An accessory prefrontal cortex-thalamus circuit sculpts maternal behavior in virgin female mice.

The ability to care for the young is innate and readily displayed by postpartum females after delivery to ensure offspring survival. Upon pup exposure, rodent virgin (nulliparous) females also develop parental behavior that over time becomes displayed at levels equivalent to parenting mothers. Although maternal behavior in postpartum females and the associated neurocircuits are well characterized, the neural mechanisms underlying the acquisition of maternal behavior without prior experience remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the development of maternal care behavior in response to first-time pup exposure in virgin females is initiated by the activation of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). ACC activity is dependent on feedback excitation by Vglut2+ /Galanin+ neurons of the centrolateral nucleus of the thalamus (CL), with their activity sufficient to display parenting behaviors. Accordingly, acute bidirectional chemogenetic manipulation of neuronal activity in the ACC facilitates or impairs the attainment of maternal behavior, exclusively in virgin females. These results reveal an ACC-CL neurocircuit as an accessory loop in virgin females for the initiation of maternal care upon first-time exposure to pups.

Benzoyl Chloride Derivatization Advances the Quantification of Dissolved Polar Metabolites on Coral Reefs.

Extracellular chemical cues constitute much of the language of life among marine organisms, from microbes to mammals. Changes in this chemical pool serve as invisible signals of overall ecosystem health and disruption to this finely tuned equilibrium. In coral reefs, the scope and magnitude of the chemicals involved in maintaining reef equilibria are largely unknown. Processes involving small, polar molecules, which form the majority components of labile dissolved organic carbon, are often poorly captured using traditional techniques. We employed chemical derivatization with mass spectrometry-based targeted exometabolomics to quantify polar dissolved phase metabolites on five coral reefs in the U.S. Virgin Islands. We quantified 45 polar exometabolites, demonstrated their spatial variability, and contextualized these findings in terms of geographic and benthic cover differences. By comparing our results to previously published coral reef exometabolomes, we show the novel quantification of 23 metabolites, including central carbon metabolism compounds (e.g., glutamate) and novel metabolites such as homoserine betaine. We highlight the immense potential of chemical derivatization-based exometabolomics for quantifying labile chemical cues on coral reefs and measuring molecular level responses to environmental stressors. Overall, improving our understanding of the composition and dynamics of reef exometabolites is vital for effective ecosystem monitoring and management strategies.

Computational investigation of the functional landscape of the protective role that extra virgin olive oil consumption may have on chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet are partially attributed to the polyphenols present in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. However, the possible effect that EVOO could have on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) has not been fully explored. METHODS:  This study investigates the anti-CLL activity of EVOO through a computational multi-level data analysis procedure, focusing on the identification of shared biological functions between them. Specifically, publicly available data from genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics related to EVOO consumption and CLL were collected from several resources and analyzed through a computational pipeline, highlighting common molecular mechanisms and biological processes. Computational verification of a number of the highlighted functional terms associating CLL and EVOO has been performed as well. RESULTS: Our investigation revealed four molecular pathways and three biological processes that overlap between mechanisms associated with CLL and those impacted by the consumption of EVOO. To further investigate the common biological functions, we focused on AKT1-related terms, aiming to investigate the potential importance of AKT1 in the anti- CLL effects associated with EVOO. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results provide valuable insights into the potential beneficial effect of EVOO in CLL and highlight EVOO's bioactive compounds as promising candidates for future investigations.

Effect of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Anthropometric Indices, Inflammatory and Cardiometabolic Markers: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: A large body of literature associated extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption with low risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, findings from clinical trials related to EVOO consumption on blood pressure, lipid profile, and anthropometric and inflammation parameters are not univocal. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of EVOO consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors and inflammatory mediators. METHODS: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane up through 31 March, 2023, without any particular language limitations, in order to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effects of EVOO consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory mediators, and anthropometric indices. Outcomes were summarized as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated from Hedge's g and random-effects modeling. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran Q-statistic and quantified (I2). RESULTS: Thirty-three trials involving 2020 participants were included. EVOO consumption was associated with a significant decrease in insulin (n = 10; SMD: -0.28; 95% CI: -0.51, -0.05; I2 = 48.57%) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels (HOMA-IR) (n = 9; SMD: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.35, -0.03; I2 = 00.00%). This meta-analysis indicated no significant effect of consuming EVOO on fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, very low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins, Apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I and B, lipoprotein a, blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor α levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present evidence supports a beneficial effect of EVOO consumption on serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR. However, larger well-designed RCTs are still required to evaluate the effect of EVOO on cardiometabolic risk biomarkers. This study was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42023409125.

Diverse impacts of red palm olein, extra virgin coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil on cardiometabolic risk markers in individuals with central obesity: a randomised trial.

PURPOSE: Dietary fats with an abundance of phytonutrients have garnered public attention beyond fatty acids per se. This study was set to investigate the impact of consuming diets with red palm olein (RPOO), extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO, as a control) on cardiometabolic risk biomarkers and lipid profile. METHODS: We recruited a total of 156 individuals with central obesity, aged 25-45 years, with waist circumference ≥ 90 cm for men and ≥ 80 cm for women in a parallel single-blind 3-arm randomised controlled trial. The participants consumed isocaloric diets (~ 2400 kcal) enriched with respective test fats (RPOO, EVCO or EVOO) for a 12-week duration. RESULTS: The mean of the primary outcome plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein was statistically similar between the three diets after a 12-week intervention. EVOO resulted in significantly lower mean LDL cholesterol compared with RPOO and EVCO, despite similar effects on LDL and HDL cholesterol subfractions. The RPOO diet group showed elevated mean α and ß -carotenes levels compared with EVCO and EVOO diet groups (P < 0.05), corresponding with the rich carotenoid content in RPOO. CONCLUSION: The three oils, each of which has unique phytonutrient and fatty acid compositions, manifested statistically similar cardiometabolic effects in individuals with central obesity at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases with distinct circulating antioxidant properties. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05791370).

Effects of virgin coconut oil consumption on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults with metabolic syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Metabolic syndrome is associated with health conditions and neurological disorders. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a protective role on the nervous system. Decreased levels of BDNF have been shown in MetS and neurodegenerative diseases. There is promising evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties of virgin coconut oil (VCO). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of VCO consumption on serum BDNF levels, oxidative stress status, and insulin resistance in adults with MetS. METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 48 adults with MetS aged 20-50 years. The intervention group received 30 ml of VCO daily to substitute the same amounts of oil in their usual diet. The control group continued their usual diet. Serum BDNF levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as HOMA-IR and QUICKI index were measured after four weeks of intervention. RESULTS: VCO consumption significantly reduced serum levels of MDA (p = .01), fasting insulin (p < .01) and HOMA-IR index (p < .01) and increased serum TAC (p < .01) and QUICKI index (p = .01) compared to the control group. Serum BDNF levels increased significantly in VCO group compared to the baseline (p = .02); however, this change was not significant when compared to the control group (p = .07). CONCLUSION: VCO consumption improved oxidative stress status and insulin resistance and had a promising effect on BDNF levels in adults with MetS. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of VCO consumption.

Discriminating extra virgin olive oils from common edible oils: Comparable performance of PLS-DA models trained on low-field and high-field 1H NMR data.

INTRODUCTION: Olive oil, derived from the olive tree (Olea europaea L.), is used in cooking, cosmetics, and soap production. Due to its high value, some producers adulterate olive oil with cheaper edible oils or fraudulently mislabel oils as olive to increase profitability. Adulterated products can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and can lack compounds which contribute to the perceived health benefits of olive oil, and its corresponding premium price. OBJECTIVE: There is a need for robust methods to rapidly authenticate olive oils. By utilising machine learning models trained on the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of known olive oil and edible oils, samples can be classified as olive and authenticated. While high-field NMRs are commonly used for their superior resolution and sensitivity, they are generally prohibitively expensive to purchase and operate for routine screening purposes. Low-field benchtop NMR presents an affordable alternative. METHODS: We compared the predictive performance of partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) models trained on low-field 60 MHz benchtop proton (1H) NMR and high-field 400 MHz 1H NMR spectra. The data were acquired from a sample set consisting of 49 extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) and 45 other edible oils. RESULTS: We demonstrate that PLS-DA models trained on low-field NMR spectra are highly predictive when classifying EVOOs from other oils and perform comparably to those trained on high-field spectra. We demonstrated that variance was primarily driven by regions of the spectra arising from olefinic protons and ester protons from unsaturated fatty acids in models derived from data at both field strengths.

Evaluation of the protective and therapeutic effects of extra virgin olive oil rich in phenol in experimental model of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis by clinical disease score, inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress markers.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammation-associated ischemic necrosis of the intestine. To investigate the effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and histological changes in NEC-induced newborn rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, NEC and NEC + EVOO. NEC induction was performed using hypoxia-hyperoxia, formula feeding, and cold stress. The NEC + EVOO group received 2 ml/kg EVOO with high phenolic content by gavage twice a day for 3 days. 3 cm of bowel including terminal ileum, cecum, and proximal colon was excised. RESULTS: Weight gain and clinical disease scores were significantly higher in the NEC + EVOO group than in the NEC group (p < 0.001). EVOO treatment caused significant decreases in IL1ß, IL6 levels (p = 0.016, p = 0.029 respectively) and EGF, MDA levels (p = 0.032, p = 0.013 respectively) compared to NEC group. Significant decreases were observed in IL6 gene expression in the NEC + EVOO group compared to the NEC group (p = 0.002). In the group NEC + EVOO, the number of Caspase-3 positive cells was found to be significantly reduced (p < 0.001) and histopathological examination revealed minimal changes and significantly lower histopathological scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Phenol-rich EVOO prevents intestinal damage caused by NEC by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis.

In vitro study of potential prebiotic properties of monovarietal extra virgin olive oils.

Olive oil, essential ingredient of the Mediterranean diet, is attracting a growing interest due to increasing evidence on its beneficial effects on human health. This study investigated whether extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) possess prebiotic properties. Twenty different monovarietal EVOO samples from 5 Marche region cultivars (Italy) were studied. The prebiotic activity of EVOOs was assessed monitoring the selective stimulation of gut bacterial species and the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, using an in vitro fermentation system. All EVOOs selectively stimulated Lactobacillus spp., with a stronger activity than that observed in the inulin fermentation (positive control). Also, the bifidobacteria population increased; this bifidogenic stimulation was of EVOOs from Raggia cultivar. SCFAs appeared significantly higher after 24 h in all EVOO fermentations than in the control. Acetic and propionic acids production was particularly stimulated. Overall, most of the investigated EVOOs had a potential prebiotic activity, similar or stronger than inulin.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Metabolic Diseases.

Over the last few decades, metabolic syndrome coexisting with cardiovascular disease has evolved into a pandemic, making the need for more food-oriented therapeutic approaches and a redefinition of lifestyle imperative, with the Mediterranean diet being the linchpin of this effort. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the key pillar of the Mediterranean diet and one of the most notorious edible oils worldwide, owes its popularity not only to its characteristic aromas and taste but mainly to a series of beneficial health attributes including anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic, anti-hypertensive and anti-obesity actions. In this narrative review, we aimed to illustrate and enlighten EVOO's metabolic properties through a pathogenetic approach, investigating its potential role in metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Characterization of Phenolic Compounds in Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Granada (Spain) and Evaluation of Its Neuroprotective Action.

The olive oil sector is a fundamental food in the Mediterranean diet. It has been demonstrated that the consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with a high content of phenolic compounds is beneficial in the prevention and/or treatment of many diseases. The main objective of this work was to study the relationship between the content of phenolic compounds and the in vitro neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activity of EVOOs from two PDOs in the province of Granada. To this purpose, the amounts of phenolic compounds were determined by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and the inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes by spectrophotometric and fluorimetric assays. The main families identified were phenolic alcohols, secoiridoids, lignans, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. The EVOO samples with the highest total concentration of compounds and the highest inhibitory activity belonged to the Picual and Manzanillo varieties. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between identified compounds and AChE and COX-2 inhibitory activity, except for lignans. These results confirm EVOO's compounds possess neuroprotective potential.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil in Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Cellular, Animal, and Clinical Studies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by several pathological hallmarks, including the deposition of amyloid-ß (Aß) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Current treatment options include monoclonal antibody drugs, acetylcholinesterase, and n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists. Although those treatments provide some improvements in patients' quality of life, they fail to prevent or cure AD. Current research aims to identify novel targets and tools for AD prevention and modification. In this context, several studies showed the beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet in the prevention and treatment of AD. One integral component of the Mediterranean diet is olive oil and extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), which is high in phenolic compounds. EVOO and other olive-related phenolic compounds have been shown to reduce the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which EVOO and phenolic compounds exert neuroprotective effects, including modulation of AD pathologies and promotion of cognitive health. Findings indicate that EVOO and its phenolic constituents influence key pathological processes of AD, such as Aß aggregation, tau phosphorylation, and neuroinflammation, while also enhancing BBB integrity and reducing oxidative stress. The human studies cited reveal a consistent trend where the consumption of olive oil is associated with cognitive benefits and a decreased risk of AD and related dementias. In conclusion, EVOO and its phenolic compounds hold promising potential for the prevention and treatment of AD, representing a significant shift towards more effective strategies against this complex neurodegenerative disorder.

Investigating the Quality and Purity Profiles of Olive Oils from Diverse Regions in Selçuk, Izmir.

The Selçuk district of Izmir is one of the most essential regions in terms of olive oil production. In this study, 60 olive oil samples were obtained from five different locations (ES: Eski Sirince Yolu, KK: Kinali Köprü, AU: Abu Hayat Üst, AA: Abu Hayat Alt, and DB: Degirmen Bogazi) in the Selçuk region of Izmir during two (2019-2020 and 2020-2021) consecutive cropping seasons. Quality indices (free acidity, peroxide value, p-Anisidine value, TOTOX, and spectral absorption at 232 and 270 nm) and the fatty acid, phenolic, and sterol profiles of the samples were determined to analyze the changes in the composition of Selcuk olive oils according to their growing areas. When the quality criteria were analyzed, it was observed that KK had the lowest FFA (0.11% oleic acid, PV (6.66 meq O2/kg), p-ANV (11.95 mmol/kg), TOTOX (25.28), and K232 (1.99) values and K270 had the highest value. During the assessment of phenolic profiles, the ES group exhibited the highest concentration of the phenolic compound p-HPEA-EDA (oleocanthal), with a content of 93.58 mg/kg, equivalent to tyrosol. Upon analyzing the fatty acid and sterol composition, it was noted that AU displayed the highest concentration of oleic acid (71.98%) and ß-sitosterol (87.65%). PCA analysis illustrated the distinct separation of the samples, revealing significant variations in both sterol and fatty acid methyl ester distributions among oils from different regions. Consequently, it was determined that VOOs originating from the Selçuk region exhibit distinct characteristics based on their geographical locations. Hence, this study holds great promise for the region to realize geographically labeled VOOs.

The Composition of Volatiles and the Role of Non-Traditional LOX on Target Metabolites in Virgin Olive Oil from Autochthonous Dalmatian Cultivars.

The lipoxygenase pathway has a significant influence on the composition of the volatile components of virgin olive oil (VOO). In this work, the influence of the maturity index (MI) on the activity of the lipoxygenase enzyme (LOX) in the fruits of the autochthonous Dalmatian olive cultivars Oblica, Levantinka and Lastovka was studied. The analysis of the primary oxidation products of linoleic acid in the studied cultivars showed that LOX synthesises a mixture of 9- and 13-hydroperoxides of octadecenoic acid in a ratio of about 1:2, which makes it a non-traditional plant LOX. By processing the fruits of MI~3, we obtained VOOs with the highest concentration of desirable C6 volatile compounds among the cultivars studied. We confirmed a positive correlation between MI, the enzyme activity LOX and the concentration of hexyl acetate and hexanol in cultivars Oblica and Lastovka, while no positive correlation with hexanol was observed in the cultivar Levantinka. A significant negative correlation was found between total phenolic compounds in VOO and LOX enzyme activity, followed by an increase in the MI of fruits. This article contributes to the selection of the optimal harvest time for the production of VOOs with the desired aromatic properties and to the knowledge of the varietal characteristics of VOOs.

Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of extra virgin olive oil: classification through secoiridoids.

BACKGROUND: Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a natural product with a multidisciplinary role, has been and is continuing to be studied from several points of view. Among them, its chemical analysis is of major importance and several methods have been used. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has inherent advantages, among them monitoring the chemical constituents without the need for a separation technique and without, for instance, possible carry-over effects. Additionally, several magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques can provide a novel powered insight into the nature and properties of a sample under study. Moreover, -omics procedure can reveal new information and can lead to the classification of populations under study. The main objective of the present work was the possible classification of the EVOO samples based on their aldehyde content using a proposed unreferenced 1 H-NMR spectroscopic quantification method combined with a metabolomic approach. Moreover, the study of the impact of such elevated aldehyde content on several spectra regions of importance in the proton NMR spectra led to the proposal of a possible new isomer indicator. RESULTS: Univariate analysis of 12 EVOO samples showed that oleacein, oleocanthal, elenolic acid, hydroxytyrosol/hydroxytyrosol derivatives and tyrosol/tyrosol derivatives strongly differentiated two classes of EVOO: OEH (for high aldehyde EVOO content) and OE (for non-high aldehyde content). Moreover, we pointed out the 'impact' of such elevated secoiridoid and derivatives content, through their moieties' units, on a range of several resonances of the 1 H-NMR spectrum. The metabolomic approach demonstrated the classification of EVOO samples based on their secoiridoid and derivatives content. Multivariate analysis showed a strong influence on the discrimination of the EVOO classes based on the protons resonating at the aldehyde region of the 1 H-NMR spectrum; the aldehyde protons corresponding to 5S,4R-ligstrodial and 5S,4R-oleuropeindial, oleacein, oleocanthal, elenolic acid, p-HPEA-EA, 3,4-DHPEA-EA, 5S,4R- and 5S,4S-ligstrodial and the proton corresponding to a new compound were reported for the first time. This isomer compound, reported for the first time, could serve as a possible indicator for EVOO classification. CONCLUSIONS: An unreferenced quantification method was proposed and EVOO samples were classified into two classes: OEH and OE, according to their aldehyde content, gaining thus probably higher nutrient and possible pharmacological value. Moreover, we point out the 'impact' of such elevated aldehyde content on several spectral regions of the 1 H spectrum. Finally, a new compound was detected in the OEH samples and is reported for the first time. This compound could possibly be an indicator. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

A critical insight into the physicochemical stability of macular carotenoids with respect to their industrial production, safety profile, targeted tissue delivery, and bioavailability.

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and mesozeaxanthin, collectively termed as macular pigments, are key carotenoids integral to optimized central vision of the eye. Therefore, nutraceuticals and functional foods have been developed commercially using carotenoid rich flowers, such as marigold and calendula or single celled photosynthetic algae, such as the Dunaliella. Industrial formulation of such products enriched in macular pigments have often suffered from serious bottlenecks in stability, delivery, and bioavailability. The two chief factors largely responsible for decreasing the shelf-life have been solubility and oxidation of these pigments owing to their strong lipophilic nature and presence of conjugated double bonds. In this regard, oil-based formulations have often been found to be more suitable than powder-based formulations in terms of shelf life and targeted delivery. In some cases, addition of phenolic acids in the formulations have also augmented the product value by enhancing micellization. In this regard, a novel proprietary formulation of these pigments has been developed in our laboratory utilizing marigold extracts in a colloidal solution of extra virgin olive oil and canola oil fortified with antioxidants like thyme oil, tocopherol, and ascorbyl palmitate. This review article presents an updated insight into the stability and bioavailability of industrially manufactured macular carotenoids together with their safety and solubility issues.

Evaluating the Impact of Oleocanthal and Oleacein on Skin Aging: Results of a Randomized Clinical Study.

The prevalence of skin aging and the request for effective treatments have driven dermatological research towards natural solutions. This study investigates the anti-aging efficacy of two bioactive natural polyphenols, Oleocanthal and Oleacein, in a skincare formulation. A single-blind, randomized clinical trial involved 70 participants, using a comprehensive exclusion criterion to ensure participant safety and study integrity. Participants applied the Oleocanthal and Oleacein 1% serum formulation twice daily for 30 days. The efficacy was objectively assessed using the VISIA® Skin Analysis System at baseline, after 15 days, and after 30 days. Results indicated significant wrinkle reduction in most groups. For women aged 45-79 years, the mean change was -33.91% (95% CI: -46.75% to -21.07%). For men aged 20-44 years, it was -51.93% (95% CI: -76.54% to -27.33%), and for men aged 45-79 years, it was -46.56% (95% CI: -58.32% to -34.81%). For women aged 20-44 years, the change was -25.68% (95% CI: -63.91% to 12.54%), not statistically significant. These findings highlight the potential of EVOO-derived polyphenols in anti-aging skincare, particularly for older adults. This research paves the way for further exploration into natural compounds in dermatology, particularly for aging skin management.

Total vNOTES hysterectomy versus conventional total laparoscopic hysterectomy in virgin transgender men.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Comparison of the applicability, safety, and surgical outcomes of total vaginal NOTES hysterectomy (TVNH) using natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, which is considered a natural orifice surgery for hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (HBSO) in virgin transgender men, with conventional total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2019 and 2021. The results of transgender male individuals who underwent HBSO operations using TVNH (n = 21) were compared with those who underwent operations using TLH (n = 62). RESULTS: TVNH was performed in 21 individuals, while TLH was performed in 62 individuals. Patients in the TVNH approach group had a longer operation duration than those in the TLH group (p = .001). Patients in the TVNH group experienced less pain at two hours (5 ± 1.56), six hours (4 ± 1.57), 12 h (2 ± 0.91), and 24 h (1 ± 0.62) postoperatively (p = .001). The postoperative hospitalization duration was shorter in the TVNH group (1.6 ± 1.01) than in the TLH group (2.9 ± 0.5) (p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: For the HBSO operation of female-to-male transgender individuals, TVNH, which is completely endoscopically performed, can be preferred and safely conducted as an alternative surgical method to conventional laparoscopy.

Modulating of microencapsulated virgin coconut oil-based creamer.

This work aims to produce a virgin coconut oil (VCO) creamer through two drying stages; spray drying followed by fluidised bed drying, and to examine its antioxidant properties and oxidative stability during different storage conditions. Evaluation of the physicochemical properties of spray dry VCO and oxidative stability of the VCO creamer were performed using peroxide value (PV), antioxidant activity (DPPH), and total phenolic content (TPC) at 25, 4, and 25 °C, respectively, for 8 weeks. Agglomeration process has improved the agglomerated VCO creamer's properties in terms of moisture content (4.34%), solubility (85.2%), water activity (0.32%), and bulk density (0.36 g/cm3). The morphology of agglomerated VCO creamer showed cluster and irregular shapes with enlargement in the particle size, (d32) 395 µm and (d43) 426 µm. The overall oxidative results showed stability for the agglomerated VCO creamer stored at 4 °C in terms of TPC, DPPH and PV over 8 weeks followed by creamer stored at 25 °C which had similar stability with slight differences. The creamer stored at 38 °C showed rapid degradation for all oxidation tests from week 2 onwards. Agglomeration technology has indicated to be effective in the stabilization of virgin coconut oil against lipid oxidation and prolonging its shelf-life.

Hydroxytyrosol decreases EDNRA expression through epigenetic modification in colorectal cancer cells.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is one of the healthiest ones and is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases as well as cancer. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is probably the most idiosyncratic component of this diet. EVOO has been attributed with many healthful effects, which may be due to its phenolic components, e.g. including hydroxytyrosol (HT). Recent studies suggest that EVOO and HT have molecular targets in human tissues and modulate epigenetic mechanisms. DNA methylation is one of the most studied epigenetic mechanisms and consists of the addition of a methyl group to the cytosines of the DNA chain. Given the purported health effects of EVOO (poly)phenols, we analyzed the changes induced by HT in DNA methylation, in a colorectal cancer cell line. Caco-2 cells were treated with HT for one week or with the demethylating agent 5'-azacytidine for 48 h. Global DNA methylation was assessed by ELISA. DNA bisulfitation was performed and Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChips were used to analyze the specific methylation of CpG sites. We show an increase in global DNA methylation in Caco-2 cells after HT treatment, with a total of 32,141 differentially methylated (CpGs DMCpGs). Interestingly, our analyses revealed the endothelin receptor type A gene (EDNRA) as a possible molecular target of HT. In summary, we demonstrate that cellular supplementation with HT results in a specific methylome map and propose a potential gene target for HT.