039, Republic of Korea. A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile and short-rod-shaped actinobacterium, designated THG-T121T, was isolated from forest soil. Growth occurred at 10-40 °C (optimum 28-30 °C), at pH 6-8 (optimum 7) and at 0-4 % NaCl (optimum 1 %). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the nearest phylogenetic neighbours of strain THG-T121T were identified as Actinotalea ferrariae KCTC 29134T (97.9 %), Actinotalea fermentans KCTC 3251T (97.3 %), Cellulomonas carbonis KCTC 19824T (97.2 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities among strain THG-T121T and other recognized species were lower than 97.0 %. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, two phosphatidylinositol mannosides, one unidentified phospholipid, three unidentified glycolipids and one unidentified lipid. The isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone (MK-10(H4)). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 1 A, C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. The whole-cell sugars of strain THG-T121T were rhamnose, ribose, mannose and glucose. The peptidoglycan type of strain THG-T121T is A4β, containing l-Orn-D-Ser-L-Asp. The DNA G+C content of strain THG-T121T was 72.4 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain THG-T121T and A. ferrariae KCTC 29134T, A. fermentans KCTC 3251T and C. carbonis KCTC 19824T were 30.2 % (27.3 %, reciprocal analysis), 28.4 %, (17.3 %) and 16.9 %, (9.3 %), respectively. On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis, chemotaxonomic data, physiological characteristics and DNA-DNA hybridization data, strain THG-T121T represents a novel species of the genus Actinotalea, for which the name Actinotaleasolisilvae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THG-T121T (=KACC 19191T=CGMCC 4.7389T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002584 PMID: 29458505 142. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):942-946. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002615. Epub 2018 Feb 5. A novel genus of the class Actinobacteria, Longivirga aurantiaca gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from lake sediment. Qu JH(1), Zhang LJ(1), Fu YH(1), Li XD(1), Li HF(1), Tian HL(1). Author information: (1)College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, PR China. A novel actinobacterial strain, designated X5T, was isolated from the sediment of Taihu Lake in China and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The strain formed orange-red colonies comprising aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped cells on R2A agar. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the organism was closely related to the genus Sporichthya and consistently formed a distinct clade along with the members of this genus. The closest phylogenetic neighbour was Sporichthya polymorpha NBRC 12702T with 93.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C16 : 0 (18.7 %), C18 : 1ω9c (18.6 %) and C17 : 1ω8c (14.0 %). The genomic DNA G+C content was 74.4 mol%. The organism contained menaquinone MK-8(H2), MK-9(H4) and an unidentified menaquinone. Polar lipids were composed of phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified lipid, two unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified aminolipids. The whole-cell sugars contained ribose, xylose, mannose, glucose and galactose. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained ll-diaminopimelic acid. Based on the physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic data, the organism is proposed to represent a novel genus and species, for which the name Longivirga aurantiaca gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is X5T (=CGMCC 4.7317T=NBRC 112237T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002615 PMID: 29458497 143. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):924-929. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002611. Epub 2018 Jan 30. Uliginosibacterium sediminicola sp. nov., isolated from freshwater sediment. Hwang WM(1), Kim SM(1), Kang K(1), Ahn TY(1). Author information: (1)Department of Microbiology, College of Natural Sciences, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea. Strain M1-21T is a Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic and short-rod-shaped bacterium, motile by means of a single polar flagellum; it was isolated from freshwater sediment in Korea. It grew at 10-40 °C (optimum 25 °C), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 0-0.75 % (w/v) NaCl (optimal growth occurred in the absence of NaCl) on R2A agar, and it accumulated poly-β-hydroxybutyrate granules inside the cells. According to 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain M1-21T showed highest sequence similarity with Uliginosibacterium gangwonense (94.7 %) and Uliginosibacterium paludis (94.4 %). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain M1-21T belongs to the genus Uliginosibacterium. The DNA G+C content of strain M1-21T was 61.9 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. The major fatty acids (>10 % of the total) were C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c), and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Strain M1-21T showed distinct phenotypic characteristics that differentiated it from species of the genus Uliginosibacterium. Based on these results, strain M1-21T represents a novel species of the genus Uliginosibacterium, for which the name Uliginosibacterium sediminicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M1-21T (=KACC 19271T=JCM 32000T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002611 PMID: 29458494 144. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):905-910. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002608. Epub 2018 Jan 29. Acinetobacter piscicola sp. nov., isolated from diseased farmed Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii). Liu Y(1)(2), Rao Q(1)(2), Tu J(1)(2), Zhang J(3), Huang M(1)(2), Hu B(3), Lin Q(1)(2), Luo T(1)(2). Author information: (1)1Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350003, PR China. (2)2Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement for Agriculture, Fuzhou 350003, PR China. (3)3Fujian Key Laboratory of Special Aquatic Formula Feed, Fuzhou 350308, PR China. A taxonomic study was carried out on strain LW15T, which was isolated from the external lesions of diseased farmed Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) from an intensive culture pond. Cells of strain LW15T were Gram-negative, facultative-anaerobic, non-motile, and both coccobacillus- and bacillus-shaped. Growth was observed at NaCl concentrations of 0-2 % (w/v) (optimum, 0 %), 4-32 °C (optimum, 25-28 °C) and pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, 7.0). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain LW15T was affiliated to the genus Acinetobacter, showing the highest similarity to Acinetobacter guillouiae CIP 63.46T (97.7 %) and other Acinetobacter species with validly published names (93.5-97.6 %). Whole-genome sequencing and phylogeny reconstruction based on a core set of 1061 Acinetobacter genes indicated that strain LW15T was most closely related to the clade formed by A. guillouiae CIP 63.46T and Acinetobacter bereziniae CIP 70.12T and distantly related to any of the described species of genus Acinetobacter. Furthermore, strain LW15T could be distinguished from all known Acinetobacter species by its ability to assimilate β-alanine and l-arginine, but not d-glucose. The principal fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c. The major respiratory quinone was Q-9. Polar lipids of strain LW15T comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, four phospholipids, aminolipid and two unknown lipids. Based on its phenotypic and genotypic data, strain LW15T represents a novel species of the genus Acinetobacter, for which the name Acinetobacterpiscicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LW15T (=MCCC 1K03337T=CICC 24241T=KCTC 62134T=JCM 32101T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002608 PMID: 29458492 145. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):876-880. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002601. Epub 2018 Jan 29. Halioglobus lutimaris sp. nov., isolated from coastal sediment. Shi MJ(1)(2), Wang C(1)(2), Wang XT(1)(2), Du ZJ(2)(1). Author information: (1)1State key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China. (2)2College of Marine Science, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, PR China. A novel Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-flagellated and rod-shaped bacterium, designated HF004T, was isolated from a marine sediment sample collected from the coast of Weihai, China. The strain grew optimally at 28 °C, pH 7.5-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain HF004T was a member of the genus Halioglobus, appearing to be closely related to Halioglobus pacificus (96.1 %) and Halioglobus japonicus (95.6 %). The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (i.e. C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), C17 : 1ω8c and C18 : 1ω7c. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The predominant respiratory quinone was Q-8. The DNA G+C content was 57.2 mol%. Cells of strain HF004T were rod-shaped and formed circular, mucous and beige-pigmented colonies on marine agar after incubation for 72 h at 28 °C. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic evidence, strain HF004T is presented as a novel species, for which the name Halioglobus lutimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HF004T (=KCTC 42395T=MCCC 1H00127T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002601 PMID: 29458490 146. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):911-916. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002610. Epub 2018 Feb 2. Flavobacterium kingsejongi sp. nov., a carotenoid-producing species isolated from Antarctic penguin faeces. Choi JY(1), Kim JH(1), Lee PC(1). Author information: (1)Department of Molecular Science and Technology and Department of Applied Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Ajou University, Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea. Taxonomic studies were carried out on a carotenoid-producing strain, designated WV39T, isolated from the faeces of Antarctic penguins. Cells of strain WV39T were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, yellow and rod-shaped. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain WV39T was closely related to Flavobacterium qiangtangense JCM 19739T (96.3 % similarity), Flavobacterium noncentrifugens NBRC 108844T (95.5 %) and Flavobacterium aquatile LMG 4008T (94.9 %). The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (comprising iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c). Menaquinone-6 was the sole quinone identified, and the major pigment was zeaxanthin. The major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. DNA-DNA relatedness of strain WV39T with respect to its closest phylogenetic neighbours was 41.8 % for F. qiangtangense JCM 19739T, 25.5 % for F. aquatile LMG 4008T and 25.2 % for F. noncentrifugens NBRC 108844T. The DNA G+C content of strain WV39T was 39.8 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain WV39T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacteriumkingsejongi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WV39T (=KCTC 42908T=CECT 9085T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002610 PMID: 29458488 147. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):957-961. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002629. Epub 2018 Feb 5. Defluviimonas pyrenivorans sp. nov., a novel bacterium capable of degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Zhang S(1), Sun C(1), Xie J(1), Wei H(1), Hu Z(1), Wang H(1). Author information: (1)Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, PR China. An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium capable of degrading the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pyrene was isolated from sediment of Pearl River and designated PrR001. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that this strain was affiliated within the genus Defluviimonas in the family Rhodobacteraceae of the class Alphaproteobacteria and showed great similarity with the type strain Defluviimonas indica 20V17T (96.3 % similarity). The DNA G+C content of strain PrR001T was 68.3 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids comprised summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c), C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c, C18 : 0 3OH, and C18 : 0. The sole respiratory lipoquinone was ubiquinone-10. The main polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified aminophospholipid and three unidentified phospholipids. Based on physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analysis, strain PrR001T is suggested as a novel species in the genus Defluviimonas, for which the name Defluviimonas pyrenivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Defluviimonas pyrenivorans is PrR001T (=CICC 24263T=KCTC 62192T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002629 PMID: 29458487 148. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):892-898. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002606. Epub 2018 Jan 29. Aquimarina algiphila sp. nov., a chitin degrading bacterium isolated from the red alga Tichocarpus crinitus. Nedashkovskaya OI(1), Kim SG(2), Stenkova AM(1), Kukhlevskiy AD(3)(4), Zhukova NV(3)(4), Mikhailov VV(1)(4). Author information: (1)1G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt 100 Let Vladivostoku 159, 690022, Vladivostok, Russia. (2)2Korean Collection for Type Cultures, Biological Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 181 Ipsin-gil, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk 56212, Republic of Korea. (3)3National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Russian Academy of Science, Palchevskogo 17, Vladivostok 690041, Russia. (4)4Far Eastern Federal University, Sukhanova St. 8, 690950, Vladivostok, Russia. A strictly aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, motile by gliding and yellow-orange pigmented flavobacterium, designated strain 9Alg 151T, was isolated from the Pacific red alga Tichocarpus crinitus. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the novel strain fell into the genus Aquimarina of the family Flavobacteriaceae with a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity range of 94.2-98.2 % to the recognized species of the genus. Strain 9Alg 151T grew in the presence of 0.5-5 % NaCl and at 5-34 °C, and hydrolysed aesculin, agar, gelatin, starch, Tween 40, DNA and chitin. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 1ω8c and summed feature 3. The polar lipid profile comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified aminolipids and three unidentified lipids. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. The genomic DNA G+C content was 32.6 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence data, and chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics, strain 9Alg 151T represents a novel species of the genus Aquimarina, for which the name Aquimarina algiphila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 9Alg 151T (=KCTC 23622T=KMM 6462T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002606 PMID: 29458485 149. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):917-923. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002609. Epub 2018 Jan 30. Flavisolibacter metallilatus sp. nov., isolated from an automotive air conditioning system and emended description of the genus Flavisolibacter. Kim DU(1), Lee H(1), Lee S(1), Kim SG(2)(3), Park AY(3), Ahn JH(4), Ka JO(1). Author information: (1)1Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea. (2)2University of Science and Technology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-850, Republic of Korea. (3)3Biological Resource Center/ Korean Collection for Type Culture (KCTC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 181 Ipsingil, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do 56212, Republic of Korea. (4)4Agricultural Microbiology Division, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, 55365, Republic of Korea. A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped and pale yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain TX0661T, was isolated from an automotive air conditioning system collected in the Republic of Korea. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the strain TX0661T was grouped with members of the genus Flavisolibacter and the strain had 98.2-95.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the species of the genus Flavisolibacter. DNA-DNA relatedness between TX0661T and Flavisolibacter ginsenosidimutans KCTC 22818T and Flavisolibacter ginsengisoli KCTC 12657T was less than 30 %. The low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness identified strain TX0661T as a novel species in the genus Flavisolibacter. The strain grew at 28-37 °C (optimum, 37 °C), at pH 6.0-7.0 (optimum, pH 6.5) and in the presence of 0-0.5 % (w/v, optimum, 0.5 %) NaCl. It contained summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as major fatty acids and MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. The polar lipid profile revealed that the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, aminoglycophospholipid, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content of the strain was 49.1 mol%. Based on phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain TX0661T represents a novel species in the genus Flavisolibacter, for which the name Flavisolibactermetallilatus sp. nov. (=KACC 19145T=KCTC 52779T=NBRC 111784T) is proposed. DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002609 PMID: 29458484 150. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):899-904. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002607. Epub 2018 Feb 1. Dokdonia flava sp. nov., isolated from the seaweed Zostera marina. Choi S(1), Kang JW(1), Yoon JH(2), Seong CN(1). Author information: (1)1Department of Biology, College of Life Science and Natural Resources, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea. (2)2Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea. A non-motile, proteorhodopsin-containing, yellow and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated ZODW10T, was isolated from the seaweed Zostera marina collected from the West Sea, Republic of Korea. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and non-motile. The isolate required sea salts for growth. A carotenoid pigment was produced. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain ZODW10T forms an evolutionary lineage within the radiation enclosing members of the genus Dokdonia with Dokdoniadiaphoros CIP 108745T (96.7 % sequence similarity) as its nearest neighbour. The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 1 G. Strain ZODW10T contained menaquinone 6 (MK-6) and phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified polar lipid as the only isoprenoid quinone and the major polar lipids, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain ZODW10T was 36 mol%. On the basis of the present polyphasic characterization, it is suggested that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Dokdonia, for which the name Dokdonia flava sp. nov. (type strain, ZODW10T=KCTC 52953T=JCM 32293T) is proposed. DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002607 PMID: 29458481 151. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):865-870. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002600. Epub 2018 Jan 29. Chryseobacterium glaciei sp. nov., isolated from the surface of a glacier in the Indian trans-Himalayas. Pal M(1), Kumari M(2), Kiran S(1), Salwan R(1), Mayilraj S(2), Chhibber S(3), Gulati A(1). Author information: (1)1CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur (HP)-176 061, India. (2)2Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank (MTCC), CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh 160 036, India. (3)3Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, India. A novel bacterial strain, IHBB 10212T, of the genus Chryseobacterium was isolated from a glacier near the Kunzum Pass located in the Lahaul-Spiti in the North-Western Himalayas of India. The cells were Gram-negative, aerobic, non-sporulating, single rods, lacked flagella, and formed yellow to orange pigmented colonies. The strain utilized maltose, trehalose, sucrose, gentibiose, glucose, mannose, fructose, mannitol, arabitol and salicin for growth. Flexirubin-type pigments were produced by strain IHBB 10212T. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed relatedness of strain IHBB 10212T to Chryseobacterium polytrichastri DSM 26899T (97.43 %), Chryseobacterium greenlandense CIP 110007T (97.29 %) and Chryseobacterium aquaticum KCTC 12483T (96.80 %). Iso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) constituted the major cellular fatty acids. The polar lipids present were six unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified phospholipid and three unidentified lipids. MK-6 was identified as the major quinone. The DNA G+C content was 34.08 mol%. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization of strain IHBB 10212T with C. polytrichastri, C. greenlandense and C. aquaticum showed values far below the prescribed thresholds of 95 % for average nucleotide identity and 70 % for the Genome-to-Genome Distance Calculator for species delineation. Based on its differences from validly published Chryseobacterium species, strain IHBB 10212T is identified as a new species, for which the proposed name is Chryseobacterium glaciei sp. nov., with IHBB 10212T as the type strain (=MTCC 12457T=JCM 31156T=KACC 19170T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002600 PMID: 29458480 152. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):764-768. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002581. Epub 2018 Feb 6. Euzebyella algicola sp. nov., a marine bacterium of the family Flavobacteriaceae, isolated from green algae. Kwon YM(1), Kim KW(1), Kim JYH(1), Choi TY(2), Yang SH(3), Oh CH(3), Kwon KK(3), Kim SJ(4)(3)(5). Author information: (1)1Department of Applied Research, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, 75, Jangsan-ro 101beon-gil, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, 33662, Republic of Korea. (2)2Department of Genetic Resources Research, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, 75, Jangsan-ro 101beon-gil, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, 33662, Republic of Korea. (3)3Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 787 Haeanro, Ansan 15627, Republic of Korea. (4)5National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Republic of Korea. (5)4Department of Marine Biotechnology, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea. A Gram-negative, yellow-pigmented, non-flagellated, gliding, rod-shaped and aerobic bacterium, designated MEBiC 12267T, was isolated from green algae of Jeju Island. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the strain MEBiC 12267T was affiliated to the genus Euzebyella of the family Flavobacteriaceae and showed the highest similarity to Euzebyella marina KCTC 42440T (98.5 %). The DNA-DNA relatedness value of strain MEBiC 12267T with E. marina KCTC 42440T was 25 %. Growth was observed at 10-37 °C (optimum, 30-33 °C), at pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum, 8.0-8.5) and with 0.5-9.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.5-3.5 %). The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. Polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, seven unidentified lipids and two unidentified aminolipids. The DNA G+C content was 40.7 mol%. On the basis of the data from the polyphasic taxonomic study, it was concluded that the strain MEBiC 12267T represents a novel species within the genus Euzebyella, for which the name Euzebyella algicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of E. algicola is MEBiC 12267T (=KCCM 43264T=JCM 32170T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002581 PMID: 29458477 153. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):769-775. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002580. Epub 2018 Jan 22. Ornithinibacillus salinisoli sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from a saline-alkali soil. Gan L(1), Zhang H(1), Long X(1), Tian J(1), Wang Z(1), Zhang Y(2), Dai Y(3), Tian Y(1). Author information: (1)1Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering, Ministry of Education and College of Light Industry, Textile & Food Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China. (2)2Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China. (3)3Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, PR China. A taxonomic study was performed on strain LCB256T, which was isolated from a saline-alkali soil sample taken from northwestern China. Cells of strain LCB256T were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped and grew at 3-17 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 10-15 %), 10-52 °C (optimum 25-30 °C) and pH 7.0-9.0 (optimum 8.0). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain LCB256T was most closely related to the two genera of Ornithinibacillus and Oceanobacillus, showing highest sequence similarity to Oceanobacillus limi KCTC 13823T (97.8 %) and Ornithinibacillus bavariensis WSBC 24001T (97.2 %). The peptidoglycan amino acid type was found to be A4β and the major respiratory quinone was determined to be MK-7. The polar lipid profile of strain LCB256T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified aminolipids. The dominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The G+C content of genomic DNA was 39.3 mol%. DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain LCB256T and Ornithinibacillus halophilus KCTC 13822T and Oceanobacillus limi KCTC 13823T were 46.2 and 34.8 %, respectively. Based on this polyphasic taxonomic study, a novel species of the genus Ornithinibacillus, Ornithinibacillussalinisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LCB256T (=CGMCC 1.15809T=KCTC 33862T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002580 PMID: 29458475 154. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):782-787. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002578. Epub 2018 Jan 19. Roseomonas fluminis sp. nov. isolated from sediment of a shallow stream. Ko Y(1), Yim J(2), Hwang WM(1), Kang K(1), Ahn TY(1). Author information: (1)1Department of Microbiology, College of Natural Sciences, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea. (2)2College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. An aerobic, Gram-negative, motile by means of a single polar flagellum, and ovoid-shaped bacterium, designated D3T, was isolated from shallow stream sediments in Sinan-gun, South Korea. Growth occurred at 15-40 °C (optimum 35 °C), at pH 7.0-8.0 (optimum pH 7.0), and at an optimum NaCl concentration of 0.5 % (w/v). The major cellular fatty acids (>7 % of the total) were C16 : 0, C18 : 0 2-OH, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c). The predominant quinone was ubiquinone-10, and the G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain D3T was 73.1 mol%. The major polyamine was spermidine. The major polar lipids of the isolate were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain D3T clustered with Roseomonas aquatica TR53T within the genus Roseomonas. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain D3T showed the highest sequence similarity to R. aquatica TR53T (95.9 %), followed by Roseomonas rosea 173-96T (95.7 %) and Roseomonas aerilata 5420S-30T (95.0 %). Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic characterization, strain D3T represents a novel species of the genus Roseomonas, for which the name Roseomonas fluminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D3T (=KACC 19269T=JCM 31968T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002578 PMID: 29458474 155. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):745-750. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002579. Epub 2018 Jan 23. Epidermidibacterium keratini gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Sporichthyaceae, isolated from keratin epidermis. Lee DG(1), Trujillo ME(1), Kang S(1), Nam JJ(1), Kim YJ(1). Author information: (1)COSMAX R&I center, Republic of Korea. A novel actinobacterial strain, designated EPI-7T, was isolated on R2A agar from human skin (keratinocytes) and subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. Strain EPI-7T showed a Gram-positive reaction, was non-motile, non-spore-forming, and cells had a rod-shape. Colonies were round, convex and pale yellow. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the novel isolate formed a cluster with several uncultured bacterial clones and with cultured members of the genera Modestobacter and Sporichthya. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with respect to the type strains of recognized species from the above genera and other phylogenetic neighbours ranged from 92.6 to 93.4 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 68.9 mol%. The only isoprenoid quinone was MK-9(H4), and the major fatty acids detected were C17 : 1ω8c, C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 3. The major polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, three unidentified phospholipids, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, two unidentified amino lipids and three unidentified lipids. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, glutamic acid and alanine. Whole-cell sugars present included rhamnose, glucose and galactose. The combination of the genotypic and phenotypic data allowed differentiation of strain EPI-7T from its closest phylogenetic neighbours and provided evidence that strain EPI-7T represents a novel genus and species in the family Sporichthyaceae. The name Epidermidibacterium keratini gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain being EPI-7T (=KCCM 90264T=JCM 31644T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002579 PMID: 29458473 156. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):835-843. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002592. Epub 2018 Feb 1. Proposal of Litorimonas haliclonae sp. nov., isolated from a marine sponge of the genus Haliclona. Schellenberg J(1), Busse HJ(2), Hardt M(3), Schubert P(4), Wilke T(4), Kämpfer P(1), Glaeser SP(1). Author information: (1)1Institut für Angewandte Mikrobiologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany. (2)2Institut für Mikrobiologie, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien, A-1210 Wien, Austria. (3)3Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg - Imaging Unit, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany. (4)4Institut für Tierökologie und Spezielle Zoologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany. A bright-orange-pigmented, Gram-stain-negative, motile, and rod-shaped bacterium, strain MAA42T, was isolated from a marine sponge of the genus Haliclona, which is in long-time culture in a marine aquarium system at the Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany. The strain grew at 4-34 °C (optimum 28 °C), in the presence of 0.5-9.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 3.5 %) and at pH 4.5-10.0 (optimum pH 7.5). Strain MAA42T shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.1 %) with the type strain of Litorimonas taeanensis. Sequence similarities to all other closely related type strains were below 97 %. DNA-DNA hybridization of strain MAA42T with L. taeanensis DSM 22008T resulted in values of 4.7 % (reciprocal 17.7 %). Major cellular fatty acids of strain MAA42T were C18 : 1ω7c (66.2 %), C18 : 1 2-OH (17.4 %), and C18 : 0 (14.1 %). Spermidine was predominant in the polyamine pattern, and ubiquinone Q-10 was the major respiratory quinone. The polar lipid profile contained the major compounds phosphatidylglycerol, monoglycosyldiglyceride, three unidentified phospholipids, and one unidentified glycolipid. Glucuronopyranosyldiglyceride was present as a minor compound. The diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 52.8 mol%. Based on the genotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic analyses, strain MAA42T represents a novel species of the genus Litorimonas, for which the name Litorimonas haliclonae is proposed. The type strain is MAA42T (=CCM 8709T=CIP 111178T=LMG 29765T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002592 PMID: 29458471 157. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):795-800. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002586. Epub 2018 Jan 17. Flavobacterium ovatum sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from an Antarctic intertidal sandy beach. Ren Q(1), Yu M(2)(1), Li Y(1), Zhang Y(1), Shi X(1)(2), Wu Y(1), Su Y(1), Wang Y(1), Wang X(1), Zhang XH(1)(2)(3). Author information: (1)1College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China. (2)2Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, PR China. (3)3Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China. A rod-shaped, Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile bacterium with no flexirubin-type pigment, designated as W201ET, was isolated from an intertidal sandy beach in Antarctica. The organism formed faintly yellow, round colonies on marine agar 2216E. The strain required sea salts for growth and grew optimally in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl at pH 7.0, 20 °C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain W201ET belonged to the genus Flavobacterium and showed the highest sequence similarity to Flavobacterium algicola NBRC 102673T (96.5 %). The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone 6, and the predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (which comprises C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). The polar lipids of strain W201ET comprised one phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and three unidentified polar lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain W201ET was 34.1 mol%. On the basis of the polyphasic analyses, this isolate was considered to represent a novel species in the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium ovatum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is W201ET (=KCTC 52693T=MCCC 1K03251T=CGMCC 1.16053T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002586 PMID: 29458470 158. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):730-735. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002571. Epub 2018 Jan 15. Sandarakinorhabdus cyanobacteriorum sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from cyanobacterial aggregates in a eutrophic lake. Cai H(1), Cui H(2), Zeng Y(3)(4), An M(5), Jiang H(1). Author information: (1)1State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, PR China. (2)2School of Food & Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, PR China. (3)3Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Denmark. (4)4Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark. (5)5Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering at the Institute of Biology, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, PR China. A bacterial strain, designated TH057T, was isolated from cyanobacterial aggregates in a eutrophic lake in China. Cells were observed to be slightly curved, rod-shaped, capsule-forming and stained Gram-negative. Optimal growth was obtained at pH 7.0 (range: pH 5-9) and 30 °C (range: 20-37 °C) in R2A broth. According to the absorption spectrum, carotenoids (455 and 490 nm) and light-harvesting complex LHI (857 nm) were present in the cells. The cells were found to be positive for oxidase and catalase activities. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. The major fatty acids were identified as C17 : 1ω6c, C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c, C18 : 1ω6c/C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0. The major polar lipids were found to consist of phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, unidentified glycolipid and two sphingoglycolipids. Strain TH057T shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Sandarakinorhabdus limnophila so42T (96.8 %), followed by Polymorphobacter fuscus D40PT (95.8 %). The genomic G+C content of strain TH057T was 66.1 mol% based on total genome calculations. The average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization value for the complete genomes were 81.0 and 23.0 % between strain TH057T and Sandarakinorhabdus limnophila so42T. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, and genome analysis suggested that strain TH057T represents a novel species within the genus Sandarakinorhabdus, for which the name Sandarakinorhabduscyanobacteriorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TH057T (=CGMCC 1.15803T=LMG 30294T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002571 PMID: 29458469 159. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):751-757. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002577. Epub 2018 Jan 16. Chitinophaga humicola sp. nov., isolated from oil-contaminated soil. Chaudhary DK(1), Kim J(1). Author information: (1)Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Kyonggi University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do 16227, Republic of Korea. A yellow-coloured, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain Ktm-2T, was isolated from oil-contaminated soil. Strain Ktm-2T was able to grow at 15 to 40 °C, pH 4.5-10.0 and 0-2 % (w/v) NaCl concentration. This strain was taxonomically characterized by a polyphasic approach. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain Ktm-2T represented a member of the genus Chitinophaga and shared highest sequence similarity with Chitinophaga barathri YLT18T (98.1 %), Chitinophaga cymbidii R156-2T (96.4 %) and Chitinophaga niabensis JS13-10T (96.3 %). The only respiratory quinone was menaqunone-7, the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine and the predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω5c and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The DNA G+C content was 52.1 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain Ktm-2T and C. barathri YLT18T was 22.0 %, which falls below the threshold value of 70 % for the strain to be considered a novel species. The morphological, physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses clearly distinguished this strain from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. Thus, strain Ktm-2T represents a novel species of the genus Chitinophaga, for which the name Chitinophagahumicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ktm-2T (=KEMB 9005-693T=KACC 19388T=JCM 32158T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002577 PMID: 29458467 160. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):698-702. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002523. Epub 2018 Jan 10. Xylanibacillus composti gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from compost. Kukolya J(1), Bata-Vidács I(1), Luzics S(1), Tóth E(2), Kéki Z(2), Schumann P(3), Táncsics A(4), Nagy I(5)(6), Olasz F(7), Tóth Á(1). Author information: (1)1Department of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Agro-Environmental Research Institute, National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre, H-1022 Budapest, Herman Ottó u. 15, Hungary. (2)2Department of Microbiology, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány P. stny. 1/C, Hungary. (3)3Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstrasse 7B, D-38124 Braunschweig, Germany. (4)4Regional University Center of Excellence in Environmental Industry, Szent István University, H-2100 Gödöllő, Károly Róbert u. 1, Hungary. (5)5SeqOmics Biotechnology Ltd., H-6782 Mórahalom, Vállalkozók ú. 7, Hungary. (6)6Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6726 Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, Hungary. (7)7Department of Microbiology, National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre Research, Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, H-2100 Gödölloő, Szent-Györgyi Albert u. 4, Hungary. A novel Gram-stain-positive bacterial strain, designated as K13T, was isolated from compost and characterized using a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strain showed highest similarity (93.8 %) to Paenibacillus nanensis MX2-3T. Cells of strain K13T were aerobic, motile rods. The major fatty acids were anteiso C15 : 0 (34.4 %), iso C16 : 0 (17.3 %) and C16 : 0 (10.0 %). The major menaquinone was MK-7, the polar lipid profile included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine and an aminophospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 52.3 %. Based on phenotypic, including chemotaxonomic characteristics and analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences, it was concluded that strain K13T represents a novel genus, for which the name Xylanibacillus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type species of the genus is Xylanibacillus composti, the type strain of which is strain K13T (=DSM 29793T=NCAIM B.02605T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002523 PMID: 29458465 161. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):703-708. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002538. Epub 2018 Jan 10. Lactobacillus panisapium sp. nov., from honeybee Apis cerana bee bread. Wang C(1)(2)(3), Huang Y(1)(3), Li L(2), Guo J(4), Wu Z(2), Deng Y(1)(3), Dai L(1)(3), Ma S(3)(1). Author information: (1)1Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu 610041, PR China. (2)2College of Light Industry, Textile and Food Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China. (3)3Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Chengdu 610041, PR China. (4)4Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, PR China. A novel facultatively anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming, catalase-negative bacterium of the genus Lactobacillus, designated strain Bb 2-3T, was isolated from bee bread of Apis cerana collected from a hive in Kunming, China. The strain was regular rod-shaped. Optimal growth occurred at 37 °C, pH 6.5 with 5.0 g l-1 NaCl. The predominant fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0 and C19 : 0 iso. Respiratory quinones were not detected. Seven glycolipids, three lipids, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol were detected. The peptidoglycan type A4α l-Lys-d-Asp was determined. Strain Bb 2-3T was closely related to Lactobacillus bombicola DSM 28793T, Lactobacillus apis LMG 26964T and Lactobacillus helsingborgensis DSM 26265T, with 97.8, 97.6 and 97.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively. A comparison of two housekeeping genes, rpoA and pheS, revealed that strain Bb 2-3T was well separated from the reference strains of species of the genus Lactobacillus. The average nucleotide identity between strain Bb 2-3T and the type strains of closely related species was lower than the 95-96 % threshold value for delineation of genomic prokaryotic species. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Bb 2-3T was 37.4 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, strain Bb 2-3T is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which we propose the name Lactobacillus panisapium sp. nov. The type strain is Bb 2-3T (=DSM 102188T=ACCC 19955T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002538 PMID: 29458462 162. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):758-763. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002576. Epub 2018 Jan 29. Arenibacter catalasegens sp. nov., isolated from marine surface sediment, and emended description of the genus Arenibacter. Li AZ(1), Lin LZ(1), Zhang MX(1), Lv Y(1), Zhu HH(1). Author information: (1)State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Culture Collection and Application, Guangdong Microbial Culture Collection Center (GDMCC), Guangdong Institute of Microbiology, Guangzhou 510070, PR China. A Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated as P308H10T, was isolated from surface sediment of the Southern Indian Ocean. Growth occurred at 4-36 °C (optimum 20-25 °C), pH 6.0-8.5 (optimum 7.5-8.0) and in the presence of 1-8 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2-3 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain P308H10T lies within the clade of members of the genus Arenibacter and is closely related to Arenibacterhampyeongensis HP12T (98.0 %), Arenibacterechinorum KMM 6032T (98.4 %), Arenibacterpalladensis LMG 21972T (97.9 %), Arenibactertroitsensis KMM 3674T (97.9 %) and 'Arenibacter algicola' TG409 (98.1 %). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain P308H10T and the five reference strains were 85.9-80.6 % and 30.2-23.6 %, respectively. The major fatty acids (>10 %) of strain P308H10T were summed feature 3, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C15 : 0. The major polar lipids comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, five unidentified aminolipids and four unidentified lipids. The only respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6. The genomic DNA G+C content was 38.2 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic data presented, strain P308H10T represents a novel species of the genus Arenibacter, for which the name Arenibacter catalasegens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is P308H10T (=GDMCC 1.1230T=KCTC 52983T). An emended description of the genus Arenibacter is also proposed. DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002576 PMID: 29458460 163. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):736-744. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002573. Epub 2018 Feb 6. Tritonibacter horizontis gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the Rhodobacteraceae, isolated from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Klotz F(1)(2), Brinkhoff T(1), Freese HM(3), Wietz M(1), Teske A(4), Simon M(1), Giebel HA(1). Author information: (1)1Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany. (2)†Present address: Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, Germany. (3)2Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany. (4)3Department of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. A heterotrophic, Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, sodium-requiring and motile bacterium was isolated from oil-contaminated surface water of the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Strain O3.65T showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Phaeobacter gallaeciensis BS107T and Phaeobacter inhibens T5T, both with 98.3 %, respectively. Based on complete genome analysis, highest similarity was observed to species of the genus Ruegeria. Strain O3.65T exhibited a broad salinity, temperature and pH range of 0.5-10 % NaCl, 4-45 °C and 5.5-9.0, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain O3.65T was 61.5 mol%. The major respiratory lipoquinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10), the most dominant fatty acids (>1 %) comprised 18 : 1ω7c and 18 : 1ω7c 11-methyl, 10 : 0 3OH, 12 : 1 3OH, 14 : 1 3OH/3-oxo-14 : 0, 16 : 0, 16 : 0 2OH, 18 : 1 2OH and 12 : 1. The polar lipid pattern indicated presence of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and seven unidentified lipids. On Difco marine broth agar, strain O3.65T formed smooth, shiny white to beige and convex colonies with regular edges. Phylogenetic, phylogenomic and phenotypic differences revealed that strain O3.65T represents a new species of a novel genus within the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which we propose the name Tritonibacter horizontis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of the type species is O3.65T (=DSM 101689T=LMG 29740T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002573 PMID: 29458459 164. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):721-729. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002569. Epub 2018 Jan 18. Nannocystis konarekensis sp. nov., a novel myxobacterium from an Iranian desert. Mohr KI(1), Moradi A(2), Glaeser SP(3), Kämpfer P(3), Gemperlein K(4)(5), Nübel U(6)(7), Schumann P(8), Müller R(4)(5), Wink J(9). Author information: (1)1Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany. (2)2Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. (3)3Department of Applied Microbiology, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, 35392 Gießen, Germany. (4)4Department of Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University, Campus C2 3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany. (5)5Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Saarland University, Campus C2 3, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany. (6)6Microbial Genome Research, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microrganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany. (7)7German Center of Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany. (8)8Department Central Services, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany. (9)9Microbial Strain Collection, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany. An orange-coloured myxobacterium, MNa11734T, was isolated from desert in Iran. MNa11734T had rod-shaped vegetative cells, moved by gliding and was bacteriolytic. No real fruiting body formation could be observed, but sporangioles were produced on water agar. The strain was mesophilic, strictly aerobic and chemoheterotrophic. 16S rRNA gene analyses revealed that MNa11734T belonged to the family Nannocystaceae, genus Nannocystis and was closely related to Nannocystis pusilla Na p29T (DSM 14622T) and Nannocystis exedens Na e1T (DSM 71T), with 97.8 and 97.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively. Laboratory-measured DNA-DNA hybridization showed only 9.5/15.7 % (reciprocal) similarity between the novel strain and N. pusilla Na p29T, and 14.1/20.4 % between the strain and N. exedens Na e1T, whereas DNA-DNA hybridization estimates derived from draft genome sequences were 21.8-23.0 % and 22.2-23.7 %, respectively, depending on the calculation method. The G+C content of DNA from Nannocystis konarekensis MNa11734T was 73.3 mol%, for N. pusilla Nap29T it was 71.8 mol% and for N. exedens Nae1T it was 72.2 mol%. The major fatty acids of the new strain were C16 : 1 (56.2 %), iso-C17 : 0 (14.4 %), C14 : 0 (8.2 %), C16 : 0 (6.6 %) and iso-C15 : 0 (5.9 %). Strain MNa11734T exhibited phylogenetic and physiological similarities to the two other species of Nannocystis, i.e. N. pusilla and N. exedens, but the differences were sufficient enough to represent a novel species, for which the name Nannocystiskonarekensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MNa11734T (=DSM 104509T=NCCB 100618T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002569 PMID: 29458458 165. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Mar;68(3):709-714. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002559. Epub 2018 Jan 15. Brevundimonas humi sp. nov., an alphaproteobacterium isolated from forest soil. Dahal RH(1), Kim J(1). Author information: (1)Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Kyonggi University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do 16227, Republic of Korea. During a study of bacterial diversity of soil, a novel strain, CA-15T, was isolated from Kyonggi University forest soil. Cells were aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, oxidase-positive and catalase- negative. Tyrosine was not oxidized but produced red pigmentation on an agar palte. Strain CA-15T hydrolysed Tween 60 and DNA. It grew at 15-35 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, 7.0-9.0) and at 1.5 % (w/v) NaCl concentration. Phylogenetic analysis based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain CA-15T formed a lineage within the family Caulobacteraceae of the class Alphaproteobacteria that was distinct from various species of the genus Brevundimonas. Brevundimonas bullata DSM 7126T was the closest member of strain CA-15T on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.48 %). Q-10 was only an isoprenoid quinone detected for strain CA-15T. The major polar lipids were 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-[d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-αd-glucopyranuronosyl]glycerol, 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-[αd-glucopyranosyl]-sn-glycerol, 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-αd-glucopyranuronosylglycerol, 1,2-diacyl-3-O-[6'-phosphatidyl-αd-glucopyranosyl]glycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c 11-methyl and C17 : 1ω8c. The DNA G+C content of strain CA-15T was 63.6 mol%. The polyphasic characterization indicated that strain CA-15T represents a novel species in the genus Brevundimonas, for which the name Brevundimonas humi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Brevundimonas humi is CA-15T (=KEMB 9005-528T=KACC 19106T=NBRC 112677T). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002559 PMID: 29458457 166. Mol Clin Oncol. 2018 Mar;8(3):413-416. doi: 10.3892/mco.2018.1557. Epub 2018 Jan 16. L-Carnitine supplementation reduces the general fatigue of cancer patients during chemotherapy. Matsui H(1), Einama T(1)(2)(3), Shichi S(1), Kanazawa R(1), Shibuya K(1), Suzuki T(1), Matsuzawa F(1), Hashimoto T(1), Homma S(2), Yamamoto J(3), Taketomi A(2), Abe H(1). Author information: (1)Department of Surgery, Hokkaido Social Work Association Obihiro Hospital, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0805, Japan. (2)Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan. (3)Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan. L-Carnitine (LC) plays an important role in the metabolism of fatty acids, and LC deficiency is associated with a feeling of weakness or general fatigue. Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy often develop LC deficiency, which is considered to be a factor contributing to general fatigue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of LC supplementation as a treatment for general fatigue in cancer patients during chemotherapy. A total of 11 cancer patients who were suffering from general fatigue during chemotherapy in our hospital between September 2014 and December 2015 were examined (6 cases involved adjuvant chemotherapy and 5 cases involved chemotherapy for unresectable or recurrent disease). The patients were administered 1,500 mg/day of levocarnitine per os, and the change in mean daily fatigue from the baseline to 8 weeks was assessed using the Brief Fatigue Inventory. The change in the plasma levels of albumin and the lymphocyte counts from the baseline to 8 weeks were also assessed. LC supplementation reduced general fatigue in all cases. Moreover, LC supplementation maintained the plasma levels of albumin and lymphocyte counts during chemotherapy, and enabled patients to continue chemotherapy sequentially without dose reduction. Therefore, LC supplementation improved general fatigue in all the examined cancer patients during chemotherapy. This treatment may make improve the tolerability of chemotherapy in cancer patients by reducing general fatigue and improving the nutritional status. DOI: 10.3892/mco.2018.1557 PMCID: PMC5795559 PMID: 29456846 167. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2018 Mar;102(6):2583-2593. doi: 10.1007/s00253-018-8832-9. Epub 2018 Feb 15. Immediate response mechanisms of Gram-negative solvent-tolerant bacteria to cope with environmental stress: cis-trans isomerization of unsaturated fatty acids and outer membrane vesicle secretion. Eberlein C(1), Baumgarten T(2), Starke S(1), Heipieper HJ(3). Author information: (1)Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany. (2)Center for Biomembrane Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, 10691, Stockholm, Sweden. (3)Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany. hermann.heipieper@ufz.de. Bacteria have evolved an array of adaptive mechanisms enabling them to survive and grow in the presence of different environmental stresses. These mechanisms include either modifications of the membrane or changes in the overall energy status, cell morphology, and cell surface properties. Long-term adaptations are dependent on transcriptional regulation, the induction of anabolic pathways, and cell growth. However, to survive sudden environmental changes, bacterial short-term responses are essential to keep the cells alive after the occurrence of an environmental stress factor such as heat shock or the presence of toxic organic solvents. Thus far, two main short-term responses are known. On the one hand, a fast isomerization of cis into trans unsaturated fatty leads to a quick rigidification of the cell membrane, a mechanism known in some genera of Gram-negative bacteria. On the other hand, a fast, effective, and ubiquitously present countermeasure is the release of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from the cell surface leading to a rapid increase in cell surface hydrophobicity and finally to the formation of cell aggregates and biofilms. These immediate response mechanisms just allow the bacteria to stay physiologically active and to employ long-term responses to assure viability upon changing environmental conditions. Here, we provide insight into the two aforementioned rapid adaptive mechanisms affecting ultimately the cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria. DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-8832-9 PMID: 29450619 168. Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2018 Feb 28;20(9):6469-6479. doi: 10.1039/c7cp06841g. Phase equilibrium and physical properties of biobased ionic liquid mixtures. Toledo Hijo AAC (1), Maximo GJ , Cunha RL , Fonseca FHS , Cardoso LP , Pereira JFB , Costa MC , Batista EAC , Meirelles AJA . Author information: (1)School of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, R. Monteiro Lobato 80, 13083-862, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. arieltoledohijo@gmail.com maximo@unicamp.br tomze@unicamp.br. Protic ionic liquid crystals (PILCs) obtained from natural sources are promising compounds due to their peculiar properties and sustainable appeal. However, obtaining PILCs with higher thermal and mechanical stabilities for product and process design is in demand and studies on such approaches using this new IL generation are still scarce. In this context, this work discloses an alternative way for tuning the physicochemical properties of ILCs by mixing PILs. New binary mixtures of PILs derived from fatty acids and 2-hydroxy ethylamines have been synthesized here and investigated through the characterization of the solid-solid-[liquid crystal]-liquid thermodynamic equilibrium and their rheological and critical micellar concentration profiles. The mixtures presented a marked nonideal melting profile with the formation of solid solutions. This work revealed an improvement of the PILCs' properties based on a significant increase in the ILC temperature domain and the obtainment of more stable mesophases at high temperatures when compared to pure PILs. In addition, mixtures of PILs also showed significant changes in their non-Newtonian and viscosity profile up to 100 s-1, as well as mechanical stability over a wide temperature range. The enhancement of the physicochemical properties of PILs here disclosed by such an approach leads to more new possibilities of their industrial application at high temperatures. DOI: 10.1039/c7cp06841g PMID: 29445821 169. FEMS Microbiol Ecol. 2018 Mar 1;94(3). doi: 10.1093/femsec/fiy021. Genomic and physiological characterization and description of Marinobacter gelidimuriae sp. nov., a psychrophilic, moderate halophile from Blood Falls, an antarctic subglacial brine. Chua MJ(1), Campen RL(1), Wahl L(2), Grzymski JJ(3), Mikucki JA(1). Author information: (1)Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA. (2)Department of Environmental Studies, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA. (3)Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV, 89512, USA. Antarctic subice environments are diverse, underexplored microbial habitats. Here, we describe the ecophysiology and annotated genome of a Marinobacter strain isolated from a cold, saline, iron-rich subglacial outflow of the Taylor Glacier, Antarctica. This strain (BF04_CF4) grows fastest at neutral pH (range 6-10), is psychrophilic (range: 0°C-20°C), moderately halophilic (range: 0.8%-15% NaCl) and hosts genes encoding potential low temperature and high salt adaptations. The predicted proteome suggests it utilizes fewer charged amino acids than a mesophilic Marinobacter strain. BF04_CF4 has increased concentrations of membrane unsaturated fatty acids including palmitoleic (33%) and oleic (27.5%) acids that may help maintain cell membrane fluidity at low temperatures. The genome encodes proteins for compatible solute biosynthesis and transport, which are known to be important for growth in saline environments. Physiological verification of predicted metabolic functions demonstrate BF04_CF4 is capable of denitrification and may facilitate iron oxidation. Our data indicate that strain BF04_CF4 represents a new Marinobacter species, Marinobacter gelidimuriae sp. nov., that appears well suited for the subglacial environment it was isolated from. Marinobacter species have been isolated from other cold, saline environments in the McMurdo Dry Valleys and permanently cold environments globally suggesting that this lineage is cosmopolitan and ecologically relevant in icy brines. DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiy021 PMID: 29444218 170. Mov Disord. 2018 Mar;33(3):398-401. doi: 10.1002/mds.27304. Epub 2018 Feb 13. A controversy on the role of short-chain fatty acids in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Mulak A(1). Author information: (1)Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland. DOI: 10.1002/mds.27304 PMID: 29436731 171. Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:989-995. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.079. Epub 2017 Dec 2. Chemical composition and inhibitory activities on dipeptidyl peptidase IV and pancreatic lipase of two underutilized species from the Brazilian Savannah: Oxalis cordata A.St.-Hil. and Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. Oliveira VB(1), Araújo RLB(2), Eidenberger T(3), Brandão MGL(4). Author information: (1)CEPLAMT, Museu de História Natural e Jardim Botânico, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências de Alimentos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil. (2)Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências de Alimentos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Laboratório de Bromatologia, Departamento de Alimentos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil. (3)University of Applied Science Upper Austria, Campus Wels, Stelzhamerstr. 23, 4600 Wels, Austria. (4)CEPLAMT, Museu de História Natural e Jardim Botânico, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências de Alimentos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil. Electronic address: mbrandao@ufmg.br. Brazil has the greatest vegetal biodiversity in the world, but products derived from native species are not optimally utilized. Oxalis cordata and Xylopia aromatica are two underutilized species whose leaves and fruits, respectively, have been used as food in the 19th century. In this study, we used chemical and in vitro assays to evaluate the potential of these species as functional foods. The inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase and DPP-IV were evaluated using the crude extracts and fractions ethyl acetate, butanol and water of these two species. For polyphenols determination, samples were prepared with different solvents and these were analysed by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Finally, fatty acids profile was determinated by gas chromatography. The crude extract (IC50=0.84mg/ml), ethyl acetate extract (IC50=0.88mg/ml) an aqueous fraction (IC50=0.63mg/ml) of C. cordata were inhibitory on pancreatic lipase but inactive against dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). Extracts from X. aromatica were inactive against the lipase pancreatic enzyme, but a butanolic fraction inhibited DPP-IV (IC50=0.71±0.05mg/ml). The phenolic acids orientin/isorientin, chlorogenic acid (0.32g/100g) and the flavonoid derivatives rutin (0.27g/100g), quercetin and luteolin were observed in all products. Additionally, fatty acid quantification showed that oleic (7.5g/100g) and linoleic acid (6.5g/100g) were predominant in X. aromatica fruit. This study confirms the potential for the use of both plants as functional foods due to their nutritional value, biological activity and important phytochemical content. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.079 PMID: 29433298 172. Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:863-872. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.12.020. Epub 2017 Dec 9. Potential application of lipid organogels for food industry. Chaves KF(1), Barrera-Arellano D(2), Ribeiro APB(2). Author information: (1)Fats and Oils Laboratory, School of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: chaves_kamila@yahoo.com.br. (2)Fats and Oils Laboratory, School of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil. Controversial issues regarding the role of trans fatty acids in food have led to progressive changes in the legislation of several countries to include more information for consumers. In response, the industries decided to gradually replace trans fat in various products with the development of fatty bases of equivalent functionality and economic viability to partially hydrogenated fats, causing, however, a substantial increase in the content of saturated fatty acids in foods. Today, the lipid science aims to define alternatives to a problem that is widely discussed by health organizations worldwide: limit the saturated fat content in food available to the population. In this context, organogels have been indicated as a viable alternative to obtain semi-solid fats with reduced content of saturated fatty acids and compatible properties for food application. The objective of this review was to present the studies that address the lipid organogels as an alternative for food application. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.12.020 PMID: 29433283 173. Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:812-820. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.12.012. Epub 2017 Dec 9. Composition of black soldier fly prepupae and systematic approaches for extraction and fractionation of proteins, lipids and chitin. Caligiani A(1), Marseglia A(2), Leni G(3), Baldassarre S(2), Maistrello L(4), Dossena A(1), Sforza S(5). Author information: (1)Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; SITEIA.PARMA, Parma, Italy. (2)SITEIA.PARMA, Parma, Italy. (3)Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy. (4)Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy; BIOGEST-SITEIA, Reggio Emilia, Italy. (5)Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; SITEIA.PARMA, Parma, Italy. Electronic address: stefano.sforza@unipr.it. Black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) constitutes an economic way to convert residual biomasses into a valuable source of biomolecules, such as proteins, lipids and chitin. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of applying different extraction protocols, either chemical extractions or enzymatic assisted extraction, to recover pure fat, protein and chitin fractions. First, exact proximate composition, total amino acids, fatty acids profile, and N-acetylglucosamine content of the prepupae samples were determined. BSF prepupae biomass contained, expressed on dry weight, 32% proteins, 37% lipids, 19% minerals, 9% chitin. The lipid fraction was easily recovered by organic solvents, while the most challenging issue was the separation of protein from chitin. The best separation was obtained by alkali extraction of proteins (96% of protein recovered) albeit with loss in their integrity as indicated by the measurement of the degree of hydrolysis with the o-phthaldialdehyde method. To avoid protein damage in alkali media, a stepwise protein extraction adopting milder conditions was also explored based on Osborne fractionation method, allowing the recovery of >85% of BSF high purity and high quality proteins, and the obtainment of chitin-enriched fraction as well. The possibility of using an enzymatic assisted extraction of proteins was also explored, obtaining a maximum nitrogen solubilisation in the best case (with Bacillus licheniformis protease) of about 60%. In this latter case, the chitin fraction obtained also had a significant residual protein content. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.12.012 PMID: 29433277 174. Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:733-742. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.12.007. Epub 2017 Dec 5. Dynamic correlations between microbiota succession and flavor development involved in the ripening of Kazak artisanal cheese. Zheng X(1), Liu F(2), Shi X(2), Wang B(3), Li K(2), Li B(2), Zhuge B(4). Author information: (1)The Key Lab of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Research Centre of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214122, China; School of Food Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomy Region 832003, China. (2)School of Food Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomy Region 832003, China. (3)School of Food Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomy Region 832003, China. Electronic address: binwang0228@shzu.edu.cn. (4)The Key Lab of Industrial Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Research Centre of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214122, China. Electronic address: bzhuge@jiangnan.edu.cn. Cheese is a typical handcrafted fermented food in Kazak minority from the Uighur Autonomy Region in China. The ripening process of the cheese is crucial for quality and flavor. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper knowledge on the bacterial and fungal community diversity at different time points during the post-ripening of the cheese and to understand the relationship between bacterial and fungal profiles and the chemical components including amino acids, fatty acids and volatile compounds related the cheese flavor. Cheese samples were collected from days 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 after the starting point of post-ripening. The bacterial and fungal compositions were analyzed with next generation sequencing targeting the 16S rDNA loci for bacteria and ITS loci for fungi. The amino acids contents were analyzed by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography combined with UV detection. The fatty acids and the volatile components were analyzed by Solid Phase Micro Extraction followed by Gas Chromatography/Mass spectrometry. We found that Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Kluyveromyces and Torulaspora were the dominant cheese's population. Bidirectional orthogonal partial least squares (O2PLS) based correlation analysis between microbiota succession and flavor dynamics showed that bacteria made more contributions to flavor formation than fungi. Eight bacteria genera and seven fungi genera were determined as functional core microbiota for the flavor production based on their dominance and functionality in microbial community. This study provided a comprehensive picture of the dynamic changes of microbiota profiles through the post-ripening process. The elucidation of the causal relationship between microbiota and the flavor components has advanced our understanding of the mechanism underlying the cheese development. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.12.007 PMID: 29433268 175. Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:713-723. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.12.003. Epub 2017 Dec 5. Flavor profiling of apple ciders from the UK and Scandinavian region. Qin Z(1), Petersen MA(1), Bredie WLP(2). Author information: (1)Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 30, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. (2)Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 30, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. Electronic address: wb@food.ku.dk. The aim of this study was to characterize the flavor profiles of 14 commercial apple ciders from the United Kingdom and Scandinavian region. The flavor properties were established by sensory profiling and analysis of volatile and non-volatile components, including titratable acidity, pH, residual sugars and organic acids. A total of 72 volatile compounds were identified in the 14 apple ciders using dynamic headspace sampling (DHS) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The main volatile compounds found in apple ciders were esters and higher alcohols, followed by aldehydes and fatty acids. Sensory characterizations of the aroma and taste of apple ciders were carried out by a trained sensory panel using descriptive analysis with 23 sensory attributes. The attributes apple, cooked apple, yeasty, sweet and sour were the most predominant sensory descriptors used to describe the similarities and differences in the samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that floral and fruity (fresh apple, banana and pear) odors were highly associated with sweet taste and opposed to the more complex aroma attributes (yeasty, lactic, chemical, mouldy, black pepper and earthy) and sour taste. Most of the UK apple ciders were characterized by these complex odors and taste notes sour, astringent and bitter, whereas ciders from the Scandinavian region had diverse sensory profiles. Partial least squares regression (PLS) based on the sensory and chemical data was able to cluster the ciders according to differences in production methods (oak-aged or spontaneous fermentation; controlled malolactic fermentation; industrial production with flavor modifications). Moreover, this study also suggested that ciders with marked levels of acetate esters were characterized by cooked/fresh apple, citrus and tropical fruit odors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.12.003 PMID: 29433266 176. Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:599-604. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.062. Epub 2017 Nov 26. β-Carotene degradation kinetics as affected by fat crystal network and solid/liquid ratio. Calligaris S(1), Valoppi F(2), Barba L(3), Anese M(1), Nicoli MC(1). Author information: (1)Dipartimento di Scienze Agroalimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università di Udine, via Sondrio 2/a, 33100 Udine, Italy. (2)Dipartimento di Scienze Agroalimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università di Udine, via Sondrio 2/a, 33100 Udine, Italy; Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 34100 Trieste, Italy. Electronic address: fabio.valoppi@helsinki.fi. (3)Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 34100 Trieste, Italy. The aim of this research was to study β-carotene degradation kinetics into lipid systems containing different fat crystal networks in the presence of increasing liquid oil amounts. To this purpose, fat blends containing liquid saturated medium chain triacylglycerols (MCT) with increasing content of saturated monoglycerides (MG), tripalmitin (PPP) and tristearin (SSS) were added with 0.6mg/g β-carotene. The fat crystal networks formed in the fat blends were characterized by using polarized light microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, β-carotene degradation was monitored during storage in the dark at 20°C. Results highlighted that fat crystallization could differently affect β-carotene stability. In bulk SSS and PPP, β-carotene degradation proceeded at comparable rate, whereas when the saturated liquid oil MCT is included in the fat network, the rate of oxidation slightly decreased. Interestingly, the oxidation rate was not significantly affected by the solid/liquid ratio of the systems. A completely different behavior was observed in MG containing systems: the rate of β-carotene oxidation was in every case significantly lower than that observed in SSS and PPP containing samples. Also in this case, the MG protective effect was independent on its content in the fat mixtures. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.062 PMID: 29433253 177. Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:52-58. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.10.046. Epub 2017 Nov 7. Identification of enzyme origin in dough improvers: DNA-based and proteomic approaches. Picariello G(1), Di Stasio L(2), Mamone G(3), Iacomino G(3), Venezia A(3), Iannaccone N(3), Ferranti P(2), Coppola R(4), Addeo F(2). Author information: (1)Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) - Istituto di Scienze dell'Alimentazione, Via Roma 64, I-83100 Avellino, Italy. Electronic address: picariello@isa.cnr.it. (2)Università di Napoli "Federico II" - Dipartimento di Agraria, Parco Gussone, I-80055 Portici, Napoli, Italy. (3)Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) - Istituto di Scienze dell'Alimentazione, Via Roma 64, I-83100 Avellino, Italy. (4)Università del Molise - Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Ambiente e Alimenti (DiAAA), Via F. De Sanctis, I-86100 Campobasso, Italy. Enzymatic dough improvers (DIs) are increasingly used as baking co-adjuvants. Herein, an array of techniques, including Western blotting, PCR, electrophoresis-based and shotgun proteomics, was addressed to identify the enzymes in six commercial DI preparations. In particular, this work sought to exclude the possible undeclared use of amylolytic enzymes from porcine (or other animal origin) pancreas in DIs. PCR-amplified mitochondrial cytochrome b (mt cyt b) gene region and porcine pancreatic α-amylase were the targets of DNA-based and protein methods, respectively, both assuring a limit of detection lower than 0.5-0.1% (w/w). Aspergillum oryzae α-amylase and Hordeum vulgare (barley) β-amylase were the most represented enzymes in all DI samples. Although one sample was PCR-positive, none among the DIs contained porcine pancreatic enzymes. Comparative gas chromatographic analysis of fatty acids suggested that the porcine contamination might arise from hard fats of porcine origin (lard), emphasizing the need of performing analyses at the protein level when the targets are enzymes or proteins. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.10.046 PMID: 29433244 178. Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:507-516. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.061. Epub 2017 Nov 26. Changes in extra-virgin olive oil added with Lycium barbarum L. carotenoids during frying: Chemical analyses and metabolomic approach. Blasi F(1), Rocchetti G(2), Montesano D(3), Lucini L(4), Chiodelli G(4), Ghisoni S(4), Baccolo G(4), Simonetti MS(1), Cossignani L(1). Author information: (1)Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Section of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Perugia, via San Costanzo, 06126 Perugia, Italy. (2)Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy. (3)Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Section of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Perugia, via San Costanzo, 06126 Perugia, Italy. Electronic address: domenico.montesano@unipg.it. (4)Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy. In this work, an Italian extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) sample and the same sample added with a carotenoid-rich nutraceutical extract from Lycium barbarum L. (EVOOCar) were subjected to a frying process to comparatively assess chemical and physical changes and heat stability. Oxidation progress was monitored by measuring oil quality changes such as peroxide value, free acidity, K232, K268, and fatty acid composition as well as minor compound content, phenols, α-tocopherol, and carotenoids. An UHPLC/QTOF-MS metabolomics approach discriminated the two oil samples based on their chemical changes during frying, identifying also the phenolic classes most exposed to statistically significant variations. Partial least square discriminant analysis and volcano analysis were applied together to identify the most significant markers allowing group separation. The decrease in total phenolic content was lower in EVOOCar than in EVOO during frying. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids showed a significant percentage loss, 3.7% and 17.2%, respectively, in EVOO after 180min frying at 180°C, while they remained constant or slightly changed in EVOOCar. Zeaxanthin added to the oil rapidly decreased during the frying process. These findings showed that the addition of a carotenoid extract from L. barbarum can help to improve the oxidative stability of extra-virgin olive oil. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.061 PMID: 29433242 179. Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:41-51. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.10.070. Epub 2017 Nov 9. In vitro digestion behavior of water-in-oil-in-water emulsions with gelled oil-water inner phases. Andrade J(1), Wright AJ(2), Corredig M(3). Author information: (1)Department of Food Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada; Grupo de Engenharia e Espectroscopia de Materiais, Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG 36036-900, Brazil. Electronic address: dr.andradej@gmail.com. (2)Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada. (3)Department of Food Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada. Double emulsions may be able to protect and release in a controlled manner bioactive compounds during digestion of food matrices. It was hypothesized that the physical state and solid content in the inner phases of water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) emulsions may affect the overall stability and the release behavior of bioactives during in vitro digestion. Therefore, hydrophobic (phytosterols or Vitamin D3) and hydrophilic (Vitamin B12) molecules were incorporated in double emulsions prepared either with a liquid (soybean oil - SO) or oil-fat gel (soybean oil+trimyristin - STO) lipid phase and liquid internal aqueous phase. In addition, the impact of a gelled inner aqueous phase was studied, using high methoxyl pectin. W1/O/W2 emulsions were prepared with polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) and sodium caseinate as emulsifiers. After the 30min in vitro gastric stage, all double emulsions showed no significant change in size. Lipid crystals were visible in the STO emulsions. Fat crystallization, and the formation of an oil fat gel, led to coalescence of the inner aqueous droplets. The inner aqueous droplets were no longer visible by confocal microscopy after the initial stages of 2h in vitro duodenal digestion. Fat crystals and droplets of non-spherical shape were also noted in the STO double emulsions up to 25min of in vitro duodenal stage. Overall, the STO emulsions had a higher extent of free fatty acid release and consequent bioactive transfer compared to the SO emulsions. The presence of the medium chain fatty acids (from trimyristin), in addition to the surface-to-core distribution of the hydrophobic bioactives within the oil droplet were key factors in lipid digestibility and bioactive release. The STO and SO samples did not differ in terms of the release of the hydrophilic molecule, vitamin B12, over time. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in the stability of the inner water phase, after gastric digestion, when this phase was gelled with high methoxyl pectin. This work demonstrated that the physical properties of the different internal phases of W1/O/W2 influenced lipid digestion and bioactive transfer kinetics during in vitro digestion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.10.070 PMID: 29433230 180. Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:361-370. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.028. Epub 2017 Nov 21. Metabolite profiling of green, green/red, and red lettuce cultivars: Variation in health beneficial compounds and antioxidant potential. Kim DE(1), Shang X(1), Assefa AD(1), Keum YS(1), Saini RK(2). Author information: (1)Department of Crop Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea. (2)Department of Crop Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: saini1997@konkuk.ac.kr. Salad vegetables, commonly consumed at baby-leaf stages, are the most appropriate and emerging dietary source of antioxidant compounds. Screening and identification of nutrient-rich cultivars can be potentially useful to obtain a nutrient-dense diet. Thus, in this study, we explored the genetic potential of baby leaves of 23 diverse lettuce cultivars for the health-beneficial metabolites. The results showed that the composition and contents of the studied metabolites in lettuces varied significantly between cultivars and were principally dependent on leaf color. All red-leaf cultivars were rich in carotenoids, cyanidin, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, primarily in the form of α-linolenic and linoleic acid,) total phenolic contents (TPC), and antioxidant potential. Among carotenoids, all-E-lutein was found in highest amount, followed by all-E-violaxanthin and all-E-lactucaxanthin, accounting for an average of 30%, 28% and 15% of total carotenoids, respectively. The content of total folate was recorded in the range of 6.51 (cv. Caesar Green) to 9.73μg/g (DW) (cv. Asia Heuk Romaine). The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the cyanidin and other phenolic compounds are the most potent scavengers of ABTS and DPPH radicals. The overall results suggested that all red-leaf lettuce cultivars have a distinct profile of phytoconstituents, which can be used as a nutrient-dense food. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.028 PMID: 29433225 181. Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:210-220. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.10.072. Epub 2017 Dec 20. Effect of hop β-acids as dietary supplement for broiler chickens on meat composition and redox stability. Zawadzki A(1), Alloo C(2), Grossi AB(3), do Nascimento ESP(4), Almeida LC(4), Bogusz Junior S(4), Skibsted LH(5), Cardoso DR(6). Author information: (1)Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São-Carlense 400, CP 780, CEP 13560-970 São Carlos, SP, Brazil; Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, DK 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. (2)Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, DK 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Department of Animal Production, Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Animal Product Quality, Ghent University, Belgium. (3)Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, DK 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. (4)Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São-Carlense 400, CP 780, CEP 13560-970 São Carlos, SP, Brazil. (5)Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, DK 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. Electronic address: ls@food.ku.dk. (6)Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São-Carlense 400, CP 780, CEP 13560-970 São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: drcardoso@iqsc.usp.br. Addition of β-acids extracted from hop at different levels (0, 30mgkg-1, 60mgkg-1, 240mgkg-1) to the diet of broiler chickens demonstrated significant effects on the average concentration of polar metabolites and fatty acids of relevance for meat quality. The largest metabolic differences between control group and chicken fed different levels of β-acids were achieved using 30mgkg-1 of supplement. As determined by EPR spin-trapping, increased redox stability was also obtained for meat from chicken fed 30mgkg-1 of β-acids which also had highest level of endogenous antioxidants, especially anserine, carnosine, NADH and PUFAs. Diet and storage period were found to affect protein oxidation and myosin and actin were recognized as the main targets of protein oxidation. Myofibrillar proteins from chicken fed hop β-acids showed to be less susceptible to oxidation. A moderated level of hop β-acids as dietary supplement accordingly improve the overall redox stability, protecting myofibrillar proteins and fatty acids against oxidation and improve the nutritional properties of meat from broiler chickens. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.10.072 PMID: 29433209 182. Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:197-209. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.013. Epub 2017 Nov 20. Evaluation of the use of multiflora bee pollen on the volatile compounds and sensorial profile of Palomino fino and Riesling white young wines. Amores-Arrocha A(1), Roldán A(2), Jiménez-Cantizano A(2), Caro I(2), Palacios V(2). Author information: (1)Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Cadiz, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), IVAGRO, P.O. Box 40, 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain. Electronic address: antonio.amores@uca.es. (2)Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Technology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Cadiz, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), IVAGRO, P.O. Box 40, 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain. This study investigates the impact of bee pollen on volatile compounds, odour activity values and sensory profiles in Palomino fino and Riesling young white wines. Commercial bee pollen was added to grape must using six different doses (0 (control), 0.1, 0.25, 1, 5, 10 and 20g/L) and fermented under controlled conditions. Volatile compounds were determined with GC and GC-MS chromatography and sensorial analysis using a qualified panel of tasters. Bee pollen produces an increase in volatile compounds depending on the grape variety and the dose applied. It also increases the synthesis of higher alcohols, methanol, esters, acetaldehyde and terpenes, reducing alcohols and fatty acids. Wines with low doses (0.1 and 0.25g/L) showed the higher OAV values (fruity and floral) and scores in overall judgment for the sensory evaluation. High pollen doses decrease fruity character and could result in deviations affecting the sensorial quality. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.013 PMID: 29433208 183. J Agric Food Chem. 2018 Feb 28;66(8):1872-1880. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04779. Epub 2018 Feb 19. Effects of Chain Length and Degree of Unsaturation of Fatty Acids on Structure and in Vitro Digestibility of Starch-Protein-Fatty Acid Complexes. Zheng M(1)(2), Chao C(1)(2), Yu J(1), Copeland L(3), Wang S(1), Wang S(1)(2). Author information: (1)State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tianjin University of Science & Technology , Tianjin 300457, China. (2)College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology , Tianjin 300457, China. (3)Sydney Institute of Agriculture, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney , Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. The effects of chain length and degree of unsaturation of fatty acids (FAs) on structure and in vitro digestibility of starch-protein-FA complexes were investigated in model systems. Studies with the rapid visco analyzer (RVA) showed that the formation of ternary complex resulted in higher viscosities than those of binary complex during the cooling and holding stages. The results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Raman, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the structural differences for ternary complexes were much less than those for binary complexes. Starch-protein-FA complexes presented lower in vitro enzymatic digestibility compared with starch-FAs complexes. We conclude that shorter chain and lower unsaturation FAs favor the formation of ternary complexes but decrease the thermal stability of these complexes. FAs had a smaller effect on the ordered structures of ternary complexes than on those of binary complexes and little effect on enzymatic digestibility of both binary and ternary complexes. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04779 PMID: 29429340 184. Food Chem Toxicol. 2018 Mar;113:287-295. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.01.058. Epub 2018 Feb 5. Feeding of tobacco blend or nicotine induced weight loss associated with decreased adipocyte size and increased physical activity in male mice. Liu M(1), Chuang Key CC(2), Weckerle A(2), Boudyguina E(2), Sawyer JK(2), Gebre AK(2), Spoo W(3), Makwana O(4), Parks JS(5). Author information: (1)Departments of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. Electronic address: mliu@wakehealth.edu. (2)Departments of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. (3)RAI Services Company, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA. (4)Departments of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; RAI Services Company, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA. (5)Departments of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; Biochemistry, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. Electronic address: jparks@wakehealth.edu. Although epidemiological data and results from rodent studies support an inverse relationship between nicotine consumption and body weight, the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. CD-1 mice were fed a basal diet or a basal diet containing low or high dose smokeless tobacco blend or high dose nicotine tartrate for 14 weeks. High dose tobacco blend and nicotine tartrate diets vs. basal diet reduced mouse body weight (16.3% and 19.7%, respectively), epididymal (67.6% and 72.5%, respectively) and brown adipose weight (42% and 38%, respectively), epididymal adipocyte size (46.4% and 41.4%, respectively), and brown adipose tissue lipid droplet abundance, with no elevation of adipose tissue inflammation. High dose tobacco blend and nicotine diets also increased mouse physical activity and decreased respiratory exchange ratio, suggesting that high dose nicotine intake induces adipose tissue triglyceride lipolysis to provide fatty acids as an energy source. Both low and high dose tobacco blend and nicotine diet feeding vs. basal diet increased plasma insulin levels (2.9, 3.6 and 4.3-fold, respectively) and improved blood glucose disposal without affecting insulin sensitivity. Feeding of the high dose tobacco blend or nicotine feeding in mice induces body weight loss likely by increasing physical activity and stimulating adipose tissue triglyceride lipolysis. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd. DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.01.058 PMID: 29421645 185. Eur J Cancer. 2018 Mar;91:107-115. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2017.12.017. Fatty acid profile in peri-prostatic adipose tissue and prostate cancer aggressiveness in African-Caribbean and Caucasian patients. Figiel S(1), Pinault M(1), Domingo I(1), Guimaraes C(1), Guibon R(2), Besson P(1), Tavernier E(3), Blanchet P(4), Multigner L(5), Bruyère F(6), Haillot O(6), Mathieu R(7), Vincendeau S(7), Rioux-Leclercq N(7), Lebdai S(8), Azzouzi AR(8), Perrouin-Verbe MA(9), Fournier G(9), Doucet L(9), Rigaud J(10), Renaudin K(10), Mahéo K(1), Fromont G(11). Author information: (1)Inserm UMR1069 "Nutrition, Croissance et Cancer" Université François Rabelais, Faculté de Médecine, 10 Bd Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France. (2)Inserm UMR1069 "Nutrition, Croissance et Cancer" Université François Rabelais, Faculté de Médecine, 10 Bd Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France; CHRU Bretonneau, Department of Pathology, Tours, France; CHRU Bretonneau, Department of Urology, Tours, France. (3)CHRU Tours, Clinical Investigation Center - INSERM 1415, Tours, France. (4)CHU Pointe à Pitre, Department of Urology, Guadeloupe, France; Inserm UMR1085 - IRSET, Rennes, France. (5)Inserm UMR1085 - IRSET, Rennes, France. (6)CHRU Bretonneau, Department of Pathology, Tours, France; CHRU Bretonneau, Department of Urology, Tours, France. (7)CHU Rennes, Department of Pathology, Rennes, France; CHU Rennes, Department of Urology, Rennes, France. (8)CHU Angers, Department of Urology, Angers, France. (9)CHU Brest, Department of Pathology, Brest, France; CHU Brest, Department of Urology, Brest, France. (10)CHU Nantes, Department of Pathology, Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Department of Urology, Nantes, France. (11)Inserm UMR1069 "Nutrition, Croissance et Cancer" Université François Rabelais, Faculté de Médecine, 10 Bd Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France; CHRU Bretonneau, Department of Pathology, Tours, France; CHRU Bretonneau, Department of Urology, Tours, France. Electronic address: gaelle.fromont-hankard@univ-tours.fr. BACKGROUND: Genetic and nutritional factors have been linked to the risk of aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). The fatty acid (FA) composition of peri-prostatic adipose tissue (PPAT), which reflects the past FA intake, is potentially involved in PCa progression. We analysed the FA composition of PPAT, in correlation with the ethno-geographical origin of the patients and markers of tumour aggressiveness. METHODS: From a cohort of 1000 men treated for PCa by radical prostatectomy, FA composition of PPAT was analysed in 156 patients (106 Caucasians and 50 African-Caribbeans), 78 with an indolent tumour (ISUP group 1 + pT2 + PSA <10 ng/mL) and 78 with an aggressive tumour (ISUP group 4-5 + pT3). The effect of FA extracted from PPAT on in-vitro migration of PCa cells DU145 was studied in 72 patients, 36 Caucasians, and 36 African-Caribbeans. RESULTS: FA composition differed according to the ethno-geographical origin. Linoleic acid, an essential n-6 FA, was 2-fold higher in African-Caribbeans compared with Caucasian patients, regardless of disease aggressiveness. In African-Caribbeans, the FA profile associated with PCa aggressiveness was characterised by low level of linoleic acid along with high levels of saturates. In Caucasians, a weak and negative association was observed between eicosapentaenoic acid level (an n-3 FA) and disease aggressiveness. In-vitro migration of PCa cells using PPAT from African-Caribbean patients was associated with lower content of linoleic acid. CONCLUSION: These results highlight an important ethno-geographical variation of PPAT, in both their FA content and association with tumour aggressiveness. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2017.12.017 PMID: 29413967 186. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2018 Mar 1;1077-1078:35-43. doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.01.014. Epub 2018 Jan 31. Analysis of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and plasmalogen molecular species in food lipids using an improved 2D high-performance liquid chromatography system. Takahashi R(1), Nakaya M(2), Kotaniguchi M(3), Shojo A(4), Kitamura S(5). Author information: (1)Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai 599-8531, Japan; YMC Co., Ltd., 284 Daigo-cho, Karasuma Nishiiru Gojo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8106, Japan. (2)Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai 599-8531, Japan; International Polysaccharide Engineering Inc., 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai 599-8570, Japan; Department of Food and Nutrition Management Studies, Faculty of Human Development, Soai University, 4-4-1 Nanko-naka, Suminoe-ku, Osaka 559-0033, Japan. (3)Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai 599-8531, Japan; International Polysaccharide Engineering Inc., 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai 599-8570, Japan. (4)Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai 599-8531, Japan; Department of Food and Nutrition Management Studies, Faculty of Human Development, Soai University, 4-4-1 Nanko-naka, Suminoe-ku, Osaka 559-0033, Japan. (5)Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai 599-8531, Japan. Electronic address: skita@bioinfo.osakafu-u.ac.jp. Phospholipids are an important class of lipids in cell membranes and food. Several high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods have been developed to analyze phospholipids at the molecular species level. We developed a two-dimensional HPLC system with a charged aerosol detector and mass spectrometry (MS) to analyze phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and their plasmalogens (pls) extracted from food materials. Accordingly, the phospholipid molecular species can be analyzed in a single step despite using smaller samples. We confirmed that chromatogram peaks from soybean lecithin are mostly baseline separated, assigned, and quantified (24 molecular species for PE and 27 for PC). In addition, it was confirmed that chromatograms of lipids extracted from chicken breast meat include plasmalogen peaks. The PE fraction in lipids extracted from chicken breast meat contained 17 types of ethanolamine plasmalogens, corresponding to approximately 57% of the total by weight. The PC fraction contained only four choline plasmalogens, corresponding to approximately 11% of the total weight. The composition of the pls-PC molecular species differed from that of pls-PEs. The polyunsaturated fatty acids connected at the sn-2 positions of the pls-PEs consisted of 20.5% 20:4 fatty acid and were independent of the carbon chain at the sn-1 position. However, the 18:1 fatty acid at the sn-2 position was dependent on the carbon chain at the sn-1 position. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.01.014 PMID: 29413575 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 187. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2018 Mar;47(1):155-177. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2017.09.007. Epub 2017 Dec 7. Nutritional Interventions in the Patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Limketkai BN(1), Wolf A(2), Parian AM(3). Author information: (1)Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Alway M211, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. Electronic address: berkeley.limketkai@gmail.com. (2)Department of Clinical Nutrition, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, 300 Pasteur Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA. (3)Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Nutritional strategies have been explored as primary or adjunct therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Exclusive enteral nutrition is effective for the induction of remission in Crohn disease and is recommended as a first-line therapy for children. Dietary strategies focus on adjusting the ratio of consumed nutrients that are proinflammatory or antiinflammatory. Treatments with dietary supplements focus on the antiinflammatory effects of the individual supplements (eg, curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D) or their positive effects on the intestinal microbiome (eg, prebiotics, probiotics). This article discusses the role of diets and dietary supplements in the treatment of IBD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2017.09.007 PMID: 29413010 188. J Food Sci. 2018 Mar;83(3):831-836. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.14065. Epub 2018 Feb 7. Shelf to Health: Does Product Innovation Change National Estimates of Dietary Impacts? Taylor CA(1), Watowicz RP(2), Spees CK(1), Hooker NH(3). Author information: (1)Medical Dietetics & Health Sciences, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State Univ., Columbus, Ohio 43210, U.S.A. (2)School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve Univ., 2109 Adelbert Rd, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, U.S.A. (3)John Glenn College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State Univ., Columbus, Ohio 43210, U.S.A. This paper presents a simulation process to augment nutrition surveillance in the United States which incorporates product innovation data. Traditional point-estimates of nutritional quality in a food category are compared to those based on distributions of nutrient compositions using product-level variability seen in the market. Nationally representative consumption patterns provide dietary intakes. Cookies are used as an example food category. Nutrient composition data from Global New Product Database (GNPD) for 5259 cookies launched 2005 to 2012 were matched to dietary intakes from 2005 to 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) over the 2 y cycles of NHANES for 8284 cookie consumers. Average dietary intakes from traditional NHANES and GNPD-based estimations produced similar mean values for energy, carbohydrates, sugars, total fat, and protein. Saturated fat, fiber and cholesterol contributions using new product compositions were significantly higher than traditional NHANES approaches, estimates of sodium were significantly lower. These differences become pronounced when comparing adult and child consumption patterns and over time. This process also simulated trans fat consumption estimates not traditionally available within NHANES. On average cookies contributed 0.3 g/d (range 0 to 4.1 g/d). Much variability in food composition is seen in the market which is shown to influence estimates of the national diet.PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Numerous factors drive changes in the food supply, including health trends, firm strategic choices, and food policy. This evolution presents a challenge for dietary assessments and nutrition monitoring. The public health impact of variability in nutritional composition, subpopulation consumption patterns and market dynamics are particularly difficult to evaluate and are shown to influence estimates of the national diet. © 2018 Institute of Food Technologists®. DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.14065 PMID: 29412459 189. J Food Sci. 2018 Mar;83(3):854-863. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.14038. Epub 2018 Feb 7. Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Kenaf Seed Oil, Macroemulsion, and Nanoemulsion in High-Cholesterol Diet Induced Rats. Cheong AM(1), Jessica Koh JX(1), Patrick NO(2), Tan CP(3), Nyam KL(1). Author information: (1)Dept. of Food Science with Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI Univ., 5600, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (2)Dept. of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI Univ., 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (3)Dept. of Food Technology, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Univ. Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of kenaf seed oil (KSO), kenaf seed oil-in-water macroemulsion (KSOM), kenaf seed oil-in-water nanoemulsions (KSON), and emulsifier mixtures (EM) on serum lipid profile, liver oxidative status, and histopathological changes in high-cholesterol fed rats. Stability and characteristic of KSOM and KSON were carried out prior to in vivo study. Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 7 groups (6 rats each) and induced hypercholesterolemia by feeding high cholesterol diet (HCD) for 14 days prior to treatments. Different treatments were introduced on day 15 to 29 while supplemented with HCD and removal of HCD during treatment on day 30 to 43, except for HCD group. Body weight and serum lipid profiles were measured at 3 different points: after hypercholesterolemia was induced, on day 29, and at the end of the experiment. Relative liver weight, atherogenic index, coronary risk index, and fecal total bile acids were also determined at the end of experiment. KSON showed significantly higher stability than KSOM and FTIR exhibited good encapsulation of KSO after 1.5 years of storage. Serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipid peroxidation levels in HCD group without treatment were significantly higher compared to normal control group and all treatment groups. All samples demonstrated hypocholesterolemic effect, but KSON exhibited higher efficiency in cholesterol-lowering properties, weight control and decreased liver fat as confirmed by histopathological evaluation. The overall results revealed that the efficacy of different treatments was in descending order of KSON, KSO, KSOM, and EM.PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Kenaf seed oil-in-water nanoemulsion (KSON) has the potential to be used as a natural alternative to the synthetic hypocholesterolemic drug in the future. However, larger sample size and clinical trial are needed to confirm on this potential application. In addition, treatment with KSON was suggested to prevent cardiovascular disease and fatty liver. © 2018 Institute of Food Technologists®. DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.14038 PMID: 29412455 190. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2018 Mar;8(1):5-16. doi: 10.1007/s13555-018-0221-x. Epub 2018 Feb 6. Nutraceuticals: A Review. Souyoul SA(1), Saussy KP(2), Lupo MP(3). Author information: (1)Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology, New Orleans, LA, USA. drsouyoul@drmarylupo.com. (2)Department of Internal Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA. (3)Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology, New Orleans, LA, USA. Skin aging is continuously influenced by various internal and external factors such as the biologic progression of cells, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, tobacco, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances that lead to the degradation of skin cells. Through the degradation of skin cells, free radicals and inflammation weaken repair mechanisms and result in collagen and elastic fiber breakdown. The appearance of aging skin is highlighted by skin roughness, wrinkling, pigmentation change, telangiectasias, loss of elasticity, and decreased firmness, all of which are accelerated by these internal and external factors. Throughout the years, nutraceuticals have been studied to delay and fight against these internal and external factors, many of which are found in foods and byproducts consumed naturally. The aim of this review is to aid dermatologists in understanding the mechanism of action of popular nutraceuticals and their possible efficacy in antiaging and skin health. DOI: 10.1007/s13555-018-0221-x PMCID: PMC5825326 PMID: 29411317 191. Ann Surg. 2018 Mar;267(3):576-584. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000002097. Pathophysiological Response to Burn Injury in Adults. Stanojcic M(1), Abdullahi A, Rehou S, Parousis A, Jeschke MG. Author information: (1)Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Ross Tilley Burn Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the hypermetabolic, and inflammatory trajectories in burned adults to gain insight into the pathophysiological alterations and outcomes after injury. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Burn injury leads to a complex response that is associated with hypermetabolism, morbidity, and mortality. The underlying pathophysiology and the correlations between humoral changes and organ function have not been well delineated in adult burn patients. METHODS: Burned adult patients (n = 1288) admitted to our center from 2006 to 2016 were enrolled in this prospective study. Demographics, clinical data, metabolic and inflammatory markers, hypermetabolism, organ function, and clinical outcomes were obtained throughout acute hospitalization. We then stratified patients according to burn size (<20%, 20% to 40%, and >40% total body surface area [TBSA]) and compared biomedical profiles and clinical outcomes for these patients. RESULTS: Burn patients were hypermetabolic with elevated resting energy expenditure (REE) associated with increased browning of white adipose tissue from weeks 2 to 4. Hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia peaked 7 to 14 days after injury. Oral glucose tolerance and insulin resistance (QUICKI, HOMA2) tests further confirmed these findings with similar areas under the curve for moderate (20% to 40% TBSA) and severe burn (>40% TBSA). Lipid metabolism in sera revealed elevated pro-inflammatory stearic and linoleic acid, with complementary increases in anti-inflammatory free fatty acids. Similar increases were observed for inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and metabolic hormones. White adipose tissue from the site of injury had increased ER stress, mitochondrial damage, and inflammasome activity, which was exacerbated with increasing burn severity. CONCLUSIONS: In this large prospective trial, we delineated the complexity of the pathophysiologic responses postburn in adults and concluded that these profound responses are time and burn size dependent. Patients with medium-size (20% to 40% TBSA) burn demonstrated a very robust response that is similar to large burns. DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000002097 PMID: 29408836 192. Aquat Toxicol. 2018 Mar;196:104-116. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.01.012. Epub 2018 Feb 3. Environmentally-realistic concentration of cadmium combined with polyunsaturated fatty acids enriched diets modulated non-specific immunity in rainbow trout. Cornet V(1), Ouaach A(2), Mandiki SNM(2), Flamion E(2), Ferain A(3), Van Larebeke M(3), Lemaire B(3), Reyes López FE(4), Tort L(4), Larondelle Y(3), Kestemont P(2). Author information: (1)Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), University of Namur (UNamur), 5000 Namur, Belgium. Electronic address: valerie.cornet@unamur.be. (2)Research Unit in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology (URBE), University of Namur (UNamur), 5000 Namur, Belgium. (3)Institute of Life Sciences, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. (4)Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain. Nutrition is crucial to grow healthy fish particularly in a context of pollution, overcrowding and pathogen risks. Nowadays, the search for food components able to improve fish health is increasingly developing. Here, the influence of four dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) on the sensitivity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles to environmentally realistic cadmium (Cd, 0.3 μg/L) concentration was investigated. Fish diets were designed to ensure the specific abundance of one of these individual PUFAs, and were given for a 4-week pre-conditioning period followed by a 6-week Cd exposure period. Focus was put on growth performance and immune responses following a short (24 h) and a long-term (6 weeks) Cd exposure. For each experimental condition, some fish were submitted to a bacterial challenge (24 h) with Aeromonas salmonicida achromogenes at the end of Cd conditioning period. DHA-enriched diet improved growth performances as compared to LA-enriched diet, but also increased ROS production (after short-term exposure to Cd) that could lead to a higher inflammation status, and some immunity-related genes (at short and long-term exposure). We notably highlighted the fact that even a low, environmentally-realistic concentration, Cd can strongly impact the immune system of rainbow trout, and that specific dietary PUFA enrichment strategies can improve growth performance (DHA-enriched diet), provide protection against oxidative stress (ALA- and EPA-enriched diet) and stimulate non-specific immunity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.01.012 PMID: 29407798 193. J Plant Physiol. 2018 Mar;222:39-50. doi: 10.1016/j.jplph.2018.01.004. Epub 2018 Feb 3. UV-B radiation modulates physiology and lipophilic metabolite profile in Olea europaea. Celeste Dias M(1), Pinto DCGA(2), Correia C(3), Moutinho-Pereira J(3), Oliveira H(4), Freitas H(5), Silva AMS(2), Santos C(6). Author information: (1)Department of Life Sciences & CFE, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Chemistry & QOPNA, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal. Electronic address: celeste.dias@uc.pt. (2)Department of Chemistry & QOPNA, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal. (3)Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Apt. 1013, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal. (4)Department Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry & CICECO, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal. (5)Department of Life Sciences & CFE, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal. (6)Department of Biology, LAQV/REQUIMTE, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation plays an important role in plant photomorphogenesis. Whilst the morpho-functional disorders induced by excessive UV irradiation are well-known, it remains unclear how this irradiation modulates the metabolome, and which metabolic shifts improve plants' tolerance to UV-B. In this study, we use an important Mediterranean crop, Olea europaea, to decipher the impacts of enhanced UV-B radiation on the physiological performance and lipophilic metabolite profile. Young olive plants (cv. 'Galega Vulgar') were exposed for five days to UV-B biologically effective doses of 6.5 kJ m-2 d-1 and 12.4 kJ m-2 d-1. Cell cycle/ploidy, photosynthesis and oxidative stress, as well as GC-MS metabolites were assessed. Both UV-B treatments impaired net CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate, photosynthetic pigments, and RuBisCO activity, but 12.4 kJ m-2 d-1 also decreased the photochemical quenching (qP) and the effective efficiency of PSII (ΦPSII). UV-B treatments promoted mono/triperpene pathways, while only 12.4 kJ m-2 d-1 increased fatty acids and alkanes, and decreased geranylgeranyl-diphosphate. The interplay between physiology and metabolomics suggests some innate ability of these plants to tolerate moderate UV-B doses (6.5 kJ m-2 d-1). Also their tolerance to higher doses (12.4 kJ m-2 d-1) relies on plants' metabolic adjustments, where the accumulation of specific compounds such as long-chain alkanes, palmitic acid, oleic acid and particularly oleamide (which is described for the first time in olive leaves) play an important protective role. This is the first study demonstrating photosynthetic changes and lipophilic metabolite adjustments in olive leaves under moderate and high UV-B doses. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2018.01.004 PMID: 29407548 194. Cell Biochem Funct. 2018 Mar;36(2):65-79. doi: 10.1002/cbf.3318. Epub 2018 Feb 5. Autophagy is essential for the maintenance of amino acids and ATP levels during acute amino acid starvation in MDAMB231 cells. Thomas M(1), Davis T(1), Loos B(1), Sishi B(1), Huisamen B(2)(3), Strijdom H(2), Engelbrecht AM(1). Author information: (1)Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa. (2)Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. (3)Diabetes Discovery Platform, Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa. Autophagy plays a major role in the adaptive metabolic response of cancer cells during adverse conditions such as nutrient deprivation. However, specific data that assess metabolite profiles in context with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) availability and cell death susceptibility remain limited. Human breast cancer cells, MDAMB231, and normal breast epithelial cells, MCF12A, were subjected to short-term amino acid starvation and the cellular apoptotic and autophagic responses assessed. The role of autophagy in the control of cellular amino acid, ATP, free fatty acid, and glucose levels during amino acid starvation were compared. We demonstrate that breast cancer cells have an increased metabolic demand contributing to significant amino acid and ATP depletion in a nutrient-poor environment. Upregulation of autophagy was important for the generation of amino acids and free fatty acids and maintenance of cellular ATP levels. In contrast to normal cells, breast cancer cells were unable to maintain the response after 12 hours of amino acid starvation. Regulation of autophagic activity in these environments had indirect consequences on cell death susceptibility. Overall, our data provide support for autophagy as an important survival mechanism capable of providing metabolic substrates when cancer cells are faced with nutrient-deprived environments.SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY: The results obtained in this study helps to expand our current knowledge on how cells respond to environmental changes; the biochemical and metabolic consequences and the physiological processes activated in response. The environmental stress applied in this study is relevant to tumour physiology, and results can be translated to cancer therapeutic and clinical research areas, ultimately assisting in the specific targeting of cancer cells while avoiding harm to normal cells. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3318 PMID: 29399832 195. J Agric Food Chem. 2018 Feb 28;66(8):1751-1759. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04704. Epub 2018 Feb 16. Sunflower Oil and Nannochloropsis oculata Microalgae as Sources of Unsaturated Fatty Acids for Mitigation of Methane Production and Enhancing Diets' Nutritive Value. Gomaa AS(1), Kholif AE(1), Kholif AM(1), Salama R(2), El-Alamy HA(1), Olafadehan OA(3). Author information: (1)Dairy Science Department, National Research Centre , 33 Bohouth St. Dokki, Giza, Egypt. (2)Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University , Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt. (3)Department of Animal Science, University of Abuja , Abuja, Nigeria. The objective of this assay was to investigate the effect of adding sunflower oil, Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae and their mixture at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% to three total mixed rations (TMRs) with different concentrate:forage ratios (40C:60F, 50C:50F, and 60C:40F) on in vitro gas production (GP), methane (CH4) production, and nutrient degradability. Asymptotic GP, GP rate, CH4 concentration/g acid detergent fiber (ADF), dry matter (DM) degradability (DMD), short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and ruminal bacteria population increased, but neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradability (NDFD), ADF degradability (ADFD), and protozoa count decreased with increasing concentrate level in the TMR. Methane production/g DM and NDF was higher for 50C:50F TMR. Sunflower oil reduced asymptotic GP, lag time, CH4 production/g ADF, ammonia-N (NH3-N), and SCFA. Compared to the control treatments, additives decreased GP rate, while sunflower oil/N. oculata mixture increased DMD and NDFD. All additives at 5% increased GP rate and lag time and decreased CH4 production/g DM, ADF, and NDF, ruminal NH3-N, and protozoa count. All additives at 2% increased DMD, NDFD and ADFD, SCFA, and bacteria population. Supplementation of TMR, containing different concentrate:forage ratios, with sunflower oil, N. oculata, and sunflower oil/N. oculata mixture at different doses modified in vitro GP, CH4 production, and nutrient degradability. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04704 PMID: 29397713 196. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2018 Mar;102(5):2101-2116. doi: 10.1007/s00253-017-8732-4. Epub 2018 Feb 3. Anaerobiosis revisited: growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under extremely low oxygen availability. da Costa BLV(1)(2), Basso TO(2), Raghavendran V(1)(3), Gombert AK(4). Author information: (1)School of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato 80, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil. (2)Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto 380, São Paulo, SP, 05508-010, Brazil. (3)Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, 412 96, Göteborg, Sweden. (4)School of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato 80, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil. gombert@unicamp.br. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae plays an important role in biotechnological applications, ranging from fuel ethanol to recombinant protein production. It is also a model organism for studies on cell physiology and genetic regulation. Its ability to grow under anaerobic conditions is of interest in many industrial applications. Unlike industrial bioreactors with their low surface area relative to volume, ensuring a complete anaerobic atmosphere during microbial cultivations in the laboratory is rather difficult. Tiny amounts of O2 that enter the system can vastly influence product yields and microbial physiology. A common procedure in the laboratory is to sparge the culture vessel with ultrapure N2 gas; together with the use of butyl rubber stoppers and norprene tubing, O2 diffusion into the system can be strongly minimized. With insights from some studies conducted in our laboratory, we explore the question 'how anaerobic is anaerobiosis?'. We briefly discuss the role of O2 in non-respiratory pathways in S. cerevisiae and provide a systematic survey of the attempts made thus far to cultivate yeast under anaerobic conditions. We conclude that very few data exist on the physiology of S. cerevisiae under anaerobiosis in the absence of the anaerobic growth factors ergosterol and unsaturated fatty acids. Anaerobicity should be treated as a relative condition since complete anaerobiosis is hardly achievable in the laboratory. Ideally, researchers should provide all the details of their anaerobic set-up, to ensure reproducibility of results among different laboratories. DOI: 10.1007/s00253-017-8732-4 PMID: 29397429 197. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2018 Mar;28(3):197-205. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2017.11.001. Epub 2017 Nov 13. Hypertriglyceridemia and omega-3 fatty acids: Their often overlooked role in cardiovascular disease prevention. Arca M(1), Borghi C(2), Pontremoli R(3), De Ferrari GM(4), Colivicchi F(5), Desideri G(6), Temporelli PL(7). Author information: (1)Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy. Electronic address: marcello.arca@uniroma1.it. (2)Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Università di Bologna, Ospedale Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy. (3)Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università di Genova, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy. (4)Unità Coronarica e Laboratori Sperimentazione e Ricerca, Centro Clinico di Ricerca Cardiovascolare, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy. (5)UOC Cardiologia, Ospedale S. Filippo Neri, ASL ROMA 1, Roma, Italy. (6)Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. (7)Divisione di Cardiologia Riabilitativa, ICS Maugeri, IRCCS, Veruno-NO, Italy. AIMS: This review aims to describe the pathogenic role of triglycerides in cardiometabolic risk, and the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids in the management of hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular disease. DATA SYNTHESIS: In epidemiological studies, hypertriglyceridemia correlates with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, even after adjustment for low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. This has been further supported by Mendelian randomization studies where triglyceride-raising common single nucleotide polymorphisms confer an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Although guidelines vary in their definition of hypertriglyceridemia, they consistently define a normal triglyceride level as <150 mg/dL (or <1.7 mmol/L). For patients with moderately elevated triglyceride levels, LDL-C remains the primary target for treatment in both European and US guidelines. However, since any triglyceride level in excess of normal increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, even in patients with optimally managed LDL-C levels, triglycerides are an important secondary target in both assessment and treatment. Dietary changes are a key element of first-line lifestyle intervention, but pharmacological treatment including omega-3 fatty acids may be indicated in people with persistently high triglyceride levels. Moreover, in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, omega-3 supplements significantly reduce the risk of sudden death, cardiac death and myocardial infarction and are generally well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting resistant hypertriglyceridemia should be considered as a part of clinical management of cardiovascular risk. Omega-3 fatty acids may represent a valuable resource to this aim. Copyright © 2017 The Italian Society of Diabetology, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2017.11.001 PMID: 29397253 198. Mol Genet Metab. 2018 Mar;123(3):364-374. doi: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2018.01.008. Epub 2018 Jan 31. Cutis laxa, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and altered cellular metabolomics as additional symptoms in a new patient with ATP6AP1-CDG. Dimitrov B(1), Himmelreich N(1), Hipgrave Ederveen AL(2), Lüchtenborg C(3), Okun JG(1), Breuer M(1), Hutter AM(1), Carl M(4), Guglielmi L(4), Hellwig A(5), Thiemann KC(1), Jost M(1), Peters V(1), Staufner C(1), Hoffmann GF(1), Hackenberg A(6), Paramasivam N(7), Wiemann S(8), Eils R(9), Schlesner M(10), Strahl S(11), Brügger B(3), Wuhrer M(2), Christoph Korenke G(12), Thiel C(13). Author information: (1)Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Im Neuenheimer Feld 669, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. (2)Leiden University Medical Center, Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, Netherlands. (3)Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH), Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. (4)Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; Laboratory of Translational Neurogenetics, Center for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, 39123 Trento, Italy. (5)Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. (6)Division of Pediatric Neurology, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland. (7)Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Bioinformatics and Omics Data Analytics (B240), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. (8)Genomics & Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. (9)Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), BioQuant, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Bioinformatics and Omics Data Analytics (B240), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. (10)Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Bioinformatics and Omics Data Analytics (B240), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. (11)Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Glycobiology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 360, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. (12)Klinikum Oldenburg, Zentrum für Kinder-und Jugendmedizin, Klinik für Neuropädiatrie u. angeborene Stoffwechselerkrankungen, Rahel-Straus-Straße 10, 26133 Oldenburg, Germany. (13)Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Department I, Im Neuenheimer Feld 669, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. Electronic address: christian.thiel@med.uni-heidelberg.de. Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are genetic defects in the glycoconjugate biosynthesis. >100 types of CDG are known, most of them cause multi-organ diseases. Here we describe a boy whose leading symptoms comprise cutis laxa, pancreatic insufficiency and hepatosplenomegaly. Whole exome sequencing identified the novel hemizygous mutation c.542T>G (p.L181R) in the X-linked ATP6AP1, an accessory protein of the mammalian vacuolar H+-ATPase, which led to a general N-glycosylation deficiency. Studies of serum N-glycans revealed reduction of complex sialylated and appearance of truncated diantennary structures. Proliferation of the patient's fibroblasts was significantly reduced and doubling time prolonged. Additionally, there were alterations in the fibroblasts' amino acid levels and the acylcarnitine composition. Especially, short-chain species were reduced, whereas several medium- to long-chain acylcarnitines (C14-OH to C18) were elevated. Investigation of the main lipid classes revealed that total cholesterol was significantly enriched in the patient's fibroblasts at the expense of phophatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Within the minor lipid species, hexosylceramide was reduced, while its immediate precursor ceramide was increased. Since catalase activity and ACOX3 expression in peroxisomes were reduced, we assume an ATP6AP1-dependent impact on the β-oxidation of fatty acids. These results help to understand the complex clinical characteristics of this new patient. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2018.01.008 PMID: 29396028 199. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2018 Mar;73(1):54-60. doi: 10.1007/s11130-018-0652-7. Effects of Blackcurrant and Dietary Fibers on Large Intestinal Health Biomarkers in Rats. Paturi G(1), Butts CA(2), Monro JA(2), Hedderley D(2). Author information: (1)The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 92169, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. gunaranjan.paturi@plantandfood.co.nz. (2)The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 11600, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand. This study examined the effects of anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant extract and dietary fibers individually and their combinations on biomarkers of large intestinal health in rats. After six weeks of feeding, rats fed diets with blackcurrant gained significantly less body weight and reduced their food intake resulting in a lower food efficiency compared with those rats fed control diets. Combining dietary fiber (apple or broccoli) with blackcurrant in the diet was more effective in reducing the body weight gain and food intake. Cecal bacterial populations and short-chain fatty acids differed between the experimental diets. Blackcurrants significantly altered the bacterial populations by increasing the abundance of Bacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonas group and Lactobacillus spp., while decreasing the abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. and Clostridium perfringens. Propionic acid concentrations were increased by the diets with blackcurrant. Butyric acid concentrations were increased by dietary fiber supplementation. Dietary fiber increased the number of goblet cells in the colon. Diets with blackcurrant were more effective in altering the biomarkers of large intestinal health than those without blackcurrant. DOI: 10.1007/s11130-018-0652-7 PMID: 29388158 200. Biochem Biophys Rep. 2018 Jan 28;13:78-82. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2018.01.006. eCollection 2018 Mar. Crystal structure analysis of human serum albumin complexed with sodium 4-phenylbutyrate. Kawai A(1), Yamasaki K(1)(2), Enokida T(1), Miyamoto S(1), Otagiri M(1)(2). Author information: (1)Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sojo University, 4-22-1 Ikeda, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto 860-0082, Japan. (2)DDS Research Institute, Sojo University, 4-22-1 Ikeda, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto 860-0082, Japan. Sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (PB) is an orphan drug for the treatment of urea cycle disorders. It also inhibits the development of endoplasmic reticulum stress, the action of histone deacetylases and as a regulator of the hepatocanalicular transporter. PB is generally considered to have the potential for use in the treatment of the diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic diseases. In a previous study, we reported that PB is primarily bound to human serum albumin (HSA) in plasma and its binding site is drug site 2. However, details of the binding mode of PB to HSA remain unknown. To address this issue, we examined the crystal structure of HSA with PB bound to it. The structure of the HSA-PB complex indicates that the binding mode of PB to HSA is quite similar to that for octanoate or drugs that bind to drug site 2, as opposed to that for other medium-chain length of fatty acids. These findings provide useful basic information related to drug-HSA interactions. Moreover, the information presented herein is valuable in terms of providing safe and efficient treatment and diagnosis in clinical settings. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2018.01.006 PMCID: PMC5789167 PMID: 29387812
201. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2018 Mar;82(3):489-496. doi: 10.1080/09168451.2018.1429886. Epub 2018 Jan 31. Effect of a combination of inulin and polyphenol-containing adzuki bean extract on intestinal fermentation in vitro and in vivo. Nagata R(1)(2), Echizen M(1), Yamaguchi Y(1), Han KH(1), Shimada K(1), Ohba K(3), Kitano-Okada T(3), Nagura T(4), Uchino H(4), Fukushima M(1). Author information: (1)a Department of Life and Food Sciences , Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine , Obihiro , Japan. (2)b The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences , Iwate University , Morioka , Japan. (3)c Cosmo Foods Co., Ltd. , Tokyo , Japan. (4)d Research Center , Nippon Beet Sugar Mfg. Co., Ltd. , Obihiro , Japan. The effect of a combination of inulin (INU) and polyphenol-containing adzuki bean extract (AE) on intestinal fermentation was examined in vitro using fermenters for 48 h and in vivo using rats for 28 d. The total short-chain fatty acid concentrations in the fermenters were decreased by a combination of INU and AE, but the concentration in the INU + AE group was higher than the cellulose (CEL) and CEL + AE groups. The cecal propionate concentration was increased by a combination of INU and AE compared with their single supplement. The ammonia-nitrogen concentration in the fermenters and rat cecum was decreased by INU and AE. Cecal mucin levels were increased by INU and AE respectively. Therefore, our observations suggested that the combination of INU and AE might be a material of functional food that includes several healthy effects through intestinal fermentation. DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2018.1429886 PMID: 29383988 202. Langmuir. 2018 Feb 27;34(8):2764-2773. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b03541. Epub 2018 Feb 13. Manipulating the Ordered Nanostructure of Self-Assembled Monoolein and Phytantriol Nanoparticles with Unsaturated Fatty Acids. Tran N(1), Mulet X(1), Hawley AM(2), Fong C(1), Zhai J, Le TC, Ratcliffe J(1), Drummond CJ. Author information: (1)CSIRO Manufacturing , Clayton, Victoria 3149, Australia. (2)Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO , Clayton, Victoria 3149, Australia. Mesophase structures of self-assembled lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles are important factors that directly influence their ability to encapsulate and release drugs and their biological activities. However, it is difficult to predict and precisely control the mesophase behavior of these materials, especially in complex systems with several components. In this study, we report the controlled manipulation of mesophase structures of monoolein (MO) and phytantriol (PHYT) nanoparticles by adding unsaturated fatty acids (FAs). By using high throughput formulation and small-angle X-ray scattering characterization methods, the effects of FAs chain length, cis-trans isomerism, double bond location, and level of chain unsaturation on self-assembled systems are determined. Additionally, the influence of temperature on the phase behavior of these nanoparticles is analyzed. We found that in general, the addition of unsaturated FAs to MO and PHYT induces the formation of mesophases with higher Gaussian surface curvatures. As a result, a rich variety of lipid polymorphs are found to correspond with the increasing amounts of FAs. These phases include inverse bicontinuous cubic, inverse hexagonal, and discrete micellar cubic phases and microemulsion. However, there are substantial differences between the phase behavior of nanoparticles with trans FA, cis FAs with one double bond, and cis FAs with multiple double bonds. Therefore, the material library produced in this study will assist the selection and development of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems with desired mesophase. DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b03541 PMID: 29381863 203. J Clin Invest. 2018 Feb 26. pii: 95864. doi: 10.1172/JCI95864. [Epub ahead of print] IRE1α RNase-dependent lipid homeostasis promotes survival in Myc-transformed cancers. Xie H(1)(2), Tang CA(3), Song JH(1)(4), Mancuso A(1), Del Valle JR(5), Cao J(6)(7)(8), Xiang Y(1), Dang CV(1), Lan R(1), Sanchez DJ(1)(4), Keith B(1)(2), Hu CA(3), Simon MC(1)(4). Author information: (1)Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and. (2)Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. (3)The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. (4)Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. (5)Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA. (6)Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. (7)Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, and. (8)Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. Myc activation is a primary oncogenic event in many human cancers; however, these transcription factors are difficult to inhibit pharmacologically, suggesting that Myc-dependent downstream effectors may be more tractable therapeutic targets. Here, we show that Myc overexpression induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and engages the inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α)/X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) pathway through multiple molecular mechanisms in a variety of c-Myc- and N-Myc-dependent cancers. In particular, Myc-overexpressing cells require IRE1α/XBP1 signaling for sustained growth and survival in vitro and in vivo, dependent on elevated stearoyl-CoA-desaturase 1 (SCD1) activity. Pharmacological and genetic XBP1 inhibition induces Myc-dependent apoptosis, which is alleviated by exogenous unsaturated fatty acids. Of note, SCD1 inhibition phenocopies IRE1α RNase activity suppression in vivo. Furthermore, IRE1α inhibition enhances the cytotoxic effects of standard chemotherapy drugs used to treat c-Myc-overexpressing Burkitt's lymphoma, suggesting that inhibiting the IRE1α/XBP1 pathway is a useful general strategy for treatment of Myc-driven cancers. DOI: 10.1172/JCI95864 PMID: 29381485 204. J Food Sci. 2018 Mar;83(3):624-630. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.14033. Epub 2018 Jan 27. Chemical Composition of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seed Oil from Six Saudi Arabian Cultivars. Nehdi IA(1)(2), Sbihi HM(1), Tan CP(3), Rashid U(4), Al-Resayes SI(1). Author information: (1)Chemistry Dept., College of Science, King Saud Univ., P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia. (2)UR Physico-Chimie des Matériaux Solides, Chemistry Dept., Science College, Tunis El Manar Univ., 2092 Tunis, Tunisia. (3)Dept. of Food Technology, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Univ. Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. (4)Inst. of Advanced Technology, Univ. Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. This investigation aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of seed oils from 6 date palm (Phoenix. dactylifera L.) cultivars (Barhi, Khalas, Manifi, Rezeiz, Sulaj, and Sukkari) growing in Saudi Arabia and to compare them with conventional palm olein. The mean oil content of the seeds was about 7%. Oleic acid (48.67%) was the main fatty acid, followed by lauric acid (17.26%), stearic acid (10.74%), palmitic acid (9.88%), and linolenic acid (8.13%). The mean value for free fatty acids content was 0.5%. The P. dactylifera seed oil also exhibited a mean tocol content of 70.75 mg/100 g. α-Tocotrienol was the most abundant isomer (30.19%), followed by γ-tocopherol (23.61%), γ-tocotrienol (19.07%), and α-tocopherol (17.52%). The oils showed high thermal and oxidative stabilities. The findings indicate that date seed oil has the potential to be used in the food industry as an abundant alternative to palm olein.PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study showed that date seed had great nutritional value due to which it can be used for food applications especially as frying or cooking oil. In addition, date oil has also potential to be used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical practices as well. The extraction of oil from Phoenix dactylifera seed on large scale can create positive socioeconomic benefits especially for rural communities and could also assist to resolve the environmental issues generated by excess date production in large scale date-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia. © 2018 Institute of Food Technologists®. DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.14033 PMID: 29377104 205. J Mol Biol. 2018 Mar 2;430(5):581-590. doi: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.01.010. Epub 2018 Jan 31. Molecular Paths Linking Metabolic Diseases, Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Enterobacteria Infections. Serino M(1). Author information: (1)IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRA, ENVT, UPS, Toulouse, France. Electronic address: matteo.serino@inserm.fr. Alterations of both ecology and functions of gut microbiota are conspicuous traits of several inflammatory pathologies, notably metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the proliferation of enterobacteria, subdominant members of the intestinal microbial ecosystem, has been shown to be favored by Western diet, the strongest inducer of both metabolic diseases and gut microbiota dysbiosis. The inner interdependence between the host and the gut microbiota is based on a plethora of molecular mechanisms by which host and intestinal microbes modify each other. Among these mechanisms are as follows: (i) the well-known metabolic impact of short chain fatty acids, produced by microbial fermentation of complex carbohydrates from plants; (ii) a mutual modulation of miRNAs expression, both on the eukaryotic (host) and prokaryotic (gut microbes) side; (iii) the production by enterobacteria of virulence factors such as the genotoxin colibactin, shown to alter the integrity of host genome and induce a senescence-like phenotype in vitro; (iv) the microbial excretion of outer-membrane vesicles, which, in addition to other functions, may act as a carrier for multiple molecules such as toxins to be delivered to target cells. In this review, I describe the major molecular mechanisms by which gut microbes exert their metabolic impact at a multi-organ level (the gut barrier being in the front line) and support the emerging triad of metabolic diseases, gut microbiota dysbiosis and enterobacteria infections. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.01.010 PMID: 29374557 206. Eur J Hum Genet. 2018 Mar;26(3):396-406. doi: 10.1038/s41431-017-0052-8. Epub 2018 Jan 24. Association of metreleptin treatment and dietary intervention with neurological outcomes in Celia's encephalopathy. Araújo-Vilar D(1)(2), Domingo-Jiménez R(3), Ruibal Á(4)(5)(6), Aguiar P(4)(6), Ibáñez-Micó S(3), Garrido-Pumar M(4), Martínez-Olmos MÁ(7), López-Soler C(8), Guillín-Amarelle C(9)(7), González-Rodríguez M(7), Rodríguez-Núñez A(10), Álvarez-Escudero J(11), Liñares-Paz M(12), González-Méndez B(9), Rodríguez-García S(9), Sánchez-Iglesias S(9). Author information: (1)Thyroid and Metabolic Diseases Unit, Biomedical Research Institute (CIMUS)-IDIS, School of Medicine, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. david.araujo@usc.es. (2)Division of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. david.araujo@usc.es. (3)Section of Neuropediatrics, Division of Pediatrics, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain. (4)Division of Nuclear Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. (5)Fundación Tejerina, Madrid, Spain. (6)Molecular Imaging and Medical Physics, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. IDIS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. (7)Division of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. (8)Departamento de Psicología Clínica, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain. (9)Thyroid and Metabolic Diseases Unit, Biomedical Research Institute (CIMUS)-IDIS, School of Medicine, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. (10)Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Area, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. (11)Anesthesia and Reanimation Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. (12)Department of Radiology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Celia's encephalopathy (progressive encephalopathy with/without lipodystrophy, PELD) is a recessive neurodegenerative disease that is fatal in childhood. It is caused by a c.985C>T variant in the BSCL2/seipin gene that results in an aberrant seipin protein. We evaluated neurological development before and during treatment with human recombinant leptin (metreleptin) plus a dietary intervention rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the only living patient. A 7 years and 10 months old girl affected by PELD was treated at age 3 years with metreleptin, adding at age 6 omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Her mental age was evaluated using the Battelle Developmental Inventory Screening Test (BDI), and brain PET/MRI was performed before treatment and at age 5, 6.5, and 7.5 years. At age 7.5 years, the girl remains alive and leads a normal life for her mental age of 30 months, which increased by 4 months over the last 18 months according to BDI. PET images showed improved glucose uptake in the thalami, cerebellum, and brainstem. This patient showed a clear slowdown in neurological regression during leptin replacement plus a high PUFA diet. The aberrant BSCL2 transcript was overexpressed in SH-SY5Y cells and was treated with docosahexaenoic acid (200 µM) plus leptin (0.001 mg/ml) for 24 h. The relative expression of aberrant BSCL2 transcript was measured by qPCR. In vitro studies showed significant reduction (32%) in aberrant transcript expression. This therapeutic approach should be further studied in this devastating disease. DOI: 10.1038/s41431-017-0052-8 PMID: 29367704 207. Plant Physiol Biochem. 2018 Mar;124:117-125. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.01.012. Epub 2018 Jan 31. Lipid production in aquatic plant Azolla at vegetative and reproductive stages and in response to abiotic stress. Miranda AF(1), Liu Z(2), Rochfort S(3), Mouradov A(4). Author information: (1)School of Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Electronic address: ana.miranda@rmit.edu.au. (2)AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia. Electronic address: Zhiqian.Liu@ecodev.vic.gov.au. (3)AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia. Electronic address: simone.rochfort@ecodev.vic.gov.au. (4)School of Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Electronic address: aidyn.mouradov@rmit.edu.au. The aquatic plant Azolla became increasingly popular as bioenergy feedstock because of its high growth rate, production of biomass with high levels of biofuel-producing molecules and ability to grow on marginal lands. In this study, we analysed the contribution of all organs of Azolla to the total yield of lipids at vegetative and reproductive stages and in response to stress. Triacylglycerol-containing lipid droplets were detected in all (vegetative and reproductive) organs with the highest level in the male microsporocarps and microspores. As a result, significantly higher total yields of lipids were detected in Azolla filiculoides and Azolla pinnata at the reproductive stage. Starving changed the yield and composition of the fatty acid as a result of re-direction of carbon flow from fatty acid to anthocyanin pathways. The composition of lipids, in regard the length and degree of unsaturation of fatty acids, in Azolla meets most of the important requirements for biodiesel standards. The ability of Azolla to grow on wastewaters, along with their high productivity rate, makes it an attractive feedstock for the production of biofuels. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.01.012 PMID: 29366971 208. Plant Physiol Biochem. 2018 Mar;124:112-116. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.01.007. Epub 2018 Jan 12. Leaf fatty acid remodeling in the salt-excreting halophytic grass Spartina patens along a salinity gradient. Duarte B(1), Matos AR(2), Marques JC(3), Caçador I(4). Author information: (1)MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal. Electronic address: baduarte@fc.ul.pt. (2)BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Plant Functional Genomics Group, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal. (3)MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, c/o DCV, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. (4)MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal. Spartina patens is a highly dispersed halophytic grass invader in Mediterranean marshes. It is also characterized by having a high degree of resistance to salinity, one of the main drivers of plant zonation in salt marshes. Nevertheless, the physiological basis behind the extreme resistance of S. patens requires more detailed studies. In the present work, we aimed to study how membrane fatty acid remodeling could contribute to the resistance of this plant to salt. Spartina patens individuals exposed to increasing levels of salinity and its leaf fatty acid profile under lipid peroxidation products evaluated under all tested concentrations. A significant increase in the relative amounts of the saturated fatty acids (SFA) was observed, namely palmitic acid (C16:0), essential for PS II functioning, and stearic (C18:0) acid. The chloroplastidial trans-hexadecenoic acid (C16:1t) as well as the polyunsaturated linoleic (C18:2) and linolenic (C18:3) acids showed significant decreases in all the salt treatments. These changes led to a reduction in the double bond index in salt-treated plants which reflects reduction of the fluidity of the chloroplast membranes, which could contribute to maintain the membrane impermeable to the toxic exogenous Na. Despite the decrease observed in the total fatty acid contents in plants exposed to high salt concentrations the amounts of lipid peroxidation products decreased highlighting the resistance of this species towards toxic exogenous salt concentrations. Membrane fatty acid remodeling could represent an efficient mechanism to maintain the photosynthetic machinery of S. patens highly efficient under salt stress. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.01.007 PMID: 29366970 209. Food Chem Toxicol. 2018 Mar;113:73-82. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.01.029. Epub 2018 Jan 31. Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) protects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease caused by Western diet containing benzo[a]pyrene in mice. Uno S(1), Nebert DW(2), Makishima M(3). Author information: (1)Division of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan. (2)Department of Environmental Health, Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, P.O. Box 670056, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA. (3)Division of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan. Electronic address: makishima.makoto@nihon-u.ac.jp. The Western diet contributes to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a prototypical environmental pollutant produced by combustion processes, is present in charcoal-grilled meat. Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) metabolizes BaP, resulting in either detoxication or metabolic activation in a context-dependent manner. To elucidate a role of CYP1A1-BaP in NAFLD pathogenesis, we compared the effects of a Western diet, with or without oral BaP treatment, on the development of NAFLD in Cyp1a1(-/-) mice versus wild-type mice. A Western diet plus BaP induced lipid-droplet accumulation in liver of Cyp1a1(-/-) mice, but not wild-type mice. The hepatic steatosis observed in Cyp1a1(-/-) mice was associated with increased cholesterol, triglyceride and bile acid levels. Cyp1a1(-/-) mice fed Western diet plus BaP had changes in expression of genes involved in bile acid and lipid metabolism, and showed no increase in Cyp1a2 expression but did exhibit enhanced Cyp1b1 mRNA expression, as well as hepatic inflammation. Enhanced BaP metabolic activation, oxidative stress and inflammation may exacerbate metabolic dysfunction in liver of Cyp1a1(-/-) mice. Thus, Western diet plus BaP induces NAFLD and hepatic inflammation in Cyp1a1(-/-) mice in comparison to wild-type mice, indicating a protective role of CYP1A1 against NAFLD pathogenesis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.01.029 PMCID: PMC5831517 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29366871 210. J Lipid Res. 2018 Mar;59(3):404-415. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M073817. Epub 2018 Jan 23. Sidt2 regulates hepatocellular lipid metabolism through autophagy. Chen X(1), Gu X(2), Zhang H(2). Author information: (1)Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. (2)Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China gu_xuefan@163.com huiwenzhang@yahoo.com. SID1 transmembrane family member 2 (Sidt2) is an integral lysosomal membrane protein. To investigate its explicit function, we generated a global Sidt2 knockout mouse model (Sidt2-/-). Compared with the littermate controls, Sidt2-/- mice exhibited a remarkable accumulation of lipid droplets in liver. First, it was observed that food consumption, hepatocyte fatty acid uptake and de novo lipogenesis, hepatocyte lipolysis, and TG secretion in the form of very low density lipoprotein were comparable between Sidt2-/- and WT mice. However, the hepatic β-oxidation of fatty acids decreased significantly as revealed by a low level of serum β-hydroxybutyrate in the Sidt2-/- mice along with normal mRNA expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation. In addition, the classical autophagy pathway marker proteins, p62 and LC3-II, increased in liver, along with compromised autophagic flux in primary hepatocytes, indicating a block of autophagosome maturation due to Sidt2 deficiency, which was also supported by electron microscopy image analysis both in livers and in primary hepatocytes from Sidt2-/- mice. It was concluded that Sidt2 plays an important role in mouse hepatic lipid homeostasis by regulating autophagy at the terminal stage. Copyright © 2018 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. DOI: 10.1194/jlr.M073817 PMCID: PMC5832936 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29363559 211. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2018 Mar;102(5):2289-2299. doi: 10.1007/s00253-018-8774-2. Epub 2018 Jan 23. Time-course responses of ileal and fecal microbiota and metabolite profiles to antibiotics in cannulated pigs. Gao K(1), Pi Y(1), Peng Y(1), Mu CL(1), Zhu WY(2). Author information: (1)Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. (2)Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. zhuweiyun@njau.edu.cn. We investigated the time-course effects of therapeutic antibiotics on intestinal microbial composition and metabolism in an ileal-cannulated pig model. Sixteen ileal-cannulated piglets (12 ± 0.5 kg) were assigned to two groups (n = 8) and fed standard diets with or without antibiotics. At 4 days before, and at days 2, 7, and 13 after antibiotic administration, ileal and fecal samples were collected for analysis of microbiota composition via 16S rRNA MiSeq sequencing and metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, biogenic amines, and indole). It was found that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium had decreased by an average 2.68-fold and 508-fold in ileum on days 2-13, and by an average 45.08-fold and 71.50-fold in feces on days 7-13 (P < 0.05). Escherichia/Shigella had increased by an average 265-fold in ileum on days 2-13, and by an average 36.70-fold in feces on days 7-13 (P < 0.05). Acetate concentration had decreased in ileum by an average 2.88-fold on days 2-13, and by 1.83-fold in feces on day 7 (P < 0.05). Cadaverine concentration had increased by an average 7.03-fold in ileum on days 2-13, and by an average 9.96-fold in feces on days 7-13 (P < 0.05), and fecal indole concentration had increased by an average 2.51-fold on days 7-13 (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis between significant microbes and metabolites indicated that the antibiotic-induced microbiota shift appeared to result in the changes of intestinal metabolism. In conclusion, antibiotic administration led to dynamic changes in microbial communities and metabolism in ileum and feces, with ileal microbiota being more prone to shift than fecal microbiota. DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-8774-2 PMID: 29362824 212. J Proteome Res. 2018 Mar 2;17(3):1041-1053. doi: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00683. Epub 2018 Feb 20. Metabolic Fate of 13C-Labeled Polydextrose and Impact on the Gut Microbiome: A Triple-Phase Study in a Colon Simulator. Lamichhane S(1)(2), Yde CC(1)(3), Jensen HM(3), Morovic W(4), Hibberd AA(4), Ouwehand AC(5), Saarinen MT(5), Forssten SD(5), Wiebe L(6), Marcussen J(3), Bertelsen K(3)(7), Meier S(8), Young JF(1), Bertram HC(1). Author information: (1)Department of Food Science, Aarhus University , Kirstinebjergvej 10, 5792 Aarslev and Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark. (2)Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University , Turku 20520, Finland. (3)DuPont Nutrition Biosciences ApS , Edwin Rahrs Vej 38, 8220 Brabrand, Denmark. (4)DuPont Nutrition and Health , 3329 Agriculture Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53716, United States. (5)Dupont Nutrition and Health , Sokeritehtaantie 20, 02460 Kantvik, Finland. (6)DuPont Nutrition Biosciences ApS , Tårnvej 25, 7200 Grindsted, Denmark. (7)Vestas Wind Systems A/S , Hedeager 42, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. (8)Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark , Kemitorvet, Building 207, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark. The present study introduces a novel triple-phase (liquids, solids, and gases) approach, which employed uniformly labeled [U-13C] polydextrose (PDX) for the selective profiling of metabolites generated from dietary fiber fermentation in an in vitro colon simulator using human fecal inocula. Employing 13C NMR spectroscopy, [U-13C] PDX metabolism was observed from colonic digest samples. The major 13C-labeled metabolites generated were acetate, butyrate, propionate, and valerate. In addition to these short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), 13C-labeled lactate, formate, succinate, and ethanol were detected in the colon simulator samples. Metabolite formation and PDX substrate degradation were examined comprehensively over time (24 and 48 h). Correlation analysis between 13C NMR spectra and gas production confirmed the anaerobic fermentation of PDX to SCFAs. In addition, 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that the level of Erysipelotrichaceae was influenced by PDX supplementation and Erysipelotrichaceae level was statistically correlated with SCFA formation. Overall, our study demonstrates a novel approach to link substrate fermentation and microbial function directly in a simulated colonic environment. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00683 PMID: 29359944 213. Eur J Clin Invest. 2018 Mar;48(3). doi: 10.1111/eci.12893. Epub 2018 Feb 8. The effects of fish oil on gene expression in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Rahmani E(1), Jamilian M(2), Dadpour B(3), Nezami Z(2), Vahedpoor Z(4), Mahmoodi S(4), Aghadavod E(5), Taghizadeh M(5), Beiki Hassan A(6), Asemi Z(4). Author information: (1)Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. (2)Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran. (3)Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. (4)Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. (5)Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. (6)Barij Medicinal Plants Research Center, Kashan, Iran. BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the effects of fish oil administration on gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 40 subjects with PCOS, aged 18-40 years. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups to take either 1000 mg omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) twice a day for 12 weeks. Gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation was quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of PCOS women with RT-PCR method. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated that after the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, fish oil supplementation upregulated gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (P < .001) in PBMC of subjects with PCOS. In addition, compared to the placebo, taking fish oil supplements downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P = .02) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) (P = .01) in PBMC of subjects with PCOS. We did not observe any significant effect of fish oil supplementation on gene expression of lipoprotein(a) [LP(a)], low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in PBMC of subjects with PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, fish oil supplementation for 12 weeks to subjects with PCOS significantly improved gene expression of PPAR-γ, IL-1 and IL-8, but did not influence gene expression of LP(a), LDLR, GLUT-1, TNF-α and TGF-β. © 2018 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation. DOI: 10.1111/eci.12893 PMID: 29359480 214. J Agric Food Chem. 2018 Feb 28;66(8):1800-1806. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04509. Epub 2018 Feb 14. Differential Partitioning of Triterpenes and Triterpene Esters in Apple Peel. Poirier BC(1), Buchanan DA(1), Rudell DR(1), Mattheis JP(1). Author information: (1)Tree Fruit Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS , Wenatchee, Washington 98801, United States. Apple peel is a rich source of secondary metabolites, and several studies have outlined the dietary health benefits of ursane-type triterpenes in apple. Changes in triterpene metabolism have also been associated with the development of superficial scald, a postharvest apple peel browning disorder, and postharvest applications of diphenylamine and 1-methylcyclopropene. Previously, studies have generated metabolite profiles for whole apple peel or apple wax. In this study, we report separate metabolic analyses of isolated wax fractions and peel epidermis to investigate the spatial distribution of secondary metabolites in peel. In addition to examining previously reported triterpenes, we identified several unreported fatty acid esters of ursane-type triterpenes (C14-C22). All free pentacyclic triterpenes and triterpenic acids, with the exception of β-amyrin, were localized in the wax layer, along with esters of ursolic acid and uvaol. All sterols, sterol derivatives and α-amyrin esters were localized in the dewaxed peel epidermis. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04509 PMID: 29356521 215. J Food Sci. 2018 Mar;83(3):617-623. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.14049. Epub 2018 Jan 22. Characterization of a New α-Linolenic Acid-Rich Oil: Eucommia ulmoides Seed Oil. Zhang ZS(1), Liu YL(1), Che LM(2). Author information: (1)Coll. of Food Science and Technology, Henan Univ. of Technology, NO.100, Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou 45001, P. R. China. (2)Dept. of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Xiamen Univ., No.422, Siming South Road, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China. Eucommia ulmoides seed oil is the main byproduct of E. ulmoides cultivation. To better understand its functions, E. ulmoides seed oil is characterized comprehensively in this work. The composition of E. ulmoides seed, physicochemical properties, thermal properties, fatty acid composition, triacylglycerol (TAG) composition and Vitamin E composition of E. ulmoides seed oil were determined. The results show that the E. ulmoides seed contained about 34.63% oil. The excellent physicochemical properties of E. ulmoides seed oil ensured it has a potential to be developed as an edible oil. The main fatty acids in E. ulmoides seed oil were linolenic acid (61.36%), oleic acid (17.02%), and linoleic acid (12.04%). HPLC-ELSD method determined that LnLnLn (37.99%), LnLnO (22.62%), LnLnL (14.5%), and LnLnP (8.78%) were the oil's major TAG components. The oil exhibited a unique thermal curve which contained 2 melting peaks at -38.45 and -22.22 °C, respectively. The total content of vitamin E in E. ulmoides seed oil was 190.96 mg/100g, which exist mainly in γ-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol isomer. Overall, the results indicated that E. ulmoides seed oil is a promising oil in food, pharmaceutics, cosmetics and other nonfood industries. © 2018 Institute of Food Technologists®. DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.14049 PMID: 29355957 216. J Food Sci. 2018 Mar;83(3):822-830. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.14055. Epub 2018 Jan 22. Effects of Storage Conditions on Consumer and Chemical Assessments of Raw 'Nonpareil' Almonds Over a Two-Year Period. Pleasance EA(1), Kerr WL(2), Pegg RB(2), Swanson RB(1), Cheely AN(1), Huang G(3), Parrish DR(2), Kerrihard AL(4). Author information: (1)Dept. of Foods and Nutrition, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, The Univ. of Georgia, 305 Sanford Drive, Athens, GA, 30602, U.S.A. (2)Dept. of Food Science & Technology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Univ. of Georgia, 100 Cedar St., Athens, GA, 30602, U.S.A. (3)Almond Board of California, 1150 Ninth St., Suite, 1500, Modesto, CA, 95354, U.S.A. (4)Dept. of Nutrition and Food Studies, College of Education and Human Services, Montclair State Univ., 1 Normal Ave., Montclair, NJ, 07043, U.S.A. Raw almonds are a major commodity, yet much is unknown about how storage conditions determine their shelf life. The storage stability, as measured by consumer assessments and chemical measures, of raw almonds was determined for samples stored in cardboard boxes and polypropylene packaging for 2 years at 4, 15, 25, and 35 °C, and at 50% and 65% relative humidity (RH). Samples stored in unlined cartons always failed (>25% rejection) before their counterparts stored in polypropylene bags under identical environmental conditions. Models determined that polypropylene packaging (as opposed to unlined cardboard cartons) extended the time until sample rejection by more than 7 months. Temperature and RH were both negatively associated with storage time until failure. Flavor was a greater contributor to consumer acceptability than texture or odor, while peroxide values and free fatty acids were of greater importance in predicting raw almond consumer quality than measures of conjugated dienes or 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances.PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The results of this study will allow almond producers to determine packaging types and environmental storage conditions that provide shelf life of a specified time. © 2018 Institute of Food Technologists®. DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.14055 PMID: 29355948 217. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2018 Mar;70(3):404-412. doi: 10.1111/jphp.12871. Epub 2018 Jan 22. Antigastritis effects of Armillariella tabescens (Scop.) Sing. and the identification of its anti-inflammatory metabolites. Lee S(1), Lee D(1)(2), Park JY(2), Seok S(3), Jang TS(4), Park HB(5), Shim SH(6), Kang KS(2), Kim KH(1). Author information: (1)School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea. (2)College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam, Korea. (3)Agricultural Microbiology Division, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA, Iseo-myeon, , Wanju-gun, , Jeollabuk-do, Korea. (4)Institute of Green Bio Science & Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeong Chang, Korea. (5)Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA. (6)College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Dobong-gu, Seoul, Korea. OBJECTIVES: This study demonstrates the biological and chemical analysis of the mushroom Armillariella tabescens (Scop.) Sing. (Tricholomataceae). METHODS: Chemical structures of the isolates were determined by 1D and 2D NMR, and ESI-MS, as well as comparison with previously reported data. All isolates were tested for anti-inflammatory effects based on their ability to inhibit LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells. KEY FINDINGS: We found that the MeOH extract of the fruiting bodies of A. tabescens showed antigastritis activity against ethanol-induced gastric damage in rats and notably reduced the gastric damage index compared to control in a concentration-dependent manner. Chemical investigation of the MeOH extract led to the isolation of four steroids (1-4), three alkaloids (5-7), two nucleic acids (8-9) and four fatty acids (10-13). This is the first study to report the identification of all isolates, except for compound 7, from A. tabescens. Compounds 1, 2, 3, 4 and 10 showed inhibition on LPS-stimulated NO production. Treatment with compound 10 inhibited expression of iNOS, COX-2, phospho-IKKα, IKKα, phospho-IκBα, IκBα and NF-kappa B in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Compound 10 likely contributes to the health benefits of A. tabescens as an antigastritis agent through its anti-inflammatory effects. © 2018 Royal Pharmaceutical Society. DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12871 PMID: 29355943 218. J Lipid Res. 2018 Mar;59(3):542-549. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M083030. Epub 2018 Jan 20. Altered eicosanoid production and phospholipid remodeling during cell culture. Okuno T(1), Gijón MA(2), Zarini S(2), Martin SA(2), Barkley RM(2), Johnson CA(2), Ohba M(1), Yokomizo T(1), Murphy RC(3). Author information: (1)Department of Biochemistry, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan. (2)Department of Pharmacology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045. (3)Department of Pharmacology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045 Robert.Murphy@ucdenver.edu. The remodeling of PUFAs by the Lands cycle is responsible for the diversity of phospholipid molecular species found in cells. There have not been detailed studies of the alteration of phospholipid molecular species as a result of serum starvation or depletion of PUFAs that typically occurs during tissue culture. The time-dependent effect of cell culture on phospholipid molecular species in RAW 264.7 cells cultured for 24, 48, or 72 h was examined by lipidomic strategies. These cells were then stimulated to produce arachidonate metabolites derived from the cyclooxygenase pathway, thromboxane B2, PGE2, and PGD2, and the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, leukotriene (LT)B4, LTC4, and 5-HETE, which decreased with increasing time in culture. However, the 5-lipoxygenase metabolites of a 20:3 fatty acid, LTB3, all trans-LTB3, LTC3, and 5-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid, time-dependently increased. Molecular species of arachidonate containing phospholipids were drastically remodeled during cell culture, with a new 20:3 acyl group being populated into phospholipids to replace increasingly scarce arachidonate. In addition, the amount of TNFα induced by lipopolysaccharide stimulation was significantly increased in the cells cultured for 72 h compared with 24 h, suggesting that the remodeling of PUFAs enhanced inflammatory response. These studies supported the rapid operation of the Lands cycle to maintain cell growth and viability by populating PUFA species; however, without sufficient n-6 fatty acids, 20:3 n-9 accumulated, resulting in altered lipid mediator biosynthesis and inflammatory response. Copyright © 2018 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. DOI: 10.1194/jlr.M083030 PMCID: PMC5832926 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29353239 219. Carbohydr Polym. 2018 Mar 1;183:230-239. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.12.048. Epub 2017 Dec 19. Structural characterization and in vitro fermentation of a novel polysaccharide from Sargassum thunbergii and its impact on gut microbiota. Fu X(1), Cao C(2), Ren B(2), Zhang B(2), Huang Q(2), Li C(3). Author information: (1)School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381Wushan Road, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China. (2)School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381Wushan Road, Guangzhou, China. (3)School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381Wushan Road, Guangzhou, China; Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation of Food Nutrition and Human Health (111 Center), Guangzhou, China. Electronic address: felichao@scut.edu.cn. The aim of the present study was to investigate structural characteristic and in vitro fermentation of a novel polysaccharide named ST-P2 from Sargassum thunbergii by human fecal inoculums, and its impact on human colonic microbiota. The results showed that ST-P2 was homogeneous with molecular weight of 48,788 Da, and consisted of arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, and mannose. The main linkage types were identified as (1 → 5)-α-L-Araf, (1 → 3)-α-L-Manp, (1 → 3,6)-β-D-Galp, (1 → 6)-α-D-Glcp, and (1 → 3)-β-D-Xylp, respectively. After 48 h fermentation, 67.83 ± 1.15% of total carbohydrate was utilized by colonic microbiota. The pH value in the fecal culture significantly decreased from 6.09 ± 0.11 to 4.70 ± 0.04. The concentrations of total short chain fatty acids, acetic, propionic, n-butyric and n-valeric acids significantly increased compared to the blank. ST-P2 could remarkably modulate the composition and abundance of beneficial microbiota. These results suggest that ST-P2 could potentially be a functional food aimed at promoting the gut health. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.12.048 PMID: 29352879 220. Benef Microbes. 2018 Feb 27;9(2):199-208. doi: 10.3920/BM2017.0072. Epub 2018 Jan 18. The impact of probiotics and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on intestinal permeability in pregnancy: a randomised clinical trial. Mokkala K(1), Pussinen P(2), Houttu N(1), Koivuniemi E(1)(3), Vahlberg T(4), Laitinen K(1). Author information: (1)1 Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland. (2)2 Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki and University Hospital of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland. (3)3 Turku University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 20014 Turku, Finland. (4)4 Department of Clinical Medicine, Biostatistics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20014 Turku, Finland. A disruption in intestinal barrier integrity may predispose individuals to metabolic aberrations, particularly during the vulnerable period of pregnancy. We investigated whether intestinal permeability, as measured by serum zonulin concentration, changes over the duration of pregnancy and whether this change is reflected in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activity. Second, we tested in a randomised double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial the impact of consuming dietary probiotics and/or long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) supplements in lowering serum zonulin concentration and LPS activity. The probiotic supplement was a combination of two bacteria, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001. This study included 200 overweight pregnant women participating in an on-going study; participants were randomised to consume either (1) probiotics, (2) LC-PUFA, (3) probiotics and LC-PUFA, or (4) placebo for each supplement. Blood samples were obtained at early, the baseline, and late pregnancy (mean 14 and 35 weeks of gestation, respectively). Serum zonulin concentration increased from early (mean (standard deviation): 62.7 (12.9) ng/ml) to late pregnancy by 5.3 (95%CI 3.7-6.9) ng/ml, and LPS activity increased from (0.16 (0.04) EU/ml) by 0.04 (95%CI 0.03-0.05) EU/ml. No differences among the intervention groups were detected in the change from early to late pregnancy in serum zonulin concentration (P=0.8) or LPS activity (P=0.2). The change in serum zonulin concentration during the pregnancy was associated with the weeks of follow up (r=0.25, P<0.001). Serum LPS activity was correlated with higher maternal weight gain (r=0.19, P=0.008). As a conclusion, intestinal permeability increased with the progression of pregnancy in overweight and obese women and was reflected in LPS activity. No efficacy of supplementation with probiotics and/or LC-PUFA was demonstrated in pregnancy-induced changes in serum zonulin concentration or LPS activity. DOI: 10.3920/BM2017.0072 PMID: 29345158 221. J Am Chem Soc. 2018 Mar 7;140(9):3285-3291. doi: 10.1021/jacs.7b12045. Epub 2018 Feb 26. Membrane Allostery and Unique Hydrophobic Sites Promote Enzyme Substrate Specificity. Mouchlis VD(1), Chen Y(1), McCammon JA(1), Dennis EA(1). Author information: (1)Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine , University of California , San Diego, La Jolla , California 92093-0601 , United States. We demonstrate that lipidomics coupled with molecular dynamics reveal unique phospholipase A2 specificity toward membrane phospholipid substrates. We discovered unexpected headgroup and acyl-chain specificity for three major human phospholipases A2. The differences between each enzyme's specificity, coupled with molecular dynamics-based structural and binding studies, revealed unique binding sites and interfacial surface binding moieties for each enzyme that explain the observed specificity at a hitherto inaccessible structural level. Surprisingly, we discovered that a unique hydrophobic binding site for the cleaved fatty acid dominates each enzyme's specificity rather than its catalytic residues and polar headgroup binding site. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed the optimal phospholipid binding mode leading to a detailed understanding of the preference of cytosolic phospholipase A2 for cleavage of proinflammatory arachidonic acid, calcium-independent phospholipase A2, which is involved in membrane remodeling for cleavage of linoleic acid and for antibacterial secreted phospholipase A2 favoring linoleic acid, saturated fatty acids, and phosphatidylglycerol. DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b12045 PMID: 29342349 222. J Endocrinol. 2018 Mar;236(3):137-150. doi: 10.1530/JOE-17-0580. Epub 2018 Jan 16. Cholecystokinin is involved in triglyceride fatty acid uptake by rat adipose tissue. Plaza A(1), Merino B(1), Cano V(1), Domínguez G(2), Pérez-Castells J(2), Soledad Fernández-Alfonso M(3), Sengenès C(4), Chowen JA(5), Ruiz-Gayo M(6). Author information: (1)Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y de la SaludFacultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Madrid, Spain. (2)Departamento de Química y BioquímicaFacultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Madrid, Spain. (3)Departamento de FarmacologíaInstituto Pluridisciplinar, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain. (4)STROMALabUniversité de Toulouse, CNRS ERL5311, EFS, INP-ENVT, Inserm U1031, UPS, Toulouse, France. (5)Departamento de EndocrinologíaHospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, CIBEROBN Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain ruigayo@ceu.es julieann.chowen@salud.madrid.org. (6)Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y de la SaludFacultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Madrid, Spain ruigayo@ceu.es julieann.chowen@salud.madrid.org. The incorporation of plasma triglyceride (TG) fatty acids to white adipose tissue (WAT) depends on lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which is regulated by angiopoietin-like protein-4 (ANGPTL-4), an unfolding molecular chaperone that converts active LPL dimers into inactive monomers. The production of ANGPTL-4 is promoted by fasting and repressed by feeding. We hypothesized that the postprandial hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) facilitates the storage of dietary TG fatty acids in WAT by regulating the activity of the LPL/ANGPTL-4 axis and that it does so by acting directly on CCK receptors in adipocytes. We report that administration of CCK-8 (a bioactive fragment of CCK) to rats: (i) reduces plasma ANGTPL-4 levels; (ii) represses Angptl-4 expression in WAT and (iii) simultaneously enhances LPL activity in this tissue without inducing Lpl expression. In vivo CCK-8 effects are specifically antagonized by the CCK-2 receptor (CCK-2R) antagonist, L-365,260. Moreover, CCK-8 downregulates Angptl-4 expression in wild-type pre-adipocytes, an effect that is not observed in engineered pre-adipocytes lacking CCK-2R. These effects have functional consequences as CCK-8 was found to promote the uptake of dietary fatty acids by WAT, as demonstrated by means of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). The efficacy of acute CCK-8 administration was not reduced after chronic CCK-8 treatment. Moreover, the effects of CCK-8 on WAT were not associated to the increase of circulating insulin. Our results show that cholecystokinin promotes lipid storage in WAT by acting on adipocyte CCK-2R, suggesting a pivotal role for CCK in TG homeostasis. © 2018 Society for Endocrinology. DOI: 10.1530/JOE-17-0580 PMID: 29339381 223. Psychiatry Res. 2018 Mar;261:307-311. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.12.038. Epub 2017 Dec 15. Omega-3 supplements reduce self-reported physical aggression in healthy adults. Bègue L(1), Zaalberg A(2), Shankland R(3), Duke A(3), Jacquet J(3), Kaliman P(4), Pennel L(5), Chanove M(6), Arvers P(3), Bushman BJ(7). Author information: (1)LIP/PC2S, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.. Electronic address: Laurent.Begue@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr. (2)Ministry of Security and Justice, Crime, Law Enforcement and Sanctions Research Division (CRS), The Hague, The Netherlands. (3)LIP/PC2S, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France. (4)Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, United States. (5)University Hospital, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France. (6)MSH Alpes, CNRS/University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France. (7)School of Communication and Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States. There is emerging evidence that Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplements can decrease aggression. However, experimental studies with adults from non-specific populations are scarce. We hypothesized that Omega-3 supplements would decrease self-reported aggression among non-clinical participants. In a double-blind randomized trial, two groups of participants (N = 194) aged 18-45 from the general population followed a 6-weeks treatment with 638mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 772mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) per day or the equivalent quantity of copra oil (placebo). Self-reported aggressiveness was measured at baseline and after the 6-week treatment period. Findings showed that Omega-3 supplements significantly decreased self-reported aggressiveness at the end of the 6-week period (d = 0.31). In conclusion, this experiment indicates that Omega-3 administration has beneficial effects in reducing aggression among the general population. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.12.038 PMID: 29331711 224. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Mar;101(3):2335-2349. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13565. Epub 2018 Jan 10. High-grain diets supplemented with phytogenic compounds or autolyzed yeast modulate ruminal bacterial community and fermentation in dry cows. Neubauer V(1), Petri R(2), Humer E(2), Kröger I(2), Mann E(3), Reisinger N(4), Wagner M(3), Zebeli Q(5). Author information: (1)Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; Institute for Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria. (2)Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria. (3)Institute for Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria. (4)BIOMIN Research Center, BIOMIN Holding GmbH, 3430 Tulln, Austria. (5)Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria. Electronic address: qendrim.zebeli@vetmeduni.ac.at. The feeding of concentrate-rich diets may lead to microbial imbalances and dysfermentation in the rumen. The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplementing phytogenic compounds (PHY) or autolyzed yeast (AY) on rumen fermentation and microbial abundance in cows intermittently fed concentrate-rich diets. The experiment was carried out as an incomplete 3 × 4 Latin square design, with 8 nonlactating rumen-fistulated Holstein-Friesian cows. The cows were randomly assigned to a concentrate diet that was either not supplemented (CON), or supplemented with PHY or AY. Each of the 4 consecutive experimental periods was composed of a 1-wk roughage-only diet (RD), 6-d gradual concentrate increase, followed by 1 wk of 65% concentrate (dry matter basis; Conc I), and 1 wk of RD and a final 2-wk 65% concentrate (dry matter basis; Conc II) phase. Digesta samples were collected from the rumen mat for bacterial 16S rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq (Illumina, Balgach, Switzerland) sequencing, and samples of particle-associated rumen liquid were obtained for measuring short-chain fatty acids, lactate, ammonia, and pH during RD (d 6), Conc I (d 19), and Conc II (d 39). The concentrate feeding caused a decrease of overall bacterial diversity indices, especially during Conc I. The genera Ruminococcus, Butyrivibrio, and Coprococcus were decreased, whereas Prevotella, Megasphaera, Lachnospira, and Bacteroides were increased in abundance. Supplementation of both feed additives increased the abundance of gram-positive and decreased that of gram-negative bacteria. Supplementation of AY enhanced cellulolytic bacteria such as Ruminococcus spp., whereas PHY decreased starch and sugar fermenters including Bacteroides spp., Shuttleworthia spp., and Syntrophococcus spp. Moreover, PHY supplementation increased butyrate percentage in the rumen in both concentrate phases. In conclusion, intermittent high-concentrate feeding altered the digesta-associated rumen bacterial community and rumen fermentation with more significant alterations found in Conc I than in Conc II. The data also showed that both feed additives had the most significant modulatory effects on the bacterial community, and their subsequent fermentation, during periods of low pH. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13565 PMID: 29331466 225. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Mar;101(3):2248-2259. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13479. Epub 2018 Jan 10. Somatic cell count-based selection reduces susceptibility to energy shortage during early lactation in a sheep model. Bouvier-Muller J(1), Allain C(2), Enjalbert F(2), Farizon Y(2), Portes D(3), Foucras G(4), Rupp R(5). Author information: (1)GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRA, INPT, ENVT, Castanet Tolosan, F-31326, France; Interactions Hôtes-Agents Pathogènes (IHAP), Université de Toulouse, ENVT, Toulouse, F-131076, France. (2)GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRA, INPT, ENVT, Castanet Tolosan, F-31326, France. (3)Domaine de La Fage, INRA, Roquefort sur Soulzon, F-12250, France. (4)Interactions Hôtes-Agents Pathogènes (IHAP), Université de Toulouse, ENVT, Toulouse, F-131076, France. (5)GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRA, INPT, ENVT, Castanet Tolosan, F-31326, France. Electronic address: rachel.rupp@toulouse.inra.fr. During the transition from late gestation to early lactation ruminants experience a negative energy balance (NEB), which is considered to increase susceptibility to mammary infections. Our previous study in 2 divergent lines of sheep selected for high and low somatic cell score (SCS) suggested an association between the response to NEB and genetic susceptibility to mastitis. Forty-eight early-lactation primiparous dairy ewes from the 2 SCS genetic lines were allocated to 2 homogeneous subgroups-an NEB group, which was energy restricted and received 60% of the energy requirements for 15 d, and a control-fed group-to obtain 4 balanced groups of 12 ewes: high-SCS positive energy balance, low-SCS positive energy balance, high-SCS NEB, and low-SCS NEB. High-SCS ewes showed greater weight loss and increased plasmatic concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate and nonesterified fatty acids than low-SCS ewes when confronted with an induced NEB. The aim of this study was to further characterize this interaction by combining transcriptomic and phenotypic data with a generalized partial least squares discriminant analysis using mixOmics package framework. A preliminary analysis using 3 blocks of phenotypes (fatty acids, weight and production, blood metabolites) revealed a high correlation between fat-to-protein ratio, β-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acids concentrations with milk long-chain fatty acid yields. These phenotypes allowed good discrimination of the energy-restricted high-SCS ewes and confirmed a high level of adipose tissue mobilization in this group. A second analysis, which included RNA-seq data, revealed high correlations between the long-chain fatty acid yields in milk and PDK4, CPT1A, SLC25A20, KLF10, and KLF11 expression, highlighting the relationship between mobilization of body reserves and enhanced fatty acids utilization for energy production in blood cells. Finally, analysis of milk composition measured in 1,025 ewes from the 2 genetic lines over 10 yr confirmed significant higher fat-to-protein ratio in high-SCS ewes in early lactation. Altogether, our results strongly confirmed a genetic link between susceptibility to mastitis and metabolic adaptation to energy shortage. Improving genetic resistance to mastitis using SCS should be accompanied by a favorable effect on the response to metabolic stress, especially in highly stressful early lactation. Moreover, this study suggests that the fat-to-protein ratio could be used as a low-cost tool for monitoring energy balance and ketosis during this critical phase of lactation. The Authors. Published by FASS Inc. and Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/). DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13479 PMID: 29331464 226. Psychiatry Res. 2018 Mar;261:243-247. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.12.028. Epub 2017 Dec 12. Assessment of the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in patients with schizophrenia taking clozapine and sodium valproate. Behdani F(1), Roudbaraki SN(2), Saberi-Karimian M(3), Tayefi M(4), Hebrani P(1), Akhavanrezayat A(5), Amlashi SV(6), Ferns GA(7), Ghayour-Mobarhan M(8). Author information: (1)Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Ibn-e-Sina Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. (2)Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Ibn-e-Sina Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. (3)Student Research Committee, Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. (4)Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. (5)Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. (6)Department of Dermatology, Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. (7)Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK. (8)Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 99199-91766, Iran. Electronic address: ghayourm@mums.ac.ir. Omega-3 fatty acid (FA) supplementation has been reported to improve several cardio-metabolic risk factors. We aimed to assess the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids on metabolic and inflammatory indices in patients with schizophrenia who were taking clozapine and sodium valproate. All patients were on a stable dose of 300-400mg of clozapine for 3 months. Subjects were randomized to treatment with either omega-3 fatty acid (4gr/day) or a placebo for 8 weeks. Height, weight, abdominal circumference, serum lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and serum high sensitivity-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were determined at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. Fifty six subjects were recruited into the study. Patients with schizophrenia who were in the group receiving omega-3 FA capsules had an improvement in some anthropometric indices including weight, BMI, wrist and waist circumference, compared to the placebo group. Only changes in waist circumferences remained significantly different after adjustment for serum fasted TG. Our results showed omega-3 FA supplementation can improve some anthropometric indices in patients with schizophrenia who are taking clozapine pharmacotherapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.12.028 PMID: 29329042 227. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2018 Mar;38(3):653-659. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.117.310366. Epub 2018 Jan 11. Plasma n-3 and n-6 Fatty Acids Are Differentially Related to Carotid Plaque and Its Progression: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Steffen BT(1), Guan W(1), Stein JH(1), Tattersall MC(1), Kaufman JD(1), Sandfort V(1), Szklo M(1), Tsai MY(2). Author information: (1)From the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (B.T.S., M.Y.T.); Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis (W.G.); Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison (J.H.S., M.C.T.); Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle (J.D.K.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD (V.S.); and Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (M.S.). (2)From the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (B.T.S., M.Y.T.); Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis (W.G.); Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison (J.H.S., M.C.T.); Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle (J.D.K.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD (V.S.); and Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (M.S.). tsaix001@umn.edu. OBJECTIVE: ω-3 (n-3) fatty acids (FAs) have long been considered healthful dietary components, yet recent clinical trials have questioned their cardiovascular benefits. By contrast, the ω-6 (n-6) FAs have been considered harmful, proatherogenic macronutrients, despite an absence of empirical evidence supporting this hypothesis. We aimed to determine whether plasma n-3 and n-6 FAs are related to risk of carotid plaque and its progression in 3327 participants of MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). APPROACH AND RESULTS: Carotid plaque was assessed using ultrasonography at baseline and after a median period of 9.5 years. Plasma phospholipid n-3 and n-6 FAs were determined using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. Relative risk regression analyses assessed the relations of FAs with the presence or progression of carotid plaque adjusted for typical cardiovascular disease risk factors. At baseline, it was found that participants in the fourth quartile of n-3 docosahexaenoic acid showed a 9% lower risk of carotid plaque (P=0.05), whereas those in the second quartile of n-3 α-linolenic acid showed an 11% greater risk compared with respective referent quartiles (P=0.02). In prospective analyses, individuals in the top quartile of docosahexaenoic acid showed a 12% lower risk of carotid plaque progression during 9.5 years compared with those in the referent quartile (P=0.002). No significant relations were observed among n-6 FAs and plaque outcomes. No significant race/ethnicity interactions were found. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support docosahexaenoic acid as an atheroprotective macronutrient, whereas null findings for n-6 FAs challenge the view that they promote atherosclerosis. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc. DOI: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.117.310366 PMCID: PMC5823763 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29326315 228. J Biol Chem. 2018 Mar 2;293(9):3028-3038. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M117.802058. Epub 2018 Jan 11. Dual cyclooxygenase-fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor exploits novel binding interactions in the cyclooxygenase active site. Goodman MC(1), Xu S(1), Rouzer CA(1), Banerjee S(2), Ghebreselasie K(1), Migliore M(3), Piomelli D(3)(4), Marnett LJ(5). Author information: (1)From the A. B. Hancock, Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology and Center in Molecular Toxicology, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232. (2)the Northeastern Collaborative Access Team, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439. (3)the Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genoa, Italy. (4)the Departments of Anatomy, Neurobiology, Pharmacology, and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, and. (5)From the A. B. Hancock, Jr. Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research, Departments of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology and Center in Molecular Toxicology, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, larry.marnett@vanderbilt.edu. The cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2 oxygenate arachidonic acid (AA) to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2). COX-2 also oxygenates the endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) to the corresponding PGH2 analogs. Both enzymes are targets of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but NSAID-mediated COX inhibition is associated with gastrointestinal toxicity. One potential strategy to counter this toxicity is to also inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which hydrolyzes bioactive fatty acid ethanolamides (FAEs) into fatty acids and ethanolamine. Here, we investigated the mechanism of COX inhibition by ARN2508, an NSAID that inhibits both COXs and FAAH with high potency, target selectivity, and decreased gastrointestinal toxicity in mouse models, presumably due to its ability to increase levels of FAEs. A 2.27-Å-resolution X-ray crystal structure of the COX-2·(S)-ARN2508 complex reveals that ARN2508 adopts a binding pose similar to that of its parent NSAID flurbiprofen. However, ARN2508's alkyl tail is inserted deep into the top channel, an active site region not exploited by any previously reported NSAID. As for flurbiprofen, ARN2508's potency is highly dependent on the configuration of the α-methyl group. Thus, (S)-ARN2508 is more potent than (R)-ARN2508 for inhibition of AA oxygenation by both COXs and 2-AG oxygenation by COX-2. Also, similarly to (R)-flurbiprofen, (R)-ARN2508 exhibits substrate selectivity for inhibition of 2-AG oxygenation. Site-directed mutagenesis confirms the importance of insertion of the alkyl tail into the top channel for (S)-ARN2508's potency and suggests a role for Ser-530 as a determinant of the inhibitor's slow rate of inhibition compared with that of (S)-flurbiprofen. DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M117.802058 PMID: 29326169 229. Plant J. 2018 Mar;93(5):931-942. doi: 10.1111/tpj.13820. Epub 2018 Feb 7. Differential induction of polar and non-polar metabolism during wound-induced suberization in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers. Woolfson KN(1), Haggitt ML(1), Zhang Y(1), Kachura A(1), Bjelica A(1), Rey Rincon MA(1), Kaberi KM(1), Bernards MA(1). Author information: (1)Department of Biology and the Biotron, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada. Wound-induced suberin deposition involves the temporal and spatial coordination of phenolic and fatty acid metabolism. Phenolic metabolism leads to both soluble metabolites that accumulate as defense compounds as well as hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives that form the basis of the poly(phenolic) domain found in suberized tissue. Fatty acid metabolism involves the biosynthesis of very-long-chain fatty acids, 1-alkanols, ω-hydroxy fatty acids and α,ω-dioic acids that form a poly(aliphatic) domain, commonly referred to as suberin. Using the abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis inhibitor fluridone (FD), we reduced wound-induced de novo biosynthesis of ABA in potato tubers, and measured the impact on the expression of genes involved in phenolic metabolism (StPAL1, StC4H, StCCR, StTHT), aliphatic metabolism (StCYP86A33, StCYP86B12, StFAR3, StKCS6), metabolism linking phenolics and aliphatics (StFHT) or acyl chains and glycerol (StGPAT5, StGPAT6), and in the delivery of aliphatic monomers to the site of suberization (StABCG1). In FD-treated tissue, both aliphatic gene expression and accumulation of aliphatic suberin monomers were delayed. Exogenous ABA restored normal aliphatic suberin deposition in FD-treated tissue, and enhanced aliphatic gene expression and poly(aliphatic) domain deposition when applied alone. By contrast, phenolic metabolism genes were not affected by FD treatment, while FD + ABA and ABA treatments slightly enhanced the accumulation of polar metabolites. These data support a role for ABA in the differential induction of phenolic and aliphatic metabolism during wound-induced suberization in potato. © 2018 The Authors.The Plant Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Experimental Biology. DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13820 PMID: 29315972 230. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2018 Mar;17(3):225-233. doi: 10.1080/14740338.2018.1424828. Epub 2018 Jan 23. The role of Iloprost on bone edema and osteonecrosis: Safety and clinical results. Pountos I(1), Giannoudis PV(1). Author information: (1)a Academic Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, School of Medicine , University of Leeds , Leeds , United Kingdom. INTRODUCTION: Iloprost is a commercially available prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) analogue that is shown to have antithrombotic, vasodilatative and antiproliferative effects. A number of clinical studies have shown that Iloprost can be effective in the management of bone marrow oedema and the treatment of avascular necrosis. The aim of this manuscript is to present our current understanding on the effect of Iloprost on the treatment of these conditions. Areas covered: The authors offer a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the experimental and clinical studies analysing the effect of Iloprost on bone, bone marrow oedema and avascular necrosis. Expert opinion: The available data from the clinical studies suggest that Iloprost has limited effect in advanced stages of avascular necrosis. However, literature suggests that Iloprost administration can be a viable option in the management of bone marrow oedema and early stages of osteonecrosis. Despite these promising results its effect on bone homeostasis needs further elucidation. Moreover, further data on its safety, dosage and efficiency through randomized multicenter studies are desirable in order to reach final conclusions. DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2018.1424828 PMID: 29315006 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 231. J Basic Microbiol. 2018 Mar;58(3):247-254. doi: 10.1002/jobm.201700276. Epub 2018 Jan 4. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production in bacterial co-culture using glucose and volatile fatty acids as carbon source. Munir S(1)(2), Jamil N(1). Author information: (1)Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. (2)Department of Zoology, University of Lahore, Sargodha, Pakistan. Mixed bacterial cultures are increasingly being used in the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), as they have the potential to be more cost effective than axenic pure cultures. The purpose of this study was to use pure cultures in combination to identify their potential of PHA production. In this work we used volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and glucose as carbon source to check the ability of selected strains ST2 (Pseudomonas sp.) and CS8 (Bacillus sp.) as co-culture. The production of PHA in pure co-cultures of bacteria was therefore investigated in order to understand the effect of combining cultures on PHA production parameters and material properties. Bacteria could use the feed in better way when mixed as compared to individual strain. In undertaking this analysis, model volatile fatty acids (i.e., acetic and propionic acids) were used alone and in combination with glucose as feedstock. The production by Pseudomonas was 34% while 24% by Bacillus. However when combined and mixed feed (glucose + propionic acid) was used, 35% PHA produced. Overall, it was found that the ability of the pure cultures to produce PHA was low but when selected cultures were mixed, their ability to produce PHA was enhanced. Copolymers were obtained instead of homopolymers with improved properties. This suggests that industrial wastewater rich in volatile fatty acids and carbohydrates can be a good carbon source for PHA production with variable properties. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201700276 PMID: 29314110 232. Enzyme Microb Technol. 2018 Mar;110:20-29. doi: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2017.12.003. Epub 2017 Dec 19. Enhancement of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid glycerides in Sardine oil by a bioimprinted cross-linked Candida rugosa lipase. Sampath C(1), Belur PD(2), Iyyasami R(1). Author information: (1)Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Srinivasnagar, Mangaluru 575 025, India. (2)Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Srinivasnagar, Mangaluru 575 025, India. Electronic address: prsnbhat@gmail.com. Considering the advantages of bioimprinting and carrier free immobilization, cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEA) were prepared by using bioimprinted Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) with Bovine serum albumin (BSA), Polyethyleneimine and glutaraldehyde. Effect of various factors such as CRL-Oleic acid ratio, CRL-BSA ratio, CRL- Polyethyleneimine ratio, glutaraldehyde loading, cross-linking time etc., on lipase activity recovery and aggregate yield were studied and optimized. This immobilized lipase (CRL-CLEA) was used for the selective hydrolysis of ester linkages of non-PUFA glycerides, with an aim to concentrate EPA and DHA glycerides in the Sardine oil. Imprinting with oleic acid in the presence of ethanol and Tween 60, and further immobilization with co-aggregates and cross-linking agent showed 10.4 times higher degree of hydrolysis compared to free enzyme. As result, 2.83-fold increase of n-3 PUFA content in deacidified oil was obtained by using CRL-CLEA. The resultant oil had negligible di- and triglycerides content, proving higher efficiency in hydrolysing ester bonds of fatty acids, other than n-3 PUFA. Reusability studies showed CRL-CLEA could be reused up to 5 runs without a substantial reduction in its performance. Improvement in degree of hydrolysis, thermostability, efficiency of hydrolysis and reusability were achieved due to bioimprinting and subsequent immobilization of CRL in the form of CLEA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2017.12.003 PMID: 29310852 233. Talanta. 2018 Mar 1;179:624-631. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2017.11.067. Epub 2017 Dec 22. Silver nanoparticles as matrix for MALDI FTICR MS profiling and imaging of diverse lipids in brain. Guan M(1), Zhang Z(1), Li S(1), Liu J(2), Liu L(1), Yang H(1), Zhang Y(2), Wang T(1), Zhao Z(3). Author information: (1)Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Mass Spectrum Center, Beijing, China; Graduate School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. (2)Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Mass Spectrum Center, Beijing, China. (3)Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Mass Spectrum Center, Beijing, China; Graduate School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. Electronic address: zhenwenzhao@iccas.ac.cn. Owing to the diversity of lipids, profiling and imaging multiple classes of lipids in one analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) is a great challenge. In this work, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was used as the matrix for MALDI MSI for the first time to simultaneously analyze 10 classes of lipids from the brain. This analysis included fatty acids and their derivatives, sterols, CPAs, LPA and PAs, LPE and PEs, LPC and PCs, PS, Cers, SMs, and MAGs and DAGs, and other small metabolites. Owing to the abundant silver ions on the surface of PVP-capped AgNPs, compounds with poor ionization efficiency such as FAs and sterols can be detected. The PVP-capped AgNPs based MALDI MSI analysis of mouse brain showed that lipid distributions in the substructures of the mouse brain can be connected with their biological functions. The brain lipids in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were also investigated. Most unsaturated FAs, prostaglandins, CPAs, vitamin A, neuraminic acid, 5-OH-tryptophan and the K+ adducts of most phospholipids (PAs, LPE, PEs, PCs, PS) and SMs were extremely down regulated in the ischemic region and saturated FA, Cers, hexanoylcarnitine, stearaldehyde, the Na+ adduct of phospholipids (LPA, PAs, LPE, PEs, LPC, PCs) and SMs were highly expressed in the damaged section. These novel findings could be very significant for elucidating the disease mechanism. MALDI MSI using PVP-capped AgNPs as a matrix can be a powerful tool in histopathology and pathology studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2017.11.067 PMID: 29310285 234. Bioresour Technol. 2018 Mar;252:127-133. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.099. Epub 2017 Dec 30. Influence of feedstock-to-inoculum ratio on performance and microbial community succession during solid-state thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion of pig urine and rice straw. Meng L(1), Xie L(1), Kinh CT(1), Suenaga T(1), Hori T(2), Riya S(3), Terada A(1), Hosomi M(1). Author information: (1)Department of Chemical Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan. (2)Environmental Management Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan. (3)Department of Chemical Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan. Electronic address: sriya@cc.tuat.ac.jp. This study investigated the effect of the feedstock-to-inoculum (F/I) ratio on performance of the solid-state anaerobic co-digestion of pig urine and rice straw inoculated with a solid digestate, and clarified the microbial community succession. A 44-day biochemical methane potential test at F/I ratios of 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 at 55 °C and a 35-day large-scale batch test at F/I ratios of 0.5 and 3 at 55 °C were conducted to investigate the effects of F/I ratio on anaerobic digestibility and analyze microbial community succession, respectively. The highest cumulative methane yield was 353.7 m3/t VS in the large-scale batch test. Volatile fatty acids did not accumulate at any F/I ratios. The volatile solids reduction rate was highest at a F/I ratio of 0.5. Microbial community structures were similar between F/I ratios of 3 and 0.5, despite differences in digestion performance, suggesting that stable operation can be achieved at these ratios. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.099 PMID: 29310016 235. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2018 Mar;16(3):171-181. doi: 10.1038/nrmicro.2017.149. Epub 2018 Jan 8. Microbial modulation of cardiovascular disease. Brown JM(1), Hazen SL(1). Author information: (1)Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NC-10, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. Although diet has long been known to contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), research over the past decade has revealed an unexpected interplay between nutrient intake, gut microbial metabolism and the host to modify the risk of developing CVD. Microbial-associated molecular patterns are sensed by host pattern recognition receptors and have been suggested to drive CVD pathogenesis. In addition, the host microbiota produces various metabolites, such as trimethylamine-N-oxide, short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids, that affect CVD pathogenesis. These recent advances support the notion that targeting the interactions between the host and microorganisms may hold promise for the prevention or treatment of CVD. In this Review, we summarize our current knowledge of the gut microbial mechanisms that drive CVD, with special emphasis on therapeutic interventions, and we highlight the need to establish causal links between microbial pathways and CVD pathogenesis. DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro.2017.149 PMID: 29307889 236. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2018 Mar;1863(3):323-338. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2017.12.013. Epub 2018 Jan 4. Ablating both Fabp1 and Scp2/Scpx (TKO) induces hepatic phospholipid and cholesterol accumulation in high fat-fed mice. Milligan S(1), Martin GG(2), Landrock D(1), McIntosh AL(2), Mackie JT(1), Schroeder F(2), Kier AB(3). Author information: (1)Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA. (2)Department of Physiology/Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA. (3)Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA. Electronic address: akier@cvm.tamu.edu. Although singly ablating Fabp1 or Scp2/Scpx genes may exacerbate the impact of high fat diet (HFD) on whole body phenotype and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), concomitant upregulation of the non-ablated gene, preference for ad libitum fed HFD, and sex differences complicate interpretation. Therefore, these issues were addressed in male and female mice ablated in both genes (Fabp1/Scp2/Scpx null or TKO) and pair-fed HFD. Wild-type (WT) males gained more body weight as fat tissue mass (FTM) and exhibited higher hepatic lipid accumulation than WT females. The greater hepatic lipid accumulation in WT males was associated with higher hepatic expression of enzymes in glyceride synthesis, higher hepatic bile acids, and upregulation of transporters involved in hepatic reuptake of serum bile acids. While TKO had little effect on whole body phenotype and hepatic bile acid accumulation in either sex, TKO increased hepatic accumulation of lipids in both, specifically phospholipid and cholesteryl esters in males and females and free cholesterol in females. TKO-induced increases in glycerides were attributed not only to complete loss of FABP1, SCP2 and SCPx, but also in part to sex-dependent upregulation of hepatic lipogenic enzymes. These data with WT and TKO mice pair-fed HFD indicate that: i) Sex significantly impacted the ability of HFD to increase body weight, induce hepatic lipid accumulation and increase hepatic bile acids; and ii) TKO exacerbated the HFD ability to induce hepatic lipid accumulation, regardless of sex, but did not significantly alter whole body phenotype in either sex. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2017.12.013 PMCID: PMC5807141 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29307784 237. Waste Manag. 2018 Mar;73:156-164. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.12.027. Epub 2018 Jan 4. Influence of feed/inoculum ratios and waste cooking oil content on the mesophilic anaerobic digestion of food waste. Li Y(1), Jin Y(2), Borrion A(3), Li J(1). Author information: (1)School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Key Laboratory for Solid Waste Management and Environment Safety (Tsinghua University), Ministry of Education of China, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China. (2)School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Key Laboratory for Solid Waste Management and Environment Safety (Tsinghua University), Ministry of Education of China, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China. Electronic address: jinyy@tsinghua.edu.cn. (3)Dept of Civil, Environ & Geomatic Eng, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK. Information on the anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste (FW) with different waste cooking oil contents is limited in terms of the effect of the initial substrate concentrations. In this work, batch tests were performed to evaluate the combined effects of waste cooking oil content (33-53%) and feed/inoculum (F/I) ratios (0.5-1.2) on biogas/methane yield, process stability parameters and organics reduction during the FW AD. Both waste cooking oil and the inoculation ratios were found to affect digestion parameters during the AD process start-up and the F/I ratio was the predominant factor affecting AD after the start-up phase. The possible inhibition due to acidification caused by volatile fatty acids accumulation, low pH values and long-chain fatty acids was reversible. The characteristics of the final digestate indicated a stable anaerobic system, whereas samples with F/I ratios ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 display higher propionic and valeric acid contents and high amounts of total ammonia nitrogen and free ammonia nitrogen. Overall, F/I ratios higher than 0.70 caused inhibition and resulted in low biogas/methane yields from the FW. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.12.027 PMID: 29307470 238. Bioresour Technol. 2018 Mar;252:118-126. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.096. Epub 2017 Dec 29. LED power efficiency of biomass, fatty acid, and carotenoid production in Nannochloropsis microalgae. Ma R(1), Thomas-Hall SR(2), Chua ET(2), Eltanahy E(3), Netzel ME(4), Netzel G(4), Lu Y(5), Schenk PM(6). Author information: (1)Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China; Algae Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia. (2)Algae Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia. (3)Algae Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Phycology Laboratory, Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt. (4)Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, PO Box 156, Archerfield, Queensland 4108, Australia. (5)Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China. (6)Algae Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia. Electronic address: p.schenk@uq.edu.au. The microalga Nannochloropsis produces high-value omega-3-rich fatty acids and carotenoids. In this study the effects of light intensity and wavelength on biomass, fatty acid, and carotenoid production with respect to light output efficiency were investigated. Similar biomass and fatty acid yields were obtained at high light intensity (150 μmol m-2 s-1) LEDs on day 7 and low light intensity (50 μmol m-2 s-1) LEDs on day 11 during cultivation, but the power efficiencies of biomass and fatty acid (specifically eicosapentaenoic acid) production were higher for low light intensity. Interestingly, low light intensity enhanced both, carotenoid power efficiency of carotenoid biosynthesis and yield. White LEDs were neither advantageous for biomass and fatty acid yields, nor the power efficiency of biomass, fatty acid, and carotenoid production. Noticeably, red LED resulted in the highest biomass and fatty acid power efficiency, suggesting that LEDs can be fine-tuned to grow Nannochloropsis algae more energy-efficiently. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.096 PMID: 29306714 239. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2018 Mar 1;84(6). pii: e02537-17. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02537-17. Print 2018 Mar 15. A Unique Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion Process Showing a Dynamic Transition of Physicochemical and Bacterial Characteristics from the Mesophilic to the Thermophilic Phase. Tashiro Y(1)(2), Kanda K(1), Asakura Y(1), Kii T(1), Cheng H(1), Poudel P(1), Okugawa Y(1), Tashiro K(3), Sakai K(4)(2). Author information: (1)Laboratory of Soil and Environmental Microbiology, Division of Systems Bioengineering, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School of Bioresources and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. (2)Laboratory of Microbial Environmental Protection, Tropical Microbiology Unit, Center for International Education and Research of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. (3)Laboratory of Molecular Gene Technology, Division of Systems Bioengineering, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. (4)Laboratory of Soil and Environmental Microbiology, Division of Systems Bioengineering, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School of Bioresources and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan kensak@agr.kyushu-u.ac.jp. A unique autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD) process has been used to convert human excreta to liquid fertilizer in Japan. This study investigated the changes in physicochemical and bacterial community characteristics during the full-scale ATAD process operated for approximately 3 weeks in 2 different years. After initiating simultaneous aeration and mixing using an air-inducing circulator (aerator), the temperature autothermally increased rapidly in the first 1 to 2 days with exhaustive oxygen consumption, leading to a drastic decrease and gradual increase in oxidation-reduction potential in the first 2 days, reached >50°C in the middle 4 to 6 days, and remained steady in the final phase. Volatile fatty acids were rapidly consumed and diminished in the first 2 days, whereas the ammonia nitrogen concentration was relatively stable during the process, despite a gradual pH increase to 9.3. Principal-coordinate analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons using next-generation sequencing divided the bacterial community structures into distinct clusters corresponding to three phases, and they were similar in the final phase in both years despite different transitions in the middle phase. The predominant phyla (closest species, dominancy) in the initial, middle, and final phases were Proteobacteria (Arcobacter trophiarum, 19 to 43%; Acinetobacter towneri, 6.3 to 30%), Bacteroidetes (Moheibacter sediminis, 43 to 54%), and Firmicutes (Thermaerobacter composti, 11 to 28%; Heliorestis baculata, 2.1 to 16%), respectively. Two predominant operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the final phase showed very low similarities to the closest species, indicating that the process is unique compared with previously published ones. This unique process with three distinctive phases would be caused by the aerator with complete aeration.IMPORTANCE Although the autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD) process has several advantages, such as a high degradation capacity, a short treatment period, and inactivation of pathogens, one of the factors limiting its broad application is the high electric power consumption for aerators with a full-scale bioreactor. We elucidated the dynamics of the bacterial community structures, as well as the physicochemical characteristics, in the ATAD process with a full-scale bioreactor from human excreta for 3 weeks. Our results indicated that this unique process can be divided into three distinguishable phases by an aerator with complete aeration and showed a possibility of shortening the digestion period to approximately 10 days. This research not only helps to identify which bacteria play significant roles and how the process can be improved and controlled but also demonstrates an efficient ATAD process with less electric power consumption for worldwide application. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology. DOI: 10.1128/AEM.02537-17 PMID: 29305505 240. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2018 Mar;79:158-167. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.12.026. Epub 2017 Dec 28. "Force-from-lipids" gating of mechanosensitive channels modulated by PUFAs. Ridone P(1), Grage SL(2), Patkunarajah A(3), Battle AR(4), Ulrich AS(2), Martinac B(5). Author information: (1)Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia. (2)Institute for Biological Interfaces IBG-2, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany. (3)School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney 2052, Australia. (4)Translational Research Institute (TRI) and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia. (5)Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia. Electronic address: b.martinac@victorchang.edu.au. The level of fatty acid saturation in phospholipids is a crucial determinant of the biophysical properties of the lipid bilayer. Integral membrane proteins are sensitive to changes of their bilayer environment such that their activities and localization can be profoundly affected. When incorporated into phospholipids of mammalian cells, poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) determine the mechanical properties of the bilayer thereby affecting several membrane-associated functions such as endo- and exo-cytosis and ion channel/membrane receptor signalling cascades. In order to understand how membrane tension is propagated through poly-unsaturated bilayers, we characterized the effect of lipid saturation on liposome reconstituted MscS and MscL, the two bacterial mechanosensitive ion channels that have for many years served as models of ion- channel-mediated mechanotransduction. The combination of NMR and patch clamp experiments in this study demonstrate that bilayer thinning is the main responsible factor for the modulation of the MscL threshold of activation while a change in transbilayer pressure profile is indicated as the main factor behind the observed modulation of the MscS kinetics. Together, our data offer a novel insight into how the structural shape differences between the two types of mechanosensitive channels determine their differential modulation by poly-unsaturated phospholipids and thus lay the foundation for future functional studies of eukaryotic ion channels involved in the physiology of mechanosensory transduction processes in mammalian cells.SUMMARY: Mechanosensitive channels MscL and MscS are differentially modulated by poly-unsaturated fatty acids in lipid bilayers. MscL becomes sensitized because of increased hydrophobic mismatch while MscS open state is stabilized due to changes in the bilayer lateral pressure profile determined by NMR. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.12.026 PMID: 29304430 241. Diabetologia. 2018 Mar;61(3):688-699. doi: 10.1007/s00125-017-4528-4. Epub 2018 Jan 3. Skeletal muscle insulin resistance is induced by 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal, a by-product of n-3 fatty acid peroxidation. Soulage CO(1), Sardón Puig L(2), Soulère L(3), Zarrouki B(4), Guichardant M(1), Lagarde M(1), Pillon NJ(5). Author information: (1)Univ Lyon, CarMeN, INSA-Lyon, Inserm UMR 1060, INRA UMR 1397, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France. (2)Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. (3)Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, CPE Lyon, Université de Lyon 1, UMR 5246, CNRS, ICBMS, Institut de Chimie et de Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, Chimie Organique et Bioorganique (COB), Villeurbanne, France. (4)Bioscience Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden. (5)Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, von Eulers väg 4a, IV, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden. nicolas.pillon@ki.se. AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and its progression towards type 2 diabetes. The peroxidation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids produces 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal (4-HHE), a lipid aldehyde with potent electrophilic properties able to interfere with many pathophysiological processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of 4-HHE in the development of insulin resistance. METHODS: 4-HHE concentration was measured in plasma from humans and rats by GC-MS. Insulin resistance was estimated in healthy rats after administration of 4-HHE using hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamps. In muscle cells, glucose uptake was measured using 2-deoxy-D-glucose and signalling pathways were investigated by western blotting. Intracellular glutathione was measured using a fluorimetric assay kit and boosted using 1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T). RESULTS: Circulating levels of 4-HHE in type 2 diabetic humans and a rat model of diabetes (obese Zucker diabetic fatty rats), were twice those in their non-diabetic counterparts (33 vs 14 nmol/l, p < 0.001), and positively correlated with blood glucose levels. During hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamps in rats, acute intravenous injection of 4-HHE significantly altered whole-body insulin sensitivity and decreased glucose infusion rate (24.2 vs 9.9 mg kg-1 min-1, p < 0.001). In vitro, 4-HHE impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and signalling (protein kinase B/Akt and IRS1) in L6 muscle cells. Insulin-induced glucose uptake was reduced from 186 to 141.9 pmol mg-1 min-1 (p < 0.05). 4-HHE induced carbonylation of cell proteins and reduced glutathione concentration from 6.3 to 4.5 nmol/mg protein. Increasing intracellular glutathione pools using D3T prevented 4-HHE-induced carbonyl stress and insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: 4-HHE is produced in type 2 diabetic humans and Zucker diabetic fatty rats and blunts insulin action in skeletal muscle. 4-HHE therefore plays a causal role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and might constitute a potential therapeutic target to taper oxidative stress-induced insulin resistance. DOI: 10.1007/s00125-017-4528-4 PMID: 29299636 242. Bioresour Technol. 2018 Mar;251:364-373. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.069. Epub 2017 Dec 23. Evaluation of single and two stage anaerobic digestion of landfill leachate: Effect of pH and initial organic loading rate on volatile fatty acid (VFA) and biogas production. Begum S(1), Anupoju GR(2), Sridhar S(3), Bhargava SK(4), Jegatheesan V(5), Eshtiaghi N(5). Author information: (1)Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Group, Environmental Engineering and Fossil Fuels (EEFF) Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India; School of Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), 124 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia. (2)Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Group, Environmental Engineering and Fossil Fuels (EEFF) Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India. Electronic address: gangagnirao@gmail.com. (3)Membrane Separations Group, Chemical Engineering Department, CSIR- IICT, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India. (4)School of Science, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), 124 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia. (5)School of Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), 124 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia. This work aims to evaluate the impact of pH and initial organic load (IOL) in terms of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of landfill leachate for the production of value added products during single and two stage anaerobic digestion (AD). It was observed that at an optimal IOL of 48 g/L, acetic acid was dominant at pH 5.5 whereas it was butyric acid at pH of 5.5-6.0 and 10-11. The yield of Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA) was dependent on IOL and it was in the range of 0.26 to 0.36 g VFA/(g COD removed). Methane was also harvested during single and two stage AD and found that it was varying in the range of 0.21-0.34 L CH4/(g COD removed) and 0.2-0.32 L CH4/(g COD removed) respectively. An overall increase of 21% COD removal was noticed in two stage AD in comparison to single stage. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.069 PMID: 29294458 243. Poult Sci. 2018 Mar 1;97(3):874-881. doi: 10.3382/ps/pex372. Effect of dietary xylooligosaccharides on intestinal characteristics, gut microbiota, cecal short-chain fatty acids, and plasma immune parameters of laying hens. Ding XM(1), Li DD(1), Bai SP(1), Wang JP(1), Zeng QF(1), Su ZW(1), Xuan Y(1), Zhang KY(1). Author information: (1)Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, China, Ya'an, 625014. This study examined the prebiotic effects of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) on intestinal characteristics, gut microbiota, cecal short-chain fatty acids, plasma calcium metabolism, and immune parameters of laying hens. A total of 1,080 White Lohmann laying hens (28 wk of age) was assigned to 6 dietary treatments that included XOS at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, or 0.05% for 8 weeks. Each treatment had 6 replicates with 10 cages (3 birds/cage). Blood, intestinal tissues, and cecal digesta samples were collected from chickens at the end of the experiment. Villus height, crypt depth, the villus to crypt (VH: CD) ratio, and the relative length of different intestinal sections were evaluated. Additionally, the number of microorganisms and the content of short-chain fatty acids in cecal digesta samples were determined. Plasma concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M (IgM), interleukin 2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), calcitonin (CT), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were also determined. The results showed that villus height and the VH: CD ratio of the jejunum were increased (linear, P < 0.01) with the increase in dietary XOS concentration, and the relative length of the jejunum (P = 0.03) was increased significantly in XOS diets. Dietary supplementation of XOS significantly increased (linear, P < 0.01) the number of Bifidobacteria in the cecum; however, total bacteria count, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli in the cecum were not affected by XOS supplementation. In addition, inclusion of XOS increased (linear, P < 0.01) the content of butyrate in the cecum; and the content of acetic acid showed a linear increasing trend (P = 0.053) with increasing concentration of XOS in the diets. Supplementation with XOS increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) the content of 1,25(OH)2D3 in plasma. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the content of CT and PTH among dietary treatments. Furthermore, dietary XOS increased contents of IgA (linear, P < 0.05), TNF-α (linear, P < 0.05), IgM (linear, P < 0.05; quadratic, P < 0.05), and IL-2 (quadratic, P < 0.05). Taken together, it was suggested that supplemental XOS can enhance the intestinal health and immune function of laying hens by positively influencing the intestinal characteristics, gut microbiota, cecal short-chain fatty acids, and immune parameters. DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex372 PMID: 29294100 244. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2018 Mar 1;23:1552-1563. Lipid droplet autophagy during energy mobilization, lipid homeostasis and protein quality control. Garcia EJ(1), Vevea JD(2), Pon LA(3). Author information: (1)Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032 USA. (2)HHMI and Dept. of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705 USA. (3)Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032 USA, lap5@cumc.columbia.edu. Lipid droplets (LDs) have well-established functions as sites for lipid storage and energy mobilization to meet the metabolic demands of cells. However, recent studies have expanded the roles of LDs to protein quality control. Lipophagy, or LD degradation by autophagy, plays a vital role not only in the mobilization of free fatty acids (FFAs) and lipid homeostasis at LDs, but also in the adaptation of cells to certain forms of stress including lipid imbalance. Recent studies have provided new mechanistic insights about the diverse types of lipophagy, in particular microlipophagy. This review summarizes key findings about the mechanisms and functions of lipophagy and highlights a novel function of LD microlipophagy as a mechanism to maintain endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteostasis under conditions of lipid imbalance. PMCID: PMC5836320 PMID: 29293450 245. Waste Manag. 2018 Mar;73:123-129. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.12.030. Epub 2017 Dec 30. Selection of microalgae intended for valorization of digestate from agro-waste mixtures. Koutra E(1), Grammatikopoulos G(2), Kornaros M(3). Author information: (1)Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering & Environmental Technology (LBEET), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece. (2)Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece. (3)Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering & Environmental Technology (LBEET), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece. Electronic address: kornaros@chemeng.upatras.gr. Digestates have been recently recognized as valuable substrates for microalgal cultivation, effectively combining wastewater remediation and biofuels production. In this regard, selection of the appropriate species for such a process is of utmost importance. In this study, the performance of seven different microalgal strains in 10% (v/v) digestate which derived from the co-digestion of several agro-waste streams was investigated. Parachlorella kessleri, Acutodesmus obliquus, Chlorella vulgaris and Tetraselmis tetrathele were able to acclimate to this new medium, resulting in biomass yields and fatty acids (FAs) content which varied between 570-1117 mg L-1 and 3.9-24.5%, respectively. The main FAs detected in the four species were oleic, palmitic and linolenic acid, with significant differences in their relative abundance. Concerning nutrients removal, almost complete NH3-N removal was observed, while % TP removal exceeded 80% for three of the four strains tested. Furthermore, induction kinetics of prompt chlorophyll fluorescence was used as a screening tool indicative of the reactions of the photosynthetic machinery of different microalgal species cultivated in digestate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.12.030 PMID: 29291909 246. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Mar;29(3):178-190. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2017.11.009. Epub 2017 Dec 28. Palmitic and Oleic Acid: The Yin and Yang of Fatty Acids in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Palomer X(1), Pizarro-Delgado J(1), Barroso E(1), Vázquez-Carrera M(2). Author information: (1)Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, and Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avinguda Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain. (2)Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, and Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avinguda Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: mvazquezcarrera@ub.edu. Increased plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) link obesity with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, in contrast to the saturated FA (SFA) palmitic acid, the monounsaturated FA (MUFA) oleic acid elicits beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, and the dietary palmitic acid:oleic acid ratio impacts diabetes risk in humans. Here we review recent mechanistic insights into the beneficial effects of oleic acid compared with palmitic acid on insulin resistance and T2DM, including its anti-inflammatory actions, and its capacity to inhibit endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, prevent attenuation of the insulin signaling pathway, and improve β cell survival. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of the antidiabetic effects of oleic acid may contribute to understanding the benefits of this FA in the prevention or delay of T2DM. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2017.11.009 PMID: 29290500 247. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Mar;101(3):2072-2083. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13440. Epub 2017 Dec 28. Influence of feeding supplements of almond hulls and ensiled citrus pulp on the milk production, milk composition, and methane emissions of dairy cows. Williams SRO(1), Chaves AV(2), Deighton MH(3), Jacobs JL(3), Hannah MC(3), Ribaux BE(3), Morris GL(3), Wales WJ(3), Moate PJ(3). Author information: (1)Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport, and Resources, Agriculture Victoria, Ellinbank, Victoria 3821, Australia. Electronic address: richard.williams@ecodev.vic.gov.au. (2)Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life Sciences and Environment, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia. (3)Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport, and Resources, Agriculture Victoria, Ellinbank, Victoria 3821, Australia. Almond hulls and citrus pulp have been fed to dairy cows with variable responses for milk production, but no information exists on their effect on enteric methane emissions. This experiment examined the effects of dietary supplementation with either almond hulls or ensiled citrus pulp on the milk yield, milk composition, and enteric methane emissions of dairy cows. Thirty-two Holstein dairy cows in mid lactation were offered 1 of 3 diets over a 28-d experiment. Twelve cows received a control (CON) diet, 10 cows a diet containing almond hulls (ALH), and 10 cows a diet containing ensiled citrus pulp (CIT). All cows were offered 6.0 kg of dry matter (DM)/d of crushed corn, 2.0 kg of DM/d of cold-pressed canola, and 0.2 kg of DM/d of a mineral mix. In addition, cows fed the CON diet were offered 14.5 kg of DM/d of alfalfa cubes; cows fed the ALH diet were offered 10.5 kg of DM/d of alfalfa cubes and 4.0 kg of DM/d of almond hulls; and cows on the CIT diet were offered 11.5 kg of DM/d of alfalfa cubes and 3.0 kg of DM/d of ensiled citrus pulp. Milk yield was measured daily and milk composition was measured on 4 d of each week. Individual cow methane emissions were measured by a sulfur hexafluoride tracer technique on d 24 to 28 of the experiment. The mean milk yield of cows fed the CON diet (27.4 kg/d) was greater than the mean milk yield of cows fed the ALH diet (24.6 kg/cow per day), whereas the mean milk yield of cows fed the CIT diet (26.2 kg/cow per day) was not different from the mean milk yield from cows fed the other 2 diets. Dietary treatment did not influence the concentrations of milk fat, protein, and lactose or fat yields, but the mean protein yield from cows fed the CON diet (0.87 kg/d) was greater than that from cows fed the ALH diet (0.78 kg/d) but not different to those fed the CIT diet (0.85 kg/d). In general, we found no differences in the proportion of individual fatty acids in milk. The mean pH of ruminal fluid from cows offered the CON diet was not different to the pH in the ruminal fluids of cows offered the ALH or the CIT diets. The mean methane emissions (g/d) and yields (g/kg of DM intake) were not influenced by dietary treatment. These findings indicate that, although almond hulls and ensiled citrus pulp can be used as a low-cost feed supplement, almond hulls did negatively affect milk production and neither inhibited enteric methane emissions. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13440 PMID: 29290453 248. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Mar;101(3):2144-2147. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13725. Epub 2017 Dec 28. Short communication: Effects of dietary 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole supplementation on vitamin B12 supply, lactation performance, and energy balance in dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation. Wang DM(1), Zhang BX(1), Wang JK(1), Liu HY(1), Liu JX(2). Author information: (1)Institute of Dairy Science, MoE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China. (2)Institute of Dairy Science, MoE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China. Electronic address: liujx@zju.edu.cn. The current study was conducted to investigate the effects of 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (DMB) supplementation to the feed during the transition period and early lactation on the vitamin B12 supply, lactation performance, and energy balance in postpartum cows. Twenty-four prepartum Holstein dairy cows were divided into 12 blocks based on their parity and milk yield at the last lactation and were then randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatments: a basal diet without DMB (control) or a treatment diet that contained 1.5 g of DMB/d per cow. The study started at wk 3 before the expected calving day and ended at wk 8 postpartum. The feed intake and the lactation performance were measured weekly after calving. Blood parameters were measured on d -10, 0, 8, 15, 29, 43, and 57 relative to the calving day. Body weight was measured on the calving day and on d 57 after calving. The yields of milk, protein, and lactose in cows fed DMB were higher than in the control throughout the whole postpartum stage. On wk 8 postpartum, the vitamin B12 content in the milk and sera was greater in cows fed DMB than in the control. The overall body weight loss from wk 1 to 8 postpartum was less in cows fed DMB than in the control. The plasma content of nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyric acid was significantly lower in cows fed DMB than in the control throughout the whole experimental stage. In conclusion, dietary DMB fed during the transition period and early lactation improved the vitamin B12 supply, milk production, and energy balance of postpartum dairy cows. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13725 PMID: 29290452 249. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Mar;101(3):2084-2095. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13227. Epub 2017 Dec 28. Lactation response to soybean meal and rumen-protected methionine supplementation of corn silage-based diets. Nursoy H(1), Ronquillo MG(2), Faciola AP(3), Broderick GA(4). Author information: (1)Department of Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Faculty, Bingol University, Bingol, Turkey 12000. (2)Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Instituto Literario 100, Toluca, Mexico. (3)Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611. (4)USDA-Agricultural Research Service, US Dairy Forage Research Center, 1925 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706. Electronic address: gbroderi@wisc.edu. Corn silage, an important forage fed to dairy cows in the United States, is energy rich but protein poor. The objectives of this experiment were to investigate the effects on production of milk and milk components of feeding corn silage-based diets with 4 levels of dietary crude protein (CP) plus rumen-protected methionine (RPM). Thirty-six cows were blocked by days in milk into 9 squares and randomly assigned to 9 balanced 4 × 4 Latin squares with four 4-wk periods. All diets were formulated to contain, as a percent of dry matter (DM), 50% corn silage, 10% alfalfa silage, 4% soyhulls, 2.4% mineral-vitamin supplement, and 30% neutral detergent fiber. Supplemental RPM (Mepron, Evonik Corp., Kennesaw, GA) was added to all diets to maintain a Lys:Met ratio of 3.1 in digested AA. Ground high-moisture corn was reduced and soybean meal (SBM) plus RPM increased to give diets containing, on average, 11% CP (28% corn, 31% starch, 6% SBM, 4 g of RPM/d), 13% CP (23% corn, 29% starch, 10% SBM, 8 g of RPM/d), 15% CP (19% corn, 26% starch, 15% SBM, 10 g of RPM/d), and 17% CP (14% corn, 24% starch, 19% SBM, 12 g of RPM/d). Data from the last 14 d of each period were analyzed using the mixed procedures in SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). With the exception of milk fat and milk lactose content, we found no significant effects of diet on all production traits. We did note linear responses to dietary CP concentration for intake, production of milk and milk components, and MUN. Cows fed the 11% CP diet had reduced DM intake, lost weight, and yielded less milk and milk components. Mean separation indicated that only true protein yield was lower on 13% CP than on 17% dietary CP, but not different between 15 and 17% CP. This indicated no improvement in production of milk and milk components above 15% CP. Quadratic trends for yield of milk, energy-corrected milk, and true protein suggested that a dietary CP concentration greater than 15% may be necessary to maximize production or, alternately, that a plateau was reached and no further CP was required. Although diet influenced apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber, digestibility did not increase linearly with dietary CP. However, we observed linear and quadratic effects of dietary CP on acid detergent fiber digestibility. As expected, we found a linear effect of dietary CP on apparent N digestibility and on fecal and urinary N excretion, but no effect of diet on estimated true N digestibility. Ruminal concentrations of ammonia, total AA, peptides, and branched-chain volatile fatty acids also increased linearly with dietary CP. Quadratic responses indicated that 14.0 to 14.8% CP was necessary to optimize digestion and energy utilization. Overall results indicated that, when RPM was added to increase Lys:Met to 3.1, 15% CP was adequate for lactating dairy cows fed corn silage diets supplemented with SBM and secreting about 40 kg of milk/d; N excretion was lower than at 17% CP but with no reduction in yield of milk and milk components. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13227 PMID: 29290449 250. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Mar;101(3):2669-2678. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-14042. Epub 2017 Dec 28. Clinical and metabolic indicators associated with early mortality at a milk-fed veal facility: A prospective case-control study. Renaud DL(1), Duffield TF(1), LeBlanc SJ(1), Haley DB(1), Kelton DF(2). Author information: (1)Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1. (2)Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1. Electronic address: dkelton@uoguelph.ca. Antimicrobial use and resistance, in combination with high levels of mortality, are important challenges facing the veal industry. To improve both the economic sustainability of the industry and animal welfare, measures need to be taken to explore and address reasons for these challenges. Health status at arrival may be an important predictor of calf mortality because substantial mortality occurs early in the growing period on veal operations. The objective of this observational case-control study was to identify clinically measurable variables and metabolic indicators associated with mortality in the first 21 d following arrival at a veal facility. Calves were evaluated using a standardized health scoring system, blood was collected, calves were weighed, and the supplier of the calf was recorded at arrival. The calves were followed until death or 21 d after arrival. Cases were defined as calves that died ≤21 d following arrival. Two controls for every case were randomly selected from calves that survived >21 d, arrived on the same day, and were housed in the same barn as cases. Stored serum harvested at arrival from cases and controls was submitted for measurement of concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, cholesterol, urea, haptoglobin, and immunoglobulin G. A conditional logistic regression model was built to evaluate factors associated with mortality ≤21 d following arrival. A total of 4,825 calves were evaluated from November 2015 to September 2016. The mortality risk in the first 21 d was 2.8%, giving 135 cases, which were compared with 270 controls. Six variables were significant in the final multivariable model. Calves with a slightly enlarged navel with slight pain or moisture, and those with severe dehydration had increased odds of mortality ≤21 d following arrival. Drover-derived calves, calves that weighed more, and calves that had higher concentration of immunoglobulin G or cholesterol at arrival were less likely to die. The results demonstrate that calves at elevated risk for early mortality can be identified at arrival using both health and hematological factors. Early recognition of high-risk calves may allow for an intervention that could result in improvement in survival rates; however, prevention of these abnormalities before arrival at veal facilities needs to be further explored. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-14042 PMID: 29290429 251. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Mar;101(3):2110-2126. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13334. Epub 2017 Dec 28. The relationship between milk metabolome and methane emission of Holstein Friesian dairy cows: Metabolic interpretation and prediction potential. van Gastelen S(1), Antunes-Fernandes EC(2), Hettinga KA(3), Dijkstra J(4). Author information: (1)Top Institute Food and Nutrition, PO Box 557, 6700 AN Wageningen, the Netherlands; Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands. Electronic address: sanne.vangastelen@wur.nl. (2)Top Institute Food and Nutrition, PO Box 557, 6700 AN Wageningen, the Netherlands; Food Quality and Design Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 17, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands. (3)Food Quality and Design Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 17, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands. (4)Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands. This study aimed to quantify the relationship between CH4 emission and fatty acids, volatile metabolites, and nonvolatile metabolites in milk of dairy cows fed forage-based diets. Data from 6 studies were used, including 27 dietary treatments and 123 individual observations from lactating Holstein-Friesian cows. These dietary treatments covered a large range of forage-based diets, with different qualities and proportions of grass silage and corn silage. Methane emission was measured in climate respiration chambers and expressed as production (g per day), yield (g per kg of dry matter intake; DMI), and intensity (g per kg of fat- and protein-corrected milk; FPCM). Milk samples were analyzed for fatty acids by gas chromatography, for volatile metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and for nonvolatile metabolites by nuclear magnetic resonance. Dry matter intake was 15.9 ± 1.90 kg/d (mean ± SD), FPCM yield was 25.2 ± 4.57 kg/d, CH4 production was 359 ± 51.1 g/d, CH4 yield was 22.6 ± 2.31 g/kg of DMI, and CH4 intensity was 14.5 ± 2.59 g/kg of FPCM. The results show that changes in individual milk metabolite concentrations can be related to the ruminal CH4 production pathways. Several of these relationships were diet driven, whereas some were partly dependent on FPCM yield. Next, prediction models were developed and subsequently evaluated based on root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) analysis, and random 10-fold cross-validation. The best models with milk fatty acids (in g/100 g of fatty acids; MFA) alone predicted CH4 production, yield, and intensity with a RMSEP of 34 g/d, 2.0 g/kg of DMI, and 1.7 g/kg of FPCM, and with a CCC of 0.67, 0.44, and 0.75, respectively. The CH4 prediction potential of both volatile metabolites alone and nonvolatile metabolites alone was low, regardless of the unit of CH4 emission, as evidenced by the low CCC values (<0.35). The best models combining the 3 types of metabolites as selection variables resulted in the inclusion of only MFA for CH4 production and CH4 yield. For CH4 intensity, MFA, volatile metabolites, and nonvolatile metabolites were included in the prediction model. This resulted in a small improvement in prediction potential (CCC of 0.80; RMSEP of 1.5 g/kg of FPCM) relative to MFA alone. These results indicate that volatile and nonvolatile metabolites in milk contain some information to increase our understanding of enteric CH4 production of dairy cows, but that it is not worthwhile to determine the volatile and nonvolatile metabolites in milk to estimate CH4 emission of dairy cows. We conclude that MFA have moderate potential to predict CH4 emission of dairy cattle fed forage-based diets, and that the models can aid in the effort to understand and mitigate CH4 emissions of dairy cows. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13334 PMID: 29290428 252. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2018 Mar;391(3):335-346. doi: 10.1007/s00210-017-1460-6. Epub 2017 Dec 30. Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation with lithium and aripiprazole for improving the balance of circulating hormones and brain neurotransmitters in manic mice model. Arunagiri P(1)(2), Balamurugan E(3), Saravanakumar M(4), Irene M(4). Author information: (1)Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, India. giriarun07@gmail.com. (2)Department of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa. giriarun07@gmail.com. (3)Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, India. balamurugan_au@yahoo.com. (4)Department of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa. The present study was designed to evaluate the combined effect of lithium and aripiprazole supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids in methylphenidate (MPD)-induced manic mice. Swiss albino mice were administered with MPD or saline for 14 days, and based on changes in behavioral activities animals were treated with lithium, aripiprazole, and omega-3 fatty acids from the 8th day. Behavioral patterns were analyzed by video tracking. Thyroxine, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels were assayed in serum using ELISA kits. The levels of neurotransmitters in the whole brain were analyzed spectrofluorometrically. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) mice brain mRNA expression levels and phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) protein levels were measured using RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Results indicated that the administration of MPD alters the behavioral activity, thyroid hormones, FSH, LH, and testosterone levels. Lithium, aripiprazole, and omega-3 fatty acids alone significantly reduced MPD-induced behavior, hormonal, and neurotransmitter abnormalities. However, GSK3β and pAkt in the brain showed no significant differences in the level of expression. These results reveal that the combination of lithium and aripiprazole supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids provide protective effects against MPD-induced neuroendocrine system and multiple neurochemical abnormalities. DOI: 10.1007/s00210-017-1460-6 PMID: 29290022 253. Bioresour Technol. 2018 Mar;251:288-294. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.036. Epub 2017 Dec 15. Enzyme/whole-cell biotransformation of plant oils, yeast derived oils, and microalgae fatty acid methyl esters into n-nonanoic acid, 9-hydroxynonanoic acid, and 1,9-nonanedioic acid. Seo EJ(1), Yeon YJ(2), Seo JH(3), Lee JH(1), Boñgol JP(4), Oh Y(4), Park JM(4), Lim SM(5), Lee CG(5), Park JB(6). Author information: (1)Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea. (2)Department of Biochemical Engineering, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, Republic of Korea. (3)Department of BT-Convergent Pharmaceutical Engineering, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea. (4)Department of Chemical Engineering, POSTEC, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea. (5)Department of Biological Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea. (6)Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea; Institute of Molecular Microbiology and Biosystems Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: jbpark06@ewha.ac.kr. Oils and fatty acids are important renewable resources provided by nature. Therefore, biotransformation of renewable oils and fatty acids into industrially relevant C9 chemicals was investigated in this study. Olive oil, soybean oil, yeast derived oil, and microalgae fatty acid methyl esters were converted into n-nonanoic acid, 9-hydroxynonanoic acid, and 1,9-nonanedioic acid by a lipase and a recombinant Escherichia coli expressing oleate hydratase, long chain secondary alcohol dehydrogenase, Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase, long chain primary alcohol dehydrogenase, and aldehyde dehydrogenase. It was found that n-nonanoic acid and azelaic acid could be produced to a concentration of 4.3 mM from 3 g/L olive oil with a specific product formation rate of 3.1 U/g dry cells. Biotransformation rates were influenced by compositions of fatty acids and purity of the starting material. This study may contribute to the production of industrially relevant C9 chemicals from renewable oils and fatty acids by simultaneous enzyme/whole-cell biotransformation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.036 PMID: 29288957 254. Bioresour Technol. 2018 Mar;251:274-279. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.058. Epub 2017 Dec 20. Responses of microalgae Coelastrella sp. to stress of cupric ions in treatment of anaerobically digested swine wastewater. Li X(1), Yang WL(1), He H(1), Wu S(2), Zhou Q(2), Yang C(3), Zeng G(1), Luo L(1), Lou W(4). Author information: (1)College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China. (2)College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China. (3)College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China. Electronic address: yangc@hnu.edu.cn. (4)Hunan Hikee Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., Changsha, Hunan 410001, China. Microalgae Coelastrella sp. could remove nutrients from anaerobically digested swine wastewater (ADSW) effectively, while its responses to the stress of Cu(II) were not well understood. In this paper, nutrients removal and growth of Coelastrella sp. were investigated at the presence of Cu(II) in ADSW. Results showed ammonium nitrogen concentration in ADSW decreased with culturing duration, while increased with an increased Cu(II) concentration. Total phosphorous concentration decreased with time, while did not drop in 4 days at Cu(II) concentration ≥1.0 mg/L. Microalgal growth was inhibited at all the Cu(II) concentrations, and ceased in about 6-8 days at Cu(II) concentration ≥1.0 mg/L. With an increased Cu(II) concentration, the contents of chlorophyll a and proteins decreased, those of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase, and ratios of octadecanoic acid (C18:0), hexadecanoic acid (C16:0) and octadecenoic acid (C18:1) to fatty acids in Coelastrella sp. increased, while octadecatrienoic acid (C18:3) gradually disappeared. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.058 PMID: 29288955 255. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2018 Mar;1866(3):473-481. doi: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2017.12.008. Epub 2017 Dec 27. Structural evidence for a fatty acid-independent myotoxic mechanism for a phospholipase A2-like toxin. Salvador GHM(1), Dos Santos JI(1), Borges RJ(1), Fontes MRM(2). Author information: (1)Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil. (2)Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: fontes@ibb.unesp.br. The myotoxic mechanism for PLA2-like toxins has been proposed recently to be initiated by an allosteric change induced by a fatty acid binding to the protein, leading to the alignment of the membrane docking site (MDoS) and membrane disrupting site (MDiS). Previous structural studies performed by us demonstrated that MjTX-II, a PLA2-like toxin isolated from Bothrops moojeni, presents a different mode of ligand-interaction caused by natural amino acid substitutions and an insertion. Herein, we present four crystal structures of MjTX-II, in its apo state and complexed with fatty acids of different lengths. Analyses of these structures revealed slightly different oligomeric conformations but with both MDoSs in an arrangement that resembles an active-state PLA2-like structure. To explore the structural transitions between apo protein and fatty-acid complexes, we performed Normal Mode Molecular Dynamics simulations, revealing that oligomeric conformations of MjTX-II/fatty acid complexes may be reached in solution by the apo structure. Similar simulations with typical PLA2-like structures demonstrated that this transition is not possible without the presence of fatty acids. Thus, we hypothesize that MjTX-II does not require fatty acids to be active, although these ligands may eventually help in its stabilization by the formation of hydrogen bonds. Therefore, these results complement previous findings for MjTX-II and help us understand its particular ligand-binding properties and, more importantly, its particular mechanism of action, with a possible impact on the design of structure-based inhibitors for PLA2-like toxins in general. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2017.12.008 PMID: 29287778 256. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2018 Mar;1864(3):952-958. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.12.032. Epub 2017 Dec 26. A novel case of ACOX2 deficiency leads to recognition of a third human peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase. Ferdinandusse S(1), Denis S(2), van Roermund CWT(2), Preece MA(3), Koster J(2), Ebberink MS(2), Waterham HR(2), Wanders RJA(2). Author information: (1)Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: S.Ferdinandusse@amc.nl. (2)Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (3)Department of Newborn Screening and Biochemical Genetics, Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B4 6NH, United Kingdom. Peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidases catalyze the first step of beta-oxidation of a variety of substrates broken down in the peroxisome. These include the CoA-esters of very long-chain fatty acids, branched-chain fatty acids and the C27-bile acid intermediates. In rat, three peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidases with different substrate specificities are known, whereas in humans it is believed that only two peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidases are expressed under normal circumstances. Only three patients with ACOX2 deficiency, including two siblings, have been identified so far, showing accumulation of the C27-bile acid intermediates. Here, we performed biochemical studies in material from a novel ACOX2-deficient patient with increased levels of C27-bile acids in plasma, a complete loss of ACOX2 protein expression on immunoblot, but normal pristanic acid oxidation activity in fibroblasts. Since pristanoyl-CoA is presumed to be handled by ACOX2 specifically, these findings prompted us to re-investigate the expression of the human peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidases. We report for the first time expression of ACOX3 in normal human tissues at the mRNA and protein level. Substrate specificity studies were done for ACOX1, 2 and 3 which revealed that ACOX1 is responsible for the oxidation of straight-chain fatty acids with different chain lengths, ACOX2 is the only human acyl-CoA oxidase involved in bile acid biosynthesis, and both ACOX2 and ACOX3 are involved in the degradation of the branched-chain fatty acids. Our studies provide new insights both into ACOX2 deficiency and into the role of the different acyl-CoA oxidases in peroxisomal metabolism. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.12.032 PMID: 29287774 257. Mol Cell Proteomics. 2018 Mar;17(3):431-441. doi: 10.1074/mcp.RA117.000121. Epub 2017 Dec 27. Development of Multimarker Diagnostic Models from Metabolomics Analysis for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Hou W(1), Meng X(2), Zhao A(3), Zhao W(1), Pan J(1), Tang J(1), Huang Y(2), Li H(2), Jia W(3), Liu F(4), Jia W(1). Author information: (1)From the ‡Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes, Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Diabetes, Shanghai Key Clinical Center of Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute for Diabetes, Shanghai, China. (2)§Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Clinical Center for Severe Maternal Rescue, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China. (3)¶Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China. (4)From the ‡Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes, Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Diabetes, Shanghai Key Clinical Center of Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute for Diabetes, Shanghai, China; f-liu@sjtu.edu.cn. Although metabolomics are desirable to understand the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), comprehensive metabolomic studies of GDM are rare. We aimed to offer a holistic view of metabolites alteration in GDM patients and investigate the possible multimarker models for GDM diagnosis. Biochemical parameters and perinatal data of 131 GDM cases and 138 controls were collected. Fasting serum samples at 75 g oral glucose tolerance test were used for metabolites by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry, ultra performance liquid chromatography-triple triple-quadrupole-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography- time-of- flight mass spectrometry platforms. Significant changes were observed in free fatty acids, bile acids, branched chain amino acids, organic acids, lipids and organooxygen compounds between two groups. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, different combinations of candidate biomarkers and metabolites in multimarker models achieved satisfactory discriminative abilities for GDM, with the values of area under the curve (AUC) ranging from 0.721 to 0.751. Model consisting of body mass index (BMI), retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), n-acetylaspartic acid and C16:1 (cis-7) manifested the best discrimination [AUC 0.751 (95% CI: 0.693-0.809), p < 0.001], followed by model consisting of BMI, Cystatin C, acetylaspartic acid and 6,7-diketoLCA [AUC 0.749 (95% CI: 0.691-0.808), p < 0.001]. Metabolites alteration reflected disorders of glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, bile acid metabolism as well as intestinal flora metabolism in GDM state. Multivariate models combining clinical markers and metabolites have the potential to differentiate GDM subjects from healthy controls. © 2018 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. DOI: 10.1074/mcp.RA117.000121 PMCID: PMC5836369 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29282297 258. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2018 Mar;1863(3):299-312. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2017.12.009. Epub 2017 Dec 22. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, cholesterol, and fatty acids modulate the calcium-activated chloride channel TMEM16A (ANO1). De Jesús-Pérez JJ(1), Cruz-Rangel S(1), Espino-Saldaña ÁE(2), Martínez-Torres A(2), Qu Z(3), Hartzell HC(4), Corral-Fernandez NE(5), Pérez-Cornejo P(5), Arreola J(6). Author information: (1)Physics Institute, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Ave. Dr. Manuel Nava #6, San Luis Potosí, SLP 78290, Mexico. (2)Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Neurobiología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro 76230, Mexico. (3)Center for Medical Research, Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Shangdong 266071, PR China. (4)Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. (5)Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí School of Medicine, Ave. V. Carranza 2405, San Luis Potosí, SLP 78290, Mexico. (6)Physics Institute, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Ave. Dr. Manuel Nava #6, San Luis Potosí, SLP 78290, Mexico. Electronic address: arreola@dec1.ifisica.uaslp.mx. The TMEM16A-mediated Ca2+-activated Cl- current drives several important physiological functions. Membrane lipids regulate ion channels and transporters but their influence on members of the TMEM16 family is poorly understood. Here we have studied the regulation of TMEM16A by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), cholesterol, and fatty acids using patch clamp, biochemistry and fluorescence microscopy. We found that depletion of membrane PI(4,5)P2 causes a decline in TMEM16A current that is independent of cytoskeleton, but is partially prevented by removing intracellular Ca2+. On the other hand, supplying PI(4,5)P2 to inside-out patches attenuated channel rundown and/or partially rescued activity after channel rundown. Also, depletion (with methyl-β-cyclodextrin M-βCD) or restoration (with M-βCD+cholesterol) of membrane cholesterol slows down the current decay observed after reduction of PI(4,5)P2. Neither depletion nor restoration of cholesterol change PI(4,5)P2 content. However, M-βCD alone transiently increases TMEM16A activity and dampens rundown whereas M-βCD+cholesterol increases channel rundown. Thus, PI(4,5)P2 is required for TMEM16A function while cholesterol directly and indirectly via a PI(4,5)P2-independent mechanism regulate channel function. Stearic, arachidonic, oleic, docosahexaenoic, and eicosapentaenoic fatty acids as well as methyl stearate inhibit TMEM16A in a dose- and voltage-dependent manner. Phosphatidylserine, a phospholipid whose hydrocarbon tails contain stearic and oleic acids also inhibits TMEM16A. Finally, we show that TMEM16A remains in the plasma membrane after treatment with M-βCD, M-βCD+cholesterol, oleic, or docosahexaenoic acids. Thus, we propose that lipids and fatty acids regulate TMEM16A channels through a membrane-delimited protein-lipid interaction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2017.12.009 PMCID: PMC5807209 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29277655 259. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol. 2018 Mar;217:70-78. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2017.12.010. Epub 2017 Dec 24. Cloning, tissue distribution and nutritional regulation of a fatty acyl Elovl4-like elongase in mud crab, Scylla paramamosain (Estampador, 1949). Lin Z(1), Hao M(2), Huang Y(1), Zou W(1), Rong H(1), Wen X(3). Author information: (1)Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, PR China. (2)College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China. (3)Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, PR China. Electronic address: wenxbo@stu.edu.cn. In this report, the full-length cDNA of fatty acyl Elovl4-like elongase was cloned from the hepatopancreas of Scylla paramamosain by rapid-amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Elovl4-like elongase in crustaceans. The full-length cDNA of Elovl4-like was 1119bp, which included a 5'-terminal untranslated region (UTR) of 58bp, a 3'-terminal UTR of 44bp and an open reading frame (ORF) of 1017bp encoding a polypeptide of 338 amino acids. Tissue distribution analysis revealed that Elovl4-like transcripts are widely distributed in various organs, with high mRNA levels in the hepatopancreas and cranial ganglia. Further, Elovl4-like transcriptional levels in hepatopancreas were up-regulated in proportion to the replacement of dietary fish oil (FO) with soybean oil (SO). The result showed that Elovl4-like transcripts increased about 0.83 and 1.12-fold respectively when SO constituted 80% and 100% of total oil (P<0.05). These results may contribute to better understanding of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) biosynthetic pathway and regulation mechanism in this species. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2017.12.010 PMID: 29277642 260. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Mar;101(3):2650-2654. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13682. Epub 2017 Dec 21. Technical note: Changes in rumen mucosa thickness measured by transabdominal ultrasound as a noninvasive method to diagnose subacute rumen acidosis in dairy cows. Neubauer V(1), Humer E(1), Kröger I(1), Meißl A(1), Reisinger N(2), Zebeli Q(3). Author information: (1)Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria. (2)Biomin Research Center, Biomin Holding GmbH, 3430 Tulln, Austria. (3)Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria. Electronic address: qendrim.zebeli@vetmeduni.ac.at. Feeding high-grain diets leads to the release and accumulation of short-chain fatty acids in the rumen. The subsequent prolonged decline in ruminal pH can lead to subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). Accumulation of short-chain fatty acids can cause proliferation of rumen papillae to increase absorption surface, subsequently leading to a thickening of the rumen mucosa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of continuous measurements of the rumen mucosa thickness (RMT) as a diagnostic tool for SARA in dairy cows compared with continuous measurements of ruminal pH. The study used 6 lactating Simmental cows switched from a moderate-grain (MG) diet with 40% concentrate (dry matter basis) for 1 wk to a high-grain (HG) diet with 60% concentrate (dry matter basis) for 4 wk. Reticuloruminal pH was recorded with indwelling sensors throughout the trial. Rumen mucosa thickness was measured by transabdominal ultrasound at 4 d during the MG diet and 23 d during the HG diet. Mean RMT increased from 4.7 ± 0.19 mm in the MG diet to 5.3 ± 0.17 mm in the HG diet, whereas daily mean reticular pH decreased from 6.8 ± 0.01 in the MG diet to 6.5 ± 0.01 in the HG diet. Older cows (>3 lactations) had increased RMT, associated with higher reticular pH throughout the experiment. The higher RMT and pH level in older cows underlines their lesser susceptibility to SARA during high-grain feeding. In conclusion, RMT can successfully be measured using linear ultrasound probes, commonly used by veterinary practitioners as rectal probes. By combining noninvasive RMT measurements with the lactation number of the individual cows in a herd, this study suggests that RMT is a viable option for diagnosing SARA. Further research, using a larger number of cows with different lactations numbers, is needed to establish a cut-off RMT indicating the risk of SARA. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13682 PMID: 29274977 261. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Mar;101(3):2506-2518. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-12878. Epub 2017 Dec 21. Epigenetic mechanisms contribute to decrease stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 expression in the liver of dairy cows after prolonged feeding of high-concentrate diet. Xu TL(1), Seyfert HM(2), Shen XZ(3). Author information: (1)College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China; Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Institute for Genome Biology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany. (2)Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Institute for Genome Biology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany. (3)College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China. Electronic address: xzshen@njau.edu.cn. Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) of dairy cattle is a widely occurring but not very overt metabolic disorder thought to impair milk composition. The enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is rate-limiting for the formation of Δ-9 unsaturated fatty acids and thus crucially involved in controlling lipid metabolism in the liver. It is known that SCD1 expression is downregulated during SARA, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. To study these mechanisms, we enrolled 12 healthy multiparous mid-lactation Holstein cows into a diet-induced SARA experiment. Six cows were fed a high-concentrate diet for 18 weeks (60% content of high-concentrate to 40% forage; HC group), whereas the others received a low-concentrate diet ad libitum (40% high-concentrate content to 60% forage; LC group). Sustained low ruminal pH values (pH 5.6 maintained for 4 h/d) and reduced milk yield performance (2.07 kg/d less than LC cows) verified that SARA had been induced in the HC group. Results showed a significantly decreased concentrations of cis-9 monounsaturated long-chain fatty acids in plasma collected from hepatic but not portal veins. This was matched by reduced SCD1 mRNA and protein concentrations in HC livers. The expression levels of genes related to lipid formation (DGAT1 and PLIN2) were downregulated during SARA, whereas those of catabolic genes (CPT1A, CPT2, and ACOX1) and some inflammatory genes were upregulated. Expression of SCD1 was downregulated through reduced transcription and abundance of the transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1c).This effect was augmented by local chromatin tightening and DNA methylation at and around the SREBP1c binding site in the SCD1 promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that SARA reduced SREBP1c binding at the SCD1 promoter; hence, epigenetic mechanisms are involved in regulating the expression of genes related to long-chain fatty acid modification, partially through downregulation of both SCD1 and SREBP1c in the liver. Our results suggest that in addition to inflammatory genes, SCD1 is also involved in SARA-induced epigenetic regulation and its associated metabolic changes. This knowledge might help to provide a target for intervening against the detrimental metabolic effects of SARA. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-12878 PMID: 29274956 262. Bioresour Technol. 2018 Mar;251:158-164. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.037. Epub 2017 Dec 15. Influence of biochar on volatile fatty acids accumulation and microbial community succession during biosolids composting. Awasthi MK(1), Awasthi SK(2), Wang Q(2), Wang Z(2), Lahori AH(2), Ren X(2), Chen H(2), Wang M(2), Zhao J(2), Zhang Z(3). Author information: (1)College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China; Department of Biotechnology, Amicable Knowledge Solution University, Satna, India. (2)College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China. (3)College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China. Electronic address: zhangzq58@126.com. The impact of biochar amendment on volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and odor generation during the biosolids-wheat straw composting was investigated. Five treatments were design using the same mixture of biosolids-wheat straw with different dosage of biochar blending (2%, 4%, 8% and 12% on dry weight basis) and without biochar applied treatment served as control. The results of VFAs and Odour Index (OI) profile designated that compost with 8-12% biochar became more rapidly humified with less quantity of VFAs and OI generation content compared to control. Consequently, the VFAs degrading and total bacterial abundance are also significantly higher recorded in 8-12% biochar than 2% biochar and control. In addition, 8-12% biochar applied treatment has significantly maximum close correlation among the all physicochemical and gaseous emission parameters. Finally, results designated that higher dosage of biochar (8-12% biochar) was more feasible approach for biosolids composting. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.12.037 PMID: 29274855 263. Anim Sci J. 2018 Mar;89(3):537-546. doi: 10.1111/asj.12946. Epub 2017 Dec 22. Dietary protein level affects nutrient digestibility and ileal microbiota structure in growing pigs. Qiu K(1), Zhang X(1), Jiao N(1), Xu D(1), Huang C(1), Wang Y(1), Yin J(1). Author information: (1)State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition & Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Centre, College of Animal Science & Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China. This study aimed to determine whether dietary protein content influences pig health as indicated by ileal microbiota structure and coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients. Seventy-two gilts, with an initial body weight of 29.9 ± 1.5 kg, were used in this 42-day feeding study. Pigs were randomly allotted to one of three dietary treatments of corn-soybean meal contained 14, 16 or 18% crude protein (CP). As dietary CP content decreased, the CTTAD of most essential amino acids (AAs), except for arginine and histidine, increased linearly, while those of most nonessential AAs decreased linearly. The concentration of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) was higher in pigs fed the diet with 14% CP content than others. Ileal microbiota structure was changed by dietary treatments. In particular, at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Tenericutes in ileal digesta decreased as the dietary protein content reduced, while that of cyanobacteria increased. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Weeksella, Phaseolus acutifolius, Slackia, Sulfurimonas and Aerococcus showed significant differences among the three dietary treatments. In conclusion, ileal microbiota structure was changed by dietary protein content. Moderate reduction of protein intake can benefit gut health by enhancing the gut microbial fermentation and SCFA formation. © 2017 Japanese Society of Animal Science. DOI: 10.1111/asj.12946 PMID: 29271556 264. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2018 Mar;1860(3):718-727. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.12.015. Epub 2017 Dec 19. Membrane fluidization by alcohols inhibits DesK-DesR signalling in Bacillus subtilis. Vaňousová K(1), Beranová J(2), Fišer R(3), Jemioła-Rzemińska M(4), Matyska Lišková P(5), Cybulski L(6), Strzałka K(7), Konopásek I(8). Author information: (1)Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic. Electronic address: schromka@seznam.cz. (2)Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic. Electronic address: jana.beranova@natur.cuni.cz. (3)Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic. Electronic address: fiserr@natur.cuni.cz. (4)Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30 387 Krakow, Poland; Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7A, 30-387 Krakow, Poland. Electronic address: malgorzata.jemiola-rzeminska@uj.edu.pl. (5)Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic. Electronic address: petra.liskova@natur.cuni.cz. (6)Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, CONICET, Suipacha 531, 2000 Rosario, Argentina. Electronic address: larisacybulski@gmail.com. (7)Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30 387 Krakow, Poland; Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7A, 30-387 Krakow, Poland. Electronic address: kazimierz.strzalka@uj.edu.pl. (8)Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic. Electronic address: ivo.konopasek@natur.cuni.cz. After cold shock, the Bacillus subtilis desaturase Des introduces double bonds into the fatty acids of existing membrane phospholipids. The synthesis of Des is regulated exclusively by the two-component system DesK/DesR; DesK serves as a sensor of the state of the membrane and triggers Des synthesis after a decrease in membrane fluidity. The aim of our work is to investigate the biophysical changes in the membrane that are able to affect the DesK signalling state. Using linear alcohols (ethanol, propanol, butanol, hexanol, octanol) and benzyl alcohol, we were able to suppress Des synthesis after a temperature downshift. The changes in the biophysical properties of the membrane caused by alcohol addition were followed using membrane fluorescent probes and differential scanning calorimetry. We found that the membrane fluidization induced by alcohols was reflected in an increased hydration at the lipid-water interface. This is associated with a decrease in DesK activity. The addition of alcohol mimics a temperature increase, which can be measured isothermically by fluorescence anisotropy. The effect of alcohols on the membrane periphery is in line with the concept of the mechanism by which two hydrophilic motifs located at opposite ends of the transmembrane region of DesK, which work as a molecular caliper, sense temperature-dependent variations in membrane properties. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.12.015 PMID: 29269314 265. FEMS Microbiol Ecol. 2018 Mar 1;94(3). doi: 10.1093/femsec/fix179. Shift of hindgut microbiota and microbial short chain fatty acids profiles in dairy calves from birth to pre-weaning. Song Y(1), Malmuthuge N(1), Steele MA(1), Guan LL(1). Author information: (1)Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada. This study aimed to characterize mucosa- and digesta-associated microbiota in the hindgut (cecum, colon and rectum) of newborn (NB, n = 6), day 7 (n = 6), day 21 (n = 6) and day 42 (n = 6) Holstein bull calves using amplicon sequencing. The hindgut microbiota was diverse at birth, and mucosa-attached microbial community had higher individual variation than that of digesta-associated community. In total, 16 phyla were identified with Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria being the dominant microbial taxa in the hindgut. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed a significant age effect on the proportion of mucosa-attached Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium cluster XIVa and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Especially, high abundance of mucosa-associated Escherichia was detected during the first week of life, suggesting higher chance of the pathogenic infection during this stage. The relative abundances of predicted microbial genes involved in amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and energy metabolism were enriched, indicating the importance of hindgut microbiota in fermentation during the pre-weaned period. Moreover, the significant correlation between short-chain fatty acid concentration and mucosa-attached carbohydrate utilizing (Coprococcus 1, Blautia, Lachnospiraceae NC2004 group, etc.) and health-related bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella and Salmonella) suggests the importance of hindgut microbiota in the fermentation and health of dairy calves during pre-weaned period. DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fix179 PMID: 29267960 266. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2018 Mar;34(2):90-96. doi: 10.1097/MOG.0000000000000416. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cholesterol gallstones, and cholecystectomy: new insights on a complex relationship. Arrese M(1)(2), Cortés V(3), Barrera F(1), Nervi F(1). Author information: (1)Departments of Gastroenterology. (2)Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. (3)Nutrition, School of Medicine. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Gallstone disease (GSD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD often coexist in a given patient and both conditions are associated to obesity and insulin resistance. The relationship between GSD and NAFLD is complex and bidirectional. In the present review, we summarize the existing information on the complex link between GSD and NAFLD and the potential implications for patient care. RECENT FINDINGS: Several clinical studies and systematic reviews have addressed the association between NAFLD and GSD underscoring that NAFLD is an independent risk factor for GSD. Conversely, GSD has been found also to be an independent risk factor for NAFLD with GSD potentially being linked to greater disease severity. In addition to the data showing association of NAFLD and GSD, recent evidence has also showed that cholecystectomy may itself be a risk factor for NAFLD development. The complex and bidirectional relationship between these diseases is partially explained by a number of common pathogenic links but the precise underlying mechanisms of the association of GSD and NAFLD need to be better delineated. Also, although the mechanisms of the promotional effect of cholecystectomy on NAFLD development are unknown, recent findings unveiling new aspects of gallbladder physiology and endocrine actions of bile acids provide a framework to advance research in this field. SUMMARY: In this review, we address the different aspects of the complex association between NAFLD and GSD. The potential underlying mechanisms and recent information on endocrine actions of bile acids and the gallbladder are reviewed. DOI: 10.1097/MOG.0000000000000416 PMID: 29266009 267. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2018 Mar;21(2):97-103. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000445. Dispelling myths about intravenous fish oil-based lipid emulsions: a clinical perspective. ApSimon M(1). Author information: (1)Critical Care, Cardiac and Vascular and Neuro Trauma Programs, Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Intravenous lipid emulsions (IVLEs) are an essential component of parenteral nutrition. With the recent incorporation of new lipid emulsions into the Canadian and American market, the clinician responsible for prescribing these lipids should be educated regarding the different fatty acid (FA) profiles of these lipids, as well as their metabolic and functional effects. RECENT FINDINGS: New IVLEs contain a mix of soybean oil and olive oil, or a mix of soybean oil, coconut oil, olive oil and fish oil. These new lipid emulsions provide less essential fatty acids (FAs) (linoleic and alpha linolenic acids) than in pure soybean oil, yet incorporation of fish oil into an IVLE may decrease the amount of essential FAs required. Fish oil is a treatment for hypertriglyceridemia, and therefore, IVLEs that include fish oil may decrease serum triglycerides. Historical perspective is that fish oil can be associated with increased bleeding time. Evidence suggests that there is no association between fish oil and increased bleeding in patients, even those who are using anticoagulants. New IVLEs provide less vitamin K than soybean oil alone. Patients, or the parenteral nutrition solutions that include these new IVLEs should be supplemented with vitamin K. SUMMARY: Canadian and American Guidelines for IVLEs were based on soybean oil. Current practice should be tailored to which IVLE is being prescribed. DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000445 PMID: 29256925 268. Chemosphere. 2018 Mar;194:784-792. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.12.075. Epub 2017 Dec 12. The effect of toxic carbon source on the reaction of activated sludge in the batch reactor. Wu C(1), Zhou Y(2), Zhang S(3), Xu M(4), Song J(5). Author information: (1)State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; Research Center of Water Pollution Control Technology, Chinese Research Academy of Environment Sciences, Beijing 100012, China. Electronic address: changyongwu@126.com. (2)State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; Research Center of Water Pollution Control Technology, Chinese Research Academy of Environment Sciences, Beijing 100012, China. Electronic address: zhouyx@craes.org.cn. (3)State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China. (4)State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China. (5)Research Center of Water Pollution Control Technology, Chinese Research Academy of Environment Sciences, Beijing 100012, China. The toxic carbon source can cause higher residual effluent dissolved organic carbon than easily biodegraded carbon source in activated sludge process. In this study, an integrated activated sludge model is developed as the tool to understand the mechanism of toxic carbon source (phenol) on the reaction, regarding the carbon flows during the aeration period in the batch reactor. To estimate the toxic function of phenol, the microbial cells death rate (kdeath) is introduced into the model. The integrated model was calibrated and validated by the experimental data and it was found the model simulations matched the all experimental measurements. In the steady state, the toxicity of phenol can result in higher microbial cells death rate (0.1637 h-1 vs 0.0028 h-1) and decay rate coefficient of biomass (0.0115 h-1 vs 0.0107 h-1) than acetate. In addition, the utilization-associated products (UAP) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) formation coefficients of phenol are higher than that of acetate, indicating that more carbon flows into the extracellular components, such as soluble microbial products (SMP), when degrading toxic organics. In the non-steady state of feeding phenol, the yield coefficient for growth and maximum specific growth rate are very low in the first few days (1-10 d), while the decay rate coefficient of biomass and microbial cells death rate are relatively high. The model provides insights into the difference of the dynamic reaction with different carbon sources in the batch reactor. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.12.075 PMID: 29253823 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 269. J Psychiatr Res. 2018 Mar;98:9-16. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.11.013. Epub 2017 Nov 28. Dietary intake of fish and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risks of perinatal depression: The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). Hamazaki K(1), Takamori A(2), Tsuchida A(3), Kigawa M(3), Tanaka T(4), Ito M(5), Adachi Y(6), Saito S(5), Origasa H(7), Inadera H(3); Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) Group. Collaborators: Kishi R(8), Yaegashi N(9), Hashimoto K(10), Mori C(11), Ito S(12), Yamagata Z(13), Inadera H(2), Kamijima M(14), Nakayama T(15), Iso H(16), Shima M(17), Hirooka Y(18), Suganuma N(19), Kusuhara K(20), Katoh T(21). Author information: (1)Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan; Toyama Regional Center for JECS, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan. Electronic address: keihama@med.u-toyama.ac.jp. (2)Toyama Regional Center for JECS, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan. (3)Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan; Toyama Regional Center for JECS, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan. (4)Toyama Regional Center for JECS, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan. (5)Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan. (6)Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan. (7)Department of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan. (8)Hokkaido Regional Center for JECS, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan. (9)Miyagi Regional Center for JECS, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. (10)Fukushima Regional Center for JECS, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan. (11)Chiba Regional Center for JECS, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan. (12)Kanagawa Regional Center for JECS, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan. (13)Koshin Regional Center for JECS, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan. (14)Aichi Regional Center for JECS, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan. (15)Kyoto Regional Center for JECS, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan. (16)Osaka Regional Center for JECS, Osaka University, Suita, Japan. (17)Hyogo Regional Center for JECS, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan. (18)Tottori Regional Center for JECS, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan. (19)Kochi Regional Center for JECS, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan. (20)Fukuoka Regional Center for JECS, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan. (21)South Kyushu/Okinawa Regional Center for JECS, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan. The results of several epidemiological studies and clinical trials investigating the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on antenatal and postnatal depression remain controversial. We investigated the possible association of dietary intake of fish and n-3 PUFAs with the risks of maternal and paternal psychological distress during pregnancy and of maternal postpartum depression in Japan. From a dataset comprising 104,102 maternal registrations and 52,426 paternal registrations in The Japan Environment and Children's Study, this study analyzed complete data on questionnaires for 75,139, 79,346, and 77,661 women during early pregnancy, mid-late pregnancy, and after pregnancy, respectively, and for 41,506 male partners. Multivariable logistic regression showed reduced risk of psychological distress in the second and third quintiles for fish intake in early pregnancy and in the second to fifth quintile in mid-late pregnancy. No reductions were observed for n-3 PUFA intake in early pregnancy but in the second to fourth quintile in mid-late pregnancy. For postpartum depression, reductions were observed in the second to fourth quintile for fish intake but only in the first quintile for n-3 PUFA intake. As for paternal psychological distress, only the fourth quintile for fish intake showed a significant reduced risk but none were shown for n-3 PUFA intake. In conclusion, fish intake was associated with some reduced risk of psychological distress during pregnancy, even for male partners. The associations were weaker for n-3 PUFA intake than for fish intake. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.11.013 PMID: 29253720 270. Poult Sci. 2018 Mar 1;97(3):901-909. doi: 10.3382/ps/pex385. Supplementation with curcuminoids and tuna oil influenced skin yellowness, carcass composition, oxidation status, and meat fatty acids of slow-growing chickens. Hang TTT(1), Molee W(1), Khempaka S(1), Paraksa N(2). Author information: (1)School of Animal Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand. (2)Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand. The present study aimed to determine the effects of dietary curcuminoids combined with tuna oil on the growth performance, meat quality, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values in the plasma and raw meat, and fatty acid profile of chicken meat. A total of 480 21-day-old mixed-sex slow-growing chickens was assigned to a completely randomized design model with 6 treatments and 4 replicates (pens) per treatment. The basal diet based on corn-soybean and 4% tuna oil was used as the negative control. The experimental diets comprised the basal diet supplemented with curcumin removed turmeric oleoresin to provide 20, 40, 60, or 80 mg/kg curcuminoids (CUR-20, CUR-40, CUR-60, and CUR-80, respectively) or dl-α-tocopheryl acetate at 200 ppm as the positive control (E-200). Finally, the vacuum-packed carcasses were stored frozen at -20°C for 3 mo to examine the effect of curcuminoids on changes in the TBARS values and fatty acid composition of the breast and thigh meat. Increasing the levels of curcuminoids tended to improve the feed conversion ratio (linear, P = 0.065) and significantly increased the proportion of breast fillet (linear, P = 0.037) and the yellowness of the skin of both the breast (linear, P = 0.016) and the thigh (linear, P = 0.023). The curcuminoids exhibited antioxidant properties, but their effect was not dose dependent. The CUR-20 and CUR-40 treatments increased the linoleic acid content but decreased the C22:6n-3 (DHA) content of the breast meat. The CUR-60 treatment inhibited oxidation (measured by TBARS) in the chicken meat similarly to dl-α-tocopheryl acetate but had no effect on the proportion of DHA in the breast or thigh meat. Auto-oxidation occurred in the breast meat but not in the thigh meat during the 3 mo of frozen storage. The present study showed that a suitable level of curcuminoids in the diet of slow-growing chickens was 60 mg/kg. DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex385 PMID: 29253261 271. Poult Sci. 2018 Mar 1;97(3):1073-1081. doi: 10.3382/ps/pex379. Lipid profile and quality indices of ostrich meat and giblets. Antunes IC(1)(2), Ribeiro MF(3), Pimentel FB(4), Alves SP(1), Oliveira MBPP(4), Bessa RJB(1), Quaresma MAG(1). Author information: (1)Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Pólo Universitário Alto da Ajuda, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal. (2)Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal. (3)Escola Superior Agrária de Santarém, Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, Quinta do Galinheiro - S. Pedro, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal. (4)REQUIMTE/Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal. In this study, the lipid profile of 5 different edible tissues (leg, thigh, heart, gizzard, and liver) of ostrich was analyzed. Ostrich edible tissues presented a low fat content (<5 g/100 g wet basis). Gizzard and heart revealed the highest amounts of total cholesterol (1.77 and 1.47 mg/g wet basis, respectively), differing significantly from all other tissues (which averaged 0.95 mg/g wet basis). The main tocochromanol in all tissues was α-tocopherol (10.3 μg/g wet basis in heart and an average of 3.4 μg/g wet basis for all the remaining tissues). All the samples presented a fatty acid profile, dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (>38%), namely, linoleic and arachidonic acids. The leg presented simultaneously the highest PUFA/saturated fatty acids (SFA), the lowest n-6/n-3 ratios, and the most favorable lipid quality indices among all tissues in comparison. DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex379 PMID: 29253211 272. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2018 Mar;21(2):121-125. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000451. Nutritional metabolomics in critical illness. Christopher KB(1). Author information: (1)Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Disruption of metabolic homeostasis is universal in the critically ill. Macronutrients and micronutrients are major environmental regulators of metabolite production through their gene regulation effects. The study of large numbers of circulating metabolites is beginning to emerge through the comprehensive profiling of the critically ill. In the critically ill, metabolomic studies consistently show that changes in fatty acids, lipids and tryptophan metabolite pathways are common and are associated with disease state and outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: Metabolomics is now being applied in research studies to determine the critical illness response to nutrient deficiency and delivery. Nutritional metabolomics approaches in nutrient deficiency, malnutrition and nutrient delivery have included single time point studies and dynamic studies of critically ill patients over time. Integration of metabolomics and clinical outcome data may create a more complete understanding of the control of metabolism in critical illness. SUMMARY: The integration of metabolomic profiling with transcription and genomic data may allow for a unique window into the mechanism of how nutrient deficiency and delivery alters cellular homeostasis during critical illness and modulates the regain of cellular homeostasis during recovery. The progress and the challenges of the study of nutritional metabolomics are reviewed here. DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000451 PMCID: PMC5826639 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29251691 273. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Mar;101(3):2148-2157. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13225. Epub 2017 Dec 14. Genetic analysis of predicted fatty acid profiles of milk from Danish Holstein and Danish Jersey cattle populations. Hein L(1), Sørensen LP(1), Kargo M(2), Buitenhuis AJ(3). Author information: (1)SEGES, Agro Food Park 15, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. (2)SEGES, Agro Food Park 15, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; Aarhus University, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Blichers Allé 20, PO Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark. (3)Aarhus University, Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Blichers Allé 20, PO Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark. Electronic address: bart.buitenhuis@mbg.au.dk. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic variability of the detailed fatty acid (FA) profiles of Danish Holstein (DH) and Danish Jersey (DJ) cattle populations. We estimated genetic parameters for 11 FA or groups of FA in milk samples from the Danish milk control system between May 2015 and October 2016. Concentrations of different FA and FA groups in milk samples were measured by mid-infrared spectroscopy. Data used for parameter estimation were from 132,732 first-parity DH cows and 21,966 first-parity DJ cows. We found the highest heritabilities for test day measurements in both populations for short-chain FA (DH = 0.16; DJ = 0.16) and C16:0 (DH = 0.14; DJ = 0.16). In DH, the highest heritabilities were also found for saturated FA and monounsaturated FA (both populations: 0.15). Genetic correlations between the fatty acid traits showed large differences between DH and DJ for especially short-chain FA with the other FA traits measured. Furthermore, genetic correlations of total fat with monounsaturated FA, polyunsaturated FA, short-chain FA, and C16:0 differed markedly between DH and DJ populations. In conclusion, we found genetic variation in the mid-infrared spectroscopy-predicted FA and FA groups of the DH and DJ cattle populations. This finding opens the possibility of using genetic selection to change the FA profiles of dairy cattle. The Authors. Published by FASS Inc. and Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/). DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13225 PMID: 29248226 274. Ageing Res Rev. 2018 Mar;42:28-39. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2017.12.005. Epub 2017 Dec 13. Role of microglia-neuron interactions in diabetic encephalopathy. Liu Y(1), Li M(1), Zhang Z(2), Ye Y(3), Zhou J(4). Author information: (1)Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China. (2)Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China. (3)Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China. Electronic address: yeyunluzhou@foxmail.com. (4)National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China. Electronic address: zhoujiyin@gmail.com. In the central nervous system, the primary immune cells, the microglia, prevent pathogenic invasion as the first line of defense. Microglial energy consumption is dependent on their degree of activity. Microglia express transporters for the three primary energy substrates (glucose, fatty acids, glutamine) and regulate diabetic encephalopathy via microglia-neuron interactions. Microglia may play a sentry role for rapid protection or even ablation of impaired neurons. Neurons exhibit hyperactivity in response to hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and neurotoxic factors and release potential microglial activators. Microglial activation is also regulated by proinflammatory factors, caspase-3 activity, P2X7 receptor, interferon regulatory factor-8, and glucocorticoids. Modulation of microglia in diabetic encephalopathy may involve CX3CL1, p38 MAPK, purinergic, and CD200/CD200R signaling pathways, and pattern recognition receptors. The microglia-neuron interactions play an important role in diabetic encephalopathy, and modulation of microglial activation may be a therapeutic target for diabetic encephalopathy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2017.12.005 PMID: 29247713 275. Int J Biol Macromol. 2018 Mar;108:674-686. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.12.062. Epub 2017 Dec 13. Immobilization of lipases in hydrophobic chitosan for selective hydrolysis of fish oil: The impact of support functionalization on lipase activity, selectivity and stability. Urrutia P(1), Arrieta R(2), Alvarez L(2), Cardenas C(3), Mesa M(4), Wilson L(5). Author information: (1)Centro Regional de Estudios en Alimentos Saludables, Valparaíso, Chile. Electronic address: purrutia@creas.cl. (2)Centro Regional de Estudios en Alimentos Saludables, Valparaíso, Chile. (3)Laboratorio de Síntesis de Péptidos e Inmunología Molecular, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Núcleo de Biotecnología Curauma, Valparaíso, Chile. (4)Grupo Ciencia de los Materiales, Instituto de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia. (5)Grupo de Biocatálisis, Escuela de Ingeniería Bioquímica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile. The objective of this paper was to carry out an integral study of the use of hydrophobic chitosan as a low-cost support for immobilizing lipases and their further application in the selective hydrolysis of fish oil. Chitosan functionalized with different alkyl chains (C4, C8, C12) were characterized by FTIR, TGA, SEM, and Rose Bengal adsorption. Lipase B from Candida antarctica (CalB) and lipase from Rhizomucor miehei (RML) were immobilized obtaining a higher expressed activity at a longer alkyl chain length of support. Biocatalyst thermal stability showed that the impact of the alkyl chain length on enzyme stabilization varied according to the lipase source. The biocatalysts were applied in menhaden oil hydrolysis. Total polyunsaturated fatty acids released after 30 h of reaction with lipases immobilized in butyl, octyl and dodecyl-chitosan was 60, 107, and 90 mM for CalB biocatalysts, and 560, 392, and 50 mM for RML biocatalysts, respectively. Selectivity of CalB was not affected by the alkyl chain, while in the case of RML, a higher selectivity to cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docohexaenoic acid release was obtained with dodecyl-chitosan. In conclusion, the adequate functionalization of chitosan varied according to lipase source, affecting their activity, stability and performance in the hydrolysis of fish oil. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.12.062 PMID: 29246872 276. Chemosphere. 2018 Mar;194:692-700. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.12.024. Epub 2017 Dec 6. Acidogenic fermentation of iron-enhanced primary sedimentation sludge under different pH conditions for production of volatile fatty acids. Lin L(1), Li XY(2). Author information: (1)Environmental Engineering Research Centre, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China. (2)Environmental Engineering Research Centre, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Engineering Research Laboratory for Sludge and Food Wastes, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China. Electronic address: xlia@hku.hk. Iron-based chemically enhanced primary sedimentation (CEPS) is increasingly adopted for wastewater treatment in mega cities, producing a large amount of sludge (Fe-sludge) with a high content of organics for potential organic resource recovery. In this experimental study, acidogenic fermentation was applied treat FeCl3-based CEPS sludge for production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) at different pHs. Batch fermentation tests on the Fe-sludge with an organic content of 10 g-COD/L showed that the maximum VFAs production reached 2782.2 mg-COD/L in the reactor without pH control, and it reached 688.4, 3095.3, and 2603.7 mg-COD/L in reactors with pHs kept at 5.0, 6.0 and 8.0, respectively. Analysis of the acidogenesis kinetics and enzymatic activity indicated that the alkaline pH could accelerate the rate of organic hydrolysis but inhibited the further organic conversion to VFAs. In semi-continuous sludge fermentation tests, the VFAs yield in the pH6 reactor was 20% higher than that in the control reactor without pH regulation, while the VFAs yield in the pH8 reactor was 10% lower than the control. Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed that key functional microorganisms known for effective sludge fermentation, including Bacteroidia and Erysipelotrichi, were enriched in the pH6 reactor with an enhanced VFAs production, while Clostridia became more abundant in the pH8 reactor to stand the unfavorable pH condition. The research presented acidogenic fermentation as an effective process for CEPS sludge treatment and organic resource recovery and provided the first insight into the related microbial community dynamics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.12.024 PMID: 29245135 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 277. Meat Sci. 2018 Mar;137:258-264. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.11.032. Epub 2017 Nov 27. On-site evaluation of Wagyu beef carcasses based on the monounsaturated, oleic, and saturated fatty acid composition using a handheld fiber-optic near-infrared spectrometer. Piao S(1), Okura T(1), Irie M(2). Author information: (1)Soma Optics, Ltd., 23-6 Hirai, Hinode-cho, Tokyo 190-0182, Japan. (2)National Livestock Breeding Center, 1 Odakurahara, Nishigo, Nishishirakawa, Fukushima 961-8511, Japan. Electronic address: m0irie@nlbc.go.jp. The fat quality is an important aspect, especially for Wagyu beef. A handheld fiber-optic near-infrared spectrometer for on-site evaluation of beef fat quality was developed, and the interactance spectra of the intermuscular fat from 833 Wagyu carcasses at 12 markets were measured. The calibration model was transferred to five slave instruments using twenty-six block samples. The performance of one slave instrument was verified at five meat markets (n=360). The coefficients of determination of the slave instrument for monounsaturated, oleic, and saturated fatty acid compositions determined by gas chromatography and near-infrared measurements were 0.69, 0.64, and 0.67, respectively. The standard error of prediction for the slave instrument was approximately 2%. The fiber-optic near-infrared spectrometers were highly accurate in the fat quality evaluation of Wagyu carcasses based on monounsaturated, oleic, and saturated fatty acid composition with easy calibration model transfer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.11.032 PMID: 29245028 278. Obes Rev. 2018 Mar;19(3):406-420. doi: 10.1111/obr.12646. Epub 2017 Dec 15. Causes and mechanisms of adipocyte enlargement and adipose expansion. Haczeyni F(1), Bell-Anderson KS(2), Farrell GC(1). Author information: (1)Liver Research Group, Australian National University Medical School at The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia. (2)Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Adipose tissue plays a significant role in whole body energy homeostasis. Obesity-associated diabetes, fatty liver and metabolic syndrome are closely linked to adipose stress and dysfunction. Genetic predisposition, overeating and physical inactivity influence the expansion of adipose tissues. Under conditions of constant energy surplus, adipocytes become hypertrophic and adipose tissues undergo hyperplasia so as to increase their lipid storage capacity, thereby keeping circulating blood glucose and fatty acids below toxic levels. Nonetheless, adipocytes have a saturation point where they lose capacity to store more lipids. At this stage, when adipocytes are fully lipid-engorged, they express stress signals. Adipose depots (particularly visceral compartments) from obese individuals with a severe metabolic phenotype are characterized by the high proportion of hypertrophic adipocytes. This review focuses on the mechanisms of adipocyte enlargement in relation to adipose fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism, and considers how this may be related to adipose dysfunction. © 2017 World Obesity Federation. DOI: 10.1111/obr.12646 PMID: 29243339 279. Crit Care Med. 2018 Mar;46(3):e206-e212. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000002875. Effects of Propofol on Cellular Bioenergetics in Human Skeletal Muscle Cells. Krajčová A(1)(2)(3), Løvsletten NG(4), Waldauf P(1), Frič V(5), Elkalaf M(2)(3), Urban T(1), Anděl M(2), Trnka J(2)(3), Thoresen GH(4), Duška F(1). Author information: (1)Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care of Královské Vinohrady University Hospital and The Third Faculty of Medicine, OXYLAB-Laboratory for Mitochondrial Physiology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. (2)Centre for Research on Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition of Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. (3)Laboratory for Metabolism and Bioenergetics, The Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. (4)Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. (5)Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Královské Vinohrady University Hospital and The Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. OBJECTIVES: Propofol may adversely affect the function of mitochondria and the clinical features of propofol infusion syndrome suggest that this may be linked to propofol-related bioenergetic failure. We aimed to assess the effect of therapeutic propofol concentrations on energy metabolism in human skeletal muscle cells. DESIGN: In vitro study on human skeletal muscle cells. SETTINGS: University research laboratories. SUBJECTS: Patients undergoing hip surgery and healthy volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Vastus lateralis biopsies were processed to obtain cultured myotubes, which were exposed to a range of 1-10 μg/mL propofol for 96 hours. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Extracellular flux analysis was used to measure global mitochondrial functional indices, glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and the functional capacities of individual complexes of electron transfer chain. In addition, we used [1-C]palmitate to measure fatty acid oxidation and spectrophotometry to assess activities of individual electron transfer chain complexes II-IV. Although cell survival and basal oxygen consumption rate were only affected by 10 μg/mL of propofol, concentrations as low as 1 μg/mL reduced spare electron transfer chain capacity. Uncoupling effects of propofol were mild, and not dependent on concentration. There was no inhibition of any respiratory complexes with low dose propofol, but we found a profound inhibition of fatty acid oxidation. Addition of extra fatty acids into the media counteracted the propofol effects on electron transfer chain, suggesting inhibition of fatty acid oxidation as the causative mechanism of reduced spare electron transfer chain capacity. Whether these metabolic in vitro changes are observable in other organs and at the whole-body level remains to be investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Concentrations of propofol seen in plasma of sedated patients in ICU cause a significant inhibition of fatty acid oxidation in human skeletal muscle cells and reduce spare capacity of electron transfer chain in mitochondria. DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000002875 PMID: 29240609 280. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2018 Mar;1863(3):235-246. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2017.12.007. Epub 2017 Dec 10. Identification of cytochrome b5 CYTB-5.1 and CYTB-5.2 in C. elegans; evidence for differential regulation of SCD. He B(1), Zhang J(2), Wang Y(3), Li Y(4), Zou X(5), Liang B(6). Author information: (1)Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China. (2)Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China. (3)Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China. (4)School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230036, China. (5)Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Special Biological Resource Development and Utilization of University in Yunnan Province, Kunming University, Kunming 650214, China. Electronic address: xiaojuzou@163.com. (6)Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China. Electronic address: liangb@mail.kiz.ac.cn. Unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) play crucial roles in living organisms regarding development, energy metabolism, stress resistance, etc. The biosynthesis of UFAs starts from the introduction of the first double bond by stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), converting saturated fatty acids (SFAs) to monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). This desaturation is considered to be an aerobic process that requires cytochrome b5 reductase, cytochrome b5 and SCD. However, this enzyme system remains elusive in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we show that inactivation by RNAi knockdown or mutation (gk442189) of putative cytochrome b5 genes cytb-5.1 led to reduced conversion of C18:0 to C18:1(n-9) by SCD desaturases FAT-6/7 in C. elegans. On the contrary, cytb-5.2RNAi and cytb-5.2(gk113588) mutant worms showed decreased conversion of C16:0 to C16:1(n-7) by FAT-5 desaturase. Dietary supplementation with C18:1(n-9) and C18:2(n-6) also showed that CYTB-5.1 is likely required for the activity of FAT-6/7 desaturases, but not for FAT-1 to FAT-4 desaturases. Interestingly, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) demonstrated that either FAT-7 or FAT-5 has ability to interact with both CYTB-5.1 and CYTB-5.2. Moreover, RNAi knockdown of cytb-5.1 upregulates the transcriptional and translational expression of fat-5 to fat-7, which may be due to the feedback induction by reduced C18:1(n-9) and downstream fatty acids. Furthermore, both CYTB-5.1 and CYTB-5.2 are involved in fat accumulation, fertility and lifespan in worms, which may be independent of changes in fatty acid compositions. Collectively, these findings for the first time reveal the differential regulation of various SCDs by distinct cytochrome b5 CYTB-5.1 and CYTB-5.2 in the biosynthesis of UFAs in C. elegans. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2017.12.007 PMID: 29237573 281. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2018 Mar;29(3):481-489. doi: 10.1007/s13361-017-1861-2. Epub 2017 Dec 12. UV Lamp as a Facile Ozone Source for Structural Analysis of Unsaturated Lipids Via Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry. Stinson CA(1)(2), Zhang W(1)(3), Xia Y(4)(5). Author information: (1)Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2084, USA. (2)Intel Corporation, Hillsboro, OR, 97214, USA. (3)Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. (4)Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2084, USA. xiayu@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn. (5)Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. xiayu@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn. Ozonolysis of alkene functional groups is a type of highly specific and effective chemical reaction, which has found increasing applications in structural analysis of unsaturated lipids via coupling with mass spectrometry (MS). In this work, we utilized a low-pressure mercury lamp (6 W) to initiate ozonolysis inside electrospray ionization (ESI) sources. By placing the lamp near a nanoESI emitter that partially transmits 185 nm ultraviolet (UV) emission from the lamp, dissolved dioxygen in the spray solution was converted into ozone, which subsequently cleaved the double bonds within fatty acyls of lipids. Solvent conditions, such as presence of water and acid solution pH, were found to be critical in optimizing ozonolysis yields. Fast (on seconds time scale) and efficient (50%-100% yield) ozonolysis was achieved for model unsaturated phospholipids and fatty acids with UV lamp-induced ozonolysis incorporated on a static and an infusion nanoESI source. The method was able to differentiate double bond location isomers and identify the geometry of the double bond based on yield. The analytical utility of UV lamp-induced ozonolysis was further demonstrated by implementation on a liquid chromatography (LC)-MS platform. Ozonolysis was effected in a flow microreactor that was made from ozone permeable tubing, so that ambient ozone produced by the lamp irradiation could diffuse into the reactor and induce online ozonolysis post-LC separation and before ESI-MS. Graphical Abstract ᅟ. DOI: 10.1007/s13361-017-1861-2 PMCID: PMC5839981 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29235039 282. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol. 2018 Mar;217:27-39. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2017.12.004. Epub 2017 Dec 9. Molecular characterization, tissue distribution and differential nutritional regulation of putative Elovl5 elongase in silver barb (Puntius gonionotus). Nayak M(1), Pradhan A(1), Giri SS(1), Samanta M(2), Konkimalla VB(3), Saha A(4). Author information: (1)Division of Fish Nutrition and Physiology, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. (2)Division of Fish Health Management, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. (3)School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education & Research Bhubaneswar, Jatni, Khurda, Odisha, India. (4)Division of Fish Nutrition and Physiology, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Electronic address: Ashis.Saha@icar.gov.in. Fatty acid desaturase (Fads) and elongase (Elovl) are two important enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in fishes. Silver barb (Puntius gonionotus) is considered a promising medium carp species for freshwater aquaculture in Asia. Earlier, Δ6 fads cDNA was characterized to understand the molecular mechanism of LC-PUFA biosynthesis in this species. In the present study elovl5-like elongase full-length cDNA was cloned and characterized by RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends), and analyzed its basal expression in various organs/tissues by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. Differential expression of elovl5 cDNA in various tissues following replacement of fish oil (FO) with linseed oil (LO) in the diet also studied. The full length cDNA sequence of silver barb elovl5-like elongase consisted of 1853bp, including an open reading frame (ORF) of 876bp encoding a precursor protein of 291 amino acids possessing the entire characteristic features of Elovl protein. The elovl5 transcript was constitutively expressed in all the tissues examined: muscle, liver, brain, kidney, skin, intestine, gill and eye. The expression of elovl5 gene was upregulated, whereas the serum biochemical constituents were either remain unchanged or lowered following replacement of FO with LO in the diets. We report for the first time, an in silico 3D structure model of elongase protein from silver barb. All these findings may contribute to a better understanding the potential regulatory mechanisms involved and may be useful for enhancing endogenous LC-PUFA production in silver barb. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2017.12.004 PMID: 29233754 283. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2018 Mar;21(2):104-109. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000441. Fish oil-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Gray SR(1), Mittendorfer B(2). Author information: (1)Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. (2)Division of Geriatrics & Nutritional Sciences, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Muscle mass and function decline progressively starting in middle age, which can result in sarcopenia and affect people's mobility and independence later in life. Exercise training and increased protein intake are typically recommended to counteract the age-associated decline in muscle mass and function. However, few people comply with exercise recommendations and the effectiveness of high-protein intake to halt the decline in muscle mass and function has not been proven. This review aims to explore recent developments in the potential for fish-oil derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) to improve muscle mass and function in older people. RECENT FINDINGS: The results from several recent studies demonstrate that dietary supplementation with fish oil-derived n-3 PUFA stimulates muscle protein synthesis and improves muscle mass and function in sedentary older adults and augments the resistance exercise training-induced increase in muscle strength in older adults. The exact mechanisms by which fish oil-derived n-3 PUFAs exert their beneficial effects on muscle mass and function remain to be elucidated. SUMMARY: Fish-oil supplementation has antisarcopenic effects and should be considered in the clinical care of older adults. DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000441 PMID: 29232264 284. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2018 Mar;21(2):83-89. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000439. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and cancer: any cause for concern? Serini S(1), Calviello G. Author information: (1)Istituto di Patologia Generale, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, L.go F. Vito, Roma, Italia. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recently, concerns have been raised with regard to the recommended doses of marine long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-omega-3 PUFAs) especially in relation to cancer risk and treatment. There is urgent need to clarify this point. This review considers the most recent evidence related to the potential risk of developing cancer with high LC-omega-3 PUFA intakes, and possible research strategies to better elucidate this matter. RECENT FINDINGS: The latest published recommendations have still highlighted the usefulness of an increased dietary intake of LC-omega-3 PUFAs for the prevention of some cardiovascular diseases. However, LC-omega-3 PUFAs have been related to the potential development and progression of cancer, and considerable debate exists on this issue. SUMMARY: The use of biomarkers reflecting the intake of LC-omega-3 PUFAs as cancer risk markers is discussed, as well as the possibility that the reported beneficial/deleterious effects may be confined to specific subpopulations on the basis of genetic, metabolic, and nutritional characteristics. Recent advances on new strategies for a safer intake of LC-omega-3 PUFAs will be considered, as their dietary sources may be contaminated by toxic/carcinogenic compounds. Potentially future directions in this important research area are also discussed. DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000439 PMID: 29232261 285. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2018 Mar;1863(3):247-265. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2017.12.006. Epub 2017 Dec 9. Lipid droplets induced by secreted phospholipase A2 and unsaturated fatty acids protect breast cancer cells from nutrient and lipotoxic stress. Jarc E(1), Kump A(1), Malavašič P(2), Eichmann TO(3), Zimmermann R(4), Petan T(5). Author information: (1)Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia. (2)Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia. (3)Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Center for Explorative Lipidomics, BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria. (4)Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria. (5)Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia. Electronic address: toni.petan@ijs.si. Cancer cells driven by the Ras oncogene scavenge unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) from their environment to counter nutrient stress. The human group X secreted phospholipase A2 (hGX sPLA2) releases FAs from membrane phospholipids, stimulates lipid droplet (LD) biogenesis in Ras-driven triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and enables their survival during starvation. Here we examined the role of LDs, induced by hGX sPLA2 and unsaturated FAs, in protection of TNBC cells against nutrient stress. We found that hGX sPLA2 releases a mixture of unsaturated FAs, including ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), from TNBC cells. Starvation-induced breakdown of LDs induced by low micromolar concentrations of unsaturated FAs, including PUFAs, was associated with protection from cell death. Interestingly, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) contributed to LD breakdown during starvation, but it was not required for the pro-survival effects of hGX sPLA2 and unsaturated FAs. High micromolar concentrations of PUFAs, but not OA, induced oxidative stress-dependent cell death in TNBC cells. Inhibition of triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis suppressed LD biogenesis and potentiated PUFA-induced cell damage. On the contrary, stimulation of LD biogenesis by hGX sPLA2 and suppression of LD breakdown by ATGL depletion reduced PUFA-induced oxidative stress and cell death. Finally, lipidomic analyses revealed that sequestration of PUFAs in LDs by sPLA2-induced TAG remodelling and retention of PUFAs in LDs by inhibition of ATGL-mediated TAG lipolysis protect from PUFA lipotoxicity. LDs are thus antioxidant and pro-survival organelles that guard TNBC cells against nutrient and lipotoxic stress and emerge as attractive targets for novel therapeutic interventions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2017.12.006 PMID: 29229414 286. Exp Neurol. 2018 Mar;301(Pt A):39-49. doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.12.002. Epub 2017 Dec 8. Impact of DHA intake in a mouse model of synucleinopathy. Coulombe K(1), Kerdiles O(1), Tremblay C(2), Emond V(2), Lebel M(3), Boulianne AS(4), Plourde M(5), Cicchetti F(6), Calon F(7). Author information: (1)Faculté de Pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada; Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada; OptiNutriBrain International Associated Laboratory (NutriNeuro France-INAF Canada), Canada. (2)Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada. (3)Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, Ave de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada. (4)Faculté de Pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada. (5)Centre de Recherche sur le Vieillissement, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada. (6)Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, Ave de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada. Electronic address: Francesca.Cicchetti@crchul.ulaval.ca. (7)Faculté de Pharmacie, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada; Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada; OptiNutriBrain International Associated Laboratory (NutriNeuro France-INAF Canada), Canada. Electronic address: Frederic.Calon@crchul.ulaval.ca. Polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 (n-3 PUFA), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been shown to prevent, and partially reverse, neurotoxin-induced nigrostriatal denervation in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the accumulation of α-synuclein (αSyn) in cerebral tissues is equally important to the pathophysiology. To determine whether DHA intake improves various aspects related to synucleinopathy, ninety male mice overexpressing human αSyn under the Thy-1 promoter (Thy1-αSyn) were fed one of three diets (specially formulated control, low n-3 PUFA or high DHA) and compared to non-transgenic C57/BL6 littermate mice exposed to a control diet. Thy1-αSyn mice displayed impaired motor skills, lower dopaminergic neuronal counts within the substantia nigra (-13%) in parallel to decreased levels of the striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) (-24%), as well as reduced NeuN (-41%) and synaptic proteins PSD-95 (-51%), synaptophysin (-80%) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VChAT) (-40%) in the cerebral cortex compared to C57/BL6 mice. However, no significant difference in dopamine concentrations was observed by HPLC analysis between Thy1-αSyn and non-transgenic C57/BL6 littermates under the control diet. The most striking finding was a favorable effect of DHA on the survival/longevity of Thy1-αSyn mice (+51% survival rate at 12months of age). However, dietary DHA supplementation did not have a significant effect on other parameters examined in this study, despite increased striatal dopamine concentrations. While human αSyn monomers and oligomers were detected in the cortex of Thy1-αSyn mice, the effects of the diets were limited to a small increase of 42kDa oligomers in insoluble protein fractions upon n-3 PUFA deprivation. Overall, our data indicate that a diet rich in n-3 PUFA has a beneficial effect on the longevity of a murine model of α-synucleinopathy without a major impact on the dopamine system and motor impairments, nor αSyn levels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.12.002 PMID: 29229294 287. Int J Biol Macromol. 2018 Mar;108:608-614. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.12.037. Epub 2017 Dec 6. Biosynthesis and structural characterization of polyhydroxyalkanoates produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 from long odd-chain fatty acids. Impallomeni G(1), Ballistreri A(2), Carnemolla GM(2), Rizzo MG(3), Nicolò MS(3), Guglielmino SPP(3). Author information: (1)Istituto per i Polimeri, Biomateriali e Compositi, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via P. Gaifami 18, 95126, Catania, Italy. Electronic address: giuseppe.impallomeni@cnr.it. (2)Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università di Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy. (3)Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche ed Ambientali, Università di Messina, v.le F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166, Messina, Italy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 was cultured on media containing long odd-chain fatty acids. Heptadecanoic, nonadecanoic, and heneicosanoic acids sustained cell growth and resulted in polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) accumulation when culturing was conducted under nitrogen starvation conditions. No PHA was produced using a complete or magnesium-deprived medium. The isolated polyesters were characterized by gas chromatography and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) of methanolyzed samples, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, ESI MS of partially pyrolyzed samples, and differential scanning calorimetry. These PHAs are composed of seven different odd-chain repeating units starting from 3-hydroxyvalerate, with the highest species being the, to date, unreported constituent 3-hydroxyheptadecanoate, and minor amounts of 2 or 3 even-chain comonomers. The PHAs are soft, sticky, rubber-like materials having glass transition temperatures between -45 and -39°C, melting temperatures between 48 and 52°C, enthalpies of melting around 11J/g, and molar masses ranging from 77 to 188kg/mol. Statistical analysis of the ESI mass spectra of the products of their partial pyrolysis showed that they are pure copolymers and not a blend of copolymers or homopolymers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.12.037 PMID: 29223758 288. Chembiochem. 2018 Mar 2;19(5):513-520. doi: 10.1002/cbic.201700598. Epub 2018 Feb 5. Characterisation of CYP102A25 from Bacillus marmarensis and CYP102A26 from Pontibacillus halophilus: P450 Homologues of BM3 with Preference towards Hydroxylation of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids. Porter JL(1), Manning J(1), Sabatini S(1), Tavanti M(1), Turner NJ(1), Flitsch SL(1). Author information: (1)School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases are highly desired biocatalysts owing to their ability to catalyse a wide variety of chemically challenging C-H activation reactions. The CYP102A subfamily of enzymes are natural catalytically self-sufficient proteins consisting of a haem and FMN-FAD reductase domain fused in a single-component system. They catalyse the oxygenation of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids to produce primarily ω-1, ω-2 and ω-3 hydroxy acids. These monooxygenases have potential applications in biotechnology; however, their substrate range is still limited and there is a continued need to add diversity to this class of biocatalysts. Herein, we present the characterisation of two new members of this class of enzymes, CYP102A25 (BMar) from Bacillus marmarensis and CYP102A26 (PHal) from Pontibacillus halophilus, both of which express readily in a recombinant bacterial host. BMar exhibits the highest activity toward myristic acid and shows moderate activity towards unsaturated fatty acids. PHal exhibits broader activity towards mid-chain-saturated (C14 -C18 ) and unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, PHal shows good regioselectivity for the hydroxylation of myristic acid, targeting the ω-2 position for C-H activation. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201700598 PMID: 29219229 289. Acta Diabetol. 2018 Mar;55(3):219-226. doi: 10.1007/s00592-017-1078-7. Epub 2017 Dec 7. Intensive dietary intervention promoting the Mediterranean diet in people with high cardiometabolic risk: a non-randomized study. Grimaldi M(1), Ciano O(2), Manzo M(2), Rispoli M(1), Guglielmi M(1), Limardi A(1), Calatola P(1), Lucibello M(2), Pardo S(2), Capaldo B(3), Riccardi G(2). Author information: (1)Azienda Sanitaria Salerno, Salerno, Italy. (2)Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Hospital, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy. (3)Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University Hospital, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy. bcapaldo@unina.it. AIMS: Mediterranean diet (MD) is acknowledged to exert a number of beneficial health effects. We assessed the efficacy and the durability of a 3-month intensive dietary intervention aimed at implementing the MD on body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors in subjects at high risk. METHODS: One hundred and sixteen subjects participated in the study (71 assigned to the intensive intervention and 45 to the conventional intervention). The intensive intervention consisted of 12 weekly group educational meetings and a free-of-charge supply of meals prepared according to the MD model. The conventional intervention consisted of an individual education session along with monthly reinforcements of nutritional messages by the general practitioner. All participants were followed up for 9 months. RESULTS: The two groups had similar pre-intervention characteristics. After the intervention, mean body weight decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). However, the intervention group lost more weight (6.8 ± 4.0 vs. 0.7 ± 1.3, p < 0.0001) and showed a greater reduction in plasma glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure and an increase in HDL cholesterol than the control group (p < 0.01-p < 0.002). In the subgroup of participants with type 2 diabetes, there was a significant reduction in HbA1c level following the intensive (p < 0.0001) but not the conventional intervention. At follow-up, weight loss still persisted in the intervention group (p < 0.0001), while it was lost in the control group. Both interventions significantly reduced blood pressure in the long term (p < 0.001). A significant reduction in daily total energy intake was observed in both groups with a greater reduction in saturated fat and a higher increase in fibre intake in the intervention than in the control group (p < 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A 3-month intensive dietary intervention inspired to the traditional MD produced greater and more durable weight loss and improvement in cardiometabolic risk profile than the conventional intervention. DOI: 10.1007/s00592-017-1078-7 PMID: 29218417 290. Exp Physiol. 2018 Mar 1;103(3):408-418. doi: 10.1113/EP086629. Epub 2018 Jan 16. Fibroblast growth factor 21 increases hepatic oxidative capacity but not physical activity or energy expenditure in hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α-deficient mice. Fletcher JA(1)(2)(3), Linden MA(1)(2), Sheldon RD(1)(2), Meers GM(2)(4), Morris EM(5), Butterfield A(6), Perfield JW 2nd(6), Rector RS(1)(2)(4), Thyfault JP(5)(7). Author information: (1)Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA. (2)Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Medical Center, Columbia, MO, USA. (3)University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. (4)Medicine - Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA. (5)Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA. (6)Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA. (7)Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research Service, Kansas City, MO, USA. NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Does a reduction in hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), which has been observed in an insulin-resistant obese state, impair the ability of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) to modulate metabolism? What is the main finding and its importance? A deficit in hepatic PGC-1α does not compromise the ability of FGF21 to increase hepatic fatty acid oxidation; however, the effects of FGF21 to regulate whole-body metabolism (i.e. total and resting energy expenditure), as well as ambulatory activity, were altered when hepatic PGC-1α was reduced. ABSTRACT: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) treatment drives metabolic improvements, including increased metabolic flux and reduced hepatic steatosis, but the mechanisms responsible for these effects remain to be elucidated fully. We tested whether a targeted reduction in hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), which has been shown to occur with obesity, had a negative impact on the metabolic effects of FGF21. We infused FGF21 (1 mg kg-1 day-1 ) or saline in chow-fed wild-type (WT) and liver-specific PGC-1α heterozygous (LPGC-1α) mice for 4 weeks. Administration of FGF21 lowered serum insulin and cholesterol (P ≤ 0.05) and tended to lower free fatty acids (P = 0.057). The LPGC-1α mice exhibited reduced complete hepatic fatty acid oxidation (FAO; LPGC-1α, 1788 ± 165 nmol g-1 h-1 compared with WT, 2572 ± 437 nmol g-1 h-1 ; P < 0.001), which was normalized by FGF21 treatment (2788 ± 519 nmol g-1 h-1 ; P < 0.001). FGF21 also increased hepatic incomplete FAO by 12% in both groups and extramitochondrial FAO by 89 and 56% in WT and LPGC-1α mice, respectfully (P = 0.001), and lowered hepatic triacylglycerol by 30-40% (P < 0.001). Chronic treatment with FGF21 lowered body weight and fat mass (P < 0.05), while increasing food consumption (P < 0.05), total energy expenditure [7.3 ± 0.60 versus 6.6 ± 0.39 kcal (12 h)-1 in WT mice; P = 0.009] and resting energy expenditure [5.4 ± 0.89 versus 4.6 ± 0.21 kcal (12 h)-1 in WT mice; P = 0.005]. Interestingly, FGF21 only increased ambulatory activity in the WT mice (P = 0.03), without a concomitant increase in non-resting energy expenditure. In conclusion, although reduced hepatic PGC-1α expression was not necessary for FGF21 to increase FAO, it does appear to mediate FGF21-induced changes in total and resting energy expenditure and ambulatory activity in lean mice. © 2017 The Authors. Experimental Physiology © 2017 The Physiological Society. DOI: 10.1113/EP086629 PMCID: PMC5832578 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29215172 291. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2018 Feb 28;28(2):267-274. doi: 10.4014/jmb.1702.02064. Enhanced Production of Fatty Acids via Redirection of Carbon Flux in Marine Microalga Tetraselmis sp. Han MA(1), Hong SJ(1), Kim ZH(2), Cho BK(3), Lee H(4)(5), Choi HK(6), Lee CG(1). Author information: (1)Marine Bioenergy R&D Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea. (2)Culture Techniques Research Division, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Republic of Korea. (3)Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea. (4)Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea. (5)Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gil Medical Center, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea. (6)College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06911, Republic of Korea. Lipids in microalgae are energy-rich compounds and considered as an attractive feedstock for biodiesel production. To redirect carbon flux from competing pathways to the fatty acid synthesis pathway of Tetraselmis sp., we used three types of chemical inhibitors that can block the starch synthesis pathway or photorespiration, under nitrogen-sufficient and nitrogen-deficient conditions. The starch synthesis pathway in chloroplasts and the cytosol can be inhibited by 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea and 1,2-cyclohexane diamine tetraacetic acid (CDTA), respectively. Degradation of glycine into ammonia during photorespiration was blocked by aminooxyacetate (AOA) to maintain biomass concentration. Inhibition of starch synthesis pathways in the cytosol by CDTA increased fatty acid productivity by 27% under nitrogen deficiency, whereas the blocking of photorespiration in mitochondria by AOA was increased by 35% under nitrogen-sufficient conditions. The results of this study indicate that blocking starch or photorespiration pathways may redirect the carbon flux to fatty acid synthesis. DOI: 10.4014/jmb.1702.02064 PMID: 29212297 292. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2018 Mar;1860(3):664-672. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.12.001. Epub 2017 Dec 5. Inhibition of mitochondrial UCP1 and UCP3 by purine nucleotides and phosphate. Macher G(1), Koehler M(2), Rupprecht A(1), Kreiter J(1), Hinterdorfer P(2), Pohl EE(3). Author information: (1)Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria. (2)Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria. (3)Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria. Electronic address: elena.pohl@vetmeduni.ac.at. Mitochondrial membrane uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) is not only expressed in skeletal muscle and heart, but also in brown adipose tissue (BAT) alongside UCP1, which facilitates a proton leak to support non-shivering thermogenesis. In contrast to UCP1, the transport function and molecular mechanism of UCP3 regulation are poorly investigated, although it is generally agreed upon that UCP3, analogous to UCP1, transports protons, is activated by free fatty acids (FFAs) and is inhibited by purine nucleotides (PNs). Because the presence of two similar uncoupling proteins in BAT is surprising, we hypothesized that UCP1 and UCP3 are differently regulated, which may lead to differences in their functions. By combining atomic force microscopy and electrophysiological measurements of recombinant proteins reconstituted in planar bilayer membranes, we compared the level of protein activity with the bond lifetimes between UCPs and PNs. Our data revealed that, in contrast to UCP1, UCP3 can be fully inhibited by all PNs and IC50 increases with a decrease in PN-phosphorylation. Experiments with mutant proteins demonstrated that the conserved arginines in the PN-binding pocket are involved in the inhibition of UCP1 and UCP3 to different extents. Fatty acids compete with all PNs bound to UCP1, but only with ATP bound to UCP3. We identified phosphate as a novel inhibitor of UCP3 and UCP1, which acts independently of PNs. The differences in molecular mechanisms of the inhibition between the highly homologous transporters UCP1 and UCP3 indicate that UCP3 has adapted to fulfill a different role and possibly another transport function in BAT. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.12.001 PMID: 29212043 293. Int J Biol Macromol. 2018 Mar;108:531-540. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.10.186. Epub 2017 Dec 5. Demonstration of bioprocess factors optimization for enhanced mono-rhamnolipid production by a marine Pseudomonas guguanensis. C RK(1), R LS(2), D A(3), V S(4), Vasudevan V(1), Krishnan MEG(5). Author information: (1)Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai 600 116, India. (2)Central Research Facility (CRF), Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai 600 116, India. (3)Aquatic Animal Health and Environment Division, Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), 75, Santhome High Road, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai 600 028, India. (4)PG & Research Department of Chemistry, Pachaiyappa's College, Chennai 600 030, India. (5)Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai 600 116, India. Electronic address: drelizabethrajesh@sriramachandra.edu.in. We identified that Pseudomonas guguanensis produced macromolecular mono-rhamnolipid (1264.52 Da) upon sensing n-hexadecane/diesel/kerosene from its surroundings. Permutation experiments were done to improve the laboratory-scale mono-rhamnolipid production (ie, a three-fold increase) using RSM validation. Consequently, maximal mono-rhamnolipids production [40-50 mg/L] and emulsification abilities [65-70%] were encountered on day 8 using vegetable oil, peptone + yeast extract. EI24 values for the rhamnolipids were found to be 78±1.75% at 12.5 mg/ mL. Production and secretion of rhamnolipids were accompanied by aggregation of cells at day 6 as pictured in SEM. Pure monorhamnolipids of P. guguanensis was found to lower the surface tension of water to 32.98±0.3 mN/m than the crude and CFSs of P. aeruginosa indicating efficient activity. Utilization and subsequent removal of hexadecane was 77.2% and the breakdown products were fatty acids [decanoic, hexadecanoic, octadecanoic acids and methyl stearates] as signified in Head-space GC-MS. The breakdown products of hexadecane are also present in the synthesized rhamnolipids suggesting their biosynthetic role. Rapid degradation of hexadecane, diesel and kerosene by this emulsifier combined with non-pathogenic trait of P. guguanensis identifies this organism as a viable option to remove n-alkanes from aquatic environments. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.10.186 PMID: 29208557 294. Chemosphere. 2018 Mar;194:211-219. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.170. Epub 2017 Dec 1. Predicting acute toxicity of traditional Chinese medicine wastewater using UV absorption and volatile fatty acids as surrogates. Lv L(1), Li W(2), Yu Y(1), Meng L(1), Qin W(1), Wu C(1). Author information: (1)School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China. (2)School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin, 150090, PR China. Electronic address: lwghit@yahoo.com. In this study, the applicability of UV absorbance at 254 nm (UV254) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) to serve as reliable surrogates to predict acute toxicity of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) wastewater was investigated. The medicine residues and VFAs were identified as main components of the TCM wastewater, and their individual and joint toxicity assays were operated with luminescent bacteria. The median effective concentration (EC50) values of medicine residues and VFAs were in the range of 26.46-165.55 mg/L and 11.45-20.58 g/L, respectively. The joint toxicity action modes of medicine residues, VFAs and medicine residues-VFAs were identified as additive, additive and synergistic respectively. UV254 and VFAs showed better correlations with acute toxicity according to the correlation analysis, compared with other conventional parameters. The regression model was a good fit for toxic unit (TU50) as a function of UV254 and VFAs according to the stepwise regression method (adjusted R2 = 0.836). Validation of the model to the pilot-scale samples provided satisfactory prediction results in the influent and hydrolysis acidification effluent samples tests, but for EGSB effluent and final effluent samples, the model needed further optimization. Surrogates prediction using UV254 and VFAs provided a valuable and cost-saving tool for rapid or on-line monitoring of acute toxicity of TCM wastewater. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.170 PMID: 29207353 295. Theriogenology. 2018 Mar 1;108:97-102. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.10.031. Epub 2017 Nov 29. Effects of dietary omega-3 and -6 supplementations on phospholipid fatty acid composition in mice uterus during window of pre-implantation. Fattahi A(1), Darabi M(2), Farzadi L(3), Salmassi A(4), Latifi Z(2), Mehdizadeh A(5), Shaaker M(2), Ghasemnejad T(3), Roshangar L(6), Nouri M(7). Author information: (1)Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. (2)Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. (3)Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. (4)Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. (5)Endocrine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. (6)Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Electronic address: Lroshangar@yahoo.com. (7)Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Electronic address: nourimd@yahoo.com. Since fatty acid composition of uterus phospholipids is likely to influence embryo implantation, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary omega-3 and -6 fatty acids on implantation rate as well as uterine phospholipid fatty acids composition during mice pre-implantation period. Sixty female mice were randomly distributed into:1) control (standard pellet), 2) omega-3 (standard pellet + 10% w/w of omega-3 fatty acids) and 3) omega-6 (standard pellet + 10% w/w of omega-6 fatty acids). Uterine phospholipid fatty acid composition during the pre-implantation window (days 1-5 of pregnancy) was analyzed using gas-chromatography. The implantation rate on the fifth day of pregnancy was also determined. Our results showed that on days 1, 2 and 3 of pregnancy, the levels of arachidonic acid (ARA) as well as total omega-6 fatty acids were significantly higher and the levels of linolenic acid and total omega-3 fatty acids were statistically lower in the omega-6 group compared to the omega-3 group (p < 0.05). On the fourth day of pregnancy, only the ARA, total omega-6 fatty acids, and poly-unsaturated fatty acids levels were significantly different between the two dietary supplemented groups (p < 0.05). There were positive correlations between the levels of omega-6 fatty acids, especially ARA, with the implantation rate. The present study showed that diets rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids could differently modify uterine phospholipid fatty acid composition and uterine levels of phospholipid ARA, and that the total omega-6 fatty acids had a positive association with the implantation rate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.10.031 PMID: 29207295 296. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2018 Mar;21(2):78-82. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000443. Placental fatty acid transfer. Lewis RM(1), Wadsack C(2), Desoye G(3). Author information: (1)Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, England, UK. (2)Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz. (3)BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review outlines recent advances in placental lipid transport in relation to maternal metabolic status and pregnancy outcome. A particular focus of this review will be on the way these findings may influence our understanding of placental transfer of the essential fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is crucial for fetal neurodevelopment and of lipid transfer as a predisposing factor for childhood obesity. RECENT FINDINGS: Placental metabolism may determine the quantity and composition of fatty acids delivered to the fetus. Maternal factors, such as obesity, appear to regulate placental lipid metabolism and may influence fatty acids delivery to the fetus. Although the role of placental metabolism is now recognized, new evidence also suggests important roles for nontraditional fatty acid transporters such as Mfsd2a which facilitates transfer of DHA. SUMMARY: Placental lipid metabolism is likely to be a determinant of placental transfer of fatty acids to the fetus. Maternal conditions, such as obesity, have now been shown to regulate placental lipid metabolism and thus may influence fatty acid transfer and fetal development. However, it is not yet clear how regulation of placental lipid metabolism affects fatty acid delivery to the fetus and its long-term health. DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000443 PMID: 29206689 297. Anim Sci J. 2018 Mar;89(3):606-615. doi: 10.1111/asj.12958. Epub 2017 Dec 4. Effect of fermented total mixed rations on the growth performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics of Hanwoo steers. Kim TI(1), Mayakrishnan V(1), Lim DH(1), Yeon JH(1), Baek KS(1). Author information: (1)Dairy Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea. This study was conducted to assess the effects of fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) on the growth performance, carcass and meat quality traits of Hanwoo steers. The present study evidenced that the FTMR had a strong effect on dry matter intake, body weight, daily gain, slaughter weight and carcass characteristics compared with control animals. The results showed that the dry matter intake (7.17 ± 0.13 kg), average body weight (615.20 ± 112.82 kg), and daily gain (0.56 ± 0.16 kg) were greater in animals receiving FTMR than in control animals (P < 0.05). The meat quality characteristics indicated that cooking loss and the pH values did not vary between control and FTMR treated animals; however, animals in the treated groups (FTMR) had higher meat quality grades, carcass weight (396.13 ± 18.35), fat thickness (13.25 ± 1.75), marbling score (5.63 ± 0.56), meat color (40.06 ± 1.23), crude fat (18.39 ± 1.32) and sensory characteristics (flavor 5.03 ± 0.17; tenderness 4.42 ± 0.33; juiciness 5.10 ± 0.16). Nevertheless, the shear force values decreased significantly in FTMR-treated animals compared with control group steers. Overall, FTMR may not only improve the growth performance, biochemical metabolites, and fatty and acetic acid profiles of steers, but may also enhance the carcass and meat quality characteristics of Hanwoo steers. Regarding economics, our research findings suggest that FTMR-based feeds may enhance Hanwoo steer meat quality at a low cost. © 2017 Japanese Society of Animal Science. DOI: 10.1111/asj.12958 PMID: 29205706 298. Pharmacol Res. 2018 Mar;129:526-534. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.11.034. Epub 2017 Dec 5. N-3 PUFA diet enrichment prevents amyloid beta-induced depressive-like phenotype. Morgese MG(1), Schiavone S(1), Mhillaj E(2), Bove M(2), Tucci P(1), Trabace L(3). Author information: (1)Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Italy. (2)Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, V. Erspamer University of Rome Sapienza, Italy. (3)Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Italy. Electronic address: luigia.trabace@unifg.it. Among neuropsychiatric diseases, depression is one of the most prevalent. Many pathologies have been indicated as comorbid with depression and in particular, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's diseases (AD). In this regard, several evidences endorse a strong relationship between depression and AD, so much that this mental illness has been proposed either as a risk factor for AD or as a prodromic AD phase. Furthermore, amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide, the main constituent of amyloid plaques commonly considered the principal hallmark of AD brains, has been shown to be increased, in its soluble form, in depressed patients. Accordingly, we have previously found that Aβ, intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) injected, is able to evoke a depressive-like profile in rats accompanied by low cortical serotonin and reduced neurotrophin content. Taking into account the great increase in AD and depression prevalence, many environmental factors have been under study, particularly dietary factors, and the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is becoming central in this field of research. Thus, aim of the present study was to evaluate the neurobehavioral effects of lifelong exposure to either n-3 PUFA rich or n-3 PUFA poor diet after Aβ central administration. Results showed that n-3 PUFA enriched diet prevented the Aβ- induced depressive-like behaviors, as reveled by the reduction in the immobility time in the FST test. Furthermore, n-3 PUFA rich diet exposure reverted also serotonin and neurotrophin level reduction in prefrontal cortex of Aβ treated rats. Taken together, our data support the concept that supplementation of diet with n-3 PUFA represents a valid approach to reduce the risk of developing depressive symptoms, as well as reducing the risk of Aβ-related pathologies, such as AD. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.11.034 PMID: 29203442 299. J Nutr Biochem. 2018 Mar;53:72-80. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.10.009. Epub 2017 Nov 2. Effects of fish oils on ex vivo B-cell responses of obese subjects upon BCR/TLR stimulation: a pilot study. Guesdon W(1), Kosaraju R(1), Brophy P(2), Clark A(2), Dillingham S(3), Aziz S(4), Moyer F(4), Willson K(5), Dick JR(6), Patil SP(7), Balestrieri N(8), Armstrong M(9), Reisdroph N(9), Shaikh SR(10). Author information: (1)Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University; East Carolina Diabetes & Obesity Institute, East Carolina University. (2)East Carolina Diabetes & Obesity Institute, East Carolina University. (3)Organic Technologies. (4)Department of Psychology, East Carolina University. (5)Department of Nutrition Science, East Carolina University. (6)Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, UK. (7)Department of Family Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. (8)Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. (9)Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Denver, CO. (10)Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University; East Carolina Diabetes & Obesity Institute, East Carolina University; Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Electronic address: shaikhsa@email.unc.edu. The long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in fish oil have immunomodulatory properties. B cells are a poorly studied target of EPA/DHA in humans. Therefore, in this pilot study, we tested how n-3 LC-PUFAs influence B-cell responses of obese humans. Obese men and women were assigned to consume four 1-g capsules per day of olive oil (OO, n=12), fish oil (FO, n=12) concentrate or high-DHA-FO concentrate (n=10) for 12 weeks in a parallel design. Relative to baseline, FO (n=9) lowered the percentage of circulating memory and plasma B cells, whereas the other supplements had no effect. There were no postintervention differences between the three supplements. Next, ex vivo B-cell cytokines were assayed after stimulation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and/or the B-cell receptor (BCR) to determine if the effects of n-3 LC-PUFAs were pathway-dependent. B-cell IL-10 and TNFα secretion was respectively increased with high DHA-FO (n=10), relative to baseline, with respective TLR9 and TLR9+BCR stimulation. OO (n=12) and FO (n=12) had no influence on B-cell cytokines compared to baseline, and there were no differences in postintervention cytokine levels between treatment groups. Finally, ex vivo antibody levels were assayed with FO (n=7) after TLR9+BCR stimulation. Compared to baseline, FO lowered IgM but not IgG levels accompanied by select modifications to the plasma lipidome. Altogether, the results suggest that n-3 LC-PUFAs could modulate B-cell activity in humans, which will require further testing in a larger cohort. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.10.009 PMCID: PMC5820214 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 29195133 300. J Nutr Biochem. 2018 Mar;53:39-47. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.10.006. Epub 2017 Nov 27. Supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnant rats with mild diabetes normalizes placental PPARγ and mTOR signaling in female offspring developing gestational diabetes. Capobianco E(1), Fornes D(1), Roberti SL(1), Powell TL(2), Jansson T(3), Jawerbaum A(4). Author information: (1)Laboratory of Reproduction and Metabolism, CEFYBO, CONICET, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. (2)Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of OB/GYN, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. (3)Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of OB/GYN, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. (4)Laboratory of Reproduction and Metabolism, CEFYBO, CONICET, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Electronic address: a.jawerbaum@gmail.com. Maternal diabetes impairs fetoplacental development and programs metabolic diseases in the offspring. We have previously reported that female offspring of pregnant rats with mild diabetes develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) when they become pregnant. Here, we studied the effects of supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in pregnant mild diabetic rats (F0) by feeding a 6% safflower-oil-enriched diet from day 1 to 14 followed by a 6% chia-oil-enriched diet from day 14 of pregnancy to term. We analyzed maternal metabolic parameters and placental signaling at term in pregnant offspring (F1). The offspring of both PUFAs-treated and untreated mild diabetic rats developed GDM. Although gestational hyperglycemia was not prevented by dietary PUFAs treatment in F0, triglyceridemia and cholesterolemia in F1 mothers were normalized by F0 PUFAs dietary treatment. In the placenta of F1 GDM rats, PPARγ levels were reduced and lipoperoxidation was increased, changes that were prevented by the maternal diets enriched in PUFAs in the F0 generation. Moreover, fetal overgrowth and placental activation of mTOR signaling pathways were reduced in F1 GDM rats whose mothers were treated with PUFAs diets. These results suggest that F0 PUFAs dietary treatment in pregnancies with mild diabetes improves maternal dyslipidemia, fetal overgrowth and placental signaling in female offspring when they become pregnant. We speculate that an increased PUFAs intake in pregnancies complicated by diabetes may prove effective to ameliorate metabolic programming in the offspring, thereby improving the health of future generations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.10.006 PMID: 29190548 301. J Med Entomol. 2018 Feb 28;55(2):408-416. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjx208. Effects of Fatty Acid and Geraniol Repellent-Oil Mixtures Applied to Cattle on Blood Feeding and Reproductive Parameters in Field Populations of Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae). Mullens BA(1), Soto D(1), Gerry AC(1), Fowler FE(1), Diniz AN(1). Author information: (1)Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA. California pastured cattle were treated with 250 ml of a 15% mixture of fatty acids (C8-C9-C10) or 125 ml of 2% geraniol in a mineral oil carrier to assess impacts on horn flies, Haematobia irritans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae) over two summers. Horn flies were netted from cattle every 3-4 d for 2 wk before treatment, 2 wk during treatment (four treatments, with flies collected before each treatment), and 2 wk after treatments ceased. Blood meal weights were estimated by hemoglobin assay of excised abdomens. Other females were dissected to determine the number of active ovarioles and the stage of primary follicle development. Depending on year and herd, pretreatment males contained an average of 0.6-1.0 mg of blood, while females contained 1.7-2.7 mg. Pretreatment egg development (least developed oocytes were stage 1 and fully developed eggs were stage 5) averaged 3.7-4.3, and number of active ovarioles averaged 18.1 to 19.6/female. During treatment periods, significant reductions in blood weight were noted for females, but usually not for males, and females also often exhibited reduced mean oocyte stage and number of active ovarioles. Peaks in proportions of young nulliparous females (oocyte stages 1 or 2) were seen during some repellent application periods. This suggested older females had been killed or driven off from the local population by the treatments, and flies on cattle included more young flies that likely were recent arrivals. The repellent-oil mixture thus impacted blood feeding, reproductive fitness, and probably age structure in the field. DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx208 PMID: 29186519 302. J Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Mar 1;213:350-358. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.027. Epub 2017 Nov 26. Assessment of the anti-snakebite properties of extracts of Aniba fragrans Ducke (Lauraceae) used in folk medicine as complementary treatment in cases of envenomation by Bothrops atrox. de Moura VM(1), da Costa Guimarães N(2), Batista LT(3), Freitas-de-Sousa LA(4), de Sousa Martins J(5), de Souza MCS(6), Oliveira de Almeida PD(7), Monteiro WM(8), de Oliveira RB(9), Dos-Santos MC(10), Mourão RHV(11). Author information: (1)Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais da Amazônia-PPGRNA, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará- UFOPA, Santarém, PA, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará- UFOPA, Laboratório de Bioprospecção e Biologia Experimental -LabBBEx, Santarém, PA, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical -PPGMT, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas-UEA, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado-FMT/HVD, Manaus, AM, Brazil. Electronic address: mouraovm@yahoo.com.br. (2)Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará- UFOPA, Laboratório de Bioprospecção e Biologia Experimental -LabBBEx, Santarém, PA, Brazil. Electronic address: norah.costa@hotmail.com. (3)Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará- UFOPA, Laboratório de Bioprospecção e Biologia Experimental -LabBBEx, Santarém, PA, Brazil; Programa Multi-institucional de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia-PPGBIOTEC, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, UFAM, Manaus, AM, Brazil. Electronic address: luana_travassos@yahoo.com.br. (4)Programa de Pós-graduação em Toxinologia, Laboratório de Imunopatologia - Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: Luciana.sousa@butantan.gov.br. (5)Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará- UFOPA, Laboratório de Bioprospecção e Biologia Experimental -LabBBEx, Santarém, PA, Brazil. Electronic address: donto_2005@hotmail.com. (6)Programa Multi-institucional de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia-PPGBIOTEC, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, UFAM, Manaus, AM, Brazil. Electronic address: mcarol.biotec@gmail.com. (7)Laboratório de Atividade Biológica - Biophar, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, AM, Brazil. Electronic address: patt_danielle@hotmail.com. (8)Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical -PPGMT, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas-UEA, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado-FMT/HVD, Manaus, AM, Brazil. Electronic address: wueltonmm@gmail.com. (9)Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais da Amazônia-PPGRNA, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará- UFOPA, Santarém, PA, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará- UFOPA, Laboratório de Bioprospecção e Biologia Experimental -LabBBEx, Santarém, PA, Brazil. Electronic address: rbo@ufopa.br. (10)Programa Multi-institucional de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia-PPGBIOTEC, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, UFAM, Manaus, AM, Brazil. Electronic address: mcsantos1957@yahoo.com.br. (11)Programa de Pós-graduação em Recursos Naturais da Amazônia-PPGRNA, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará- UFOPA, Santarém, PA, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará- UFOPA, Laboratório de Bioprospecção e Biologia Experimental -LabBBEx, Santarém, PA, Brazil. Electronic address: mouraorhv@yahoo.com.br. ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Extracts of leaves and bark of Aniba fragrans are used as tea (decoction) to treat snakebites in communities in the Brazilian Amazon. The aqueous extract of the leaves of A. fragrans has been proven to be effective against Bothrops venom, but only when pre-incubated with the venom. This study sought to assess the potential of different types of extract of this species to inhibit the biological activities of Bothrops atrox venom (BaV) when used the same way as in folk medicine. The main classes of secondary metabolites and the concentrations of phenolics in the extracts were also determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four types of extract of A. fragrans were prepared: aqueous extract of the leaf (AEL), aqueous extract of the bark (AEB), hydroalcoholic leaf extract (HLE) and extract of the residue from hydrodistillation of the leaf (ERHL). The phytochemical profiles of the aqueous extracts were determined using thin layer chromatography (TLC), and the concentrations of phenolics were measured by colorimetric assays. To investigate the potential of the extracts to inhibit the biological activities of BaV, in vitro tests for antiphospholipase and antifibrinolytic activities were performed. In vivo tests for antihemorrhagic and antidefibrinating activities were also carried out, as well as antimicrobial tests for activity against the main bacteria found in the oral cavity of snakes. Interaction between the extracts and the proteins in BaV was assessed by electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot (WB). The cytotoxicity of the extracts was assessed in a strain of MRC-5 human fibroblasts. RESULTS: Terpenoids, flavonoids and condensed and hydrolysable tannins were detected in all the extracts. Metabolites such as coumarins, fatty acids and alkaloids were present in some extracts but not in others, indicating different phytochemical profiles. Phenolics content varied between extracts, and there were more tannins in AEB and HLE. In the in vitro tests, the extracts inhibited the phospholipase and fibrinolytic activities of BaV in the two ratios of venom to extract used. HLE exhibited effective antimicrobial action as it inhibited growth of 11 of the 15 bacteria investigated, including Morganella morganii, the main bacteria described in the oral cavity of snakes. The extracts failed to inhibit the defibrinating activity of BaV, and only the Bothrops antivenom had a significant effect (96.1%) on this activity. BaV-induced hemorrhage was completely inhibited by AEL and AEB when the pre-incubation (venom:extract) protocol was used. When administered orally, as in folk medicine, both AEB and AEL produced significant inhibition of hemorrhagic activity (maximum inhibition 46.5% and 39.2%, respectively). SDS-PAGE and WB of the extracts pre-incubated with BaV showed that the main proteins in the venom had been precipitated by the extracts. None of the four extracts showed cytotoxic effects in the tests carried out with a human fibroblast cell line. CONCLUSION: In addition to being effective in reducing hemorrhage when administered orally, the extracts displayed a high antimicrobial potential against microorganisms involved in secondary infections at the site of the snakebite. Once the extracts have been tested in accordance with the appropriate regulations, this species could potentially be used to produce a phytomedicine for complementary treatment of the secondary infections due to bacteria that aggravate the local signs and symptoms after snakebite envenomation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.027 PMID: 29183746 303. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2018 Mar 1;114:155-165. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.11.022. Epub 2017 Nov 24. Overexpressing cell systems are a competitive option to primary adipocytes when predicting in vivo potency of dual GPR81/GPR109A agonists. Almquist J(1), Hovdal D(2), Ahlström C(2), Fjellström O(3), Gennemark P(2), Sundqvist M(2). Author information: (1)Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre, Chalmers Science Park, Gothenburg, Sweden; Systems and Synthetic Biology, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden; DMPK, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden. Electronic address: joachim.almquist@fcc.chalmers.se. (2)DMPK, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden. (3)Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden. Mathematical models predicting in vivo pharmacodynamic effects from in vitro data can accelerate drug discovery, and reduce costs and animal use. However, data integration and modeling is non-trivial when more than one drug-target receptor is involved in the biological response. We modeled the inhibition of non-esterified fatty acid release by dual G-protein-coupled receptor 81/109A (GPR81/GPR109A) agonists in vivo in the rat, to estimate the in vivo EC50 values for 12 different compounds. We subsequently predicted those potency estimates using EC50 values obtained from concentration-response data in isolated primary adipocytes and cell systems overexpressing GPR81 or GPR109A in vitro. A simple linear regression model based on data from primary adipocytes predicted the in vivo EC50 better than simple linear regression models based on in vitro data from either of the cell systems. Three models combining the data from the overexpressing cell systems were also evaluated: two piecewise linear models defining logical OR- and AND-circuits, and a multivariate linear regression model. All three models performed better than the simple linear regression model based on data from primary adipocytes. The OR-model was favored since it is likely that activation of either GPR81 or GPR109A is sufficient to deactivate the cAMP pathway, and thereby inhibit non-esterified fatty acid release. The OR-model was also able to predict the in vivo selectivity between the two receptors. Finally, the OR-model was used to predict the in vivo potency of 1651 new compounds. This work suggests that data from the overexpressing cell systems are sufficient to predict in vivo potency of GPR81/GPR109A agonists, an approach contributing to faster and leaner drug discovery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.11.022 PMID: 29180298 304. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2018 Mar;73(1):61-67. doi: 10.1007/s11130-017-0648-8. Effect of Acrocomia aculeata Kernel Oil on Adiposity in Type 2 Diabetic Rats. Nunes ÂA(1)(2), Buccini DF(3)(4), Jaques JAS(5), Portugal LC(5), Guimarães RCA(6), Favaro SP(7), Caldas RA(8), Carvalho CME(4). Author information: (1)Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity Pro-Midwest Network, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil. nunysnutri@yahoo.com.br. (2)Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil. nunysnutri@yahoo.com.br. (3)Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity Pro-Midwest Network, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil. (4)Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil. (5)Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil. (6)Post-Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Mid-West Region, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil. (7)Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Embrapa, PqEB, W3 Norte - Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil. (8)Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil. The macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is native of tropical America and is found mostly in the Cerrados and Pantanal biomes. The fruits provide an oily pulp, rich in long chain fatty acids, and a kernel that encompass more than 50% of lipids rich in medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). Based on biochemical and nutritional evidences MCFA is readily catabolized and can reduce body fat accumulation. In this study, an animal model was employed to evaluate the effect of Acrocomia aculeata kernel oil (AKO) on the blood glucose level and the fatty acid deposit in the epididymal adipose tissue. The A. aculeata kernel oil obtained by cold pressing presented suitable quality as edible oil. Its fatty acid profile indicates high concentration of MCFA, mainly lauric, capric and caprilic. Type 2 diabetic rats fed with that kernel oil showed reduction of blood glucose level in comparison with the diabetic control group. Acrocomia aculeata kernel oil showed hypoglycemic effect. A small fraction of total dietary medium chain fatty acid was accumulated in the epididymal adipose tissue of rats fed with AKO at both low and high doses and caprilic acid did not deposit at all. DOI: 10.1007/s11130-017-0648-8 PMID: 29177992 305. J Nutr Biochem. 2018 Mar;53:9-19. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.09.015. Epub 2017 Oct 18. Flaxseed oil rich in omega-3 protects aorta against inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress partially mediated by GPR120 receptor in obese, diabetic and dyslipidemic mice models. Moura-Assis A(1), Afonso MS(2), de Oliveira V(1), Morari J(3), Dos Santos GA(4), Koike M(2), Lottenberg AM(2), Ramos Catharino R(4), Velloso LA(3), Sanchez Ramos da Silva A(5), de Moura LP(6), Ropelle ER(6), Pauli JR(6), Cintra DEC(7). Author information: (1)Laboratory of Nutritional Genomics, School of Applied Sciences of University of Campinas Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil. (2)Lipids Laboratory (LIM10), Faculty of Medical Sciences of University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. (3)Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Faculty of Medical Sciences of University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. (4)INNOVARE Biomarkers Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Sciences of University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. (5)School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. (6)Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Exercise, School of Applied Sciences of University of Campinas Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil. (7)Laboratory of Nutritional Genomics, School of Applied Sciences of University of Campinas Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil; Nutrigenomics and Lipids Center, School of Applied Sciences of University of Campinas Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: dcintra@yahoo.com. The "first hit" to atherogenesis is driven by toll-like receptor 4, endoplasmic reticulum stress and ultimately metabolic dysfunction. In this study, we hypothesized that a flaxseed oil-enriched diet (FS) abolishes these inflammatory signaling pathway and restore metabolic homeostasis by activating the fatty acid receptor GPR120 in aorta of obese mice. Glucose homeostasis was assessed by GTT and ITT; lipidomics was performed using a Hybrid Ion Trap-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer; serum lipids were measured using colorimetric assays; GPR120 and infiltrating macrophages were analyzed by immunofluorescence; protein immunoprecipitation and gene expression were evaluated by Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively. There were no differences in body weight and food intake between the groups from both strains (Swiss and LDLr-KO mice). GTT and cholesterol levels were improved by FS in both mice models. Lipidomics showed an increase in ω3 (C18:3) content, meanwhile stearic acid (C18:0) was not detected in endothelial tissue in response to FS. Moreover, FS markedly decreased pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, TNF-α, pIκBα, pIKKβ) and unfolded protein response markers (ATF6 and GRP78) in aorta. In Swiss mice, GPR120 was partially involved in the ω3-mediated anti-inflammatory actions, disrupting TLR4 pathway, but not in LDLr-KO mice. Partial replacement of dietary saturated by unsaturated ω3 fatty acids contributes to inhibition of cardiovascular risk markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines and ER stress sensors and effectors in the aorta. However, downregulation of inflammation is not mediated by arterial GPR120 activation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.09.015 PMID: 29175142 306. J Ren Nutr. 2018 Mar;28(2):110-117. doi: 10.1053/j.jrn.2017.08.007. Epub 2017 Nov 22. Different Dietary Patterns and New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus After Kidney Transplantation: A Cross-Sectional Study. Centenaro A(1), Pedrollo EF(2), Nicoletto BB(3), Manfro RC(4), Gonçalves LFS(5), Leitão CB(6), Souza GC(7). Author information: (1)Nutrition Graduate Course, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. (2)Post Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Endocrinology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. (3)Nutrition Course, Knowledge Area of Life Sciences, University of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. (4)Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Post Graduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. (5)Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. (6)Post Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Endocrinology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. (7)Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Food and Nutrition Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA-UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Post Graduation Program in Food, Nutrition and Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Electronic address: gabriela.souza@ufrgs.br. OBJECTIVE: To verify the association of dietary patterns and dietary components with new-onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation (NODAT). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Adult kidney transplant recipients, without history of diabetes before transplantation, who received a kidney transplant and were followed up for at least 1 year. One hundred and sixteen subjects recruited between January 2013 and August 2014. Diagnosis of NODAT was established according to the American Diabetes Association criteria for type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Demographic, clinical, and anthropometric data were collected. Dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire, administered by a registered dietitian. Dietary patterns were identified by cluster analysis. Chi-square test was used to verify the association between dietary patterns and NODAT. Total energy, fiber, and cholesterol intake were calculated. Consumption of macronutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (total fats and saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and trans fatty acids), were expressed in percentage of total energy intake. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients developed NODAT in the follow-up period. They presented higher body mass index and body fat percentage, as well as higher levels of triglycerides and urinary protein/creatinine ratio than the non-NODAT group. Two dietary patterns, I and II, were identified. Pattern II was characterized by higher intake of total, saturated, monounsaturated, and trans fats than pattern I. No association between the dietary patterns and NODAT was identified (P = .905), and there was no difference in the distribution of macronutrients, dietary fiber, and dietary cholesterol between the groups with and without NODAT. CONCLUSION: Posttransplant dietary patterns were not different between patients with and without NODAT. Further larger and prospective studies are needed to evaluate a possible relationship between dietary components and NODAT incidence in kidney transplant recipients. Copyright © 2017 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1053/j.jrn.2017.08.007 PMID: 29174319 307. Public Health Nutr. 2018 Mar;21(4):777-784. doi: 10.1017/S1368980017003147. Epub 2017 Nov 27. Quantity and species of fish consumed shape breast-milk fatty acid concentrations around Lake Victoria, Kenya. Fiorella KJ(1), Milner EM(2), Bukusi E(3), Fernald LC(2). Author information: (1)1Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future,Cornell University,340J Warren Hall,Ithaca,NY 14853,USA. (2)3School of Public Health,University of California-Berkeley,Berkeley,CA,USA. (3)4Centre for Microbiology Research,Kenya Medical Research Institute,Kisumu,Kenya. OBJECTIVE: Long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) found in breast milk are derived from dietary sources and critical for optimal infant development. We examined associations between fish consumption and concentrations of LCPUFA and essential n-3 and n-6 fatty acids in breast milk among mothers living around Lake Victoria. DESIGN: We used cross-sectional analyses of associations between recent fish consumption and breast-milk fatty acid concentrations. SETTING: The study was conducted around Lake Victoria on Mfangano Island, Kenya, where multiple fish species are key dietary components and also are widely exported. SUBJECTS: Breast-feeding mothers (n 60) provided breast-milk samples, anthropometric measurements and questionnaire responses. RESULTS: In the previous 3 d, 97 % of women consumed a mean of 178 (sd 111) g fish (~2 servings/3 d). Mean breast-milk concentrations included DHA (0·75 % of total fatty acids), EPA (0·16 %), α-linolenic acid (ALA; 0·54 %), arachidonic acid (AA; 0·44 %) and linoleic acid (LA; 12·7 %). Breast-milk DHA concentrations exceeded the global average of 0·32 % in fifty-nine of sixty samples. We found native cichlids (Cichlidae) and dagaa (Rastrineobola argentea) contributed high levels of DHA, EPA and AA to local diets. We also found evidence for associations between fish species consumed and breast-milk LCPUFA concentrations when controlling for intake of other fish species, maternal body mass, maternal age, child age and exclusive breast-feeding. CONCLUSIONS: The fatty acid composition of breast milk was influenced by the fish species consumed. Ensuring access to diverse fish and particularly inexpensive, locally available species, may be important for diet quality as well as infant growth and development. DOI: 10.1017/S1368980017003147 PMID: 29173215 308. Planta. 2018 Mar;247(3):679-692. doi: 10.1007/s00425-017-2816-3. Epub 2017 Nov 23. Bioenergetic reprogramming plasticity under nitrogen depletion by the unicellular green alga Scenedesmus obliquus. Papazi A(1), Korelidou A(1), Andronis E(1), Parasyri A(1), Stamatis N(2), Kotzabasis K(3). Author information: (1)Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. (2)Hellenic Agricultural Research Foundation "Demeter", Fisheries Research Institute, 64007, Nea Peramos, Kavala, Greece. (3)Department of Biology, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. kotzab@biology.uoc.gr. MAIN CONCLUSION: Simultaneous nitrogen depletion and 3,4-dichlorophenol addition induce a bioenergetic microalgal reprogramming, through strong Cyt b 6 f synthesis, that quench excess electrons from dichlorophenol's biodegradation to an overactivated photosynthetic electron flow and H 2 -productivity. Cellular energy management includes "rational" planning and operation of energy production and energy consumption units. Microalgae seem to have the ability to calculate their energy reserves and select the most profitable bioenergetic pathways. Under oxygenic mixotrophic conditions, microalgae invest the exogenously supplied carbon source (glucose) to biomass increase. If 3,4-dichlorophenol is added in the culture medium, then glucose is invested more to biodegradation rather than to growth. The biodegradation yield is enhanced in nitrogen-depleted conditions, because of an increase in the starch accumulation and a delay in the establishment of oxygen-depleted conditions in a closed system. In nitrogen-depleted conditions, starch cannot be invested in PSII-dependent and PSII-independent pathways for H2-production, mainly because of a strong decrease of the cytochrome b 6 f complex of the photosynthetic electron flow. For this reason, it seems more profitable for the microalga under these conditions to direct the metabolism to the synthesis of lipids as cellular energy reserves. Nitrogen-depleted conditions with exogenously supplied 3,4-dichlorophenol induce reprogramming of the microalgal bioenergetic strategy. Cytochrome b 6 f is strongly synthesized (mainly through catabolism of polyamines) to manage the electron bypass from the dichlorophenol biodegradation procedure to the photosynthetic electron flow (at the level of PQ pool) and consequently through cytochrome b 6 f and PSI to hydrogenase and H2-production. All the above showed that the selection of the appropriate cultivation conditions is the key for the manipulation of microalgal bioenergetic strategy that leads to different metabolic products and paves the way for a future microalgal "smart" biotechnology. DOI: 10.1007/s00425-017-2816-3 PMID: 29170910 309. Arch Microbiol. 2018 Mar;200(2):343-348. doi: 10.1007/s00203-017-1449-z. Epub 2017 Nov 23. Caenispirillum humi sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from the soil of Korean pine garden. Huq MA(1). Author information: (1)Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resource, Chung-Ang University, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea. amdadbge@gmail.com. A novel bacterial strain MAH-8T was isolated from a soil sample of a Korean pine garden and was characterized using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-staining negative, pinkish yellow colored, motile and vibrio-shaped. The strain was aerobic and catalase, oxidase positive, optimum growth temperature and pH were 28-30 °C and 7.0, respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain MAH-8T belongs to the genus Caenispirillum and is most closely related to Caenispirillum bisanense KCTC 12839T (98.14%), Caenispirillum deserti KCTC 42064T (96.35%), and Caenispirillum salinarum JCM 17360T (95.76%). In DNA-DNA hybridization tests, the DNA relatedness between strain MAH-8T and its closest phylogenetic neighbor was below 45.0%. The DNA G + C content was 70.5 mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10. Flexirubin-type pigments were present and the major cellular fatty acids were C18:1 ω7c/C18:1 ω6c, C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c and C16:0. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and genotypic analysis in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data demonstrated that strain MAH-8T represented a novel species within the genus Caenispirillum, for which the name Caenispirillum humi, is proposed. The type strain is MAH-8T (= KACC 19294T = CGMCC 1.16224T). The NCBI GenBank Accession Number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MAH-8T is KY964275. DOI: 10.1007/s00203-017-1449-z PMID: 29170803 310. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2018 Feb 28;28(2):236-245. doi: 10.4014/jmb.1707.07061. Fermented Soymilk Alleviates Lipid Accumulation by Inhibition of SREBP-1 and Activation of NRF-2 in the Hepatocellular Steatosis Model. Ahn SB(1), Wu WH(2), Lee JH(2)(3), Jun DW(4), Kim J(5), Kim R(5), Lee TB(5)(6), Jun JH(2)(5)(7). Author information: (1)Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon 34824, Republic of Korea. (2)Eulji Medi-Bio Research Institute (EMBRI), Eulji University, Daejeon 34824, Republic of Korea. (3)Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon 34824, Republic of Korea. (4)Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea. (5)Department of Senior Healthcare, BK21 Plus Program, Graduate School of Eulji University, Daejeon 34824, Republic of Korea. (6)Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea. (7)Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Eulji University, Seongnam 13135, Republic of Korea. Ingredients of soy and fermented soy products have been widely utilized as food supplements for health-enhancing properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fermented soymilk (FSM) and soymilk (SM) on free fatty acid-induced lipogenesis in the hepatocellular steatosis model. HepG2 cells were incubated with palmitic acid (PA) for 24 h to induce lipogenesis and accumulation of intracellular lipid contents. The PA-treated cells were co-incubated with FSM, SM, genistein, and estrogen, respectively. Lipid accumulation in the PA-treated HpG2 cells was significantly decreased by co-incubation with FSM. Treatment of HepG2 cells with PA combined with genistein or estrogen significantly increased the expression of SREBP-1. However, FSM co-incubation significantly attenuated SREBP-1 expression in the PA-treated HepG2 cells; in addition, expression of NRF-2 and phosphorylation of ERK were significantly increased in the PA and FSM co-incubated cells. PA-induced ROS production was significantly reduced by FSM and SM. Our results suggested that the bioactive components of FSM could protect hepatocytes against the lipid accumulation and ROS production induced by free fatty acids. These effects may be mediated by the inhibition of SREBP-1 and the activation of NRF-2 via the ERK pathway in HepG2 cells. DOI: 10.4014/jmb.1707.07061 PMID: 29169220 311. J Sci Food Agric. 2018 Mar;98(5):1647-1652. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.8789. Epub 2017 Dec 6. Innovative food products for cancer patients: future directions. Tueros I(1), Uriarte M(1). Author information: (1)AZTI, Food and Health, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain. One of the main challenges for cancer patients under treatment is to prevent and tackle malnutrition. The current clinical nutrition market offers different food supplements or oral nutritional support products (mainly milkshakes or modified texture products) for cancer patients under risk of malnutrition. However, it is worth mentioning that these products do not address the pleasure of eating, since they do not meet sensory requirements, such as taste and smell alterations, nor patients' food preferences, leading to a big impact on their quality of life (QOL). Still, controversy remains regarding the specific nutritional requirements for cancer patients during the disease. Several randomized controlled clinical trials yield opposite results when using different bioactive compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidants in order to prevent malnutrition or improve QOL. The use of 'omics' technologies in oncology, such as membrane lipidomics, as a powerful tool to provide new insights for the understanding of diet and cancer and their interacting metabolic pathways, will be discussed. The better knowledge of specific requirements (nutrients, sensory parameters and food preferences) for cancer patients provides valuable information for the food industry in the design of customized food products capable of preventing malnutrition, alleviating symptoms and improving QOL. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8789 PMID: 29168190 312. J Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Mar 1;213:183-190. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.022. Epub 2017 Nov 21. The beneficial health aspects of sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A.Nelson) oil. Olas B(1). Author information: (1)Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/3, 90-236 Lodz, Poland. Electronic address: beata.olas@biol.uni.lodz.pl. ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL CONTEXT: Plant oils are known to have biological activity. This review paper summarizes the current knowledge of the composition of sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A.Nelson) seed and pulp oil and its beneficial health aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro and in vivo studies on humans and animals have found sea buckthorn oil to have a variety of beneficial properties to human health, and indicate that it may be a valuable component of human and animal nutrition. Various bioactive substances are present in all parts of sea buckthorn, and these are used traditionally as raw material for health foods and as nutritional supplements. The oil, berries, leaves and bark have medicinal properties, and the fruits have a unique taste; these parts can be processed to make oil, juice, jam, jellies and candies, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. RESULTS: Sea buckthorn oil may be extracted from the seed or the pulp. The mature seeds contain 8-20% oil and the dried fruit pulp about 20-25%, while the fruit residue contains about 15-20% oil after juice extraction. These oils have high concentrations of lipophilic constituents, most commonly unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), phytosterols and vitamins A and E. These components have a multifunctional effect on human health, with the fatty acids playing an important function in modifying cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disorders. The oil also has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressive properties. CONCLUSION: Sea buckthorn is a unique plant. Its beneficial properties against cardiovascular disorders have been attributed to its high UFA content and range of phytosterols, especially beta-sitosterol. However, its different action on the human organism remain unclear, and further well-controlled, high-quality experiments with human subjects are required to determine the prophylactic and therapeutic doses of sea buckthorn oil for use in clinical studies. Additional studies are also needed to understand the action by which the oil exerts its beneficial properties, i.e. its cardioprotective and anti-cancer activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.022 PMID: 29166576 313. Planta. 2018 Mar;247(3):635-648. doi: 10.1007/s00425-017-2813-6. Epub 2017 Nov 21. Contrasting survival and physiological responses of sub-Arctic plant types to extreme winter warming and nitrogen. Bokhorst S(1)(2), Jaakola L(3)(4), Karppinen K(3)(5), Edvinsen GK(6), Mæhre HK(6), Bjerke JW(7). Author information: (1)Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), FRAM - High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, Langnes, PO Box 6606, 9296, Tromsø, Norway. s.f.bokhorst@vu.nl. (2)Department of Ecological Science, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. s.f.bokhorst@vu.nl. (3)Climate Laboratory Holt, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UIT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway. (4)Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), PO Box 115, 1431, Ås, Norway. (5)Genetics and Physiology Unit, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland. (6)Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, Norwegian College of Fishery Science, UIT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway. (7)Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), FRAM - High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, Langnes, PO Box 6606, 9296, Tromsø, Norway. MAIN CONCLUSION: Evergreen plants are more vulnerable than grasses and birch to snow and temperature variability in the sub-Arctic. Most Arctic climate impact studies focus on single factors, such as summer warming, while ecosystems are exposed to changes in all seasons. Through a combination of field and laboratory manipulations, we compared physiological and growth responses of dominant sub-Arctic plant types to midwinter warming events (6 °C for 7 days) in combination with freezing, simulated snow thaw and nitrogen additions. We aimed to identify if different plant types showed consistent physiological, cellular, growth and mortality responses to these abiotic stressors. Evergreen dwarf shrubs and tree seedlings showed higher mortality (40-100%) following extreme winter warming events than Betula pubescens tree seedlings and grasses (0-27%). All species had growth reductions following exposure to - 20 °C, but not all species suffered from - 10 °C irrespective of other treatments. Winter warming followed by - 20 °C resulted in the greatest mortality and was strongest among evergreen plants. Snow removal reduced the biomass for most species and this was exacerbated by subsequent freezing. Nitrogen increased the growth of B. pubescens and grasses, but not the evergreens, and interaction effects with the warming, freezing and snow treatments were minor and few. Physiological activity during the winter warming and freezing treatments was inconsistent with growth and mortality rates across the plants types. However, changes in the membrane fatty acids were associated with reduced mortality of grasses. Sub-Arctic plant communities may become dominated by grasses and deciduous plants if winter snowpack diminishes and plants are exposed to greater temperature variability in the near future. DOI: 10.1007/s00425-017-2813-6 PMCID: PMC5809542 PMID: 29164366 314. J Occup Environ Hyg. 2018 Mar;15(3):182-193. doi: 10.1080/15459624.2017.1403610. Personal exposure of dairy workers to dust, endotoxin, muramic acid, ergosterol, and ammonia on large-scale dairies in the high plains Western United States. Davidson ME(1)(2)(3), Schaeffer J(1)(2), Clark ML(1)(2), Magzamen S(1)(2), Brooks EJ(1)(2), Keefe TJ(1)(2), Bradford M(1)(2), Roman-Muniz N(1)(4), Mehaffy J(1)(2), Dooley G(1)(2), Poole JA(5), Mitloehner FM(6), Reed S(3), Schenker MB(6), Reynolds SJ(1)(2)(3). Author information: (1)a Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado. (2)b High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado. (3)f Edith Cowan University , Perth , Western Australila , Australia. (4)c Department of Animal Science , Colorado State University, Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado. (5)d University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , Nebraska. (6)e Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety , UC Davis , Davis , California. Dairy workers experience a high degree of bioaerosol exposure, composed of an array of biological and chemical constituents, which have been tied to adverse health effects. A better understanding of the variation in the magnitude and composition of exposures by task is needed to inform worker protection strategies. To characterize the levels and types of exposures, 115 dairy workers grouped into three task categories on nine farms in the high plains Western United States underwent personal monitoring for inhalable dust, endotoxin, 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OHFA), muramic acid, ergosterol, and ammonia through one work shift. Eighty-nine percent of dairy workers were exposed to endotoxin at concentrations exceeding the recommended exposure guidelines (adjusted for a long work shift). The proportion of workers with exposures exceeding recommended guidelines was lower for inhalable dust (12%), and ammonia (1%). Ergosterol exposures were only measurable on 28% of samples, primarily among medical workers and feed handlers. Milking parlor workers were exposed to significantly higher inhalable dust, endotoxin, 3-OHFA, ammonia, and muramic acid concentrations compared to workers performing other tasks. Development of large modern dairies has successfully made progress in reducing worker exposures and lung disease prevalence. However, exposure to endotoxin, dust, and ammonia continues to present a significant risk to worker health on North American dairies, especially for workers in milking parlors. This study was among the first to concurrently evaluate occupational exposure to assayable endotoxin (lipid A), 3-hydroxy fatty acids or 3-OHFA (a chemical measure of cell bound and noncell-bound endotoxins), muramic acid, ergosterol, and ammonia among workers on Western U.S. dairies. There remains a need for cost-effective, culturally acceptable intervention strategies integrated in OHS Risk Management and production systems to further optimize worker health and farm productivity. DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2017.1403610 PMID: 29157144 315. Meat Sci. 2018 Mar;137:106-113. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.11.007. Epub 2017 Nov 6. Differential partitioning of rumen-protected n-3 and n-6 fatty acids into muscles with different metabolism. Wolf C(1), Ulbrich SE(2), Kreuzer M(1), Berard J(3), Giller K(2). Author information: (1)Animal Nutrition, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland. (2)Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland. (3)Animal Nutrition, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Universitaetstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland. Electronic address: joel.berard@usys.ethz.ch. Bioavailability of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in ruminants is enhanced by their protection from ruminal biohydrogenation. Both n-3 and n-6 PUFA fulfil important physiological functions. We investigated potentially different incorporation patterns of these functional PUFA into three beef muscles with different activity characteristics. We supplemented 33 Angus heifers with rumen-protected oils characterized either by mainly C18:2 n-6 (linoleic acid (LA) in sunflower oil) or by C20:5 (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)) and C22:6 (docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), both prevalent n-3 PUFA in fish oil. Contents and proportions of n-3 and n-6 PUFA of total fatty acids were elevated in the muscles of the respective diet group but they were partitioned differently into the muscles. For EPA and DHA, but not for LA, the diet effect was more distinct in the extensor carpi radialis compared to longissimus thoracis and biceps femoris. Partitioning of PUFA in metabolism could be related to muscle function. This has to be confirmed in other muscles, adipose tissues and organs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.11.007 PMID: 29156325 316. Toxicol In Vitro. 2018 Mar;47:94-102. doi: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.11.008. Epub 2017 Nov 15. Nervonoylceramide (C24:1Cer), a lipid biomarker for ocular irritants released from the 3D reconstructed human cornea-like epithelium, MCTT HCE™. Lee M(1), Joo KM(2), Choi S(1), Lee SH(3), Kim SY(3), Chun YJ(4), Choi D(5), Lim KM(6). Author information: (1)College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea. (2)AMOREPACIFIC Corp. R&D Center, Yongin 17074, Republic of Korea. (3)Biosolution Co., Seoul 101811, Republic of Korea. (4)College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea. (5)Department of Public Health Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: aahhhh@paran.com. (6)College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: kmlim@ewha.ac.kr. Due to invasive and painful procedures during in vivo rabbit eye irritation test, in vitro alternative methods have been widely investigated. Recently, 3D reconstructed human cornea-like epitheliums (RhCEs) garner a huge attention. RhCEs employ the tissue viability as a primary endpoint to determine ocular irritancy but additional biomarkers may improve its predictive capacity. Here, we explored lipid biomarkers for ocular irritants in MCTT HCE™ RhCE model. Three irritants; sodium lauryl sulfate, benzalkonium chloride and triton X-100 were selected to represent anionic, cationic and non-ionic detergent respectively. After treating MCTT HCE™ with irritants, the alteration of lipids in the treated tissues was examined with Nile Red staining, which revealed the depletion of corneal lipids. We further quantitated the release of ceramides and free fatty acids, major lipid components of cornea, into the medium during the post-treatment incubation, employing a sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method. Among 44 lipid species, nervonoylceramide (C24:1Cer) was found to be released commonly by all three irritants in a concentration-dependent manner. Tests with 10 additional reference substances further supported that C24:1Cer release was significantly correlated with viability. Examination of the genes involved in the biosynthetic pathway for C24:1Cer revealed that stearoylCoA desaturase (SCD) and elongase1 (ELOVL1) were upregulated, suggesting that lipids and related genes may be employed as biomarkers for ocular irritants. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.11.008 PMID: 29155129 317. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2018 Mar;27(3):e54-e57. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2017.10.008. Epub 2017 Nov 15. Embolic Stroke due to Carotidynia Potentially Associated with Moving Carotid Artery Caused by Swallowing. Yamaguchi Y(1), Hayakawa M(2), Kinoshita N(3), Yokota C(2), Ishihara T(2), Toyoda K(2). Author information: (1)Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan. Electronic address: y.yamaguchi830@gmail.com. (2)Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan. (3)Department of Neurology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan. A 63-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis discontinued her medication for rheumatoid arthritis with prednisolone and azathioprine. One month later, she was admitted because of consciousness disturbance and right hemiparesis. Diffusion-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple hyperintensities in her left frontal and parietal lobes. She also developed high fever and left neck pain. Carotid ultrasonography showed calcified plaque with vessel wall swelling at the bifurcation of the left common carotid artery (LCCA) and surrounding hypoechoic soft tissue. The tissue was identified as an isodense lesion on noncontrast computed tomography (CT) and as a high-intensity lesion on fat-saturated T2-weighted MRI. From her symptoms and radiological findings, she was diagnosed with carotidynia. Cervical MRI also showed that the LCCA was transposed to a retropharyngeal location, suggesting a moving carotid artery. Carotid ultrasonography revealed that the LCCA moved to and from the retropharyngeal position with swallowing and was thus being compressed by the hyoid bone. After corticosteroid therapy was initiated with 30 mg of prednisolone, her symptoms and radiological findings improved. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of cerebral embolism due to carotidynia. The repetitive compressions by the hyoid bone during swallowing were presumed to have provoked shear stress and inflammation of the carotid vessel wall, which was aggravated by discontinuation of steroid therapy in our case. These mechanical and inflammatory stresses might cause dysfunction of endothelial cells, hypercoagulation, platelet hyperaggregation, and vulnerability and rupture of carotid plaques, and may subsequently result in embolic strokes. Copyright © 2018 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2017.10.008 PMID: 29153397 318. J Ren Nutr. 2018 Mar;28(2):118-124. doi: 10.1053/j.jrn.2017.09.001. Epub 2017 Nov 14. Development of Kidney Transplant Fibrosis Is Inversely Associated With Plasma Marine Fatty Acid Level. Eide IA(1), Dörje C(2), Svensson M(3), Jenssen T(4), Hammarstrøm C(5), Scott H(5), Bjerve KS(6), Christensen JH(7), Schmidt EB(8), Hartmann A(9), Åsberg A(10), Reisæter AV(11), Reinholt FP(5). Author information: (1)Department of Renal Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: Ivar.Anders.Eide@ahus.no. (2)Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway. (3)Department of Renal Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. (4)Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Metabolic and Renal Research Group, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway. (5)Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway. (6)Department of Medical Biochemistry, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. (7)Department of Nephrology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark. (8)Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark. (9)Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. (10)Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; The Norwegian Renal Registry, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway. (11)Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; The Norwegian Renal Registry, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway. OBJECTIVE(S): We assessed associations between plasma levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and degree of inflammation and interstitial fibrosis in transplanted kidneys. DESIGN: The design of the study was single center cohort study. SUBJECTS: A study population of 156 patients who received a kidney transplant at Oslo University Hospital during 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Kidney transplant biopsies were obtained at 2 months and 1 year after transplantation. Degree of inflammation and interstitial fibrosis in the cortex of transplanted kidneys were estimated semi-quantitatively. Plasma phospholipid fatty acids levels were measured in a stable phase 2 months posttransplant. We used multivariate linear regression to assess associations between plasma levels of PUFAs and degree of inflammation and interstitial fibrosis at 2 months and 1 year postoperatively and change in degree of interstitial fibrosis during the first year after transplantation, adjusting for inflammation and fibrosis risk factors. RESULTS: Higher plasma marine n-3 PUFA levels were associated with less development of interstitial fibrosis in the kidney transplant (unstandardized β-coefficient -1.12, standardized β-coefficient -0.18, P = .03) during the first year after transplantation. Plasma levels of alpha linoleic acid, linoleic acid, and arachidonic acid were not associated with development of interstitial fibrosis. No associations were found between plasma levels of PUFAs and inflammation inside fibrotic areas or outside fibrotic areas in the kidney transplant at neither 2 months nor 1 year postoperatively. Linolenic acid levels in plasma were positively associated with change in renal function during the first year after transplantation. CONCLUSION: The inverse association between plasma marine n-3 PUFA levels and development of interstitial fibrosis during the first year after kidney transplantation suggests that marine fatty acid consumption might halt progression of fibrosis. Copyright © 2017 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1053/j.jrn.2017.09.001 PMID: 29146138 319. J Investig Med. 2018 Mar;66(3):641-647. doi: 10.1136/jim-2017-000582. Epub 2017 Nov 14. Potential approaches to prevent hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure. Lontchi-Yimagou E(1), You JY(1), Carey M(1)(2), Gabriely I(1), Shamoon H(1), Hawkins M(1). Author information: (1)Diabetes Research and Training Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA. (2)Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. Clear health benefits are associated with intensive glucose control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, maintaining near-normal glycemia remains an elusive goal for many patients, in large part owing to the risk of severe hypoglycemia. In fact, recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia lead to 'hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure' (HAAF), characterized by defective counter-regulatory responses to hypoglycemia. Extensive studies to understand the mechanisms underlying HAAF have revealed multiple potential etiologies, suggesting various approaches to prevent the development of HAAF. In this review, we present an overview of the literature focused on pharmacological approaches that may prevent the development of HAAF. The purported underlying mechanisms of HAAF include: 1) central mechanisms (opioid receptors, ATP-sensitive K+(KATP) channels, adrenergic receptors, serotonin selective receptor inhibitors, γ-aminobuyric acid receptors, N-methyl D-aspartate receptors); 2) hormones (cortisol, estrogen, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or DHEA sulfate, glucagon-like peptide-1) and 3) nutrients (fructose, free fatty acids, ketones), all of which have been studied vis-à-vis their ability to impact the development of HAAF. A careful review of the current literature reveals many promising therapeutic approaches to treat or reduce this important limitation to optimal glycemic control. © American Federation for Medical Research (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted. DOI: 10.1136/jim-2017-000582 PMID: 29141871 Conflict of interest statement: Competing interests: None declared. 320. Glia. 2018 Mar;66(3):522-537. doi: 10.1002/glia.23263. Epub 2017 Nov 15. Sex differences in the phagocytic and migratory activity of microglia and their impairment by palmitic acid. Yanguas-Casás N(1), Crespo-Castrillo A(1), de Ceballos ML(1), Chowen JA(2)(3), Azcoitia I(4)(5), Arevalo MA(1)(5), Garcia-Segura LM(1)(5). Author information: (1)Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid, 28002, Spain. (2)Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación la Princesa, Madrid, 28009, Spain. (3)CIBER de Investigación Biomédica en Red: Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. (4)Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, 28040, Spain. (5)CIBER de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. Sex differences in the incidence, clinical manifestation, disease course, and prognosis of neurological diseases, such as autism spectrum disorders or Alzheimer's disease, have been reported. Obesity has been postulated as a risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease and, during pregnancy, increases the risk of autism spectrum disorders in the offspring. Obesity is associated with increased serum and brain levels of free fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, which activate microglial cells triggering a potent inflammatory cascade. In this study, we have determined the effect of palmitic acid in the inflammatory profile, motility, and phagocytosis of primary male and female microglia, both in basal conditions and in the presence of a pro-inflammatory stimulus (interferon-γ). Male microglia in vitro showed higher migration than female microglia under basal and stimulated conditions. In contrast, female microglia had higher basal and stimulated phagocytic activity than male microglia. Palmitic acid did not affect basal migration or phagocytosis, but abolished the migration and phagocytic activity of male and female microglia in response to interferon-γ. These findings extend previous observations of sex differences in microglia and suggest that palmitic acid impairs the protective responses of these cells. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. DOI: 10.1002/glia.23263 PMID: 29139169 321. Mol Pharmacol. 2018 Mar;93(3):228-238. doi: 10.1124/mol.117.110841. Epub 2017 Nov 14. N-Acyl Amino Acids (Elmiric Acids): Endogenous Signaling Molecules with Therapeutic Potential. Burstein SH(1). Author information: (1)Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts sumner.burstein@umassmed.edu. The subject of N-acyl amino acid conjugates has been rapidly growing in recent years, especially with regard to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions. The field comprises a large family of lipid signaling molecules whose importance is only now being fully realized. The most widely studied member is N-arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly), which differs structurally from the endocannabinoid anandamide (N-arachidonoyl ethanolamide) by a single oxygen atom even as the two are metabolically related. Topics that are covered in this minireview are: biosynthetic pathways for N-acyl amino acids, receptors for N-acyl amino acids, physiologic actions of N-acyl amino acids, pharmacological effects of N-acyl amino acids, and molecular mechanisms believed to be responsible for their effects. On the subject of mechanisms, we propose several possibilities whose basis is the currently available information. Four putative pathways can be suggested: 1) inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase-induced increases in anandamide or 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) levels, resulting in analgesic activity; 2) binding to GPR18, initiating the production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids (specifically, the data suggest roles for 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin-J2 and lipoxin A4, both of which are potent inflammation-resolving molecules); 3) inactivation of T-type Cav3 channels; and 4) inhibition of the GLYT2 glycine transporter. Each pathway would produce analgesic effects. Also, the N-acyl amino acids do not bind to either cannabinoid or opioid receptors, thus reducing adverse actions and making them good templates for novel drug candidate molecules. Copyright © 2018 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. DOI: 10.1124/mol.117.110841 PMID: 29138268 322. SLAS Discov. 2018 Mar;23(3):274-282. doi: 10.1177/2472555217741077. Epub 2017 Nov 13. A Cell-Based Assay to Investigate Hypolipidemic Effects of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Therapeutics. Dave T(1), Tilles AW(1), Vemula M(1). Author information: (1)1 Nivarta, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA. In the recent past, there has been a growing interest in developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) therapeutics. As a result, a need for in vitro cell models of human hepatic steatosis and high-throughput assays to measure intracellular lipid levels has arisen. To address this growing need, we optimized the conditions based on the current literature to fatten HepG2 hepatocytes by adding a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (oleate/palmitate, 2:1 molar ratio) without inducing any overt cytotoxicity. Our results indicate that hepatocytes fatten in a concentration- (0.75-1.5 mM of fatty acids) and time-dependent manner, with a substantial increase in intracellular lipid levels seen within 6 h. Additionally, a method to quantify lipid levels in cells using a fluorescent reagent that is more sensitive than that in conventional assays and adaptable for high-throughput screening is presented. Lastly, the utility of the in vitro cell model and an assay based on AdipoRed to measure hypolipidemic effects of therapeutic drugs is demonstrated using fenofibrate, a molecule that was previously shown to lower lipid levels in the liver. DOI: 10.1177/2472555217741077 PMID: 29132235 323. Indoor Air. 2018 Mar;28(2):258-265. doi: 10.1111/ina.12439. Epub 2017 Nov 27. Skin squames contribute to ammonia and volatile fatty acid production from bacteria colonizing in air-cooling units with odor complaints. Ng TW(1), Chan PY(1), Chan TT(1), Wu H(1), Lai KM(1). Author information: (1)Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China. One of the most notable Indoor Air Quality problems is odor emission. This study investigated the potential contribution of skin squames to the production of ammonia (NH3 ) and volatile organic acids (VFAs) by 7 bacteria isolated from air-cooling (AC) units with complaints of urine and body odors. Our previous study showed that keratinolytic activity is higher in AC units with odor complaints than those without. In the offices where these units are located, the most likely source of keratins is from human skin squames. Most bacteria can produce NH3 and VFAs in the skin squame culture. Some correlations between the levels of NH3 , NH4+, VFAs, and keratinolytic activity were found. The odor production pathway with skin squames was proposed. Staphylococcus haemolyticus was abundant in the AC units with odor problems and had a high level of keratinolytic activity in addition to odor production. For long-term odor control, it is important to reduce the level of skin squames entering the AC units. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. DOI: 10.1111/ina.12439 PMID: 29130534 324. Clin Rheumatol. 2018 Mar;37(3):615-622. doi: 10.1007/s10067-017-3896-y. Epub 2017 Nov 11. High levels of oxidized fatty acids in HDL are associated with impaired HDL function in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Charles-Schoeman C(1), Meriwether D(2), Lee YY(2), Shahbazian A(2), Reddy ST(2). Author information: (1)David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA. ccharles@mednet.ucla.edu. (2)David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA. The objective of this study was to evaluate oxidation products of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid in lipoproteins and synovial fluid (SF) from patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to non-RA controls. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) were isolated from plasma using fast protein liquid chromatography and HDL was isolated from SF using dextran sulfate precipitation. 5-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 12-HETE, 15-HETE, 9 hydroxyoctadecadienoic (HODE), and 13-HODE levels were measured in HDL, LDL, and SF by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. HDL's anti-inflammatory function, cholesterol levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activities were determined as previously. 5-HETE, 15-HETE, 9-HODE, and 13-HODE levels were significantly increased in HDL and LDL from patients with active RA (n = 10) compared to healthy controls (n = 8) and correlated significantly with measures of systemic inflammation, particularly in HDL (r = 0.65-0.80, p values < 0.004). Higher HETES and HODES in HDL were also significantly correlated with impaired HDL function as measured by the HDL inflammatory index (HII) (r = 0.54-0.58; p values < 0.03). 15-HETE levels and MPO activity were higher in RA SF (n = 10) compared to osteoarthritis (OA) SF(n = 11), and HDL from RA SF had worse function compared to OA SF HDL (HII = 2.1 ± 1.9 and 0.5 ± 0.1), respectively (p < 0.05). Oxidation products of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid are increased in HDL and LDL from patients with active RA compared to healthy controls, and are associated with worse anti-oxidant function of HDL. These results suggest a potential mechanism by which oxidative stress from active RA increases oxidized fatty acids in HDL, promoting HDL dysfunction, and thereby increasing atherosclerotic risk. DOI: 10.1007/s10067-017-3896-y PMID: 29129008 325. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Mar 1;314(3):E214-E223. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00218.2017. Epub 2017 Nov 7. Restricting glycolysis impairs brown adipocyte glucose and oxygen consumption. Winther S(1), Isidor MS(1)(2), Basse AL(1), Skjoldborg N(1), Cheung A(1), Quistorff B(3), Hansen JB(1). Author information: (1)Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark. (2)Section of Integrative Physiology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark. (3)Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark. During thermogenic activation, brown adipocytes take up large amounts of glucose. In addition, cold stimulation leads to an upregulation of glycolytic enzymes. Here we have investigated the importance of glycolysis for brown adipocyte glucose consumption and thermogenesis. Using siRNA-mediated knockdown in mature adipocytes, we explored the effect of glucose transporters and glycolytic enzymes on brown adipocyte functions such as consumption of glucose and oxygen. Basal oxygen consumption in brown adipocytes was equally dependent on glucose and fatty acid oxidation, whereas isoproterenol (ISO)-stimulated respiration was fueled mainly by fatty acids, with a significant contribution from glucose oxidation. Knockdown of glucose transporters in brown adipocytes not only impaired ISO-stimulated glycolytic flux but also oxygen consumption. Diminishing glycolytic flux by knockdown of the first and final enzyme of glycolysis, i.e., hexokinase 2 (HK2) and pyruvate kinase M (PKM), respectively, decreased glucose uptake and ISO-stimulated oxygen consumption. HK2 knockdown had a more severe effect, which, in contrast to PKM knockdown, could not be rescued by supplementation with pyruvate. Hence, brown adipocytes rely on glucose consumption and glycolytic flux to achieve maximum thermogenic output, with glycolysis likely supporting thermogenesis not only by pyruvate formation but also by supplying intermediates for efferent metabolic pathways. DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00218.2017 PMID: 29118013 326. Curr Microbiol. 2018 Mar;75(3):328-335. doi: 10.1007/s00284-017-1384-x. Epub 2017 Nov 8. Spirosoma humi sp. nov., Isolated from Soil in South Korea. Weilan L(1), Lee JJ(1), Lee SY(1), Park S(1), Ten LN(1), Jung HY(2)(3). Author information: (1)School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea. (2)School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea. heeyoung@knu.ac.kr. (3)Institute of Plant Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea. heeyoung@knu.ac.kr. A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterial strain, designated S7-4-1T, was isolated from soil in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea and characterized using a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. Phylogenic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain S7-4-1T belonged to the family Cytophagaceae and was most closely related to Spirosoma fluviale MSd3T (96.2%), 'Spirosoma radiotolerans' DG5A (96.0%), Spirosoma pulveris JSH5-14T (95.9%), and Spirosoma linguale DSM 74T (95.8%). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of the isolate was 49.0 mol%. The strain contained summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c; 41.0%), C16:1 ω5c (24.9%), and C15:0 iso (9.3%) as the major fatty acids, menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, and phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified aminophospholipid as the main polar lipids, which supported its affiliation with the genus Spirosoma. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of the isolate from recognized Spirosoma species. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain S7-4-1T represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma humi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S7-4-1T (= KCTC 52729T = JCM 32132T). DOI: 10.1007/s00284-017-1384-x PMID: 29116346 327. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2018 Mar;43(3):299-302. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2017-0533. Epub 2017 Nov 6. A multi-ingredient nutritional supplement enhances exercise training-related reductions in markers of systemic inflammation in healthy older men. Bell KE(1), Snijders T(1), Zulyniak MA(2), Kumbhare D(2), Parise G(1), Chabowski A(3), Phillips SM(1). Author information: (1)a Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada. (2)b Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada. (3)c Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland. We evaluated whether twice-daily consumption of a multi-ingredient nutritional supplement (SUPP) would reduce systemic inflammatory markers following 6 weeks of supplementation alone (phase 1), and the subsequent addition of 12 weeks of exercise training (phase 2) in healthy older men, in comparison with a carbohydrate-based control (CON). Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations were progressively reduced (P-time < 0.05) in the SUPP group. No change in TNF-α or IL-6 concentrations was observed in the CON group. DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2017-0533 PMID: 29106814 328. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Mar;101(3):2737-2752. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13340. Epub 2017 Nov 6. Symposium review: Modulating adipose tissue lipolysis and remodeling to improve immune function during the transition period and early lactation of dairy cows. Contreras GA(1), Strieder-Barboza C(2), De Koster J(2). Author information: (1)Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824. Electronic address: contre28@msu.edu. (2)Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824. Despite major advances in our understanding of transition and early lactation cow physiology and the use of advanced dietary, medical, and management tools, at least half of early lactation cows are reported to develop disease and over half of cow deaths occur during the first week of lactation. Excessive lipolysis, usually measured as plasma concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA), is a major risk factor for the development of displaced abomasum, ketosis, fatty liver, and metritis, and may also lead to poor lactation performance. Lipolysis triggers adipose tissue (AT) remodeling that is characterized by enhanced humoral and cell-mediated inflammatory responses and changes in its distribution of cellular populations and extracellular matrix composition. Uncontrolled AT inflammation could perpetuate lipolysis, as we have observed in cows with displaced abomasum, especially in those animals with genetic predisposition for excessive lipolysis responses. Efficient transition cow management ensures a moderate rate of lipolysis that is rapidly reduced as lactation progresses. Limiting FFA release from AT benefits immune function as several FFA are known to promote dysregulation of inflammation. Adequate formulation of pre- and postpartum diet reduces the intensity of AT lipolysis. Additionally, supplementation with niacin, monensin, and rumen-protected methyl donors (choline and methionine) during the transition period is reported to minimize FFA release into systemic circulation. Targeted supplementation of energy sources during early lactation improves energy balance and increases insulin concentration, which limits AT lipolytic responses. This review elaborates on the mechanisms by which uncontrolled lipolysis triggers inflammatory disorders. Details on current nutritional and pharmacological interventions that aid the modulation of FFA release from AT and their effect on immune function are provided. Understanding the inherent characteristics of AT biology in transition and early lactation cows will reduce disease incidence and improve lactation performance. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13340 PMID: 29102145 329. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2018 Mar 1;314(3):L421-L431. doi: 10.1152/ajplung.00273.2017. Epub 2017 Nov 2. Docosahexaenoic acid enhances amphiregulin-mediated bronchial epithelial cell repair processes following organic dust exposure. Nordgren TM(1)(2), Heires AJ(1), Bailey KL(3)(1), Katafiasz DM(1), Toews ML(4), Wichman CS(5), Romberger DJ(3)(1). Author information: (1)Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha, Nebraska. (2)Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside , Riverside, California. (3)Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, Nebraska. (4)Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha, Nebraska. (5)Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha, Nebraska. Injurious dust exposures in the agricultural workplace involve the release of inflammatory mediators and activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the respiratory epithelium. Amphiregulin (AREG), an EGFR ligand, mediates tissue repair and wound healing in the lung epithelium. Omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are also known modulators of repair and resolution of inflammatory injury. This study investigated how AREG, DHA, and EGFR modulate lung repair processes following dust-induced injury. Primary human bronchial epithelial (BEC) and BEAS-2B cells were treated with an aqueous extract of swine confinement facility dust (DE) in the presence of DHA and AREG or EGFR inhibitors. Mice were exposed to DE intranasally with or without EGFR inhibition and DHA. Using a decellularized lung scaffolding tissue repair model, BEC recolonization of human lung scaffolds was analyzed in the context of DE, DHA, and AREG treatments. Through these investigations, we identified an important role for AREG in mediating BEC repair processes. DE-induced AREG release from BEC, and DHA treatment following DE exposure, enhanced this release. Both DHA and AREG also enhanced BEC repair capacities and rescued DE-induced recellularization deficits. In vivo, DHA treatment enhanced AREG production following DE exposure, whereas EGFR inhibitor-treated mice exhibited reduced AREG in their lung homogenates. These data indicate a role for AREG in the process of tissue repair after inflammatory lung injury caused by environmental dust exposure and implicate a role for DHA in regulating AREG-mediated repair signaling in BEC. DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00273.2017 PMID: 29097425 330. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2018 Mar 1;314(3):L333-L348. doi: 10.1152/ajplung.00129.2017. Epub 2017 Nov 2. The free fatty acid receptor 1 promotes airway smooth muscle cell proliferation through MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Matoba A(1), Matsuyama N(1), Shibata S(1), Masaki E(1), Emala CW Sr.(2), Mizuta K(1)(2). Author information: (1)Department of Dento-oral Anesthesiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry , Sendai , Japan. (2)Department of Anesthesiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University , New York, New York. Obesity is a risk factor for asthma and influences airway hyperresponsiveness, which is in part modulated by airway smooth muscle proliferative remodeling. Plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) levels are elevated in obese individuals, and long-chain FFAs act as endogenous ligands for the free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1), which couples to both Gq and Gi proteins. We examined whether stimulation of FFAR1 induces airway smooth muscle cell proliferation through classical MEK/ERK and/or phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways. The long-chain FFAs (oleic acid and linoleic acid) and a FFAR1 agonist (GW9508) induced human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cell proliferation, which was inhibited by the MEK inhibitor U0126 and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 . The long-chain FFAs and GW9508 increased phosphorylation of ERK, Akt, and p70S6K in HASM cells and freshly isolated rat airway smooth muscle. Downregulation of FFAR1 in HASM cells by siRNA significantly attenuated oleic acid-induced phosphorylation of ERK and Akt. Oleic acid-induced ERK phosphorylation was blocked by either the Gαi-protein inhibitor pertussis toxin or U0126 and was partially inhibited by either the Gαq-specific inhibitor YM-254890 or the Gβγ signaling inhibitor gallein. Oleic acid significantly inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP activity, which was attenuated by pertussis toxin. Akt phosphorylation was inhibited by pertussis toxin, the ras inhibitor manumycin A, the Src inhibitor PP1, or LY294002 . Phosphorylation of p70S6K by oleic acid or GW9508 was significantly inhibited by LY294002 , U0126, and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin. In conclusion, the FFAR1 promoted airway smooth muscle cell proliferation and p70S6K phosphorylation through MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00129.2017 PMID: 29097424 331. Sci Total Environ. 2018 Mar;616-617:863-874. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.236. Epub 2017 Oct 31. Cooking and co-ingested polyphenols reduce in vitro methylmercury bioaccessibility from fish and may alter exposure in humans. Girard C(1), Charette T(2), Leclerc M(2), Shapiro BJ(3), Amyot M(4). Author information: (1)Center for Northern Studies (CEN), Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, 90 Vincent-d'Indy, Montreal H2V2S9, Canada. (2)ÉcoLac, Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, 90 Vincent-d'Indy, Montreal H2V2S9, Canada; Groupe de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Limnologie et en Environnement Aquatique (GRIL), Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, 90 Vincent-d'Indy, Montreal H2V2S9, Canada. (3)Groupe de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Limnologie et en Environnement Aquatique (GRIL), Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, 90 Vincent-d'Indy, Montreal H2V2S9, Canada. (4)Center for Northern Studies (CEN), Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, 90 Vincent-d'Indy, Montreal H2V2S9, Canada; ÉcoLac, Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, 90 Vincent-d'Indy, Montreal H2V2S9, Canada; Groupe de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Limnologie et en Environnement Aquatique (GRIL), Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, 90 Vincent-d'Indy, Montreal H2V2S9, Canada. Electronic address: m.amyot@umontreal.ca. Fish consumption is a major pathway for mercury exposure in humans. Current guidelines and risk assessments assume that 100% of methylmercury (MeHg) in fish is absorbed by the human body after ingestion. However, a growing body of literature suggests that this absorption rate may be overestimated. We used an in vitro digestion method to measure MeHg bioaccessibility in commercially-purchased fish, and investigated the effects of dietary practices on MeHg bioaccessibility. Cooking had the greatest effect, decreasing bioaccessibility on average to 12.5±5.6%. Polyphenol-rich beverages also significantly reduced bioaccessibility to 22.7±3.8% and 28.6±13.9%, for green and black tea respectively. We confirmed the suspected role of polyphenols in tea as being a driver of MeHg's reduced bioaccessibility, and found that epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, rutin and cafeic acid could individually decrease MeHg bioaccessibility by up to 55%. When both cooking and polyphenol-rich beverage treatments were combined, only 1% of MeHg remained bioaccessible. These results call for in vivo validation, and suggest that dietary practices should be considered when setting consumer guidelines for MeHg. More realistic risk assessments could promote consumption of fish as a source of fatty acids, which can play a protective role against cardiovascular disease. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.236 PMID: 29096961 332. J Nutr Biochem. 2018 Mar;53:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.09.018. Epub 2017 Oct 4. Protective properties of n-3 fatty acids and implications in obesity-associated breast cancer. Al-Jawadi A(1), Moussa H(2), Ramalingam L(1), Dharmawardhane S(3), Gollahon L(4), Gunaratne P(5), Layeequr Rahman R(6), Moustaid-Moussa N(7). Author information: (1)Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX; Obesity Research Cluster, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX. (2)Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX; Obesity Research Cluster, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX. (3)Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR. (4)Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX; Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX; Obesity Research Cluster, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX. (5)University of Houston, Department of Biology and Biochemistry. (6)Texas Tech University Health Science Center and Breast Cancer Center of Excellence, Amarillo, TX. (7)Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX; Obesity Research Cluster, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX. Electronic address: naima.moustaid-moussa@ttu.edu. Obesity is well documented as a risk factor for developing breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. Adipose tissue in the breast under obese conditions induces inflammation by increasing macrophage infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokines that in turn up-regulates genes and signaling pathways, resulting in increased inflammation, cell proliferation and tumor growth in the breast. Due to their potent anti-inflammatory effects, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are a promising and safe dietary intervention in reducing breast cancer risk. Here, we briefly review current status of breast cancer and its relationship with obesity. We then review in depth, current research and knowledge on the role of n-3 PUFA in reducing/preventing breast cancer cell growth in vitro, in vivo and in human studies, and how n-3 PUFA may modulate signaling pathways mitigating their effects on breast cancer development. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.09.018 PMID: 29096149 333. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 2018 Mar;111(3):471-478. doi: 10.1007/s10482-017-0968-6. Epub 2017 Oct 31. Cellulomonas macrotermitis sp. nov., a chitinolytic and cellulolytic bacterium isolated from the hindgut of a fungus-growing termite. Sun X(1), Li J(1), Du J(1), Xiao H(2), Ni J(3). Author information: (1)State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, People's Republic of China. (2)Hengyang Management Center of Termite Control, Hengyang, 421000, People's Republic of China. (3)State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, People's Republic of China. jinfgni@sdu.edu.cn. To investigate the symbiotic roles of the gut microbiota in the fungus-growing termite Macrotermes barneyi, a novel strain with chitinolytic and cellulolytic activity, designated strain an-chi-1T, was isolated from the hindgut of M. barneyi. Strain an-chi-1T grows optimally at 28-30 °C, pH 8.0 in PYG medium. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, this isolate belongs to the genus Cellulomonas with high sequence similarity to Cellulomonas iranensis (99.4%), followed by Cellulomonas flavigena (98.4%), Cellulomonas phragmiteti (97.4%), Cellulomonas oligotrophica (97.2%) and Cellulomonas terrae (97.0%). The DNA-DNA relatedness between an-chi-1T and the type strains of C. iranensis and C. flavigena DSM20109T are 35.4% and 23.7%, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids are anteiso-C15:0 and C14:0. The polar lipid profile consists of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides, phosphatidylinositol dimannosides and one unidentified phospholipid. The cell-wall sugar is ribose. The peptidoglycan contains glutamic acid, aspartic acid and alanine. The DNA G+C content is 67.3 mol%. Based on its distinctive phenotypic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, an-chi-1T represents a novel species of the genus Cellulomonas, for which the name Cellulomonas macrotermitis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is an-chi-1T (= JCM 31923T = CICC 24195T). DOI: 10.1007/s10482-017-0968-6 PMID: 29090357 334. Curr Microbiol. 2018 Mar;75(3):278-283. doi: 10.1007/s00284-017-1376-x. Epub 2017 Oct 31. Vibrio hannami sp. nov., Isolated from Seawater. Lee GE(1), Im WT(2), Park JS(3). Author information: (1)Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Hannam University Jeonmin-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34430, Republic of Korea. (2)Department of Biotechnology, Hankyong National University, 327 Chungang-no Anseong-si, Kyonggi-do, 456-749, Republic of Korea. (3)Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Hannam University Jeonmin-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34430, Republic of Korea. jspark@hnu.kr. A Gram-reaction negative, aerobic, motile, non-pigmented and rod-shaped bacterium, designated as 168GH5-2-16T, was isolated from seawater Jeju island. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that the strain formed a distinct lineage within the genus Vibrio and was most closely related to Vibrio variabilis R-40492T (96.0%). The DNA G+C content was 49.3 mol%. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). The predominant quinone was ubiquinone-8 (Q-8). The major fatty acids were C16:0, summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c/C18:1 ω6c) supported the affiliation of 168GH5-2-16T to the genus Vibrio. Moreover, the physiological, biochemical, and taxonomic analysis allowed the phenotypic and genotypic differentiation of strain 168GH5-2-16T from the recognized species of the genus Vibrio. Therefore, strain 168GH5-2-16T represents a novel species of the genus Vibrio, for which the name Vibrio hannami sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 168GH5-2-16T (=KACC 19277T = DSM105032T). DOI: 10.1007/s00284-017-1376-x PMID: 29090323 335. Arch Microbiol. 2018 Mar;200(2):291-297. doi: 10.1007/s00203-017-1443-5. Epub 2017 Oct 28. Description of Deinococcus populi sp. nov. from the trunk surface of a Japanese aspen tree. Li J(1), Kudo C(2), Tonouchi A(3). Author information: (1)United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University, 18-8 Ueda 3-chome, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8550, Japan. (2)Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan. (3)Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan. symbio@hirosaki-u.ac.jp. A bacterial strain designated PtRA-8T was isolated from the trunk surface of a Japanese aspen tree (Populus tremula var. sieboldii). Cells of strain PtRA-8T were aerobic, non-motile, non-spore forming, Gram-stain-negative rods, 1.0‒2.0 µm in width and 3.0‒10.0 µm in length. The pH range for growth was between 5.5 and 7.5, with an optimum at 6.5. The temperature range for growth was between 10 and 37 °C, with an optimum at around 25‒30 °C. Strain PtRA-8T was highly resistant to UV irradiation, similar to its Deinococcus relatives. The respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-8. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10% of the total fatty acid content) were iso-C15:0 (17.8%), C16:0 (15.0%), iso-C17:0 (10.4%), and iso-C17:1 ω9c/C16:010-methyl (22.2%). The polar lipids consisted of four unidentified glycolipids, two unidentified aminolipids, two unidentified phospholipids, and three unidentified polar lipids. The peptidoglycan was A3β-type containing glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, and ornithine. The DNA G + C content of strain PtRA-8T was 68.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain PtRA-8T was closely related to "Deinococcus radioresistens" 8AT (97.4%), Deinococcus metalli DSM 27521T (95.7%), and Deinococcus yunweiensis YIM 007T (94.5%). The DNA-DNA hybridization experiments between strain PtRA-8T and its relatives yielded relatedness values below 70%. Based on the polyphasic evidence, we concluded that strain PtRA-8T represents a novel species within the genus Deinococcus, for which the name Deinococcus populi is proposed. The type strain of D. populi is PtRA-8T (= DSM 29820T= NBRC 110763T; DPD TaxonNumber TA00271). DOI: 10.1007/s00203-017-1443-5 PMID: 29080938 336. Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Mar;183:177-204. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.10.016. Epub 2017 Nov 7. Therapeutic potential of omega-3 fatty acid-derived epoxyeicosanoids in cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Schunck WH(1), Konkel A(2), Fischer R(2), Weylandt KH(3). Author information: (1)Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: schunck@mdc-berlin.de. (2)OMEICOS Therapeutics GmbH, Berlin, Germany. (3)Department of Gastroenterology, Diabetes, Oncology and Rheumatology, Ruppiner Kliniken, Brandenburg Medical School, Neuruppin, Germany; Lipid Clinic, Experimental and Clinical Research Centre (ECRC), Charité University Medicine and Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany. Numerous benefits have been attributed to dietary long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAs), including protection against cardiac arrhythmia, triglyceride-lowering, amelioration of inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disorders. This review covers recent findings indicating that a variety of these beneficial effects are mediated by "omega-3 epoxyeicosanoids", a class of novel n-3 LC-PUFA-derived lipid mediators, which are generated via the cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase pathway. CYP enzymes, previously identified as arachidonic acid (20:4n-6; AA) epoxygenases, accept eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3; EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3; DHA), the major fish oil n-3 LC-PUFAs, as efficient alternative substrates. In humans and rodents, dietary EPA/DHA supplementation causes a profound shift of the endogenous CYP-eicosanoid profile from AA- to EPA- and DHA-derived metabolites, increasing, in particular, the plasma and tissue levels of 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-EEQ) and 19,20-epoxydocosapentaenoic acid (19,20-EDP). Based on preclinical studies, these omega-3 epoxyeicosanoids display cardioprotective, vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties that contribute to the beneficial effects of n-3 LC-PUFAs in diverse disease conditions ranging from cardiac disease, bronchial disorders, and intraocular neovascularization, to allergic intestinal inflammation and inflammatory pain. Increasing evidence also suggests that background nutrition as well as genetic and disease state-related factors could limit the response to EPA/DHA-supplementation by reducing the formation and/or enhancing the degradation of omega-3 epoxyeicosanoids. Recently, metabolically robust synthetic analogs mimicking the biological activities of 17,18-EEQ have been developed. These drug candidates may overcome limitations of dietary EPA/DHA supplementation and provide novel options for the treatment of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.10.016 PMID: 29080699 337. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2018 Mar;75(5):921-938. doi: 10.1007/s00018-017-2677-8. Epub 2017 Oct 23. Resculpting the binding pocket of APC superfamily LeuT-fold amino acid transporters. Edwards N(1), Anderson CMH(1), Conlon NJ(1), Watson AK(1), Hall RJ(1), Cheek TR(1), Embley TM(1), Thwaites DT(2). Author information: (1)Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK. (2)Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK. d.t.thwaites@ncl.ac.uk. Amino acid transporters are essential components of prokaryote and eukaryote cells, possess distinct physiological functions, and differ markedly in substrate specificity. Amino acid transporters can be both drug targets and drug transporters (bioavailability, targeting) with many monogenic disorders resulting from dysfunctional membrane transport. The largest collection of amino acid transporters (including the mammalian SLC6, SLC7, SLC32, SLC36, and SLC38 families), across all kingdoms of life, is within the Amino acid-Polyamine-organoCation (APC) superfamily. The LeuT-fold is a paradigm structure for APC superfamily amino acid transporters and carriers of sugars, neurotransmitters, electrolytes, osmolytes, vitamins, micronutrients, signalling molecules, and organic and fatty acids. Each transporter is specific for a unique sub-set of solutes, specificity being determined by how well a substrate fits into each binding pocket. However, the molecular basis of substrate selectivity remains, by and large, elusive. Using an integrated computational and experimental approach, we demonstrate that a single position within the LeuT-fold can play a crucial role in determining substrate specificity in mammalian and arthropod amino acid transporters within the APC superfamily. Systematic mutation of the amino acid residue occupying the equivalent position to LeuT V104 titrates binding pocket space resulting in dramatic changes in substrate selectivity in exemplar APC amino acid transporters including PAT2 (SLC36A2) and SNAT5 (SLC38A5). Our work demonstrates how a single residue/site within an archetypal structural motif can alter substrate affinity and selectivity within this important superfamily of diverse membrane transporters. DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2677-8 PMCID: PMC5809530 PMID: 29058016 338. J Biophotonics. 2018 Mar;11(3). doi: 10.1002/jbio.201700242. Epub 2017 Nov 28. Label-free imaging of redox status and collagen deposition showing metabolic differences in the heart. Morrison JL(1), Sorvina A(2), Darby JRT(1), Bader CA(2), Lock MC(1), Seed M(3), Kuchel T(4), Plush SE(2), Brooks DA(2). Author information: (1)Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. (2)Mechanisms in Cell Biology and Disease Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. (3)The Hospital for Sick Kids, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (4)Preclinical Imaging and Research Laboratories, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. The heart has high metabolic demand to maintain function. The primary source of energy supply to support correct contractile muscle function differs between a fetus and an adult. In fetal life, ATP is primarily generated by glycolysis and lactate oxidation, whereas following birth, there is a shift towards a reliance on mitochondrial metabolism and fatty acid oxidation. This change in metabolic status is an adaptation to different fuel availability, oxygenation and growth patterns. In this study, we have employed 2-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy to define the relationship between two critical metabolic cofactors nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(P)H and flavin adenine dinucleotide, effectively utilizing a redox ratio to differentiate between the metabolic status in fetal (proliferative) and adult (quiescent/hypertrophic) hearts. Two-photon imaging was also used to visually confirm the known increase in collagen deposition in the adult heart. The changes observed were consistent with a hypertrophic growth profile and greater availability of fatty acids in the adult heart, compared to the proliferative fetal heart. Two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy is therefore a convenient imaging technology that enables the monitoring of striated muscle architecture and the metabolic status of heart tissue. This imaging technology can potentially be employed to visualize cardiac and other muscle pathologies. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201700242 PMID: 29057578 339. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2018 Mar;44(3):407-420. doi: 10.1080/03639045.2017.1395459. Epub 2017 Nov 8. QbD-driven development and evaluation of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) of Olmesartan medoxomil employing multivariate statistical techniques. Beg S(1), Saini S(1), Bandopadhyay S(1), Katare OP(1), Singh B(1)(2). Author information: (1)a UGC Centre of Advanced Studies , University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University , Chandigarh , India. (2)b UGC-Centre of Excellence in Applications of Nanomaterials, Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites (Biomedical Sciences), Panjab University , Chandigarh , India. PURPOSE: This research work entails quality by design (QbD)-based systematic development of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) of Olmesartan medoxomil (OLM) with improved biopharmaceutical attributes. METHODS: Quality target product profile (QTPP) was defined and critical quality attributes (CQAs) were earmarked. Solubility of drug was performed in various lipids for screening of them. NLCs were prepared by hot-microemulsion method using solid lipids, liquid lipids and surfactants with maximal solubility. Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) was carried out for identifying high risk formulation and process parameters. Further, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied on high risk parameters for evaluating the effect of type and concentration of lipids and surfactants on CQAs. Further, systematic optimization of critical material attributes (CMAs) was carried out using face centered cubic design and optimized formulation was identified in the design space. RESULTS: FMEA and PCA suggested suitability of stearic acid, oleic acid and Tween 80 as the CMAs for NLCs. Response surface optimization helped in identifying the optimized NLC formulation with particle size ∼250 nm, zeta potential <25 mV, entrapment efficiency >75%, in vitro drug release >80% within 6 h. Release kinetic modeling indicated drug release through Fickian-diffusion mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these studies indicated successful development of NLCs using multivariate statistical approaches for improved product and process understanding. DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2017.1395459 PMID: 29048242 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 340. Food Chem. 2018 Mar 1;242:466-474. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.09.082. Epub 2017 Sep 18. Chemical composition, nutritional value and antioxidant properties of Mediterranean okra genotypes in relation to harvest stage. Petropoulos S(1), Fernandes Â(2), Barros L(2), Ferreira ICFR(3). Author information: (1)Universityof Thessaly, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, 38446 N. Ionia, Magnissia, Greece. Electronic address: fangio57gr@gmail.com. (2)Centrode Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal. (3)Centrode Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal. Electronic address: iferreira@ipb.pt. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of fruit size on nutritional value, chemical composition and antioxidant properties of Mediterranean okra genotypes. For this purpose, pods from four okra cultivars and local landraces commonly cultivated in Greece, as well as pods from four commercial cultivars from North America were collected at two sizes (3-5 and>7cm). Significant differences were observed between the studied genotypes for both nutritional value and chemical composition parameters. Small fruit had a higher nutritional value, whereas chemical composition differed in a genotype dependent manner with most of the studied cultivars showing better results when harvested in small size. In conclusion, fruit size has a genotype dependent impact on chemical composition and nutritional value of okra pods and the common practice of harvesting okra fruit while they still have a small size helps to increase nutritional value for most of the studied genotypes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.09.082 PMID: 29037716 341. Food Chem. 2018 Mar 1;242:352-361. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.09.084. Epub 2017 Sep 18. Effect of methyl jasmonate on the aroma of Sangiovese grapes and wines. D'Onofrio C(1), Matarese F(2), Cuzzola A(2). Author information: (1)Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, I-56124 Pisa, Italy; Nutraceuticals and Food for Health - Nutrafood, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, I-56124 Pisa, Italy. Electronic address: claudio.donofrio@unipi.it. (2)Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, I-56124 Pisa, Italy. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) was applied in a vineyard on leaves and grape clusters of cv Sangiovese to test its ability to stimulate the production of aromas and identify the main genes involved in the biosynthetic pathways switched on by the elicitor. MeJA application led to a delay in grape technological maturity and a significant increase in the concentration of several berry aroma classes (about twice the total aroma: from around 3 to 6μg/g of berry). Of these, monoterpenes showed the most significant increase. An analysis of the expression of terpenoid biosynthesis genes confirmed that the MeJA application activated the related biosynthetic pathway. The expression of all the TPS genes analyzedwas higher in samples treated with MeJA. Also the wines produced by microvinification of Sangiovese treated and untreated grapes showed a rise in the aroma concentration as in berries, with an important impact on longevity and sensorial characters of wines. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.09.084 PMID: 29037700 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 342. Food Chem. 2018 Mar 1;242:338-344. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.09.069. Epub 2017 Sep 14. Rapid and sensitive detection of free fatty acids in edible oils based on chemical derivatization coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Liu M(1), Wei F(2), Lv X(1), Dong XY(1), Chen H(1). Author information: (1)Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Oilseeds Processing of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Lipid Chemistry and Nutrition, PR China. (2)Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Oilseeds Processing of Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Lipid Chemistry and Nutrition, PR China. Electronic address: willasa@163.com. In this study, a strategy based on chemical derivatization coupled with electrospray ionizationtandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) for rapid and sensitive detection of FFAs in edible oils was developed. A derivative reagent (N,N-diethyl-1,2-ethanediamine, DEEA) was employed to selectively label carboxyl groups of FFAs to form an amino compound with a tertiary amino group. The DEEA derivative products could lose a characteristic neutral loss fragment of 73Da in collision-induced dissociation (CID), which enabled to discriminate and analyze the DEEA derived FFAs with neutral loss scan (NLS 73Da)under the positive ion mode of mass spectrometry. The assay was linear over the concentration range 0.5-200nmol/L with satisfactory correlation coefficients (R2≥0.9942), whilst the limit of detection and quantitation were 0.1-0.3nmol/L and 0.3-1.0nmol/L, respectively. Finally, the established method was applied to determine dynamic FFA formation in seven types of edible oils subjected to a microwave heating treatment test. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.09.069 PMID: 29037698 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 343. Food Chem. 2018 Mar 1;242:29-36. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.09.005. Epub 2017 Sep 6. Evaluation of sn-2 fatty acid composition in commercial infant formulas on the Chinese market: A comparative study based on fat source and stage. Sun C(1), Wei W(1), Su H(1), Zou X(1), Wang X(2). Author information: (1)Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, PR China. (2)Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, PR China. Electronic address: wangxg1002@gmail.com. The sn-2 fatty acid composition of 180 commercial infant, follow-on and growing-up formulas with three fat sources (plant oil, cows' milk and goats' milk) was investigated and compared with mature human milk (MHM). Sn-2 fatty acids in formulas were mostly dependent on fat source and stage. Compared with MHM, all types of formulas contained lower levels of palmitic acid (PA), saturated fatty acid and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), and higher levels of oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (LNA) at the sn-2 position. Even some formulas were supplemented with 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol, the proportions of relative PA at the sn-2 position in formulas were much lower than that in MHM. Moreover, formulas had higher proportions of relative OA, LA and LNA, and lower LC-PUFAs at the sn-2 position. This study indicated that there were significant differences in the positional distribution of fatty acids between formulas and MHM. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.09.005 PMID: 29037692 344. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 2018 Mar;111(3):323-331. doi: 10.1007/s10482-017-0954-z. Epub 2017 Oct 13. Sphingorhabdus buctiana sp. nov., isolated from fresh water, and reclassification of Sphingopyxis contaminans as Sphingorhabdus contaminans comb. nov. Chen H(1), Piao AL(1), Tan X(2), Nogi Y(3), Yeo J(4), Lu H(1), Feng QQ(1), Lv J(5). Author information: (1)College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China. (2)Food and Health Food R&D Center, Research Institute of Tasly Holding Group Co., LTD., Tianjin, 300410, People's Republic of China. (3)Research and Development Center for Marine Biosciences, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, 237-0061, Japan. (4)Beijing NO. 80 Middle School, Beijing, 100102, People's Republic of China. (5)College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China. lvjie@mail.buct.edu.cn. A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated T5T, was isolated from the Chishui River in Maotai town, Guizhou Province, Southwest of China. Strain T5T was found to grow optimally at pH 9.0 and 25 °C. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain T5T belongs to the family Sphingomonadaceae within the phylum Proteobacteria; the strain T5T clustered with the type strains of Sphingopyxis contaminans, Sphingorhabdus wooponensis and Sphingorhabdus rigui, with which it exhibits 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 96.2-96.9%. The DNA G+C content was 58.5 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was Q-10 and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The major polyamine was homospermidine and the major fatty acids were C18:1 ω7c (37.5%) and C16:1 ω7c (30.1%). On the basis of phylogenetic, phenotypic and genetic data, strain T5T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingorhabdus, for which the name Sphingorhabdus buctiana sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T5T (= CGMCC 1.12929T = JCM 30114T). It is also proposed that Sphingopyxis contaminans should be reclassified as a member of the genus Sphingorhabdus. DOI: 10.1007/s10482-017-0954-z PMID: 29030752 345. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 2018 Mar;111(3):361-372. doi: 10.1007/s10482-017-0958-8. Epub 2017 Oct 11. Cupriavidus malaysiensis sp. nov., a novel poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) accumulating bacterium isolated from the Malaysian environment. Ramachandran H(1)(2), Shafie NAH(3), Sudesh K(1), Azizan MN(4), Majid MIA(5), Amirul AA(6)(7)(8). Author information: (1)School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia. (2)Quest International University Perak, 30250, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. (3)Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Sains@USM, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia. (4)Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL-MICET) Taboh Naning, 78000, Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia. (5)National Poison Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia. (6)School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia. amirul@usm.my. (7)Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Sains@USM, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia. amirul@usm.my. (8)Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (IPharm), National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM), MOSTI, 11700, Penang, Malaysia. amirul@usm.my. Erratum in Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 2017 Dec 28;:. Bacterial classification on the basis of a polyphasic approach was conducted on three poly(3 hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB-co-4HB)] accumulating bacterial strains that were isolated from samples collected from Malaysian environments; Kulim Lake, Sg. Pinang river and Sg. Manik paddy field. The Gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile, non-sporulating and non-fermenting bacteria were shown to belong to the genus Cupriavidus of the Betaproteobacteria on the basis of their 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. The sequence similarity value with their near phylogenetic neighbour, Cupriavidus pauculus LMG3413T, was 98.5%. However, the DNA-DNA hybridization values (8-58%) and ribotyping analysis both enabled these strains to be differentiated from related Cupriavidus species with validly published names. The RiboPrint patterns of the three strains also revealed that the strains were genetically related even though they displayed a clonal diversity. The major cellular fatty acids detected in these strains included C15:0 ISO 2OH/C16:1 ω7c, hexadecanoic (16:0) and cis-11-octadecenoic (C18:1 ω7c). Their G+C contents ranged from 68.0 to 68.6 mol%, and their major isoprenoid quinone was Ubiquinone Q-8. Of these three strains, only strain USMAHM13 (= DSM 25816 = KCTC 32390) was discovered to exhibit yellow pigmentation that is characteristic of the carotenoid family. Their assembled genomes also showed that the three strains were not identical in terms of their genome sizes that were 7.82, 7.95 and 8.70 Mb for strains USMAHM13, USMAA1020 and USMAA2-4, respectively, which are slightly larger than that of Cupriavidus necator H16 (7.42 Mb). The average nucleotide identity (ANI) results indicated that the strains were genetically related and the genome pairs belong to the same species. On the basis of the results obtained in this study, the three strains are considered to represent a novel species for which the name Cupriavidus malaysiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the species is USMAA1020T (= DSM 19416T = KCTC 32390T). DOI: 10.1007/s10482-017-0958-8 PMID: 29022146 346. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 2018 Mar;111(3):333-341. doi: 10.1007/s10482-017-0955-y. Epub 2017 Oct 10. Larkinella terrae sp. nov., isolated from soil on Jeju Island, South Korea. Ten LN(1), Jeon J(1), Park SJ(1), Park S(1), Lee SY(1), Kim MK(2), Jung HY(3)(4). Author information: (1)School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea. (2)Department of Bio and Environmental Technology, Seoul Women's University, Seoul, 01797, Republic of Korea. (3)School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea. heeyoung@knu.ac.kr. (4)Institute of Plant Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea. heeyoung@knu.ac.kr. A Gram-stain negative, non-motile, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated 15J8-8T, was isolated from a soil sample collected on Jeju Island, South Korea, and characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 15J8-8T belongs to the family Cytophagaceae and is related to Larkinella bovis M2TB15T (95.0%), 'Larkinella harenae' 15J9-9 (94.5%), Larkinella arboricola Z0532T (93.2%), and Larkinella insperata LMG 22510T (93.0%). The DNA G+C content of strain 15J8-8T was 50.5 mol%. The detection of phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified polar lipids as major polar lipids; menaquinone-7 as the predominant quinone; and C16:1 ω5c, C16:0 N alcohol, and iso-C15:0 as the major fatty acids also supported the affiliation of the isolate to the genus Larkinella. Based on its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain 15J8-8T should be classified in the genus Larkinella as representative of a novel species, for which the name Larkinella terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J8-8T (= KCTC 52001T = JCM 31990T). DOI: 10.1007/s10482-017-0955-y PMID: 29019013 347. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 2018 Mar;111(3):353-360. doi: 10.1007/s10482-017-0957-9. Epub 2017 Oct 9. Deinococcus petrolearius sp. nov. isolated from crude oil recovery water in China. Xi L(1), Qiao N(2), Zhang J(2), Li J(3), Liu D(2), You J(4)(5), Liu J(2). Author information: (1)State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering & Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum, 266580, Qingdao, China. xilj@upc.edu.cn. (2)State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering & Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum, 266580, Qingdao, China. (3)State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering & Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum, 266580, Qingdao, China. Lijing@upc.edu.cn. (4)Petroleum Production Engineering Institute of Huabei Oilfield Ltd, 062552, Renqiu, China. (5)School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China. A Gram-stain positive, non-motile, spherical, red-pigmented and facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated strain 6.1T, was isolated from a crude oil recovery water sample from the Huabei oil field in China. The novel strain exhibited tolerance of UV irradiation (> 1000 J m-2). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain 6.1T shows high similarity to Deinococcus citri DSM 24791T (98.1%) and Deinococcus gobiensis I-0T (97.8%), with less than 93.5% similarity to other closely related taxa. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH), followed by iso-C17:1 ω9c and C16:0. The polar lipid profile was found to contain phospholipids, glycolipids, phosphoglycolipids and aminophospholipids. The predominant respiratory quinone was identified as MK-8. The DNA G + C content was determined to be 68.3 mol %. DNA-DNA hybridization between strain 6.1T and D. citri DSM 24791T was 45.6 ± 7.1% and with D. gobiensis I-OT was 36.6 ± 4.7%. On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, we conclude strain 6.1T represents a novel species of the genus Deinococcus, for which we propose the name Deinococcus petrolearius sp. nov. The type strain is 6.1T (= CGMCC 1.15053T = KCTC 33744T). DOI: 10.1007/s10482-017-0957-9 PMID: 28993919 348. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 2018 Mar;111(3):343-351. doi: 10.1007/s10482-017-0956-x. Epub 2017 Oct 5. Roseomonas aeriglobus sp. nov., isolated from an air-conditioning system. Lee Y(1), Jeon CO(2). Author information: (1)Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, 84, HeukSeok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea. (2)Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, 84, HeukSeok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea. cojeon@cau.ac.kr. A novel pale pink-coloured, strictly aerobic, Gram-stain negative bacterial strain, designated strain KER25-12T, was isolated from a laboratory air-conditioning system in South Korea. Cells were observed to be non-motile cocci showing positive catalase and oxidase reactions. Strain KER25-12T was found to grow at 10-30 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), at pH 4.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0-7.0) and in the presence of 0-2% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0%). Ubiquinone-10 and spermidine were detected as the sole respiratory quinone and the predominant polyamine, respectively. The major fatty acids were identified as summed feature 8 (comprising C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c), summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), C16:0 and C18:0. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain KER25-12T was determined to be 70.0 mol%. The major polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and an unidentified aminolipid. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison revealed that strain KER25-12T belongs to the genus Roseomonas and shows high sequence similarity to Roseomonas aerilata 5420S-30T (98.57%), Roseomonas pecuniae N75T (97.44%) and Roseomonas vinacea CPCC 100056T (97.40%). Based on the morphological, physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic features, strain KER25-12T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Roseomonas, for which the name Roseomonas aeriglobus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KER25-12T (= KACC 19282T = JCM 32049T). DOI: 10.1007/s10482-017-0956-x PMID: 28983692 349. Invest Radiol. 2018 Mar;53(3):158-166. doi: 10.1097/RLI.0000000000000422. Diagnostic Value of Magnetic Resonance Neurography in Cervical Radiculopathy: Plexus Patterns and Peripheral Nerve Lesions. Schwarz D, Kele H, Kronlage M, Godel T, Hilgenfeld T, Bendszus M, Bäumer P. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the imaging appearance and diagnostic value of plexus and peripheral nerve magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) in cervical radiculopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was approved by our institutional ethics committee and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. A total of 24 patients were included with a diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy based on clinical examination, supporting electrophysiological examinations and spinal imaging consistent with the clinical syndrome. All patients then underwent a high-resolution MRN protocol including the brachial plexus from nerve roots to plexus cords using a 3-dimensional turbo spin echo with variable flip angle short tau inversion recovery and sagittal-oblique T2-weighted spectral adiabatic inversion recovery sequence, and ulnar, median, and radial nerves at the upper arm and elbow in T2-weighted fat saturated sequences. Two readers independently rated plexus elements regarding the presence of lesions at neuroforaminal levels, roots, trunks, and cord segments. Median, ulnar, and radial nerves were likewise rated. Findings were then compared to a referenced standard of cervical radiculopathy that was defined as the combined diagnosis of clinical syndrome including supporting electrophysiological exams and matching positive spinal imaging, and diagnostic performance parameters were calculated. Additional quantitative and qualitative analysis assessed peripheral nerve caliber and normalized T2-signal at arm level in cervical radiculopathy and compared them to 25 inflammatory neuropathy controls. RESULTS: Cervical radiculopathy resulted in distinct plexus lesion patterns for each level of neuroforaminal stenosis. Overall, brachial plexus MRN in cervical radiculopathy reached a sensitivity of 81%, a specificity of 96%, a positive predictive value of 87%, and overall diagnostic accuracy of 87%. Initial spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple positive findings for clinically unaffected root levels and resulted in a specificity of 69%, a positive predictive value of 54%, and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 78%.T2-weighted peripheral nerve lesions were detected in 79% of cervical radiculopathy cases and imitated imaging appearance of inflammatory neuropathies both quantitatively and qualitatively. CONCLUSIONS: Complementing spine imaging in cervical radiculopathy with brachial plexus MRN can improve diagnostic accuracy by increasing specificity and positive predictive value. T2-weighted lesions of peripheral nerves can be caused by cervical radiculopathy, which must be considered a relevant diagnostic pitfall in MRN of peripheral neuropathies. DOI: 10.1097/RLI.0000000000000422 PMID: 28976477 350. Biomed Chromatogr. 2018 Mar;32(3). doi: 10.1002/bmc.4102. Epub 2017 Oct 17. Simultaneous LC-MS/MS analysis of eicosanoids and related metabolites in human serum, sputum and BALF. Thakare R(1), Chhonker YS(1), Gautam N(1), Nelson A(2), Casaburi R(3), Criner G(4), Dransfield MT(5)(6)(7), Make B(8), Schmid KK(9), Rennard SI(2)(10), Alnouti Y(1). Author information: (1)Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. (2)Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. (3)Rehabilitation Clinical Trials Center, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA. (4)Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (5)Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama Birmingham, AL, USA. (6)Lung Health Center University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. (7)Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA. (8)Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA. (9)College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. (10)Clinical Development Unit, Early Clinical Development, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK. The differences among individual eicosanoids in eliciting different physiological and pathological responses are largely unknown because of the lack of valid and simple analytical methods for the quantification of individual eicosanoids and their metabolites in serum, sputum and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Therefore, a simple and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of 34 eicosanoids in human serum, sputum and BALF was developed and validated. This method is valid and sensitive with a limit of quantification ranging from 0.2 to 3 ng/mL for the various analytes, and has a large dynamic range (500 ng/mL) and a short run time (25 min). The intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision values met the acceptance criteria according to US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. Using this method, detailed eicosanoid profiles were quantified in serum, sputum and BALF from a pilot human study. In summary, a reliable and simple LC-MS/MS method to quantify major eicosanoids and their metabolites was developed and applied to quantify eicosanoids in human various fluids, demonstrating its suitability to assess eicosanoid biomarkers in human clinical trials. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4102 PMID: 28975688 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 351. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Syst Biol Med. 2018 Mar;10(2). doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1405. Epub 2017 Sep 28. Small molecule signaling, regulation, and potential applications in cellular therapeutics. McNerney MP(1), Styczynski MP(1). Author information: (1)School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA. Small molecules have many important roles across the tree of life: they regulate processes from metabolism to transcription, they enable signaling within and between species, and they serve as the biochemical building blocks for cells. They also represent valuable phenotypic endpoints that are promising for use as biomarkers of disease states. In the context of engineering cell-based therapeutics, they hold particularly great promise for enabling finer control over the therapeutic cells and allowing them to be responsive to extracellular cues. The natural signaling and regulatory functions of small molecules can be harnessed and rewired to control cell activity and delivery of therapeutic payloads, potentially increasing efficacy while decreasing toxicity. To that end, this review considers small molecule-mediated regulation and signaling in bacteria. We first discuss some of the most prominent applications and aspirations for responsive cell-based therapeutics. We then describe the transport, signaling, and regulation associated with three classes of molecules that may be exploited in the engineering of therapeutic bacteria: amino acids, fatty acids, and quorum-sensing signaling molecules. We also present examples of existing engineering efforts to generate cells that sense and respond to levels of different small molecules. Finally, we discuss future directions for how small molecule-mediated regulation could be harnessed for therapeutic applications, as well as some critical considerations for the ultimate success of such endeavors. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2018, 10:e1405. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1405 This article is categorized under: Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling Biological Mechanisms > Metabolism Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Therapeutic Methods. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1405 PMID: 28960879 352. Acta Physiol (Oxf). 2018 Mar;222(3). doi: 10.1111/apha.12975. Epub 2017 Oct 19. Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 is a myokine induced by palmitate and is required for myogenesis in mouse satellite cells. Masuda S(1), Tanaka M(1), Inoue T(1), Ohue-Kitano R(1), Yamakage H(1), Muranaka K(1), Kusakabe T(1), Shimatsu A(2), Hasegawa K(3), Satoh-Asahara N(1). Author information: (1)Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Hypertension Research, Clinical Research Institute, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan. (2)Clinical Research Institute, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan. (3)Department of Translational Research, Clinical Research Institute, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan. AIM: The functional significance of the myokines, cytokines and peptides produced and released by muscle cells has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to identify a myokine with increased secretion levels in muscle cells due to saturated fatty acids and to examine the role of the identified myokine in the regulation of myogenesis. METHODS: Human primary myotubes and mouse C2C12 myotubes were used to identify the myokine; its secretion was stimulated by palmitate loading. The role of the identified myokine in the regulation of the activation, proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal was examined in mouse satellite cells (skeletal muscle stem cells). RESULTS: Palmitate loading promoted the secretion of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) in human primary myotubes, and it also increased CXCL1 gene expression level in C2C12 myotubes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Palmitate loading increased the production of reactive oxygen species along with the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signalling. Pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB signalling attenuated the increase in CXCL1 gene expression induced by palmitate and hydrogen peroxide. Palmitate loading significantly increased CXC receptor 2 gene expression in undifferentiated cells. CXCL1 knockdown attenuated proliferation and myotube formation by satellite cells, with reduced self-renewal. CXCL1 knockdown also significantly decreased the Notch intracellular domain protein level. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that secretion of the myokine CXCL1 is stimulated by saturated fatty acids and that CXCL1 promotes myogenesis from satellite cells to maintain skeletal muscle homeostasis. © 2017 Scandinavian Physiological Society. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. DOI: 10.1111/apha.12975 PMID: 28960786 353. Hepatology. 2018 Mar;67(3):1071-1087. doi: 10.1002/hep.29562. Epub 2018 Jan 26. Distinct role of nuclear receptor corepressor 1 regulated de novo fatty acids synthesis in liver regeneration and hepatocarcinogenesis in mice. Ou-Yang Q(1)(2)(3), Lin XM(1), Zhu YJ(1)(4), Zheng B(1)(4), Li L(1)(4), Yang YC(1), Hou GJ(1), Chen X(1)(4), Luo GJ(1)(4), Huo F(3), Leng QB(5), Gonzalez FJ(6), Jiang XQ(2), Wang HY(1)(4), Chen L(1)(4)(7). Author information: (1)The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China. (2)Department of Biliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China. (3)Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Center of Liver Transplantation, General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Region, Guangzhou, China. (4)National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China. (5)Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. (6)Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. (7)Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China. It is urgent that the means to improve liver regeneration (LR) be found, while mitigating the concurrent risk of hepatocarcinogenesis (HCG). Nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCoR1) is a co-repressor of nuclear receptors, which regulates the expression level of metabolic genes; however, little is known about its potential contribution for LR and HCG. Here, we found that liver-specific NCoR1 knockout in mice (NCoR1Δhep ) dramatically enhances LR after partial hepatectomy and, surprisingly, blocks the process of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCG. Both RNA-sequencing and metabolic assay results revealed improved expression of Fasn and Acc2 in NCoR1Δhep mice, suggesting the critical role of de novo fatty acid synthesis (FAS) in LR. Continual enhanced de novo FAS in NCoR1Δhep mice resulted in overwhelmed adenosine triphosphate ATP and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) consumption and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, which subsequently attenuated HCG through inducing apoptosis of hepatocytes at an early stage after DEN administration.CONCLUSION: NCoR1 functions as a negative modulator for hepatic de novo FAS and mitochondria energy adaptation, playing distinct roles in regeneration or carcinogenesis. (Hepatology 2018;67:1071-1087). © 2017 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. DOI: 10.1002/hep.29562 PMID: 28960380 354. Skeletal Radiol. 2018 Mar;47(3):329-339. doi: 10.1007/s00256-017-2771-x. Epub 2017 Sep 24. Hyperintense signal alteration in the suprapatellar fat pad on MRI is associated with degeneration of the patellofemoral joint over 48 months: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Schwaiger BJ(1)(2), Mbapte Wamba J(3), Gersing AS(3)(4), Nevitt MC(5), Facchetti L(3), McCulloch CE(5), Link TM(3). Author information: (1)Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, 185 Berry Street, Suite 350, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA. bschwaiger@gmx.com. (2)Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. bschwaiger@gmx.com. (3)Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, 185 Berry Street, Suite 350, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA. (4)Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. (5)Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. OBJECTIVE: To analyze associations of suprapatellar fat pad (SPFP) hyperintense signal alterations and mass effect with progression of patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) and clinical symptoms over 48 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (n = 426; 51.8 ± 3.8 years; 49.8% women) without radiographic tibiofemoral OA underwent 3T-MRI of their right knees and clinical evaluation using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score at baseline and at 48 months. Elevated SPFP signal was assessed on intermediate-weighted, fat-saturated turbo spin-echo (TSE) images. Mass effect was defined as a convex posterior contour. Patellofemoral cartilage, bone marrow lesions (BML), and subchondral cysts were assessed using the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS). Associations of SPFP imaging findings with MRI and clinical progression were assessed using general linear models and logistic regressions. RESULTS: Baseline SPFP signal alterations were found in 51% of the subjects (n = 217), of whom 11% (n = 23) additionally had a mass effect. Progression of cartilage lesions was significantly higher in subjects with signal alteration versus without (adjusted mean increases, 95% CI; patella: 0.29, -0.07 to 0.64 vs -0.04, -0.40 to 0.31; p < 0.001; trochlea: 0.47, 0.16 to 0.77 vs 0.31, 0.01 to 0.61; p = 0.007). BML progression was also more likely in subjects with signal alteration (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.82; p = 0.021). Mass effect was not associated with joint degeneration and SPFP findings were not associated with clinical worsening (p > 0.18 for all). CONCLUSION: Patellofemoral joint degeneration over 48 months was significantly increased in subjects with SPFP signal alteration, suggesting an association between SPFP abnormalities and the progression of patellofemoral OA. DOI: 10.1007/s00256-017-2771-x PMID: 28944439 355. Immunology. 2018 Mar;153(3):342-356. doi: 10.1111/imm.12844. Epub 2017 Oct 26. Lipid homeostasis and inflammatory activation are disturbed in classically activated macrophages with peroxisomal β-oxidation deficiency. Geric I(1), Tyurina YY(2), Krysko O(3), Krysko DV(4)(5), De Schryver E(6), Kagan VE(2), Van Veldhoven PP(6), Baes M(1), Verheijden S(7). Author information: (1)Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Cell Metabolism, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. (2)Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Center for Free Radical and Antioxidant Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. (3)Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, The Upper Airway Research Laboratory, Hospital, Ghent University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium. (4)Molecular Signalling and Cell Death Unit, VIB, Centre for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium. (5)Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. (6)Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, LIPIT, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. (7)Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Translational Research Centre for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Macrophage activation is characterized by pronounced metabolic adaptation. Classically activated macrophages show decreased rates of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation and acquire a glycolytic state together with their pro-inflammatory phenotype. In contrast, alternatively activated macrophages require oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation for their anti-inflammatory function. Although it is evident that mitochondrial metabolism is regulated during macrophage polarization and essential for macrophage function, little is known on the regulation and role of peroxisomal β-oxidation during macrophage activation. In this study, we show that peroxisomal β-oxidation is strongly decreased in classically activated bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and mildly induced in alternatively activated BMDM. To examine the role of peroxisomal β-oxidation in macrophages, we used Mfp2-/- BMDM lacking the key enzyme of this pathway. Impairment of peroxisomal β-oxidation in Mfp2-/- BMDM did not cause lipid accumulation but rather an altered distribution of lipid species with very-long-chain fatty acids accumulating in the triglyceride and phospholipid fraction. These lipid alterations in Mfp2-/- macrophages led to decreased inflammatory activation of Mfp2-/- BMDM and peritoneal macrophages evidenced by impaired production of several inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, but did not affect anti-inflammatory polarization. The disturbed inflammatory responses of Mfp2-/- macrophages did not affect immune cell infiltration, as mice with selective elimination of MFP2 from myeloid cells showed normal monocyte and neutrophil influx upon challenge with zymosan. Together, these data demonstrate that peroxisomal β-oxidation is involved in fine-tuning the phenotype of macrophages, probably by influencing the dynamic lipid profile during macrophage polarization. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. DOI: 10.1111/imm.12844 PMCID: PMC5795189 [Available on 2019-03-01] PMID: 28940384 356. J Nucl Med. 2018 Mar;59(3):516-522. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.117.190546. Epub 2017 Sep 14. Thermal Imaging Is a Noninvasive Alternative to PET/CT for Measurement of Brown Adipose Tissue Activity in Humans. Law J(1), Morris DE(2), Izzi-Engbeaya C(3), Salem V(3), Coello C(4), Robinson L(1), Jayasinghe M(3), Scott R(3), Gunn R(4), Rabiner E(4)(5), Tan T(3), Dhillo WS(3), Bloom S(3), Budge H(1), Symonds ME(6)(7). Author information: (1)Early Life Research Unit, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom. (2)Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom. (3)Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom. (4)Imanova Centre for Imaging Sciences, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom. (5)Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, King's College, London, United Kingdom; and. (6)Early Life Research Unit, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom michael.symonds@nottingham.ac.uk. (7)Nottingham Digestive Disease Centre and Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom. Obesity and its metabolic consequences are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) utilizes glucose and free fatty acids to produce heat, thereby increasing energy expenditure. Effective evaluation of human BAT stimulators is constrained by the current standard method of assessing BAT-PET/CT-as it requires exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a potential noninvasive, safe alternative, although direct corroboration with PET/CT has not been established. Methods: IRT and 18F-FDG PET/CT data from 8 healthy men subjected to water-jacket cooling were directly compared. Thermal images were geometrically transformed to overlay PET/CT-derived maximum intensity projection (MIP) images from each subject, and the areas with the most intense temperature and glucose uptake within the supraclavicular regions were compared. Relationships between supraclavicular temperatures (TSCR) from IRT and the metabolic rate of glucose uptake (MR(gluc)) from PET/CT were determined. Results: Glucose uptake on MR(gluc)MIP was found to correlate positively with a change in TSCR relative to a reference region (r2 = 0.721; P = 0.008). Spatial overlap between areas of maximal MR(gluc)MIP and maximal TSCR was 29.5% ± 5.1%. Prolonged cooling, for 60 min, was associated with a further TSCR rise, compared with cooling for 10 min. Conclusion: The supraclavicular hotspot identified on IRT closely corresponded to the area of maximal uptake on PET/CT-derived MR(gluc)MIP images. Greater increases in relative TSCR were associated with raised glucose uptake. IRT should now be considered a suitable method for measuring BAT activation, especially in populations for whom PET/CT is not feasible, practical, or repeatable. © 2018 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.117.190546 PMID: 28912148 357. J Sci Food Agric. 2018 Mar;98(5):1813-1820. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.8657. Epub 2017 Oct 13. Effect of roasting conditions on the composition and antioxidant properties of defatted walnut flour. Santos J(1), Alvarez-Ortí M(2), Sena-Moreno E(2), Rabadán A(2), Pardo JE(2), Beatriz Pp Oliveira M(1). Author information: (1)LAQV/REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. (2)Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos y de Montes, Albacete, Spain. BACKGROUND: Walnut oil extraction by pressure systems produces a press cake as a by-product, with many of the beneficial walnut properties. The objective of this work was to evaluate the composition and antioxidant properties of walnut flours submitted to different roasting protocols (50, 100 and 150 °C during 30, 60 and 120 min). RESULTS: All walnut flours had about 42% protein and a significant amount of dietary fibre (17%), not being affected by the roasting process. Nonetheless, the fat content increased around 50% in walnuts flours subjected to longer and higher roasting temperatures (150 °C). The lipid fraction showed a good nutritional quality with a high vitamin E content (mainly γ-tocopherol) and fatty acid profile rich in linoleic and linolenic acids. The high phenolic content also provides great antioxidant capacity to the flours. CONCLUSION: Mild roasting of walnuts did not affect the quality of the flours that could be used as a functional ingredient in the food industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8657 PMID: 28873230 358. J Sci Food Agric. 2018 Mar;98(5):1821-1831. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.8658. Epub 2017 Oct 12. Analysis of moisture, oil, and fatty acid composition of olives by near-infrared spectroscopy: development and validation calibration models. Saha U(1), Jackson D(1). Author information: (1)Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratories, The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Athens, GA, USA. BACKGROUND: Olive is a new, expanding crop in Georgia. Its oil content steadily increases with maturity, but eventually plateaus at the maximum when the olives should be promptly harvested, avoiding overripening and quality degradation. This requires frequent testing. However, olive quality analysis by wet chemistry is laborious, slow and costly, whereas near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS), being precise, accurate, rapid and cheap, could be suitable. We developed and validated NIRS calibration models for moisture, fresh-matter-oil (oil-FMO), dry-matter-oil (oil-DMO) and major fatty acid composition analyses. RESULTS: Of the12 models developed, seven constituents - moisture, oil-FMO, oil-DMO, and palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic and linoleic acids (representing 88-97% of the total fatty acids) had low standard errors and high coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.81-0.98; 1 - VR = 0.74-0.86) for both calibration and cross-validation. For these seven constituents, predictions of an independent validation set yielded excellent agreement between the NIRS predicted values and the reference values with low standard error of prediction (SEP), low bias, high coefficient of determination (r2 = 0.80-0.93) and high ratios of performance to deviation (RPD = SD/SEP; 2.21-3.85). CONCLUSION: Precise, accurate and rapid analysis of fresh olives for moisture, oil and major fatty acid composition can be done at a low cost using NIRS, meeting the analytical needs of the industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8658 PMID: 28873227 359. Mitochondrion. 2018 Mar;39:51-59. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2017.08.013. Epub 2017 Sep 1. Mitochondrial disruption in peroxisome deficient cells is hepatocyte selective but is not mediated by common hepatic peroxisomal metabolites. Shinde AB(1), Baboota RK(1), Denis S(2), Loizides-Mangold U(3), Peeters A(1), Espeel M(4), Malheiro AR(5), Riezman H(3), Vinckier S(6), Vaz FM(2), Brites P(5), Ferdinandusse S(2), Van Veldhoven PP(7), Baes M(8). Author information: (1)KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Laboratory of Cell Metabolism, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. (2)Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (3)Department of Biochemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland. (4)Dept Basic Medical Sciences, UGhent, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. (5)Neurolipid Biology group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular - IBMC, Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal. (6)VIB-KU Leuven Centre for Cancer Biology, Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. (7)KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Lipid Biochemistry and Protein Interactions, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: Paul.Vanveldhoven@kuleuven.be. (8)KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Laboratory of Cell Metabolism, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: Myriam.Baes@kuleuven.be. The structural disruption of the mitochondrial inner membrane in hepatocytes lacking functional peroxisomes along with selective impairment of respiratory complexes and depletion of mitochondrial DNA was previously reported. In search for the molecular origin of these mitochondrial alterations, we here show that these are tissue selective as they do neither occur in peroxisome deficient brain nor in peroxisome deficient striated muscle. Given the hepatocyte selectivity, we investigated the potential involvement of metabolites that are primarily handled by hepatic peroxisomes. Levels of these metabolites were manipulated in L-Pex5 knockout mice and/or compared with levels in different mouse models with a peroxisomal β-oxidation deficiency. We show that neither the deficiency of docosahexaenoic acid nor the accumulation of branched chain fatty acids, dicarboxylic acids or C27 bile acid intermediates are solely responsible for the mitochondrial anomalies. In conclusion, we demonstrate that peroxisomal inactivity differentially impacts mitochondria depending on the cell type but the cause of the mitochondrial destruction needs to be further explored. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. and Mitochondria Research Society. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2017.08.013 PMID: 28866057 360. Plant Cell Environ. 2018 Mar;41(3):533-547. doi: 10.1111/pce.13063. Epub 2017 Nov 10. Glycerolipid analysis during desiccation and recovery of the resurrection plant Xerophyta humilis (Bak) Dur and Schinz. Tshabuse F(1), Farrant JM(1), Humbert L(2), Moura D(3), Rainteau D(2), Espinasse C(3), Idrissi A(4), Merlier F(4), Acket S(4), Rafudeen MS(1), Thomasset B(4), Ruelland E(3)(5). Author information: (1)Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa. (2)Laboratoire des BioMolécules, CNRS UMR7203, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Faculté de Médecine-Saint Antoine, 184 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75571, Paris Cedex 12, France. (3)Université Paris-Est, UPEC, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences Environnementales de Paris, 94010, Créteil Cedex, France. (4)Sorbonne Universités, Université Technologique de Compiegne (UTC), Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire (GEC), FRE-CNRS 3580, CS 60319, 60203, Compiègne Cedex, France. (5)CNRS, Institut d'Ecologie et des Sciences Environnementales de Paris, UMR7618, 94010, Créteil cedex, France. Xerophyta humilis is a poikilochlorophyllous monocot resurrection plant used as a model to study vegetative desiccation tolerance. Dehydration imposes tension and ultimate loss of integrity of membranes in desiccation sensitive species. We investigated the predominant molecular species of glycerolipids present in root and leaf tissues, using multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry, and then analysed changes therein during dehydration and subsequent rehydration of whole plants. The presence of fatty acids with long carbon chains and with odd numbers of carbons were detected and confirmed by gas chromatography. Dehydration of both leaves and roots resulted in an increase in species containing polyunsaturated fatty acids and a decrease in disaturated species. Upon rehydration, lipid saturation was reversed, with this being initiated immediately upon watering in roots but only 12-24 hr later in leaves. Relative levels of species with short-chained odd-numbered saturated fatty acids decreased during dehydration and increased during rehydration, whereas the reverse trend was observed for long-chained fatty acids. X. humilis has a unique lipid composition, this report being one of the few to demonstrate the presence of odd-numbered fatty acids in plant phosphoglycerolipids. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. DOI: 10.1111/pce.13063 PMID: 28865108 361. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Mar 1;314(3):E241-E250. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00209.2017. Epub 2017 Aug 29. Short-term changes in diet composition do not affect in vivo hepatic protein synthesis in rats. Estrada AL(1), Hudson WM(1), Kim PY(2), Stewart CM(1), Peelor FF(3), Wei Y(1), Wang D(1), Hamilton KL(3), Miller BF(3), Pagliassotti MJ(1). Author information: (1)Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University , Fort Collins, Colorado. (2)Department of Biology, Grambling State University, Grambling, Louisiana. (3)Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University , Fort Collins, Colorado. Protein synthesis is critical to protein homeostasis (proteostasis), and modifications in protein synthesis influence lifespan and the development of comorbidities associated with obesity. In the present study, we examined the acute response of liver protein synthesis to either high-fat or high-sucrose diets in order to elucidate nutrient-mediated regulation of hepatic protein synthesis in the absence of body fat accumulation. Total and endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein syntheses were assessed by use of the stable isotope, deuterium oxide (2H2O), in rats provided a control diet or diets enriched in polyunsaturated fat, saturated fat, or sucrose for 2, 4, or 7 days. The three experimental diets increased hepatic triglycerides 46-91% on day 7 and fasting insulin levels 83-117% on day 7, but did not result in differences in body weight when compared with control ( n = 6/diet/time). The fraction of newly synthesized proteins in total liver lysates and microsomes was not significantly different among dietary groups ( n = 3/diet/time). To determine whether the experimental diets provoked a transcriptional response to enhance the capacity for protein synthesis, we also measured a panel of genes linked to amino acid transport, synthesis, and processing. There were no significant differences in any of the genes measured among groups. Therefore, dietary treatments that have been linked to impaired proteostasis and that promote hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance, did not result in significant changes in total or ER-associated protein synthesis in the liver over a 7-day period. DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00209.2017 PMID: 28851736 362. Mitochondrion. 2018 Mar;39:20-25. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2017.08.008. Epub 2017 Aug 24. Microbe-mitochondrion crosstalk and health: An emerging paradigm. Bajpai P(1), Darra A(1), Agrawal A(2). Author information: (1)CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, India. (2)CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, India. Electronic address: a.agrawal@igib.in. Human mitochondria are descendants of microbes and altered mitochondrial function has been implicated in processes ranging from ageing to diabetes. Recent work has highlighted the importance of gut microbial communities in human health and disease. While the spotlight has been on the influence of such communities on the human immune system and the extraction of calories from otherwise indigestible food, an important but less investigated link between the microbes and mitochondria remains unexplored. Microbial metabolites including short chain fatty acids as well as other molecules such as pyrroloquinoline quinone, fermentation gases, and modified fatty acids influence mitochondrial function. This review focuses on the known direct and indirect effects of microbes upon mitochondria and speculates regarding additional links for which there is circumstantial evidence. Overall, while there is compelling evidence that a microbiota-mitochondria link exists, explicit and holistic mechanistic studies are warranted to advance this nascent field. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. and Mitochondria Research Society. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2017.08.008 PMID: 28838618 363. J Sci Food Agric. 2018 Mar;98(4):1584-1590. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.8631. Epub 2017 Sep 21. Plant growth-promoting bacteria elevate the nutritional and functional properties of black cumin and flaxseed fixed oil. Dimitrijević S(1), Pavlović M(2), Maksimović S(2), Ristić M(1), Filipović V(1), Antonović D(2), Dimitrijević-Branković S(2). Author information: (1)Institute of Medicinal Plants Research 'Dr Josif Pančić', Tadeuša Košćuška 1, Belgrade, Serbia. (2)University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Karnegijeva 4, Belgrade, Serbia. BACKGROUND: In order to study the influence of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) belonging to Streptomyces sp., Paenibacillus sp., and Hymenobacter sp. on fixed oil content of flaxseed and black cumin, 2-year field experiments were conducted. PGPB was applied during seedtime of plants. The extraction of oil from seeds was performed using supercritical CO2 . RESULTS: The addition of PGPB significantly increases the content of C18:1 (from 16.06 ± 0.03% to 16.97 ± 0.03%) and C18:3 (from 42.97 ± 0.2% to 45.42 ± 0.5%) in flaxseed oil and C18:2 (from 52.68 ± 0.50% to 57.11 ± 0.40%) and C20:2 (from 4.34 ± 0.02% to 4.54 ± 0.03%) in black cumin seed oil. The contents of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, as well as antioxidant activity measured by ferric-reducing ability of plasma assay, were found to be greater in the oil from the seeds of plants treated with the PGPB, compared with the respective non-treated samples. CONCLUSION: The use of PGPB enhances plant nutritive properties; these represent a great source for obtaining valuable functional food ingredients. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8631 PMID: 28833158 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 364. Waste Manag. 2018 Mar;73:447-463. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.08.010. Epub 2017 Aug 18. Thermochemical conversion of animal by-products and rendering products. Leon M(1), Garcia AN(2), Marcilla A(2), Martinez-Castellanos I(2), Navarro R(2), Catala L(2). Author information: (1)Ap. Correus 99, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Alicante, E-03080 Alicante, Spain. Electronic address: milagros.leon@ua.es. (2)Ap. Correus 99, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Alicante, E-03080 Alicante, Spain. This paper presents a preliminary study of the characterization of real waste from slaughterhouses as well as their rendering products (protein and fat) through different pyrolytic techniques: thermogravimetric analysis (TG), analytical pyrolysis in a pyroprobe equipment and hydrothermal liquefaction process (HTL). The experiments have allowed a deeper knowledge about the thermal behavior of these wastes under different conditions: slow pyrolysis up to 800°C (TG), flash pyrolysis at 500°C and room pressure (pyroprobe) and slow pyrolysis at 290°C and 110-130bar (HTL batch reactor). Experiments with each one of the materials (real waste, PAP and fat) as well as some mixtures have been performed. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques were used to identify the pyrolytic products obtained. The results indicate that fatty acids and fatty esters are the major group obtained in the pyrolysis of fat samples, followed by aliphatic hydrocarbons. In the case of PAP pyrolysis, heterocyclic aromatic compounds, which includes typical products coming from protein degradation, is the major group obtained. Oxygenated aliphatics are also obtained in high amounts. In the case of the HTL experiments, significant glycerine amounts were detected in the aqueous phase. The yield of biocrude obtained under HTL conditions is about 30%, with a high proportion of nitrogenated compounds (amides, pyrrole and pyridine derivatives). Generation of amides is much higher under HTL conditions than in the analytical pyrolysis runs while the proportion of acids is reduced. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.08.010 PMID: 28826808 365. Animal. 2018 Mar;12(3):501-507. doi: 10.1017/S1751731117002014. Epub 2017 Aug 15. Linseed plus nitrate in the diet for fattening bulls: effects on methane emission, animal health and residues in offal. Doreau M(1), Arbre M(1), Popova M(1), Rochette Y(1), Martin C(1). Author information: (1)UMR1213 Herbivores, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique,Université Clermont Auvergne,F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle,France. The combination of linseed and nitrate is known to decrease enteric methane emission in dairy cows but few studies have been carried out in fattening cattle for animal liveweight gain, enteric methane emission, animal health and presence of residues in beef products. To address this gap, 16 young bulls received a control (C) diet between weaning at 9 months and 14 months, then were split into two groups of eight balanced on feed intake, BW gain and methane emission to receive either the C diet or a diet moderately supplemented with extruded linseed and calcium nitrate (LN) for 2 months before being slaughtered. On a dry matter (DM) basis, the C diet contained 70% baled grass silage and 30% concentrate mainly made of maize, wheat and rapeseed meal. In the LN diet, rapeseed meal and a fraction of cereals were replaced by 35% extruded linseed and 6% calcium nitrate; linseed fatty acids and nitrate supply in the LN diet were 1.9% and 1.0%, respectively. Methane emission was measured continuously using the GreenFeed system. Methaemoglobin was determined every week in peripheral blood from bulls receiving the LN diet. Nitrate and nitrite concentrations were determined in rumen, liver and tongue sampled at slaughter. Dry matter intake tended to be lower for LN diet (P=0.10). Body weight gain was lower for LN diet (P=0.01; 1.60 and 1.26 kg/day for C and LN diet, respectively). Daily methane emission was 9% lower (P<0.001) for LN than C diet (249 and 271 g/day, respectively) but methane yield did not differ between diets (24.1 and 23.2 g/kg DM intake for C and LN diet, respectively, P=0.34). Methaemoglobin was under the limit of detection (<2% of total haemoglobin) for most animals and was always lower than 5.6%, suggesting an absence of risk to animal health. Nitrite and nitrate concentrations in offal did not differ between C and LN diets. In conclusion, a moderate supply of linseed and nitrate in bull feed failed to decrease enteric methane yield and impaired bull liveweight gain but without adverse effects for animal health and food safety. DOI: 10.1017/S1751731117002014 PMID: 28807084 366. J Eukaryot Microbiol. 2018 Mar;65(2):191-199. doi: 10.1111/jeu.12454. Epub 2017 Aug 28. Apoptosis of Acanthamoeba castellanii Trophozoites Induced by Oleic Acid. Wu D(1), Qiao K(1), Feng M(1), Fu Y(1), Cai J(1), Deng Y(1), Tachibana H(2), Cheng X(1). Author information: (1)Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China. (2)Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan. Acanthamoeba spp. can be parasitic in certain situations and are responsible for serious human infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and cutaneous acanthamoebiasis. We analyzed the fatty acid composition of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and tested the inhibitory activity of the main fatty acids, oleic acid and arachidonic acid, in vitro. Oleic acid markedly inhibited the growth of A. castellanii, with trophozoite viability of 57.4% at a concentration of 200 μM. Caspase-3 staining and annexin V assays showed that apoptotic death occurred in A. castellanii trophozoites. Quantitative PCR and dot blot analysis showed increased levels of metacaspase and interleukin-1β converting enzyme, which is also an indication of apoptosis. In contrast, arachidonic acid showed negligible inhibition of growth of A. castellanii trophozoites. Stimulated expression of Atg3, Atg8 and LC3A/B genes and monodansylcadaverine labeling suggested that oleic acid induces apoptosis by triggering autophagy of trophozoites. © 2017 The Author(s) Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology © 2017 International Society of Protistologists. DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12454 PMID: 28787535 367. Endocrine. 2018 Mar;59(3):602-613. doi: 10.1007/s12020-017-1378-2. Epub 2017 Aug 7. The phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor tadalafil regulates lipidic homeostasis in human skeletal muscle cell metabolism. Marampon F(1), Antinozzi C(1), Corinaldesi C(1)(2), Vannelli GB(3), Sarchielli E(3), Migliaccio S(1), Di Luigi L(1), Lenzi A(4), Crescioli C(5). Author information: (1)Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università di Roma "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy. (2)Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. (3)Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. (4)Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy. (5)Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università di Roma "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy. clara.crescioli@uniroma4.it. PURPOSE: Tadalafil seems to ameliorate insulin resistance and glucose homeostasis in humans. We have previously reported that tadalafil targets human skeletal muscle cells with an insulin (I)-like effect. We aim to evaluate in human fetal skeletal muscle cells after tadalafil or I: (i) expression profile of I-regulated genes dedicated to cellular energy control, glycolitic activity or microtubule formation/vesicle transport, as GLUT4, PPARγ, HK2, IRS-1, KIF1C, and KIFAP3; (ii) GLUT4, Flotillin-1, and Caveolin-1 localization, all proteins involved in energy-dependent cell trafficking; (iii) activation of I-targeted paths, as IRS-1, PKB/AKT, mTOR, P70/S6K. Free fatty acids intracellular level was measured. Sildenafil or a cGMP synthetic analog were used for comparison; PDE5 and PDE11 gene expression was evaluated in human fetal skeletal muscle cells. METHODS: RTq-PCR, PCR, western blot, free fatty acid assay commercial kit, and lipid stain non-fluorescent assay were used. RESULTS: Tadalafil upregulated I-targeted investigated genes with the same temporal pattern as I (GLUT4, PPARγ, and IRS-1 at 3 h; HK2, KIF1C, KIFAP3 at 12 h), re-localized GLUT4 in cell sites positively immune-decorated for Caveolin-1 and Flotillin-1, suggesting the involvement of lipid rafts, induced specific residue phosphorylation of IRS-1/AKT/mTOR complex in association with free fatty acid de novo synthesis. Sildenafil or GMP analog did not affect GLUT4 trafficking or free fatty acid levels. CONCLUSION: In human fetal skeletal muscle cells tadalafil likely favors energy storage by modulating lipid homeostasis via IRS-1-mediated mechanisms, involving activation of I-targeted genes and intracellular cascade related to metabolic control. Those data provide some biomolecular evidences explaining, in part, tadalafil-induced favorable control of human metabolism shown by clinical studies. DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1378-2 PMID: 28786077 368. J Cell Physiol. 2018 Mar;233(3):2602-2612. doi: 10.1002/jcp.26138. Epub 2017 Aug 30. Lipid composition of membrane microdomains isolated detergent-free from PUFA supplemented RAW264.7 macrophages. Hellwing C(1), Tigistu-Sahle F(2), Fuhrmann H(3), Käkelä R(2), Schumann J(1). Author information: (1)Clinic for Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany. (2)Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Biosciences, Helsinki University Lipidomics Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. (3)Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. Profound alterations in the lipid profile of raft and non-raft plasma membrane microdomains were found when RAW264.7 macrophages were supplemented with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in physiologically relevant concentrations. For the first time lipids in the detergent-free isolated membrane domains of phagocytic immune cells were characterized by mass spectrometry. The extent of remodeling of the membrane lipids differed with different n3 and n6 PUFA supplements. The mildest effects were detected for α-linolenic acid (LNA) and linoleic acid (LA), the C18 precursors of the n3 and n6 families, respectively. When the effects of highly unsaturated PUFAs were compared, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) caused more extensive restructuring of membrane lipids than docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or arachidonic acid (AA). The supplements altered the lipid species composition of both the raft and non-raft membrane fractions. The rafts containing elevated proportions of highly unsaturated lipid species may relocate sterically incompatible lipids and proteins originally belonging to this microdomain. Such effect was evident for sphingomyelin, which favored non-rafts instead of rafts after EPA supplementation. The current work suggests that the different functional consequences found previously when supplementing macrophages with either EPA or DHA have their origin in the different effects of these PUFAs on membrane architecture. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26138 PMID: 28782808 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 369. J Sci Food Agric. 2018 Mar;98(4):1407-1415. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.8608. Epub 2017 Oct 16. Extraction of unsaturated fatty acid-rich oil from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) roe and production of defatted roe hydrolysates with functional, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Ghelichi S(1), Shabanpour B(1), Pourashouri P(1), Hajfathalian M(2), Jacobsen C(2). Author information: (1)Department of Seafood Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran. (2)Division of Food Technology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark. BACKGROUND: Common carp roe is a rich protein and oil source, which is usually discarded with no specific use. The aims of this study were to extract oil from the discarded roe and examine functional, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of defatted roe hydrolysates (CDRHs) at various degrees of hydrolysis (DH). RESULTS: Gas chromatography of fatty acid methyl esters revealed that common carp roe oil contained high levels of unsaturated fatty acids. The results of high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry indicated that enzymatic hydrolysis of defatted roe yielded higher content of essential amino acids. CDRHs displayed higher solubility than untreated defatted roe, which increased with DH. Better emulsifying and foaming properties were observed at lower DH and non-isoelectric points. Furthermore, water and oil binding capacity decreased with DH. CDRHs exhibited antioxidant activity both in vitro and in 5% roe oil-in-water emulsions and inhibited the growth of certain bacterial strains. CONCLUSION: Common carp roe could be a promising source of unsaturated fatty acids and functional bioactive agents. Unsaturated fatty acid-rich oil extracted from common carp roe can be delivered into food systems by roe oil-in-water emulsions fortified by functional, antioxidant, and antibacterial hydrolysates from the defatted roe. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8608 PMID: 28771748 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 370. J Cell Physiol. 2018 Mar;233(3):2426-2433. doi: 10.1002/jcp.26115. Epub 2017 Aug 30. EPA blocks TNF-α-induced inhibition of sugar uptake in Caco-2 cells via GPR120 and AMPK. Castilla-Madrigal R(1)(2), Barrenetxe J(1), Moreno-Aliaga MJ(1)(2)(3)(4), Lostao MP(1)(2)(3). Author information: (1)Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. (2)University of Navarra, Nutrition Research Centre, Pamplona, Spain. (3)IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain. (4)CIBERobn, Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain. The aim of the present work was to investigate in Caco-2 cells whether eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, could block the inhibitory effect of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on sugar transport, and identify the intracellular signaling pathways involved. After pre-incubation of the Caco-2 cells with TNF-α and EPA for 1 hr, EPA prevented the inhibitory effect of the cytokine on α-methyl-d-glucose (αMG) uptake (15 min) and on SGLT1 expression at the brush border membrane, measured by Western blot. The ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 and the AMPK activator AICAR also prevented the inhibitory effect of TNF-α on both αMG uptake and SGLT1 expression. Interestingly, the AMPK inhibitor, Compound C, abolished the ability of EPA to prevent TNF-α-induced reduction of sugar uptake and transporter expression. The GPR120 antagonist, AH7614, also blocked the preventive effect of EPA on TNF-α-induced decrease of αMG uptake and AMPK phosphorylation. In summary, TNF-α inhibits αMG uptake by decreasing SGLT1 expression in the brush border membrane through the activation of ERK1/2 pathway. EPA prevents the inhibitory effect of TNF-α through the involvement of GPR120 and AMPK activation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26115 PMID: 28771713 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 371. Animal. 2018 Mar;12(3):657-666. doi: 10.1017/S1751731117001902. Epub 2017 Aug 3. Growth performance, carcass trait, meat quality and oxidative stability of beef cattle offered alternative silages in a finishing ration. He L(1), Yang J(2), Chen W(1), Zhou Z(1), Wu H(1), Meng Q(1). Author information: (1)1State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition,College of Animal Science and Technology,China Agricultural University,Beijing 100094,China. (2)4National Animal Husbandry Station,Beijing 100125,China. As lack of forage resource, alternative roughage sources have been developed for ruminant production and their inclusion would exert a great effect on the dietary nutrition, consequently affecting animal performance. Four silages (corn silage (CS), corn stalk silage (SS), inoculated CS and inoculated SS) were separately offered to 60 Bohai Black cattle (15 cattle/group) during a 24-week finishing period, in which the growth performance, carcass trait, beef quality and oxidative stability of steers were determined. Neither silage material nor silage inoculant exerted a significant effect on the growth performance, carcass trait and oxidative stability of beef cattle (P>0.05). As to beef quality, cattle offered CS had higher (P0.05) on the proximate components and fatty acids profile of beef muscle. There was neither an interaction (P>0.05) between inoculated treatment and silage material. There were no differences (P>0.05) in cholesterol content and meat quality traits in animals fed alternative silages. The collective findings suggest that it is not economical to substitute high-quality forage for relative low-quality forage in a high-concentrate finishing ration of beef cattle and silage inoculant inclusion would not exert a direct effect on animal performance. DOI: 10.1017/S1751731117001902 PMID: 28770693 372. Cell Stress Chaperones. 2018 Mar;23(2):213-222. doi: 10.1007/s12192-017-0834-5. Epub 2017 Aug 2. Sardine oil loaded vanillic acid grafted chitosan microparticles, a new functional food ingredient: attenuates myocardial oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiomyoblast cell lines (H9c2). Vishnu KV(1), Ajeesh Kumar KK(1), Chatterjee NS(2), Lekshmi RGK(1), Sreerekha PR(1), Mathew S(1), Ravishankar CN(1). Author information: (1)ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Matsyapuri P.O, Kerala, 682029, India. (2)ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Matsyapuri P.O, Kerala, 682029, India. niladri_icar@hotmail.com. Fish oil has been widely recognized as an excellent dietary source of polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. However, it can undergo oxidation easily resulting in the formation of toxic off flavor compounds such as hydroperoxides. These compounds adversely affect the nutritional quality and may induce several stress reactions in body. To solve this problem, a new antioxidant bio-material, vanillic acid-grafted chitosan (Va-g-Ch), was synthesized and used as a wall material for microencapsulation of fish oil. The sardine oil loaded Va-g-Ch microparticles could be a potential functional food ingredient considering the numerous health benefits of fish oil, chitosan, and vanillic acid. The current study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of sardine oil-loaded Va-g-Ch microparticles against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms. In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation was conducted using H9c2 cardiomyocytes. MTT assay revealed that effective cytoprotective effect was induced by a sample concentration of 12.5 μg/mL. Results of apoptosis by double fluorescent staining with acridine orange/ethidium bromide and caspase-3 evaluation by ELISA substantiated the above findings. Further, flow cytometric determination of membrane potential, relative expression of NF-κB by PCR, and ROS determination using DCFH-DA also confirmed the protective effect of encapsulated sardine oil against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. NF-κB expression was down-regulated nearly by 50% on cells treated with encapsulated sardine oil. Altogether, the results revealed that sardine oil-loaded Va-g-Ch microparticles demonstrated potential cell protection against doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress. DOI: 10.1007/s12192-017-0834-5 PMCID: PMC5823802 [Available on 2018-09-01] PMID: 28766116 373. J Comp Physiol B. 2018 Mar;188(2):211-224. doi: 10.1007/s00360-017-1120-7. Epub 2017 Jul 31. Embryonic and post-embryonic development inside wolf spiders' egg sac with special emphasis on the vitellus. Trabalon M(1), Ruhland F(2), Laino A(3), Cunningham M(3), Garcia F(3). Author information: (1)Université de Rennes 1, UMR-6552 CNRS EthoS, Campus de Beaulieu, 263 avenue du Général Leclerc, CS 74205, 35042, Rennes Cédex, France. marie.trabalon@univ-rennes1.fr. (2)Université de Rennes 1, UMR-6552 CNRS EthoS, Campus de Beaulieu, 263 avenue du Général Leclerc, CS 74205, 35042, Rennes Cédex, France. (3)Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de la Plata "Prof. Dr. Rodolfo R. Brenner" (INIBIOLP), CCT-La Plata CONICET-UNLP, La Plata, Argentina. The development of Pardosa saltans wolf spiders inside an egg sac includes two periods: an embryonic period and a post-embryonic period after hatching. We investigated spiderlings' energy expenditure to assess energetic costs during the different embryonic and post-embryonic developmental stages during which they are confined within their egg sac. We focused on the following developmental stages: egg, embryonic stages 1 and 2, and two stages, separated by a moult, during post-embryogenesis inside the egg sac: "juvenile instars 1 and 2" until emergence of 2 instar juveniles from their egg sac. We present the first biochemical characterization of the vitellus of wolf spiders' eggs, embryos and juveniles. Lipovitellins (LV) are composed of four apolipoproteins of 116, 87, 70 and 42 kDa, respectively, and LV represent 35-45% of total protein during development. The principal LV lipids are triglycerides, phospholipids, free fatty acids and sterols. Egg caloric content averaged 127 cal/g (proteins: 91 cal/g, lipids: 33 cal/g, carbohydrates: 3 cal/g). During development from undivided egg to emerged "juvenile 2", 67% of proteins, 51% of carbohydrates and 49% of triglycerides stocks were depleted. At the end of the post-embryonic period, at emergence from egg sac, body energy stock of "juveniles 2" was 38% of the initial calorie stocks in the eggs. DOI: 10.1007/s00360-017-1120-7 PMID: 28761984 374. J Sci Food Agric. 2018 Mar;98(4):1332-1338. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.8597. Epub 2017 Sep 15. In vitro methane and gas production with inocula from cows and goats fed an identical diet. Mengistu G(1)(2), Hendriks WH(1)(3), Pellikaan WF(1). Author information: (1)Wageningen University & Research, Department of Animal Sciences, Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen, the Netherlands. (2)Department of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia. (3)Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands. BACKGROUND: Fermentative capacity among ruminants can differ depending on the type of ruminant species and the substrate fermented. The aim was to compare in vitro cow and goat rumen inocula in terms of methane (CH4 ) and gas production (GP), fermentation kinetics and 72 h volatile fatty acids (VFA) production using the browse species Acacia etbaica, Capparis tomentosa, Dichrostachys cinerea, Rhus natalensis, freeze-dried maize silage and grass silage, and a concentrate as substrates. RESULTS: Total GP, CH4 and VFA were higher (P ≤ 0.008) in goat inoculum than cows across substrates. The half-time for asymptotic GP was lower (P < 0.0001) in phase 1 and higher (P < 0.012) in phase 2, and the maximum rate of GP was higher (P < 0.0001) in phase 1 and phase 3 (P < 0.0001) in goats compared to cows. Methane production and as a percentage of total GP was higher (P < 0.0001) and the half-time tended (P = 0.059) to be at a later time for goats compared to cows. CONCLUSION: Goat inoculum showed higher fermentative activity with a concomitant higher CH4 production compared to cows. This difference highlights the ability of goats to better utilise browse species and other roughage types. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8597 PMID: 28758214 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 375. J Sci Food Agric. 2018 Mar;98(4):1381-1387. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.8604. Epub 2017 Sep 13. A comparison of the proximate, fibre, mineral content, amino acid and the fatty acid profile of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea caffra) nut and soyabean (Glycine max) meals. Malebana IM(1)(2), Nkosi BD(2), Erlwanger KH(1), Chivandi E(1). Author information: (1)University of the Witwatersrand, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Parktown, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa. (2)Division of Animal Nutrition, Agricultural Research Council, Animal Production Institute, Irene, Republic of South Africa. BACKGROUND: As a result of shortages and the cost of the currently utilized conventional dietary protein sources in the Sub-Saharan Africa feed industry, the chemical evaluation of available non-conventional sources for feed is imperative. One such source is Marula nut meal (a by-product of Marula oil extraction). The present study chemically characterized the nutritional composition of two differently processed Marula nut meals (MNMs) and compared them with that of solvent extracted soyabean meal (SBM). RESULTS: The MNMs had higher dry matter, ether extract and gross energy but lower crude protein and ash contents compared to SBM. The cold press produced Marula nut meal (MNM2) had higher arginine than the hydraulic filter press produced Marula nut meal (MNM1) and SBM. The meals had similar neutral and acid detergent fibre contents. The MNMs had higher phosphorus, magnesium and copper concentrations than SBM. Although the total saturated fatty acid proportion was similar across the meals, total monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid proportions were higher in MNMs and SBM, respectively. Oleic acid was higher in MNMs than in SBM. CONCLUSION: The low crude protein content in MNMs compared to SBM is comparable with other conventional dietary protein sources. Thus, the MNMs could be used as protein and energy feed ingredients. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8604 PMID: 28758208 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 376. Life Sci. 2018 Mar 1;196:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.07.023. Epub 2017 Jul 24. Ghrelin ameliorates acute lung injury induced by oleic acid via inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Tian X(1), Liu Z(2), Yu T(3), Yang H(1), Feng L(1). Author information: (1)Department of Respiration, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng 252000, China. (2)Department of Respiration, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng 252000, China. Electronic address: dr_liuzj@sina.com. (3)Department of Ultrasound, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng 252000, China. AIMS: Acute lung injury (ALI) is associated with excessive mortality and lacks appropriate therapy. Ghrelin is a novel peptide that protects the lung against ALI. This study aimed to investigate whether endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) mediates the protective effect of ghrelin on ALI. MAIN METHODS: We used a rat oleic acid (OA)-induced ALI model. Pulmonary impairment was detected by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, lung mechanics, wet/dry weight ratio, and arterial blood gas analysis. Plasma and lung content of ghrelin was examined by ELISA, and mRNA expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Protein levels were detected by western blot. KEY FINDINGS: Rats with OA treatment showed significant pulmonary injury, edema, inflammatory cellular infiltration, cytokine release, hypoxia and CO2 retention as compared with controls. Plasma and pulmonary content of ghrelin was reduced in rats with ALI, and mRNA expression was downregulated. Ghrelin (10nmol/kg) treatment ameliorated the above symptoms, but treatment with the ghrelin antagonists D-Lys3 GHRP-6 (1μmol/kg) and JMV 2959 (6mg/kg) exacerbated the symptoms. ERS induced by OA was prevented by ghrelin and augmented by ghrelin antagonist treatment. The ERS inducer, tunicamycin (Tm) prevented the ameliorative effect of ghrelin on ALI. The decreased ratio of p-Akt and Akt induced by OA was improved by ghrelin treatment, and was further exacerbated by ghrelin antagonists. SIGNIFICANCE: Ghrelin protects against ALI by inhibiting ERS. These results provide a new target for prevention and therapy of ALI. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.07.023 PMID: 28751159 [Indexed for MEDLINE] 377. Animal. 2018 Mar;12(3):640-647. doi: 10.1017/S1751731117001860. Epub 2017 Jul 24. Black soldier fly as dietary protein source for broiler quails: meat proximate composition, fatty acid and amino acid profile, oxidative status and sensory traits. Cullere M(1), Tasoniero G(1), Giaccone V(1), Acuti G(2), Marangon A(3), Dalle Zotte A(1). Author information: (1)1Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health,University of Padova,Agripolis,Viale dell'Università 16,35020 Legnaro,Padova,Italy. (2)2Department of Veterinary Medicine,University of Perugia,Via San Costanzo 4,06126 Perugia,Italy. (3)3Laboratorio Analisi Sensoriale,Veneto Agricoltura - Istituto per la Qualità e le Tecnologie Agroalimentari,Via S. Gaetano 74,36016 Thiene,Vicenza,Italy. In the perspective of improving the sustainability of meat production, insects have been rapidly emerging as innovative feed ingredient for some livestock species, including poultry. However, at present, there is still limited knowledge regarding the quality and sensory traits of the derived meat. Therefore, the present study tested the effect of a partial substitution of soya bean meal and oil with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (H) in the diet for growing broiler quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) on meat proximate composition, cholesterol, amino acid and mineral contents, fatty acid profile, oxidative status and sensory characteristics. To this purpose, three dietary treatments were designed: a control diet (C) and two diets (H1 and H2) corresponding to 10% and 15% H inclusion levels, respectively, were fed to growing quails from 10 to 28 days of age. At 28 days of age, quails were slaughtered and breast meat was used for meat quality evaluations. Meat proximate composition, cholesterol content and oxidative status remained unaffected by H supplementation as well as its sensory characteristics and off-flavours perception. Differently, with increasing the dietary H inclusion, the total saturated fatty acid and total monounsaturated fatty acid proportions raised to the detriment of the polyunsaturated fatty acid fraction thus lowering the healthiness of the breast meat. The H2 diet increased the contents of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, serine, tyrosine and threonine thus further enhancing the biological value of the meat protein. As a direct result o