Associations of dietary vitamin A and C intake with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic respiratory diseases

García-García Carolina,Kim Minju,Baik Inkyung 한국영양학회 2023 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.17 No.5

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) are closely related and considered as allergic respirator y diseases (ARD), and their prevalence has recently increased. Data on the association of dietar y antioxidant vitamin intake with asthma and AR in adults are limited. The present study aimed to investigate the associations of vitamin A and C intake with asthma, AR, and all cases of both diseases in young adults who participated in a cross-sectional national sur vey, with the use of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level as an effect modifier. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study included 6,293 male and female adults aged 20–49 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Sur vey (KNHANES) conducted between 2016 and 2018. The questionnaire-based reports on asthma and AR diagnosis were used to determine outcome variables. Further, 24-h recall data on dietar y vitamin A and C, carotene, and retinol intake were acquired. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence inter val (CI). RESULTS: Dietar y vitamin C intake was inversely associated with asthma prevalence among participants with hs-CRP levels (≥ 1 mg/L); the OR of asthma prevalence was 0.27 (95% CI, 0.08–0.84) for participants with vitamin C consumption ≥ 75 mg/day compared with those consuming < 20 mg/day. Similar association analyses limiting to non-users of dietar y supplements were performed to rule out the potential effects of supplement intake on the outcomes; results showed a stronger association. However, the association between vitamin C and asthma was not significant in participants with hs-CRP levels < 1 mg/L; the OR of asthma was 1.44 (95% CI, 0.66–3.16) for participants with vitamin C consumption ≥ 75 mg/day compared with those consuming < 20 mg/day. Vitamin C intake was not associated with AR. Moreover, there was no association between vitamin A intake and neither asthma nor AR. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that higher vitamin C intake may play a potential role in reducing asthma prevalence. Nevertheless, further studies should be conducted to evaluate whether this association is causal.

Towards automatic EEG cyclic alternating pattern analysis: a systematic review analysis: a systematic review

Fábio Mendonça,Sheikh Shanawaz Mostafa,Fernando Morgado-Dias,Antonio G. Ravelo-García,Ivana Rosenzweig 대한의용생체공학회 2023 Biomedical Engineering Letters (BMEL) Vol.13 No.3

This study conducted a systematic review to determine the feasibility of automatic Cyclic Alternating Pattern (CAP)analysis. Specifically, this review followed the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) guidelines to address the formulated research question: is automatic CAP analysis viable for clinical application?From the identified 1,280 articles, the review included 35 studies that proposed various methods for examining CAP,including the classification of A phase, their subtypes, or the CAP cycles. Three main trends were observed over timeregarding A phase classification, starting with mathematical models or features classified with a tuned threshold, followedby using conventional machine learning models and, recently, deep learning models. Regarding the CAP cycle detection,it was observed that most studies employed a finite state machine to implement the CAP scoring rules, which depended onan initial A phase classifier, stressing the importance of developing suitable A phase detection models. The assessment ofA-phase subtypes has proven challenging due to various approaches used in the state-of-the-art for their detection, rangingfrom multiclass models to creating a model for each subtype. The review provided a positive answer to the main researchquestion, concluding that automatic CAP analysis can be reliably performed. The main recommended research agendainvolves validating the proposed methodologies on larger datasets, including more subjects with sleep-related disorders,and providing the source code for independent confirmation.

Effects of poly-gamma-glutamic acid and vitamin B6 supplements on sleep status: a randomized intervention study

García-García Carolina,백인경 한국영양학회 2021 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.15 No.3

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES: Data regarding the effects of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) on sleep status are limited. This study aimed to test whether γ-PGA and vitamin B6 (VitB6) supplements improve sleep duration and quality. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A factorial randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study included 47 adults (25 men and 22 women) who were free of chronic disease. Stratified randomized allocation considered age and gender for three interventions, group A (supplementation with γ-PGA 600 mg; n = 16), group B (supplementation with VitB6 100 mg; n = 14), and group C (dual supplementation of both γ-PGA 600 mg and VitB6 100 mg; n = 17). Participants underwent a 1-mon intervention period, followed by a 1-mon washout period, and then a second 1-mon intervention period. Differences (mean ± SD) in nighttime sleep status before and after supplementation were compared between the placebo and intervention groups using nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Significant changes in sleep duration (0.27 ± 0.98 h, P < 0.05) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score (−0.52 ± 1.58, P < 0.05) indicating improved sleep status were observed in the intervention compared with the placebo of group C while no significant changes were observed in groups A and B. No statistical significance was detected between the intervention and the placebo; however, there was a greater increase in the group C intervention (4.59 ± 38.5 ng/mL) in serum serotonin concentrations than the groups A and B interventions. No side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these findings, the dual supplementation of γ-PGA and VitB6 may be effective as functional food components to improve nighttime sleep status. Trial Registration: Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0005083

A note on semiextensions of stable circuits

Garcí,a Moreno, E. Enrique,Jensen, Tommy R. Elsevier 2009 Discrete mathematics Vol.309 No.15

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>A semiextension of a circuit C in a graph G provides a possible means of finding a cycle double cover of G with C as a prescribed circuit. Recently we conjectured [E.E. García Moreno, T.R. Jensen, On semiextensions and circuit double covers, J. Combin. Theory Ser. B 97 (2007) 474–482] that if G is cubic and 2-edge-connected, then a semiextension of C in G exists. If true, this would imply several long-standing conjectures.</P><P>If there is a circuit <SUP>C′</SUP> in G with <SUP>C′</SUP>≠C and V(C)⊆V(<SUP>C′</SUP>), then <SUP>C′</SUP> is called an extension of C, a special case of a semiextension. If there is no such circuit, then C is said to be stable in G. Hence the existence question for semiextensions is easy except for stable circuits. Not many examples of graphs with stable circuits have been published. In this note we show that the members of a particular class of stable circuits described by M. Kochol have semiextensions.</P>

New role of the antidepressant imipramine as a Fascin1 inhibitor in colorectal cancer cells

Begoña Alburquerque-González,Manuel Bernabé-García,Silvia Montoro-García,Ángel Bernabé-García,Priscila Campioni Rodrigues,Javier Ruiz Sanz,Fernando F. López-Calderón,Irene Luque,Francisco José Nicolas 생화학분자생물학회 2020 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.52 No.-

Serrated adenocarcinoma (SAC) is more invasive, has worse outcomes than conventional colorectal carcinoma (CRC), and is characterized by frequent resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and overexpression of fascin1, a key protein in actin bundling that plays a causative role in tumor invasion and is overexpressed in different cancer types with poor prognosis. In silico screening of 9591 compounds, including 2037 approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), was performed, and selected compounds were analyzed for their fascin1 binding affinity by differential scanning fluorescence. The results were compared with migrastatin as a typical fascin1 inhibitor. In silico screening and differential scanning fluorescence yielded the FDA-approved antidepressant imipramine as the most evident potential fascin1 blocker. Biophysical and different in vitro actin-bundling assays confirm this activity. Subsequent assays investigating lamellipodia formation and migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells in vitro using 3D human tissue demonstrated anti-fascin1 and anti-invasive activities of imipramine. Furthermore, expression profiling suggests the activity of imipramine on the actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, in vivo studies using a zebrafish invasion model showed that imipramine is tolerated, its anti-invasive and antimetastatic activities are dose-dependent, and it is associated with both constitutive and induced fascin1 expression. This is the first study that demonstrates an antitumoral role of imipramine as a fascin1 inhibitor and constitutes a foundation for a molecular targeted therapy for SAC and other fascin1-overexpressing tumors.

Dietary encapsulated Bifidobacterium animalis and Agave fructans improve growth performance, health parameters, and immune response in broiler chickens

Hernández-Granados María José,Ortiz-Basurto Rosa Isela,Jiménez-Fernández Maribel,García-Munguía Carlos Alberto,Franco-Robles Elena 아세아·태평양축산학회 2022 Animal Bioscience Vol.35 No.4

Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis, Agave fructans, and symbiotic of both encapsulated on growth performance, feed efficiency, blood parameters, and immune status in broiler chickens, and to compare these with diets including antibiotic growth promoters and without additives.Methods: A comparative experimental study was carried out with 135 male Ross 308 broiler chickens. Each trial was divided into 5 equal groups. Control group (CON) received a standard diet without growth promoter; GPA, a standard diet with colistin sulfate and zinc bacitracin (0.25 g/kg of feed); PRE, a standard diet with 1% Agave fructans; PRO, a standard diet with Bifidobacterium animalis (11.14±0.70 log CFU/g); SYM, a standard diet with B. animalis and Agave fructans.Results: A significant decrease in food consumption was found for the GPA, PRE, and SYM, compared to the CON group. The results show a better feed conversion index in PRE and GPA with respect to the CON group with the highest conversion index. Interestingly, the weight of the gastrointestinal tract shows a statistically significant difference between GPA and PRE groups. Moreover, the length of the gastrointestinal tract of the GPA group was less than the PRE group. In the total leukocyte count, there was a statistically significant increase in the GPA group compared to the CON, PRE, and PRO groups, and the heterophiles-lymphocytes index was lower in PRO. Regarding the cytokines, interleukin 10 (IL-10) decreased in PRO compared to CON and PRE, while IL-1β increased in the SYM group.Conclusion: Alternative treatments were shown to achieve similar productive results as growth-promoting antibiotics and showed improvement over diet without additives; however, they have immunomodulatory properties and improved the development of the gastrointestinal tract compared to the treatment of growth-promoting antibiotics. Objective: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis, Agave fructans, and symbiotic of both encapsulated on growth performance, feed efficiency, blood parameters, and immune status in broiler chickens, and to compare these with diets including antibiotic growth promoters and without additives. Methods: A comparative experimental study was carried out with 135 male Ross 308 broiler chickens. Each trial was divided into 5 equal groups. Control group (CON) received a standard diet without growth promoter; GPA, a standard diet with colistin sulfate and zinc bacitracin (0.25 g/kg of feed); PRE, a standard diet with 1% Agave fructans; PRO, a standard diet with Bifidobacterium animalis (11.14±0.70 log CFU/g); SYM, a standard diet with B. animalis and Agave fructans. Results: A significant decrease in food consumption was found for the GPA, PRE, and SYM, compared to the CON group. The results show a better feed conversion index in PRE and GPA with respect to the CON group with the highest conversion index. Interestingly, the weight of the gastrointestinal tract shows a statistically significant difference between GPA and PRE groups. Moreover, the length of the gastrointestinal tract of the GPA group was less than the PRE group. In the total leukocyte count, there was a statistically significant increase in the GPA group compared to the CON, PRE, and PRO groups, and the heterophiles-lymphocytes index was lower in PRO. Regarding the cytokines, interleukin 10 (IL-10) decreased in PRO compared to CON and PRE, while IL-1β increased in the SYM group. Conclusion: Alternative treatments were shown to achieve similar productive results as growth-promoting antibiotics and showed improvement over diet without additives; however, they have immunomodulatory properties and improved the development of the gastrointestinal tract compared to the treatment of growth-promoting antibiotics.

Internal maxillary artery (IMax) – middle cerebral artery bypass in a patient with bilateral atherosclerotic carotid occlusion: A technical case report

Javier Degollado-García,Martin R. Casas-Martínez,Bill Roy Ferrufino Mejia,Juan C. Balcázar-Padrón,Héctor A. Rodríguez-Rubio,Edgar Nathal 대한뇌혈관외과학회 2024 Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neuros Vol.26 No.1

Since the first description of the possible utilization of the internal maxillary artery for bypass surgery, there are some reports of its use in aneurysm cases; however, there is no information about the possible advantages of this type of bypass for cerebral ischemic disease.We present a 77-year-old man with a history of diabetes, hypertension, systemic atherosclerosis, and two acute myocardial infarctions with left hemiparesis. Imaging studies reported total occlusion of the right internal carotid artery and 75% occlusion on the left side, with an old opercular infarction and repeated transient ischemic attacks in the right middle cerebral artery territory despite medical treatment. After a consensus, we decided to perform a bypass from the internal maxillary artery to the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery using a radial artery graft. After performing the proximal anastomosis, the calculated graft’s free flow was 216 ml/min. Subsequently, after completing the bypass, the patency was confirmed with fluorescein videoangiography and intraoperative Doppler. Postoperatively, imaging studies showed improvement in the perfusion values and the hemiparesis from 3/5 to 4+/5. The patient was discharged one week after the operation, with a modified Rankin scale of 1, without added deficits.The use of revascularization techniques in steno-occlusive disease indicates a select group of patients that may benefit from this procedure. In addition, internal maxillary artery bypass has provided a safe option for large areas of ischemia that cannot be supplied with a superficial temporal artery - middle cerebral artery bypass.

Red alga <i>Grateloupia imbricata</i> (Halymeniaceae), a species introduced into the Canary Islands

Garcí,a-Jimé,nez, Pilar,Geraldino, Paul John L.,Boo, Sung Ming,Robaina, Rafael R. Blackwell Publishing Asia 2008 Phycological research Vol.56 No.3

<P>SUMMARY</P><P>Specimens of <I>Grateloupia</I> from Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands were used to molecularly ascertain which of the species has been used in physiological and bio-technological experiments. The <I>rbc</I>L sequence analysis revealed that four out of five analyzed specimens (i.e. those commonly collected for physiological research) formed a monophyletic clade with <I>G. imbricata</I> from Korea, Japan, and China, and were quite different from any other species of the genus. Another sample, which was associated with cage nets used for fish aquaculture, was grouped with <I>G. lanceolata</I> from Japan, though it appears too early as yet to identify it as such. This is, thus, proof of a new introduction of a marine macroalga, since <I>G. imbricata</I> is an Asian species, native to Japan and Korea, in the Canary Islands. The role of international shipping in the introduction of the species is discussed.</P>

Gemini lipopeptides as vaccine adjuvants: a new role for these versatile carriers

Lucía Daniela Grippo,Ivana Gabriela Reidel,María Inés García,Alexis Streu,Diana María Müller,Carolina Melania Veaute 대한백신학회 2020 Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research Vol.9 No.2

The design of subunit vaccines requires new adjuvant systems. We designed and synthesized new lipopeptides (cysteine-based) of low molecular weight with different hydrophobic chains that dimerize becoming gemini lipopeptides. They were characterized and their adjuvant capacity was tested in mice by the inoculation of a protein antigen formulated with the lipopeptides, with and without the addition of CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides. Formulations were able to induce an immune response and produced no adverse effects. An adjuvant ability is described for the first time for this type of molecules.

A Non-Uniform Predictor-Observer for a Networked Control System

Angel Cuenca,Pedro García,Pedro Albertos,Julián Salt 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2011 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.9 No.6

This paper presents a Non-Uniform Predictor-Observer (NUPO) based control approach in order to deal with two of the main problems related to Networked Control Systems (NCS) or Sensor Networks (SN): time-varying delays and packet loss. In addition, if these delays are longer than the sampling period, the packet disordering phenomenon can appear. Due to these issues, a (scarce) non-uniform, delayed measurement signal could be received by the controller. But including the NUPO proposal in the control system, the delay will be compensated by the prediction stage, and the non-available data will be reconstructed by the observer stage. So, a delay-free, uniformly sampled controller design can be adopted. To ensure stability, the predictor must satisfy a feasibility problem based on a time-varying delay-dependent condition expressed in terms of Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI). Some aspects like the relation between network delay and robustness/performance trade-off are empirically studied. A simulation example shows the benefits (robustness and control performance improvement) of the NU-PO approach by comparison to another similar proposal.