Supervised machine learning models and protein-protein interaction network analysis of gene expression profiles induced by omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Background: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids, have beneficial effects on human health, but their effect on gene expression in elderly individuals (age ≥ 65) is largely unknown. In order to examine this, the gene expression profiles were analyzed in the healthy subjects (n = 96) at baseline and after 26 weeks of supplementation with EPA+DHA to determine up-regulated and down-regulated dif-ferentially expressed genes (DEGs) triggered by PUFAs. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed by mapping these DEGs to a human interactome and linking them to the specific pathways. Objective: This study aimed to implement supervised machine learning models and protein-protein interaction network analysis of gene expression profiles induced by PUFAs. Methods: The transcriptional profile of GSE12375 was obtained from the Gene Expression Om-nibus database, which is based on the Affymetrix NuGO array. The probe cell intensity data were converted into the gene expression values, and the background correction was performed by the multi-array average algorithm. The LIMMA (Linear Models for Microarray Data) algo-rithm was implemented to identify relevant DEGs at baseline and after 26 weeks of supplemen-tation with a p-value < 0.05. The DAVID web server was used to identify and construct the en-riched KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways. Finally, the construction of machine learning (ML) models, including logistic regression, naïve Bayes, and deep neural networks, were implemented for the analyzed DEGs associated with the specific pathways. Results: The results revealed that up-regulated DEGs were associated with neurotrophin/MAPK signaling, whereas the down-regulated DEGs were linked to cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, and long-term depression pathways. Additionally, ML approaches were able to cluster the EPA/DHA-treated and control groups by the logistic regression performing the best. Conclusion: Overall, this study highlights the pivotal changes in DEGs induced by PUFAs and provides the rationale for the implementation of ML algorithms as predictive models for this type of biomedical data.

An Epidemiological Study of Kidney Calculi in Western Guangdong

Objective: To investigate the risk factors of kidney calculi in its high prevalence areas of western Guangdong, and provide the proper prevention measures. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among individuals in Maoming, western Guangdong. Univariate and Poisson regression analyses were applied to investigate the influence of the epidemiology, lifestyle, and environmental factors on renal calculi. Risk ratios with 95% confidence interval were used to estimate the association between the investigated factors and the prevalence of renal calculi. Results: 500 questionnaires were sent out and 481 valid questionnaires were recycled. Among 481 respondents, 84 had renal calculi with a prevalence rate of 17.46%. Univariate regression analysis showed statistically significant differences in the prevalence of renal calculi among different groups of sex, ages, family history of kidney calculi, diet and drinking habit. Poisson regression analysis showed that daily water intake and drinking boiled water were protective factors, while male, family history of kidney calculi, diet high in protein, sugar, vitamin C and calcium were risk factors. Additionally, high sugar diet was not statistically significantly associated with the occurrence of renal calculi. Conclusion: The occurrence of kidney calculi in western Guangdong is closely related to demographic characteristics of individuals, living and dietary habits of the resident populations.

Feedstock: A Solution to Energy and Environment Sustainability

Background: Scarcity of resources, the energy crisis, environmental pollution and climate change are the central challenges that people will have to face in the years to come. Nowadays, agricultural, food and industrial waste is generated in large quantities, which poses a serious problem in its management and disposal. Objective: Feedstocks play a vital role in solving energy and environmental problems. All renewable, biological substances that are used directly as fuel or converted into another form of energy or fuel products are referred to as feedstocks. Biomass is also a clean and renewable feedstock option; also be an excellent alternative to conventional fuels. Method: Renewable fuels are cleaner than traditional coal and petroleum, which reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Various methods could be used to achieve sustainable development methods that not only lead to better waste management. Nevertheless, they could also generate industrially important materials, chemicals, fuels and valuable end products from waste. Results: This review provides an overview of the global scenario for the feedstock. In addition, this paper examines the role of feedstocks in solving energy and environmental issues. Conclusion: This paper sheds light on the issue of environmental impact in order to achieve overall sustainability. Finally, the merits of the feedstock technology prospects were addressed.

Environmental Management System as sustainable tools in water environmental management: a review

Background: The Environmental Management System (EMS) is a unique way to develop an environmental policy with adequate planning, including implementation, operation, checking, and management review. Objective: The main stages of the EMS encompass environmental policy, planning, implementation, evaluation, and review. Method: A number of environmental standards (ISO 14000), which were drawn up by the international standardization organization, form an essential part of an EMS. This management system introduces environmental management into the day-to-day functions, long-term operations, and resource management frameworks of the organization. Results: This overview provides important information about the role of the EMS in water resource management and the scope of the EMS in the water system. This management system is used as an instrument to promote sustainable development in society. Conclusion: This paper sheds light on the topic of a sustainable water environment. In addition, some recognized successful EMS systems were reviewed and illustrated. We believe this review provides a guide to a fruitful water environment for successful urbanization planning.

Multi-objective Optimization of High-Speed Solenoid Valve for Biodiesel Electronic Unit Pump

Background: A larger response delay of a high-speed solenoid valve will cause inaccurate fuel injection timing and imprecise cycle injection quantity, resulting in diesel engine emission and increased fuel consumption. Objective: Biodiesel as an ideal alternative fuel has exceptional advantages in energy conservation, emission reduction, and low-carbon environmental protection; however, matching with Electronic Unit Pump (EUP) and its impacts on solenoid valve operation need to be further studied. Method: In the present work, a numerical model of EUP fueled with biodiesel was established in an AMESim environment, which was validated by the experiment. Then, combined with the Design of Experiments (DOE) method, key parameters influencing the solenoid valve response delay were predicted: armature residual air gap, spring preload, poppet valve half-angle, valve needle diameter, and poppet valve diameter. Finally, taking the response delay time of solenoid valve as targets, multi-objective optimization model for high-speed solenoid valve was established using NSGA-II (non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II) genetic algorithm in modeFRONTIER platform. Results: The optimized results showed that the delay time of the solenoid valve closing is reduced by 6%, the opening delay time is reduced by 20.8%, the injection pressure peak is increased by 1.8MPa, which is beneficial to accurate injection quantity and the application of biodiesel in diesel engines.

Activated Pancreatic Stellate Cells Promote Acinar Duct Metaplasia by Disrupting Mitochondrial Respiration and Releasing Reactive Oxygen Species

Background: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a long-term risk factor for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and both diseases share a common etiology. The activation of Pancreatic stellate cells (PaSCs) caused by inflammation of the chronic pancreas plays a pivotal role in the pathology of pancreatic fibrosis and the malignant phenotype of PDAC. However, the central role of activated PaSCs in acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) remains unknown. Objective: In the present study, we investigated the link between pancreatic fibrosis and ADM and the possible underlying mechanism. Methods: A caerulein-treated mouse CP model was established, and Masson trichrome histochemical stain and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to observe stromal fibrosis and cell ultrastructure, respectively. The expression of amylase and cytokeratin 19 (CK19), mitochondria respiration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected in vitro in the co-culture model of primary pancreatic acinar cells and PaSCs. Results: The activation of PaSCs and pancreatic fibrosis were accompanied by ADM in pancreatic parenchyma in caerulein-treated mice, which was verified by the co-cultivation experiment in vitro. Furthermore, we showed that activated PaSCs promote ADM by disrupting mitochondrial respiration and releasing ROS. The expression of inflammation-and ADM-related genes, including S100A8, S100A9, and CK19, was observed to be up-regulated in pancreatic acinar cells in the presence of activated PaSCs. The expression of S100A9 and CK19 proteins was also up-regulated in acinar cells co-cultured with activated PaSCs. Conclusion: The manipulation of mitochondrial respiration and ROS release is a promising preventive and/or therapeutic strategy for PDAC, and S100A9 is expected to be a therapeutic target to block the ADM process induced by the activation of PaSCs.

The assessment of triamcinolone acetonide cyclodextrin supramolecular inclusion complexa nasal spray

Background: Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is a kind of systemic inflammatory response caused by a variety of allergic sources, which is mediated by immunoglobulin IgE. The major clinical manifestations including nasal congestion, itchy, runny nose, sneezing and so on. It affects the patient's normal life seriously. Using the nasal spray is the main way to treat and relieve symptoms allergic rhinitis. Triamcinolone acetonide was the first choice for treatment of allergic rhinitis medicine[1], because it has a very good treatment effect and less adverse reactions, but the solubility is poor[2], so we prepared it into supramolecular inclusion to increase the solubility[3], then promote the absorption of triamcinolone in the nasal cavity, and improving the bioavailability of the drug. Objective: The aim of the study was to improve triamcinolone acetonide solubility, So we prepared it into supramolecular inclusion to promote the absorption of triamcinolone in the nasal cavity, and improving the bioavailability of the drug. Methods: The supramolecular inclusion solids of triamcinolone cyclodextrin were prepared by freeze-drying method[4], and the preparation conditions of triamcinolone acetonide- hydroxypropyl -β -cyclodextrin supramolecular inclusion was as follows: the feed ratio of host to guest was 12:1, the inclusion time was 2h, and the temperature was 50℃. Results: The supramolecular inclusion complex was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy to verify that the supramolecular inclusion complex had been formed[5]. The results of infrared spectrum showed that triamcinolone acetonide molecules had entered the cavity of the cyclodextrin to form the supramolecular inclusion complex with the cyclodextrin[6], and phase solubility experiment showed that HP-β-CD had solubilization effect on triamcinolone acetonide. The mean particle size measured values of triamcinolone-HP-β-CD supramolecular inclusion compound is 13.61±1.03nm, much less than triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray, and the triamcinolone-HP-β-CD supramolecular inclusion nasal spray is 1.09±0.01, whith is smaller than triamcinolone acetonidewhich, too. This means triamcinolone-HP-β-CD supramolecular inclusion nasal spray has more uniform contact with the nasal cavity, which is better for absorption greatly improved its bioavailability and provided a new therapeutic agent for patients with allergic rhinitis. Discussion: In this study, triamcinolone acetonid-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin supramolecular inclusion complex was successfully synthesized, and then triamcinolone acetonide cyclodextrin nasal spray was successfully developed. Data shows that the mean particle size measured values and the ellipticity of triamcinolone-HP-β-CD supramolecular inclusion nasal spray are much less than triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray, this means triamcinolone-HP-β-CD supramolecular inclusion nasal spray has more uniform contact with the nasal cavity, so, triamcinolone-HP-β-CD supramolecular inclusion nasal spray is better for absorption, can greatly improved its bioavailability, also, provided a new therapeutic agent for patients with allergic rhinitis. In addition, the experimental results of nasal spray on guinea pig AR model showed that triamcinolone-HP-β-CD supramolecular inclusion nasal spray nasal spray had a significant inhibitory effect on guinea pig allergic rhinitis, and the effect was most obvious in the medium-dose and high-dose groups.

Chemical Constituents of Functional Food Amomum villosum to Combat Human Diseases

Background: Amomum villosum is an important medicinal and edible plant owing to its valuable compositions of volatile and non-volatile compounds. Objective : In order to reveal the chemical constituents and medicinal values of A. villosum against various diseases. Methods : A critical and comprehensive data mining from 2004 to 2021 was performed based on CNKI, PubMed, and google. Results: 120 Compounds have been reported collectively in seeds, peels, and rhizomes of A. villosum, 10 compounds were common however the content of bornyl acetate was maximum in seeds and peels. Similarly, Amomi fructus of China and Vietnam showed 59 different types of volatile compounds while 13 were common, the round large black fruits (1.56% bornyl acetate and 4.05% volatile oil) and long small red fruits type (1.64% bornyl acetate and 3.04% volatile oil) from China showed good quality and high medicinal values. In addition, Amomi fructus manifested 30~40 kinds of nonvolatile compounds, i.e., phenolic, polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoid, vanillic acid, catechin, epicatechin, polydatin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, glycosides, inorganic and organic acids. Conclusion: A. villosum is widely used as anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal protection, anti-obesity, anticancer, antioxidant, analgesic, bacteriostasis, antidiabetic and anti-COVID-19 etc. So, it is manifested that the fruit, flowers, roots, stems, and leaves of A. villosum can be used as a medicine, especially fruit (Amomi fructus=Sharen) as the best functional food for the COVID-19 treatment and gastrointestinal protection as well as prevention of other diseases.

Metal nanoparticles: ligand free approach towards coupling reactions

: Catalysis is the multidisciplinary field involving many areas of chemistry, notably in organometallic chemistry and materials science. It has great applications in synthesis of many industrially applicable compounds such as fuels and fine chemicals. The activity and selectivity are a key issue in catalysis that generally allied to high surface area. The current research activities mainly deal with the homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis have certain drawbacks which restricts their application to great extent but have their own advantages. Hence, it has a predominant concern of current research to find out an alternate to overcome their drawbacks. Therefore, it is highly desirable to find a catalytic protocol that offers high selectivity and excellent product yield with quick and easy recovery. Along with their various applications as alternatives to conventional bulk materials nanomaterial have established its great role in different industrial and scientific applications. Nanocatalysis has emerged as new alternative to the conventional homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The nanomaterials are responsible to enhance surface area of the catalyst, which ultimately increases the catalyst reactants contacts. In addition, it acts as robust material and has high surface area like heterogeneous catalysts. Insolubility of such nanomaterial in reaction medium makes them easily separable, hence, catalyst can be easily separate from the product. Hence, it has been proven that nanocatalysts behave like homogeneous as well as heterogeneous catalysts which work as a bridge between the conventional catalytic systems. Considering these merits; researchers has paid their attention towards applications of nanocatalyst in several organic reactions. This review article focused on the catalytic applications of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) such as Pd, Ag, Au, Cu, Pt in ligand free coupling reactions. In addition, it covers applications of bimetallic and multimetallic nanoparticles in ligand free coupling reactions.