Vitamin A, C and E levels in patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: An Indian Cohort Study.

This study aimed to investigate the levels of vitamins A, C, and E in patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) compared to healthy controls and to explore the correlation between these vitamin levels and various other parameters, including bone mineral density (BMD), adiposity (fat storage), insulin resistance and subclinical inflammation. The study involved 50 participants diagnosed with NAFLD and 50 healthy controls. Blood samples were collected to measure vitamin A, C and E levels, along with other parameters like insulin, inflammatory markers, and liver function tests. Additionally, participants underwent DEXA scans to assess BMD and body composition. Vitamin levels: The study found no significant deficiencies in vitamin A or C levels in either group. However, vitamin E levels were significantly higher in the NAFLD group compared to controls, although only one case of vitamin E deficiency was observed in the NAFLD group. No significant correlations were found between vitamin levels and BMD, adiposity parameters, insulin resistance, or subclinical inflammation markers in either group. The study acknowledges the limited data available on the association between NAFLD, vitamin levels and BMD in the Asian Indian population. The findings regarding vitamin A and C levels are consistent with some previous studies, whereas the higher vitamin E levels in the NAFLD group contradict other research. This discrepancy might be due to factors like sample size, dietary habits, or vitamin fortification programs. The lack of significant correlations between vitamin levels and other parameters suggests that further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between these factors in NAFLD development and progression.

Sex and organ specific proteomic responses to vitamin C deficiency in the brain, heart, liver, and spleen of Gulo-/- mice.

Recent advances in mass spectrometry have indicated that the water-soluble antioxidant vitamin C differentially modulates the abundance of various proteins in the hepatic tissue of female and male mice. In this study, we performed LC-MS/MS to identify and quantify proteins that correlate with serum vitamin C concentrations in the whole brain, heart, liver, and spleen tissues in mice deficient for the enzyme L-Gulonolactone oxidase required for vitamin C synthesis in mammals. This work shows for the first time that various biological processes affected by a vitamin C deficiency are not only sex specific dependent but also tissue specific dependent even though many proteins have been identified and quantified in more than three organs. For example, the abundance of several complex III subunits of the mitochondrial electron transport chain correlated positively with the levels of serum vitamin C only in the liver and not in the other tissues examined in this study even though such proteins were identified in all the organs analyzed. Western blot analyses on the Uqcrc1 and Uqcrfs1 complex III subunits validated the mass spectrometry results. Interestingly, the ferritin subunits represented the few quantified protein complexes that correlated positively with serum vitamin C in all the organs examined. Concomitantly, serum ferritin light chain 1 was inversely correlated with vitamin C levels in the serum. Thus, our study provides an initial comprehensive atlas of proteins significantly correlating with vitamin C in four organs in mice that will be a useful resource to the scientific community.

Understanding the additional impact of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus on vitamin C requirements in people living with obesity.

Obesity and diabetes are known to negatively affect vitamin C status. However, whether the presence of diabetes, in addition to obesity, contributes an additional impact on vitamin C status is currently uncertain. In a cohort of 152 adults living with obesity, we assessed metabolic and nutrient parameters in participants without diabetes (n = 92), and with prediabetes (n = 22) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; n = 35). Vitamin C concentrations were measured in plasma and leukocytes using HPLC and vitamin C intakes were assessed using 24-hour dietary recall. Metabolic severity scores were derived using gender, ethnicity, height, weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, HDL, and triglyceride values. In people living with obesity, those with prediabetes and T2DM had increased metabolic dysregulation and decreased vitamin C status relative to those without diabetes (P < .05). Vitamin C deficiency was observed in a high proportion (23%-32%) of participants with prediabetes and T2DM and ≥50% had hypovitaminosis C. However, there was no difference in vitamin C intake between those without diabetes and those with prediabetes or T2DM (P > .05). There was a significant inverse correlation between plasma vitamin C status and metabolic severity score (r = -0.290, P < .001). Linear regression indicated that for every 1-unit increase in metabolic severity score, there was a 6.5 µmol/L decrease in vitamin C status. Thus, the enhanced metabolic dysregulation observed with prediabetes and T2DM is associated with an increased demand for vitamin C in people living with obesity.

Spectrofluorometric determination of ascorbic acid in the plasma matrix: Exploring correlation with autism spectrum disorder.

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is crucial for bodily functions, including collagen synthesis, immune system support and antioxidant defense. Despite autism spectrum disorder's multifactorial nature involving genetic, environmental and neurological factors, robust evidence exploring the association between ascorbic acid and this disorder is notably lacking. This study introduces an innovative spectrofluorometric method to quantify ascorbic acid in the plasma of healthy children and those with autism spectrum disorder. The method relies on the interaction of ascorbic acid with the fluorescent dye propidium iodide. In acidic conditions, propidium iodide undergoes protonation and selectively binds to the negatively charged ascorbic acid forming an ion-pair complex. This complex alters the molecular structure of propidium iodide inducing chemical fluorescence quenching, that can be utilized for ascorbic acid quantification. The developed method undergoes rigorous validation following ICH guidelines, demonstrating a linear relationship within a concentration range of 4-40 µg/mL, with high precision and accuracy metrics. Analysis of real plasma samples from autistic and healthy children reveals clinically and statistically elevated levels of ascorbic acid in those with autism spectrum disorder.

Influence of Long-Term Soccer Training on the Fatty Acid Profile of the Platelet Membrane and Intra-Platelet Antioxidant Vitamins.

This research aimed to study the long-term effects of soccer training on platelet membrane fatty acid levels and antioxidant vitamins. Forty-four subjects divided into soccer players (SP; n = 22; 20.86 ± 0.36 years) and a control group (CG; n = 22; 21.23 ± 0.49 years) participated in the study. The fatty acids of the platelet membrane, the rates of desaturation, lipid peroxidation indexes and intra-platelet levels of vitamins C and E were assessed. SP obtained lower values in polyunsaturated fatty acids 18:3:3 (alpha-linolenic acid), 20:5:3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 22:6:3 (docosahexaenoic acid) (p < 0.05). The desaturation index ∆5 was higher in SP (p < 0.05), and they had a higher lipid peroxidation index 20:4:6 (arachidonic acid)/16:0 (palmitic acid) (p < 0.05). Vitamin E and C platelet values were also higher in SP (p < 0.01). There were positive correlations in the ω6/ω3 index (p < 0.05), desaturation index ∆5 (p < 0.05), lipid peroxidation index 20:4:6/16:0 and intra-platelet vitamins E and C (p < 0.01) with the level of physical activity. In addition, there were inverse correlations in fatty acids 24:0 (lignoceric acid), 16:1 (palmitoleic acid), 20:3:6 (eicosadienoic acid) and 18:3:3 (alpha-linolenic acid) (p < 0.05) depending on the degree of physical activity. Regular long-term soccer training could modify the concentration of fatty acids such as 24:0, 16:1, 18:6, 20:3:6, 18:3:3:3, 20:5:3, 26:6:3 and ω3 PUFAs in the platelet membrane.

Association between serum vitamin C and body mass index in adolescents aged 12-19 years.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the association between serum vitamin C (sVC) levels and obesity is limited. This study aimed to explore the relationship between sVC and body mass index (BMI) in adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. METHODS: We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2006, with 3952 participants. sVC and BMI were independent variables and dependent variables, respectively. The associations of sVC with BMI were examined using multivariable linear regression models. Age, sex, and race/ethnicity were analyzed as subgroups. Then, we devised smooth curve fittings and saturation threshold analysis to address the nonlinear relationship. RESULTS: sVC had a negative correlation with BMI after adjusting for all covariates (ß: -1.020, 95% CI: -1.359, -0.680). In the subgroup analysis by age, sex, and race/ethnicity, there was still a negative correlation between sVC and BMI (p < 0.05). The analysis of saturation effects of sVC and BMI showed the relationship between sVC and BMI in female adolescents followed an N-shaped curve, whereas the relationship between sVC and BMI in adolescents aged 12-15 years and Mexican Americans followed a U-shaped curve. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, proper vitamin C supplementation may be beneficial to weight loss. However, considering the threshold effect, large-scale and good-quality randomized controlled trials are required to obtain the optimal vitamin C level for weight control.

TET3 downregulation and low 5-hydroxymethylcytosine are epigenetic signatures of head and neck carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Ten-eleven translocases (TETs) are enzymes responsible for demethylation processes, playing a crucial role in maintaining the body's methylation balance. Dysregulation of TET expression can lead to abnormal methylation levels. Isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDH) are upstream genes involved in Kreb cycle responsible for production of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG). α-KG and vitamin C are cofactors of TET3 enzyme. There is limited data on the relationship between TET3 and its cofactor Vitamin C in head and neck carcinoma (H&NC). METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, we have investigated the expression of the TET3 gene along with IDH1/2 genes involved in the Krebs cycle in the peripheral blood of 32 H&NC patients compared to 32 healthy controls. We estimated serum levels of TET3 protein and vitamin C and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) percentage in DNA isolated from EDTA blood samples. Our findings revealed that TET3 and IDH1/2 were downregulated in H&NC patients compared to healthy controls. Serum levels of TET3 and Vitamin C were low in H&NC patients compared to healthy controls. Diminished levels of percentage 5-hmC were detected in EDTA blood samples of H&NC patients compared to controls. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between TET3 levels, vitamin C levels and 5-hmC percentage. CONCLUSION: The low levels of Vitamin C are believed to contribute to decreased activity of the TET3 gene and less conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) to 5-hmC. Dietary supplementation of Vitamin C may increase TET3 activity.

Association between dietary vitamin C intake/blood level and risk of digestive system cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.

Experimental studies have shown that vitamin C has anti-cancer effects, but previous meta-analyses have indicated that the role of vitamin C in digestive system cancers (DSCs) is controversial. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between dietary intake/plasma concentration of vitamin C and the risk of DSC was conducted, evaluating 32 prospective studies with 1 664 498 participants. Dose-response and subgroup analyses were also performed. Systematic literature searches were performed in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases until 9th September 2023. Vitamin C intake significantly reduced DSCs risk (RR = 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 0.93). The subgroup analyses showed the risks of oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal (OPE) cancers (0.81, 0.72 to 0.93), gastric cancer (0.81, 0.68 to 0.95), and colorectal cancer (0.89, 0.82 to 0.98) were negatively correlated with vitamin C intake, and the effect of vitamin C was different between colon cancer (0.87, 0.77 to 0.97) and rectal cancer (1.00, 0.84 to 1.19). However, plasma vitamin C concentration was only inversely associated with gastric cancer risk (0.74, 0.59 to 0.92). Dose-response analysis revealed that 250 and 65 mg day-1 vitamin C intakes had the strongest protective effect against OPE and gastric cancers respectively. These estimates suggest that vitamin C intake could significantly reduce gastrointestinal cancer incidence, including OPE, gastric, and colon cancers. Plasma vitamin C has a significant reduction effect on the incidence of gastric cancer only, but additional large-scale clinical studies are needed to determine its impact on the incidence of DSCs.

Atomically Co-dispersed nitrogen-doped carbon for sensitive electrochemical immunoassay of breast cancer biomarker CA15-3.

The development of an ultrasensitive and precise measurement of a breast cancer biomarker (cancer antigen 15-3; CA15-3) in complex human serum is essential for the early diagnosis of cancer in groups of healthy populations and the treatment of patients. However, currently available testing technologies suffer from insufficient sensitivity toward CA15-3, which severely limits early large-scale screening of breast cancer patients. We report a versatile electrochemical immunoassay method based on atomically cobalt-dispersed nitrogen-doped carbon (Co-NC)-modified disposable screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and its metabolite, ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AAP), as the electrochemical labeling and redox signaling unit for sensitive detection of low-abundance CA15-3. During electrochemical detection by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), it was found that the Co-NC-SPCE electrode did not have a current signal response to the AAP substrate; however, it had an extremely favorable response current to ascorbic acid (AA). Based on the above principle, the target CA15-3-triggered immunoassay enriched ALP-catalyzed AAP produces a large amount of AA, resulting in a significant change in the system current signal, thereby realizing the highly sensitive detection of CA15-3. Under the optimal AAP substrate concentration and ALP catalysis time, the Co-NC-SPCE-based electrochemical immunoassay demonstrated a good DPV current for CA15-3 in the assay interval of 1.0 mU/mL to 10,000 mU/mL, with a calculated limit of detection of 0.38 mU/mL. Since Co-NC-SPCE has an excellent DPV current response to AA and employs split-type scheme, the constructed electrochemical immunoassay has the merits of high preciseness and anti-interference, and its clinical diagnostic results are comparable to those of commercial kits.

The Relation of Serum Vitamin C Concentrations with Alzheimer's Disease Mortality in a National Cohort of Community-Dwelling Elderly Adults.

The relation of vitamin C with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is equivocal. The aim of this study was to assess the relation of serum vitamin C levels with AD-related mortality, and to evaluate the threshold beyond which the potential benefits of higher serum concentrations of vitamin C for AD mortality ceases. The cohort consisted of 4504 adults aged ≥60 years enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who had serum measures of vitamin C and no cognitive impairment at baseline (1988-1994) and were followed-up for mortality until 2019. Vitamin C was assayed from fasting blood samples using isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography. At baseline, the mean age of participants was 70 years, with 42.7% being men. At the end of follow-up (median: 15 years), the AD mortality rate was 2.4 per 1000 person-years. In the Cox regression models, compared to participants in the lowest tertile of serum vitamin C (<0.56 mg/dL), those in the highest tertile (>0.98 mg/dL) had a lower risk of AD mortality (hazard ratio: 0.44, 95% confidence intervals: 0.25-0.77) after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, behavior/lifestyle factors, prevalent health conditions, and dietary vitamin C intake. In dose-response analysis using restricted cubic splines, vitamin C concentrations beyond 2.3 mg/dL were associated with the elevated risk of AD-related mortality. The findings from this national sample of community-dwelling elderly adults suggest that higher levels of serum vitamin C are associated with slower AD disease progression, although levels beyond the normal reference values were associated with a higher risk of AD mortality.

Colorimetric array sensor based on bimetallic nitrogen-doped carbon-based nanozyme material to detect multiple antioxidants.

Copper-cobalt bimetallic nitrogen-doped carbon-based nanoenzymatic materials (CuCo@NC) were synthesized using a one-step pyrolysis process. A three-channel colorimetric sensor array was constructed for the detection of seven antioxidants, including cysteine (Cys), uric acid (UA), tea polyphenols (TP), lysine (Lys), ascorbic acid (AA), glutathione (GSH), and dopamine (DA). CuCo@NC with peroxidase activity was used to catalyze the oxidation of TMB by H2O2 at three different ratios of metal sites. The ability of various antioxidants to reduce the oxidation products of TMB (ox TMB) varied, leading to distinct absorbance changes. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) results showed that the sensor array was capable of detecting seven antioxidants in buffer and serum samples. It could successfully discriminate antioxidants with a minimum concentration of 10 nM. Thus, multifunctional sensor arrays based on CuCo@NC bimetallic nanoenzymes not only offer a promising strategy for identifying various antioxidants but also expand their applications in medical diagnostics and environmental analysis of food.

Vitamin C deficiency after kidney transplantation: a cohort and cross-sectional study of the TransplantLines biobank.

PURPOSE: Vitamin C deficiency is associated with excess mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). We aim to evaluate plasma vitamin C status at different post-transplantation moments and assess the main characteristics associated with vitamin C deficiency in KTR. METHODS: Plasma vitamin C was assessed in 598 KTR at 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 60-months post-transplantation, 374 late KTR with a functioning graft ≥ 1 year, and 395 potential donors. Vitamin C deficiency was defined as plasma vitamin C ≤ 28 µmol/L. Diet was assessed by a 177-item food frequency questionnaire. Data on vitamin C-containing supplements use were extracted from patient records and verified with the patients. RESULTS: Vitamin C deficiency ranged from 46% (6-months post-transplantation) to 30% (≥ 1 year post-transplantation). At all time points, KTR had lower plasma vitamin C than potential donors (30-41 µmol/L vs 58 µmol/L). In cross-sectional analyses of the 953 KTR at their first visit ≥ 12 months after transplantation (55 ± 14 years, 62% male, eGFR 55 ± 19 mL/min/1.73 m2), the characteristics with the strongest association with vitamin C deficiency were diabetes and smoking (OR 2.67 [95% CI 1.84-3.87] and OR 1.84 [95% CI 1.16-2.91], respectively). Dietary vitamin C intake and vitamin C supplementation were associated with lower odds (OR per 100 mg/day 0.38, 95% CI 0.24-0.61 and OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09-0.44, respectively). CONCLUSION: Vitamin C deficiency is frequent among KTR regardless of the time after transplantation, especially among those with diabetes and active smokers. The prevalence of vitamin C deficiency was lower among KTR with higher vitamin C intake, both dietary and supplemented. Further research is warranted to assess whether correcting this modifiable risk factor could improve survival in KTR.

Association between circulating antioxidants and sleep disorders: comprehensive results from NHANES 2017-2018.

Background: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the occurrence and pathological process of numerous human diseases. A bidirectional relationship was found between sleep disorders and oxidative stress. However, the association between circulating antioxidant levels and the risk of sleep disorders at the population-scale has yet to be determined. Methods: We used the dataset from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 data release cycle and included 3062 adult participants aged 25-75 years. The circulating antioxidants levels in serum were measured, and the sleep status was assessed by self-reported sleep disorder questionnaire tests. We investigated the association and exposure-response relationship between the 12 main circulating antioxidants and sleep disorders using a generalized additive model (GAM), multiple linear, binary logistic, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate the results of our study. Results: Significantly lower serum concentrations of ten antioxidants were observed in the group which had trouble sleeping symptoms compared to the control group. After adjusting for all the covariates, the binary logistic regression models indicated that six of the circulating antioxidants including alpha-carotene, alpha-cryptoxanthin, trans-beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin, and vitamin C, showed a significant association with the risk of overall trouble sleeping symptoms, with odds ratios corresponding to 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80-0.96), 0.74 (95% CI: 0.62-0.87), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79-0.97), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.75-0.95), 0.72 (95% CI: 0.61-0.84), and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.74-0.93), respectively. The GAM and multiple linear regression revealed similar associations whereas the RCS regression models further confirmed their significant negative exposure-response relationship. Conclusions: The circulating carotenoids and vitamin C levels were negatively correlated with the risk of sleep disorders. Higher circulating antioxidant levels were significantly associated with a lower risk of sleep disorders. The potential health risk of low circulating antioxidants levels was higher in the female population than in the male population.

A 3-Year-Old With Gingival Hemorrhage and Musculoskeletal Pain.

A 3-year-old had spontaneous gingival hemorrhage and bilateral limb weakness with inability to bear weight. He had no preceding oral trauma or recent infection, took no regular medications, and had no recent use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; his diet was limited to primarily chicken nuggets and milk. What is the diagnosis and what would you do next?

Detection of alkaline phosphatase activity with a CsPbBr3/Y6 heterojunction-based photoelectrochemical sensor.

An ultra-sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor based on perovskite composite was developed for the determination of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in human serum. In contrast to CsPbBr3 or Y6 that generated anodic current, the heterojunction of CsPbBr3/Y6 promoted photocarriers to separate and generated cathodic photocurrent. Ascorbic acid (AA) was produced by ALP hydrolyzing L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate trisodium salt (AAP), which can combine with the holes on the photoelectrode surface, accelerating the transmission of photogenerated carriers, leading to enhanced photocurrent intensity. Thus, the enhancement of PEC current was linked to ALP activity. The PEC sensor exhibits good sensitivity for detection of ALP owing to the unique photoelectric properties of the CsPbBr3/Y6 heterojunction. The detection limit of the sensor was 0.012 U·L-1 with a linear dynamic range of 0.02-2000 U·L-1. Therefore, this PEC sensing platform shows great potential for the development of different PEC sensors.

The effect of solarium light therapy on selected biological and biochemical parameters of peripheral blood in young and old horses.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of solarium light therapy on selected biological and biochemical parameters of peripheral blood in recreational horses. The study involved 10 horses divided into two groups of young (aged 5 to 7 years) and old (aged 14 to 19 years) individuals. All animals participated in light therapy sessions every other day. Blood was sampled three times during the study: before the treatment, after five light sessions, and after ten light sessions. Morphological parameters, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, TAS values, and the levels of glutathione (GSH), vitamin D3, vitamin C, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the whole blood. Light therapy contributed to an increase in MCV, HDW, MCVr, CHr and MPV indices, and simultaneously a decrease in the basophil counts, MCHC, RDW and CHCMr indices in both groups of horses (p ≤ 0.05). At the same time reticulocytes fell in older whereas white blood cells and monocytes counts expanded in younger individuals. The treatment also increased the activity of glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in young but decreased the activity of mentioned enzymes in blood plasma of old horses. The total antioxidant status (TAS) of the blood plasma rose progressively, whereas GSH levels declined in all individuals. Moreover, vitamin D3 levels did not change, whereas vitamin C levels gradually decreased during the experiment. The therapy also helped to reduce levels of MDA in the blood plasma, especially of older horses (p ≤ 0.05). In turn, GPx and GR activities as well as MDA levels significantly declined, whereas GSH levels notably elevated in erythrocytes (p ≤ 0.05). Solarium light therapy appears to have a beneficial impact on the morphological parameters and antioxidant status of blood in recreational horses in the winter season. However, the observed results could in part be attributed to the natural physiological adaptation of each individual organism to the treatment.

CeO2·ZnO@biomass-derived carbon nanocomposite-based electrochemical sensor for efficient detection of ascorbic acid.

Ascorbic acid (AA), a prominent antioxidant commonly found in human blood serum, serves as a biomarker for assessing oxidative stress levels. Therefore, precise detection of AA is crucial for swiftly diagnosing conditions arising from abnormal AA levels. Consequently, the primary aim of this research is to develop a sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for accurate AA determination. To accomplish this aim, we used a novel nanocomposite comprised of CeO2-doped ZnO adorned on biomass-derived carbon (CeO2·ZnO@BC) as the active nanomaterial, effectively fabricating a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Various analytical techniques were employed to scrutinize the structure and morphology features of the CeO2·ZnO@BC nanocomposite, ensuring its suitability as the sensing nanomaterial. This innovative sensor is capable of quantifying a wide range of AA concentrations, spanning from 0.5 to 1925 µM in a neutral phosphate buffer solution. It exhibits a remarkable sensitivity of 0.2267 µA µM-1cm-2 and a practical detection limit of 0.022 µM. Thanks to its exceptional sensitivity and selectivity, this sensor enables highly accurate determination of AA concentrations in real samples. Moreover, its superior reproducibility, repeatability, and stability underscore its reliability and robustness for AA quantification.

Vitamin C and Thiamin Deficiencies in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic and Robotic Gastric Band Removal.

Outcomes after adjustable gastric banding (AGB) were unsatisfactory and many devices need to be removed for dysphagia. Vitamin C and thiamin deficiency are rare conditions in industrialized countries. Patients undergoing AGB removal (90% for dysphagia) from 2021 to 2023 (laparoscopic 15 and robotic 5) were tested for vitamin C and thiamin levels. Twenty patients (8 m/12 f median aged 56 (range 33.6-79.4) were included. BMI at AGB removal was 39.7 (range 24.4-50.1) kg/m2. Only 20% of patients had normal thiamin levels, 30% had low levels, 20% were deficient, and 30% were critically low. Only 25% of patients had normal vitamin C levels, 40% had low levels, 25% were deficient, and 10% were critically low. One third of patients had HbA1c levels between 5.8 and 6.4 and 22% had levels >6.5; 60% of patients had hyperlipidemia. Adjustable gastric banding patients develop concerning rates of vitamin C and thiamin deficiency, and routine testing for levels is recommended.

Association between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping based on NHANES 2017-2018.

Vitamin C is an important micronutrient for human. Association between vitamin C and trouble sleeping was less studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possible link between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping. The cross-sectional data was derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2017-2018). Trouble sleeping was measured by asking participants: "Have you ever told doctor had trouble sleeping". Responses to this question was "yes" or "no". vitamin C in serum was obtained by measuring the serum samples. We used multivariable binary logistic regressions to examine the possible link between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping, and then a subgroup analysis was performed. Moreover, the non-linear relationship between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping was further detected using a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model. A total of 3227 participants were included in the study. After adjusting all potential confounders, the results of multivariable logistic regression showed the significant negative association between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping(OR = 0.816; 95% CI:0.669 ~ 0.995). The significant inverse association was also found in female(OR = 0.713; 95% CI:0.546 ~ 0.931), age ≤ 65 years(OR = 0.773; 95% CI:0.600 ~ 0.996), and in participants with high cholesterol level(OR = 0.738; 95% CI:0.548 ~ 0.994). In addition, the RCS model demonstrated the significant non-linear relationship between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping (P value of nonlinear = 0.010). Our study demonstrates the significant negative association between vitamin C in serum and trouble sleeping.

Phosphorus Modulated Peroxidase-Like Activity of Carbon Dots for Colorimetric Detection of Acid Phosphatase.

The precise regulation of nanoenzyme activity is of great significance for application to biosensing analysis. Herein, the peroxidase-like activity of carbon dots was effectively modulated by doping phosphorus, which was successfully employed for sensitive, selective detection of acid phosphatase (ACP). Phosphorus-doped carbon dots (P-CDs) with excellent peroxidase-like activity were synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method, and the catalytic activity could be easily modulated by controlling the additional amount of precursor phytic acid. P-CDs could effectively catalyze the oxidation of colorless 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue TMB oxidation products in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. While ACP was able to catalyze the hydrolysis of L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate trisodium salt (AAP) to produce ascorbic acid (AA), which inhibited the peroxidase-like activity of P-CDs, by combining P-CDs nanoenzymes and ACP-catalyzed hydrolysis the colorimetric method was established for ACP detection. The absorbance variation showed a good linear relationship with ACP concentration in the range of 0.4-4.0 mU/mL with a limit of detection at 0.12 mU/mL. In addition, the method was successfully applied to detect ACP in human serum samples with recoveries in the range of 98.7-101.6%. The work provides an effective strategy for regulating nanoenzymes activity and a low-cost detection technique for ACP.