Systematic Investigation of the Degradation Properties of Nitrile-Butadiene Rubber/Polyamide Elastomer/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composites in Thermo-Oxidative and Hot Oil Environments.

The physical blending method was used in order to prepare nitrile-butadiene rubber/polyamide elastomer/single-walled carbon nanotube (NBR/PAE/SWCNT) composites with better thermal-oxidative aging resistance. The interactions between SWCNTs and NBR/PAE were characterized using the Moving Die Rheometer 2000 (MDR 2000), rheological behavior tests, the equilibrium swelling method, and mechanical property tests. The 100% constant tensile stress and hardness of NBR/PAE/SWCNT composites increased from 2.59 MPa to 4.14 MPa and from 62 Shore A to 69 Shore A, respectively, and the elongation decreased from 421% to 355% with increasing SWCNT content. NBR/PAE/SWCNT composites had improved thermal-oxidative aging resistance due to better interactions between SWCNTs and NBR/PAE. During the aging process, the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with the increase in aging time compared to the unaged samples, and the constant tensile stress gradually increased. There was a more significant difference in the degradation of mechanical properties when aged in a variety of oils. The 100% constant tensile stress of NBR/PAE/SWCNT composites aged in IRM 903 gradually increased with aging time while it gradually decreased in biodiesel. The swelling index gradually increased with increasing SWCNT content. Interestingly, the swelling index of the composites in cyclohexanone decreased with the increase in SWCNT content. The reasons leading to different swelling behaviors when immersed in different kinds of liquids were investigated using the Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) method, which provides an excellent guide for the application of some oil-resistant products.

Elucidating anti-aging and antioxidant activity of Hydnocarpus anthelmintica on skin aging and cosmeceutical potentials: in silico and in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: Hydnocarpus anthelmintica (HA) has been traditionally used for treating leprosy and is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the active compounds and targets of HA extracts, involved in oxidative stress and skin aging. The active compounds and targets of HA extracts were identified using network pharmacology. METHOD: The pathway study was conducted using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. HA semen was measured for its in-vitro antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and anti-aging activities using collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase assays. A total of 21 intersecting core targets were identified from 8 compounds, 51 action targets, and 1810 skin aging and oxidative stress-associated target genes. RESULT: A compound-target network was constructed, and 3 compounds (luteolin, beta-carotene and genkwanin), and 4 hub genes (TP53, HSP90AA1, JUN, and MAPK1) were identified. The KEGG pathway study revealed that the compounds were correlated with PI3K-Akt, p53, HIF-1, and MAPK signaling. CONCLUSION: The results of in-vitro experiments showed the effect of HA extract on oxidative stress reduction and collagenase inhibition. We discovered two main active compounds, luteolin and ß-carotene, that may be involved in p53 and MAPK signaling, and showed HA extract activity against oxidative stress and collagenase.

Skin-protective biological activities of bio-fermented Aframomum angustifolium extract by a consortium of microorganisms.

Background: Aframomum sp. is a genus of plants in the Zingiberaceae family. It includes several species, some of which are used in cosmetics for their various properties, making them useful in skincare products, particularly for anti-aging, moisturizing, and brightening the skin. However, to date, there is no experimental evidence on its natural extracts obtained or modified using microorganisms (bio-fermentation) as an anti-aging agent. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the antiaging effect of a Bio-fermented Aframomum angustifolium (BAA) extract on 3D bioprinted skin equivalent. Methods: The consortium of microorganisms contained Komagataeibacter, Gluconobacter, Acetobacter, Saccharomyces, Torulaspora, Brettanomyces, Hanseniaspora, Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, Schizosaccharomyces. It was developed on a media containing water, sugar, and infused black tea leaves. The seeds of Aframomum angustifolium previously grounded were mixed with the culture medium, and the ferments in growth; this fermentation step lasted 10 days. Then, the medium was collected and filtered (0.22 µm) to obtain the BAA extract. To enhance our comprehension of the impact of BAA extract on skin aging, we developed skin equivalents using bio-printing methods with the presence or absence of keratinocyte stem cells (KSC). These skin equivalents were derived from keratinocytes obtained from both a middle-aged donor, with and without KSC. Moreover, we examined the effects of treating the KSC-depleted skin equivalents with Bio-fermented Aframomum angustifolium (BAA) extract for 5 days. Skin equivalents containing KSC-depleted keratinocytes exhibited histological characteristics typical of aged skin and were compared to skin equivalents derived from young donors. Results: The BAA extract contained specific organic acids such as lactic, gluconic, succinic acid and polyphenols. KSC-depleted skin equivalents that were treated with BAA extract exhibited higher specular reflection, indicating better hydration of the stratum corneum, higher mitotic activity in the epidermis basal layer, improved dermal-epidermal connectivity, and increased rigidity of the dermal-epidermal junction compared to non-treated KSC-depleted equivalents. BAA extract treatments also resulted in changes at the dermis level, with an increase in total collagen and a decrease in global laxity, suggesting that this extract could help maintain youthful-looking skin. Conclusion: In summary, our findings indicated that BAA extract treatments have pleiotropic beneficial effects on skin equivalents and that the bio-fermentation provides new biological activities to this plant.

In vivo partial reprogramming by bacteria promotes adult liver organ growth without fibrosis and tumorigenesis.

Ideal therapies for regenerative medicine or healthy aging require healthy organ growth and rejuvenation, but no organ-level approach is currently available. Using Mycobacterium leprae (ML) with natural partial cellular reprogramming capacity and its animal host nine-banded armadillos, we present an evolutionarily refined model of adult liver growth and regeneration. In infected armadillos, ML reprogram the entire liver and significantly increase total liver/body weight ratio by increasing healthy liver lobules, including hepatocyte proliferation and proportionate expansion of vasculature, and biliary systems. ML-infected livers are microarchitecturally and functionally normal without damage, fibrosis, or tumorigenesis. Bacteria-induced reprogramming reactivates liver progenitor/developmental/fetal genes and upregulates growth-, metabolism-, and anti-aging-associated markers with minimal change in senescence and tumorigenic genes, suggesting bacterial hijacking of homeostatic, regeneration pathways to promote de novo organogenesis. This may facilitate the unraveling of endogenous pathways that effectively and safely re-engage liver organ growth, with broad therapeutic implications including organ regeneration and rejuvenation.

Chromoblastomycosis-Leprosy Co-Infection in Central West Brazil. Presentation of Three Cases and Literature Review.

Chromoblastomycosis and leprosy are chronic diseases with high prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions. Brazil is one of the countries with the highest incidence and prevalence for both diseases, however, reports of co-infections are scarce. The aim of this study was to describe three cases of chromoblastomycosis-leprosy co-infection in patients from Mato Grosso state, Brazil. A review of chromoblastomycosis-leprosy co-infection was performed of English, Portuguese and Spanish publications in LILACS, SciELO, PubMed and Web of Science databases using the descriptors (chromoblastomycosis OR cromoblastomicose OR cromoblastomicosis) AND (leprosy OR hanseníase OR lepra), without time period delimitation. Nineteen cases were included, 16 cases were published in 11 articles, plus the three cases reported in the current study. Most reported coninfection cases came from Brazil. Majority of the patients were male with a mean age of 52.2 years. Farmer was the main occupational activity reported. In 12 patients, the clinical signs and symptoms of leprosy started first. No contacts with patients affected by leprosy, armadillos or history of injuries at the anatomical site of chromoblastomycosis lesions were reported. Five leprosy patients who received steroid treatment for leprosy reactions or neuropathies, were diagnosed with chromoblastomycosis during immunosuppressive therapy. Four cases (21.1%) were reported among the elderly patients. Co-infections in patients with chromoblastomycosis or leprosy are uncommon, but the possibility should always be considered, especially if the patient is undergoing immunosuppressive treatment or is elder.

Enzymatic Characterization of Purified ß-Glucosidase from Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts and Application on Chardonnay Aging.

The application of ß-glucosidase from non-Saccharomyces yeasts to improve wine aroma has been widely explored. However, few enzymes are active under the severe conditions of wine aging (high ethanol concentration, low temperature, and low pH). Therefore, the application of ß-glucosidase in wine aging needs further research. In this study, the ß-glucosidases Mg-ßgl and Hu-ßgl extracted from Meyerozyma guilliermondii NM218 and Hanseniaspora uvarum BF345 were purified and used in young Chardonnay wines aged for 50 days. The enzyme activity of the two enzymes was measured. The effects of the two enzymes and a commercial ß-glucosidase (An-ßgl) on the volatile composition and sensory quality of the wine were also determined. The results showed that Mg-ßgl and Hu-ßgl had high specific activity of 1.95 U/mg and 2.11 U/mg, respectively, maintaining the activity of 70-80% at 20 °C, pH of 3.0-4.0, and 15% ethanol, corresponding to wine aging conditions. Analysis of volatiles with GC-MS showed a 65-70% increase in total terpenoids and new detection of C13-norisoprenoids when the wines were treated with the three ß-glucosidases. In addition, wines treated with Mg-ßgl and Hu-ßgl had more hexanol, phenylethanol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl heptanoate, and ethyl caprate than wines treated without and with An-ßgl. In sensory analysis, the judges showed a greater preference for Hu-ßgl-treated wines, to which they attributed pleasant sweet, floral, honey, pomelo, and banana aromas. The results of this study not only offer a way to improve flavor complexity in wine but also provide a reference for the use of other edible sources of ß-glucosidase in wine aging.

Hanseníase e envelhecimento: representações sociais dos moradores de um hospital colônia / Hansen's disease and aging: social representations of the residents of a colony hospital / Hanseníasis y envejecimiento: representaciones sociales de los habitantes de un hospital colonia

Este estudo teve o objetivo de identificar e analisar as representações sociais dos moradores de um hospital colônia sobre a hanseníase, sobre o envelhecimento, bem como sobre a própria instituição. O estudo contou com a participação de 16 pessoas, com idade entre 48 e 85 anos (M = 67,0 anos; DP = 9,7). Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se um questionário sociodemográfico e o Teste de Associação Livre de Palavras. Os resultados indicaram que o estímulo hanseníase associou-se a elementos negativos que remetem à representação social da lepra. O estímulo envelhecimento ancorou-se em um esquema conceitual associado à fase da velhice e à figura do velho. Já o estímulo hospital colônia ancorou-se mais em componentes positivos, dentre os quais se destacam a comunidade e a família. Almeja-se que este estudo contribua para uma mudança nos elementos associados à representação da hanseníase e do envelhecimento.

This study aimed to identify and analyze the social representations of the residents of a colony hospital about the Hansen's disease, about aging, as well as about the institution itself. There was a participation of 16 people, aged between 48 and 85 years (M = 67.0 years, SD = 9.7). For a data collection, we used a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Free Word Association Test. The results indicated that the Hansen's disease stimulus is associated with negative elements that refer to the social representation of leprosy. The aging stimulus was anchored in a conceptual scheme associated with the old age phase and the figure of the old. On the other hand, the stimulus Colony Hospital was more anchored in positive components, among which, community and family stand out. It is hoped that this study will contribute to a change in the elements associated to the representation of Hansen's disease and aging.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar y analizar las representaciones sociales de los habitantes de un hospital colonia sobre la hanseníasis, sobre el envejecimiento, así como sobre la propia institución. Se contó con una participación de 16 personas, con edad entre 48 a 85 años (M = 67,0 años, DP = 9,7). Para una recolección de datos, se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y la Prueba de Asociación Libre de Palabras. Los resultados indicaron que el estímulo hanseníasis se asociaba a elementos negativos que remiten a la representación social de la lepra. El estímulo envejecimiento se ancló en un esquema conceptual asociado a la fase de la vejez y la figura del viejo. El estímulo Hospital Colonia, se ancló más en componentes positivos, entre los cuales, comunidad y familia. Se espera que este estudio contribuya a un cambio en los elementos asociados a la representación de la lepra y del envejecimiento.

Characterization of the microbiota and chemical properties of pork loins during dry aging.

Dry aging (DA) allows for the storage of meat without packaging at 0 to 3°C for several weeks. It enhances the production of pleasant flavors, tenderness, and juiciness in meat. Due to the long storage period and roles of indigenous microbiota in the maturation of several meat products, the microbiota of DA meat is of interest in terms of microbial contributions and food hygiene but has not yet been characterized in detail. This study identified the microbiota of pork loins during DA using culturing and culture-independent meta-16S rRNA gene sequencing and elucidated its characteristics. The amounts of free amino acids and profiles of aroma-active compounds were also monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, respectively. The meta-16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that Pseudomonas spp. generally dominated the microbiota throughout DA; however, the culturing analysis showed marked changes in the species composition during DA. Acinetobacter spp. were the second most dominant bacteria before DA in the culture-independent analysis but became a minor population during DA. The cell numbers of yeasts showed an increased tendency during DA, and Debaryomyces hansenii was the only microorganism isolated from all meat samples throughout DA. Well-known foodborne pathogens were not observed in two microbiota analyses. The amounts of free amino acids were increased by DA, and the number of aroma-active compounds and their flavor dilution values markedly changed during DA. Most microbial isolates showed positive reactions with proteolytic and lipolytic activities, suggesting their contribution to tenderness and aroma production in DA meats.

Leprosy in the elderly population of an endemic state in the Brazilian Northeast (2001-2017): epidemiological scenario

Abstract This ecological study aims to analyze both the tendency and the characteristics of leprosy in the elderly population in the state of Bahia, 2001-2017. The tendency was analyzed through joinpoint regression. Epidemiological variables were also included in the study. The average detection rate was 38.73/100,000, with prevalence of men (45.19/100,000). A downward trend occurred in both genders, from 2004, with a greater magnitude in women (annual percent change [APC] = −3.4%). Men presented higher proportions of the multibacillary forms and physical disabilities. The epidemiological scenario indicates the need of implementation of actions that stimulate early diagnosis and treatment of the elderly population.

Leprosy in the elderly population of an endemic state in the Brazilian Northeast (2001-2017): epidemiological scenario.

This ecological study aims to analyze both the tendency and the characteristics of leprosy in the elderly population in the state of Bahia, 2001-2017. The tendency was analyzed through joinpoint regression. Epidemiological variables were also included in the study. The average detection rate was 38.73/100,000, with prevalence of men (45.19/100,000). A downward trend occurred in both genders, from 2004, with a greater magnitude in women (annual percent change [APC]=-3.4%). Men presented higher proportions of the multibacillary forms and physical disabilities. The epidemiological scenario indicates the need of implementation of actions that stimulate early diagnosis and treatment of the elderly population.

Identification of Microorganisms Associated with the Quality Improvement of Dry-Aged Beef Through Microbiome Analysis and DNA Sequencing, and Evaluation of Their Effects on Beef Quality.

The objective of this study was to isolate and identify the microorganisms, especially yeasts and molds, related to the improvement of beef quality during dry-aging of beef through microbiome analysis, and to examine the possibility of using them as starter culture strains to improve the efficiency of dry-aging beef production. Beef sirloins were dry-aged for 28 days using different wind speeds (0, 2.5, and 5 m/s) at 1 to 3 °C and 75% relative humidity, and microbial compositions were confirmed by microbiome analysis. Mold and yeast samples were plated on potato dextrose agar supplemented with 10% tartaric acid, and the isolated colonies were identified by DNA sequencing. The isolates were subjected to microbial characterization (morphological characterization, growth condition, and enzyme activity). Microbiome analysis showed that the dominant microorganisms were molds and yeasts identified as Pilaira anomala SMFM201611 and Debaryomyces hansenii SMFM201707. Pilaira anomala SMFM201611 and D. hansenii SMFM201707 were inoculated into 24 sirloins of the lowest grade. All samples were dry-aged for 0, 14, 21, and 28 days and analyzed for microbial growth, pH, shear force, ultrastructure, and flavor compounds (free amino acids and free fatty acids). Inoculation with P. anomala SMFM201611 and D. hansenii SMFM201707 improved tenderness and cause the breakdown of myofibrils by proteolysis. Both microorganisms also produced free amino acids and fatty acids through proteolytic and lipolytic activities. These results indicate that P. anomala SMFM201611 and D. hansenii SMFM201707 isolated and identified from dry-aged beef can improve the quality of low-grade beef during dry-aging. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: During dry-aging, mold and yeast improve the quality of dry-aged beef. Pilaira anomala SMFM201611 and Debaryomyces hansenii SMFM201707 isolated from dry-aged beef can improve tenderness by breaking down myofibrils. Both microorganisms improve flavor by producing free fatty acids and amino acids, and the taste and aroma characteristics of low-grade beef may be improved during the dry-aging process.

2,4 Dinitrophenol as Medicine.

In the sanctity of pure drug discovery, objective reasoning can become clouded when pursuing ideas that appear unorthodox, but are spot on physiologically. To put this into historical perspective, it was an unorthodox idea in the 1950's to suggest that warfarin, a rat poison, could be repositioned into a breakthrough drug in humans to protect against strokes as a blood thinner. Yet it was approved in 1954 as Coumadin® and has been prescribed to billions of patients as a standard of care. Similarly, no one can forget the horrific effects of thalidomide, prescribed or available without a prescription, as both a sleeping pill and "morning sickness" anti-nausea medication targeting pregnant women in the 1950's. The "thalidomide babies" became the case-in-point for the need of strict guidelines by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) or full multi-species teratogenicity testing before drug approval. More recently it was found that thalidomide is useful in graft versus host disease, leprosy and resistant tuberculosis treatment, and as an anti-angiogenesis agent as a breakthrough drug for multiple myeloma (except for pregnant female patients). Decades of diabetes drug discovery research has historically focused on every possible angle, except, the energy-out side of the equation, namely, raising mitochondrial energy expenditure with chemical uncouplers. The idea of "social responsibility" allowed energy-in agents to be explored and the portfolio is robust with medicines of insulin sensitizers, insulin analogues, secretagogues, SGLT2 inhibitors, etc., but not energy-out medicines. The primary reason? It appeared unorthodox, to return to exploring a drug platform used in the 1930s in over 100,000 obese patients used for weight loss. This is over 80-years ago and prior to Dr Peter Mitchell explaining the mechanism of how mitochondrial uncouplers, like 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) even worked by three decades later in 1961. Although there is a clear application for metabolic disease, it was not until recently that this platform was explored for its merit at very low, weight-neutral doses, for treating insidious human illnesses and completely unrelated to weight reduction. It is known that mitochondrial uncouplers specifically target the entire organelle's physiology non-genomically. It has been known for years that many neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases are associated with overt production of reactive oxygen species (ROSs), a rise in isoprostanes (biomarker of mitochondrial ROSs in urine or blood) and poor calcium (Ca2+) handing. It has also been known that mitochondrial uncouplers lower ROS production and Ca2+ overload. There is evidence that elevation of isoprostanes precedes disease onset, in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). It is also curious, why so many neurodegenerative diseases of known and unknown etiology start at mid-life or later, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Huntington Disease (HD), AD, Parkinson Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Is there a relationship to a buildup of mutations that are sequestered over time due to ROSs exceeding the rate of repair? If ROS production were managed, could disease onset due to aging be delayed or prevented? Is it possible that most, if not all neurodegenerative diseases are manifested through mitochondrial dysfunction? Although DNP, a historic mitochondrial uncoupler, was used in the 1930s at high doses for obesity in well over 100,000 humans, and so far, it has never been an FDA-approved drug. This review will focus on the application of using DNP, but now, repositioned as a potential disease-modifying drug for a legion of insidious diseases at much lower and paradoxically, weight neutral doses. DNP will be addressed as a treatment for "metabesity", an emerging term related to the global comorbidities associated with the over-nutritional phenotype; obesity, diabetes, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, but including neurodegenerative disorders and accelerated aging. Some unexpected drug findings will be discussed, such as DNP's induction of neurotrophic growth factors involved in neuronal heath, learning and cognition. For the first time in 80's years, the FDA has granted (to Mitochon Pharmaceutical, Inc., Blue Bell, PA, USA) an open Investigational New Drug (IND) approval to begin rigorous clinical testing of DNP for safety and tolerability, including for the first ever, pharmacokinetic profiling in humans. Successful completion of Phase I clinical trial will open the door to explore the merits of DNP as a possible treatment of people with many truly unmet medical needs, including those suffering from HD, MS, PD, AD, ALS, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Proposed global drooping and wrinkles classification and scoring system for aging face with validation and experience on 54 Indian subjects.

BACKGROUND: Aging is an inevitable biological change, but understanding the process of aging of face is important to customize the treatment options for facial rejuvenation. Evidence-based estimation of global facial aging is necessary for the validation of various treatment modalities. AIMS: Classification and implementation of a scoring system for aging face based upon volume loss and surface changes as evident by drooping of different areas of the face and appearance of fine and deep wrinkles, respectively, and to apply this drooping-wrinkles classification on 54 participants to evaluate and understand the validity of scoring. METHODS: An observational study was conducted, and scores were calculated based on 13 parameters (7 areas of drooping and 6 areas of wrinkles on the face) at Aura Skin Institute, Chandigarh, India. Accordingly, age was divided in different age groups followed by clinical estimation of facial age and calculation of scores. RESULTS: According to our classification and scoring system, 61% (33 out of 54) of the participants were correlated with their chronological age group. Out of the remaining 21 (39%) participants who were aging faster, 13 (24%) were in the age group of 25-35 years. Approximately one-fourth of the patients in the age groups 36-45 and 46-55 years were aging faster. Only 1 patient had scores showing younger age in comparison to chronological age. Overall, there was a good correlation between the calculated score and the chronological age of patients. Moreover, a gradual increase in scores was noticed with increasing age groups. CONCLUSIONS: This is a new clinical classification and scoring system for facial age which is much easier to apply in daily clinical practice for easy calculation of baseline scores and customizing their antiaging treatment options. Moreover, it will also make it easier to compare the efficacy of treatment in their future follow-ups. The limitation of this study is that it has been proposed for all skin types but validation has been done only for Indian participants.

"The legacy of thalidomide" - A multidisciplinary meeting held at the University of York, United Kingdom, on September 30, 2016.

BACKGROUND: Between 1957 and 1962 thalidomide was used as a nonaddictive, nonbarbiturate sedative that also was successful in relieving the symptoms of morning sickness in early pregnancy. Infamously, thousands of babies were subsequently born with severe birth defects. The drug is used again, today, to successfully treat leprosy, and tragically, there is a new generation of thalidomide damaged children in Brazil. While the outward damage in babies has been documented, the effects of the damage upon the survivors as they grow up, the lifestyle changes and adaptations required to be made, as well as studies into ageing in survivors, has received little attention and remains understudied. METHODS: A unique multidisciplinary meeting was organized at the University of York bringing together thalidomide survivors, clinicians, scientists, historians, and social scientists to discuss the past, the current and the future implications of thalidomide. RESULTS: There is still much to learn from thalidomide, from its complex history and ongoing impact on peoples' lives today, to understanding its mechanism/s to aid future drug safety, to help identify new drugs retaining clinical benefit without the risk of causing embryopathy. CONCLUSION: For thalidomide survivors, the original impairments caused by the drug are compounded by the consequences of a lifetime of living with a rare disability, and early onset age-related health problems. This has profound implications for their quality of life and need for health and social care services. It is vital that these issues are addressed in research, and in clinical practice if thalidomide survivors are to "age well". Birth Defects Research 109:296-299, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.